The relationship between the economy and ontological security studies (OSS) has remained underexplored. This paper seeks to rectify that by demonstrating how consumption and mass consumerism affect several dynamics related to the creation of ontological (in)security. It does so by arguing that citizens’ economic expectations are generated by a state’s position in international recognition hierarchies of mass consumerism and living standard; if fulfilled, citizens gain system trust and a sense that their social environment is stable and enduring, while the ongoing misrecognition of those economic expectations generates grievances and discontent and erodes state legitimacy. The paper therefore highlights the importance of trust, and its structural embeddedness, for processes of creating ontological security. These arguments are illustrated with two interrelated case studies – the early Cold War competition between the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic – to provide a higher standard of living to their respective citizens. This paper therefore reinforces the need to further explore how transnational and global economic processes shape citizens’ everyday relationship to and perception of the state.

Vegans exclude animal-based foods, including oily fish, a key source of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA). Consequently, vegans are at risk of low n-3 LCPUFA status(1), which may adversely affect brain function, mental health, eye health, and pregnancy outcomes(2). The omega-3 index (O3I; % of total fatty acids in red blood cells as eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] + docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) is a biomarker, with targets > 8% associated with improved health(2). Personalised (individual-level) and precision (group-level) strategies to reach this target require understanding the factors influencing O3I. While vegans are advised to consume plant-based omega-3 supplements and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) food sources(3), ALA conversion to EPA and DHA is limited and further reduced by high linoleic acid (LA) intakes, common in plant-based diets, due to substrate competition. Conversion is more efficient in females(1). This study investigated n-3 LCPUFA status and predictors of O3I among vegans. Data (n = 199; 53 males, 146 females) were derived from the Vegan Health Study, a cross-sectional study in Auckland, NZ. Inclusion criteria were healthy adults (≥ 18 years), vegan ≥ 2 years, not pregnant/breastfeeding, and Auckland-based. Demographic, anthropometric, body composition, and supplement data were collected. O3I, blood LA and ALA (dietary intake markers) were assessed from finger-prick dried blood spots. Multiple regression analysis identified predictors of log-transformed O3I. Variables included were log LA:ALA ratio, age, sex, smoking, BMI, and algae-supplement use. Values are median (25th, 75th percentile). O3I ranged from 1.95% to 6.64%, with > 92% having an O3I ≤ 4%, and none achieving > 8%. Median O3I was 3.1% (2.7, 3.5)%. Only 16% used algae supplements. Median blood LA:ALA ratio was 36.5 (28.8, 47.5). O3I was positively associated with algae-supplement use (p < 0.001) and female sex (p = 0.04), and negatively with blood LA:ALA ratio (p = 0.01) (Adjusted model R² = 0.14; p < 0.001). In conclusion, O3I levels in this vegan population is very low(3), with minimal supplement use. Female sex and algae-supplementation were positive predictors, while LA:ALA ratio was negatively associated with O3I. Dietary recommendations for vegans should emphasise increasing ALA-rich food intake (e.g., flax, chia, hemp seeds and oils), reducing LA-rich sources (e.g., soybean, sunflower oil), and increasing algae-supplement use to support optimal O3I. Dietary modelling studies may help identify practical ways to adjust LA:ALA ratios, particularly for foods rich in both LA and ALA, and common in vegan diets (e.g., tofu, walnuts), while maintaining overall nutrient adequacy.

The gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome is considered an additional organ of the human body that is implicated in health and disease(1). Dietary intake is a major modifiable variable contributing to microbial colonisation and fermentation(2). Advancements in microbial sequencing methods and interest in the impact of microbiome on health and disease have led to an exponential increase in studies investigating relationships between diet and the GI microbiome. However, high-quality synthesis of research is limited by considerable heterogeneity in methods used to assess and analyse dietary intake, sequence microbiome data and subsequently analyse diet-microbiome associations. This scoping review aimed to synthesise dietary and microbiome assessment and analysis methods used in human studies that investigate diet-microbiome taxonomic associations, and establish guidelines to inform future research methodology. A systematic literature search identified papers that measured individual-level dietary intake in humans and sequenced GI microbiome using either 16S rRNA or metagenomic shotgun sequencing. Studies were required to investigate associations between dietary intake and some aspect of GI microbiome. Databases searched were MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane and Google Scholar, resulting in 22,228 unique records after de-duplication. After full-text screening, 1,262 relevant articles were identified, then further categorised based on study methods. Additional data were extracted from a subset of 295 studies that captured whole dietary intake and compared this with GI microbiome. Twenty-three percent of included diet-microbiome studies employed comprehensive methods to capture whole dietary intake for analysis with taxonomic microbiome data. The remainder of studies captured a single food, nutrient, or looked at compositional microbiome rather than taxonomy. Within the comprehensive subset, there were 84 different variations of food frequency questionnaires (FFQ), 12 alternative surveys, and 4 types of diet recalls or diaries capturing between 1 and 14 days of dietary intake. Fifty-five percent (n = 163) of studies investigated habitual dietary intake, 35% (n = 101) investigated recent dietary intake, and 10% (n = 30) assessed both. Eighty-one percent of studies employed 16S rRNA sequencing, with wide variation in extraction, sequencing, pre-processing and annotation methods. There were also substantial gaps in reporting of methods for each step of the process, limiting further comparison or consolidation of study outcomes. Microbiome-specific statistical methods were only used in 11% of the identified subset, with preference for correlational methods not well-suited to handling the complexities of microbiome data(3). Only eight studies in this review had both raw dietary and sequencing data deposited in online repositories, limiting future validation and comparison of results. This review reveals the extent of the inconsistencies that exist in exploratory diet-microbiome studies, despite published recommendations to assist researchers in these processes(4). Collaborative efforts towards consensus methods and reporting will help to substantially progress the diet-microbiome research field towards high-quality evidence and meta-analyses.

Declining intake of plant-based foods has contributed to rising global diet-related health problems(1). Incorporating sustainable vegetables into staple foods may improve nutrient intake without compromising sensory appeal. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is rich in polyphenols, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making it a promising functional ingredient for improving bread quality(2). To evaluate the nutritional enhancement, sensory acceptance, appetite regulation, and postprandial glycaemic and insulinaemic responses of a spinach-enriched bread compared with standard white bread in healthy adults. A single-blinded, randomised crossover study was conducted in 15 healthy adults (8 males, 7 females; age 28 ± 7 years; BMI 28.0 ± 7.8 kg/m²). Participants consumed 107 g servings (equivalent to 50 g carbohydrates) of either control white bread or bread enriched with 20% (w/w) spinach after an overnight fast, with at least one week washout. Nutrient composition of the breads was analysed using Foodworks, and sensory properties assessed via hedonic scoring. Appetite ratings (hunger, satiety, fullness and prospective food consumption) were recorded over 3 hours using visual analogue scales to calculate a composite appetite score. Capillary glucose and plasma insulin were measured at regular intervals, and area under the curve (AUC) values were calculated using the trapezoidal rule. Spinach-enriched bread contained 60.6 mg/100 g more total polyphenols and higher fibre (+28%), folate (+58%), calcium (+78%), and iron (+90%) than white bread, with no significant differences in acceptance of appearance, taste, texture and aroma (p > 0.05). No significant treatment effects were observed for composite appetite scores (mean difference of hunger: −3.6 mm*min; 95% CI: −91.1, 83.9; p = 0.93, satiety: 1.1 mm*min; 95% CI: −76.3, 78.5; p = 0.97, fullness: 9.3 mm*min; 95% CI: −64.6, 83.2; p = 0.80, and prospective food consumption: 4.9 mm*min; 95% CI: −76.3, 86.1; p = 0.89). Peak postprandial glucose was similar for both breads (7.1 mmol*min/L). AUCglucose (mean difference: 25.5 mmol*min/L; 95% CI −137, 187; p = 0.68) and AUCinsulin (mean difference: 301 µU*min/L; 95% CI −12,384, 12,986; p = 0.77) were not significantly different between treatments. Interestingly, spinach bread delayed the time to peak insulin by 30 min (135.7 µU*min/mL at 60 min vs. 144.6 µU*min/mL at 30 min for white bread). Incorporation of 20% (w/w) spinach into staple bread substantially improved its nutritional profile, particularly in polyphenols, fibre, folate, calcium, and iron, without compromising sensory acceptance. While overall postprandial glycaemic and appetite responses were unchanged (similar to findings with baobab(3) or pomegranate(4)), the delayed insulin peak suggests a potential benefit for glucose-insulin dynamics. Spinach-enriched bread may represent a sustainable, nutrient-dense option to support metabolic health. Further research in metabolically compromised populations is warranted.

Psychologists have argued for diversification for over 50 years, with little change. At this point, it is clear that inaction is not due to lack of knowledge, convincing arguments, or clever acronyms. Rather, it is driven by psychologists’ priorities, values, and goals that they see as endemic to the field – one that is universal, decontextualized, and generalizable.

Despite the established health benefits of vegetables, most children do not consume enough to meet dietary recommendations. Early childhood is a critical period for shaping lifelong eating habits, and social eating experiences play an important role in this learning. This review synthesises evidence on how positive social influences support children’s vegetable intake. Findings across shared eating occasions, positive eating atmosphere, modelling, and social facilitation, demonstrate that social experiences shape healthy dietary behaviour, including vegetable intake. The review also highlights the importance of individual differences, including children’s eating behaviours and household characteristics such as socioeconomic status, food insecurity, and household chaos, which may influence both the feasibility and effectiveness of creating positive social eating environments. In addition, the review identifies key opportunities for intervention and emphasises the need for more longitudinal research to understand how social eating processes evolve across development. Together, the evidence underscores the potential of positive social influences to enhance children’s vegetable consumption and supports the development of tailored, socially grounded nutrition interventions.

This article examines Yujin Nagasawa’s claim that the problem of evil challenges atheists as well as theists. Nagasawa says many atheists hold a ‘modest optimism’ about life, but this optimism clashes with how the world really is if nature is systemically tied to suffering. I explore this ‘axiological expectation mismatch’ through engagement with two short stories: H. P. Lovecraft’s Call of Cthulhu and Ursula K. Le Guin’s Those Who Walk Away from Omelas. Both stories imagine universes in which there really seems to be an epistemic, emotive, and pragmatic problem of evil for atheists. These stories help test common objections to Nagasawa and suggest there can be a threshold of badness beyond which local gratitude and optimism become hard to sustain. I further argue that common presentations of the evolutionary problem of evil for theists indeed require portraying animal lives and our environment in highly negative terms, leading to the problem of evil for atheists. This supports Nagasawa’s contention that there is some symmetry between theism and atheism on the problem of evil. The comparison with the imagined worlds of Lovecraft and Le Guin highlights how our engagement with literature can advance philosophical discussion, much like thought experiments.

Obesity management is changing with there being a greater focus on incretin medications. However, with this comes concerns about the impact of these medications and weight loss programs on diet quality. Therefore, the primary aims of this pilot study was to assess the adequacy of the nationally available Healthy Weight For LifeTM (HWFL) programs(1) on diet quality and the impact of adding personalised medical nutrition therapy (MNT) consultations from an Accredited Practising Dietitian to the HWFL programs on diet quality. Secondary aims include assessing the difference in anthropometric measures and knee osteoarthritis outcomes (for those in the HWFL Osteoarthritis program) between intervention and usual care groups. An 18-week randomised controlled trial was conducted. Participants were randomised to the usual care arm (HWFL program as usual) or the HWFL+MNT arm. Diet quality was assessed using the Australian Eating Survey – Heart version food frequency questionnaire(2), with diet quality assess as % energy from nutrient-dense core food. Weight and knee osteoarthritis outcomes using the knee osteoarthritis outcome scores, were self-reported and used to assess outcomes. An intention-to-treat analysis was undertaken using generalised linear mixed models with post-estimations reported as mean (95% CI) to assess within and between group differences. Forty participants (75% female, 62 ± 10years, 78% with osteoarthritis) were recruited. Baseline diet quality was poor (34% energy from non-core foods). Post-intervention both intervention and usual care groups significantly improved their diet quality and reduced weight, but there were no significant differences between groups. Sub-scores for knee osteoarthritis function significantly improved in the intervention compared to the control group (mean between group difference 17.4, 95%CI 1.6, 33.1, p = 0.03), though after correcting for multiple testing this was no longer significant. Both the intervention and usual care arms significantly improved diet quality and reduced their weight. The HWFL program coaching provides nutrition information, practical resources and strategies to help participants lose weight(1). Therefore, significant improvements in both the usual care and HWFL+MNT intervention arms were anticipated. For those with knee osteoarthritis significant improvements in knee osteoarthritis function was reported in the intervention group. While this did not remain significant after correcting for multiple testing, more research on the role of a dietitian on osteoarthritis outcomes is needed(3), therefore future interventions should explore this further.

Infertility, clinically defined as the inability to become pregnant after twelve months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse, is a health concern of increasing prevalence(1). It affects approximately 20% of the female population of reproductive age, which can have devastating long-term social, psychological and financial consequences(2). Women with metabolic disorders including obesity, insulin resistance and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are disproportionately affected by infertility, early pregnancy loss and recurrent pregnancy loss compared to women in the healthy weight range(3). Women with obesity have three-fold greater concentrations of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in uterine tissue than women with healthy body weights(4), potentially increasing inflammation within endometrial cells and negatively impacting endometrial function and embryo implantation. While AGEs are produced endogenously, they also enter the body from exogenous sources such as during consumption of highly processed foods(5). This study aimed to investigate the cross-sectional association between dietary consumption of the common AGE carboxymethyllysine (CML) and infertility in a sample of adult women of reproductive age (18–49 y) using pre-pandemic data from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2020. A sample of 1922 reproductive-aged women had complete dietary and fertility data available. A published reference dietary AGE food composition database(6) was used to estimate each participant’s dietary CML intake from the first NHANES 24-hour dietary recall interview data. Differences between fertile and infertile groups were identified using independent t-tests (for continuous variables) and chi-squared (for categorical variables). Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analysis were used to explore the association between energy-adjusted dietary CML intake and infertility, while controlling for additional significant covariates. Odds ratios were calculated to quantify the association between infertility the highest and lowest tertiles of energy-adjusted CML intake. Of the 1922 women included in the analysis, 240 were considered infertile. Women with infertility were significantly older (35.5 ± 7.7 y versus 32.9 ± 9.5 y, p < 0.001), had higher energy-adjusted dietary CML intakes (40% in highest tertile of CML intake versus 32.4%, p < 0.03), were more likely to be obese (53.3% vs. 43.2%, p < 0.02) and were more likely to smoke cigarettes than fertile women (21.7% vs. 15.2%, p < 0.001). Compared to the lowest tertile of CML intake (< 2.33 mg/1000 kcal), women in the highest tertile of CML intake (> 3.73 mg/1000 kcal) had 35% greater odds of infertility. The OR (95% CI) for the association between CML intake and infertility was 1.35 (1.08, 1.54), p = 0.015 after multivariable adjustment. Reducing dietary intake of foods high in AGEs may be beneficial for the management of female infertility, but randomised controlled trials are required to confirm this.

Food literacy is defined as the ‘collection of inter-related knowledge, skills, and behaviours necessary to plan, manage, select, prepare, and eat food to meet needs and determine food intake’(1). Since this conceptualization, research on food literacy measurement has progressed; however, a major barrier is the absence of a standardised, sensitive, and user-friendly tool in measuring change in food literacy, particularly in clinical contexts. This gap hinders nutrition and health professionals’ capacity to assess and evaluate practice efforts to improve food literacy of adults. This scoping review aims to identify, analyse and evaluate existing food literacy measurement tools for adults. This scoping review was undertaken according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines(2). A comprehensive search was performed in seven databases: PubMed®, Embase ScienceDirect®, SciVerse Scopus®, CINAHL® with Full Text, A+ Education, and ProQuest. Only papers that were in Full-text articles published in English language or English translation of the publication were included. No date limit was applied. Studies were included if they described an original tool that explicitly measure food literacy of adults. Extracted data included (i) tool characteristics (i.e., year, country, purpose, number of items, item categories, included items, method of administration, scoring and participant characteristics) (ii) tool development (i.e., underlying definition or conceptual framework of food literacy, item generation, and psychometric properties). Twenty-one original tools that explicitly measure food literacy were identified. These tools varied widely in the specific constructs intended to measure. Methodological quality, particularly in terms of content validity, also varied considerably. Nineteen tools reported assessment of content validity by expert panels, with panel sizes ranging from 2 to 85 members. Inconsistencies were observed in the underpinning definitions and conceptual frameworks, with the Vidgen and Gallegos framework being the most common across tool. Structural composition and domain organisation were highly heterogeneous, with total item counts ranging from 12 to 100. One tool adopted a simple unidimensional structure in which all items were presented without domain categorisation, whereas others employed multi-domain frameworks comprising between two and ten domains. Commonly recurring domains included planning and management, selection, preparation and eating, although the breadth and emphasis of these domains varied between tools, reflecting domains considered central to food literacy. These findings underscore the central role of the Vidgen and Gallegos framework in guiding the measurement of food literacy. This review provides a reference for developing or refining theoretically sound food literacy measures that encompass core domains to enhance more consistent measurement of food literacy across diverse adult populations and contexts.

Biodesign education increasingly incorporates living materials into studio teaching, yet biomineralisation processes such as microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) remain largely confined to laboratory contexts. Typically framed as a protocol requiring sterility, specialised equipment and microbiological expertise, MICP is rarely positioned as a design-operable material system. This paper argues that the gap lies not in feasibility, but in how biological complexity is structured for studio engagement. Drawing on workshops conducted at Elisava Barcelona School of Design and Engineering, the study adapts MICP to unsterile studio conditions and develops a Boundary Conditions Framework through analysis of student fabrication decisions and material outcomes. The framework identifies outer, permeability and material boundary conditions as spatial and material variables that regulate mineral formation. Rather than reproducing laboratory optimisation, students engaged microbial processes through mould design, interface permeability and aggregate configuration, demonstrating a transferable strategy for studio-based biodesign education.

Early brain growth demands essential precursors and nutrients. Lactoferrin (LF), a sialylated iron-binding glycoprotein rich in sialic acid (Sia) residues on its N-glycans, is significantly more abundant in human milk than in cow milk-based formulas. Sia forms polysialic acid (polySia), primarily attached to neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), producing polySia–NCAM, a key neuroplasticity marker involved in brain remodelling, neurogenesis, and cognition. Despite evidence linking LF to neurodevelopment and cognitive support(1), the specific effects of iron saturation and sialylation within LF on these outcomes remain unclear. Lactating Wistar rat dams were fed standard diets supplemented with native bovine LF (Native-bLF), iron-depleted LF (Apo-LF), or Sia-depleted LF (Desia-LF) at 0.60 g/kg throughout lactation. From postnatal day 22, dams and offspring received standard chow and water ad libitum. Offspring underwent the behavioural assessments between postnatal days 44 and 59. PolySia–NCAM expression(2) in the hippocampus was evaluated qualitatively by Western blot on day 63. The protocol was approved by the Xiamen University Animal Ethics Committee (AE1640102). Behavioural assessments demonstrated that offspring exposed to Apo-LF exhibited reduced anxiety-like behaviour in the open field test (p < 0.05). In the Morris water maze, Apo-LF offspring showed enhanced spatial learning, evidenced by significantly shorter escape latencies during the 9-day training period compared to both Native-LF and Desia-LF groups (p < 0.02). In contrast, Desia-LF offspring showed the poorest cognitive performance, although escape latency and anxiety-like behaviour did not differ significantly between Desia-LF and Native-LF groups (p > 0.05). Apo-LF supplementation also significantly increased polySia-NCAM expression in the hippocampus compared to the Native-LF group (p = 0.033), whereas no significant difference was observed between Desia-LF and Native-LF groups (p > 0.05). Maternal lactoferrin supplementation during lactation enhances cognitive development by modulating synaptic structure and plasticity, thereby shaping neurodevelopmental outcomes through distinct molecular mechanisms, with sialylation playing a crucial role in neuroplasticity.

Emerging evidence indicates that nutrition science students and graduates are confused about their scope-of-practice(1). Contributing to this confusion may be an overlap in curricula between dietetic and non-dietetic nutrition programs, as well as the lack of resources on scope-of-practice to guide decisions in settings where clients may seek dietary advice from nutrition graduates (with non-dietetic qualifications). Therefore, the current study aimed to explore nutrition science students’ perceptions towards (i) their overall scope-of-practice and (ii) decision-making-frameworks to guide practice decisions with clients seeking nutrition and dietary advice. A multi-methods approach was used to conduct this research. Firstly, desktop research was used to identify already-published scope-of-practice documents/decision-making-frameworks for use as prompts in focus groups/interviews with eligible participants who were 18-years or older and currently enrolled in a university nutrition (non-dietetic) program in Australia. Recruitment included a combination of convenience, purposive, and snowball sampling. Discussions were conducted from April to June 2024, with all data being recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using an inductive thematic methodology to identify codes and major themes/subthemes. Researcher reflexivity assured trustworthiness. Six scope-of-practice documents were identified across different health disciplines, and mostly included decision-making tools underpinned by discipline-specific competency standards. These were used to prompt discussion about decision-making frameworks. Eleven female nutrition science students from the University of Wollongong, aged 19–29 years, mostly in their final year (91%, n = 10), participated in three focus groups and three in-depth interviews, lasting 30–90 minutes. Four main themes emerged: (i) Blurred Lines relating to confusion and inconsistencies in non-dietetic nutrition qualifications; (ii) Is nutrition science enough? relating to feelings that the qualification does not prepare graduates for future client-facing settings where dietary advice is delivered; (iii) What’s in a name? relating to the ambiguity and challenges tied to an unregulated professional identity; and (iv) Defining the Scope: A Call to Action relating to an urgent need for a clear, comprehensive scope-of-practice framework in nutrition science. Overall, the study findings suggest that nutrition science students are confused about their scope-of-practice, especially in practice settings where future clients may seek dietary advice from them. This stems from inadequate guidance resources, leading to feelings of unpreparedness for the workforce. Universities can help to alleviate these feelings by clarifying scope-of-practice and introducing into the curricula a validated decision-making-tool, as well as work-integrated-learning experiences and relevant careers education. Next-phase research is needed to define the scope-of-practice through a consensus process with relevant stakeholders, and to co-design and test a prototype decision-making tool.

Young adults are experiencing increasingly poor cardiovascular profiles, yet remain under-represented in prevention strategies(1). It is well established that development of atherosclerotic lesions begins early in life, long before the onset of clinical manifestations. However, traditional risk assessment tools often fail to detect early vascular damage in this younger age group(2). Subclinical cardiovascular risk markers, such as arterial stiffness and endothelial function, offer valuable insight to early asymptomatic vascular impairment that precede symptomatic disease making them critical for timely intervention(3). Despite the well-established role of diet in cardiovascular health, the relationship between dietary behaviours and subclinical vascular markers in young adults remains underexplored. Investigating these associations can inform long-term, targeted prevention efforts during a transitional life stage of increased food autonomy. This study aims to examine associations between dietary intake and subclinical cardiovascular risk markers in a cohort of university students, with adjustments for other relevant lifestyle factors including physical activity, sleep patterns, and psychological distress. A total of 76 students aged 18–25 years from the University of the Sunshine Coast (27 males and 49 females) were assessed for arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity), brachial blood pressure, and endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation). Dietary intake was measured using three non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls. Additional lifestyle behaviours were assessed using validated questionnaires and a wrist-worn monitor for movement and sleep. Median (IQR) for carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity was 8.05 (7.90–8.90) m/s for males and 7.23 (6.78–8.03) m/s for females, with 26% of males and 14% of females exceeding the upper limit of the global reference ranges. Median (IQR) systolic/diastolic blood pressure was 128 / 73 (120–131 / 66–77) mmHg among males and 116 / 70 (109–123 / 63–74) mmHg among females; 26% of males and 6% of females had above-normal readings. Only 4.0% males and 11.1% females met fruit intake guidelines, while 8.0% of males and 8.9% of females met vegetable intake recommendations. On average, ~ 33% of total energy intake came from energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods in males and females, respectively. Preliminary findings highlight concerning patterns in cardiovascular health and dietary behaviours among young adult university students. Linear regression models will be used to explore associations between cardiovascular measures and dietary intake, with results providing new insights into the role of diet in subclinical cardiovascular health among young adults. These findings will inform the development of tailored health behaviour interventions to support the needs of young adults for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in this under-targeted population.

We are persuaded by Bard et al.’s argument that cross-cultural work in psychology requires not only a greater diversity of participants but also a greater diversity of theories. We encourage the authors to consider that the solution lies not only in improving experimentally oriented theories but also in adopting non-experimental methods, including purely ethnographic methods.

Miracle fruit (MF), which contains the active glycoprotein miraculin, has been investigated for its ability to modify sour and bitter taste perception in individual taste solutions and food items among healthy adults(1,2). However, in real-life settings, foods are typically consumed as mixed meals with complex taste interactions(3). Two trials have examined MF’s effects on overall preference in mixed-meal contexts among individuals with chronic conditions (diabetes, cancer)(4,5). These studies used a single dose of MF, lacked pre–post designs, omitted meal pH measurement, and relied on qualitative reporting or the less‐sensitive nine‐point hedonic scale instead of the generalised labelled magnitude scale (gLMS). Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of different MF doses on taste intensity, preference, and intake of a hypo-palatable mixed salad. Ethical approval was obtained from the Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee (GU Ref No: 2024/052). A four-arm, pre–post, placebo-controlled quasi-experimental pilot trial was conducted among 88 adults (48 healthy-weight and 40 overweight/obese). Participants were assigned to one of four treatment groups: placebo, 175 mg, 350 mg, or 700 mg of MF. At both pre-test and post-test, they were served a 117 g portion of a hypo-palatable mixed salad (25 g broccoli, 75 g Granny Smith apple, 12 g rocket leaves, and 5 mL lime juice), providing approximately half a serve each of fruit and vegetables(6). At pre-test, participants rated the salad’s sourness and bitterness intensities using the gLMS and overall salad preference using the Labelled Affective Magnitude scale. Salad intake was assessed by weighing the leftovers from the 117 g served. Following a 20-minute interval, the assigned dose was administered, and all assessments were repeated. Data were analysed using SPSS v29. Treatment effects were assessed using generalised linear mixed models, controlling for body mass index, phenylthiocarbamide taster status (taster vs. non-taster), and sex. In both healthy-weight and overweight/obese participants, all MF doses significantly decreased the intensity of sourness and bitterness of the mixed salad, with 350 mg showing the greatest reductions in sourness (β = −1.17, p < 0.001) and bitterness (β = −0.89, p < 0.001). In terms of overall salad preference, no significant changes were observed across all MF doses. With respect to salad intake, the 700 mg dose significantly increased consumption among overweight/obese participants compared to placebo (β = 0.46, p = 0.017), with a higher median intake at post-test (82 g vs. 56 g). In conclusion, all doses of MF effectively masked the aversive taste attributes of the salad, with the higher dose significantly increasing salad intake among overweight/obese participants. These findings highlight the potential of MF as a practical strategy to enhance the consumption of hypo-palatable sour and bitter fruits and vegetables.

In Australia, and globally, the burden of diet-related diseases has escalated markedly. This is driven by changes in the food system that is widely recognised as unhealthy, inequitable and a key contributor to climate change. In response, the United Nations launched the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition 2016–2025. Inaction at the country level has seen this initiative recently extended to 2030(1). Australia has been without a National Nutrition Policy or Strategy since 1992. In the last two federal elections, the Australian Government committed to the development of a strategy. More recently, it committed to the creation of a National Food Security Plan and Australian Health Ministers committed to implementation of the National Obesity Strategy. Civil society organisations (CSOs) have consistently advocated for the development and implementation of a National Nutrition Policy with little success. The aim of this paper is to inform the development of effective policy recommendations by civil society organisations by using the case study of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA). It (i) reviews the organisation’s current statements (ii) compares them against existing international frameworks and (iii) identifies priorities for more effective advocacy. All materials were downloaded from the PHAA Policy Positions Statements Food and Nutrition section of the organisation’s website in October 2024. The Policy title, date of adoption and review, Key Message, Key Policy Position, Key Actions Sought and Key Actions PHAA resolves to undertake, were extracted verbatim. Actions sought were inductively coded by one member of the authorship team. Codes were reviewed by remaining authors independently and then discussed. From here, actions were then deductively coded according to the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition International Congress on Nutrition Framework For Action(1). The Food and Nutrition Special Interest Group of the PHAA has produced more Policy Positions Statements (n = 17) than any other interest group (mean = 5.3). Statements have predominantly been developed in response to the government framing of the day rather than proactively. Analysis of Key Actions Sought revealed significant duplication across statements as a result of this reactive approach. Examples include the development of a National Nutrition Policy being called for in 6 out of 17 statements. When compared to the UN Framework for Action Areas, there was alignment across 19 of the 24 themes under the 6 Action Areas. CSOs play a vital role in advocating for policy change, guiding policy development, and holding governments accountable. Their work enhances the transparency and inclusiveness of the policy process. This review demonstrates excellent translation of evidence-informed practice into recommendations; however, reactive advocacy in good faith of government commitment has been ineffective in achieving action.