Nutrition and health最新文献

Background: A nutritious diet is crucial for good health and cognitive function, including working memory (WM). Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins found in whole foods have been linked to improved WM. Examining the impact of dietary habits on WM in women, who face hormonal and health-related challenges, is important. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of nutrition on WM in women with good and poor dietary habits. Methods: A total of 60 female participants in the age range of 20-30 years were included in the study. Participants were divided according to dietary habits into two groups of 30 each: group 1 with good and group 2 with poor food habits. This categorization was based on their scores on Adolescent Food Habits Checklist (AFHC). Auditory WM was evaluated across multiple tasks-forward digit span, backward digit span, ascending and descending digit span, 3n running span, and 3n-back digit to all participants. Results: Results of Mann-Whitney U test showed that women with good food habits had significantly better backward digit span (/Z/ = 0.009, p < 0.05, Re = 0.011) and descending scores (/Z/ = 0.032, p < 0.05, Re = 0.004) compared to those with poor food habits. No correlation was found between the AFHC scores and the scores on all WM tests (p > 0.05), except the backward span (p = 0.002). These results suggest that better nutritional intake might enhance performance in these memory-related tasks. Conclusion: Nutritional intake differentially affects WM in women, with those having good dietary habits performing better in tasks requiring sustained memory as inferred from their superior performance on backward and descending span tasks. This highlights the potential role of nutrition in shaping cognitive abilities. However, the WM does not correlate with the AFHC scores, except on backward memory span.

Background: Obesity is a risk factor for leading causes of death. Aim: This study investigated the associations of obesity with demographic and lifestyle factors among adults aged 18-64 in Hong Kong. Methods: The study uses data (n = 24,855) from the government online database. It uses T-tests to compare mean values for body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and weight-to-height ratio obese; analysis of variance for not-obese, BMI-obese-only, central-obese, and BMI + central-obese; Pearson chi-square tests for categorical variables; and multinomial logistic regression to obtain the odd ratios. It uses IBM SPSS version 26 to conduct all analyses, and at a 95% confidence level. Results: The analyses show that the risks of central-obese, and BMI + central-obese increase by 4%, and 4%/year of age, respectively. Females have 60%, 38%, and 60% lower risks of BMI-obese-only, central-obese, and BMI + central-obese, respectively, and people with tertiary education have 28%, 20%, and 20% lower risks, respectively. Employed people have a 40% higher risk of BMI-obese-only when compared with the unemployed; students have a 46% lower risk of BMI + central-obese and home-makers have a 38% higher risk. The risk of central-obese decreases by 14%/10 min/day of moderate physical activity, but could be different among females, and vigorous physical activity yielded mixed results. The risk of BMI + central-obese decreases by 9%/day/week of vegetable intake. Conclusions: Obesity is associated with multiple demographic and lifestyle factors. Keep doing vigorous and moderate physical activity but state alert to obesity risk factors, and frequent vegetable intake are recommended. Lifelong learning and continuing education could be an effective strategy to combat obesity.

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, is a growing concern globally. In Saudi Arabia, lifestyle factors such as physical activity and dietary patterns play a significant role in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome.Study PurposeThis study aims to explore the relationship between physical activity levels, dietary patterns, and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among adults in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using purposive and convenience sampling techniques. A total of 468 participants completed questionnaires assessing their physical activity levels and dietary patterns. Metabolic syndrome was determined based on clinical measurements of waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and lipid levels.ResultsThe analysis revealed a significant association between lower physical activity levels and poor dietary patterns with higher prevalence rates of metabolic syndrome. The analysis revealed that participants with low physical activity levels had a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (p < 0.01). Similarly, those with unhealthy dietary patterns (high in saturated fats and sugars) showed a metabolic syndrome risk (p < 0.01), compared to those with healthy dietary patterns.ConclusionThe findings underscore the critical role of physical activity and dietary patterns in the development of metabolic syndrome in Saudi Arabia. Public health interventions targeting lifestyle modifications could be essential in mitigating metabolic syndrome and improving overall health.

Background: Engel's biopsychosocial model has long advanced our understanding of how biological, psychological, and social factors influence health and illness. However, its exclusion of ecological dimensions omits food studies and food systems from its analyses, thereby limiting the scope and efficacy of research, restricting communication, and preventing effective implementation of policy into practice. Aim: Using an expert-informed grounded theory approach, we propose developing an eco-biopsychosocial framework that includes the ecological context in which biological, psychological, and social factors operate. In this article, we report findings from expert interviews in which our objective was to explore the benefits, limitations, and opportunities associated with current biopsychosocial modeling. Methods: Using purposive sampling, we conducted interviews with leaders at community food organizations, healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators. Results: We analyzed interviews using naturalistic qualitative data analysis and identified themes related to the benefits of biopsychosocial framing and the strengths of current biopsychosocial frameworks. We also identified four thematic dimensions along which current models reveal significant deficits: (1) social inequities as systemic root causes of illness; (2) agency and ability as drivers of engagement in the food system; (3) traditional knowledge and historical connections to food and land as conveyors of agency; and (4) human-nature nonduality as a guide to patient and community care. Conclusion: Incorporating an eco-dimension into the model would integrate, more effectively, food studies into research, program design, and clinical practice. Future work will explore how this eco-biopsychosocial model can reduce current practical gaps in recognizing and responding to food system effects.

Study purposethis study aims to investigate the extent to which ChatGPT enhances medical educators' pedagogical practices, fosters reflective teaching, and contributes to their ongoing learning and growth.Methodsthis cross-sectional survey study assessed ChatGPT's efficacy in contributing to professional development among medical educators. Utilizing purposive and convenience sampling, a questionnaire was administered to 309 medical educators. Statistical analyses, including t-tests and ANOVA, were conducted to evaluate perceptions of ChatGPT's effectiveness, considering demographic factors and impairment types.Resultsresource recommendations received the highest mean score (4.08), while continuing education had the lowest (3.62). T-tests showed no significant gender differences (p > .05), while ANOVA indicated significant variances across job roles (p < .0001) and age groups (p < .0001). Lecturers consistently rated ChatGPT's support highest, followed by assistant professors and associate professors, with professors providing lower ratings.ConclusionChatGPT's efficacy in providing personalized feedback, resource recommendations, pedagogical guidance, and other forms of support. However, addressing challenges such as ethical considerations and ensuring accuracy remains imperative for its effective integration into educational contexts.

Background: Despite its omnipresence, paediatric pain remains poorly understood and documented, especially in low-income countries. Such pain can be a symptom of long-term subclinical conditions such as systemic chronic inflammation (SCI). The latter can be related to malnutrition. Aim: To explore a potential association between paediatric pain and malnutrition in low-income countries. Methods: Narrative review, including a literature search in the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus databases (update 24 March 2025). The search query comprised controlled terminology and free text words relating to 'Malnutrition', 'Pain', 'SCI' and 'Paediatric'. Results: To comprehend the complex relation between malnutrition and paediatric pain, associations between (1a) malnutrition, and nociceptive brain development, (1b) malnutrition, the gut microbiome and SCI, and (2) SCI and pain were explored. (1a) Early noxious exposure (e.g. malnutrition-related SCI) can cause long-term alterations in pain perception, brain function and structures. The consequences of malnutrition on the nociceptive brain depend on the life-cycle. (1b) Moderate acute malnutrition causes chronic inflammation and exaggerated inflammatory responses. Such responses could indicate hyper-inflammatory phenotypes. (2) Systemic-induced inflammation causes a widespread increase in musculoskeletal pain sensitivity. Conclusion: Malnutrition could contribute to the development of a nociceptive brain and SCI. Malnutrition-related SCI could induce changes in pain perception/thresholds, and predispose to developing chronic pain. If a relation between malnutrition and SCI predisposes children to develop pain, the prevailing biophysical approach needs revision. A multidimensional interdisciplinary approach seems more relevant. Such approach includes social, cognitive, socioeconomic, lifestyle, nutritional (e.g. integrating nutritional and microbiome-targeted interventions) and environmental dimensions.

Background: Dietary fiber intake has been consistently low, and the reasons for this are not fully understood. Acute increases in dietary fiber intake are often expected to cause gastrointestinal (GI)-related effects which may preclude regular intake, especially in individuals who are sensitive to discomfort or tend to avoid unpleasant physical sensations. Aim: Describe knowledge of, and barriers related to dietary fiber intake in adults, including GI-related side effects. Methods: A survey was sent to United States adults (N = 132; mean age = 41.3 ± 15.4 years; 72% female) with questions assessing dietary fiber knowledge and barriers, along with the Discomfort Intolerance Scale (DIS) and Behavioral Inhibition Scale/Behavioral Activation Scale (BIS/BAS). Results: Most participants (N = 132) were aware of recommendations for and sources of dietary fiber. GI-related side effects, notably flatulence, were reported by nearly half (44.7%). Reporting a GI-related side effect was significantly related to BIS scores, BAS Reward Responsive subscale scores, and DIS Intolerance subscale scores (all p ≤ 0.02). Conclusion: For some, GI-related barriers are key factors influencing dietary fiber intake.

BackgroundObservational studies propose associations between dietary factors and multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the causal nature of these relationships remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether nutritional factors causally influence MS risk through Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.MethodsSummary statistics for 15 common dietary factors were derived from the Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) conducted by the Medical Research Council Integrated Epidemiology Unit (MRC-IEU). The GWAS data of MS were sourced from the International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium (IMSGC), including 14,498 cases and 24,091 controls. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was utilized as the primary analytical approach to estimate causality, while Cochran's Q test assessed heterogeneity. MR-Egger (MRE) and MR-Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) were employed to detect pleiotropy and conduct sensitivity analyses.ResultsWe executed univariable- and multivariable-adjusted MR analyses, incorporating adjustments for past tobacco smoking, particulate matter air pollution (PM2.5) and moderate to vigorous physical activity. The univariable Mendelian randomization (UVMR) analysis elucidated potential causal relationships concerning the risk of MS for only two dietary factors: pork intake (odds ratio [OR] = 6.764, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.772-25.814, p = 0.005 by IVW) and fish/liver oil dietary supplements (OR = 0.119, 95%CI: 0.032-0.444, p = 0.002 by IVW). In the multivariate Mendelian randomization (MVMR) analysis, the significant causal relationship between pork intake and MS remained robust even after adjusting for potential confounders. Conversely, after adjusting for these confounders, the initially observed causal associations between fish/liver oil dietary supplements and MS ceased to be statistically significant.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that pork intake could increase the risk of MS. Other nutritional factors analyzed in this study did not exhibit significant correlations with MS.

BackgroundAlthough caffeine is the most studied ergogenic aid, few studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of caffeine supplementation among women in different phases of the menstrual cycle (MC).AimTo verify the effect of caffeine supplementation and the MC phase on the performance of a 5 km cycling time trial of female exercise practitioners (FEP).MethodsThis was a parallel, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with a sample of women aged 18-35 years, all with regular MC. The caffeine (CAFG) and placebo (PLAG) groups performed the exercise test during the late follicular phase and mid-luteal phase. These time points were individually assessed according to each woman's MC. On the test day, they were instructed to intake a standardized meal. Subsequently, 30 min following the meal, volunteers consumed caffeine (6 mg·kg^-1) or placebo. One hour following caffeine intake, the exercise protocol started. The participants were instructed to perform an all-out 5-km cycling time trial.ResultsTwenty-one women with a mean age of 26.6 years (PLAG, n = 10; 26.7 y; CAFG, n = 11; 26.5 y) were evaluated. The mean test duration was approximately 10-min, with no effect of the MC phase (F = 0.410; p = 0.532), caffeine supplementation (F = 2.23; p = 0.156), or interaction (F = 0.298; p = 0.593). Likewise, we did not verify the effect of the MC phase (F = 0.249; p = 0.625), caffeine supplementation (F = 2.35; p = 0.146), or interaction (F = 0.585; p = 0.456) on the mean power.ConclusionNeither caffeine supplementation nor the different MC phases had an impact on the 5-km cycling TT performance of FEP.

Background: Folic acid (FA) supplementation is widely regarded as a key nutritional intervention during pregnancy due to its protective effect against neural tube defects. Recent research has reported FA supplementation outcomes on offspring's health, with increased incidences of allergy/respiratory problems. Aim: This study evaluates if increased levels of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) are associated with DNA modification, leading to disruption of cell proliferation in fetal lung cells and increasing susceptibility to asthma. Methods: Two fetal lung cells, MRC5 and IMR90, were treated with nine concentrations of 5-MTHF for six time points. Cell viability was evaluated using Trypan Blue staining. Flow cytometry analysis to quantify DNA content in cells was done with a propidium iodide stain. Followed by 1.6 mM glutathione treatment to alleviate the oxidative stress caused by 5-MTHF. A quantitative test for DNA damage was executed using neutral and alkaline comet assay. Gene expression study for five genes namely MTR, MTHFD1, XRCC1, Pol β, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was evaluated using a 2-step quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Fetal lung cell survival rate remained unaffected with 5-MTHF concentration below 1.25 µM. Beyond this concentration, cell viability is reduced with an increase in concentration. Cell cycle analysis revealed cell arrest in the G₁ phase. The antioxidant activity of glutathione led the cells to bypass this arrest. Precisely, 10 and 50 µM 5-MTHF concentrations led to double-strand DNA breaks and single-strand DNA breaks. Gene expression study revealed lower expression of the MTR gene and higher expression of MTHFD1, EGFR, XRCC1, and DNA Pol β gene with an increase in 5-MTHF concentration. Conclusion: 5-MTHF concentration higher than 1.25 µM led to DNA damage in MRC5 and IMR90 human fetal lung cells.