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Nutrients
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Nutritional Epidemiology of Non-communicable Diseases—Feature Papers
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Nutritional Epidemiology of Non-communicable Diseases—Feature Papers

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutritional Epidemiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 7583

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Hassan Vatanparast

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4, Canada
Interests: nutritional epidemiology; vitamin D; calcium; national nutrition surveys; osteoporosis; bone health; CVD
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nutritional epidemiology is the application of epidemiological methods to the study of how diet is related to health and disease in human populations. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes, are the leading causes of death worldwide and represent an emerging global health threat. The exposure measure of interest in nutritional epidemiology is usually long-term diet, since the effects of intake on most health outcomes, especially those related to NCDs, are likely to occur over extended periods.

The aim of this Special Issue is to collect feature papers (including original research and review articles) on the nutritional epidemiology of non-communicable diseases. Examining the role of nutritional epidemiology may reduce diet-related deaths from non-communicable diseases, induce dietary changes and create healthy and sustainable diets, preserve human and planetary health, and enable the identification of dietary patterns that meet the recommendations for healthy and sustainable diets.

Prof. Dr. Hassan Vatanparast
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nutritional epidemiology
  • non-communicable diseases
  • chronic diseases
  • prevention nutrition
  • dietary pattern
  • food consumption
  • sustainable diets

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 921 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Screening Capability of the SarQoL Questionnaire in Sarcopenic Obesity: A Comparison Study Between Spanish and Belgian Community-Dwelling Older Adults
by Angela Diago-Galmés, Carlos Guillamón-Escudero, Jose M. Tenías-Burillo, Jose M. Soriano and Julio Fernandez-Garrido
Nutrients 2024, 16(22), 3904; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223904 - 15 Nov 2024
Viewed by 554
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the potential of the SarQoL questionnaire as a screening tool for sarcopenic obesity by comparing its effectiveness in Spanish and Belgian community-dwelling older people. This research seeks to address the primary question of whether the SarQoL can [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the potential of the SarQoL questionnaire as a screening tool for sarcopenic obesity by comparing its effectiveness in Spanish and Belgian community-dwelling older people. This research seeks to address the primary question of whether the SarQoL can reliably differentiate quality of life impacts between these groups. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving community-dwelling older adults from Valencia (Spain) and Liège (Belgium). Participants were assessed using the SarQoL questionnaire, which measures health-related quality of life specifically for sarcopenia, and a sarcopenic obesity diagnostic method based on a combination of the EWGSOP2 criteria for sarcopenia and of body mass index for obesity. The sample included diverse demographic and clinical characteristics to ensure comprehensive analysis. Statistical methods were employed to compare the outcomes between the two populations. Results: The study highlighted a significant relationship between quality-of-life scores and the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in the Spanish and Belgian populations. The SarQoL questionnaire effectively identified lower quality of life in individuals with sarcopenic obesity, demonstrating its potential as a reliable screening tool across different populations. In conclusion, the SarQoL questionnaire proved to be an effective tool for evaluating quality of life and for screening individuals with sarcopenic obesity. Conclusions: Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies to determine the SarQoL questionnaire’s predictive value and investigate interventions to alleviate the adverse effects of sarcopenic obesity. Our results highlight the critical need to include quality of life assessments in managing sarcopenic obesity, advocating for a comprehensive approach to patient care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Epidemiology of Non-communicable Diseases—Feature Papers)
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17 pages, 870 KiB  
Article
Trends in Plant-Based Diets and the Associated Health Characteristics among Canadians
by Zoe Lillian Longworth, Razieh Mohammadkhani, Michael Szafron, Ginny Lane and Hassan Vatanparast
Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2628; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162628 - 9 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1404
Abstract
In Canada, unhealthy dietary patterns comprise diets with poor nutrient density and are associated with chronic conditions. Plant-based diets have gained popularity due to their ability to provide a nutritionally adequate healthy diet. This study aims to compare sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics, [...] Read more.
In Canada, unhealthy dietary patterns comprise diets with poor nutrient density and are associated with chronic conditions. Plant-based diets have gained popularity due to their ability to provide a nutritionally adequate healthy diet. This study aims to compare sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics, and diet quality between Canadian adults following plant-based and omnivore diets as well as assess the extent to which key nutrient intakes are of public health concern among Canadians following plant-based diets. The study used nationally representative nutritional data from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey and descriptive statistics were computed. The analysis determined that Canadians following strict plant-based diets (1% of total population) were significantly more likely to be an immigrant to Canada, less likely to meet national physical activity guidelines, and less likely to be overweight, compared to Canadians following omnivore diets. Compared to omnivore diets, plant-based diets were nutritionally superior according to the Nutrient-Rich Food index. Continued knowledge translation on what comprises healthy plant-based diets, public guidance on the intersection between diet and health, and the completion of prospective cohort studies are needed. To conclude, the research suggests well-planned plant-based diets, in comparison to omnivore diets, offer a nutrient-dense diet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Epidemiology of Non-communicable Diseases—Feature Papers)
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14 pages, 419 KiB  
Article
Adherence to a Cholesterol-Lowering Diet and the Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: A Case–Control Study
by Matteo Di Maso, Livia S. A. Augustin, David J. A. Jenkins, Anna Crispo, Federica Toffolutti, Eva Negri, Carlo La Vecchia, Monica Ferraroni and Jerry Polesel
Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2508; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152508 - 1 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1870
Abstract
Background: Pancreatic cancer risk has been associated with increased serum cholesterol level, which is in turn partially influenced by diet. This study aimed at evaluating the association between pancreatic cancer risk and the adherence to a plant-based cholesterol-lowering diet. Methods: Data were derived [...] Read more.
Background: Pancreatic cancer risk has been associated with increased serum cholesterol level, which is in turn partially influenced by diet. This study aimed at evaluating the association between pancreatic cancer risk and the adherence to a plant-based cholesterol-lowering diet. Methods: Data were derived from an Italian case–control study including 258 pancreatic cancer patients and 551 controls. The cholesterol-lowering diet score was based on seven components: high intakes of (i) non-cellulosic polysaccharides (a proxy of viscous fibers), (ii) monounsaturated fatty acids, (iii) legumes, and (iv) seeds/corn oils (a proxy of phytosterols); and low intakes of (v) saturated fatty acids, (vi) dietary cholesterol, and (vii) food with a high glycemic index. The score was calculated adding one point for each fulfilled component, thus ranging from zero (no adherence) to seven (complete adherence). The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated through the logistic regression model. Results: Scores 5–7 were associated with reduced cancer risk (OR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.18–0.52) compared to scores 0–2. Conclusions: Adherence to a plant-based cholesterol-lowering diet was associated with a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Epidemiology of Non-communicable Diseases—Feature Papers)
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15 pages, 1033 KiB  
Article
Vitamin D and the Risk of Developing Hypertension in the SUN Project: A Prospective Cohort Study
by Ana Valer-Martinez, Maira Bes-Rastrollo, Jose Alfredo Martinez, Miguel Angel Martinez-Gonzalez and Carmen Sayon-Orea
Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2351; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142351 - 20 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1353
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with a higher risk of multiple diseases, including cardiovascular disorders. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential association between predicted levels of serum 25(OH)D and the risk of new-onset hypertension in a large Mediterranean [...] Read more.
Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with a higher risk of multiple diseases, including cardiovascular disorders. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential association between predicted levels of serum 25(OH)D and the risk of new-onset hypertension in a large Mediterranean cohort. A validated 136-item food frequency questionnaire was used as the dietary assessment tool. 25(OH)D serum levels were predicted using a previously validated equation. We performed Cox regression models to analyze the association between predicted serum 25(OH)D and the risk of hypertension, according to quartiles of forecasted vitamin D at baseline, after adjusting for multiple potential confounders. Over a median follow-up of 12.3 years, 2338 new cases of hypertension were identified. The analyses revealed a significant inverse association between predicted serum levels of 25(OH)D at baseline and the risk of hypertension. Individuals in the highest quartile showed a 30% relatively lower risk of hypertension compared to the lowest quartile (hazard ratio (HR): 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.60–0.80, p-trend < 0.001). The outcomes remained significant after performing sensitivity analyses. The findings suggested that higher levels of forecasted vitamin D are inversely and independently associated with the risk of incident hypertension, implying that vitamin D may offer protective benefits against the disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Epidemiology of Non-communicable Diseases—Feature Papers)
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17 pages, 1269 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Dietary and Supplemental Intake of Calcium and Vitamin D among Canadian Older Adults with Heart Disease and/or Osteoporosis in 2004 and 2015
by Hassan Vatanparast, Ginny Lane, Naorin Islam, Rashmi Prakash Patil, Mojtaba Shafiee and Susan J. Whiting
Nutrients 2023, 15(24), 5066; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15245066 - 11 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1722
Abstract
Despite the role of calcium and vitamin D in osteoporosis and heart disease, little research has examined changes in the intake of calcium and vitamin D among individuals with these conditions over time. Using data from the 2004 and 2015 Canadian Community Health [...] Read more.
Despite the role of calcium and vitamin D in osteoporosis and heart disease, little research has examined changes in the intake of calcium and vitamin D among individuals with these conditions over time. Using data from the 2004 and 2015 Canadian Community Health Surveys, we investigated changes in dietary and supplemental intake of calcium and vitamin D among Canadian older adults aged ≥ 50 years, both with and without heart disease and/or osteoporosis, between 2004 and 2015. Notable declines in dietary calcium intake occurred, particularly among non-supplement users. Surprisingly, individuals with osteoporosis and heart disease, who are at higher nutritional risk, were less likely to use calcium supplements in 2015 compared to 2004. Among calcium supplement users, those with osteoporosis or both conditions experienced significant reductions in their usual calcium intake in 2015, with an increased proportion failing to meet recommended intake levels. Conversely, vitamin D supplement users experienced a substantial rise in vitamin D intake in 2015. In 2015, only a small proportion of supplement users did not meet the recommended vitamin D intake levels. These findings underscore the importance of public health initiatives to facilitate safe increases in calcium and vitamin D intake for older adults, particularly those with heart disease and osteoporosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Epidemiology of Non-communicable Diseases—Feature Papers)
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