Disordered eating (DE) is common among patients attending primary health care settings. However, the prevalence of DE among patients who receive care in nutrition practice settings has yet to be estimated. We aimed to determine the prevalence of DE and its correlates among outpatients in a nutrition service. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a convenience sample of outpatients (N = 502) who received care from 2022 to 2024 at the Nutrition Care Offices, which is a university nutrition service in Mexico City. A screening questionnaire was created to identify DE. Items were derived from existing DE screening tools and patients’ experiences. Linear regression models were estimated, with the outcomes being the three indicators of DE (negative body image, binge eating-compensation, and exercise as a negative experience). The most common DE behaviours and cognitions were feeling uncomfortable or insecure about their body fat (74.7%), feeling ashamed of their weight (57.6%), feeling uncomfortable or insecure about their muscles (57.2%), feeling bad when their weight is measured (54.0%), and feeling they have lost control of what they eat (51.0%). Binge eating-compensation and negative body image scores were higher among women, younger individuals, those with higher body weight, and those with very light or light leisure-time physical activity (PA). The practice of leisure-time PA was positively associated with exercise as a negative experience but negatively related to negative body image. Our findings suggest that DE is a problem that arises recurrently in weight-related nutrition consultations. Higher risk groups deserved special attention.

This study aims to compare dietary diversity score (DDS), nutrient intakes and child feeding practices between under-five children who are provided meals by daycare (PM) or bring a lunchbox (LB) and to explore the perspective of mothers, daycare staff and management on their role in providing balanced and nutritious meals for under-five children. The cross-sectional study used mixed method. The quantitative part assessed nutrient intakes using 2-day non-consecutive dietary records and child feeding practices using Child Feeding Practices Questionnaire (CFPQ). Qualitative research employed WeValue Insitu and Perspective Exploration. The study was conducted at daycares in Ministries/Agencies in Jakarta, Indonesia, involving 138 children (6–59 months) and 124 working mothers. The qualitative sample comprised three working mothers, five daycare staff, and five daycare managers. Although DDS was higher among children aged 6–23 months in the PM group, energy and nutrient intakes were lower, with higher inadequacy of folate and calcium. Mothers in the LB had higher scores in environment, encouragement of balance and variety, and restriction subscales. Qualitative data identified role of daycare in providing meals or advice on lunchbox menus, skipping breakfast, eating environment between home and daycare, and nutrition knowledge. The higher nutrient intakes in LB were concurrent with better child feeding practices. Food provision in daycare, if not accompanied by nutrition education for parents, may lead to parents over reliance to daycare. Nutrition education is needed to enhance attitudes and awareness of working mothers and daycare staff regarding breakfast consumption, menu planning, child feeding practices, and portion sizes.

Malnutrition in children remains a major global public health concern, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 children, with a sub-sample of 23 children selected for a 3-day weighed food intake assessment. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and dietary intake records. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 21 and results were presented as means, frequencies, and percentages. The daily energy intake of children aged 4 and 5 years was below the recommended levels (74.1% and 64.3%, respectively). However, children aged 2 and 3 years had adequate energy intakes, exceeding the recommendations (102.4% and 111.5%). Iron intake across all age groups was below the recommended dietary intake. Intake of B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3) among 2-, 3-, and 5-year-olds exceeded recommended levels. Calcium intake was consistently low across all age groups (2 years: 37.5%, 3 years: 44.6%, 4 years: 23.5%, 5 years: 24.7%), this is due to low consumption of protein food sources and vegetables rich in calcium. Key factors influencing low nutritional status included inadequate consumption of high protein food sources, overreliance on carbohydrate food (cassava flour), poor consumption of fruits and vegetables, and inability to access food due to sickness. The study highlights suboptimal intake of energy and essential micronutrients among orphanage children, particularly older age groups. Nutrition education, improved feeding practices, and increased dietary diversity are essential to improve the nutritional status of children in orphanages.

Given the central role of phosphorus in key metabolic processes, including glucose phosphorylation, ATP synthesis, insulin signalling, and energy metabolism, dietary phosphorus availability may influence postprandial metabolic responses. This systematic review evaluates the effects of inorganic phosphorus supplementation on diet-induced thermogenesis, postprandial glycaemia, and postprandial lipidemia in healthy adults. A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) was conducted. Only experimental intervention studies assessing phosphorus supplementation as the primary exposure and postprandial metabolic outcomes as primary endpoints were included. Eligible participants were healthy adults aged 18–64 years. Secondary outcomes included changes in body weight, energy intake, and satiety. Ten randomised crossover trials met inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 225 participants. Three out of four studies reported a significant positive association between phosphorus supplementation and diet-induced thermogenesis (P < 0.05). Evidence regarding the effects of phosphorus on postprandial glycaemia and lipidemia was inconsistent. An inverse association was observed between phosphorus intake and weight gain (P < 0.001) and energy intake (P < 0.01), alongside a positive association with satiety (P < 0.05). While these findings indicate potential metabolic benefits of dietary phosphorus, particularly in relation to thermogenesis and energy regulation, interpretation is tempered by the small number of available studies, modest sample sizes, and methodological heterogeneity. These limitations restrict causal inference and generalizability. Further rigorously designed, adequately powered clinical trials are therefore warranted to substantiate these associations and to clarify the effects of phosphorus on postprandial glycaemic and lipid outcomes.

Disordered eating (DE) significantly affects both physical and mental health, contributing to morbidity, mortality, and considerable global healthcare costs. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of high-risk DE and examined its associations with body composition, behavioural factors, diet quality, and perceived stress among university students in the United Arab Emirates. A total of 911 students were recruited using non-probability quota sampling (50.49% female). Body composition was measured using a TANITA BC-420MA body composition monitor. Usual dietary intake was assessed via a validated 65-item food frequency questionnaire. DE risk was assessed using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and perceived stress using the PSS-10. Analysis included linear regression and independent-samples t-test (p < 0.05). High-risk DE (EAT-26 ≥ 20) prevalence was 30.3%. High-risk DE was significantly associated with higher body fat percentage (β = 0.121, p < 0.001), fat mass (β = 0.148, p < 0.001), fat-free mass (β = 0.079, p = 0.017), lean mass (β = 0.08, p = 0.016), total body water (β = 0.084, p = 0.011), and lower total body water percentage (β = −0.131, p < 0.001). High-risk students also reported higher intakes of fibre (β = 0.12, p = 0.018), beta-carotene (β = 0.14, p = 0.025), vitamin A (β = 0.13, p = 0.034), B12 (β = 0.15, p = 0.043), folate (β = 0.16, p = 0.006), and vitamin D (β = 0.16, p = 0.036). Compared with the low-risk group, high-risk DE was associated with higher adiposity markers and slightly higher perceived stress, and differed in selected nutrient intakes; sociodemographic characteristics were largely similar between groups except for smoking status. These findings support the implementation of targeted prevention strategies, including nutrition education, routine screening, and culturally tailored programmes, for young adults in the UAE.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is emerging as the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, with a spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial and involves genetic, metabolic, and gut microbiota factors. Gut microbiota, through the gut-liver axis, plays a crucial role in the progression of MAFLD. Here, we investigated the association between DI-GM, a novel metric reflecting diet-microbiota interactions, MAFLD, and liver fibrosis, with a focus on the mediating role of vitamins. Using data from 13,498 participants across seven NHANES cycles (2007–2018), we found that higher DI-GM scores, indicative of a healthier gut microbiota-promoting diet, were associated with a reduced prevalence of MAFLD (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.88–0.99) and high-risk liver fibrosis (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.90–0.98) in fully adjusted models. Notably, the relationship between DI-GM and MAFLD and the risk of liver fibrosis is largely mediated by specific vitamins and carotenoids, with vitamin C and cis-β-carotene emerging as key mediators. These findings suggest that dietary interventions targeting the gut microbiota and vitamin supplementation could offer new strategies for the prevention and management of MAFLD. Our study provides the first comprehensive evidence linking DI-GM to MAFLD and the risk of liver fibrosis, highlighting the potential of diet and nutrition to modulate metabolic liver diseases. Future research should focus on elucidating the underlying mechanisms and validating these findings through prospective studies and clinical trials.

The effect of dietary intake on body weight may vary based on individual genetic differences. However, children are rarely used in such investigations. The aim was to identify possible genetic moderation through polygenic scores (PGS) for BMI, of the association between dietary intakes and BMI in children. The study sample included children who were part of a French-Canadian birth-cohort study. BMI data was available on seven occasions between ages 4 and 13 years. FFQ (juice and fruit drinks, sweets and snack foods, meats, and fruits and vegetables) and 24-h dietary recall (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, total energy) data were available up to 4 years. Linear mixed models were used to account for repeated BMI measurements. The consumption of juice and fruit drinks (in girls), sweets and snack foods, fruits and vegetables, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and total energy were associated with BMI. Associations with BMI increased with age (kg/m2 per year) for fruits and vegetables (β: −0.03, 95%CI: −0.06;−0.01), lipids (β: 0.11, 95%CI: 0.01;0.22), carbohydrates (β: 0.05, 95%CI: 0.01;0.08), and total energy (β: 0.07, 95%CI: 0.02;0.12), and with higher values of a PGS (kg/m2 per SD) for proteins (β: 0.54, 95%CI: 0.03;1.06), lipids (β: 0.63, 95%CI: 0.12;1.13), and total energy (β: 0.32, 95%CI: 0.06;0.58). Using longitudinal data, we showed that the associations between specific dietary intakes and BMI may vary depending on age and genetic susceptibility in childhood.

Consumer enthusiasm in plant-based eating has resulted in the rapid expansion of plant-based meat (PBM) products. The extensive processing required to simulate meat warrants further investigation regarding PBMs nutritional quality and healthiness, particularly considering the health halo that has surrounded these products. An online audit of dominant UK supermarkets evaluated PBM (n = 209) against ‘standard’ (n = 2143) and ‘reduced’ (e.g. low fat) meat equivalents (n = 100), across eight product categories. This evaluation included NOVA categorisation, Nutritional Profiling Model (NPM) classification, on-pack claims, micronutrient content and product affordability. PBM products were typically more favourable than ‘standard’ meat equivalents for energy density, dietary fibre, total and saturated fat content. However, they contained significantly higher salt in most product categories. Differences between PBM and ‘reduced’ meat comparators were more nuanced. PBM products were significantly more expensive than ‘standard’ meat equivalents in four of the eight product categories (p < .05). Few PBM and zero meat-based products reported micronutrient information. While all PBM and most meat-based products were characterised as ultra-processed, PBM products demonstrated a lower (‘healthier’) NPM score compared to ‘standard’ meat equivalents across all product categories (p ≤ .001). Although no significant differences were detected between PBM and ‘reduced’ meat-based products, a greater proportion of PBM products were classified as ‘healthier’ according to NPM compared to ‘standard’ and ‘reduced’ meat equivalents. Thus PBM products may offer healthier alternatives with the potential to synergistically support public and planetary health. Future manufacturing practices should consider cost-effective fortification and reformulation strategies to improve nutritional quality and affordability of PBMs.

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.

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.

Monocrotaline (MCT) induces lung injury and pulmonary hypertension (PH) by a mechanism that is in part due to oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to determine how MCT affected nutrient antioxidants retinol and alpha-tocopherol in a rat lung and liver. Rats were fed a purified diet (AIN-93G) one-week prior to a subcutaneous injection of MCT (60 mg/kg) and remained on the diet throughout the study. Three weeks after injection, the animals were euthanized, and the lungs and livers were analyzed for retinol, alpha-tocopherol, phospholipid (PL), and cholesterol content. Lung retinol concentrations were significantly lower in MCT-treated rats, 2.0 ± 1.2 (nmol/g lung) vs. vehicle control (VEH), 5.8 ± 1.4 (P < 0.01). However, liver retinol concentrations were not significantly different, 3.3 ± 1.3 vs. 2.5 ± 0.9 nmol/g liver. Alpha-tocopherol was significantly greater in MCT-treated rats in the lung, 145 ± 24 vs. 99 ± 13 nmol/g lung (P < 0.001), and liver, 107 ± 30 vs. 47.7 ± 4.8 nmol/g liver (P < 0.001). Phospholipid and cholesterol were significantly lower in the lung of the MCT-treated group, but not significantly different in the liver. In conclusion, retinol along with phospholipid, and cholesterol were decreased in the lungs whereas alpha-tocopherol was elevated in the lungs and liver in response to MCT. These findings along with others suggest a novel mechanistic link between MCT-induced oxidative stress, lung vitamin A depletion, inflammation and the impairment of alveolar cell proliferation and repair. Pulmonary retinol is important in the pathogenesis of MCT-induced lung injury.

Responsive feeding characterised by recognising and appropriately addressing children’s hunger and satiety signals, plays a key role in health. Despite children’s innate ability to self-regulate food intake, caregivers can override these cues, especially in child care settings. The study determined the effects of a 6-month coaching intervention on the responsive feeding environments of child care centres. CELEBRATE Feeding was a 6-month, coaching, pre-post intervention design conducted in eight child care centres across Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, Canada. Child care centres’ feeding environments and educator practices were observed using a modified Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation tool at baseline and follow-up in two rooms per centre (n = 16). Twenty-one responsive feeding components were scored from 0–3 (3 as best practice). The average centre scores were summed for an overall score ranging from 0–63 at each time point. Paired samples t-tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were conducted to assess the impact of the intervention on overall rooms’ and individual responsive feeding components’ scores. There was an increase in scores from baseline (M = 38.16, SD = 6.55) to follow-up (M = 45.75, SD = 5.87), t (15) = 4.91, P < 0.001. All but one score improved, where 3 of the 21 scores were significantly more responsive after the intervention after applying a Bonferroni correction (P < 0.002). The score with the greatest positive change was ‘Educators provide gentle comments or nudges towards feeding’, with a mean difference of 1.33, P < 0.001. The CELEBRATE Feeding coaching intervention was successful in improving responsive feeding practices and environments in child care settings.

The objective of this study was to develop and validate an educational comic book designed to promote healthy eating among caregivers of young children. The study was conducted in four phases: (1) literature review and script development; (2) creation of the initial version of the comic book, including illustrations, layout and design, and calculation of the Flesch Readability Index (FI); (3) expert validation of the initial version and calculation of the Content Validity Index (CVI); and (4) adaptation of the comic book based on expert suggestions, recalculation of the FI, and pilot testing (CVI) with a lay population. A total of 64 volunteers participated in the validation process, including 14 expert judges and 50 caregivers responsible for feeding children aged 0 to 5 years. Statistical analysis included descriptive measures and inferential testing using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The FI score for the initial version was 85.0%, indicating a reading level classified as “easy to understand.” After expert evaluation, the CVI reached 94%, reflecting high agreement among participants. In the revised version, the FI remained high at 84.7%, reinforcing the “easy to understand” reading level, while the CVI increased to 98% following the pilot test, demonstrating strong consensus among participants. A significant improvement in knowledge regarding healthy eating was observed after reading the comic book (p < 0.05). The comic book was validated for appearance, content and readability, showing a positive impact on caregivers’ knowledge about healthy eating practices. It represents an accessible and effective resource that can be integrated into community-based nutrition education programmes.

Ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs) are widely used to treat severe acute malnutrition (SAM) by improving key anthropometric outcomes; however, optimisation of RUTF formulations remains important to support sustained recovery. Rice bran, a novel nutrient-dense, prebiotic food ingredient, can support healthy growth. This two-arm, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial, compared the effectiveness of a locally produced RUTF with rice bran to the same RUTF without rice bran for the treatment of uncomplicated acute malnutrition in Jember, Indonesia. 200 children aged 6–59 months with SAM (WHZ < −3.0 and/or mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) < 115 mm or having bilateral pitting oedema +/++) or approaching SAM (WHZ < −2.5) were enrolled in the study. Primary outcomes were weight, MUAC, and anthropometric z-scores. Linear mixed models were applied across all ages, and split by age groups (6–23 months and 24–59 months) at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 for intention-to-treat (ITT) and per protocol analysis (PP). Children in two age groups were expected to respond differently to treatment based on their microbiome maturity. At week 4, the PP analysis revealed RUTF+rice bran treatment had significantly greater weight gain velocity (p = 0.02; p = 0.008) and MUAC velocity (p = 0.004, p = 0.03) when compared to RUTF at all ages and in the 24–59 months age group, respectively. There were no significant differences between treatment groups at time points in the other anthropometric outcomes. This investigation shows promising impact of stabilised rice bran as a prebiotic and nutrient-dense ingredient for inclusion into RUTFs that can improve child growth outcomes.

Dietary magnesium (Mg) is a potentially modifiable factor in preventing dementia, but current evidence supporting this remains insufficient and inconclusive. This study aimed to determine whether dietary Mg is associated with the risk of dementia among middle-aged and older people. Participants of this 8-year cohort study were 13,032 community-dwelling individuals aged 40–74 years. Dietary data were collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire in 2011–2013. Mg intake was adjusted for energy intake using the residual method. The outcome was newly diagnosed dementia determined using Japan’s long-term care insurance database. Covariates included demographic characteristics, body size, lifestyles, and disease histories. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine adjusted hazard ratios (HRs). The mean age of participants was 59.0 years. Dementia occurred in 148 males and 138 females. Lower quartiles of energy-adjusted Mg intake were associated with a higher risk of dementia (P for trend = 0.0410) in males, with the lowest quartile (Q1) having an elevated risk of dementia (HR = 1.73, 95% CI:1.07–2.83) compared to the highest quartile (Q4, reference); however, this association was not found in females. In a subgroup analysis by disease history in males, the HR of Q1 was attenuated in both subgroups; HR was 1.52 (95% CI:0.74–3.11) in those with a disease history and 1.40 (95% CI:0.73–2.69) in those without. In conclusion, low dietary Mg intake is associated with increased dementia risk in middle-aged and older Japanese males. However, this association may be partly attributable to underlying disease history.

In the USA and Japan, body mass index (BMI) has increased over the last several decades, whereas energy intake (EI) has decreased. However, self-reported EI data may show systematic errors. Using the calibration approach for attenuating the systematic error of self-reported EI, we aimed to compare trends in BMI and EI with and without calibration in adults from the USA and Japan. This cross-sectional study included 38,370 Americans evaluated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2018, and 200,629 Japanese evaluated in national nutrition surveys in Japan 1995–2019. EI was estimated using at least 1 day of 24-h diet recalls for Americans and 1 day of household-based dietary records for Japanese. The calibrated EI was calculated using a previously developed equation based on total energy expenditure (TEE) measured by doubly labelled water method. Using data from a review, uncalibrated EI was −20.2% and calibrated EI was −4.1% compared to the TEE; the calibration approach attenuated EI underestimation. In the USA, uncalibrated EI decreased (annual percentage change [APC]: −0.24%), but calibrated EI and BMI increased (calibrated EI, APC: 0.04%; BMI, APC: 0.32%). In Japan, the decrease was smaller for the calibrated EI than for the uncalibrated EI (uncalibrated EI, APC: −0.23%; calibrated EI, APC: −0.04%). Uncalibrated EI decreased and BMI increased in the USA and Japan, and calibrated EI increased in the USA and decreased slowly in Japan. Calibration may attenuate systematic bias in dietary assessments and facilitate the effective use of dietary data.