We aimed to compare the mean sodium content of New Zealand (NZ) packaged breads in 2013 and 2023 and assess compliance with the NZ Heart Foundation (HF) and World Health Organization (WHO) sodium reduction benchmarks. Sodium data were obtained from a supermarket food composition database. Mean differences between years were assessed using independent samples t-tests and chi-square tests. There was a significant reduction in the sodium content of all bread from 2013 (n=345) to 2023 (n=309) of 46 mg/100g (p<0.001). In 2013, 20% (n=70/345) of breads met the HF benchmarks, and 10% (33/345) met the WHO benchmarks; corresponding values for 2023 were 45% (n=138/309) and 18% (n=57/309) (p<0.001 for both). If continued, the modest reduction in sodium content and increase in the percentage of NZ breads meeting relevant sodium reduction benchmarks could positively affect public health, particularly if extended across the packaged food supply.

Femoral neck bone mineral density (FNBMD) is a high risk factor for femoral head fractures, and coffee intake affects bone mineral density, but the effect on FNBMD remains to be explored. First, we conducted an observational study in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and collected data on coffee intake, FNBMD, and sixteen covariates. Weight linear regression was used to explore the association of coffee intake with FNBMD. Then, Mendelian randomisation (MR) was used to explore the causal relationship between coffee intake and FNBMD, the exposure factor was coffee intake, and the outcome factor was FNBMD. The inverse variance weighting (IVW) method was used for the analysis, while heterogeneity tests, sensitivity, and pleiotropy analysis were performed. A total of 5 915 people were included in the cross-sectional study, including 3 178 men and 2 737 women. In the completely adjusted model, no coffee was used as a reference. The ORs for the overall population at ‘< 1’, ‘1–<2’, ‘2–<4’, and ‘4+’ (95% CI) were 0.02 (–0.01, 0.04), 0.00 (–0.01, 0.02), –0.01 (–0.02, 0.00), and 0.00 (–0.01, 0.02), respectively. The male and female population showed no statistically significant differences in both univariate and multivariate linear regressions. In the MR study, the IVW results showed an OR (95% CI) of 1.06 (0.88–1.27), a P-value of 0.55, and an overall F-value of 80.31. The heterogeneity, sensitivity analyses, and pleiotropy had no statistical significance. Our study used cross-sectional studies and MR to demonstrate that there is no correlation or causal relationship between coffee intake and FNBMD.

Overconsumption of unhealthy, discretionary, foods and beverages are associated with an increased risk of weight gain and non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. This cross-sectional study explored preferences for setting goals to reduce discretionary food and beverage consumption. The online survey included items about discretionary food and beverage intake, goal setting preferences to reduce intake, habit strength, personality traits, and demographic characteristics. A total of 2664 Australian adults completed the survey. The sample was mostly female (65.9%), half (52.8%) were aged between 30–49 years, and the median intake of discretionary food and beverages was 4.9 (IQR: 3.6 to 7.2) serves per day. Multinomial logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression models were used to explore demographic and psychological predictors of the helpfulness of long-term and short-term goals, elimination and gradual goals, specific food goals, specific eating occasion and food goals, self-set goals, collaboratively set goals, and assigned goals. The results showed participants with higher habit strength had greater odds of finding short-term (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.06–1.86), gradual (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01–1.29), specific (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.84–1.76), assigned (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.14–1.66) and collaborative goals (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01–1.53) helpful. The results also indicated that age and gender were important predictors of goal setting preferences, particularly for long-term goals, elimination goals, broad goals, and collaborative goals. Interventions to reduce discretionary food and beverage intake are needed and consideration of goal setting preferences could be a novel way to developing more tailored and effective dietary interventions.

The NutriLight system presents a novel dietary approach designed to enhance health communication, promote sustainable eating habits, and address limitations in existing dietary patterns. Using a traffic light scoring system, it simplifies dietary recommendations, making them more accessible and adaptable across diverse populations. Unlike rigid diets, NutriLight categorises foods into green, yellow, and red groups, encouraging balance rather than restriction. This flexibility allows for cultural adaptations, ensuring relevance in different dietary contexts while supporting planetary health. Additionally, NutriLight mitigates the risk of nutrient deficiencies by emphasising whole, minimally processed foods and reducing overconsumption of unhealthy options. While promising, its effectiveness depends on proper implementation, localised adaptation, and long-term evaluation to confirm its health benefits. By bridging the gap between nutritional science and practical application, NutriLight has the potential to serve as an effective tool in public health nutrition, fostering healthier and more sustainable dietary choices worldwide.

In individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eliminating dietary triggers can alleviate symptoms but may lead to nutrient deficiencies and overall health decline. Although various nutritional supplements show promising results in relieving IBS symptoms due to their potential to alter the microbiome, conclusive scientific evidence remains lacking. This exploratory study aims to assess the bifidogenic properties of four nutritional supplement interventions and their impact on IBS-symptoms, faecal microbiota composition, faecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations, stool pattern, and quality of life (QoL), compared to a placebo control. Seventy subjects with IBS, meeting the ROME IV criteria, participated in this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel intervention study. Subjects were assigned to one of the four treatment groups, receiving either resistant starch, pea fibre, chondroitin sulfate, protein hydrolysate, or placebo daily for four weeks. Daily reports on stool pattern and gastrointestinal complaints were collected. Stool samples and questionnaires on dietary intake, symptom severity, QoL, and anxiety and depression were collected at baseline and after the 4-week intervention. The results show no significant increase in Bifidobacterium abundance or faecal SCFA levels after the 4-week intervention with any of the four nutritional supplement interventions. While some improvements in symptom severity and QoL were observed within-groups, these were not significantly different from changes observed with placebo. In conclusion, the tested nutritional supplements did not increase Bifidobacterium abundance in subjects with IBS within four weeks. Furthermore, we conclude that future studies should consider a run-in period and a larger sample size to study improvements in IBS symptoms.

Epidemiological studies have reported an association between the planetary health diet (PHD), diet-related greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs), and mortality. However, data from individuals from non-Western countries was limited. Therefore, we aimed to examine this association among Japanese individuals using a cross-sectional ecological study of all 47 prefectures in Japan. Prefecture-level data were obtained from government surveys. The dietary amount was estimated based on the weight of food purchased (211 items) from the 2021–2023 Family Income and Expenditure Survey. Adherence to PHD was scored using the EAT-Lancet index (range, 0 [worst] to 42 [best]) and categorised into four groups: ≤ 24 (n = 14, low), 25 (n = 17, medium-low), 26 (n = 10, medium-high), and 27 points (n = 6, high). Diet-related GHGEs were estimated using previously developed GHGE tables for each food item. Mortality data were obtained using the 2022 Vital Statistics. Mortality rate ratio (RR) was calculated using a multivariate Poisson regression model. After adjusting for confounders, compared to the prefecture in the medium-low group of adherence score, those in the low and high groups were associated with a higher mortality RR for all-cause (low group: RR = 1.03 [95% CI (confidence interval) = 1.01–1.05]; high group: RR = 1.03 [95% CI = 1.00–1.07]) and pneumonia. Moreover, although a higher adherence score was inversely associated with GHGE, it was linked to an increased mortality risk from heart disease and stroke. Our findings indicate a reverse J-shaped association between adherence to PHD and mortality.

Legume lectins represent a broad class of environmental toxicants that bind to cell surface glycoproteins. Raw red kidney beans (RRKB), a widely consumed common source of dietary protein, are rich in the lectin phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Consumption of improperly cooked (which may require overnight presoaking and boiling at least at 100°C for 45 min) red kidney beans causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Since the relationship between lectin toxicity and the cellular chaperone machinery remains unknown, the study aimed to determine the effects of heat-denatured PHA on epithelial barrier function and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression and its function as a molecular chaperone in PHA-treated Caco-2 cells and animals. Twelve male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomised to an ad libitum diet of either standard rat chow or chow containing 26% crude red kidney beans. We measured HSP70 and heat shock factor 1 gene expressions in the small intestine and HSP70 protein expression in Caco-2 cells. In Caco-2 cells, luciferase activity was measured to investigate protein folding. Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate (FITC)-labelled lectin was used to study its intracellular uptake by Caco-2 cells. PHA lectin reduced transepithelial electrical resistance in Caco-2 cells. FITC-labelled PHA entered Caco-2 cells within 3 h of treatment. PHA treatment significantly reduced HSP70 levels and luciferase activity in Caco-2 cells, which was prevented by HSP70 overexpression. In rats fed RRKB chow consisting of legume lectins, we found reduced levels of HSP70 and heat shock factor 1. These observations suggest that lectins counter the protective function of HSP70 on intestinal barrier function.

Interest in probiotics and prebiotics in sports nutrition is growing, but research on Jordanian athletes remains limited. While gut microbiota influences athletic performance, little is known about athletes’ understanding and use of probiotic- and prebiotic-rich foods in this region. This exploratory study investigates the knowledge, dietary habits, and correlations with gastrointestinal (GI) problems among Jordanian athletes to inform future research and interventions. The study provides insights into how awareness and consumption of gut-supportive foods can impact GI health, offering broader nutritional implications for global dietary strategies for athletes. A standardised questionnaire was administered to 324 athletes (ages 18–22) to assess knowledge, dietary practices, and GI symptoms. Descriptive statistics summarised the data, and chi-square tests examined associations among knowledge, diet, and GI symptoms (p < 0.05). Knowledge and diet were scored based on correct responses and reported intake of gut-supporting foods. Results showed that 55.9% of athletes were familiar with probiotics and 32.1% with prebiotics. The majority reported low consumption of probiotic- and prebiotic-rich foods, with 72.2% scoring low on diet intake. Although 60.5% seldom consumed fast food, overall intake of gut-supportive foods was limited. No statistically significant associations were found, but a weak positive trend between dietary habits and GI symptoms was observed, suggesting diet may have a modest influence on GI health. Living arrangements influenced both dietary choices and GI symptoms. This study highlights the need for targeted nutrition education to improve awareness and intake of probiotics and prebiotics, potentially supporting GI health and enhancing athletic performance.

Vegetable consumption in many countries is less than recommended and even lower in low-income households. This study explored the determinants of current vegetable food choice in households with limited food budgets to inform the implementation of a national vegetable promotion programme. Five focus groups and one individual interview were conducted with twenty-nine parents who self-identified as ‘shopping on a budget’ in an area of multiple deprivation in the southeast of England. Transcripts of audio recordings were coded in NVivo and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Four main themes which shaped the range of vegetables brought into the home were identified: (1) attributes of vegetables, (2) attributes of parents including their vegetable norms, knowledge and skills (veg-literacy), and interest and opportunity to invest time and effort in vegetables, (3) family food dynamics, and (4) influence of retailers. Overarching this was parents’ capacity to absorb the risk of wasting food, money, time, and effort on vegetables and damaging trust in the parent–child food relationship. The data suggest there is a common set of ‘core vegetables’, which are routinely bought. When money is tight, parents only buy vegetables they know their children will eat and are generally not persuaded to buy ‘off-list’ in response to price discounts or promotions. Cost is not always the main barrier to increased vegetable purchase. To avoid unintentionally widening dietary inequalities, supply-side interventions to promote vegetable consumption need to be designed alongside targeted actions that enhance the capacity of low-income households to respond.

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have negative health consequences. Food insecurity and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are associated with higher UPF intake in U.S. adults, but this has not been examined in U.S. adolescents. This study assesses associations between food security status and SNAP participation with UPF intake in 3,067 adolescents aged 12–19 years with household incomes at or below 300% of the federal poverty line from the 2007–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. UPF is defined using the Nova classification and measured as a percentage of daily total energy intake (TEI). High food security, marginal food security, or food insecurity status was determined through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s eighteen-item Household Food Security Survey. SNAP participation was deemed affirmative if the household reported receiving SNAP benefits in the last year. Multivariable linear regressions that controlled for TEI and sociodemographic covariates and accounted for the complex survey design examined associations between food insecurity and SNAP participation with UPF intake. In the sample, the prevalence of marginal food security was 15.9%, the prevalence of food insecurity was 33.8%, and the prevalence of SNAP participation was 36.5%. After multivariate adjustment, there were no significant differences in UPF intake by food security status. Adolescents participating in SNAP consumed 2.7% higher UPF intake (95% CI: 0.1%, 5.2%, p = 0.04) compared to adolescents not participating in SNAP. Among lower-income U.S. adolescents, SNAP participation but not food security status was associated with higher UPF intake. Programs and policies promoting the intake of more healthful, minimally processed foods should be strengthened.

The aim of the study is to assess the dietary knowledge and practices of Lebanese patients with diabetes not receiving dietary counselling in a low-income setting. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 317 Lebanese adult patients, not receiving dietary counselling in North Lebanon. Patients completed a questionnaire evaluating their sociodemographic, health and clinical characteristics as well as their dietary knowledge (DK) and practices. The mean total DK score as well as the mean scores for each category were calculated for the whole sample, transformed into percentages of maximal score and classified into poor (< 50%), good (50–75%) and adequate (> 75%). Patients had a good, but not optimal total DK (51.66%). Similarly, they also had a good knowledge related to carbohydrates (52.16%) and fat (52.5%), and to food type (60.83%). On the other hand, they had a poor knowledge about food choices (35.66%) and protein (44%). Linear regression analysis revealed that a higher educational level (β = 1.96, p < 0.001), choosing whole grains (β = 1.19, p = 0.002), living with a partner (β = 1.01, p = 0.007), being recently diagnosed with diabetes (β = –1.23, p = 0.012) were positively associated with a better DK. Furthermore, patients who suffered from type I diabetes had a better DK compared to those suffering from type 2 diabetes (β = –1.31, p = 0.016). The nutritional knowledge of the patients with diabetes not receiving dietary counselling is good but not optimal. Dietitians and doctors should collaborate to provide patient-centred and individualised dietary education to patients with diabetes.

Phase Angle (PhA) has emerged as an important parameter to monitor body composition, fluid status, muscle integrity, and physical performance among athletes. However, limited information exists regarding the associations between PhA and dietary intake, especially in athletes. This study aimed to identify the dietary intake components associated with PhA in athletes. This cross-sectional observational study was carried out with 153 athletes across 17 sports. Body composition was assessed by tetrapolar multifrequency BIA, and dietary intake by 24-hour dietary recalls administered on non-consecutive days. Reported foods and supplements were categorised into different groups (i.e. cereals, vegetables, fruits, beans and nuts, meat and eggs, dairy products, oils, and sugars), with portions established based on the food’s total energy content. Fat-free mass and fat-free mass index were higher in male compared to female athletes, potentially influencing PhA (6.6º vs 5.5º; P < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that protein intake was a significant predictor of PhA in athletes. This association remained significant even after adjustments for sex, age, and fat-free mass (R2 = 0.48, β = 0.27, P = 0.02). The positive correlation observed between dietary protein and PhA reinforces the need for adequate daily protein intake to enhance PhA in athletes. Further studies investigating the effect of diet-induced changes in PhA within the athletic population are necessary.

This repeated cross-sectional study assessed the validity and reproducibility of the myfood24® dietary assessment tool against dietary intake biomarkers in healthy Danish adults. The study included 71 healthy adults (14/57 m/f), aged 53.2 ± 9.1 years with an average BMI of 26.1 ± 0.3 kg/m2. Participants were instructed to complete seven-day weighed food records using myfood24® at baseline and 4 ± 1 weeks thereafter. Estimated mean dietary intake was compared with objective measures of energy metabolism and selected dietary intake biomarkers in fasting blood (folate) and in 24-hour urine (urea, potassium). Resting energy expenditure was measured by indirect calorimetry. Application of the Goldberg cut-off classified 87% (n = 62) of participants as acceptable reporters. A strong Spearman’s rank correlation was observed between total folate intake and serum folate (ρ = 0.62). Acceptable correlations were noted for serum folate (ρ = 0.49) and urinary potassium excretion (ρ = 0.44) with estimated and measured protein intake (ρ = 0.45); energy intake and total energy expenditure (ρ = 0.38); potassium intake and potassium excretion (ρ = 0.42); and estimated fruit and vegetable intake. Reproducibility analysis revealed strong correlations (ρ ≥ 0.50) across most nutrients and food groups, except for fish and vitamin D (ρ = 0.30 and ρ = 0.26, respectively). Notably, reproducibility for folate and total vegetable intake exhibited the highest correlations (ρ = 0.84 and ρ = 0.78, respectively). In conclusion, while some limitations exist, myfood24® remains a useful tool for ranking individuals by intake, particularly in studies focusing on relative comparisons.

The objective of this study was to explore the knowledge and attitudes regarding seafood safety and consumption, along with preferences and environmental issues in coastal Bangladesh. A cross-sectional, consumer-based survey was conducted in Bangladesh from September to November 2023, targeting 1100 participants aged 18 years and older across seven coastal districts. Convenience sampling and in-person interviews were used for the data collection. The average knowledge and attitude scores toward seafood safety and consumption were 48.2% and 63.5%, respectively. Several factors influenced seafood safety and consumption knowledge, including age, education level, family size, religion, and residence in coastal areas (all P < 0.05). In contrast, attitudes toward seafood safety and consumption were shaped by education level, family size, employment status, seafood allergies, and history of seafood poisoning (all P < 0.05). The most commonly consumed seafood was rupchanda, followed by shrimp. Most participants consumed seafood for its health benefits, with no significant seasonal impact on seafood consumption. Overfishing and climate change were recognised as the most alarming environmental dangers identified by the participants. Coastal communities in Bangladesh have demonstrated moderate attitudes, but relatively low knowledge of seafood safety and consumption. Targeted educational programmes, including community workshops on safe handling and storage, school-based programmes on marine conservation, and digital campaigns via SMS/social media, are needed to improve seafood safety knowledge, while promoting sustainable consumption practices is crucial for addressing environmental concerns like overfishing. Additionally, improving market accessibility and highlighting the health advantages of seafood can drive more informed and healthier consumption choices.

Although B vitamins have been shown to play beneficial roles in bone health, the effects of vitamin B1 in humans are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin B1 supplementation on middle-aged and older adults. This single-armed trial study included community-dwelling adults in Japan and used a pre- and post-test design. The participants were given 28.0 mg of vitamin B1 supplementation per day for 1 month in addition to their daily usual diet. The effect of this treatment on bone turnover markers and metabolism was evaluated at baseline and after 1 month. Forty-two participants were enrolled (mean age, 58.6 ± 10.4 years; 36 women). The vitamin B1 levels in whole blood increased significantly from baseline after vitamin B1 supplementation. The level of serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP 5b), a bone resorption marker, reduced significantly (378 ± 135 vs. 335 ± 120 mU/dL, p < 0.001), while the level of N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (P1NP), a marker specific to bone formation, did not change. Moreover, the serum phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations did not change, whereas the corrected serum calcium concentrations increased and vitamin D concentrations decreased. The serum TRACP 5b levels decreased after vitamin B1 supplementation in the middle-aged and older adults. Further definitive trials are needed to determine the efficacy of vitamin B1 in improving bone health.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the correlation between magnesium consumption and periodontitis in different body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) groups. 8385 adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during 2009–2014 were included. The correlation between dietary magnesium intake and periodontitis was first tested for statistical significance by descriptive statistics and weighted binary logistic regression. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests were performed to investigate whether the association was stable in different BMI and WC groups. There was a statistical difference in magnesium intake between periodontitis and non-periodontitis populations. In model 3, participants with the highest magnesium consumption had an odds ratio of 0.72 (0.57-0.92) for periodontitis compared to those with the lowest magnesium consumption. However, in subgroup analysis, the relationship between magnesium intake and periodontitis remained significant only in the non-general obese (BMI ≤ 30 kg/m2) and non-abdominal obese populations (WC ≤ 102 cm in men and ≤ 88 cm in women). Dietary magnesium intake might decrease the periodontitis prevalence in the American population, and this beneficial periodontal health role of magnesium consumption might only be evident in non-general obese and non-abdominal obese populations.