Nutrient gaps are differences between recommended and actual intakes and are often based on the estimated average requirement (EAR), the average daily intake estimated to meet the requirement of 50% of healthy individuals. While nutrient gaps have been established in the general population, their presence in exercising adults has not been extensively investigated. In the present analyses, 681 dietary recalls were obtained from 226 healthy exercising adults (154 F, 72 M) using the Automated Self-Administered 24-h (ASA24®) Dietary Assessment Tool. Intakes of seventeen vitamins and minerals were compared to corresponding EAR values to determine if nutrient gaps were present. Additionally, the potential for sex differences in absolute and relative nutrient intakes was examined. Median intakes of vitamin D fell below the EAR in both female and male adults, with the median intake of vitamin E below the EAR in female adults only (p ≤ 0.003 for each). In female participants, >50% exhibited intakes below the EAR for calcium, folate, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E. In male participants, >50% exhibited intakes below the EAR for vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E. Sex differences were present for intakes in sixteen of seventeen micronutrients (p < 0.001 for each), with lower intakes observed in female adults. Collectively, the present analyses indicate underconsumption of some micronutrients, particularly in exercising female adults. The potential to improve vitamin and mineral intakes and attendant health and performance outcomes through targeted interventions in exercising adults should be explored in future research.

A short FFQ was developed for online assessment of adherence to the Dutch Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND-NL) diet, a culturally adapted version of the original American MIND diet. This study aimed to evaluate the relative validity of this short FFQ for assessing adherence to the MIND-NL diet, as scored by the MIND-NL score, compared with 3-d food records among community-dwelling older adults at risk of cognitive decline (n 1078; 67·4 (sd 4·6) years; 64 % female). A combination of statistical methods was used to assess the relative validity: presence of bias by Bland–Altman analysis; strength of association with Kendall’s Tau-b and Spearman correlation coefficients and levels of agreement with Wilcoxon signed rank test, cross-classification and weighted Kappa (κ) statistics. The Kendall’s Tau-b correlation for the MIND-NL score was 0·33 (95 % CI: 0·29, 0·37; de-attenuated Tau-b: 0·45). Individual MIND-NL diet component score correlations ranged from 0·05 to 0·56, with 12 out of 15 of the MIND-NL diet components adequately correlated (> 0·20). The average MIND-NL scores for the short FFQ (8·4 (sd 1·8) points) and food records (6·7 (sd 1·7) points) showed to be significantly different (P < 0·001). The Kappa (κ) coefficient for tertile classification of the MIND-NL score was 0·29 (95 % CI: 0·25, 0·33), indicating an acceptable level of agreement in ranking participants beyond chance. Acceptable agreements (κ > 0·20) were observed for 10 out of 15 MIND-NL diet components. Taking all analyses together, the short FFQ showed acceptable validity for ranking older adults at risk of cognitive decline according to their adherence to the MIND-NL diet.

Oxidative stress is an important pathomechanism in psoriasis, and the oxidative balance score (OBS) serves as a standardised metric for assessing systemic oxidative status, but its association with psoriasis is unclear. This study included 18 023 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to investigate the relationship between OBS and psoriasis. After using a complex sampling weighting method, we performed multi-model logistic regression and stratified analysis with OBS as the exposure and psoriasis as the outcome for the primary analysis. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) plots were used to evaluate potential non-linear associations between OBS and psoriasis. In addition, we performed replication analyses using two 24-h dietary records data as a sensitivity test to ensure robustness of the results. Multi-model logistic regression analyses revealed no statistically meaningful link between OBS and psoriasis prevalence when accounting for all confounders (P > 0·05), but in stratified analyses, OBS demonstrated a significant association with reduced risk of psoriasis in individuals aged 60–80 years (OR = 0·27–0·35, P < 0·05). As part of the overall OBS, moderate dietary OBS demonstrated an association with reduced psoriasis risk in 60- to 80-year-olds (OR = 0·39–0·43, P < 0·05). Lifestyle OBS (LOBS) indicates a significant negative correlation with psoriasis risk among the ‘Other Hispanic’ group. (Q3 OR = 0·23, P < 0·05). The RCS showed a non-linear relationship between LOBS and psoriasis (non-linear P = 0·013). This study provides the first systematic confirmation of an association between OBS and a reduced risk of psoriasis in elderly populations and specific ethnic groups. These findings offer new insights and directions for the prevention and treatment of psoriasis.

Surface anthropometric measures are commonly used to assess body composition in trained individuals. Standardised pre-test guidelines (morning, fasted) present logistical concerns. The impact of daily activities on skinfold (SKF) assessment has been established in males; however, there is a lack of research examining females. The aim of this study was to assess the within-day agreement between standardised and non-standardised surface anthropometric measures in trained females. Measures including body mass, eight SKF and six circumferences were collected by an International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry level 1 anthropometrist on forty trained females (twenty naturally menstruating and twenty using a contraceptive) under standardised conditions (morning, fasted, rested and hydrated) and non-standardised conditions (9–10 h later after free-living) on the same day. The menstrual or contraceptive pill phase was not controlled for. The intra-class correlation coefficient and typical error were calculated to assess reliability. Overall group means were compared to assess if a significant change occurred. The sum of eight SKF sites (∑8 SKF) displayed excellent reliability, and no significant difference was noted between conditions. Greater levels of disagreement were represented by those with ∑8 SKF > 136 mm. Significant differences in group means were recorded for body mass and waist circumference. All other five circumference sites remained unchanged throughout the day. Findings suggest that if accuracy is required, body mass and waist circumference should be collected in a standardised state. SKF and all five other circumferences can be collected in trained females at any time of day without considering pre-test standard guidelines.

Adequate protein intake is crucial for preventing frailty and sarcopenia in older adults, but conventional dietary assessments are time-consuming. Developing a rapid screening tool for identifying those at risk of low protein intake is essential; however, no such tool exists for Asian populations. This study developed a prediction model to identify older adults in Japan at risk of low protein intake using a simple food intake questionnaire. The model was developed using data from 4,085 older adults aged ≥65 years from the 2013 and 2017 National Health and Nutrition Surveys. Protein intake was assessed using a one-day dietary record with a semi-weighted method. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to predict low protein intake (<1.0 g/kg adjusted body weight/day), incorporating sex, age, adjusted body weight, and food intake frequency of nine food groups. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve and a calibration plot, both adjusted for optimism through bootstrap resampling. Participants had a mean age of 74.1 years (standard deviation = 6.6), and 55.5% of all participants were female. The prevalence of low protein intake was 21.8%. Internal validation showed a bootstrap optimism-corrected ROC area of 0.695 and a calibration slope of 0.921. We developed a 12-item prediction model for identifying older adults at risk of low protein intake. The model provides a practical tool to identify older adults at high risk of low protein intake and is expected to be used in public health settings.

Myopia is a critical public health issue, particularly among adolescents. This study investigates the association between adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet and the odds of myopia in US adolescents. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2005 to 2008, involving 2473 participants aged 12–18 years. Adherence to the diet was assessed using the alternate Mediterranean diet (aMED) score. Myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent of ≤–0·50 dioptres (D). Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, race, education level, BMI, poverty income ratio and total energy intake were used to examine the association between aMED and myopia. Additionally, restricted cubic spline regression was used to explore non-linear relationships, and mediation analysis was conducted to identify potential biological pathways. Of the participants (median age: 15 years; 50·5 % male), 41 % were identified as having myopia. Participants with myopia had significantly lower aMED scores compared with non-myopic individuals (P < 0·05). Higher adherence to the aMED was associated with lower odds of myopia (OR: 0·830, 95 % CI 0·712, 0·968). A significant dose–response relationship was observed, with adolescents in the highest aMED quintile having a 41 % lower odds of myopia compared with the lowest quintile (OR: 0·592, 95 % CI 0·368, 0·952). The association was partially mediated by dietary cholesterol and eicosatetraenoic acid. In conclusion, adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet in adolescents is associated with a lower odds of myopia. Addressing diet quality may mitigate health risks related to myopia development.

Telomere length is a biomarker of ageing, with shorter lengths associated with a higher risk of age-related diseases and mortality. Oxidative stress and inflammation predominantly contribute to telomere shortening. Diets rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help preserve telomere length. Nuts and seeds contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients and bioactive compounds. Their consumption is recognised as protective against age-related conditions. The objective of this review is to evaluate the role of nut and seed intake on telomere length in humans. A systematic search was conducted in four databases from inception to 12 March 2024 to identify observational and interventional studies assessing nut and seed intake and measuring telomere length as an outcome in adults (aged ≥ 18 years). Data from the included articles were extracted by one reviewer and verified by another reviewer. Out of the nine observational studies included, three reported positive associations between nut and seed intake and telomere length. None of the four interventional studies included reported a significant positive effect. Meta-analysis was not performed due to high variability in reporting telomere length measurements. The evidence is insufficient to confirm a beneficial role of nut and seed intake on telomere length. Adequately powered long-term intervention studies are needed.

Muscular dystrophy (MD) encompasses inherited myopathies characterised by progressive skeletal and cardiac muscle degeneration, chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. While emerging therapies show pre-clinical promise, few reach clinical translation, highlighting the need for supportive interventions to improve function and quality of life (QoL). Nutritional strategies may offer such benefits; however, limited data exist characterising diet in MD or associations with functional outcomes. This study assessed diet, nutritional status and associations with muscle strength, function and QoL in MD adults. Adults with MD (n 39; FSHD = 8, LGMD = 9 and Other = 22) and matched Controls (n 17) completed two 3-d food records, strength/function assessments and QoL questionnaires. Between-group differences were analysed using t tests or Mann–Whitney U and associations using Pearson’s r or Spearman’s Rho (P < 0·05). Compared with controls, individuals with MD consumed more energy (89 % v. 35 % exceeded RDI, P = 0·023), but less carbohydrate (–21 %, P = 0·013), sugar (–31 %, P = 0·004), protein (–15 %), BCAA (–31 %, P = 0·049) and vitamin C (–43 %, P = 0·009). MD participants demonstrated reduced muscle thickness, strength, function and reported lower QoL and physical capacity (all P < 0·05). Protein intake positively correlated with strength and function (P < 0·05); branched-chain amino acids intake was associated with lean mass (r = 0·442, P = 0·02) and strength (r = 0·372, P = 0·036). Findings indicate adults with MD consume excess energy but insufficient protein and micronutrients, supporting the need for adult MD-specific dietary guidance to optimise musculoskeletal health and QoL.

This prospective study investigated the associations of various diet quality indices with mortality in Japan. Participants were 13 355 men and 15 724 women from the Takayama study. Eight diet quality indices were assessed using an FFQ: the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, alternative Mediterranean diet scores, Healthy Eating Index-2015, Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010, Nutrient Rich Food Index 9.3, Diet Quality Score for Japanese, Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top and twelve-item Japanese Diet Index. Cox proportional models estimated hazard ratios and 95 % CI for all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a 1 sd difference for each index, with adjustment for confounders. During a mean follow-up of 14·1 years, 5339 deaths were recorded. Hazard ratios (95 % CI) per 1 sd higher index were 0·90 (0·87, 0·93) for Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010, 0·92 (0·89, 0·95) for Diet Quality Score for Japanese, 0·93 (0·91, 0·96) for Nutrient Rich Food Index 9.3, 0·94 (0·92, 0·97) for alternative Mediterranean diet and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, 0·94 (0·91, 0·97) for Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top, 0·94 (0·91, 0·98) for twelve-item Japanese Diet Index and 0·97 (0·94, 0·996) for Healthy Eating Index-2015. Similar protective associations were observed for CVD mortality, but not for cancer mortality. These findings suggest that all eight indices are associated with lower mortality and that the strength of associations varies across indices; the Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010 showed relatively strong associations, followed by the Diet Quality Score for Japanese, whereas the associations of the Healthy Eating Index-2015 appeared relatively weaker in this Japanese population.

There is limited research on the association between soda consumption and the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS), particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the relationship between soda consumption and MetS in Korean adults, stratified by sex, and compared differences before and after the pandemic using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2017–2021). A total of 13 051 adults aged 19–64 years were included. Soda consumption was assessed using 24-h recall and categorised into five groups (non-drinkers and four quartiles). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate OR and 95 % CI for MetS and its components. After adjusting for multiple covariates, no significant association was found between soda consumption and MetS overall. However, adults in the highest quartile of soda consumption (≥ 373 g/d) had higher risks of abdominal obesity (P-trend = 0·006) and hypertriglyceridaemia (P-trend = 0·003), compared with non-drinkers. When analysed by gender, women in the highest quartile of soda consumption (≥ 315 g/d) had significantly higher risk of MetS (OR = 1·70; 95 % CI: 1·08, 2·68), and multiple MetS components, whereas no significant associations were obserbed in men. Post-pandemic analysis revealed a significant association between high soda consumption (≥ 416 g/d) and MetS (OR = 1·56; 95 % CI: 1·04, 2·34), which was NS in the pre-pandemic period (P–interaction = 0·031). These findings suggest that high soda consumption may increase the risk of MetS, particularly among Korean women.

Food literacy and mindful eating are increasingly recognised as key factors in the prevention and management of chronic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study aimed to assess the association between food literacy and mindful eating and the risk of developing T2DM and MetS. This cross-sectional study included 1091 adults (777 females, 314 males) aged 18–65 years. General characteristics, anthropometric measurements, risk of T2DM (Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC)) and MetS (Metabolic Syndrome Index), food literacy (Food Literacy Tool) and mindful eating (Mindful Eating Inventory) were assessed using a questionnaire. Food literacy and mindful eating scores were significantly and negatively correlated with both the FINDRISC score (r = −0·153 and r = −0·168, respectively; P < 0·001) and the Metabolic Syndrome Index score (r = −0·181 and r = −0·171, respectively; P < 0·001). Linear regression analyses indicated that age, marital status, education level, BMI, waist circumference and total scores from the Food Literacy Tool and the Mindful Eating Inventory were significant predictors of the risk of T2DM (R2 = 0·580; P < 0·001) and MetS (R2 = 0·440; P < 0·001). Given the association between food literacy, mindful eating and the risk of T2DM and MetS, public health interventions should incorporate these factors. The long-term effects of such interventions should be evaluated, and their adaptability to different sociocultural contexts should be explored to support effective global prevention and management.

White potatoes are a major contributor to energy and nutrient intake in the USA, which supports investigating their relationship with cardiometabolic health. This cross-sectional analysis assessed relationships of total white potato intake and dietary patterns containing white potatoes prepared by various methods with markers of cardiometabolic health in adults categorised by diabetes status. The dietary intake assessment component of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001–2018), What We Eat in America (WWEIA), was linked with the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies and Food Patterns Equivalents Database to rank the consumption of white potato-containing foods. Dietary patterns were determined by percent calories from white potatoes and main food groups in WWEIA using cluster analysis. Regression analysis assessed trends in individuals with (n 5467) and without (n 38 159) diagnosed diabetes. P < 0·01 was significant. The most consumed white potato-containing foods were French fries, potato chips and home fries. In adults without diagnosed diabetes, total white potato intake was positively associated with glucose, insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance and waist circumference. Glycated Hb was lower in those who primarily consumed dietary patterns with baked/boiled potatoes, and waist circumference was higher in those who primarily consumed dietary patterns with chips, fried potatoes or mashed potatoes compared with adults with no white potato intake. In adults without diagnosed diabetes, total white potato intake was associated with greater cardiometabolic risk, which may be due, in part, to frying as the predominate preparation method of white potatoes in the USA.

This study aimed to identify linear growth trajectories from 0 to 5 years and assess their associations with cognitive function and school achievement in Ethiopian children aged 10 years. Latent class trajectory modelling was used to identify distinct height-for-age (HAZ) trajectories. Cognitive function was assessed using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, while school achievement was measured by math, English and science (MES) combined scores and grade-for-age. Associations were assessed using multiple linear or logistic regressions. We identified four distinct HAZ trajectories. Decreasing trajectory (n 145, 31·9 %) started high at birth but dropped sharply. The increasing-decreasing trajectory (n 196, 43·2 %) increased up to 3 months, followed by a decrease. The stable low (n 74, 16·3 %) had low HAZ at birth, followed by a slight decrease. The rising trajectory (n 39, 8·6 %) started low but then increased to HAZ above, yet close to zero. At 10 years, children in the rising trajectory had 4·54 (95 % CI: −0·45, 9·55, P = 0·075) higher MES combined score and 2·4 times (95 % CI: 1·12, 5·15, P = 0·025) higher odds of being in the appropriate grade-for-age compared to those in the increasing-decreasing trajectory. The association between stable low and decreasing trajectory with appropriate grade-for-age had odds ratio close to null. In conclusion, we found that three of the four linear growth trajectory classes showed a declining pattern. Data suggest that greater linear growth in early childhood may be associated with higher school achievement and better cognitive function.

Undernutrition is common amongst older people and can lead to adverse health outcomes and increased dependence. This review focuses on an aspect of undernutrition that is often overlooked, namely loss of appetite, and will discuss the challenges in this under-researched field from the perspective of geriatric medicine. Appetite decline is common in later life and predicts undernutrition in older populations. As such, timely identification and intervention on poor appetite could delay onset or progression of undernutrition to optimise healthy ageing and maintain independence. In addition, management of undernutrition ultimately requires the individual to meet their nutritional requirements. However, unless attention is paid to mitigating appetite decline, strategies to improve intake are likely to be ineffective. Treatment for appetite decline is challenging due to the multiple and complex underlying mechanisms. Current evidence is limited to a few trials targeting older people including flavour enhancement and fortification or supplementation, lifestyle measures such as increasing physical activity and social interaction, and medications, all with mixed results. Progress on treatments for appetite decline has been hampered by a lack of distinction from undernutrition but also perhaps the approach to it as a concept. Categorising appetite decline in ageing as a geriatric syndrome could aid progress in the unification of approaches to mechanistic research, assessment and management strategies, which are likely to be most effective when in multi-component form and underpinned by the principles of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA).

Sustainable diets can improve environmental health by supporting food security and promoting healthy living for future generations. This study aimed to assess changes over time in the consumption of foods within the national diet and diet-related environmental indicators, specifically greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) and water footprint (WF). Individual food consumption was assessed using 24-hour dietary recalls from the Türkiye Nutrition and Health Surveys (TNHS) conducted in 2010 and 2017. GHGE and WF were calculated based on these dietary data. According to the TNHS 2010 and 2017, GHGE increased by 16·1 %, total WF by 17 %, green WF by 19·3 %, blue WF by 9·4 % and grey WF by 10·9 % (p < 0·001). During the same period, the consumption of red meats (by 72 %), eggs (by 42·5 %) and fats (by 53·6 %) increased significantly (p < 0·001). Conversely, the most notable decrease in consumption was observed for fresh vegetables and fruits, which declined by 17·5 % and 6·9 %, respectively (p < 0·001). In 2010 and 2017, red meats (GHGE: +29·8 %; total WF: +23·6 %) and fats (GHGE: +14·3 %; total WF: +13·6 %) were the foods that increased their contribution to GHGE and total WF the most. Although the GHGE and total WF values of Türkiye’s national diet remain below the global average, both indicators increased in 2017 compared to 2010. Despite the rising consumption of animal-based foods in recent years, the predominance of cereals in the national diet has played a key role in keeping GHGE and total WF below the global average.