To examine differences in fruit and vegetable intake and food insecurity between Black African and Caribbean and South Asian (Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi) ethnic minority groups with a White British/Irish reference population in the UK. This study was part of the TANGERINE project (nuTritional heAlth aNd aGeing in oldER ethnIc miNoritiEs).

Longitudinal analysis using multilevel logistic regression from Understanding Society and a cross-sectional comparison with UK Biobank.

Understanding Society waves 2 (2010–2012), 5 (2013–2015), 7 (2015–2017), 9 (2017–2019) 11 (2019–2021) and 13 (2021–2023). UK Biobank baseline data (2006–2010).

Understanding Society: adults aged 16 years and above (approximately 44 000 households). UK Biobank: participants aged 37–73 years (n = 502 412).

At wave 2, African, Caribbean, Pakistani and Bangladeshi participants in Understanding Society had lower odds of daily vegetable intake than White British/Irish participants, with Pakistanis showing the lowest intake. These disparities persisted after adjusting for socio-economic position (SEP) at individual and area levels, particularly for Caribbean and Pakistani groups. Indians consistently had higher odds of vegetable intake. Ethnic differences in fruit intake were smaller and largely attenuated by SEP adjustment. Food insecurity was more prevalent in all ethnic minority groups (except Indians) and associated with lower vegetable and fruit intake, though SEP explains more of the ethnic difference.

Ethnic differences in fruit and vegetable intake are at least partially explained by SEP, with persistent vegetable consumption disparities after adjustment. Culturally tailored interventions addressing affordability, accessibility and SEP disparities are needed to improve dietary behaviours among minority ethnic groups.

To investigate associations between dietary intake and patterns of food preparation by age group.

This cross-sectional study analysed dietary intake data from the most recent Portuguese National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. Cluster analysis categorised dietary intake based on the source of food preparation. Regression models were used to study the association between dietary daily intake, Healthy Eating Score (HES) and patterns of food preparation.

Portugal, using data representative of the Portuguese population.

A total of 5005 Portuguese residents aged 3–84 years were included in the analysis. Dietary intake and food preparation patterns were examined by age group.

The predominant pattern of food preparation was food prepared by restaurants, canteens and other away-from-home establishments (45·9 %, 95 % CI = 43·8, 48·1). Children and adolescents in this pattern had significantly higher intakes of energy and carbohydrates but lower protein intake compared with those consuming predominantly home-prepared foods. Among adults and the elderly, this pattern was associated with higher intakes of energy, saturated fats, trans fats and free sugars and lower fibre intake. Additionally, children and adolescents whose diets predominantly included food prepared away-from-home showed a decrease in HES (β = –0·7, 95 % CI = –1·3, –0·2), and adults experienced a greater reduction (β = –1·2, 95 % CI = –1·5, –0·9).

In Portugal, consuming food prepared away from home is associated with poorer dietary quality, with higher energy and unhealthy nutrient intake and lower HES, suggesting a need for interventions focused on promoting healthier food preparation practices.

Shifts in food acquisition during the COVID-19 pandemic may have affected diet. Assessing changes in diet is needed to inform food assistance programs aimed at mitigating diet disparities during future crises. This longitudinal study assessed changes in diet among a low-income, racially diverse population from March-November 2020.

Survey data were collected from 291 adults living in Austin, TX. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression models assessed the relationship between changes in consumption of fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables (FV), and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and the following food acquisition factors: food security, difficulty finding food, food bank usage, and food shopping method.

Adjusted models indicated individuals with consistent food insecurity had increased odds of reporting a higher category of consumption for frozen (aOR = 2.13, P < 0.05, CI:1.18-3.85) and canned (aOR = 4.04, P < 0.01, CI:2.27-7.20) FV and SSB (aOR = 3.01, P < 0.01, CI:1.65-5.51). Individuals who reported using a food bank were more likely to report increased consumption of frozen (aOR = 2.14, P < 0.05, CI:1.22-3.76) and canned FV (aOR = 2.91, P < 0.01, CI:1.69-4.99).

Shifts in food acquisition factors were associated with changes in diet. Findings demonstrate the need for more robust food assistance programs that specifically focus on all dimensions of food security.

To describe the development and validation of the Nova FFQ (NovaFFQ) for Brazilian adults.

The NovaFFQ is a self-administered, semi-quantitative questionnaire. The food list includes the most consumed foods and drinks based on 2017–2018 National Food Intake Survey data. We identified and differentiated foods that could be classified into multiple Nova groups. We assessed reproducibility and criterion validity using the percent energy contribution of each Nova group. Reproducibility was assessed by comparing NovaFFQ estimates on two occasions. Criterion validity was assessed by comparing the first NovaFFQ estimate against the mean of two Nova24h recalls. We estimated the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for both analyses and assessed the agreement of classification into quintiles using the prevalence-and-bias-adjusted kappa coefficients for criterion validity analysis.

Nationwide Brazilian study, the NutriNet-Brasil cohort.

There were 243 participants in the reproducibility analysis and 376 in the criterion validity analysis.

Strong reproducibility was observed, with an ICC of 0·91 for all the Nova groups. Criterion validity showed a moderate ICC, ranging from 0·61 for processed and ultra-processed foods (UPF) to 0·65 for unprocessed and minimally processed foods. Substantial agreement in ranking individuals across quintiles was found, as indicated by the prevalence-and-bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK = 0·74, 0·72, 0·70 and 0·73 for unprocessed and minimally processed foods, culinary ingredients and processed and ultra-processed foods, respectively).

The NovaFFQ is a valid instrument for assessing food consumption by processing level, especially for discriminating individuals according to the magnitude of consumption in all Nova groups.

To investigate the intake of iodine in mother–infant pairs.

An exploratory, cross-sectional study. Iodine intake was estimated using Nutritics nutritional analysis software, following 24-h dietary recall. Iodine-rich foods were grouped and compared between those women who met the UK reference nutrient intake (RNI) for iodine (140 µg/d) and those who did not.

Online and telephone questionnaires.

Self-selecting caregivers of infants aged 6–12 months.

Ninety-one mother–infant pairs with a mean (sd) age of 33·2 (4·1) years and 8·4 (1·3) months, respectively, were included. Most mothers were exclusively breast-feeding (54·9 %). The estimated maternal median iodine intake from food and supplements (median 140·3 µg/d, just meeting the UK RNI for women of reproductive age, but not the World Health Organisation (WHO) or British Dietetic Association (BDA) recommendations for lactating women (250 µg/d and 200 µg/d, respectively). Forty-six (50·5 %) of mothers met the UK RNI. Estimated intakes of fish, eggs, cow’s milk and yoghurt/cream/dairy desserts were significantly greater, whilst intakes of plant-based milk alternative drinks were significantly less in mothers who met the RNI for iodine (P < 0·05) compared with those who did not. Infant iodine intake from food was positively correlated with maternal; total iodine intake, iodine intake from all food and iodine intake from dairy foods (Spearman’s rho = 0·243, 0·238, 0·264, respectively; P < 0·05).

Women in the UK may not consume enough iodine to meet the demands of lactation. Guidance on iodine-containing foods, focussed on intake before and during pregnancy and lactation and mandatory fortification of plant-based milk-alternatives could all serve to avoid deficiency.

n-6 and n-3 long-chain PUFA play opposing roles in inflammation, anxiety and nociception, all of which are closely associated with chronic pain. We hypothesised that diets high in n-6 arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6, AA) and low in combined n-3 EPA (C20:5n-3, EPA) and DHA (C22:6n-3, DHA) would be associated with higher odds of painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

We analysed baseline data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). Two 24-h dietary recall surveys quantified intake of long-chain n-6 and n-3 PUFA along with their precursors, linoleic acid (C18:2n-6, LA) and alpha linolenic acid (C18:3n-3, ALA), respectively. n-3 PUFA supplementation was quantified. Interviewer-administered questions assessed TMD. Survey multiple logistic regression estimated covariate-adjusted OR and 95 % confidence limits (CL) for associations between PUFA and TMD.

From 2008 to 2011, HCHS/SOL recruited 16 415 adults of Hispanic/Latino backgrounds (Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Mexican, Central/South American), through field centres located in Miami, FL; San Diego CA; Chicago, IL; and the Bronx, NY.

13 870 participants with non-missing data.

In analysis adjusted for covariates, each sd increase in dietary intake of C20:4n-6, AA was associated with 12 % higher odds of TMD (OR = 1·12, CL: 1·01, 1·24). Although the dietary intake of combined long-chain C20:5n-3, EPA and C22:6n-3 DHA was not associated with TMD, each sd increase in n-3 dietary supplement was associated with lower odds of TMD.

A diet rich in C20:4n-6, AA was associated with higher odds of painful TMD.

This study develops successful ageing profiles across six low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and examines associations with fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake.

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in mid-aged and older adults from the WHO Study of Global Ageing. Participants without chronic disease, cognitive impairment, depression or disability and with good physical, cardiovascular and respiratory function were considered to have successfully aged. Associations between F&V intake (serves/d) and successful ageing were examined using log-binomial regression adjusting for key confounders.

China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa.

A total of 28 785 men and women aged 50 years and over.

Successful ageing ranged from 4 % in Mexico to 15 % in China. After adjustment, only Ghana showed an association between fruit intake and successful ageing, with an inverse association identified (prevalence ratio (PR) = 0·87, 95 % CI 0·78, 0·98). An inverse association between vegetable intake and successful ageing was found in China (0·97, 0·95, 0·98) but no other country. An inverse association was shown for both China (0·98, 0·96, 0·99) and Ghana (0·92, 0·84, 1·00) when considering fruit and vegetables combined.

Associations between F&V intake and successful ageing are inconsistent. Further studies on LMIC countries are needed to meet the challenges of the ageing population.

Studies using the dietary inflammatory index often perform complete case analyses (CCA) to handle missing data, which may reduce the sample size and increase the risk of bias. Furthermore, population-level socio-economic differences in the energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) have not been recently studied. Therefore, we aimed to describe socio-demographic differences in E-DII scores among American adults and compare the results using two statistical approaches for handling missing data, i.e. CCA and multiple imputation (MI).

Cross-sectional analysis. E-DII scores were computed using a 24-hour dietary recall. Linear regression was used to compare the E-DII scores by age, sex, race/ethnicity, education and income using both CCA and MI.

USA.

This study included 34 547 non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic adults aged ≥ 20 years from the 2005–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

The MI and CCA subpopulations comprised 34 547 and 23 955 participants, respectively. Overall, 57 % of the American adults reported 24-hour dietary intakes associated with inflammation. Both methods showed similar patterns wherein 24-hour dietary intakes associated with high inflammation were commonly reported among males, younger adults, non-Hispanic Black adults and those with lower education or income. Differences in point estimates between CCA and MI were mostly modest at ≤ 20 %.

The two approaches for handling missing data produced comparable point estimates and 95 % CI. Differences in the E-DII scores by age, sex, race/ethnicity, education and income suggest that socio-economic disparities in health may be partially explained by the inflammatory potential of diet.

To assess the relationship between dietary intake of α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lutein+zeaxanthin (LZ) and occurrence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).

Cross-sectional study design. The MAFLD diagnosis was based on hepatic steatosis and metabolic dysregulation. Carotenoid intake was adjusted for using an energy-adjusted model. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses were used to assess the relationships, with sensitivity analysis to validate the findings. Weighted quantile sum regression (WQS) was used to explore the combined effect of these carotenoids on MAFLD. Subgroup analyses were conducted to identify population-specific associations.

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–March 2020.

This study included 5098 individuals aged 18 years and older.

After adjusting for potential confounders, a weak inverse association was observed between α-carotene and β-carotene intakes and MAFLD occurrence (all P value <0·05). The highest quartile of β-carotene intake showed a significantly lower occurrence of MAFLD compared with the lowest quartile (OR = 0·65; 95 % CI: 0·44, 0·97). RCS analysis showed that a significantly lower occurrence of MAFLD was associated with a higher intake of the four carotenoids, excluding lycopene. Furthermore, the WQS analysis revealed a negative relationship between combined carotenoid intake and MAFLD occurrence (OR = 0·95, 95 % CI: 0·90, 1·00, P = 0·037). Subgroup analyses showed dietary carotenoid intake was associated with reduced MAFLD occurrence in populations aged 50–69 years, females, physically active individuals and non-drinkers.

Higher dietary intake of carotenoids is associated with lower MAFLD occurrence. However, this relationship varies among individuals of different ages, sexes and lifestyles.

Limited research is available on how motivations to adopt plant-based diets and nutrition literacy influence diet quality. This study assessed diet quality, diet motives and nutrition literacy in vegans, vegetarians and semi-vegetarians and investigated predictors of dietary quality.

Cross-sectional study, participants completed an online survey about diet-related motives and nutrition literacy. Dietary intake was assessed with the Diet History Questionnaire III, and diet quality was calculated with the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015. A one-way ANCOVA was used to compare diet quality, nutrition literacy and diet motives among diets. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to identify significant predictors of diet quality.

Online survey, participants were recruited through paid targeted social media (Facebook/Instagram) advertising.

Adults following a plant-based diet, including 117 (52·5 %) vegans, 51 (22·9 %) vegetarians and 55 (24·6 %) semi-vegetarians.

Vegans had higher HEI-2015 scores (80·8 (sd 6·5), P < 0·001) compared to vegetarians (75·1 (sd 9·1)) and semi-vegetarians (76·8 (sd 7·5)). Most participants (74 %) had good nutrition literacy scores. Total nutrition literacy did not differ between groups, but vegans had higher vegetarian nutrition literacy than vegetarians and semi-vegetarians (P < 0·001). Ecological welfare, health and sensory appeal were highly important to all participants. Motives accounted for 12·8 % of the variance in diet quality scores. HEI-2015 scores were positively associated with motives of health and natural content, but negatively associated with weight control motivation (all P < 0·05).

Individuals following plant-based dietary patterns have high diet quality and nutrition literacy. Messages valuing intrinsic over extrinsic factors may facilitate healthier dietary adherence in this population.

SEANUTS II Vietnam aims to obtain an in-depth understanding of the nutritional status and nutrient intake of children between 0·5 and 11·9 years old.

Cross-sectional survey.

A multistage cluster systematic random sampling method was implemented in different regions in Vietnam: North Mountainous, Central Highlands, Red River Delta, North Central and Coastal Area, Southeast and Mekong River Delta.

4001 children between 6 months and 11·9 years of age.

The prevalence of stunting and underweight was higher in rural than in urban children, whereas overweight and obese rates were higher in urban areas. 12·0 % of the children had anaemia and especially children 0·5–1 year old were affected (38·6 %). Low serum retinol was found in 6·2 % of children ≥ 4 years old. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was 31·1 % while 60·8 % had low serum Zn. For nutrient intake, overall, 80·1 % of the children did not meet the estimated energy requirements. For Ca intake, ∼60 % of the younger children did not meet the RNI while it was 92·6 % in children >7 years old. For vitamin D intake, 95·0 % of the children did not meet recommended nutrient intakes.

SEANUTS II Vietnam indicated that overnutrition was more prevalent than undernutrition in urban areas, while undernutrition was found more in rural areas. The high prevalence of low serum Zn, vitamin D insufficiency and the inadequate intakes of Ca and vitamin D are of concern. Nutrition strategies for Vietnamese children should consider three sides of malnutrition and focus on approaches for the prevention of malnutrition.