Nutrition and health最新文献

Background: The primary role of the German riot police is maintaining internal security. Due to challenging working conditions, riot police forces face an elevated risk of various diseases. During duty, forces are provided with meals. A balanced diet can reduce the risk of some of these diseases and contribute to health-promoting working conditions. Aim: First evaluation of the nutritional quality of duty meals in Germany based on German Nutrition Society recommendations (DGE). Methods: In February and March 2023, the meals on duty (mixed diet, vegetarian, vegan, without pork), provided during 10 operations of a police department, were analysed for their food supply, energy and nutrient content. The nutritional evaluation was conducted based on the food related dietary reference values and the reference values for nutrient intake of the DGE. Results: The dietary reference values were mainly not met. Wholegrains, margarine, fish, nuts and pulses were absent from all meals. Fruits and vegetables, and cereal products were slightly below the dietary reference values while juice, discretionary foods and sausage (except 'vegan') exceeded recommended limits. Macronutrient composition and micronutrient content largely met reference values. However, the content of energy, free sugars, salt, saturated fat and cholesterol was too high while fibre density and unsaturated fat was too low (partly except 'vegan'). Conclusion: This study presents the first nutritional evaluation of the duty meals provided to the German riot police. Regarding nutritional quality, there is significant potential for improvement. By implementing a few targeted adjustments, the nutritional quality could be substantially enhanced.

BackgroundFood insecurity is associated with an increased risk of hypertension.AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the role of dietary sodium and potassium intake in the setting of food insecurity on hypertension risk.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from 17,015 adults aged 18-65 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-2018). We examined the associations between food insecurity, hypertension, and dietary sodium and potassium levels using multivariable logistic regression. Mediation analysis was conducted to explore the potential influence of dietary sodium and potassium intake on the relationship between food insecurity influenced hypertension.ResultsIndividuals experiencing food insecurity had a significantly lower mean potassium intake (2.5 ± 0.03 g) compared to food-secure counterparts (2.74 ± 0.02 g). Food insecurity status was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of a higher dietary sodium-to-potassium ratio, an established predictor for hypertension.ConclusionAdults with food insecurity and hypertension were more likely to have lower dietary potassium intake. Increasing access to healthy foods, particularly potassium-rich foods, for individuals facing food insecurity may contribute to reducing the hypertension prevalence and improving cardiovascular outcomes.

BackgroundFatigue and Sleep disturbance are common among healthcare professionals, particularly nurses working in high-acuity clinical environments. Poor sleep quality can lead to cognitive impairment, decreased work efficiency, and compromised patient care. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is widely utilized to assess sleep quality, and the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS) is used to determine fatigue. However, their psychometric properties need validation within specific cultural and occupational contexts.AimThis study aimed to validate the PSQI and CFS among critical care nurses in Saudi Arabia through factor analysis.MethodsAn exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using data from a cross-sectional study involving 173 critical care nurses in Saudi Arabia.ResultsThe results of the CFS showed that the Average Variance Extracted values were 0.58 and 0.55, respectively, and all outer loadings of all items for the two components were greater than 0.5. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy for PSQI was 0.675, meeting the minimum threshold (≥0.6). Parallel analysis identified a three-factor structure, explaining 54.9% of the total variance. The total variance explained by the three components of CFS was 54.9%, which exceeded the recommended value of 50% as a general rule.ConclusionThe PSQI and CFS demonstrated validity and reliability among Saudi Arabian critical care nurses, validating their use in assessing fatigue and sleep quality. These steps can help develop policies and interventions that enhance nurses' health and productivity in high-acuity settings.

BackgroundPhysical activity and diet quality are key determinants of chronic disease prevention and overall health. However, their population-level time trends and between-year differences in cross-sectional associations remain underexplored.AimsThis study examined secular trends in physical activity and diet quality among Korean adults from 2018 to 2021 and assessed whether the cross-sectional association between adherence to WHO physical activity guidelines and diet quality varied across survey years.MethodsData were drawn from 18,976 adults aged 19-79 years participating in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Physical activity was assessed using the Korean version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form and classified according to the WHO guideline (≥150 min/week). Diet quality was measured using the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI). Logistic regression was used to examine the association between physical activity adherence and higher diet quality, adjusting for age, gender, smoking, alcohol use, and body mass index. Meta-regression evaluated the between-year variation in the cross-sectional association.ResultsPhysical activity levels remained stable across survey years, whereas diet quality significantly declined (P_linear = 0.04), particularly among women, non-smokers, alcohol consumers, and individuals with underweight or overweight. In year-specific cross-sectional models, meeting the physical activity recommendation was associated with 31% higher odds of higher diet quality (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.16-2.48, p < 0.001). This association did not significantly change over time.ConclusionsFrom 2018 to 2021, diet quality declined among Korean adults despite stable physical activity levels. Although physical activity adherence was consistently associated with higher diet quality, no significant temporal trends were observed in this relationship.

Background: Integrating transgender and gender-identity-diverse (TGD) content in dietetics education is essential for addressing knowledge gaps among future registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). TGD populations have unique nutrition-related needs, yet there is limited evidence related to this topic within the field of dietetics. Aim: We aimed to explore dietetics students' perceived preparedness to work with TGD clients and experiences with TGD content through case-based learning. Methods: Graduate dietetics students (n = 23) engaged in a case study on dietary and health behaviors of an adult transgender woman in winter 2025. Students completed a survey about their perceived knowledge gained following the case and wrote reflections about further training opportunities and how the case informed their future career. Descriptive statistics were calculated for close-ended responses. A content analysis approach was used to analyze open-ended responses. Results: Most participants (n = 21/23, 91%) found the case helpful in preparation for working with transgender clients. Participants agreed they developed dietetics competencies such as demonstrating cultural humility (n = 17/23, 74%) and implementing culturally sensitive strategies (n = 18/23, 79%). Themes were identified related to improving dietetics training opportunities related to the TGD population including more training, training on counseling skills, and more exposure to cultural humility. Themes regarding how the case informed career perspectives included individualized care, awareness of diverse populations, and realization that the field needs more evidence-based guidance. Conclusion: TGD content delivered through case-based learning positively impacted dietetics students' knowledge and confidence in working with TGD clients in future practice. Understanding students' knowledge gaps can help inform dietetics education to ensure comprehensive training and equitable nutrition care among future RDNs.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease often affecting the central nervous system, resulting in neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE). Cognitive dysfunction, a common manifestation, significantly impacts quality of life. Vitamin D3, recognized for its neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties, is a potential therapeutic option for NPSLE. Objectives: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluates the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on cognitive function in NPSLE patients. Methods: NPSLE patients (N = 72) of standard SLE care were allocated into an intervention group (n = 34) receiving vitamin D3 (40,000 IU) supplementation/week for 6 weeks, then 2000 IU/day for 3 months, and a control group (n = 38) without vitamin D3. Serum vitamin D3 concentration, mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores, and brain hypo-perfusion images by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) were obtained at baseline and after 6 months of follow-up. Results: Baseline characteristics (age, gender, BMI, waist-to-hip-ratio) were independent between groups. After the intervention, concentration of vitamin D3 (ng/mL) rose from 16.2 ± 4.9 to 28.3 ± 5.3 within the "intervention group" (P ≤ 0.001). Similarly, the mean differences of MMSE scores were significantly higher in Cases than Controls (2.2 vs. 0.3). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed large effect sizes for vitamin D concentration (η²_p = 0.714) and medium effect sizes (η²_p = 0.460) for MMSE scores. Furthermore, an insignificant (P > 0.05) shift (moderate to mild) of brain hypo-perfusion level was observed over time. Conclusion: Vitamin D3 supplementation effectively increased serum vitamin D concentration by supporting its role as an adjunctive therapy in NPSLE patients, leading to improvements in cognitive function and brain perfusion levels.

BackgroundPolyphenols, a diverse class of over 8000 naturally occurring phytochemicals, are abundant in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and beverages like green tea. Recent studies have increasingly highlighted their anticancer potential, particularly their ability to modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell signaling pathways.AimThis review explores the roles of isolated polyphenol classes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and stilbenes against various cancers.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Scopus using keywords related to cancer, polyphenols, and antioxidants. We included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and other comprehensive reviews published between 2006 and 2025.ResultsFlavonoids constitute approximately 60% of dietary polyphenols and demonstrate antiinflammatory effects through reactive oxygen species scavenging, protein kinase inhibition, as well as antiinflammatory properties. Phenolic acids regulate apoptotic pathways and suppress oxidative damage, while lignans exert anticancer effects through hormonal modulation. Stilbenes, including resveratrol and pterostilbene, exhibit chemopreventive and epigenetic properties, enhancing the efficacy of conventional therapies.ConclusionsThe review underscores the synergistic potential of polyphenol-rich diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, in reducing cancer risk and supporting treatment outcomes.

BackgroundPeople living with severe obesity are at an elevated risk of poor oral health. Contributing factors to poor oral health in this population group include cariogenic dietary behaviours and social determinants of health. There has been minimal discussion of the possible impacts of disordered eating behaviours on oral health particularly for those living with obesity.AimThis short communication aims to increase the awareness among dental teams of disordered eating behaviours and possible impacts on oral health particularly for patients living with obesity.MethodsA short evidence-based report was developed to highlight the relevance and importance of increasing dental professional awareness of disordered eating behaviours.ResultsData on prevalence of disordered eating behaviours in the general population and individuals living with severe obesity have been reported. Some studies have revealed there may be a higher prevalence of some forms of disordered eating behaviours among people living with obesity. Potential negative sequelae on oral health include increased risk of missing teeth, periodontal disease, and active dental caries.ConclusionsCollaboration between the disciplines of oral health and nutrition and dietetics, and with primary care providers such as general practitioners, is important to foster successful nutritional strategies for both general and oral health in patients living with obesity. Suggested approaches include joint professional society statements and increased training for the dental profession on oral health impacts of disordered eating behaviours to facilitate early identification, provision of tailored oral health care and signposting for support. The integration of the dental team into current obesity management will add to their supportive role in the overall management of people living with severe obesity.

BackgroundPhysical constraints of small apartment kitchens and the influence of the surrounding community food environment may impact food practices of apartment residents. Social media portrayal of these features may influence public perception of apartment living.AimThis project aimed to describe the public depiction of small apartment kitchen and cooking facilities.MethodsContent analysis of TikTok videos posted with small apartment-related hashtags was determined the portrayal of kitchen facilities, residents' food practices, and hypothesised barriers to healthy cooking and eating practices. Current residents of small apartments compared these video depictions to their own experience.ResultsWe found TikTok videos rarely showed food practices (cooking, shopping and eating), kitchen size and function were usually portrayed with a positive or neutral sentiment, and that overall the depiction did not match current apartment residents' lived experience.ConclusionPopular TikTok videos of small apartment kitchens present a glamorised view of microapartment living.

Background: High consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes, as they are a major source of added sugars. Parents play a critical role in shaping children's dietary behaviors, and their nutritional literacy is particularly important in influencing SSB intake. Aim: This study examined the factors influencing SSB consumption among parents of elementary school children in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of 188 parents of children aged 10 to 13 years. Data were collected through a self-administered survey that measured the frequency of SSB intake, categorized as low (0-1 serving per week), moderate (2-6 servings per week), or high (≥7 servings per week). The survey also assessed nutritional literacy, SSB knowledge, and awareness of the recommended daily intake of added sugar. A generalized linear model with ordinal logistic regression was used. Results: Approximately 66.5% of parents reported moderate SSB consumption. Chi-squared analysis showed significant differences across nutrition literacy variables: parents who frequently read nutritional labels, utilized nutritional information, and referred to nutrition facts consumed fewer SSBs (p < 0.001). In the regression models, SSB knowledge remained a significant predictor of lower SSB intake (adjusted OR = 1.34, 95% CI [1.18, 1.51], p < 0.001). Conclusion: Although parental nutrition literacy is important, targeted knowledge about SSBs is a stronger factor in reducing SSB intake. These findings emphasize the need for culturally relevant interventions and school-parent nutrition programs that equip Nigerian parents with specific knowledge to reduce SSB consumption and support healthier family diets.