Journal of Nutritional Science最新文献

The lifestyle of the population has undergone significant changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which could have influenced alterations in dietary habits and overall well-being among workers. This study aimed to evaluate healthy eating practices and their relationship with the workers' quality of life and physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a cross-sectional investigation involving workers in the city of Curitiba, southern Brazil. The study was conducted through the application of an online questionnaire. The data were evaluated using non-parametric tests and fitting a logistic regression model. A total of 123 workers participated in the study, most of them male (53.2%), aged between 31 and 40 years (42.2%), with a predominance of workers with postgraduate degrees (62.6%, n = 77), and the majority of workers (68.2%, n = 84) were performing their professional activities remotely for at least one day during the week, and 73.2% (n = 90). It was observed that 52.8% had excellent healthy eating practices, and the older their age and the greater the practice of physical activity (time and frequency), the better the workers' healthy eating practices. When assessing quality of life, the lowest average score for healthy eating practices was in the domain of social relationships. A direct relationship of older age, social relationships, and the practice of physical activity with the best individuals' healthy eating practices was detected. Considering that remote work continues to be adopted post-pandemic, evaluating the dietary practices, physical activity, and quality of life of workers is necessary to understand this new labour phenomenon.

Although the relationship between dyslipidaemia (DL) and coronary artery disease (CAD) or between trace minerals intake and CAD is well known separately, the exact nature of this relationship remains unknown. We hypothesize that the relationship between trace mineral intake and CAD may differ depending on whether or not the individual has DL. The present study analysed the relationships among trace mineral intake, DL, and CAD in middle-aged and older adults living in Shika town, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan. This study included 895 residents following the exclusion of those with genetic risk carriers for familial hypercholesterolemia. Trace mineral intake was evaluated using the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Interactions were observed between DL and CAD with zinc (p = 0.004), copper (p = 0.010), and manganese intake (p < 0.001) in a two-way analysis of covariance adjusted for covariates such as sex, age, body mass index, and current smokers and drinkers. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that zinc (odds ratio (OR): 0.752; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.606, 0.934; p = 0.010), copper (OR: 0.175; 95% CI: 0.042, 0.726; p = 0.016), and manganese (OR: 0.494; 95% CI: 0.291, 0.839; p = 0.009) were significant independent variables for CAD in the dyslipidaemic group. The present results suggest that DL with a low trace mineral intake is associated with CAD. Further longitudinal studies are required to confirm this relationship.

Dietary surveys are critical in evaluating dietary trends prevailing across the entire population. The aim of this study is to present the results of the latest research into the intakes of energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients amongst the adult population in Lithuania from 2019 through 2020. A cross-sectional study was conducted and dietary data was collected using a 24-h dietary recall method from a total of 2555 Lithuanian adults. Medians, 25^th and 75^th percentiles were calculated. The diet of Lithuanian adults was found insufficient as the energy intake from fats exceeded the recommended norms, while the energy intake from carbohydrates was below the lower range. The intakes of dietary fibre and most vitamins and minerals were insufficient. Men, compared to women, had a statistically higher total energy intake and energy intake from fats, and a higher intake of dietary fibre. Younger adults, compared to older ones, had statistically lower intakes of energy from fats, including saturated fats, and lower intakes of sodium chloride. Respondents with primary education, compared to those who had attained a higher degree of education, had a statistically lower intake of total energy and dietary fibre. Study showed that intakes of majority of nutrients in the diet of the adult Lithuanian population are not in compliance with the recommended daily intakes. Continuous nationally representative studies into food consumption and nutrient intake of the adult Lithuanian population must be carried out to assess the changes in the population's diet and the effectiveness of policies aimed at promoting healthy diets.

The aim of this study is to assess nutritional status and associated factors among infants and young children aged 6-23 months in Yeka sub-city, Ethiopia, 2021. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in selected health centres found in the Yeka sub-city from May 2021 to July 2021. In total, 396 systematically selected infants and young children aged 6-23 months attended the selected health centres were included in the study. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. A multinomial logistic regression model was used. The overall magnitude of undernutrition and overnutrition among infants and young children were 24.7% and 5.5%, respectively. Dietary diversity score (DDS) ((adjusted odd ratio (AOR) = 5.65; 95% CI = 2.301, 10.87; P value = 0.003), minimum meal frequency (MMF) (AOR = 5.435; 95% CI = 2.097, 11.09; P value = 0.0052), and diarrhoea (AOR = 2.52; 95% CI = 1.007, 6.310; P value = 0.002) were statistically significantly associated factors for nutritional status among infants and young children. Malnutrition (undernutrition and overnutrition) is a public health problem among infants and young children in Yeka sub-city, Ethiopia. DDS, MMF, and diarrhoeal disease were associated with higher odds of undernutrition.

Previous investigations on protein associations with diet quality and obesity still have inconclusive findings, possibly due to how protein intake was expressed. This study aimed to compare how different ways of expressing total protein intake may influence its relationships with diet quality and obesity. Usual protein intake was estimated from the 2011-12 Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (n = 7637 adults, ≥19 years), expressed in grams (g/d), percent energy (%EI), and grams per actual kilogram body weight (g/kgBW/d). Diet quality was assessed using the 2013 Dietary Guidelines Index, and obesity measures included Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Sex-stratified multiple linear and logistic regressions were performed and adjusted for potential confounders. Total protein (g/d) was directly associated with diet quality (males, β = 0.15 (95% CI 0.12, 0.19); females, β = 0.25 (0.22, 0.29)), and this association was consistent across units. Protein intake (g/d) was directly associated with BMI (males, β = 0.07% (0.04%, 0.11%); females, β = 0.09% (0.04%, 0.15%)), and WC (males, β = 0.04 (0.01, 0.06); females, β = 0.05 (0.00, 0.09)). While in males, protein as %EI was associated with higher WC, no association was found in females. Adults with higher protein intake (g/d) had higher odds of overweight/obesity (males, OR = 1.01 (1.00, 1.01); females, OR = 1.01 (1.00, 1.01)), and central overweight/obesity (females, OR = 1.01 (1.00, 1.01)), but no significant association with females odds of overweight/obesity when protein was expressed in %EI. In conclusion, protein intake was positively associated with diet quality and obesity, yet these associations were stronger for women. The effect sizes also varied by measurement unit due to the different scales of those units.

Ruminal microbes catabolise feed carbohydrates mainly into SCFA, methane (CH₄), and carbon dioxide (CO₂), with predictable relationships between fermentation end products and net microbial increase. We used a closed in vitro batch culture system, incubating grass and maize silages, and measured total gas production at 8 and 24 h, as well as the truly degraded substrate, the net production of SCFA, CH₄, and microbial biomass at 24 h, and investigated the impact of silage type and inoculum microbial mass on fermentation direction. Net microbial yield was negatively correlated with total gas at 8 h (P < 0•001), but not at 24 h (P = 0•052), and negatively correlated with CH₄ production (P < 0•001). Higher initial inoculum microbial mass was related to a lower net microbial yield (P < 0•001) but a higher CH₄ production (P < 0•001). A significant difference between grass silage and maize silage was detected within the context of these relationships (P < 0•050). The metabolic hydrogen (2H) recovery was 102.8 ± 12.3 % for grass silages and 118.8 ± 13.3% for maize silages. Overall, grass silages favoured more substrate conversion to microbial biomass and less to fermentation end products than maize silage. Lower inoculum microbial mass facilitated more microbial growth and, because of the 2H sink by microbial synthesis, decreased CH₄ production.

The current study aims to characterise the complementary feeding practice and identify locally available climate-resilient crops that can be used for complementary feeding among agro-pastoralists in Ethiopia. A phenomenological study in Benna-Tsemay district, comprising focused group discussions, key informant interviews, and household observations, was conducted. A pretested guide was used to capture information regarding types of complementary food, lists of food items, and ingredients included in their complementary formulation. A thematic analysis for emerging points of discussion was carried out. Three major themes, including infant and young child feeding practices, food items included in complementary food, and their consumption frequencies, as well as the incorporation of climate-resilient crops into complementary foods as coping mechanisms, emerged. Breastfeeding was common and regarded as essential. Gruel and porridge from grains, roots, and tubers were regular parts of complementary foods in the study area. Moringa and sorghum were dominantly identified as climate-resilient crops regularly grown and used in complementary foods. Growing these crops was regarded as a coping strategy for drought and seasonal constraints. The district is one of the most drought-prone areas in Ethiopia, compromising the quality of complementary food. Unlike the World Health Organization recommendation, the grains, roots, and tubers-based diet formed the basis of complementary food lacking flesh foods, eggs, pulses, and other fruits and vegetables. Thus, it is recommended to improve complementary food quality through value-addition using locally accessible crops.

The prevalence of food insecurity in Cyprus and the socio-demographic factors that are related to this public health problem are unknown. Data used in this cross-sectional study were collected between 1 June 2022 and 21 May 2023 using a self-reported method. Food insecurity was evaluated using the Greek version of Adult Food Security Survey Module. The data regarding socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics along with body weight and height measurements were collected through self-administered questionnaire. A representative sample of n=1255 adults, ≥18 years old living in the five different districts of the Republic of Cyprus, was recruited. Prevalence of food insecurity in Cypriot population was 12.6%. Prevalence was higher in females, in older adults, in adults living in Paphos, in individuals who were separated, divorced, or widowed, in retired people, in people living with children, and in people with low income and education. Based on multivariable analysis, income was the strongest socio-demographic factor independently associated with food security (€ 6,500-€ 19,500: AOR: 0.49, 95% CI 0.28, 0.86 and >€ 19,500: AOR: 0.15, 95% CI 0.73, 0.31). Food insecurity is a global problem that need further examination. The association between food insecurity and socio-demographic characteristics needs to be highlighted in order for each country to develop specific public health policies (e.g. financial support to low income people) to decrease food insecurity and improve people's overall health and quality of life.

Sodium intake attributed to fast food is increasing globally. This research aims to develop maximum sodium reduction targets for New Zealand (NZ) fast foods and compare them with the current sodium content of products. Sodium content and serving size data were sourced from an existing database of major NZ fast-food chains. Target development followed a step-by-step process, informed by international targets and serving sizes, and previous methods for packaged supermarket foods. Sodium reduction targets were set per 100 g and serving, using a 40% reduction in the mean sodium content or the value met by 35-45% of products. Thirty-four per cent (1797/5246) of products in the database had sodium data available for target development. Sodium reduction targets were developed for 17 fast-food categories. Per 100 g targets ranged from 158 mg for 'Other salads' to 665 mg for 'Mayonnaise and dressings'. Per serving targets ranged from 118 mg for 'Sauce' to 1270 mg for 'Burgers with cured meat'. The largest difference between the current mean sodium content and corresponding target was for 'Other salads' and 'Grilled Chicken' (both -40% per 100g) and 'Fries and potato products' (-45% per serving), and the smallest, 'Pizza with cured meat toppings' (-3% per 100 g) and 'Pies, tarts, sausage rolls and quiches' (-4% per serving). The results indicate the display of nutrition information should be mandated and there is considerable room for sodium reduction in NZ fast foods. The methods described provide a model for other countries to develop country-specific, fast-food sodium reduction targets.

This study aims to develop a nutrition education intervention to promote healthy eating, and to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention on healthy eating knowledge, attitude and behaviour among elementary students. A quasi-experimental study was conducted in two elementary schools in Taiwan. The intervention course design included simulation videos, lectures, and the after-school learning worksheet designed for parental involvement. A total of 4 courses along with 4 simulation videos were given to the intervention group. The four course themes were Sugar patrol, Balanced Diet during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Rainbow Fruit and Vegetables, and Smart Dine Out. The study recruited 35 3rd grade students for the intervention group and 30 for the control group. Data were collected from the pre- and post-test questionnaires. The nutrition intervention had significant effects on improving participants' knowledge about tips for making healthy choices and the necessity of balanced diet, and on attitude toward healthy eating. There was no significant improvement in participants' healthy eating behaviours. This nutrition education intervention, which utilized simulation videos and encouraged parental involvement, could be recommended for teaching practice in elementary schools to improve healthy eating knowledge and attitude among students.