Nutrition and health最新文献

Background: Nutritional knowledge and body image concerns are key factors influencing dietary intake and health among athletes, particularly in lean-type sports. This study investigates these variables among elite race walkers from the United Kingdom and Ireland, a cohort selected for the prominence of race walking in their national sports programmes and unique cultural contexts. Aim: The study aims to assess the relationship between nutritional knowledge, body image, and dietary intake in elite race walkers, and explore the potential risk of relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S). Methods: Eight elite race walkers (seven males, one female) were assessed using the Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire (BIAQ) and the Abridged Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire. Dietary intake was evaluated through detailed food diaries and analysed against established nutritional guidelines. The Goldberg cut-off method was employed to identify dietary misreporters. Results: Despite moderate nutritional knowledge (58.93 ± 8.68%), athletes displayed suboptimal dietary habits with prevalent over-reporting. Carbohydrate intake was below recommended levels (5.4 ± 1.0 g/kg/day), while protein intake exceeded guidelines (2.0 g/kg/day). Body image dissatisfaction was common, particularly in the single female athlete, who scored highest on both nutritional knowledge and body image avoidance (BIAQ score: 62). The findings suggest a possible link between body image concerns and inappropriate dietary behaviours, increasing the risk of RED-S. Conclusion: While the study highlights the complex interplay between nutritional knowledge, body image dissatisfaction, and dietary intake, the small sample size (N = 8), particularly the inclusion of only one female athlete, limits the generalizability of the findings and introduces a potential bias in sex-specific interpretations. Future research should include larger, more diverse populations.

Background/Aims: Fathers are increasingly recognized as a source of breastfeeding support. This online cross-sectional study examined the relationship between fathers' feeding attitudes and breastfeeding outcomes (initiation, duration, exclusivity) and factors influencing breastfeeding. Methods: Demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and infant feeding methods were self-reported. The Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) assessed the feeding attitudes of 509 fathers in the USA (34.4 ± 5.2 years). Significance was determined using chi-square tests and analysis of variance (p < .05). Results: The IIFAS categorized participants into feeding attitude groups (positive to formula feeding (PFF), n = 142; neutral feeding (NF), n = 270; positive to breastfeeding (PBF), n = 97). The mean IIFAS score (55.7 ± 16.0) suggested fathers have a neutral attitude toward breastfeeding. The PBF group reported a longer duration of breastfeeding (17.1 ± 7.1 months) compared to the PFF (6.1 ± 3.0 months) or NF (12.7 ± 7.3 months) groups (p < .001). The PFF group reported that their child initiated complementary liquids earlier (18.0 ± 5.8 weeks) compared to the NF or PBF groups (NF = 21.5 ± 13.8; PBF = 24.5 ± 9.2 weeks; p < .001). Initiation of complementary solids was statistically different between the PFF group (21.3 ± 5.4 weeks) and the NF and PBF groups (NF = 26.4 ± 12.0; PBF = 26.4 ± 6.1 weeks; p < .001). Breastfeeding initiation was associated with the feeding attitude group (p < .001). Among those that reported their partner initiated breastfeeding, the feeding source (breastmilk, breastmilk + formula) was associated with the feeding attitude group (p < .001). Reasons for not breastfeeding exclusively or breastfeeding cessation were related to concerns about maternal/child health, convenience, and processes associated with breastfeeding. Conclusions: Fathers' feeding attitudes are related to breastfeeding success. Research should explore education and interventions for fathers to improve breastfeeding rates.

BackgroundStressors associated with the ongoing ethnic tensions may be the drivers of more frequent night eating, and subsequently, a higher body mass index.AimTo examine the association of night eating with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference among health sciences students in Northern Kosovo.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out at the University of Prishtina in Kosovska Mitrovica from November 2018 to March 2019. Participants completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ), the Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Body weight, height, and waist circumference were measured by the research team.ResultsThe study sample consisted of 534 students. The night eating score was 14.4 ± 4.5 out of 52 (prevalence of night eating syndrome was 3.0%). Overall, the average BMI was 23.7 ± 4.5 kg/m² (27.2% of students were overweight and 7.5% were obese). Moderate level of stress as measured by the PSS was observed 61.8% and high level of stress was recorded among 5.8%. Also, 9.2% students reported moderate BAI score and 6.0% students reported severe BAI score. After adjustment for socio-demographic characteristics, health behaviors, sleep, stress and anxiety levels, no association of night eating with BMI and waist circumference was observed.ConclusionThese findings showed that there is an absence of the association between night eating, BMI and waist circumference among students who live in a post-conflict setting. There may be other factors that mediate the relationship between food intake at night and body mass index.

Background: Medically tailored meals (MTMs) are personalized meals designed to meet the therapeutic needs of patients with chronic diseases. Most MTM programs rely on philanthropic support, and the optimal parameters for these programs are not well-defined. Aim: To assess the feasibility of an MTM program developed by a major healthcare institution using internal investments and an online platform for meal ordering. Methods: Single-arm prospective cohort feasibility MTM project implemented between August 2021 and June 2022. Each participant received 14 frozen meals per week over 3 months via a courier system. Participants answered several questionnaires and healthcare utilization was abstracted from electronic medical records up to 6 months post-intervention. Results: Sixty participants were enrolled. Emergency department (ED) visits and inpatient days significantly decreased in the 180 days post-intervention compared to the 180 days pre-intervention (ED visits: 1.2 vs 1.7, P = 0.005; inpatient days: 3.2 vs 5.1, P = 0.02). Participants saved an average of $12,046 in healthcare costs. Despite challenges with implementation, including upfront costs and sustainability, client and service outcomes were highly favorable. Patients were overwhelmingly satisfied with the program, although there was no quantitative improvement in global mental health (GMH) or global physical health (GPH) scores. Conclusion: MTM programs run by healthcare institutions can enhance patient satisfaction, reduce hospital visits, and lower healthcare costs, particularly for vulnerable populations. Providing healthy, frozen meals over an extended period is feasible, though it requires significant initial investment. Large healthcare institutions should consider implementing such programs to prioritize primary prevention in the US healthcare system.

BackgroundArtificial intelligence (AI), particularly Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT), has been suggested as a tool for dietary planning in different diseases.AimThe study aimed to compare the energy, macro and micronutrients of the sample menu components presented by ChatGPT-4o and ChatGPT-4 for obesity with the Turkish Dietary Guidelines (TDG)-2022, evaluating their accuracy and clarity in medical nutrition management. Due to higher accuracy levels and the most preferred AI, ChatGPT-4o and ChatGPT-4 were selected for comparison.MethodsA comparative content analysis was conducted using ChatGPT-4o, and ChatGPT-4 to generate 1800 kcal daily diet plans for a 20-year-old female with obesity. AI models provided recommendations for dietary management, the nutrition care process, and menu planning. Three dietitians evaluated the outputs. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0.ResultsChatGPT-generated menus were inconsistent with dietary recommendations. Both ChatGPT-4o and ChatGPT-4 offered 5-day menu samples with low calorie content of "1800 kcal prompt" compared to the TDG-2022 (P < 0.001 for ChatGPT-4o). Additionally, key nutrients, particularly fats (P = 0.003), carbohydrates (%), potassium, and calcium (P < 0.05 for all) were inadequately compared to the TDG-2022. Nutrient analysis revealed that both models underperformed in meeting recommended intakes for critical micronutrients such as calcium, and had an unbalanced distribution of macronutrients.ConclusionChatGPT-4o and ChatGPT-4 have limitations when used to provide accurate dietary management. While AI chatbots offer useful insights, they cannot replace expertise of dietitians in clinical planning; as a result, caution is advised when using these tools in this context.

Aim: This study among moderately fit male athletes investigated changes in oxidative stress and antioxidant levels after supplementation with Eri silkworm cornflakes. Method: Male university athletes (n = 18, age 19-21 years) were enrolled in a randomized crossover trial. They participated in either the supplementation period (consuming 0.20 g protein/kg body weight Eri silkworm daily) or the control period (no supplementation). Each period lasted 4 weeks, with a washout period of 4 weeks in between. Results: Compared to the control period, reduced glutathione concentration (p = 0.019) and reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio (p < 0.001) were significantly higher, and oxidized glutathione (p = 0.018) and malondialdehyde (p = 0.002) concentrations were significantly lower in the supplementation period. Conclusion: Eri silkworm supplementation as cornflakes for 4 weeks improved oxidative stress and antioxidant status in male university athletes. This supplement may be an alternative to support optimal antioxidant status for athletic individuals. Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR): TCTR20180303003.

Background: Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) impacts a significant number of patients undergoing oncological treatment. Aim: This study explored the usefulness of Carica papaya leaf extract (CPLE) in the context of CIT, including side effect and optimal treatment dosage and duration. Methods: Systematic literature reviews were conducted on (a) studies of patients with solid tumors and CIT who received CPLE, and (b) animal studies focused on CPLE for CIT. Risk of bias was assessed and meta-analyses were conducted. Results: In the meta-analysis of studies on oncological patients with CIT (total N = 410, intervention N = 205), the overall effect size for CPLE administration was 2.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.96-3.44, P < 0.001. In the meta-analysis on animal models (total N = 84, intervention N = 42), two effect sizes were computed for two platelet measurements at different time intervals: 5.74, 95% CI: 0.32 = 11.16, P < 0.001 and 7.13, 95% CI: 4.23-10.02, P < 0.001, respectively. CPLE dosage varied between 580 and 3300 mg, with a mean of 1500 mg per day. No studies reported major side effects of CPLE administration. Conclusion: Despite heterogeneity and risk of bias concerns, the research literature available so far of both animal models and human participants suggests that CPLE might be an effective strategy for dealing with CIT. However, more rigorous research is still needed.

Background: Malnutrition remains a significant public health challenge impacting populations globally, especially in low-and middle-income countries, comprising Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis studied the impact of Malnutrition and public health especially the vulnerable populations in LAC. Method: Electronic databases such as Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, HINARI, Scielo, PubMed, and Scopus were searched on the impact of public health in LAC using appropriate search terms and combined keywords. The retrieved studies were uploaded and organized using Rayyan@ systematic review software. Result: Six hundred and twenty studies were identified and screened, and 29 were included in the final review as meeting the inclusion criteria. Results indicated that in Brazil, males exhibited consistently higher stunting odds (odds ratio = 1.19), while wasting risk was marginally lower in females (risk ratio = 0.79), though skewed by a 2017 data anomaly. Regional analysis revealed divergent trends: Guatemala and Bolivia showed elevated child malnutrition, whereas Brazil and Ecuador reported higher rates among adolescent females. Extreme heterogeneity underscored contextual variability, emphasizing the need for localized interventions and data quality improvements to address these public health challenges. Conclusion: The prevalence of stunting and wasting, with disparities were observed between genders and age groups. Also, socioeconomic factors emerged as critical determinants of malnutrition outcomes, with lower wealth and education levels correlating with higher rates of undernutrition. Maternal education and autonomy were identified as key influencers of child nutritional status, emphasizing the importance of empowering women in healthcare decision-making. Effective malnutrition interventions demand a multifaceted approach, encompassing tailored strategies for vulnerable groups, strengthened healthcare systems, and evidence-based practices.

BackgroundNutrition at midlife and beyond influences how an individual ages. Nutrition risk, the risk of poor nutritional health, is highly prevalent in community-dwelling adults in these age groups. As the factors associated with nutrition risk may vary between different age groups, research is needed on the differences in nutrition risk between age groups.AimTo examine the social, demographic, and health factors associated with high nutrition risk, determined using SCREEN-8, using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), stratified by 10-year age groups.MethodsUsing the baseline and first follow-up waves of the CLSA, bivariate multivariable logistic regression was conducted to examine the variables associated with high nutrition risk (SCREEN-8 score < 38) by 10-year age group.ResultsHigher levels of social support, higher social standing, more frequent participation in community activities, screening negative for depression, and higher levels of self-rated general health, healthy aging, and oral health were consistently associated with lower odds of being at high nutrition risk across all age groups at both baseline and follow-up.ConclusionIndividuals with low levels of social support, low social standing, infrequent participation in community activities, poor general health, poor healthy aging, poor oral health, or who screen positive for depression should be screened proactively for nutrition risk. Programs and policies designed to address social support, social standing, participation in community activities, depression, health, healthy aging, and oral health may also help reduce the prevalence of high nutrition risk.