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.

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.

Despite increasing efforts to promote and support breastfeeding, the United States continues to have some of the lowest exclusive and sustained breastfeeding rates globally. Foreign-born immigrants and refugees specifically have been reported to have high initiation but low exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates. This scoping review aims to explore what is known about strategies to support breastfeeding among foreign-born mothers in the United States using the Arksey & O’Malley framework for scoping reviews and PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews). Six databases were searched using a comprehensive search strategy and 2,103 articles were identified, of which 31 met eligibility criteria and discussed 33 specific breastfeeding interventions. The articles describe a range of interventions including breastfeeding promotion and education (n=30), hands-on breastfeeding support (n=9), material support -like giving breastfeeding supplies and food- (n=16), social support (n=18), and social marketing campaigns (n=1) to promote community support for breastfeeding. Common strategies for implementing these interventions include individual counseling (n=21), group breastfeeding education (n=17), informational materials (n=12) and family support promotion (n=11). 87.2% of the immigrant mothers targeted by these breastfeeding support interventions were Hispanic; 4.5% and 7.0% were mothers of African and Asian descent respectively. This study reveals limited data and key gaps in efforts to preserve the culture of breastfeeding and promote EBF among multicultural immigrant and refugee families, particularly non-Hispanic groups. Addressing these gaps will improve optimal infant feeding practices among foreign-born mothers in the U.S and consequently maternal and infant health outcomes.

Digital technologies provide a convenient and scalable approach to dietary assessment and personalised feedback, facilitating behaviour change. This is essential for reducing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases at a population level. However, the evaluation of the acceptability and feasibility of dietary feedback delivered via online platforms has not been thoroughly investigated. By utilising the term ‘system architecture’ to describe the essential components of the digital approach to capturing dietary feedback, this systematic review outlines the platform, dietary assessment methodology, reference values for assessing dietary intake, and elements of personalised dietary feedback. When reported, the acceptability and feasibility of personalised feedback were captured. OVID Medline, OVID Embase, Scopus via Elsevier, and Cinahl Plus via EBSCO identified 5,839 studies. Search terms included dietary assessment, feedback, and digital technologies. In total, 28 studies involving 301,271 participants were included. Food frequency questionnaires were the most commonly used dietary assessment method, accessed via web-based platforms. Dietary intake was commonly assessed using a diet quality index, and feedback was provided on food groups, often combined with a diet quality score or macronutrient analysis. While participant acceptance of personalised dietary feedback was generally high, the overall completion rates for acceptability questionnaires were low, and feasibility was seldom reported. Methods used to measure acceptability and feasibility varied, preventing comparisons across studies. Study quality was high; however, future research would benefit from the involvement of stakeholders and end-users in designing feedback messages.