Gilmara Alves Zanirate, Josefina Bressan, Arieta Carla Gualandi Leal, Adriano Marçal Pimenta, Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff
Background
Dietary melatonin, naturally occurring in plant- and animal-based foods, has been linked to beneficial effects on sleep, mood and metabolic health. Although evidence suggests that food-derived melatonin may elevate circulating levels, few studies have assessed its intake through habitual diets or explored associations with chronic disease outcomes in adults.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional analysis within an open cohort of university graduates (baseline data). Dietary intake was evaluated using a validated 144-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and melatonin intake was estimated based on published concentrations. Sleep duration was also assessed through the questionnaire. Associations between dietary melatonin and selected health outcomes, including depression, obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnoea and sleep duration, were examined across quintiles of intake using logistic regression and Poisson regression models with robust variance, adjusted for potential confounders.
Results
Melatonin content was assigned to 82.6% of the FFQ items, with concentrations ranging from 0 to 169.9 ng/g. Among 8320 participants, most were women (67.7%), with a mean age of 35.9 ± 9.6 years; 48.1% were single. Mean dietary melatonin intake was 25554.7 ± 13876.2 ng/day. In multivariate models, obesity was inversely associated with melatonin intake in Q2 (IRR 0.81, 95%CI 0.69–0.96); Q3 (IRR 0.72, 95%CI 0.60–0.86) and Q4 (IRR 0.79, 95%CI 0.67–0.94). Depression was inversely associated in Q3 (IRR 0.79, 95%CI 0.67–0.93) and Q4 (IRR 0.79, 95%CI 0.67–0.94), suggesting a nonlinear dose–response pattern.
Conclusion
Dietary melatonin intake was inversely associated with obesity and depression, with a non-linear dose–response pattern observed for depression. No significant associations were found with other chronic conditions or sleep duration. Longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to confirm these findings and clarify underlying mechanisms.
{"title":"The Content of Dietary Melatonin in 119 Food Items and Its Relationship With Chronic Diseases: Results of the CUME+ Study","authors":"Gilmara Alves Zanirate, Josefina Bressan, Arieta Carla Gualandi Leal, Adriano Marçal Pimenta, Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff","doi":"10.1111/jhn.70193","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jhn.70193","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Dietary melatonin, naturally occurring in plant- and animal-based foods, has been linked to beneficial effects on sleep, mood and metabolic health. Although evidence suggests that food-derived melatonin may elevate circulating levels, few studies have assessed its intake through habitual diets or explored associations with chronic disease outcomes in adults.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We conducted a cross-sectional analysis within an open cohort of university graduates (baseline data). Dietary intake was evaluated using a validated 144-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and melatonin intake was estimated based on published concentrations. Sleep duration was also assessed through the questionnaire. Associations between dietary melatonin and selected health outcomes, including depression, obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnoea and sleep duration, were examined across quintiles of intake using logistic regression and Poisson regression models with robust variance, adjusted for potential confounders.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Melatonin content was assigned to 82.6% of the FFQ items, with concentrations ranging from 0 to 169.9 ng/g. Among 8320 participants, most were women (67.7%), with a mean age of 35.9 ± 9.6 years; 48.1% were single. Mean dietary melatonin intake was 25554.7 ± 13876.2 ng/day. In multivariate models, obesity was inversely associated with melatonin intake in Q2 (IRR 0.81, 95%CI 0.69–0.96); Q3 (IRR 0.72, 95%CI 0.60–0.86) and Q4 (IRR 0.79, 95%CI 0.67–0.94). Depression was inversely associated in Q3 (IRR 0.79, 95%CI 0.67–0.93) and Q4 (IRR 0.79, 95%CI 0.67–0.94), suggesting a nonlinear dose–response pattern.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Dietary melatonin intake was inversely associated with obesity and depression, with a non-linear dose–response pattern observed for depression. No significant associations were found with other chronic conditions or sleep duration. Longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to confirm these findings and clarify underlying mechanisms.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":54803,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics","volume":"39 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12835471/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146055089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Diet is a potential management option for constipation; however, people's perceptions regarding its role and their dietary behaviours are unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of the role of diet in constipation, including dietary contributors and relievers of constipation symptoms, and the attitudes towards future dietary research in constipation, in people with self-reported constipation.
Methods
An online questionnaire was completed by adults with self-reported constipation based in the United Kingdom. Participants responded to questions on constipation symptoms, perceptions of the role of diet in constipation, perceived dietary contributors and relievers, and future research priorities. For perceived contributors and relievers, the survey included a list of 143 foods/beverages to rate the perceived impact on constipation symptoms using a Likert scale.
Results
Overall, 204 individuals (mean age 44 (SD 16.2) y, 91.7% female) completed the questionnaire. In total, 94% (184/204) of respondents believed diet plays an important role in constipation, and 88% (180/204) would prefer effective dietary options over medication for managing symptoms. The most frequently reported dietary relievers of constipation symptoms were prunes (85%), dates (71%), prune juice (70%) and beans (70%), while white bread (69%), refined sugary breakfast cereals (61%), processed red meat (60%) and cake (57%) were the most frequently reported contributors to constipation symptoms.
Conclusions
The survey highlights that most people with constipation believe diet is important for the management of constipation. Given the wide range of relievers and contributors, research on interventions that include whole dietary patterns is warranted.
{"title":"Perceptions of the Role of Diet Among People With Constipation: Dietary Contributors and Relievers to Symptoms and Research Priorities","authors":"Dominic N. Farsi, Kevin Whelan, Eirini Dimidi","doi":"10.1111/jhn.70201","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jhn.70201","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background and Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Diet is a potential management option for constipation; however, people's perceptions regarding its role and their dietary behaviours are unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of the role of diet in constipation, including dietary contributors and relievers of constipation symptoms, and the attitudes towards future dietary research in constipation, in people with self-reported constipation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>An online questionnaire was completed by adults with self-reported constipation based in the United Kingdom. Participants responded to questions on constipation symptoms, perceptions of the role of diet in constipation, perceived dietary contributors and relievers, and future research priorities. For perceived contributors and relievers, the survey included a list of 143 foods/beverages to rate the perceived impact on constipation symptoms using a Likert scale.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Overall, 204 individuals (mean age 44 (SD 16.2) y, 91.7% female) completed the questionnaire. In total, 94% (184/204) of respondents believed diet plays an important role in constipation, and 88% (180/204) would prefer effective dietary options over medication for managing symptoms. The most frequently reported dietary relievers of constipation symptoms were prunes (85%), dates (71%), prune juice (70%) and beans (70%), while white bread (69%), refined sugary breakfast cereals (61%), processed red meat (60%) and cake (57%) were the most frequently reported contributors to constipation symptoms.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The survey highlights that most people with constipation believe diet is important for the management of constipation. Given the wide range of relievers and contributors, research on interventions that include whole dietary patterns is warranted.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":54803,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics","volume":"39 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12820912/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146013280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Estefany Mayara Sousa Araujo, Daisuke Hayashi, Daniela de Assumpção, Carla Renata Silva Andrechuk, Leila Tassia Pagamicce, Mayza Luzia dos Santos Neves, Roberta Cunha Matheus Rodrigues, Marilia Estevam Cornélio
<div> <section> <h3> Background</h3> <p>The Cardiovascular Health Diet Index (CHDI) was recently developed to assess compliance with dietary recommendations aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease and promoting cardiovascular health on a population level, based on guidance from the American Heart Association (AHA) and adapted to Brazilian dietary culture. The purpose of this study was to assess dietary quality among workers at a public university in Brazil using the CHDI and determine its association with cardiometabolic risk factors and sociodemographic data.</p> </section> <section> <h3> Methods</h3> <p>This cross-sectional study included 557 workers aged 20–59 years from a Brazilian public university. Dietary quality was assessed using the CHDI (score from 0 to 100 points) and the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index-Revised (BHEI-R) (score from 0 to 100 points), both based on data from one 24-h dietary recall (24HR) obtained in a phone interview by a registered dietitian using the multiple-pass method. Clinical parameters included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, lipids (LDL-c and triglycerides), fasting glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin (used to calculate HOMA2-IR for insulin resistance), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Sociodemographic variables included age, sex, education level, and race/ethnicity. Associations were analyzed using modified Poisson regression models with robust variance for dichotomous outcomes and multiple linear regression models for continuous outcomes.</p> </section> <section> <h3> Results</h3> <p>Better adherence to a heart-healthy dietary pattern, as measured by the CHDI, was consistently associated with lower chances of having key cardiometabolic risk factors. Specifically, Poisson regression analyses showed that each additional point in the CHDI score corresponded to about a 1% lower likelihood of having excess body weight (BMI > 25 kg/m²; <i>β</i>: 0.99; <i>p</i> = 0.0102), being classified as at increased cardiovascular risk due to abdominal obesity (waist circumference; <i>β</i>: 0.99; <i>p</i> = 0.0145), or presenting elevated diastolic blood pressure (> 80 mmHg; <i>β</i>: 0.99; <i>p</i> = 0.0370). Higher scores were also associated with about a 1% lower probability of having insulin resistance (<i>β</i>: 0.99; <i>p</i> < 0.0001) and elevated C-reactive protein levels, a marker of systemic inflammation (<i>β</i>: 0.99; <i>p</i> = 0.0207).</p> </section> <section> <h3> Conclusion</h3> <p>The CHDI showed stronger associations with cardiometabolic risk factors than the BHEI-R, indicating
背景：心血管健康饮食指数（CHDI）是最近根据美国心脏协会（AHA）的指导并适应巴西饮食文化制定的，旨在评估人群对预防心血管疾病和促进心血管健康的饮食建议的依从性。本研究的目的是利用CHDI评估巴西一所公立大学工作人员的饮食质量，并确定其与心脏代谢危险因素和社会人口学数据的关系。方法：本横断面研究包括557名年龄在20-59岁的巴西公立大学的工人。采用CHDI（0 - 100分）和巴西健康饮食指数修订版（BHEI-R）（0 - 100分）对饮食质量进行评估，两者均基于由注册营养师使用多次通过法通过电话采访获得的24小时饮食回忆（24HR）数据。临床参数包括体重指数（BMI）、腰围、血压、血脂（LDL-c和甘油三酯）、空腹血糖、糖化血红蛋白（HbA1c）、空腹胰岛素（用于计算胰岛素抵抗的HOMA2-IR）、c反应蛋白（CRP）。社会人口学变量包括年龄、性别、教育水平和种族。使用改进的泊松回归模型对二分类结果进行鲁棒方差分析，使用多元线性回归模型对连续结果进行关联分析。结果：更好地坚持心脏健康的饮食模式，正如CHDI所测量的那样，始终与患关键心脏代谢危险因素的几率较低相关。具体而言，泊松回归分析显示，CHDI评分每增加一点，体重超重（BMI > 25 kg/m²；β: 0.99; p = 0.0102）、腹部肥胖（腰围；β: 0.99; p = 0.0145）或舒张压升高（> 80 mmHg; β: 0.99; p = 0.0370）的可能性降低约1%。结论：与BHEI-R相比，CHDI与心脏代谢危险因素的相关性更强，表明其在研究和监测中作为评估饮食质量的敏感工具的潜力。需要对不同人群进行进一步的研究，以确认其在其他情况下的适用性。
{"title":"Associations Between the Cardiovascular Health Diet Index (CHDI) and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Brazilian Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study","authors":"Estefany Mayara Sousa Araujo, Daisuke Hayashi, Daniela de Assumpção, Carla Renata Silva Andrechuk, Leila Tassia Pagamicce, Mayza Luzia dos Santos Neves, Roberta Cunha Matheus Rodrigues, Marilia Estevam Cornélio","doi":"10.1111/jhn.70206","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jhn.70206","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The Cardiovascular Health Diet Index (CHDI) was recently developed to assess compliance with dietary recommendations aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease and promoting cardiovascular health on a population level, based on guidance from the American Heart Association (AHA) and adapted to Brazilian dietary culture. The purpose of this study was to assess dietary quality among workers at a public university in Brazil using the CHDI and determine its association with cardiometabolic risk factors and sociodemographic data.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This cross-sectional study included 557 workers aged 20–59 years from a Brazilian public university. Dietary quality was assessed using the CHDI (score from 0 to 100 points) and the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index-Revised (BHEI-R) (score from 0 to 100 points), both based on data from one 24-h dietary recall (24HR) obtained in a phone interview by a registered dietitian using the multiple-pass method. Clinical parameters included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, lipids (LDL-c and triglycerides), fasting glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin (used to calculate HOMA2-IR for insulin resistance), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Sociodemographic variables included age, sex, education level, and race/ethnicity. Associations were analyzed using modified Poisson regression models with robust variance for dichotomous outcomes and multiple linear regression models for continuous outcomes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Better adherence to a heart-healthy dietary pattern, as measured by the CHDI, was consistently associated with lower chances of having key cardiometabolic risk factors. Specifically, Poisson regression analyses showed that each additional point in the CHDI score corresponded to about a 1% lower likelihood of having excess body weight (BMI > 25 kg/m²; <i>β</i>: 0.99; <i>p</i> = 0.0102), being classified as at increased cardiovascular risk due to abdominal obesity (waist circumference; <i>β</i>: 0.99; <i>p</i> = 0.0145), or presenting elevated diastolic blood pressure (> 80 mmHg; <i>β</i>: 0.99; <i>p</i> = 0.0370). Higher scores were also associated with about a 1% lower probability of having insulin resistance (<i>β</i>: 0.99; <i>p</i> < 0.0001) and elevated C-reactive protein levels, a marker of systemic inflammation (<i>β</i>: 0.99; <i>p</i> = 0.0207).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The CHDI showed stronger associations with cardiometabolic risk factors than the BHEI-R, indicating","PeriodicalId":54803,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics","volume":"39 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12819359/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146013271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Annie Hughes, Michael O'Sullivan, Lewis Winning, Oscar Cassetti, Aifric O'Sullivan, Sharon Madigan, Brendan Egan, Michael Crowe
Objectives
This study assessed dental caries prevalence and dietary habits among elite athletes in Ireland, and analysed dietary intake with particular focus on potentially cariogenic foods and nutrients to determine associations between potentially cariogenic dietary factors and dental caries prevalence using cluster analysis.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of elite athletes. Oral examinations were performed by calibrated examiners using validated indices, including the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) to assess dental caries at both individual and tooth levels. Demographics and lifestyle metrics were recorded using a web-based platform, while dietary information was collected using multiple 24-h dietary recalls (24HR) via FoodBook24. Clustering, profiling of clusters and and binary logistic regression were used to determine if associations exist between dental caries prevalence and potentially cariogenic food groups or nutrients.
Results
Eighty-eight athletes from seven sports participated, with a mean age of 25.6 years (SD 5.7) and 63% male. The prevalence of untreated dental caries (ICDAS ≥ 3) was 90% at an individual level (presence of caries in any tooth in an individual) and 13% at tooth level (percentage of teeth affected in the population). The mean energy intake was 2678 ± 1352 kcal/day, mean sugar intake was 128 ± 94 g/day and mean starch intake was 169 ± 90 g/day. Cluster analysis identified two distinct groups based on caries prevalence, diet, age, gender, and ethnicity. Binary logistic regression revealed a significant association between cariogenic starch intake from snacks and cluster membership (p = 0.005).
Conclusions
The study found a high prevalence of untreated carious lesions in this cohort, exceeding previously reported levels for elite athletes. Cluster analysis revealed that nutrient consumption patterns, particularly the timing of starch intake, may provide insights beyond those offered by traditional food-group classifications for understanding dietary factors associated with caries risk. These findings underscore the need for prioritising dietary advice and caries prevention strategies in this population, with particular attention on snacking patterns rather than focusing solely on cariogenic food categories.
{"title":"Diet and Dental Caries in Elite Athletes in Ireland","authors":"Annie Hughes, Michael O'Sullivan, Lewis Winning, Oscar Cassetti, Aifric O'Sullivan, Sharon Madigan, Brendan Egan, Michael Crowe","doi":"10.1111/jhn.70203","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jhn.70203","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study assessed dental caries prevalence and dietary habits among elite athletes in Ireland, and analysed dietary intake with particular focus on potentially cariogenic foods and nutrients to determine associations between potentially cariogenic dietary factors and dental caries prevalence using cluster analysis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of elite athletes. Oral examinations were performed by calibrated examiners using validated indices, including the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) to assess dental caries at both individual and tooth levels. Demographics and lifestyle metrics were recorded using a web-based platform, while dietary information was collected using multiple 24-h dietary recalls (24HR) via FoodBook24. Clustering, profiling of clusters and and binary logistic regression were used to determine if associations exist between dental caries prevalence and potentially cariogenic food groups or nutrients.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Eighty-eight athletes from seven sports participated, with a mean age of 25.6 years (SD 5.7) and 63% male. The prevalence of untreated dental caries (ICDAS ≥ 3) was 90% at an individual level (presence of caries in any tooth in an individual) and 13% at tooth level (percentage of teeth affected in the population). The mean energy intake was 2678 ± 1352 kcal/day, mean sugar intake was 128 ± 94 g/day and mean starch intake was 169 ± 90 g/day. Cluster analysis identified two distinct groups based on caries prevalence, diet, age, gender, and ethnicity. Binary logistic regression revealed a significant association between cariogenic starch intake from snacks and cluster membership (<i>p</i> = 0.005).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The study found a high prevalence of untreated carious lesions in this cohort, exceeding previously reported levels for elite athletes. Cluster analysis revealed that nutrient consumption patterns, particularly the timing of starch intake, may provide insights beyond those offered by traditional food-group classifications for understanding dietary factors associated with caries risk. These findings underscore the need for prioritising dietary advice and caries prevention strategies in this population, with particular attention on snacking patterns rather than focusing solely on cariogenic food categories.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":54803,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics","volume":"39 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12819363/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146013269","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yvonne Jeanes, Humayun Muhammad, Ruksar Nishat, Katie Kennedy, Cristian Costas-Batlle, Nick Trott, Sue Reeves
Introduction
There is variable and often inadequate access to dietitians with expertise in coeliac disease (CeD) and limited data on where patients access support for their only treatment: adhering to a gluten-free diet. This study aimed to provide an up-to-date report of where adults with CeD source useful information.
Methods
A cross-sectional online survey was undertaken during 2024. The survey was designed by specialist dietitians and a gastroenterologist. Questions addressed diagnosis, demographics, sources of gluten‑free diet information, their perceived usefulness, and exposure to inaccurate information. Adults with CeD were recruited through a customer database of GF foods in the UK and via social media.
Results
Data from 675 adults with CeD showed that a high proportion rated information from coeliac associations (74%), peers with CeD (61%), cookbooks (56%), dietitians (50%), and the internet (52%) as highly useful, whereas only 15% reported information from General Practitioners (GPs) as highly useful. Among participants who regularly used social media (n = 360), 87% reported feeling connected to the CeD community; primary motivations for using social media were seeking peer support, gluten‑free recipes, information on new foods, dining options, and travel. However, nearly half (46%) indicated that they had received or accessed incorrect information via social media. Only 20% reported following a dietitian on social media.
Conclusion
Coeliac associations remain a highly valued source of information and support. Social media is also widely used by adults with CeD, highlighting the need for greater dietitian engagement on these platforms as part of patient education and ongoing support.
{"title":"Key Sources of Information and Support for Adults With Coeliac Disease: Coeliac Associations, Dietitians, Social Media and Cookbooks","authors":"Yvonne Jeanes, Humayun Muhammad, Ruksar Nishat, Katie Kennedy, Cristian Costas-Batlle, Nick Trott, Sue Reeves","doi":"10.1111/jhn.70202","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jhn.70202","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>There is variable and often inadequate access to dietitians with expertise in coeliac disease (CeD) and limited data on where patients access support for their only treatment: adhering to a gluten-free diet. This study aimed to provide an up-to-date report of where adults with CeD source useful information.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A cross-sectional online survey was undertaken during 2024. The survey was designed by specialist dietitians and a gastroenterologist. Questions addressed diagnosis, demographics, sources of gluten‑free diet information, their perceived usefulness, and exposure to inaccurate information. Adults with CeD were recruited through a customer database of GF foods in the UK and via social media.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Data from 675 adults with CeD showed that a high proportion rated information from coeliac associations (74%), peers with CeD (61%), cookbooks (56%), dietitians (50%), and the internet (52%) as highly useful, whereas only 15% reported information from General Practitioners (GPs) as highly useful. Among participants who regularly used social media (<i>n</i> = 360), 87% reported feeling connected to the CeD community; primary motivations for using social media were seeking peer support, gluten‑free recipes, information on new foods, dining options, and travel. However, nearly half (46%) indicated that they had received or accessed incorrect information via social media. Only 20% reported following a dietitian on social media.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Coeliac associations remain a highly valued source of information and support. Social media is also widely used by adults with CeD, highlighting the need for greater dietitian engagement on these platforms as part of patient education and ongoing support.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":54803,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics","volume":"39 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12816437/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146004553","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lisa C. Murnane, Adrienne K. Forsyth, Jim Koukounaras, Kalai Shaw, Eldho Paul, Wendy A. Brown, Audrey C. Tierney, Paul R. Burton
Introduction
Low skeletal muscle is prevalent and associated with poorer outcomes after oesophagogastric (OG) cancer surgery. However, sarcopenia, including strength and function, is less commonly assessed. Therefore, we aimed to describe the prevalence of sarcopenia and changes in diagnostic criteria within 1 year of OG cancer surgery.
Methods
This prospective observational study included OG cancer surgery patients from 2018 to 2021. Body composition was assessed using computed tomography (CT) and bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS). Low CT-defined skeletal muscle index (SMI) and myosteatosis were defined using published thresholds. Low fat-free mass index (FFMI) cut points were < 17 kg/m2 for men and < 15 kg/m2 for women. Hand grip strength (HGS, kg) and 6-metre walk test (metres/second) measured strength and function, respectively. Sarcopenia, defined using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2019 criteria, was assessed preoperatively, 2-, 6- and 12-weeks post-discharge and 6 and 12 months postoperatively.
Results
Forty-eight patients, predominantly male (63%) with a mean (SD) age of 64 (10.1) years, were included preoperatively, and 25 patients at 1 year. Low SMI (50%) and myosteatosis (50%) were prevalent preoperatively. Fewer patients had low FFMI (6%), low HGS (17%), and low walk speed (6%). The prevalence of Sarcopenia-CT was 15% preoperatively and 12% at 1-year (p = 0.32), and sarcopenia-BIS was 2% preoperatively and 3% at 1-year (p = 0.60).
Conclusions
Despite a high prevalence of low SMI and myosteatosis, sarcopenia was less common. Low muscle mass, with adequate strength and function, is a prominent feature. Given the negative outcomes of low SMI, muscle assessment remains a valuable and clinically meaningful measure.
{"title":"Changes in Components of Sarcopenia Diagnostic Criteria Throughout the Surgical Treatment of Oesophagogastric Cancer Surgery: A Prospective Longitudinal Study","authors":"Lisa C. Murnane, Adrienne K. Forsyth, Jim Koukounaras, Kalai Shaw, Eldho Paul, Wendy A. Brown, Audrey C. Tierney, Paul R. Burton","doi":"10.1111/jhn.70205","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jhn.70205","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Low skeletal muscle is prevalent and associated with poorer outcomes after oesophagogastric (OG) cancer surgery. However, sarcopenia, including strength and function, is less commonly assessed. Therefore, we aimed to describe the prevalence of sarcopenia and changes in diagnostic criteria within 1 year of OG cancer surgery.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This prospective observational study included OG cancer surgery patients from 2018 to 2021. Body composition was assessed using computed tomography (CT) and bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS). Low CT-defined skeletal muscle index (SMI) and myosteatosis were defined using published thresholds. Low fat-free mass index (FFMI) cut points were < 17 kg/m<sup>2</sup> for men and < 15 kg/m<sup>2</sup> for women. Hand grip strength (HGS, kg) and 6-metre walk test (metres/second) measured strength and function, respectively. Sarcopenia, defined using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2019 criteria, was assessed preoperatively, 2-, 6- and 12-weeks post-discharge and 6 and 12 months postoperatively.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Forty-eight patients, predominantly male (63%) with a mean (SD) age of 64 (10.1) years, were included preoperatively, and 25 patients at 1 year. Low SMI (50%) and myosteatosis (50%) were prevalent preoperatively. Fewer patients had low FFMI (6%), low HGS (17%), and low walk speed (6%). The prevalence of Sarcopenia-CT was 15% preoperatively and 12% at 1-year (<i>p</i> = 0.32), and sarcopenia-BIS was 2% preoperatively and 3% at 1-year (<i>p</i> = 0.60).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Despite a high prevalence of low SMI and myosteatosis, sarcopenia was less common. Low muscle mass, with adequate strength and function, is a prominent feature. Given the negative outcomes of low SMI, muscle assessment remains a valuable and clinically meaningful measure.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":54803,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics","volume":"39 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jhn.70205","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145999836","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zoe Zhang, Kyra A. Sim, Georgina Loughnan, Alesha Southby, Tania Markovic, Nora Shields, Janet L. Franklin
Introduction
Dietary management is essential to prevent obesity and related complications in people with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). Although PWS guidelines recommend controlled, energy-restricted diets, little is known about the diets of people with PWS in Australia. This study investigated nutritional adequacy and diet quality in this population.
Methods
Diets of 18 adolescents and 26 adults participating in a clinical trial of an exercise intervention were assessed using the Australian Eating Survey Food Frequency Questionnaire. Diet alignment with the Australian Dietary Guidelines was determined. Energy requirements were calculated from height and energy needs, based on body mass index (BMI) z-score or BMI category. Diet quality was measured using the Australian Recommended Food Score. Statistical analyses compared outcomes between BMI categories, age groups and living arrangements.
Results
Ten adolescents and 21 adults were overweight or obese. Diets exceeded recommended energy intakes by 85%–90%, but on average aligned with Australian Dietary Guidelines. People above the healthy weight range were less likely to be within the PWS-recommended energy intake (p < 0.01). Most met essential nutrient recommendations, except for excessive saturated fat and sodium, and inadequate calcium, iron and magnesium intake. The majority met recommended servings for three of the core food groups, with exceptions of grains and dairy. More than half of the participants exceeded recommended limits for discretionary food. People in supervised residences showed a higher vegetable intake but lower fruit variety. Overall diet quality and BMI distribution did not differ between living arrangements.
Conclusion
This study highlights the dietary patterns and the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in Australians with PWS. Overweight and obesity occurred despite strong adherence to Australian healthy dietary guidelines. PWS appropriate energy-restricted diets, including low-fat, calcium and iron-rich foods, are recommended to enhance health outcomes.
{"title":"Assessment of Nutrition Quality in People With Prader–Willi Syndrome in Australia","authors":"Zoe Zhang, Kyra A. Sim, Georgina Loughnan, Alesha Southby, Tania Markovic, Nora Shields, Janet L. Franklin","doi":"10.1111/jhn.70195","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jhn.70195","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Dietary management is essential to prevent obesity and related complications in people with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). Although PWS guidelines recommend controlled, energy-restricted diets, little is known about the diets of people with PWS in Australia. This study investigated nutritional adequacy and diet quality in this population.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Diets of 18 adolescents and 26 adults participating in a clinical trial of an exercise intervention were assessed using the Australian Eating Survey Food Frequency Questionnaire. Diet alignment with the Australian Dietary Guidelines was determined. Energy requirements were calculated from height and energy needs, based on body mass index (BMI) <i>z</i>-score or BMI category. Diet quality was measured using the Australian Recommended Food Score. Statistical analyses compared outcomes between BMI categories, age groups and living arrangements.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Ten adolescents and 21 adults were overweight or obese. Diets exceeded recommended energy intakes by 85%–90%, but on average aligned with Australian Dietary Guidelines. People above the healthy weight range were less likely to be within the PWS-recommended energy intake (<i>p</i> < 0.01). Most met essential nutrient recommendations, except for excessive saturated fat and sodium, and inadequate calcium, iron and magnesium intake. The majority met recommended servings for three of the core food groups, with exceptions of grains and dairy. More than half of the participants exceeded recommended limits for discretionary food. People in supervised residences showed a higher vegetable intake but lower fruit variety. Overall diet quality and BMI distribution did not differ between living arrangements.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study highlights the dietary patterns and the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in Australians with PWS. Overweight and obesity occurred despite strong adherence to Australian healthy dietary guidelines. PWS appropriate energy-restricted diets, including low-fat, calcium and iron-rich foods, are recommended to enhance health outcomes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":54803,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics","volume":"39 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145999804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Janani Balamurugan, Samuel Ayofemi Olalekan Adeyeye
Background
This review critically evaluates the applications of artificial intelligence in nutrigenomics, focusing on its role in interpreting functional food-gene interactions, supporting personalized nutrition strategies, and enabling evidence-based dietary interventions for improved health outcomes.
Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify studies published between 2010 and 2025 addressing AI applications in nutrigenomics and functional foods. Search terms included “artificial intelligence,” “nutrigenomics,” “personalized nutrition,” and “functional foods.” Retrieved records were screened for relevance, methodological rigor, and thematic alignment. Following title, abstract, and full-text screening based on predefined inclusion criteria, 176 articles were assessed in detail, and 142 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Data were extracted and synthesized to identify key trends, methodological approaches, research gaps.
Results
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming nutrigenomics by enabling personalized dietary recommendations based on genetic, metabolic, and lifestyle data. Machine learning and deep learning approaches facilitate the identification of complex gene-diet interactions, thereby improving the prediction of metabolic and disease-related outcomes. AI-based models support biomarker discovery, genotype-informed dietary guidance, and real-time monitoring through wearable and glucose-monitoring technologies, contributing to improved management of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. These tools enhance understanding of individual variability in dietary response and support precision nutrition strategies.
Conclusion
Despite challenges related to algorithmic bias, data privacy, and ethical governance, AI-driven nutrigenomics offers significant potential to advance personalized nutrition. Continued methodological refinement and responsible implementation are crucial for translating these innovations into clinically meaningful and equitable health applications.
背景：本综述批判性地评估了人工智能在营养基因组学中的应用，重点关注其在解释功能性食物-基因相互作用、支持个性化营养策略以及实现基于证据的饮食干预以改善健康结果方面的作用。方法：通过PubMed、Scopus、Web of Science和谷歌Scholar进行系统文献检索，确定2010年至2025年间发表的关于人工智能在营养基因组学和功能食品中的应用的研究。搜索词包括“人工智能”、“营养基因组学”、“个性化营养”和“功能性食品”。对检索到的记录进行相关性、方法严谨性和专题一致性筛选。根据预先确定的纳入标准对标题、摘要和全文进行筛选，对176篇文章进行了详细评估，并将142项研究纳入定性综合。数据提取和综合，以确定关键趋势，方法方法，研究差距。结果：人工智能（AI）通过实现基于遗传、代谢和生活方式数据的个性化饮食建议，正日益改变营养基因组学。机器学习和深度学习方法有助于识别复杂的基因-饮食相互作用，从而改进对代谢和疾病相关结果的预测。基于人工智能的模型支持生物标志物发现、基于基因型的饮食指导，以及通过可穿戴和血糖监测技术进行实时监测，有助于改善肥胖、糖尿病和心血管疾病的管理。这些工具加强了对饮食反应的个体差异的理解，并支持精确的营养策略。结论：尽管存在算法偏见、数据隐私和伦理治理方面的挑战，但人工智能驱动的营养基因组学为推进个性化营养提供了巨大的潜力。持续改进方法和负责任的实施对于将这些创新转化为有临床意义和公平的卫生应用至关重要。
{"title":"Artificial Intelligence in Nutrigenomics: A Critical Review on Functional Food Insights and Personalized Nutrition Pathways","authors":"Janani Balamurugan, Samuel Ayofemi Olalekan Adeyeye","doi":"10.1111/jhn.70200","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jhn.70200","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This review critically evaluates the applications of artificial intelligence in nutrigenomics, focusing on its role in interpreting functional food-gene interactions, supporting personalized nutrition strategies, and enabling evidence-based dietary interventions for improved health outcomes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify studies published between 2010 and 2025 addressing AI applications in nutrigenomics and functional foods. Search terms included “artificial intelligence,” “nutrigenomics,” “personalized nutrition,” and “functional foods.” Retrieved records were screened for relevance, methodological rigor, and thematic alignment. Following title, abstract, and full-text screening based on predefined inclusion criteria, 176 articles were assessed in detail, and 142 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Data were extracted and synthesized to identify key trends, methodological approaches, research gaps.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming nutrigenomics by enabling personalized dietary recommendations based on genetic, metabolic, and lifestyle data. Machine learning and deep learning approaches facilitate the identification of complex gene-diet interactions, thereby improving the prediction of metabolic and disease-related outcomes. AI-based models support biomarker discovery, genotype-informed dietary guidance, and real-time monitoring through wearable and glucose-monitoring technologies, contributing to improved management of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. These tools enhance understanding of individual variability in dietary response and support precision nutrition strategies.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Despite challenges related to algorithmic bias, data privacy, and ethical governance, AI-driven nutrigenomics offers significant potential to advance personalized nutrition. Continued methodological refinement and responsible implementation are crucial for translating these innovations into clinically meaningful and equitable health applications.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":54803,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics","volume":"39 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145991904","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hayriye Biyikoglu, Yuen Ting Tse, Rutian Ding, Freda E. Mold, Adam L. Collins
<div> <section> <h3> Background</h3> <p>Intermittent carbohydrate restriction (ICARB) presents a promising alternative to intermittent energy restriction for improving metabolic health; however, its practicality in real-world settings remains underexplored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, adherence, and acceptability of a 4-week ICARB protocol in free-living adults without prescribed energy restriction.</p> </section> <section> <h3> Methods</h3> <p>Healthy adults aged 19–65 years with a BMI of 19–39 kg/m² who were weight-stable, not following a restrictive diet, and free from diagnosed medical conditions were recruited. Exclusion criteria included high physical activity ( > 3 sessions/week), use of weight-altering medications, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and indicators of disordered eating or poor sleep quality. Participants followed a 4-week ICARB protocol, limiting carbohydrate intake to ≤ 50 g on two non-consecutive days per week while maintaining unrestricted intake on the remaining days. Participant perceptions were evaluated through qualitative exit interviews whilst changes in dietary intake, body weight, adiposity, resting energy expenditure (REE), and fasted respiratory quotient (RQ) were also measured.</p> </section> <section> <h3> Results</h3> <p>A total of 37 participants were enrolled, with 34 completing the study (16 male; mean age 22.3 ± 5.4 years; 10 with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m<sup>2</sup>). On low-carbohydrate days, 24 of 28 participants achieved the ≤ 50 g/day target at both weeks 1 and 4, with mean carbohydrate reduction of 128.7 ± 90.4 g/day in Week 1 and 136.9 ± 101.8 g/day in Week 4 (both <i>p</i> < 0.0001) compared with non-restricted days, reflecting strong adherence to the regimen. Participants who were overweight showed significant reductions in body weight ( − 1.1 ± 1.4 kg; <i>p</i> = 0.04) and fat mass ( − 0.95 ± 1.0 kg; <i>p</i> = 0.02), while no group-level changes were observed. Notably, most participants expressed a willingness to maintain the diet beyond the study period, with suggested durations spanning from an additional 2 weeks to indefinitely. Exit interviews highlighted perceived benefits, including improved dietary awareness, energy, and mood, alongside challenges such as identifying foods that met the carbohydrate criteria, navigating social eating occasions and limited food choices when dining out. Participants also described adaptation strategies, including meal planning and forming consistent routines.</p> </section> <section> <h3> Conclusion</h3> <p>The ICARB protocol was feasible and acceptable over 4 weeks under free-living conditions. These findings support
{"title":"Exploring Adherence and Acceptability of an Intermittent Carbohydrate Restriction Regime (ICARB) in Free-Living Adults: A Feasibility Study","authors":"Hayriye Biyikoglu, Yuen Ting Tse, Rutian Ding, Freda E. Mold, Adam L. Collins","doi":"10.1111/jhn.70188","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jhn.70188","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Intermittent carbohydrate restriction (ICARB) presents a promising alternative to intermittent energy restriction for improving metabolic health; however, its practicality in real-world settings remains underexplored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, adherence, and acceptability of a 4-week ICARB protocol in free-living adults without prescribed energy restriction.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Healthy adults aged 19–65 years with a BMI of 19–39 kg/m² who were weight-stable, not following a restrictive diet, and free from diagnosed medical conditions were recruited. Exclusion criteria included high physical activity ( > 3 sessions/week), use of weight-altering medications, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and indicators of disordered eating or poor sleep quality. Participants followed a 4-week ICARB protocol, limiting carbohydrate intake to ≤ 50 g on two non-consecutive days per week while maintaining unrestricted intake on the remaining days. Participant perceptions were evaluated through qualitative exit interviews whilst changes in dietary intake, body weight, adiposity, resting energy expenditure (REE), and fasted respiratory quotient (RQ) were also measured.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A total of 37 participants were enrolled, with 34 completing the study (16 male; mean age 22.3 ± 5.4 years; 10 with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m<sup>2</sup>). On low-carbohydrate days, 24 of 28 participants achieved the ≤ 50 g/day target at both weeks 1 and 4, with mean carbohydrate reduction of 128.7 ± 90.4 g/day in Week 1 and 136.9 ± 101.8 g/day in Week 4 (both <i>p</i> < 0.0001) compared with non-restricted days, reflecting strong adherence to the regimen. Participants who were overweight showed significant reductions in body weight ( − 1.1 ± 1.4 kg; <i>p</i> = 0.04) and fat mass ( − 0.95 ± 1.0 kg; <i>p</i> = 0.02), while no group-level changes were observed. Notably, most participants expressed a willingness to maintain the diet beyond the study period, with suggested durations spanning from an additional 2 weeks to indefinitely. Exit interviews highlighted perceived benefits, including improved dietary awareness, energy, and mood, alongside challenges such as identifying foods that met the carbohydrate criteria, navigating social eating occasions and limited food choices when dining out. Participants also described adaptation strategies, including meal planning and forming consistent routines.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The ICARB protocol was feasible and acceptable over 4 weeks under free-living conditions. These findings support ","PeriodicalId":54803,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics","volume":"39 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145971380","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aimone Ferri, Elizabeth Schneider, Alice Lucey, Áine Hennessy, Paul D. Cotter, Ramya Balasubramanian, Gerard Clarke, John F. Cryan
Background
Fermented foods can confer benefits to human health and modulate the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Fermented foods are gaining popularity in Western cultures, with increasing calls for their inclusion in national dietary guidelines. As no specific validated measure to capture fermented food intake exists, this study aimed to develop and validate a fermented food intake questionnaire (FFIQ) to assess habitual intake in adults from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, aged 18−60 years.
Methods
A 32-item self-administered FFIQ, informed by available international food consumption data for adults, was developed and subsequently validated in an online sample of 167 adults using six online 24-h automated dietary recalls (intake24.com) as the reference method. Correlation and Bland–Altman analyses were used to assess agreement and bias between the FFIQ and the 24-h dietary recalls.
Results
The most frequently consumed fermented foods were cheeses, yoghurt, kefir and kombucha. Median (Interquartile range) intake of total fermented food was 85.4 (42.3, 143.0) g/day for the FFIQ and 54.9 (20.8, 112.1) g/day for the average of the 24-h dietary recalls, respectively and showed good agreement for total fermented food consumption (r = 0.56, p < 0.001) and for most individual fermented foods and food categories. The FFIQ classified 93.4% of participants in the same or adjacent tertile of total fermented food intake. Bland–Altman plots for total intake of fermented food demonstrated good agreement between the FFIQ and the 24 h recalls. The FFIQ also showed good to excellent reliability upon re-administration for most fermented foods as indicated by the intraclass correlation coefficients.
Conclusions
The FFIQ provides a robust estimate of fermented food consumption among adults from English-first language countries. This will be a valuable resource with potential applications in clinical and epidemiological research aimed at exploring associations between fermented foods and health outcomes.
{"title":"Development and Validation of a Food Frequency Questionnaire to Assess Fermented Food Consumption in Adults","authors":"Aimone Ferri, Elizabeth Schneider, Alice Lucey, Áine Hennessy, Paul D. Cotter, Ramya Balasubramanian, Gerard Clarke, John F. Cryan","doi":"10.1111/jhn.70183","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jhn.70183","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Fermented foods can confer benefits to human health and modulate the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Fermented foods are gaining popularity in Western cultures, with increasing calls for their inclusion in national dietary guidelines. As no specific validated measure to capture fermented food intake exists, this study aimed to develop and validate a fermented food intake questionnaire (FFIQ) to assess habitual intake in adults from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, aged 18−60 years.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A 32-item self-administered FFIQ, informed by available international food consumption data for adults, was developed and subsequently validated in an online sample of 167 adults using six online 24-h automated dietary recalls (intake24.com) as the reference method. Correlation and Bland–Altman analyses were used to assess agreement and bias between the FFIQ and the 24-h dietary recalls.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The most frequently consumed fermented foods were cheeses, yoghurt, kefir and kombucha. Median (Interquartile range) intake of total fermented food was 85.4 (42.3, 143.0) g/day for the FFIQ and 54.9 (20.8, 112.1) g/day for the average of the 24-h dietary recalls, respectively and showed good agreement for total fermented food consumption (<i>r</i> = 0.56, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and for most individual fermented foods and food categories. The FFIQ classified 93.4% of participants in the same or adjacent tertile of total fermented food intake. Bland–Altman plots for total intake of fermented food demonstrated good agreement between the FFIQ and the 24 h recalls. The FFIQ also showed good to excellent reliability upon re-administration for most fermented foods as indicated by the intraclass correlation coefficients.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The FFIQ provides a robust estimate of fermented food consumption among adults from English-first language countries. This will be a valuable resource with potential applications in clinical and epidemiological research aimed at exploring associations between fermented foods and health outcomes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":54803,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics","volume":"39 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12801178/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145967795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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