Nutrients

Editorial

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4 pages, 205 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Eating Habits and Disease Risk Factors

by Katarzyna Eufemia Przybyłowicz and Anna Danielewicz

Nutrients 2022, 14(15), 3143; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153143 - 30 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3281

Abstract

Diet plays an inevitable role in human health and disease prevention [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Disease Risk Factors)

Research

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10 pages, 292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Intake of Fermented Dairy Product and Diet Quality, Health Beliefs in a Representative Sample of Polish Population

by Anna Danielewicz, Jakub Morze, Katarzyna Staniewska, Aneta Dąbrowska, Tomasz Sawicki, Zhennai Yang, Maria Baranowska, Małgorzata Darewicz, Justyna Żulewska, Bogusław Staniewski and Katarzyna E. Przybyłowicz

Nutrients 2022, 14(23), 5018; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14235018 - 25 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2758

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the association of diet quality and perception of consumption benefits with intake of fermented dairy products in a representative sample of the Polish population. The study was carried out in February 2020 and involved 2009 men and women [...] Read more.

This study aimed to evaluate the association of diet quality and perception of consumption benefits with intake of fermented dairy products in a representative sample of the Polish population. The study was carried out in February 2020 and involved 2009 men and women randomly sampled from the representative Polish population stratified into two age groups (19–30 and 66–75 years). Dairy product intake was evaluated using a qualitative food frequency questionnaire. Diet quality was assessed by calculating the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score. The perceived health benefit of dairy product consumption was assessed by a literature-based questionnaire. The Health Concern Scale was used to measure participants’ attitudes toward health. The median intake of fermented dairy products was 0.8 portion/day (IQR: 0.4–1.6). Intake of fermented dairy products was associated with a higher MEDAS score. We observed that people with the highest intake of fermented dairy products consumed more oils, vegetables, wine, legumes, fish and seafood, sweets and pastries, nuts, had a higher preference for white meat and were more likely to report their perceived benefits to maintain body weight, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve immune and dental health. Moreover, a high intake of fermented dairy products was positively related to paying more attention to health. Our study identified patterns of health behaviors associated with the frequent consumption of fermented dairy products. We observed that the intake of fermented dairy products is associated with better diet quality, consumer self-consciousness, and a greater attitude toward personal health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Disease Risk Factors)

18 pages, 322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Consumption of Dairy Products and the Risk of Developing Breast Cancer in Polish Women

by Bożena Wajszczyk, Jadwiga Charzewska, Dariusz Godlewski, Brunon Zemła, Elżbieta Nowakowska, Maciej Kozaczka, Małgorzata Chilimoniuk and Dorothy R. Pathak

Nutrients 2021, 13(12), 4420; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124420 - 10 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3787

Abstract

Lack of consistency in the relationship between dairy products consumption and breast cancer (BC) risk motivated us to evaluate this association in a case-control study of BC among Polish women. The study includes 1699 women 26–79 years of age, 823 BC cases identified [...] Read more.

Lack of consistency in the relationship between dairy products consumption and breast cancer (BC) risk motivated us to evaluate this association in a case-control study of BC among Polish women. The study includes 1699 women 26–79 years of age, 823 BC cases identified in Cancer Registries and 876 randomly selected controls from the national population registry. Using a validated, semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), the consumption of dairy products was collected for a time period of 10–15 years prior to BC diagnosis. We used logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders, to assess the relationship between total dairy consumption as well as individual dairy groups of milk, cottage cheese and hard cheese and BC risk for premenopausal and postmenopausal women. For total consumption, a significant decrease in BC risk was observed with increased consumption of one serving/week, OR _trend = 0.98, 2% decrease in risk, for premenopausal women only. For milk, a significant decrease in BC risk was observed for an increase in consumption of one glass/week, OR _trend = 0.95, 5% decrease, in both strata of menopause. In contrast, for hard cheese, a significant increase in the risk of 10% was observed only in premenopausal women, OR _trend = 1.10. Cottage cheese consumption significantly reduced BC risk by 20%, OR _trend = 0.80, for an increase in one serving/week for postmenopausal women only. Our results show that individual dairy products have a statistically significant but bi-directional relationship with BC risk, which differs for premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Disease Risk Factors)

16 pages, 2256 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Baseline Insulin Resistance Is a Determinant of the Small, Dense Low-Density Lipoprotein Response to Diets Differing in Saturated Fat, Protein, and Carbohydrate Contents

by Xiuzhi Wu, Michael A. Roussell, Alison M. Hill, Penny M. Kris-Etherton and Rosemary L. Walzem

Nutrients 2021, 13(12), 4328; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124328 - 30 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2855

Abstract

Individual responses to diet vary but causes other than genetics are poorly understood. This study sought to determine whether baseline values of homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) was related to changes in small, dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL, i.e., LDL₄, d = 1.044–1.063 [...] Read more.

Individual responses to diet vary but causes other than genetics are poorly understood. This study sought to determine whether baseline values of homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) was related to changes in small, dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL, i.e., LDL₄, d = 1.044–1.063 g/mL) amounts quantified by isopycnic density profiling, in mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects (n = 27) consuming one of three low saturated fatty acid (SFA) diets: Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet (BOLD) and BOLD plus extra protein (BOLD+) when compared to a higher-SFA healthy American diet (HAD). The diets were consumed in random order for 5 wk, with 1 wk between diets. BOLD+ reduced fractional abundance (%) LDL₄ (p < 0.05) relative to HAD, DASH and BOLD, and reductions in % LDL₄ correlated with reductions in triglycerides (p = 0.044), total cholesterol (p = 0.014), LDL cholesterol (p = 0.004) and apolipoprotein B (p < 0.001). Responses to the four diets were similar (~12% decrease in % LDL₄, p = 0.890) in the lower (<2.73 median) HOMA-IR subgroup but differed across diet conditions in the higher HOMA-IR subgroup (p = 0.013), in which % LDL₄ was reduced with BOLD+ (−11%), was unchanged in BOLD and increased with the HAD (8%) and DASH (6%) diets (p < 0.05 for BOLD+ vs. HAD). Individual responses to diet interventions are influenced by presence and degree of insulin resistance as measured by HOMA-IR. Full article

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10 pages, 314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validation of the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire in a Romanian Adult Population

by Lidia Iuliana Arhire, Otilia Niță, Alina Delia Popa, Ana-Maria Gal, Oana Dumitrașcu, Andreea Gherasim, Laura Mihalache and Mariana Graur

Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 3890; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13113890 - 29 Oct 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3710

Abstract

(1) Background: Obesity, part of the triple global burden of disease, is increasingly attracting research on its preventive and curative management. Knowledge of eating behavior can be useful both at the individual level (to individualize treatment for obesity) and the population level (to [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Obesity, part of the triple global burden of disease, is increasingly attracting research on its preventive and curative management. Knowledge of eating behavior can be useful both at the individual level (to individualize treatment for obesity) and the population level (to implement more suitable food policies). The Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) is a widely used international tool to assess eating behavior, i.e., emotional, external and restricted eating styles. The aim of this study was to validate the Romanian version of DEBQ, as obesity is a major concern in Romania. (2) Methods: Our study tested the psychometric properties of the Romanian version of DEBQ on an adult population and explored the associations of eating behavior with weight status (3) Results: The study showed a factor load similar to the original version of the questionnaire and a very good internal validity (Cronbach’s alpha fidelity coefficient greater than 0.8 for all scales of the questionnaire) for the Romanian version of DEBQ and showed that all of the scales positively correlated with body mass index in both men and women. (4) Conclusions: This study will enable the use of the DEBQ Romanian version on the adult population of Romania where the findings could be incorporated into developing better strategies to reduce the burden of nutrition-related diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Disease Risk Factors)

12 pages, 1326 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Disordered Eating Behaviors Are Associated with Gestational Weight Gain in Adolescents

by Reyna Sámano, Luis Ortiz-Hernández, Hugo Martínez-Rojano, Oralia Nájera-Medina, Gabriela Chico-Barba, Bernarda Sánchez-Jiménez, Jessica Cruz-Cruz and María José Echenique-González

Nutrients 2021, 13(9), 3186; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13093186 - 13 Sep 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3024

Abstract

Disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) and adolescent pregnancy are public health problems. Among adolescents, there is little evidence concerning the relationship of DEB with gestational weight gain (GWG) and the birth weight and length of their offspring. We aimed to determine the association between [...] Read more.

Disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) and adolescent pregnancy are public health problems. Among adolescents, there is little evidence concerning the relationship of DEB with gestational weight gain (GWG) and the birth weight and length of their offspring. We aimed to determine the association between DEB with GWG and the weight and length of adolescents’ offspring. We conducted a study with 379 participants. To evaluate DEB, we applied a validated scale. We identified three factors from DEB by factorial analysis: restrictive, compensatory, and binge–purge behaviors. The main events were GWG and offspring’s birth weight and length. We performed linear regression models. We found that 50% of adolescents have at least one DEB. Excessive and insufficient GWG were 37 and 34%, respectively. The median GWG was 13 kg; adolescents with restrictive behaviors had higher GWG (13 vs. 12 kg, p = 0.023). After adjusting for pregestational body mass index and other covariables, the restrictive (β = 0.67, p = 0.039), compensatory (β = 0.65, p = 0.044), and binge–purge behaviors (β = 0.54, p = 0.013) were associated with higher GWG. We did not find an association between the birth weight and length of newborns with DEB, and suggest that DEB is associated with GWG but not with the birth weight or length of the offspring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Disease Risk Factors)

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18 pages, 328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Food Choice Motives before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study of 1232 Adults from Croatia

by Tamara Sorić, Ivona Brodić, Elly Mertens, Diana Sagastume, Ivan Dolanc, Antonija Jonjić, Eva Anđela Delale, Mladen Mavar, Saša Missoni, José L. Peñalvo and Miran Čoklo

Nutrients 2021, 13(9), 3165; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13093165 - 10 Sep 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4284

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic brought changes to almost every segment of our lives, including dietary habits. We present one among several studies, and the first on the Croatian population, aiming at investigating changes of food choice motives before and during the pandemic. [...] Read more.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic brought changes to almost every segment of our lives, including dietary habits. We present one among several studies, and the first on the Croatian population, aiming at investigating changes of food choice motives before and during the pandemic. The study was performed in June 2021 as an online-based survey, using a 36-item Food Choice Questionnaire applied for both the periods before and during the pandemic. The final sample consisted of 1232 adults living in Croatia. Sensory appeal was ranked as the number one most important food choice motive before, whereas health was ranked as the number one most important food choice motive during the pandemic. Ethical concern was reported as the least important food choice motive both before and during the pandemic. In women, natural content (p = 0.002), health, convenience, price, weight control, familiarity, and ethical concern (all p < 0.001) became more important during the pandemic, while price (p = 0.009), weight control, familiarity, and ethical concern (all p < 0.001) became more relevant for men. All together, these can be considered favorable changes toward optimal diets and may result in beneficial influences on health and lifestyle. Education strategies and efficiently tackling misinformation are prerequisites for informed food choice, which will ensure long-lasting positive effects of such changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Disease Risk Factors)

15 pages, 320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Emotional Eating and Frequency of Unhealthy Food Consumption among Taiwanese Adolescents

by Chung Bui, Li-Yin Lin, Chih-Yi Wu, Ya-Wen Chiu and Hung-Yi Chiou

Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2739; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082739 - 10 Aug 2021

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 7567

Abstract

Emotional eating is one factor that increases the consumption of unhealthy food. This study aimed to investigate the association between emotional eating and frequencies of consuming fast food, high-fat snacks, processed meat products, dessert foods, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in adolescents. The baseline [...] Read more.

Emotional eating is one factor that increases the consumption of unhealthy food. This study aimed to investigate the association between emotional eating and frequencies of consuming fast food, high-fat snacks, processed meat products, dessert foods, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in adolescents. The baseline survey data (2015) from the Taiwan Adolescent to Adult Longitudinal Study (TAALS) were fitted into multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for sex, school type, Body Mass Index (BMI), eating while doing something, nutrition label reading, skipping breakfast, smoking, binge drinking, sedentary lifestyle, physical activity, peer and school support, and parental education level. Among the 18,461 participants (48.5% male and 51.5% female), those exhibiting emotional eating were more likely to consume fast food (Odds ratio (OR) = 2.40, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 2.18–2.64), high-fat snacks (OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 2.12–2.49), processed meat products (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.78–2.08), dessert foods (OR = 2.49, 95% CI: 2.31–2.69), and sugar-sweetened beverages (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.70–1.98). Factors that were positively associated with unhealthy food consumption included eating while doing other activities, binge drinking, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle. Among all the covariates, nutrition label reading was the only factor that was inversely associated with frequent unhealthy food consumption. Sex and school type may moderate the effect of emotional eating on the frequent consumption of specific unhealthy food groups. In conclusion, adolescents with high emotional eating were more likely to report frequent consumption of unhealthy foods in Taiwan. Our findings showed that male participants appeared to consume fast foods, high-fat snacks, processed meat, and SSBs more often and dessert foods less often than females. Future longitudinal studies are recommended for understanding the causal relationship between emotional eating and unhealthy food consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Disease Risk Factors)

13 pages, 422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Circulating Insulin and IGF-1 and Frequency of Food Consumption during Pregnancy as Predictors of Birth Weight and Length

by Dominika Mazurkiewicz and Monika Bronkowska

Nutrients 2021, 13(7), 2344; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072344 - 9 Jul 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2509

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the relationships between maternal insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration and food consumption frequency and the birth parameters of the newborn. A total of 157 mother-newborn pairs participated in the study. The study showed [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to assess the relationships between maternal insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration and food consumption frequency and the birth parameters of the newborn. A total of 157 mother-newborn pairs participated in the study. The study showed that more frequent consumption of sweet and salty snacks as well as fruit and fruit or vegetable juices may promote greater weight gain in pregnancy and higher newborn birth weight. A significantly higher insulin concentration was found among overweight women according to body mass index (BMI), and a significantly lower concentration of IGF-1 was demonstrated among women ≥35 years of age. There was no significant correlation between the concentration of insulin and IGF-1 in the mother’s blood plasma and the birth weight and length of the newborn. A significant relationship was only found between the concentration of IGF-1 in the mother’s blood and the Ponderal index of the newborn. A woman’s eating habits during pregnancy have a significant impact on the mother’s health and on the proper growth and development of the foetus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Disease Risk Factors)

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11 pages, 293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Spanish Version of the Eating Habits Questionnaire (EHQ-ES) and Its Links to Symptoms and Concerns Characteristic of Eating Disorders among Young Adults

by María Laura Parra-Fernández, María Dolores Onieva-Zafra, Juan José Fernández-Muñoz, Alicja Głębocka, Elia Fernández-Martínez and Anna Brytek-Matera

Nutrients 2021, 13(6), 1993; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061993 - 10 Jun 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3715

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the psychometric properties (internal consistency, factor structure, and convergent validity) of the Spanish version of the Eating Habits Questionnaire (EHQ-ES) and its links to disordered eating in young adults. Two university student samples with a [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to investigate the psychometric properties (internal consistency, factor structure, and convergent validity) of the Spanish version of the Eating Habits Questionnaire (EHQ-ES) and its links to disordered eating in young adults. Two university student samples with a total of 487 participants (N1_age = 21.75 ± 5.10; N2_age = 21.17 ± 6.81) participated in the study. They filled out the Eating Habits Questionnaire and the Eating Attitudes Test. Our findings showed that the EHQ-ES demonstrated strong internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s α = 0.903 and ω = 0.939. The EHQ-ES consists of 20 items to measure problems associated with healthy eating (α = 0.855, ω = 0.879), knowledge of healthy eating (α = 0.783, ω = 0.826) and feeling positively about healthy eating (α = 0.775, ω = 0.773). In addition, subscales of the EHQ correlated with subscales of the EAT-26, showing that Orthorexia Nervosa is associated with disordered eating in a sample of university students. The current study is the first to describe a Spanish version of the EHQ. This demonstrates that EHQ-ES is a reliable screening tool for Spanish-speaking young adults. Moreover, the EHQ-ES can be a useful instrument for assessing ON in research and clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Disease Risk Factors)

12 pages, 292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Caffeine Sources and Consumption among Saudi Adults Living with Diabetes and Its Potential Effect on HbA1c

by Salwa Ali Albar, Merfat Abdulrahman Almaghrabi, Rawabi Ahmed Bukhari, Rawan Hussein Alghanmi, Maha Ali Althaiban and Khaled A. Yaghmour

Nutrients 2021, 13(6), 1960; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061960 - 7 Jun 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4127

Abstract

Information regarding the spread and effect of coffee and caffeine intake by individuals with type II diabetes remains unclear. This study aims to identify the amount and sources of habitual caffeine intake by individuals with type II diabetes and to investigate its association [...] Read more.

Information regarding the spread and effect of coffee and caffeine intake by individuals with type II diabetes remains unclear. This study aims to identify the amount and sources of habitual caffeine intake by individuals with type II diabetes and to investigate its association with other health outcomes, especially HbA1c. This is a cross-sectional survey involving 100 people medically defined as having type II diabetes comprising both genders, recruited from a care centre. All participants completed a caffeine semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (C-FFQ) to estimate their caffeine consumption, a two day 24-h recall, and a detailed questionnaire. The average caffeine intake was calculated from all sources and the differences in mean by gender were tested using a regression model (adjusted to important confounders). Regression models were used to verify the association between average caffeine intake on HbA1c and other health outcomes with adjustment for important confounders. A p value < 0.05 represented statistical significance. Arabic coffee (gahwa) and tea were the most common sources of caffeine among Saudi adults living with diabetes. Average caffeine intake for the whole sample was 194 ± 165 mg/day, which is 2.3 ± 2 mg/kg. There was an inverse association between caffeine intake and age: difference in mean −3.26 mg/year (95%CI: −5.34, −1.18; p = 0.003). Males had significantly higher consumption of caffeine compared to females: difference in mean 90.7 mg/day (95%CI: 13.8, 167.6; p = 0.021). No association was found between average caffeine intake and HbA1C or any other cardiovascular risk factors. This information can help public health practitioners and policy makers when assessing the risk of caffeine consumption among this vulnerable group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Disease Risk Factors)

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16 pages, 1770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytate and Butyrate Differently Influence the Proliferation, Apoptosis and Survival Pathways in Human Cancer and Healthy Colonocytes

by Lidia Hanna Markiewicz, Anna Maria Ogrodowczyk, Wiesław Wiczkowski and Barbara Wróblewska

Nutrients 2021, 13(6), 1887; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061887 - 31 May 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3432

Abstract

The colonic epithelium is never exposed to a single factor, therefore studies on the effect of combinations of factors naturally and persistently present in the intestines are of special importance for understanding the phenomena occurring at this place. The aim of the study [...] Read more.

The colonic epithelium is never exposed to a single factor, therefore studies on the effect of combinations of factors naturally and persistently present in the intestines are of special importance for understanding the phenomena occurring at this place. The aim of the study was to investigate the combined effect of 1 mM phytate and 1 mM butyrate (PA1B1) on cell lines derived from cancer (HCT116 and HT-29) and healthy (NCM460D) human colonic epithelium. Colorimetric and flow cytometry methods were used to determine the proliferation rate, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Selected markers of proliferation, inflammatory, and survival pathways were investigated at the mRNA and/or protein level. The combination of phytate and butyrate disturbed the cell cycle and triggered apoptosis and/or death in both studied cancer colonocytes to a higher extent compared to healthy colonocytes. Moreover, in healthy colonocytes, phytate activated the survival pathway without stimulation of inflammatory response. This may indicate that the response of healthy colonocytes to phytate protects colonic epithelium from the loss of integrity and tightness that would occur if inflammation developed. Based on the obtained results we postulate that studies on both cancer and/or healthy colonocytes should be carried out in the presence of butyrate as the permanent component of colonic contents. This should be of special importance when anti-proliferative/pro-apoptotic activity or inflammatory status of colonocytes is to be investigated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Disease Risk Factors)

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15 pages, 273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Neophobia among Adults: Differences in Dietary Patterns, Food Choice Motives, and Food Labels Reading in Poles

by Marzena Jezewska-Zychowicz, Marta Plichta, Małgorzata Ewa Drywień and Jadwiga Hamulka

Nutrients 2021, 13(5), 1590; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051590 - 10 May 2021

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 5906

Abstract

Food neophobia (FN) is associated with reduced quality of diet in adults; thus, the understanding of the relationship between FN and food consumption in more depth appears to be a key issue. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between [...] Read more.

Food neophobia (FN) is associated with reduced quality of diet in adults; thus, the understanding of the relationship between FN and food consumption in more depth appears to be a key issue. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between food neophobia, dietary patterns, food choice motives, and food label reading in the group of adults. Data were collected using the computer-assisted personal interviewing technique (CAPI). A cross-sectional quantitative survey was carried out in November–December 2017 in a sample of 1017 Polish adults. The questionnaire used in the study included the Food Neophobia Scale (FNS), the Beliefs and Eating Habits Questionnaire (KomPAN), and questions regarding food choice motives, reading food labels, and sociodemographic characteristics. The food neophobics were older, had a lower level of education, and had higher BMI compared to others. Compared to others, among the food neophobics, there were more people who often consumed vegetables, fruit, meat, and meat products and who rarely consumed functional and convenience food, sweets, and sweetened beverages. When choosing food, more food neophobics chose healthy and tasteless food products, while more food neophilics chose unhealthy and tasty products. More food neophobics declared not reading price and shelf-life information on food labels compared to the other two groups. Although food neophobia may make adaptation to dietary recommendations difficult, health-promoting features of the diet were observed within the food neophobics. Actions focusing on food choice motives may help even more to limit the effects of food neophobia in adults. Further research is recommended to confirm the observed relationships under different sociocultural conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Disease Risk Factors)

13 pages, 452 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Patterns of Avoiding Nutrition Mistakes in Metropolitan Adolescents Are Associated with Sex, Nutrition Knowledge, Physical Activity, and Family Environment

by Małgorzata Drywień, Magdalena Górnicka, Stanisław Kulik and Krzysztof Górnicki

Nutrients 2021, 13(2), 433; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020433 - 29 Jan 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3367

Abstract

A comprehensive approach to the identification of the relationship between behaviors limiting nutrition mistakes, nutrition knowledge, and physical activity in the context of the family environment has not yet been widely explored. We aim to identify patterns of avoiding nutrition mistakes in high [...] Read more.

A comprehensive approach to the identification of the relationship between behaviors limiting nutrition mistakes, nutrition knowledge, and physical activity in the context of the family environment has not yet been widely explored. We aim to identify patterns of avoiding nutrition mistakes in high school students from Warsaw, Poland, and to assess their associations with nutrition knowledge (NK), physical activity (PA), body mass index (BMI), demographic, and family environment characteristics. A cross-sectional study involving 616 high school students, aged 16–19, was conducted. The data were collected by distributing questionnaires. The k-means method was used for cluster analysis, and logistic regression was used to assess the adherence to identified patterns. We identified three patterns: Prudent Ones (45%), Inconsequent (39%), and Rebels (16%). About 70% of adolescents had insufficient NK. The adherence to the Rebels pattern was lower by 85 % in girls, by 68% in students with younger siblings, and was about 4.0-times higher in children of mothers with primary education, 2.4 times higher in students with insufficient NK, and 1.9-times higher in students living in a family with more than 4 persons. The groups of adolescents with feature characteristics of the Rebels and Inconsequent are possible targets for intervention and require further in-depth research to explain their lack of attempts to avoid nutrition mistakes. The results clearly indicate the necessity of including metropolitan teenage boys in effective nutritional education for the rationalization of their dietary behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Disease Risk Factors)

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14 pages, 433 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Prevalence of Orthorexia Nervosa in Polish and Lebanese Adults and Its Relationship with Sociodemographic Variables and BMI Ranges: A Cross-Cultural Perspective

by Anna Brytek-Matera, Hala Sacre, Anna Staniszewska and Souheil Hallit

Nutrients 2020, 12(12), 3865; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12123865 - 17 Dec 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3028

Abstract

The prevalence of orthorexia nervosa (ON) appears to be increasing, and more research into its cross-cultural aspects is required to provide culturally appropriate psychological treatment. Until now, there has been relatively little research published about ON across cultures. Therefore, the objectives of the [...] Read more.

The prevalence of orthorexia nervosa (ON) appears to be increasing, and more research into its cross-cultural aspects is required to provide culturally appropriate psychological treatment. Until now, there has been relatively little research published about ON across cultures. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to determine: (1) the prevalence of ON in Polish and Lebanese adults and (2) the association between ON and sociodemographic variables and Body Mass Index (BMI) in two culturally different samples. One thousand two hundred and sixty-two adults participated in the present study (N_Poland = 743 adults; N_Lebanon = 519 adults). The Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale and the Eating Habits Questionnaire were used in the present study. Information about age, sex, anthropometry, and marital status was obtained from all participants as well. The Polish sample had an ON prevalence rate of 2.6%, while the Lebanese sample had an ON prevalence rate of 8.4%. No significant correlation was found between ON and age in both samples. A statistically significant difference was found between marital status and country on ON, with the highest mean score seen among Lebanese singles. In Lebanon, having a low of BMI ≤ 25 kg/m² compared to a high BMI was significantly associated with lower ON tendencies, while this association was not significant among Polish participants. This study was the second to focus on the prevalence of ON in Western and non-Western countries and its association with sociodemographic characteristics and BMI ranges. Knowledge about ON and its correlates in diverse populations may inform the design of culturally tailored behavior change interventions and the development of culturally appropriate tools in various groups to improve their dietary patterns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Disease Risk Factors)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

13 pages, 465 KiB

Open AccessReview

Energy Metabolism in Relation to Diet and Physical Activity: A South Asian Perspective

by Siti N. Wulan, Qaisar Raza, Hera S. Prasmita, Erryana Martati, Jaya M. Maligan, Uma Mageshwari, Itrat Fatima and Guy Plasqui

Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 3776; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13113776 - 25 Oct 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4640

Abstract

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is on the rise around the world, not only in the West, but also in Asian countries. South Asian countries in particular are experiencing a rapid increase in overweight and obesity, that coexists with the rapid increase [...] Read more.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is on the rise around the world, not only in the West, but also in Asian countries. South Asian countries in particular are experiencing a rapid increase in overweight and obesity, that coexists with the rapid increase in non-communicable diseases linked to obesity such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease than any other country in Asia. The phenomena observed in South Asian countries are due to the size of the population, the ageing of the population, the high degree of urbanization and the lifestyle changes in favor of increased energy consumption and reduced physical activity. The imbalance between energy consumption and energy expenditure results in the development of a positive energy balance that, over time, accumulates in higher body fat. South Asians were reported to have a more unfavorable body composition with a higher percentage of body fat than Caucasians with an equivalent BMI. Body composition is a major determinant of resting energy expenditure. It has been reported that South Asians have a lower resting energy expenditure than Caucasians with the same BMI. Resting energy expenditure accounts for the majority of total daily energy expenditure and, therefore, plays a crucial role in achieving the balance between energy intake and expenditure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Disease Risk Factors)

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28 pages, 765 KiB

Open AccessReview

Eating Speed, Eating Frequency, and Their Relationships with Diet Quality, Adiposity, and Metabolic Syndrome, or Its Components

by Tany E. Garcidueñas-Fimbres, Indira Paz-Graniel, Stephanie K. Nishi, Jordi Salas-Salvadó and Nancy Babio

Nutrients 2021, 13(5), 1687; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051687 - 15 May 2021

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 7899

Abstract

Excess body weight is a major global health concern, particularly due to its associated increased health risks. Several strategies have been proposed to prevent overweight and obesity onset. In the past decade, it has been suggested that eating speed/rate and eating frequency might [...] Read more.

Excess body weight is a major global health concern, particularly due to its associated increased health risks. Several strategies have been proposed to prevent overweight and obesity onset. In the past decade, it has been suggested that eating speed/rate and eating frequency might be related to obesity. The main aim of this narrative review was to summarize existing evidence regarding the impact of eating speed/rate and eating frequency on adiposity, metabolic syndrome (MetS), or diet quality (DQ). For this purpose, a literature search of observational and interventional trials was conducted between June and September 2020 in PubMed and Web of Sciences databases, without any data filters and no limitations for publication date. Results suggest that children and adults with a faster eating speed/rate may be associated with a higher risk of developing adiposity, MetS or its components. Furthermore, a higher eating frequency could be associated with diet quality improvement, lower adiposity, and lower risk of developing MetS or its components. Further interventional trials are warranted to clarify the mechanism by which these eating behaviors might have a potential impact on health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Disease Risk Factors)

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18 pages, 2134 KiB

Open AccessReview

Methylxanthines and Neurodegenerative Diseases: An Update

by Daniel Janitschke, Anna A. Lauer, Cornel M. Bachmann, Heike S. Grimm, Tobias Hartmann and Marcus O. W. Grimm

Nutrients 2021, 13(3), 803; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13030803 - 28 Feb 2021

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6294

Abstract

Methylxanthines (MTX) are purine derived xanthine derivatives. Whereas naturally occurring methylxanthines like caffeine, theophylline or theobromine are widely consumed in food, several synthetic but also non-synthetic methylxanthines are used as pharmaceuticals, in particular in treating airway constrictions. Besides the well-established bronchoprotective effects, methylxanthines [...] Read more.

Methylxanthines (MTX) are purine derived xanthine derivatives. Whereas naturally occurring methylxanthines like caffeine, theophylline or theobromine are widely consumed in food, several synthetic but also non-synthetic methylxanthines are used as pharmaceuticals, in particular in treating airway constrictions. Besides the well-established bronchoprotective effects, methylxanthines are also known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, mediate changes in lipid homeostasis and have neuroprotective effects. Known molecular mechanisms include adenosine receptor antagonism, phosphodiesterase inhibition, effects on the cholinergic system, wnt signaling, histone deacetylase activation and gene regulation. By affecting several pathways associated with neurodegenerative diseases via different pleiotropic mechanisms and due to its moderate side effects, intake of methylxanthines have been suggested to be an interesting approach in dealing with neurodegeneration. Especially in the past years, the impact of methylxanthines in neurodegenerative diseases has been extensively studied and several new aspects have been elucidated. In this review we summarize the findings of methylxanthines linked to Alzheimer´s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis since 2017, focusing on epidemiological and clinical studies and addressing the underlying molecular mechanisms in cell culture experiments and animal studies in order to assess the neuroprotective potential of methylxanthines in these diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Disease Risk Factors)

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