Nutrition and health最新文献

Background: Behavioral obesity treatments remain primarily based on nutrition and exercise education, with their minimal effects persisting over many decades. Research suggests benefits of an alternate focus on psychosocial factors. Aim: To evaluate treatment aspects that foster accumulated impacts on weight-loss behaviors via interactions between supported changes in self-efficacy and self-regulation. Methods: Women with obesity participating in a theory-based behavioral weight-loss treatment targeting self-regulation and self-efficacy to foster increases in fruit/vegetable consumption and physical activity (N = 95) were assessed at intervals from baseline through 12 months. Results: The treatment was associated with significant improvements in the tested psychosocial and behavioral variables. Hypothesized paths from baseline self-efficacy → 3-month increases in self-regulation → 6-month increases in self-efficacy → 12-month increases in self-regulation → 12-month behavioral changes were significant in predicting both fruit/vegetable intake and physical activity increases. Most of the variance in weight loss was explained through physical activity change. Conclusion: Targeting self-regulation, self-efficacy, and their over-time interactions enhances behavioral weight-loss treatment outcomes.

Background: The influence of others' gaze on human behavior remains incompletely understood. However, it remains unclear whether direct gaze actively enhances evaluation. Aim: The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether direct gaze increases the evaluation of food items. Methods: To address this gap, we conducted an experiment in which 29 Japanese participants (aged 19-22; 6 males) evaluated food images paired with facial images displaying either direct or averted gaze. Using a 9-point Likert scale, participants rated the attractiveness of 12 food items under each gaze condition. Results: Statistical analysis via linear mixed models revealed that food was rated significantly higher when accompanied by direct gaze compared to averted gaze (Estimate = 0.303, p = 0.008; 95% CI: 0.078-0.528). These findings support the hypothesis that direct gaze enhances positive evaluation, possibly through mechanisms such as reputation management, increased arousal, and social facilitation. Conclusion: Our results contribute to a growing body of literature on social influences in perception and suggest that subtle social cues can modulate sensory evaluations. Future research should incorporate dynamic or immersive stimuli, assess physiological responses, and explore cross-cultural differences to clarify the underlying mechanisms. These efforts will deepen our understanding of how gaze direction shapes food perception and may inform applications in marketing, health communication, and user experience design.

Background: The consistency of the day-to-day scores of the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) for commercial ketogenic meal plans and if these scores are compliant with the Dietary Guidelines for Healthy Americans (DGA) have not yet been evaluated. Aim: To make this determination. Methods: We have selected three commercial ketogenic meal plans: MP1, MP2 and MP3. Using scores calculated for the HEI during the period of 1 week each, we are able to determine day-to-day compliance of HEI scores to the DGA as well as consistency of HEI values throughout the week. Results: The 7-day mean score of HEI for MP1 was 54.1 ± 2.6 and classified as "Some changes needed"; however, MP1 had a relatively consistent pattern of HEI scores. MP2 had a score of 44.3 ± 7.8 and classified as "Big changes needed" as well as an inconsistent pattern of HEI values. MP3 had a score of 53.3 ± 10.3, also classified as "Some changes needed" and an inconsistent pattern of HEI values. Conclusions: Commercial meal plans based on ketogenic metabolism will have HEI scores from a minimum in the 30s to a maximum, not exceeding 70. Depending upon the adherence of the manufacturer's recipes to the DGA, the day-to-day HEI scores will vary accordingly. These results suggest that if some or major changes are not taken, continuation would not be advisable for long-term use.

BackgroundThe use of several glucose-lowering drugs (GLDs) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus is common, but their effects on dietary intake have been little explored.AimOur study aimed to examine the association between the number of GLDs used by adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and their diet quality and nutrient intake.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a Brazilian national multicenter randomized clinical trial involving participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged >30 years. We collected sociodemographic, clinical, biochemical, and anthropometric information and food intake data (24-h dietary recall). Diet quality was assessed by the modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the association of dietary intake with the number of GLDs in use.ResultsOur analysis included data from a total of 363 participants, mean age of 60.8 ± 9.5 years, and mean glycated hemoglobin of 8.7 ± 1.5%. Of these, 28.1% were taking one GLD; 48.8% were taking two GLDs; and 23.1% were taking ≥3 GLDs. We found no difference in diet quality, but the intake of total polyunsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids was different between the three groups (p ≤ 0.03). However, this association was no longer seen after adjusting for age, sex, duration of diabetes, prior diagnosis of dyslipidemia, physical activity and mean monthly family income.ConclusionsWe did not find an association between the number of GLDs in use and either diet quality or nutrient intake in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Childhood obesity is a global public health concern associated with various health risks, including disrupted sleep patterns. Aim: This study investigated the effects of kiwifruit consumption and small-sided soccer games (SSSG) over 4 weeks on sleep patterns in overweight/obese children with sleep problems. Methods: Thirty-six participants, aged 8 to 12 years with a body mass index above the 85th percentile, were randomly assigned to one of three groups: SSSG only (n = 12), SSSG-kiwifruit (SSSG-K, n = 12), or control (CG, n = 12). Sleep patterns were monitor 1 week before, and during the first and last 2 weeks of the intervention. The CG group maintained their usual routines without structured physical activity. The SSSG and SSSG-K groups, both engaged in SSSG type of training two to three times per week, with the SSSG-K group also consuming on a daily basis two kiwifruits 1 hour before bedtime. Results: In the final 2 weeks, the SSSG group demonstrated significant improvements in sleep efficiency (p = 0.03), sleep latency (p < 0.001), and bedtime timing (p < 0.001) compared to baseline. The SSSG-K group also showed significant improvements in sleep efficiency, sleep latency, and total sleep time compared to baseline, and relative to CG, and SSSG groups during the 4 weeks (all p < 0.05). Additionally, SSSG-K participants had earlier bedtimes and increased time in bed compared to their baseline (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Combining kiwifruit consumption with SSSG exercise effectively enhances sleep patterns in overweight/obese children.

BackgroundOnly 2% of 4-8-year-old Australian children consume the daily recommended vegetable serves, with implications on the development of lifelong dietary behaviors. Evidence suggests that enhancing children's access, exposure and familiarity with vegetables can help increase their vegetable intake. Most children attend Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services, which are well placed to increase vegetable consumption through curriculum change, play-based learning and parental education.AimWe aim to determine the efficacy of the 'First Bite-Get it Right' (First Bite) intervention to improve the vegetable intake of 3-5-year-old children in ECEC services compared to a control group.MethodThis 8-week cluster-randomized controlled trial involves ECEC services (n = 30) and children (n∼300) from socioeconomically disadvantaged areas in two local health districts in New South Wales, Australia and includes an intervention and wait-list control group. The First Bite program comprises: 1) Educator professional development; 2) Child daily "Veggie Break"; 3) Child experiential learning activities; and 4) Parent resources. Baseline and post-intervention measures include skin carotenoid scanning, vegetable serves plate waste, lunch box audits, child-reported vegetable preferences, and child parent-reported vegetable intake. Group-by-time interactions will be analyzed by linear mixed model regression, accounting for ECEC clustering.SummaryThis study will evaluate whether a comprehensive ECEC-based intervention can improve children's vegetable consumption in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. The findings will inform recommendations for ECEC policies, educator training programs, and parent engagement strategies to promote healthy eating in early childhood.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN: 12624000249550 (Date: 14/03/2024). https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=387095.

Background: There is growing evidence on the need for a strategic focus on food insecurity and its effect on the burden of chronic health conditions. Aim: The study aimed to determine the effects of a produce prescription program on diet, self-efficacy for developing a healthy diet, food security status, and use of healthcare services and to explore experiences with using a Nutrition Incentive program (i.e. produce prescription) among people with or at risk for chronic health conditions. Methods: This community participatory research employed a single-arm pre-posttest study design, including 210 participants with or at risk of chronic health conditions using the Community Health Centers in Western Massachusetts. This produce prescription intervention gives participants access to a debit card preloaded with $40/month to spend on fresh produce at participating retail stores and educational activities focusing on growing, shopping for, and cooking with fresh fruits and vegetables for two years. Process (e.g. recruitment, adherence, and satisfaction) and effect outcomes (e.g. dietary intake, food security, self-efficacy, and healthcare utilization) are collected. Repeated measures ANOVA and multivariate regression analyses will be used for primary and secondary outcomes, using sociodemographic variables as covariates. Summary: this pilot study's findings will contribute to increasing evidence on the effects of prescription programs for self-management of chronic health conditions and to future research to inform implementation strategies, policy changes for sustainable food systems.

BackgroundWhile the anti-inflammatory effects of specific nutrients are well established, there is limited research on the relationship between overall dietary patterns and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, we aimed to assess the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) scores and biochemical and body composition parameters in pre-dialysis CKD patients.MethodsThe DII scores of 143 pre-dialysis CKD subjects were calculated using 24-h recalls. Body composition was measured using bioelectric impedance-based InBody 770. Oxidative stress and total antioxidant capacity were measured using thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and uric acid-independent FRAP (FRAP_UA) assays respectively. C-reactive protein (CRP) was selected as an inflammatory marker while other biochemical parameters were analysed using diagnostic kits.ResultsSubjects were categorized into early-stage CKD (ES; eGFR: 30 to 59 ml/min/1.73 m²) and late-stage CKD (LS; eGFR: < 30 ml/min/1.73 m²). The ES group had a lower extracellular to total body water ratio (p < 0.01) and higher levels of whole-body phase angle (p < 0.01) compared to the LS group. However, FRAP_UA was higher in the LS group (p < 0.05). For each increase in DII score by 1, eGFR decreased by 2.31 ml/min/1.73 m² (p < 0.01) and phase angle by 0.11 degrees (p < 0.05). Consuming cereals and millets, other vegetables, roots and tubers, spices, poultry, oils and fats significantly contributed to the anti-inflammatory potential of the diet (p < 0.01).ConclusionA pro-inflammatory diet was associated with disease progression and decreased cell integrity, underscoring the importance of its consideration in CKD management.

The prevalence of disordered eating habits in college-aged females is at an all-time high. This population is more likely to experience issues with body image and poor eating behaviors due to the pressure of being a collegiate athlete. The objective of this qualitative study aimed to determine the prevalence of disordered eating habits in female collegiate athletes and determine if playing a sport puts them at risk of harmful behaviors. An anonymous survey was sent out to participants of various sports, asking them to answer a 10-question survey about eating habits and compensatory behaviors such as excessive exercise and caloric restriction. Results indicated that 75% of those surveyed said playing a collegiate sport negatively impacts their relationship with food, and 71% said playing a sport negatively impacts their body image. While some female athletes do not meet the clinical diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder, a large portion still displays disordered eating behaviors, which can be detrimental to their overall well-being. It is essential for the safety of these athletes that staff members, health professionals, and the athletes themselves are aware of these circumstances and can prevent them from progressing into fully diagnosed eating disorders.

BackgroundIncreasing interest in probiotics for mental health has led to products marketed to consumers claiming psychological benefits. This study aimed to identify mental health claims on probiotic supplements and to provide a narrative review of the scientific evidence to support these claims.MethodsProbiotic supplements with mental health claims on the product label were identified. A search of the scientific literature was performed using Google Scholar, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Studies were included if the primary outcome was mental health or a biomarker of mental health, if they investigated the exact probiotic strain or combination of strains as present in the product, and if the study was a trial of probiotics conducted in either humans or animals. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias.ResultsFourteen probiotic products with mental health claims were identified containing five different strains or strain combinations. Eighteen studies relevant to the products and investigating mental health outcomes met inclusion criteria. Ten studies investigated the same combination of probiotics and provided evidence to support the claims made. Statistically significant results were not universally present for all products.ConclusionThe amount and quality of evidence to support claims of mental health benefits made on probiotic products is variable. The results support the need for a grading system to facilitate informed consumer decision-making when choosing a probiotic supplement to support mental health.