Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) impact the locomotor system, causing pain and limiting movement, with significant consequences for autonomy and quality of life. Preventing MSDs is therefore a key public health priority. This umbrella review examines which dietary nutrients most effectively contribute to their primary prevention. Following PRISMA and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, and pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024544780), we systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Using a mixed-methods approach, we synthesized quantitative and qualitative data from 9 reviews out of 466 initial records, encompassing 128 studies and 661,705 participants. Frequently studied exposures included dairy products and mineral salts. Supplements derived from plant extracts, fruits, vegetables, meat, prebiotics, and probiotics were also assessed. Dosages ranged from 2.5 mg/kg/day for epicatechin to over three months for calcium. Outcomes included fractures, frailty, sarcopenia, muscle mass and strength, walking speed, inflammation, bone mineral density, and turnover markers. High consumption of cheese and yogurt reduced fracture risk by 8–11% and improved grip strength. Calcium supplementation had modest effects on bone mineral content. Fruit and vegetable intake correlated with improved gait speed (HR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.42–0.84), while nut consumption was linked to reduced sarcopenia risk (HR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.53–0.99). This review highlights the preventive potential of select nutrients against MSDs, though further research is needed to determine optimal dosages.

Epidemiological and clinical research has confirmed a link between obesity and depressive symptoms, with inflammation as a potential common mechanism. Given that dietary components modulate inflammation and relate to both conditions, investigating dietary inflammation as a potential underlying pathway is necessary. Herein, we aimed to explore the potential role of Energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII) in explaining the relationship between obesity and depressive symptoms. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the 2007-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cohort, enrolling 20,324 participants. Obesity and dietary inflammation were assessed by Body Mass Index (BMI) and E-DII, respectively. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). We found that obesity and inflammatory diets were positively associated with of depressive symptoms (β = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.30-0.69; β = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.19-0.50; both p < 0.001), and variations in the association among obesity, pro-inflammatory diets and depressive symptoms were evident across various population subgroups (e.g sex, age, chronic diseases and smoking status subgroups, p for interaction < 0.050). After adjusting for all covariates, E-DII accounted for 4% of the obesity-depression association. Despite this modest proportion, the finding identifies dietary-induced inflammation as a statistically significant, modifiable pathway. In conclusion, obesity and pro-inflammatory diets are linked to increased risk of depressive symptoms, with E-DII serving as a modest but significant modifiable pathway. These findings highlight dietary intervention as a potential strategy for mitigating depressive symptoms in individuals with obesity.

This study aimed to assess the productivity and profitability of Iranian Holstein dairy herds by utilizing technical-economic indices, particularly in light of fluctuations of milk and feed prices. The dataset comprised 2,890,994 test day records from 190,900 cows across 93 Holstein dairy herds in Isfahan province, covering agricultural years from 2016 to 2022. To evaluate the effects of production levels and lactation stages on investigated indices, a two-way ANOVA analysis using SAS software was used. The results revealed that the average daily milk income was US $9.37 ± 3.63 per cow, while the average of feed cost was $3.97 ± 1.70 per cow. The mean of income over feed cost (IOFC) was estimated at $5.40 ± 2.41, with a range from $1.12 to18.06. Notably, with an average income equal to feed cost (IEFC) of 16.8 kg, farmers need approximately 42% of their produced milk to cover feed costs. The results of this research indicated that only 1% of the milk-to-feed price ratio (MFPR) exceeded 3.0, suggesting that higher milk production at this level is indeed profitable. Additionally, the money-corrected milk (MCM) yield was found to be 1.5% higher than the standard milk yield. The IOFC exhibited a positive and relatively strong correlation with various factors: 0.92 with milk income, 0.75 with MCM, 0.55 with feed costs and 0.22 with IEFC. Furthermore, the production levels and lactation stages significantly impacted the measures studied (P < 0.01). Interestingly, the second-parity cows with medium milk production emerged as the most profitable due to quality bonuses associated with higher milk prices. This highlights how increasing rewards and penalties related to milk quality provide incentives to farmers to focus on improving milk quality rather than merely increasing volume.

Given there is no prospective research evidence on the association between ultra-processed food intake (UPF) and human bone health, this study aimed to analyze the associations of UPF intake with bone mineral density (BMD) and risk of fractures using data from 163855 participants in the UK Biobank. Multiple linear regression assessed BMD, and Cox regression models estimated fracture risk. Restricted cubic splines were used to evaluate non-linearity. Participants’ average age was 56.0 years, with 1097 hip fractures and 7889 all fractures recorded over 12.0 years of follow-up. Complex inverted U-shaped associations between UPF intake and BMD were found at the femur trochanter. Compared with the lowest UPF intake, the highest UPF intake was linked to a reduction in BMD at the femoral neck (β [SE] = –0.0061 [0.0024], P < .05), femur trochanter (β [SE] = –0.0083 [0.0024], P < .001), lumbar spine (β [SE] = –0.0114 [0.0036], P < .01), and total body (β [SE] = –0.0095 [0.0021], P < .001). The link was more pronounced in participants under 65 and those who were underweight (Pinteraction < .01). Per standard deviation increment of UPF intake was linked to 10.5% and 2.7% higher risks of incident hip fractures (HR, 95% CI: 1.105, 1.029-1.186; P < .01) and all fractures (HR, 95% CI: 1.027, 1.000-1.055; P < .05), respectively. Our results suggest that higher UPF intake is associated with lower BMD and increased risk of fractures captured in hospital inpatient records, highlighting the need for dietary interventions to protect bone health.

The influence of the maternal antenatal environment on infant growth and development beyond the neonatal period is not well understood. This study investigated associations between maternal cardiometabolic health and lifestyle on infant growth during the first year of life. This sub-study of the longitudinal Microbiome Understanding in Maternity Study included 87 mother-infant dyads. Maternal anthropometrics were collected at each trimester. Lifestyle was assessed through the Australian Eating Survey (Trimester T1 and T3) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (T1, T2 and T3). Infant anthropometrics were measured at birth, 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months. Changes in weight, weight-for-age z-score, length-for-age z-score, rapid weight gain and conditional weight gain (CWG) were determined. Multiple linear regression was used to assess associations between maternal parameters and infant growth, adjusting for common confounders. Maternal T1 weight (CWG: p = 0.03), T3 weight (CWG: p = 0.03) and GWG (weight z-score change: p = 0.031) were positively associated with increased infant growth from 0 to 6 months. Greater maternal fat mass was associated with increased CWG (p = 0.042) from 6 weeks to 6 months. Higher quality maternal T1 diet was associated with increased infant growth (weight z-score change: p = 0.022, CWG: p = 0.013) from 0 to 12 months. Increased maternal physical activity was associated with increased CWG (p = 0.022) and length z-score change (p = 0.024) from 0 to 12 months in T1, and increased CWG from 6 to 12 months in T2 (p = 0.014) and T3 (p = 0.047). Markers of maternal cardiometabolic health risk and healthier lifestyle were associated with increased infant growth. Further investigation is required to confirm findings and investigate links with future health sequelae.

Developmental programming has emerged as one of the major biological principles and biomedical issues of this century because of its potential for long-term, even transgenerational, effects on the health and productivity of offspring. Livestock models have been widely used to establish the mechanisms of developmental programming in fetuses and offspring, and accordingly present data with dual benefits; both serving animal agricultural purposes and providing insights for biomedical applications. Livestock models have furthered our understanding of how developmental processes can influence postnatal health and productivity in the short- and long-term. In addition, because livestock are key to agricultural sustainability and food security, studies in livestock contribute to human livelihood. In this review, we will focus on the influence of maternal nutrition in livestock models on developmental outcomes. Maternal nutritional models include global nutrient intake (over- and under-nutrition) and supplementation of specific macro and micronutrients. Specifically, we will review the effects of maternal nutrition on: placental function, key metabolic tissues of the fetus/offspring (visceral tissues, skeletal muscle, and immune system), genetics, epigenetics, and transgenerational programming, parturition, and the underlying mechanism of developmental programming. Lastly, we will focus on gaps in knowledge and future research directions.

As human displacement rises, the humanitarian funding environment fluxes, and undernutrition continues to affect refugees and internally displaced communities; there is a need for evidence to better understand pathways to healthy, self-reliant livelihoods. In non-displaced contexts, livestock-keeping has been shown to increase resilience to malnutrition during crises and improve food security but much less evidence is available in displacement camp contexts. This review investigates what empirical evidence exists on the role of livestock ownership in refugee/IDP nutrition. A systematic search of MEDLINE, CAB Abstracts, Web of Science, African Journal Online, Dissertations and Theses Global and grey literature was undertaken according to PRISMA-ScR and JBI guidelines. From 903 records found, 21 studies were included for review, of which 12 reported positive effects of livestock keeping on nutritional outcomes in the refugee/IDP camp setting, 3 reported mixed effects and 6 determined no effect. No study found a solely negative effect. The human nutritional outcomes studied included anaemia, stunting, wasting, dietary diversity and food security proxies. One study explored the general impact of livestock ownership whilst the remainder explored the association between animal source food consumption and nutritional outcomes. The current relative scarcity of data in the refugee/IDP context, along with the lack of standardised study design and outcome measures, limits the ability to undertake formal meta-analysis and give evidence-based recommendations. We call for more research with adherence to existing standardised reporting guidelines such that appropriate analysis can be undertaken in such a highly complex system to enhance evidence for these vulnerable communities.

Weaning is a significant event in the life of Sahiwal calves, often leading to notable behavioural and emotional changes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dam–calf contact on behavioural responses and adaptability in Sahiwal calves, focusing on fear responses, social interactions and reactivity to humans. A total of 16 newborn calves were assigned to 2 rearing systems: fenceline mother-calf contact (FMC) and separated mother-calf (SM), with 8 calves in each group. The FMC group received natural suckling and fenceline contact with their dams, while the SM group was separated at birth and fed via nipple bottles. Behavioural assessments were conducted through a series of tests, including social reactivity tests, social preference tests, umbrella-based fear elicitation and interaction with a familiar human. Key behavioural parameters such as time spent idle, exploratory behaviour, escape attempts, vocalizations, latency to resume feeding and preference for conspecifics or humans were recorded. Data were statistically analysed using independent t-tests to compare behavioural responses between groups. The results revealed distinct behavioural differences between the FMC and SM calves, indicating that dam contact influences social behaviour, reduces fearfulness and improves calves’ adaptability to novel or stressful situations.

The endocannabinoid system in the central and peripheral nerves plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including feeding behavior and energy metabolism. In particular, gut endocannabinoids stimulate appetite, and excessive activation of the system can induce hedonic eating, leading to obesity. Previous studies have indicated elevation of gut endocannabinoid levels in high-fat diet-induced or genetically obese rodents. The present study aimed to expand our understanding of gut endocannabinoids involved in feeding behavior during obesity by characterizing the profiles of arachidonic metabolites, including endocannabinoids, in the gut and by examining their impact on feeding behavior in KK-Ay mice, an obesity model established by crossing diabetic KK mice with lethal yellow (Ay) mice. KK-Ay mice exhibit hyperphagia compared with lean mice under either free-feeding condition or refeeding condition after 24 h of food deprivation. Meal pattern analyses revealed that hyperphagia in KK-Ay was primarily due to higher meal frequency rather than meal size or interval, suggesting a defect in hunger control. In addition, levels of endocannabinoids and other arachidonic acid metabolites such as prostaglandin E2 and F2α were elevated in KK-Ay mice. Pharmacological blockade of the peripheral cannabinoid receptor 1 and diacylglycerol lipase, but not N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D, reduced food intake, as did treatment with cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors. These findings suggest that intestinal 2-arachidonoyl glycerol-dependent cannabinoid receptor 1 activation contributes to hyperphagic behavior in KK-Ay mice and prostaglandins are involved in feeding control.

High intake of processed foods, especially those with high sodium content, is a contributor to hypertension and cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to compare the sodium content of packaged foods and beverages in Nigeria to WHO Global Sodium Benchmarks and similar products in Kenya and South Africa. The study examined packaged foods from major retail stores in the capital cities of the Federal Capital Territory, Kano, and Ogun states in Nigeria from November 2020 to March 2021. Benchmark values were based on the 2021 WHO Global Sodium Benchmarks. We used secondary data from packaged food surveys conducted in South Africa (2015, 2016 and Kenya 2019). Approximately 40.0% (n = 36) of subcategories of packaged foods were captured in the WHO global sodium benchmark. Of these, 64.0% (n = 23) exceeded the benchmarks, including ‘processed meat’ (912.0 vs. 250.0 mg/100 g), cheese (776.0 vs. 190 mg/100 g), and ‘wholegrain chips’ (930.0 vs. 470 mg/100 g). Exactly 36.0% (n = 13) had lower sodium content, such as ‘rice-based snacks’ (113.0 vs. 520 mg/100 g) and ‘dried seafood’ (400 vs. 800 mg/100 g). In seven out of eleven main food categories (64%), Nigeria had a higher sodium content compared to Kenya. Similarly, Nigeria exhibited higher sodium content than South Africa in six out of eleven food categories (55.0%). With 64.0% of Nigerian subcategories exceeding WHO benchmarks and higher sodium levels than South Africa and Kenya in most categories. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted sodium reduction and product reformulation to align Nigeria’s packaged foods with international benchmarks.

Public health research faces challenges in recruiting hard-to-reach populations, including socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. This study evaluated whether machine learning (ML) algorithms developed using data from a general population could predict indices of diet quality among a socioeconomically disadvantaged group. Data from 5367 adults (77.5% females) in the NutriQuébec project and on 122 variables potentially associated with dietary intakes were used. Dietary intakes were measured using a validated web-based 24-h recall. Participants were categorized by fifths of a deprivation score based on income, education, and material and social deprivation. Participants in the first 4 fifths were assigned to the general NutriQuébec sample (n= 4180) and those above the 5th quintile formed the high deprivation sample (n= 1187). Three indices of diet quality defined as “high” or “low” were used: vegetable and fruit consumption (VFC, ≥5.0 reference amounts [RA]/day), “other foods” consumption, i.e. foods not recommended in Canada’s Food Guide 2019 (OFC, >5.0 RA/day), and overall diet quality measured using the Healthy Eating Food Index-2019 (HEFI-2019, >48.9 points). The algorithms developed and tested in the general NutriQuébec sample predicted high VFC, OFC and HEFI-2019 with accuracies of 0.60 (95%CI:0.58-0.62), 0.58 (95%CI:0.56-0.60) and 0.61 (95%CI:0.59-0.63), respectively. In the high deprivation sample, the algorithms predicted the diet quality indices with comparable accuracies (VFC, 0.69, 95%CI:0.67-0.71; OFC, 0.56, 95%CI:0.54-0.58; HEFI-2019, 0.66, 95%CI:0.65-0.67). ML algorithms trained to predict three diet quality indices in the general NutriQuébec sample were applicable to a sample with high deprivation. Additional studies should further evaluate applicability to other underrepresented groups.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid required for protein synthesis, immune regulation, and the production of serotonin, melatonin, and kynurenine. Its metabolism proceeds through three major pathways—the kynurenine, serotonin, and gut microbiota–derived indole pathways—which are influenced by diet, microbiota, and inflammation. The Mediterranean diet generally improves tryptophan bioavailability, enhances serotonin synthesis, and limits excessive kynurenine activation through anti-inflammatory and microbiota-mediated mechanisms. In contrast, Western diets promote systemic inflammation, increase kynurenine production, and reduce serotonin and beneficial indole metabolites. High-protein and ketogenic diets elevate substrate availability but may increase microbial production of indoles such as skatole and alter the balance of tryptophan utilization, while calorie-restricted diets appear to downregulate pro-inflammatory tryptophan degradation and improve serotonin-related satiety regulation. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that diet is a key regulator of tryptophan metabolism, with implications for mood, sleep, inflammation, cancer progression, and cardiometabolic health. Despite these advances, several knowledge gaps remain, including limited standardization of dietary assessment methods, insufficient databases on the tryptophan content of foods, and a lack of controlled comparative trials. Addressing these limitations may enable the development of nutritional strategies that optimize tryptophan metabolism and improve health outcomes.

Breastfeeding is a critical component of infant nutrition, and breastfed infants are less likely to become stunted or obese reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases in adult life. Optimal breastfeeding practices remain a challenge worldwide; as adolescents are the mothers and fathers of tomorrow, integrating DOHaD-informed knowledge into school curricula is called for. However, research indicates adolescents have low awareness of the importance of the first 1000 days of life, only see specific elements as relevant to them, and gender-related differences exist in their comprehension. This study evaluated the impact on adolescents of an in-class presentation on parenting and the benefits of breastfeeding in high schools in 5 African countries. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires were completed by 345 pupils (182 girls, 163 boys, mean age 17.9 years). Analysis indicated the education session impacted pupils’ perceptions of parenting and changed which aspects of breastfeeding they viewed as most and least interesting. A statistically significant difference was evident between genders on the importance of cost-benefits; more boys saw relevance for fathers that no cost is incurred for formula. Boys also ranked the potential to reduce diabetes healthcare costs in adult life higher than girls. Girls preferentially ranked breastfed babies crying less, being easier to feed at night, and diaper changing being less gross as benefits for fathers. School-based education can engage adolescents and impact knowledge and attitudes about breastfeeding. Awareness of differences in girls’ and boys’ perceptions of relevance will enable educational content to be targeted to attract and inform both genders.

Concerns about the environmental impact of animal-source foods have led to a shift toward plant-based alternatives (PBAs). While dairy products and seafood are rich in iodine, an essential nutrient for thyroid function and cognitive development, PBAs often lack iodine fortification. As the market expands, there is increasing concern that individuals replacing dairy products and seafood with unfortified PBAs may be at risk of iodine deficiency. This study assessed changes in the iodine fortification of plant-based milk, yoghurt, cheese, and seafood alternatives through a cross-sectional survey of UK supermarkets (2020–2024). Supermarkets were surveyed online each December, and product nutrition and ingredient data were extracted. Between 2020 and 2024, the number of PBAs increased by 55%, with 466 PBAs identified in 2024, including milk (n=246), yoghurt (n=81), cheese (n=110), and seafood alternatives (n=29). Iodine fortification was inconsistent: in 2024, 48% of non-organic milk alternatives were fortified, while only 5% of non-organic yoghurt and 4% of cheese alternatives contained iodine. In comparison, 28%, 6% and 0% of non-organic milk, yoghurt and cheese alternatives were fortified with iodine in 2020. No fortified seafood alternatives were identified. Fortified PBAs provided 75–83% of the iodine content of cow’s milk, but most remained poor iodine sources. Although iodine fortification has increased, it lags behind that of calcium and vitamin B12 (48% vs. 88% and 71%, respectively). Given iodine’s critical role in health, clearer public health guidance and improved fortification policies are needed. Increased reliance on PBAs may exacerbate iodine insufficiency in the UK without intervention.

Circadian Syndrome (CircS) appears to be a better predictor for cardiovascular disease than Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), and omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3) are generally suggested to alleviate negative health outcomes. This study aims to investigate the association between omega-3 intake and CircS, and examine effect modification by sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.

In this cross-sectional study, data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2018 were analyzed (n=12,028). Survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression was applied to analyze the associations of omega-3 intake with CircS and its components. Subgroup analyses examining the effect modification by sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were followed by a Restricted Cubic Spline investigating the nonlinear associations between omega-3 intake and CircS by race.

The weighted prevalence of MetS and CircS was 45.8% and 37.3%, respectively. Overall, no significant associations were found between the intake of total omega-3, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), or Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and CircS. However, omega-3 intake was associated with a lower risk of depression- a component of CircS. Comparing extreme quartiles of omega-3 intake (highest vs lowest), the OR (95% CI) for depressive symptoms was 0.77 (0.64-0.90). Among the Black, those in the highest quartile of omega-3 intake were more likely to have CircS, with the OR (95% CI) of 1.36 (1.02-1.82).

No association between omega-3 intake and CircS in the total study population was observed. However, Omega-3 intake was inversely associated with depressive symptoms in American adults. Interactions between race and omega-3 intake in relation to CircS were also identified.

Current approaches to measurement of diet quality lack precision, do not translate well beyond academia and may have unintended consequences. A novel metric- ‘Unrefined Plantfoods’ (UP) is proposed. The UP metric is grounded in established science, precise, easy to measure, consistent with wider nutrition agendas and policies, reduces potential commercial and ideological exploitation of public health nutrition goals, is unbiased, translatable, and inclusive. The concept is value-aware and grounded in a harm minimisation approach.

Maternal nutrition is critical for foetal brain development, and dietary polyphenolic compounds play an important role in mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurotoxic damage. This narrative review explored the potential promotion of brain development by polyphenols such as resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, naringin, ferulic acid, genistein, and fisetin through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurotrophic effects. The key molecular mechanisms are central to the advantageous actions of these polyphenols in the neurogenesis process. These compounds protect against neurodevelopmental challenges induced by maternal high-fat diet, immune activation, environmental toxins, and psychological stressors. However, their efficacy may depend on dosage, timing of administration, and maternal-foetal metabolic interactions, emphasising the need for personalised maternal nutrition strategies. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects and interactions of these compounds with other nutrients toward personalised maternal nutrition strategies. This narrative review presents the potential of polyphenols to support foetal brain health with an emphasis on their possible incorporation into maternal dietary interventions.

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) pollution has become a global environmental concern due to its widespread presence and diverse sources. These tiny plastic particles, originating from industrial processes, plastic waste degradation, and consumer products, have infiltrated various ecosystems, food chains, and even human tissues. Recent studies indicate that MNPs are not only pervasive in air, water, and soil but also accumulate in the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure. However, the implications of MNPs exposure, particularly during pregnancy, remain poorly understood. Of critical concern is the potential transfer of MNPs and their associated chemical additives across the placental barrier, posing risks to fetal development. In this review, we comprehensively analyze mainstream technologies used for detecting and characterizing MNPs, including spectroscopy- and microscopy-based approaches, as well as emerging detection methods. We also examine recent findings on the toxicity of MNP-associated chemicals, such as endocrine-disrupting compounds and heavy metals, which may have long-term effects on human health. Particular emphasis is placed on how maternal exposure to MNPs could impact offspring development, potentially leading to neurodevelopmental disorders, metabolic disturbances, and immune system dysregulation. Despite growing concerns, research gaps persist regarding the precise mechanisms through which MNPs influence maternal and fetal health. The findings recommend for further multidisciplinary research to assess the long-term consequences of prenatal MNPs exposure. Addressing these uncertainties is crucial for informing public health policies, mitigating risks, and ensuring the well-being of pregnant women and future generations.

This study aims to address a critical gap in literature by examining the mediating role of coping strategies in the relationship between mental health issues and food addiction among university students, contributing to the understanding of how stress management mechanisms affect addictive eating behaviours during this vulnerable period. A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted with 1947 students enrolled at a university in Istanbul during the 2024-2025 academic year. Data were collected online, using a Personal Information Form, the Depression-Anxiety-Stress-21 Scale (DASS-21), the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (Brief COPE), and the Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0). Data were analysed using Pearson’s correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, and PROCESS Macro Model 4. Moderate, positive, and statistically significant correlations were observed between depression, anxiety, and stress levels and food addiction (r=0.398-0.417; p<0.001). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that mental health issues explained 20.8% of the variance in food addiction scores. Mediation analyses indicated that adaptive coping strategies (e.g., humour, acceptance, and using instrumental social support) and maladaptive coping strategies (e.g., restraint coping, behavioural disengagement, and suppression of competing activities) significantly mediated the relationship between mental health issues and food addiction. Mental health issues represent a substantial risk factor for food addiction among university students in metropolitan areas, influenced by their coping strategies. Promoting adaptive coping strategies and reducing maladaptive ones are essential for preventing food addiction. These findings underscore the need to integrate psychological support and stress management into intervention programs targeting university students.