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Copyright of Dilemas Contemporáneos: Educación, Política y Valores is the property of Dilemas Contemporaneos: Educacion, Politica y Valores and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is considered an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO; it is also the world's most evidence-based eating pattern for promoting health and longevity. This study aims to investigate consumer segmentation based on consumption patterns and identify barriers to adherence to MedDiet. Data were collected in 2020 by telephonic survey based on PREDIMED, using a quota sampling technique by socio-demographic variables, such as gender, age, and regional representation of the Portuguese population. The final sample was composed of a total of 1000 respondents. The main results show that regardless of the awareness of the MedDiet (62%), Portugal witnessed a loss of the traditional MedDiet, with the exception of the stand-out statistic that 95% of respondents still use of olive oil as the main culinary fat. Five segments were identified: (1) MedDiet lifestyle followers (11%), (2) olive oil lovers (20%), (3) low-sugar diet foods seekers (11%), (4) healthy and balanced diet seekers (28%), and (5) low-fat diet foods seekers (30%). The main barriers to adhering to the MedDiet include lack of knowledge about the MedDiet, education level, financial comfort, and specific food preference, which by segment are: (1) being passionate about soda drinks, (2) an excess of sweets, (3) low level of pasta consumption, and a (5) lack of fruit, vegetables, and legumes. Segment (4) holds a leading position in MedDiet adherence. The main obstacle to consuming fish is its high price, taste, and challenges in cooking it. When it comes to bread and oleaginous nuts, the belief that these foods are "fattening" reduces consumption. Results help to tailor education strategy and increase adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In formal education, teachers play a fundamental role in teaching healthy nutritional habits, which are crucial for promoting balanced diets throughout life. This research aims to analyze the nutritional training of teachers by reviewing the presence of nutritional education content in their university education. The methodology employed is a descriptive documentary analysis incorporating both qualitative and quantitative components, utilizing a document analysis of the teaching guides (280 documents) from primary education degrees offered in Spain (67 universities). The results reveal significant deficiencies in the nutritional content of the teaching guides, highlighting gaps in the initial training of teachers. Among the inadequately addressed topics are food sovereignty, food security, diseases related to poor nutrition, guidelines for healthy eating, and types of diets that promote good health and respect the socioeconomic environment. Therefore, to meet some of the challenges proposed by the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, it would be advisable to provide primary education degree students at Spanish universities with greater knowledge of nutrition-related aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the needs and preferences of sports volunteers regarding nutritional education, with particular emphasis on the availability of educational materials and expectations towards event organizers. The methodology was grounded in a qualitative approach, employing detailed individual interviews (IDIs) with seventeen volunteers (n = 17) who were actively involved in various sporting events, including races, triathlons, and athletic competitions at local, national, and international levels. This sample size was justified as it was sufficient to achieve data saturation, meaning no new significant themes emerged after these interviews. The results indicate that most participants feel a lack of access to reliable information about nutrition, with 70% (n = 12) indicating a need for educational materials, which limits their ability to make informed dietary decisions. Volunteers expect event organizers to provide educational materials and prefer a variety of practical forms of education, such as interactive workshops and accessible online resources. While the volunteers expressed a desire for improved nutritional education, further investigation is needed to establish a direct link between this education and potential enhancements in their performance and well-being. For this reason, greater attention should be paid to the nutritional education of volunteers, which is a key element of their preparation to work in high-stress and physically intense conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Food security is essential for a country’s development. This is emphasized in the SDG’s goal of zero hunger. Food security means that a household can consistently access sufficient quantity and quality food. Geographical location influences access to food. This research aims to analyze food security and diversity in different agroecological regions (highlands and coastal) in West Java. Methods: The design used in this research is a cross-sectional study. This research was conducted in Cianjur Regency (highlands) and Karawang Regency (coastal) West Java Province, Indonesia. The population in this study were households with children aged 12-24 months. The total number of households sampled in this study was 154. Data on children’s food consumption was collected using the 1x24-hour food recall method, while other data was collected by interviews using questionnaires. Descriptive analysis and the Mann-Whitney Test SPSS version 26.0 was used. Results: As many as 63.6% of subjects in the highlands were aged 12-18 months and 49.4% in coastal area. Maternal education in the highlands was higher than in the coastal (p<0.05). Family members of ≤4 people were more common on the coastal (p<0.05). As many as 62.3% of households in the highlands and 81.8% in the coastal areas allocate food expenditure <60% of total spending. There is no difference in household food security in the highlands and the coastal (p>0.05), but the food consumption of toddlers in the highlands was more diverse than in the coastal area (p<0.05). Conclusion: Mothers in the highlands generally have a higher level of education than mothers on the coastal and so was the household income. The number of households in the highlands with food secure was higher than in the coastal but it was not significantly different. And children’s food consumption is more diverse in the highlands than in the coastal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition plays a key role in maintaining health and physical condition, particularly for active individuals, including athletes. It can therefore be assumed that individuals performing physically demanding tasks during the organization of sporting events, such as volunteers, should also pay attention to their nutrition. While the importance of diet for athletes has been widely studied, the impact of nutrition on sports volunteers remains under-researched. Volunteers often have to cope with varying degrees of physical and mental exertion, which may affect their nutritional needs. A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth individual interviews (IDIs) with 17 sports volunteers who had experience in organizing various sporting events. Participants were purposefully selected based on specific inclusion criteria, which included active involvement in sports volunteering (with a minimum of two years of experience in volunteer activities) as well as volunteering experience at sports events of various scales. The interviews aimed to understand the eating habits, dietary awareness, and impact of nutrition on health and physical fitness. The data were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis, focusing on coding responses and identifying recurring themes. Most participants did not place much importance on their diet, making random food choices due to a busy lifestyle and lack of time. Only a few volunteers consciously adjusted their diet when they had knowledge of the physically demanding tasks they were expected to perform during their volunteer work. The majority of volunteers relied on less reliable sources of nutritional information, such as blogs or social media, rather than credible sources of knowledge. This study revealed that many individuals involved in sports volunteering are unaware of the impact of diet on their fitness and health. There is a need for nutritional education for this group to improve their awareness of the importance of a balanced diet in the context of increased physical activity. It is also advisable to provide better nutritional conditions during sporting events and to promote the use of professional sources of information about healthy eating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder, characterized by poor glycemic control nutritional education enhances people's knowledge on healthy food choices that improve blood glycemic and lipidemic control leading to better overall health. Objectives: This study is to examine the effect of nutritional education on the glycemic/lipidemic control and the body mass index in patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 40 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and recruited by non-probability convenience sampling method over 3 months duration. BMI, HbA1c, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-C, high density lipoprotein-C, and triglyceride were measured at baseline and after 3 months during which during which five nutritional educational lectures were done. Results: After 3 months of nutritional education, there were a significant reduction in HbA1c % from 9.53 to 8.09 (P < 0.001) and body mass index from 32.19 to 31.58 (P = 0.001) and also slight but non-significant changes in cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, and HDL (7.05 ± 38.428, 5.00 ± 29.858, 9.10 ± 85.386, 0.24 ± 3.612 respectively) (P = 0.253, 0.296, 0.668, and 0.504 respectively). Conclusions: Nutritional education program is effective to decrease HbA1c % and body mass index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritional education for elementary school students is increasingly being emphasized due to the growing number of children suffering from nutritional-related diseases. This research investigates the current status of nutrition education at the primary level as well as the need to use nutrition handbooks in teaching, supporting the improvement of nutrition education effectiveness. Therefore, the nutrition handbook is designed to support teaching the topic of Human and Health in the content of Human Nutrition in the 4th-grade Science subject to meet the 2018 General Education Program. A survey involving 214 4th-grade students and 25 teachers studying and teaching at several schools in Ho Chi Minh City will be presented. The results show the necessity of handbooks in supporting the improvement of students' and teachers’ learning and teaching effectiveness.

This health literacy intervention study, conducted on adolescent students, aimed to evaluate the impact of a comprehensive educational program on promoting healthy eating habits. The intervention sought to enhance adolescents' knowledge about nutrition, foster self-regulation skills, and ultimately improve their overall health, including their body mass index (BMI). Through a multi- component approach that combined theoretical learning with practical activities and the integration of digital tools such as the MyFitnessPal app, the study targeted improvements in food literacy, which encompasses nutrition knowledge, food label interpretation skills, and cooking abilities. These elements are critical in influencing adolescents' food choices and eating behaviors, with a focus on increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables while reducing the intake of fast food and processed snacks. The intervention was structured around a series of educational workshops and interactive sessions, facilitated by professionals experienced in nutrition. These sessions covered topics such as food composition, the importance of a balanced diet, and strategies for avoiding excessive consumption of processed and high-energy-density foods. A distinctive feature of the program was its use of digital tools to enhance engagement and allow for the practical application of learned concepts through food tracking and activity monitoring. Preliminary results indicate positive outcomes in terms of increased food knowledge and improved dietary habits among participants. Notably, there was a significant improvement in adolescents' BMI, highlighting the potential of food literacy interventions to contribute to better physical health outcomes. The study underscores the importance of adopting multidisciplinary and technology-enhanced approaches in educational programs aimed at promoting healthy eating among adolescents. The study's findings suggest that well-structured food education programs, tailored to address the specific needs of adolescents, can facilitate positive changes in eating behavior. This highlights the critical role of food literacy in adolescents' health and wellbeing and points to the need for continued investment in research and development to optimize intervention strategies. The integration of digital technologies and a focus on self-regulation strategies are identified as promising avenues for future research and educational practice, reinforcing the call for innovative investments in food education and health promotion among the youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern, but few studies have investigated dietary factors specifically related to obesity and abdominal obesity in children and adolescents. Herein, we aimed to identify the dietary factors affecting childhood obesity in Korean children and adolescents. Methods: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES) VIII were analyzed using K-means clustering analysis to identify distinct clusters based on nine variables related to dietary habit, nutritional status, and nutritional education. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between incident obesity risk and the different clusters. We enrolled 2,290 participants aged 6-18 years, and separated them into two distinct clusters; Healthy and Unhealthy Dietary Habit Groups, clusters 1 and 2, respectively. Results: Cluster 1 was characterized by a lower obesity prevalence, healthier dietary habits (regular breakfast consumption; fruit and vegetable, reduced total energy, and lower protein and fat intakes), and greater nutritional education than Cluster 2. After adjusting for confounders, compared with Cluster 1, Cluster 2 demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence (OR [95% CI]) of both general and abdominal obesity (1.49 [1.05-2.13], p=0.027 and 1.43 [1.09-1.88], p=0.009). Discussion: Maintaining optimal dietary quality and patterns are crucial to prevent childhood obesity. Further research is warranted to explore specific dietary interventions tailored to different clusters to effectively address childhood obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study is to assess the changes in metabolic syndrome parameters among adults after the implementation of nutrition education. The research was conducted as a prospective, longitudinal, quasi-experimental evaluation study from May to December 2022. The research sample included 31 employees at the College of Vocational Studies in Subotica. The study was conducted in three phases: Initial assessment (anthropometric, clinical, biochemical measurements and eating habits), Nutrition educations (onloine and face-to-dace) and Evaluative assessment (six months after the initial assessment). Data analysis included methods of descriptive and comparative statistical analysis. Nutrition education was conducted for 31 participants, but only 18 responded to the evaluative assessment. Two thirds (62%) of the participants were overweight ad had elevated cholesterol levels. Elevated triglyceride values were registered in more than a half of the participants and high blood glucose levels in 13% of participants. More than a third of the participants had three or four risk factors for the development of metabolic syndrome. After nutrition education, distribution of participants according io BMI significantly changed (I—normal: 37%; overveigt: 31%; obese:29%; E—normal:10%; overveigt:29%; obese:19%; p = 0,001). Significant changes in the distribution of total cholesterol levels (I: 5.7 mmol/l; E: 5.4 mmol/l) was determined at the evaluative assessment (p = 0.005). Statistically changes in the distribution of breakfast (p = 0.001) and vegetables (p = 0.013) intake were observed. There were not determined significant changes in other antropometric, clinical and biochemical parameters after nutrition education. Although the nutrition education intervention showed some changes in the prevalence of risk factors, significant changes require more intensive, long-term interventions tailored to individual needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the impact of a tailored nutritional education program on dietary compliance and clinical outcomes in chronic kidney disease patients. The study included 440 participants who were randomly divided into an intervention group (n = 220), which received a customized nutritional education program and a control group (n = 220), which received standard treatment without additional dietary supervision. The educational intervention, designed to address key dietary adjustments, was delivered through individual and group sessions, with monthly follow-ups and instructional materials in print and digital formats. Nutrient intake was closely monitored, particularly potassium, phosphate, and protein intake. Clinical outcomes such as serum creatinine levels, glomerular filtration rate, blood pressure, and electrolyte levels were measured at baseline and at six months after the intervention. Dietary compliance was assessed using a validated questionnaire. Results indicated significant improvements in dietary compliance in the intervention group, with notable reductions in potassium and phosphate intake compared to the control group. The intervention group also demonstrated better protein regulation. These changes in nutrient intake were associated with improvements in clinical outcomes, including enhanced glomerular filtration rate, stabilized serum creatinine levels, and improved blood pressure control. These findings suggest that tailored nutritional education programs can significantly enhance dietary adherence and improve clinical outcomes in chronic kidney disease patients, highlighting the importance of personalized dietary interventions in managing chronic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent chronic autoimmune disease with a high impact on global health, affecting millions of adults and resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Achieving optimal blood glucose levels is crucial for diabetes management to prevent acute and long-term complications. Carbohydrate counting (CC) is widely used by patients with type 1 diabetes to adjust prandial insulin bolus doses based on estimated carbohydrate content, contributing to better glycemic control and improved quality of life. However, accurately estimating the carbohydrate content of meals remains challenging for patients, leading to errors in bolus insulin dosing. This review explores the current limitations and challenges in CC accuracy and emphasizes the importance of personalized educational programs to enhance patients' abilities in carbohydrate estimation. Existing tools for assessing patient learning outcomes in CC are discussed, highlighting the need for individualized approaches tailored to each patient's needs. A comprehensive review of the relevant literature was conducted to identify educational programs and assessment tools dedicated to training diabetes patients on carbohydrate counting. The research aims to provide insights into the benefits and limitations of existing tools and identifies future research directions to advance personalized CC training approaches. By adopting a personalized approach to CC education and assessment, healthcare professionals can empower patients to achieve better glycemic control and improve diabetes management. Moreover, this review identifies potential avenues for future research, paving the way for advancements in personalized CC training and assessment approaches and further enhancing diabetes management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista El Directivo al Día is the property of Centro de Informacion y Gestion Tecnologica (CIGET) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Romanian Journal of Nutrition is the property of MEDICHUB MEDIA, S.R.L. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Being overweight is a significant public health problem. Due to the complexity of obesity in adolescence, the treatment in health recovery must be interdisciplinary. Goals: the present study aimed to investigate the effects of an interdisciplinary intervention program in overweight adolescents on the consumption of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory foods. Methods: the project lasted 14 weeks and was divided into three stages: recruitment of participants and initial assessments; interdisciplinary interventions, which included the simultaneous participation of their parents and, finally, the reassessments. Food intake was measured at the beginning and end of the interventions using a three-day food record. The average values of calories and nutrients were used to generate the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®), a numerical score that assesses a diet for its effect on several biomarkers linked to inflammation. For the categorization of the DII®, high values (+1) for the pro-inflammatory effect and lower values (-1) for the anti-inflammatory effect were considered. For all analyses, a p<0.05 was considered. Results: The consumption of carbohydrates, lipids, total cholesterol, and saturated fat was reduced ( p<0.05). On the other hand, there was an increase in the consumption of fiber, proteins, and vitamins A, D, E, B3, B6, B9, B12, and C, in addition to an increase in the consumption of iron, selenium, magnesium and zinc ( p<0.05). The level of inflammation in IBD was significantly decreased for saturated fat, vitamins B6, B9, and C, as well as magnesium ( p<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results, the interdisciplinary intervention promoted a positive response with reduced lipids, total cholesterol, saturated fat, and reduced inflammatory food. New interventions with large groups and different samples are recommended to encourage possible extrapolation of our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gaceta Médica de Caracas is the property of Academia Nacional de Medicina and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction. The transition from childhood to adulthood significantly impacts overall health and requires adequate nutrition to facilitate physical and cognitive development. Managing children’s weight and fostering an environment that promotes healthy eating habits are significantly influenced by parents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Material and methods. In February – March 2023, a quantitative study was conducted, involving 472 parents of school-aged children. The questionnaire, developed according to the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices methodology, was completed both online, in electronic format, and on paper. Results. The results of the KAP study regarding the nutrition of school-aged children show that parents have a significant level of knowledge (76.9±19.07%) about their children’s nutrition. Regarding attitude, the score is moderate (59.99±10.7%), indicating that parents may not prioritize healthy eating habits for their children or may not be sufficiently motivated to act. However, there is a low level of practice: 45.43±16.6%. Statistical analysis indicates significant correlations between: gender and knowledge (τ=0.175, p

Background: The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus demonstrated the importance of prevention through a healthy diet and lifestyle, the most vulnerable people being those with severe chronic conditions, those who are overweight, and those with an unbalanced immune system. This study aims to examine the nutritional status and lifestyle behaviors of the Romanian population. Methods: The evaluation of the eating habits and lifestyle of the Romanian population in the post-pandemic period was carried out based on a cross-sectional observational study with the help of a questionnaire. Results: A total of 4704 valid answers were registered (3136 female and 1568 male respondents). Among the respondents, most of them belong to the young population, 2892 between the ages of 18 and 40, i.e., 61.5%. Most male respondents are overweight (1400) and obese (780). Most respondents indicated a tendency to consume 1–2 meals per day irregularly (p = 0.617). Only 974 respondents adopted a healthy diet, and 578 a healthy lifestyle. Conclusions: The present study reports low adherence to a healthy diet (20.7%) and healthy lifestyle (12.28%), especially among the young population (<30 years). In the current context, it reports a reduced tendency to consume vegetables and fruits among the population, below the daily average recommended by the nutrition guidelines, a tendency towards sedentary behavior, and even deficient hydration of some of the respondents; these negative aspects can create a long-term series of nutritional and psycho-emotional imbalances. Our results evidence that complex surveys among the population are regularly required to investigate nutritional or lifestyle deficiencies; moreover, it could be helpful in further educational measures in nutrition, food, and environmental safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Both physical exercise and healthy eating habits act in the prevention and aid in the treatment of several Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), in addition to improving the functional capacity of human beings. Objective: To compare the effect of multicomponent training and food and nutrition education in middle-aged and elderly women in the city of Ubá, Minas Gerais. Materials and Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study, consisting of an assessment (sociodemographic characteristics, risk of diabetes, blood pressure and anthropometric assessment), pre and post 16 weeks of multicomponent physical training or Food and Nutrition Education (EAN) activities. Results: It was observed that the group that participated in EAN activities had a higher level of education (p<0.001); moreover, although there was no statistical difference, after 16 weeks of intervention, the EAN group showed a tendency to reduce anthropometric parameters and the risk of diabetes (before: 13.5±5.6; after: 12.00 ±6.3) and blood pressure compared to the multicomponent training group. Conclusion: Nutritional intervention can present superior results in reducing anthropometric and blood pressure parameters and the risk of diabetes when compared to physical exercise, highlighting the need for physical intervention activities to occur together with EAN activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: clinical practice guidelines recommend considering pharmacological treatment of obesity only as a complement to lifestyle modification. Drugs alone are usually ineffective in the long term after discontinuation, so pharmacological weight loss strategies should always be accompanied by lifestyle modifications. Objective: to analyze the changes in weight, body mass index and body composition by means of electrical bioimpedance after a 32-week treatment with liraglutide in patients with obesity, associated or not with a food education program. Materials and methods: the study involved 68 patients who were randomly divided into 2 groups. One group received treatment with liraglutide 3.0 mg/day along with individual dietary education, and the other group was treated with liraglutide 3.0 mg/day and standard medical follow-up for 32 weeks. The data collected were weight (kg), height (m) (Seca® brand), body mass index (kg/m2) and body composition using multifrequency bioimpedance (SECA 112® brand). The variables were analyzed at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. Results: after 32 weeks of treatment, both study groups lost weight significantly. The group treated with liraglutide and individual dietary education had a reduction of 8.77 kg (9.08 %) (p < 0.001) and the group treated with liraglutide without education had a reduction of 3.55 kg (3.45 %) (p < 0.001). The BMI of the participants treated with liraglutide and education decreased by -4,04 kg/m2 (10.35 %) (p < 0.001) and in the group without education it decreased by -3.22 kg/m2 (8.30 %) (p = 0.003). In the educated group, fat mass decreased by -7.65 kg (15.89 %) (p < 0.001), although skeletal muscle mass also decreased by -1.62 kg (6.8 %) (p < 0.001). In those treated with liraglutide without education, a reduction in fat mass and skeletal muscle mass was also observed -- fat mass by -4.72 kg (9.43 %) (p < 0.001) and skeletal muscle mass by -0.17 kg (0.70 %) (p < 0.001). Differences were also observed between groups, observing a greater reduction in weight, BMI, fat mass and skeletal muscle mass in the group with liraglutide and education compared to the group without education, although these differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: dietary education associated with liraglutide treatment may contribute to increasing weight and fat mass losses. However, it was also associated with an unwanted loss of skeletal muscle mass, probably related to the greater intensity of weight loss, which will have to be reversed in future therapeutic approaches. Habit modification through multidisciplinary treatment, including nutritional education, combined strength and resistance exercise, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, could be an effective way to treat obesity and maintain weight, body composition, and adherence to a lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamins play a vital role in human health, particularly in the development and maintenance of oral health in children. These nutrients are broadly categorized into fat-soluble and water-soluble types, crucial for children's well-being. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of vitamin deficiencies on the oral health of children, focusing on how these deficiencies contribute to various oral health issues and determining the relationship between specific vitamin shortages and oral diseases. Findings indicate that shortages in vitamins A and D lead to enamel issues and a higher susceptibility to dental diseases, vitamin E assists in treating oral mucositis, and vitamin K is essential for blood clotting in dental surgeries. Deficits in B-complex and vitamin C result in enamel hypomineralization and soft tissue ailments, including aphthous stomatitis and gingival petechiae. Additionally, a lack of vitamin B7 compromises the immune response, increasing oral candidiasis risk. Therefore, vitamin deficiencies markedly affect children's oral health, highlighting the need for joint efforts between dental professionals and caregivers for effective pediatric care. Addressing vitamin deficiencies through supplementation and tailored dental care emphasizes the significance of nutritional health in children's overall and dental well-being, advocating for a collaborative approach to achieve optimal health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This health literacy intervention study, conducted on adolescent students, aimed to evaluate the impact of a comprehensive educational program on promoting healthy eating habits. The intervention sought to enhance adolescents’ knowledge about nutrition, foster self-regulation skills, and ultimately improve their overall health, including their body mass index (BMI). Through a multi-component approach that combined theoretical learning with practical activities and the integration of digital tools such as the MyFitnessPal app, the study targeted improvements in food literacy, which encompasses nutrition knowledge, food label interpretation skills, and cooking abilities. These elements are critical in influencing adolescents’ food choices and eating behaviors, with a focus on increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables while reducing the intake of fast food and processed snacks. The intervention was structured around a series of educational workshops and interactive sessions, facilitated by professionals experienced in nutrition. These sessions covered topics such as food composition, the importance of a balanced diet, and strategies for avoiding excessive consumption of processed and high-energy-density foods. A distinctive feature of the program was its use of digital tools to enhance engagement and allow for the practical application of learned concepts through food tracking and activity monitoring. Preliminary results indicate positive outcomes in terms of increased food knowledge and improved dietary habits among participants. Notably, there was a significant improvement in adolescents’ BMI, highlighting the potential of food literacy interventions to contribute to better physical health outcomes. The study underscores the importance of adopting multidisciplinary and technology-enhanced approaches in educational programs aimed at promoting healthy eating among adolescents. The study’s findings suggest that well-structured food education programs, tailored to address the specific needs of adolescents, can facilitate positive changes in eating behavior. This highlights the critical role of food literacy in adolescents’ health and wellbeing and points to the need for continued investment in research and development to optimize intervention strategies. The integration of digital technologies and a focus on self-regulation strategies are identified as promising avenues for future research and educational practice, reinforcing the call for innovative investments in food education and health promotion among the youth.

BackgroundNutritional education is a mandatory component of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme in England, yet there is a paucity of literature exploring how this component is delivered. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the delivery, content, dose and perceived impacts of nutritional education, at the HAF club level, across England.MethodsA self-completion, cross-sectional online survey design was adopted. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to collect data from HAF club leads (n = 147) from across England. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and frequencies.FindingsFace-to-face nutritional education was the most common mode of delivery, with sessions mostly comprising of discussing food and nutrition. However, whilst the majority of clubs delivered the required number of nutritional education sessions per week, according to the Department for Education’s guidelines, the time spent delivering individual nutritional education activities may not be sufficient to drive change in related skills and behaviours. Moreover, many clubs did not adopt a whole-family approach, and some did not deliver any nutritional education activities at all, which club leads attributed to a lack of material resources and ambiguity in the national HAF guidance.ConclusionNutritional education is delivered in a variety of ways across HAF clubs, based upon available local assets, resources and venues. Policy and practice recommendations include increased HAF funding to support clubs that lack material resources, national training in nutritional education, and evidence-informed guidance and practice.

Introduction: the primary health care system in Cuba is based on a preventive and community approach. It is based on well-established guidelines and principles with emphasize on the importance of nutrition education at all stages of life, from childhood to adulthood. Objective: to analyze the primary care specialist's professional mode of action and their role in nutritional education. Method: the literature review was carried out using a hermeneutical approach that followed the stipulated cycle and was aimed at collecting and analyzing sources of particular relevance. The methodology was developed in several stages and facilitated the analysis and interpretation of the data to construct the fundamental themes. Results: the results highlight that the primary care specialist plays a fundamental role in nutritional education. His professional conduct is based on ethical principles, including responsibility, respect, confidentiality, integrity, and honesty. In addition, they assume the role of educators and health promoters, acting as facilitators of change. Its primary goal is to empower patients, their families, and communities to make informed decisions that promote positive changes in their eating habits and lifestyles. Conclusions: the nutritional education these specialists provide enables any person to make correct decisions regarding their diet and lifestyle, positively impacting their health and well-being. It is essential to strengthen the education and training of primary care specialists in nutrition to guarantee comprehensive and effective care.

Lifestyle and habits are acquired in the family environment and then shaped by the potential influence of the environment and received education. In recent years, there has been growing interest in understanding the relationship between sleep and dietary behaviors in various health professionals, including medical and dietetics professionals and students, as well as their self-perceived knowledge and attitudes. Despite the importance of this topic, there is a lack of research on the assessment of individual behaviors in dietetics students and professionals. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of education level on individual behaviors regarding nutrition, sleep, and physical activity in dietetics students and professionals. 71 dietetics students and professionals were enrolled in this study. Their overall knowledge, sleep, and nutritional behavior were assessed with a validated Questionnaire of Eating Behaviors at the beginning of their dietetics university education and then prospectively after a year. It was also compared to dieticians who already graduated. The analysis showed that the educational level did not correlate with sleep length or the physical activity level. However, the educational level was correlated with dietary knowledge and properly self-assessed by the participants. Significant differences were observed in both the prospective and comparative analyses. The educational level and knowledge were not correlated with eating behaviors. The self-assessment of nutritional behaviors also did not correlate with the objective assessment. Sleep length did not correlate with BMI, but it was inversely correlated with overall and healthy diet scores and knowledge levels. On the other hand, physical activity levels were positively correlated with healthy diet scores. Dietary education results in better nutritional knowledge; however, it does not significantly impact individual nutritional behaviors among dietetics students and professionals. Moreover, the inverse relationship between sleep length and nutritional knowledge and behaviors, as well as the positive relationship between physical activity level and dietary behaviors, shows that nutritional aspects of lifestyle are probably prioritized among dietetic students and professionals, with an acknowledgment of the role of physical activity and a neglect of sleep hygiene importance. Dietetics students should be advised to use their theoretical knowledge not only to guide their patients but also to implement it in their own lives.

Abstract Objective To examine the effectiveness of nutritional education based on the health action process approach (HAPA) on pregnancy outcomes among malnourished pregnant mothers utilizing nutritional support. Methods In a randomized controlled trial, 234 malnourished pregnant women under nutritional support from the fourth month of pregnancy participated. Participants were randomly allocated in study groups by the balance block randomization method. Data were collected using a socio-demographic and pregnancy outcomes checklist as well as self-devised questionnaire assessing the constructs of the HAPA model before and three months after the educational intervention. The framework of the educational intervention was based on the constructs of the HAPA and included three one-hour training sessions through lectures, group discussions, ‘question and answer’ sessions, and the use of educational tools. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and SPSS software. Results Pregnancy outcomes including optimal weight gain during pregnancy (p = 0.47), neonate’s birth weight (p = 0.58), gestational age at delivery (p = 0.83), type of delivery (p = 0.48) gestational anemia (p = 0.22), diabetes (p = 0.59) and hypertension (p = 0.29) were not significantly different in the intervention and control groups. The results showed that the educational intervention produced a significant increase in the total score (24 points) in the intervention group. Improvement of scores in the intervention group compared to the control was observed in all of the model constructs except outcome expectation (0.68 decrease). The educational intervention in the present study had a large measure of effect in total (SMD: 2.69, partial eta2: 0.664). Conclusion A nutritional education intervention based on the HAPA model for malnourished pregnant women increased behavioral intention and planning for action to have better nutritional behavior. However, the intervention did not change the pregnancy outcomes significantly. Practice implications Nutritional education based on the HAPA model can be used to improve nutritional behaviors of malnourished pregnant women.

Lifestyle and habits are acquired in the family environment and then shaped by the potential influence of the environment and received education. In recent years, there has been growing interest in understanding the relationship between sleep and dietary behaviors in various health professionals, including medical and dietetics professionals and students, as well as their self-perceived knowledge and attitudes. Despite the importance of this topic, there is a lack of research on the assessment of individual behaviors in dietetics students and professionals. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of education level on individual behaviors regarding nutrition, sleep, and physical activity in dietetics students and professionals. 71 dietetics students and professionals were enrolled in this study. Their overall knowledge, sleep, and nutritional behavior were assessed with a validated Questionnaire of Eating Behaviors at the beginning of their dietetics university education and then prospectively after a year. It was also compared to dieticians who already graduated. The analysis showed that the educational level did not correlate with sleep length or the physical activity level. However, the educational level was correlated with dietary knowledge and properly self-assessed by the participants. Significant differences were observed in both the prospective and comparative analyses. The educational level and knowledge were not correlated with eating behaviors. The self-assessment of nutritional behaviors also did not correlate with the objective assessment. Sleep length did not correlate with BMI, but it was inversely correlated with overall and healthy diet scores and knowledge levels. On the other hand, physical activity levels were positively correlated with healthy diet scores. Dietary education results in better nutritional knowledge; however, it does not significantly impact individual nutritional behaviors among dietetics students and professionals. Moreover, the inverse relationship between sleep length and nutritional knowledge and behaviors, as well as the positive relationship between physical activity level and dietary behaviors, shows that nutritional aspects of lifestyle are probably prioritized among dietetic students and professionals, with an acknowledgment of the role of physical activity and a neglect of sleep hygiene importance. Dietetics students should be advised to use their theoretical knowledge not only to guide their patients but also to implement it in their own lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a multifactorial disorder. A possible role of the social network and the gut microbiota in pathogenesis has been added. Exogenous shocks such as the COVID19 pandemic have had a negative impact on patients with AN. The potential medical and nutritional impact of malnutrition and/or compensatory behaviors gives rise to a complex disease with a wide range of severity, the management of which requires a multidisciplinary team with a high level of subject matter expertise. Coordination between levels of care is necessary as well as understanding how to transition the patient from pediatric to adult care is essential. A proper clinical evaluation can detect possible complications, as well as establish the organic risk of the patient. This allows caregivers to tailor the medical-nutritional treatment for each patient. Reestablishing adequate nutritional behaviors is a fundamental pillar of treatment in AN. The design of a personalized nutritional treatment and education program is necessary for this purpose. Depending on the clinical severity, artificial nutrition may be necessary. Although the decision regarding the level of care necessary at diagnosis or during follow-up depends on a number of factors (awareness of the disease, medical stability, complications, suicidal risk, outpatient treatment failure, psychosocial context, etc.), outpatient treatment is the most frequent and most preferred choice. However, more intensive care (total or partial hospitalization) may be necessary in certain cases. In severely malnourished patients, the appearance of refeeding syndrome should be prevented during renourishment. The presence of AN in certain situations (pregnancy, vegetarianism, type 1 diabetes mellitus) requires specific care. Physical activity in these patients must also be addressed correctly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extra-uterine growth restriction (EUGR) is a common complication and a known risk factor for impaired development in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) neonates. We report a population of 288 patients with no or with low-grade MRI lesions scanned at a term equivalent age (TEA) born between 2012 and 2018. Griffiths Mental Development Scale II (GMDS II) at 2 and 3 years, preterm complications and weight growth were retrospectively analyzed. EUGR was defined for weight z-score ˂ 10 percentile at TEA, 6 and 12 months of correct age or as z-score decreased by 1-point standard deviation (SDS) from birth to TEA and from TEA to 6 months. Multivariate analysis showed that a higher weight z-score at 6 months is protective for the global developmental quotient (DQ) at 2 years (OR 0.74; CI 95% 0.59–0.93; p = 0.01). EUGR at 6 months was associated with worse locomotor, personal/social, language and performance DQ at 2 years and worse language and practical reasoning DQ at 3 years. In conclusion, a worse weight z-score at 6 months of age seems to be an independent risk factor for significantly reduced GMDS in many areas. These results suggest that we should invest more into post-discharge nutrition, optimizing family nutritional education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study was born from the interest of analyzing the nutritional education that adolescents receive in high school, providing them with the criteria to choose food information through social networks, that is, from professionals related to nutrition that base their content and publications in a scientific and objective manner. Social networks are very popular, and some people take advantage of it to promote products or spread false information, which is why awareness must be raised about the proper use of these digital platforms. Methodology: A case study was carried out on 35 students from Villanueva high school located in the municipality of the same name, belonging to the state of Zacatecas, México, of the class of "hygiene and community health", which contemplates in their training subjects on nutritional education. Two semi-structured surveys were applied during the 2022-2023 school year, from which data related to the use of social networks, time spent browsing them, which ones they mostly use, as well as the type of food information they used were collected and visualized in these digital media. Results: The approximate age of the respondents ranged from 17 years, of which 20 were women, 9 were men and 6 did not specify their sex. Likewise, of the total sample, 5.1% were obese, 10.2% were overweight, and 64.1% were normal weight. 100% of the respondents claimed to have an active profile on social networks, where they reported following profiles that talk about nutrition, considering that information is more attractive through these digital media, Discussion: It was shown that the adolescents surveyed do not have the correct criteria to discern between the nutritional information that they view on social networks, since there were greater coincidences in following the accounts, for example: Leana Deeb, Carlos Belcast and Andoni, influencers who do not have academic preparation related to nutrition. Conclusions: The adolescents reported making frequent use of social networks and consider them as important elements in their life for communication and obtaining information, however, confusion was found when recognizing which people have academic preparation in topics of nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Nutrition education is a long-term process that should cover various population groups. A special focus should be placed on children, adolescents and their parents. The aim of this research was to find out the opinions of parents of primary school pupils aged 7–12 on their expectations towards school education in the areas of food and nutrition, addressed to both pupils and their parents. The research was conducted among 101 parents of primary school pupils with the use of the Focus Group Interview (FGI) method. It demonstrated that what is most needed are hands-on activities relating to basic theoretical issues. While parents see the need for nutrition education for their children, educating pupils in this area is of interest to only some of the respondents for whom nutrition aspects are quite important. All parents would like formal nutrition education at school, but at the same time, they do not want classes to take up too much of their children's time, due to the already excessive number of school subjects. It seems appropriate to include everyone in regard to nutrition education, regardless of their declared interest in this issue. The need for consistent presentation of educational content addressed to teachers and parents is very important, so that they can, in a uniform way, shape the attitudes towards food and nutrition of children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The first 2years of a child's, feeding-pattern is an important determinant of childhood-malnutrition. Nutritional education on complementary feeding was provided, and the impact on Minimum-Meal-Diversity [MMD], Minimum-Meal-Frequency [MMF] & the children's growth, was evaluated & compared between the education-intervention group and the control group. Methodology: The study was conducted in 2villages of Vijayapura-district 5Anganwadi from each village was selected for study and compared. Primary-outcome: improvement in MMD, MMF Secondary-outcome: weight for age Z-score [WAZ], weight for age Z-score [HAZ] &mid-arm-circumference. Results: Overall education-intervention-group showed better weight-gain than control-arm significant-difference was observed in WAZi.e1.36 v/s1 (p

BackgroundImproving the clinical outcome of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus by modifying their eating behavior through nutrition education is an important element of diabetes self-management. Significant data from the literature supports this idea, however in the Ethiopian setting, there is a practice gap. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess how patient-centered nutrition education affected the eating behavior and clinical outcomes of people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodIn this quasi-experimental trial, 178 people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes were purposely assigned to the intervention (n = 89) or control (n = 89) arm. The intervention arm was given patient-centered nutrition education, whereas the control arm received the routine care. Eating behavior and clinical outcome indicators such as HbAc, lipid profile, anthropometric indices, and blood pressure were assessed in both groups at the start and completion of the intervention. All scale variables were tested for normality and log transformed when appropriate. The baseline characteristics of the intervention and control groups were compared using the t-test for continuous variables and the chi-square test for categorical variables. The effect of nutrition education was determined using a difference in differences (DID) approach. P < 0.05 was established as the criterion of significance.ResultFood selection (DID = 15.84, P < 0.001), meal planning (DID = 31.11, P < 0.001), and calorie needs (DID = 37.65, P < 0.001) scores were statistically higher in the nutrition education arm. Furthermore, their overall eating behavior score (DID = 27.06, P < 0.001) was statistically greater than the controls. In terms of clinical outcomes, the overall picture reveals that the intervention did not outperform over the routine care. However, in comparison to the controls, the intervention arm showed clinically significant improvement in HbA1c (DID = −0.258, P = 0.485).ConclusionPatient-centered nutrition education has resulted in positive adjustments in the eating behavior of people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, it has shown a great potential for improving their glycemic control.

Abstract Background Compliance with the iron folic acid supplementation is low and not at the required level to prevent anaemia during pregnancy in many countries, including Ethiopia, even though an iron-folic acid supplementation program is being implemented. The aims of this study were to determine the effect of community-based nutritional education on knowledge, attitude, and compliance to IFA supplementation in Ilu Aba Bor zone of southwest Ethiopia. Method A pretest–posttest quasi-experimental study design consisting of intervention and control group was conducted among pregnant women. The total sample size of 472, therefore, 236 pregnant women for each interventional and control group from 16 kebeles were randomly selected in two districts. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Then, individual study units were selected using a simple random sampling technique and followed until the end of the study period. Effect of community-based nutritional education on knowledge, attitude, and compliance to IFA supplementation among pregnant women in rural areas were measured. Results A total of 472 pregnant women participated in the study during the baseline and 437 (92.6%) were in the study until the end. The majority (49.2%) of respondents were 21–25 years of age, with a mean age of 23.4 (SD = 3.7) years. Community-based nutrition has resulted in a statistically significant increase in levels of maternal knowledge of IFAS by 15.2% in the intervention group compared to 5.1% in the control group. Similarly, the intervention group had odds of developing a positive attitude toward IFA 5.6 (4.01, 7.85) times higher than the control group. Moreover, in this study, the odds of compliance towards IFA supplementation were 3.9 (2.67, 5.57) times higher among those who received nutrition education than those women who did not. Conclusion This study revealed that community-based nutritional education can result in a significant change in knowledge, attitude, and compliance towards IFA supplementation and supports the literature suggesting the importance of the intervention to overcome the problem of poor compliance and its associated consequences.

BackgroundThe literature brings to light the unhealthy nutritional habits prevalent among Asian adolescents and their high level of body image dissatisfaction. This study aims to conduct a systematic review of the literature on the effect of nutritional education interventions on their nutritional knowledge and food intake behavior, attitude, practice, and body image.MethodsWe searched relevant published studies in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and Springer using the PICO framework and performed a quality assessment using the 10-point checklist adapted from the National Institutes for Health tool.ResultsThe majority of the nutritional education interventions improve unhealthy food intake and body image misperception, particularly on nutritional knowledge/self-efficacy, healthy dietary habits, physical activities, and fruit and vegetable intake. We also found a negative association with excess weight gain, obesity, and unethical weight reduction practices, leading to dissatisfaction with body image.ConclusionThese interventions can help address dietary problems and body image perception and support the development of future interventions.

The early introduction of effective nutritional educational programs is pivotal for instilling sustainable healthy behaviors. The present work aims to present a best practice example of a nutrition and overall lifestyle school-based training program, the Nutritional Adventures ("Diatrofoperipeteies"). Conducted during 2020–2022 in Greek primary schools, this synchronous, online educational initiative included two 1-school-hour activities with a nutrition instructor. Additionally, schools were randomly assigned to supplementary "at-home" supported-by-parents or "in-class" supported-by-educators educational activities. In total, n = 12,451 students of 84 primary schools participated. Parent-completed questionnaires were selected in the recruitment and post-intervention phase (40% participation rate); overall, the working sample was n = 1487 students. In the post-intervention phase, a significant increase in Mediterranean diet adherence was observed (KIDMED score: mean increment = 0.25 units; p < 0.001), particularly fruit and vegetable consumption. Time spent on physical activity increased, while screen time decreased. Students' total quality of life significantly improved (PedsQL; mean increment = 1.35 units; p < 0.001), including on all of its subscales (physical, emotional, social, and school function). Supplementary educational activities that were supported by educators rather than parents yielded a more favorable impact on students' lifestyle and quality of life. The Nutritional Adventures program can be regarded as a successful initiative in primary schools, yielding immediate advantages that extend beyond promoting healthy dietary habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mexico is going through an environmental and nutritional crisis related to unsustainable dietary behaviours. Sustainable diets could solve both problems together. This study protocol aims to develop a three-stage, 15-week mHealth randomised controlled trial of a sustainable-psycho-nutritional intervention programme to promote Mexican population adherence to a sustainable diet and to evaluate its effects on health and environmental outcomes. In stage 1, the programme will be designed using the sustainable diets, behaviour change wheel and capability, opportunity, motivation, and behaviour (COM-B) models. A sustainable food guide, recipes, meal plans and a mobile application will be developed. In stage 2, the intervention will be implemented for 7 weeks, and a 7-week follow-up period in a young Mexican adults (18–35 years) sample, randomly divided (1:1 ratio) into a control group (n 50) and an experimental group (n 50), will be divided into two arms at week 8. Outcomes will include health, nutrition, environment, behaviour and nutritional-sustainable knowledge. Additionally, socio-economics and culture will be considered. Thirteen behavioural objectives will be included using successive approaches in online workshops twice a week. The population will be monitored using the mobile application consisting of behavioural change techniques. In stage 3, the effects of the intervention will be assessed using mixed-effects models on dietary intake and quality, nutritional status, physical activity, metabolic biomarkers (serum glucose and lipid profile), gut microbiota composition and dietary water and carbon footprints of the evaluated population. Improvements in health outcomes and a decrease in dietary water and carbon footprints are expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inadequate lifestyle associated with university life may have a negative impact on various cardiometabolic factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a one-year nutrition education course on cardiometabolic parameters in undergraduate health science students. During the 2021–22 academic year, 1.30 h nutrition sessions were conducted twice a week. Capillary blood samples were collected and centrifuged to measure cardiometabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in serum. The sample studied consisted of 49 students: 20.4% male and 79.6% female. The nutritional intervention resulted in changes in dietary patterns, with increased consumption of vegetables, nuts and legumes. After the course, females showed an increase in HDL-cholesterol levels (p = 0.007) and no change in LDL-cholesterol levels (p = 0.189). On the other hand, males showed significant changes in HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.001) and LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.043) levels. The atherogenic index was also significantly reduced (p < 0.001) in both males (p = 0.009) and females (p = 0.002). Differences were also observed in the increase in vitamin D levels in both males and females, although the magnitude of the increase was greater in the men (Δ = 7.94, p = 0.016 in men vs. Δ = 4.96, p = 0.001 in women). The monocyte-to-HDL ratio (MHR) showed a significant reduction, although these differences were only significant in males. Students with low vitamin D levels had higher LDL-cholesterol values (p = 0.01) and atherogenic index (p = 0.029). Adjusted linear regression analysis showed a significant association between post-course vitamin D MHR (β = −0.42, IC: −0.29, −0.06, p < 0.01). These findings suggest the importance of including nutrition education programs during the university stage for the prevention of long-term health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of food literacy (FL) and nutrition literacy (NL) programs on lifestyles and health is recognized in the literature, yet few studies systematize it. This study aims to deepen the understanding of FL/NL from the characterization of programs in terms of (i) theoretical foundations, conceptualization and measuring instruments; (ii) characterization of the FL/NL programs and results and (iii) limitations and future directions declared. A scoping review of original articles addressing FL/NL programs from the Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed databases published between 2015 and 2023. There was a somewhat restricted view of the construct and the absence of a clear boundary between FL and NL. Half of the studies reported theoretical foundations. The most used model was Social Cognitive Learning Theory. More significant development of programs was observed in Australia, using quasi-experimental designs. Most of the studies informed positive results. Limitations of the studies related to the sampling process, absence of a control group and lack of follow-up. It is suggested that long-term interventions consider economic, social and cultural factors. Despite that theoretical and empirical aspects should be revised, FL/NL programs are a suitable strategy to mitigate the social and health effects of inadequate nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of nutritional supplement drinks (NSDs) and nutritional education (NE) on the nutritional status and physical performance of older nursing home residents who were at risk of malnutrition. This study was a clustered, randomized, parallel, multi-center clinical trial, with 107 participants more than 65 years old and at risk of malnutrition recruited from several nursing homes in this study. Participants were divided into two groups: an NE group (n = 50) and an NSD group (n = 57). The NE group was given NE by a dietitian, while the NSD group was provided with two packs of NSD except receiving NE (Mei Balance, Meiji Holdings, Tokyo, Japan) per day as a snack between meals and before bed. Anthropometric data, blood pressure, nutritional status, blood biochemical biomarkers, and physical performance were measured before and after 12-week interventions. After 12 weeks of NE combined with NSD intervention, body weight, body-mass index, the mini nutritional assessment-short form (MNA-SF) score, walking speed, and SF-36 questionnaire score were improved in older nursing home residents at risk of malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Nutrition education is a key component of health promotion programs which leads to the improvement of students’ nutritional behaviors. The transtheoretical model (TTM) is one of the models extensively used in changing people’s behaviors. This study aimed to change the dairy consumption behavior based on the TTM in female students. Methods A controlled trial was conducted with 159 female students (intervention group: 56; control group: 103) in the 10-11th grades from two public schools in Soumesara city located in the west of Gilan Province, Iran. Demographic characteristics, knowledge, TTM constructs and stage of change of dairy consumption were collected using a valid and reliable researcher-made questionnaire. Data were gathered before and one month after the educational intervention. Chi-square test, t-test and ANCOVA were used to analyze the data and a p-value

Vitamins play a vital role in human health, particularly in the development and maintenance of oral health in children. These nutrients are broadly categorized into fat-soluble and water-soluble types, crucial for children’s well-being. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of vitamin deficiencies on the oral health of children, focusing on how these deficiencies contribute to various oral health issues and determining the relationship between specific vitamin shortages and oral diseases. Findings indicate that shortages in vitamins A and D lead to enamel issues and a higher susceptibility to dental diseases, vitamin E assists in treating oral mucositis, and vitamin K is essential for blood clotting in dental surgeries. Deficits in B-complex and vitamin C result in enamel hypomineralization and soft tissue ailments, including aphthous stomatitis and gingival petechiae. Additionally, a lack of vitamin B7 compromises the immune response, increasing oral candidiasis risk. Therefore, vitamin deficiencies markedly affect children’s oral health, highlighting the need for joint efforts between dental professionals and caregivers for effective pediatric care. Addressing vitamin deficiencies through supplementation and tailored dental care emphasizes the significance of nutritional health in children’s overall and dental well-being, advocating for a collaborative approach to achieve optimal health outcomes.