The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relative validity of food and nutrient intakes and overall diet quality scores derived using a newly developed dietary assessment questionnaire (food combination questionnaire, FCQ). Dietary data were collected from 222 Japanese adults (111 for each sex) aged 30–76 years using the online FCQ and then the 4-non-consective-day weighed dietary record (DR). The median of Spearman correlation coefficients for sixteen food groups was 0⋅32 among women and 0⋅38 among men. The median of Pearson correlation coefficients for forty-six nutrients was 0⋅34 among women and 0⋅31 among men. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the total scores of Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) derived from the DR and FCQ was 0⋅37 among women and 0⋅39 among men. The corresponding value for the Nutrient-Rich Food Index 9.3 (NRF9.3) total scores was 0⋅39 among women and 0⋅46 among men. Bland–Altman plots for these diet quality scores showed poor agreement at the individual level, although mean difference was small for the HEI-2015 (but not NRF9.3). Similar results were obtained using the paper version of FCQ, which was answered after conducting the DR, except for somewhat high Pearson correlation coefficients for the total scores of HEI-2015 (0⋅50 among both women and men) and NRF9.3 (0⋅37 among women and 0⋅53 among men). In conclusion, this analysis may lend support to the possible use of the FCQ as a rapid dietary assessment tool in large-scale epidemiologic studies in Japan, but further refinement of this tool should be pursued.

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) and has been implicated as an aetiologic factor of osteoporosis and various skeletal and extra-skeletal issues in SCI patients. Few data were available regarding vitamin D status in patients with acute SCI or immediately assessed at hospital admission. This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated vitamin D status in SCI patients at admission to a UK SCI centre in January–December 2017. A total of 196 eligible patients with serum 25(OH)D concentration records at admission were recruited. The results found that 24 % were vitamin D deficient (serum 25(OH)D < 25 nmol/l), 57 % of the patients had serum 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/l. The male patients, patients admitted in the winter–spring time (December–May), and patients with serum sodium < 135 mmol/l or with non-traumatic causes had a significant higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency than their counterparts (28 % males v. 11⋅8 % females, P = 0⋅02; 30⋅2 % in winter–spring v. 12⋅9 % in summer–autumn, P = 0⋅007; 32⋅1 % non-traumatic v. 17⋅6 % traumatic SCI, P = 0⋅03; 38⋅9 % low serum sodium v. 18⋅8 % normal serum sodium, P = 0⋅010). There was a significant inverse association of serum 25(OH)D concentration with body mass index (BMI) (r = −0⋅311, P = 0⋅002), serum total cholesterol (r = −0⋅168, P = 0⋅04) and creatinine concentrations (r = −0⋅162, P = 0⋅02) that were also significant predictors of serum 25(OH)D concentration. Strategies for systematic screening and efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in SCI patients need to be implemented and further investigated to prevent the vitamin D deficiency-related chronic complications.

The combined burden of stunting and wasting in children under five years is a serious public health concern. The present study aimed to estimate the joint burden of stunting and wasting among children aged 6–59 months and explore its spatial variation across Nepal. The 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey data was used to study acute and chronic childhood malnutrition. A Bayesian distributional bivariate probit geoadditive model was designed to study the linear association and geographical variation of stunting and wasting among 6–59 months, children. Child-related factors such as low birth weight, fever in the last 2 weeks preceding the survey and fourth or greater birth order were associated with a higher likelihood of stunting. The likelihood of a child being stunted was significantly less in the wealthiest households, having improved toilet facilities, and if mothers were overweight. Children from severely food insecure households were significantly more likely, and children from poorer households were significantly less likely to suffer both acute and chronic malnutrition simultaneously. Results from spatial effect showed that children from Lumbini and Karnali had a higher burden of stunting, and the likelihood that achild would have been wasted was significantly higher in Madhesh and Province 1. Immediate nutritional efforts are vital in low-income and severely food insecure households to lessen the risk of stunting and wasting in under children. Disproportionate geographic variations in stunting and wasting warrant sub-regional-specific nutrition intervention to achieve nutrition targets and reduce the burden of childhood malnutrition across the country.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral administration of vitamin D supplementation in reducing BMI and lipid profile in adolescents and young adults from a cohort in Bucaramanga, Colombia. One hundred and one young adults were randomly assigned to one of two doses of vitamin D [1000 international units (IU) or 200 IU] administered daily for 15 weeks. The primary outcomes were serum 25(OH)D levels, BMI and lipid profile. The secondary outcomes were waist-hip ratio, skinfolds and fasting blood glucose. We found a mean ± sd plasma concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was 25⋅0 ± 7⋅0 ng/ml at baseline, and after 15 weeks, it increased to 31⋅0 ± 10⋅0 ng/ml in the participants who received a daily dose of 1000 IU, (P < 0⋅0001). For the participants in the control group (200 IU), it went from 26⋅0 ± 8⋅0 ng/ml to 29⋅0 ± 8⋅0 ng/ml (P = 0⋅002). There were no differences between groups in body mass index. There was a statistically significant decrease in LDL-cholesterol between the intervention group v. the control group (mean difference −11⋅50 mg/dl (95 % CI −21⋅86 to −1⋅15; P = 0⋅030). The conclusions of the present study were two different doses of vitamin D supplementation (200 IU v. 1000 IU) produced changes in serum 25(OH)D levels over 15 weeks of administration in healthy young adults. No significant changes were found in the body mass index when the effect of the treatments was compared. A significant reduction in LDL-cholesterol was found when comparing the two intervention groups.

Trial registration: NCT04377386

The objective of the present study was to describe adolescents’ habits and experiences with energy drink (ED) consumption and the relation to the amount of ED consumed. We used the national cross-sectional study Ungdata, conducted in 2015–16 in Norway. A total of 15 913 adolescents aged 13–19 years answered questions about ED consumption related to the following topics: reasons for, experiences with, habits and parental attitudes. The sample comprised only adolescents reporting to be ED consumers. We estimated the association between the responses and the average daily consumption of ED in multiple regression models. Those who consumed ED ‘to concentrate’ or ‘to perform better in school’ consumed on average 73⋅1 (CI 65⋅8, 80⋅3) and 112⋅0 (CI 102⋅7, 121⋅2) ml more daily, respectively, than those who did not consume ED for these reasons. Up to 80 % of the adolescents reported that ‘my parents think it is OK that I drink energy drink’, but at the same time almost 50 % reported that ‘my parents say that I shouldn't drink energy drink’. Apart from increased endurance and feeling stronger, both desired and adverse effects of ED consumption were reported. Our findings indicate that the expectation created by the ED companies have great influence on the adolescents’ consumption rate and that parental attitudes towards ED have little to no influence on the adolescents’ consumption rate.

We reviewed the available research and gave an overview of the effects of nutrition education interventions (NEIs) on medical students’ and residents’ knowledge of nutrition, attitudes towards nutrition care, self-efficacy, dietary practices and readiness to offer nutrition care. From 28 May through 29 June 2021, we searched Google Scholar, PubMed, ProQuest, Cochrane and ProQuest to retrieve 1807 articles. After conducting de-duplication and applying the eligibility criteria and reviewing the title and abstract, 23 papers were included. The data were descriptively and narratively synthesised, and the results were displayed as frequencies, tables and figures. Twenty-one interventions were designed to increase participants’ knowledge of nutrition-related topics, and eighteen studies found that nutrition knowledge had significantly improved post-intervention. Only four of the eleven studies that reported on attitudes about nutrition post-intervention showed a meaningful improvement. The self-efficacy of participants was examined in more than half of the included studies (n 13, 56⋅5 %), and eleven of these studies found a significant increase in the participants’ level of self-efficacy to offer nutrition care post-intervention. At the post-intervention point, seven interventions found that dietary and lifestyle habits had significantly improved. The review demonstrated the potential of NEIs to enhance participants’ dietary habits and nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy. Reduced nutrition knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy scores during the follow-up, point to the need for more opportunities for medical students and residents to learn about nutrition after the intervention.

Despite the fact that health facilities in Ethiopia are being built closer to communities in all regions, the proportion of home deliveries remains high, and there are no studies being conducted to identify low birth weight (LBW) and premature newborn babies using simple, best, alternative, and appropriate anthropometric measurement in the study area. The objective of the present study was to find the simple, best, and alternative anthropometric measurement and identified its cut-off points for detecting LBW and premature newborn babies. A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Dire Dawa city administration, Eastern Ethiopia. The study included 385 women who gave birth in health facility. To evaluate the overall accuracy of the anthropometric measurements, a non-parametric receiver operating characteristic curve was used. Chest circumference (AUC = 0⋅95) with 29⋅4 cm and mean upper arm circumference (AUC = 0⋅93) with 7⋅9 cm proved to be the best anthropometric diagnostic measure for LBW and gestational age, respectively. Also, both anthropometric measuring tools are achieved the highest correlation (r = 0⋅62) for LBW and gestational age. Foot length had a higher sensitivity (94⋅8 %) in detecting LBW than other measurements, with a higher negative predictive value (NPV) (98⋅4 %) and a higher positive predictive value (PPV) (54⋅8 %). Chest circumference and mid-upper arm circumference were found to be better surrogate measurements for identifying LBW and premature babies in need of special care. More research is needed to identify better diagnostic interventions in situations like the study area, which has limited resources and a high proportion of home deliveries.

In 2021, the Lancet Commission on adolescent nutrition highlighted the need to prioritise the elimination of adolescent malnutrition to tap the human capital potential and break the intergenerational malnutrition trap. The nutritional requirement during adolescence reaches its peak. The present study aims to appraise the prevalence of undernutrition (stunting and thinness) and anaemia among adolescents (10–19 years) in India and the role of socioeconomic, individual-level hygiene behaviour and dietary diversity in nutritional outcomes. We have used the nationally representative Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS-2016–18) that covers children and adolescents (0–19 years) in India. The prevalence of stunting, anaemia and thinness among adolescents was 27⋅2, 28⋅5 and 24⋅1 %, respectively. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were applied to estimate the likelihood of undernutrition. The likelihood of stunting was higher for late adolescence (OR 1⋅21, 95 % CI 1⋅15, 1⋅27), low dietary diversity (OR 1⋅37, 95 % CI 1⋅26, 1⋅49) and low hygiene behaviour compliance (OR 1⋅53, 95 % CI 1⋅42, 1⋅64). Adolescents from the poorest quintile were more likely to be stunted (OR 3⋅20, 95 % CI 2⋅94, 3⋅48), anaemic (OR 1⋅66, 95 % CI 1⋅47, 1⋅87) and thin (OR 1⋅68, 95 % CI 1⋅54, 1⋅82). We found that lower hygienic compliance was significantly associated with undernutrition and anaemia. Therefore, promoting hygienic practices should be emphasised to tackle undernutrition and anaemia. Furthermore, dietary diversity and poverty were strong predictors of stunting and thinness, therefore targeting the poor and focusing on improving dietary diversity should be the priority.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element which has an important role as a constituent of seleno-proteins involved in various physiological processes. Previous research in Irish adults suggests that intakes of this important nutrient are suboptimal. The aim of the present study was to estimate the current intakes and major food sources of Se by Irish adults. Mean daily intakes (MDIs) of Se were calculated using data from the National Adult Nutrition Survey which involved 1500 Irish adults aged 18–90 years. The Se content of foods and drinks consumed over a 4-d period was determined using data from the Irish Total Diet Study (TDS). Adequacy of Se intakes was assessed by calculating the proportion of the population with intakes below the adequate intake (AI) of 70 μg/d and lower reference nutrient intake of 40 μg/d (LRNI). The MDI of Se in the total population was 71⋅7 μg/d, with significantly higher intakes reported in men (80⋅2 μg/d) compared with women (63⋅4 μg/d, P < 0⋅01). Meat and meat products were the major contributing food group to Se intakes for both men (37 %) and women (31 %). Overall, 47 % of the population were not meeting the recommended AI, while 4 % of the total population were not meeting the LRNI. Although the average intake of Se is above the AI, a significant proportion of the population is not meeting this recommendation and continued monitoring of Se intakes is necessary, particularly by at-risk groups and also in the context of sustainability.

Naturalistic online grocery stores could provide a novel setting for evaluating nutrition interventions. In 2021–2022, we recruited US adults (n 144, 59% low-income) to complete two weekly study visits: one in a naturalistic (‘mock’) online grocery store developed for research and one in a real online grocery store. Participants selected groceries and responded to survey questions. Analyses examined survey responses and expenditures on fifteen food categories (e.g., bread, sugar-sweetened beverages). Nearly all enrolled participants completed both visits (98% retention). Moreover, nearly participants all reported that their selections in the naturalistic store were similar to their usual purchases (95%) and that the naturalistic store felt like a real store (92%). Participants’ spending on food categories in the naturalistic store were moderately-to-strongly correlated with their spending in the real store (range of correlation coefficients: 0⋅36–0⋅67, all P-values < 0⋅001). Naturalistic online grocery stores may offer a promising platform for conducting nutrition research.

Dyslipidaemia is a metabolic anomaly which has been related to numerous morbidities. Orange juice (OJ) is a popular flavonoid-rich drink consumed worldwide. Due to the existing controversies regarding its impact on blood lipids, we decided to investigate the impact of OJ supplementation on lipid profile parameters. Major scientific databases (Cochrane library, Scopus, PubMed and Embase) were searched. Pooled effects sizes were reported as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Out of 6334 articles retrieved by the initial search, 9 articles met our inclusion criteria. Overall, supplementation with OJ did not exert any significant effects on blood levels of TG (WMD −1·53 mg/dl, 95 % CI −6·39, 3·32, P = 0·536), TC (WMD −5·91 mg/dl, 95 % CI −13·26, 1·43, P = 0·114) or HDL-C (WMD 0·61 mg/ dl, 95 % CI −0·61, 1·82, P = 0·333). OJ consumption did reduce LDL-C levels significantly (WMD −8·35 mg/dl, 95 % CI −15·43, −1·26, P = 0·021). Overall, we showed that the consumption of OJ may not be beneficial in improving serum levels of TG, TC or HDL-C. Contrarily, we showed that daily intake of OJ, especially more than 500 ml/d, might be effective in reducing LDL-C levels. In the light of the existing inconsistencies, we propose that further high-quality interventions be conducted in order to make a solid conclusion.

The global prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is high. Poor vitamin D status, especially in women, has been reported in several countries in the Middle East despite adequate year-round sunlight for vitamin D synthesis. However, data on vitamin D status in Palestine are scarce. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate vitamin D status based on serum concentrations of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25-(OH)D] among young healthy Palestinian students (18–27 years) and to assess associations between 25-(OH)D concentrations and several predictors. The mean 25-(OH)D concentration of women (n 151) was 27⋅2 ± 14⋅5 nmol/l, with the majority having insufficient (31⋅1 %) or deficient (<60 %) 25-(OH)D status. Only 7 % of women achieved sufficient or optimal 25-(OH)D status. In contrast, men (n 52) had a mean 25-(OH)D concentration of 58⋅3 ± 14⋅5 nmol/l, with none classified as deficient, and most obtaining sufficient (55⋅8 %) or even optimal 25-(OH)D status (11⋅5 %). Among women, 98 % wore a hijab and 74 % regularly used sunscreen. Daily dietary vitamin D intake (3-d 24-h recalls) was 45⋅1 ± 36⋅1 IU in the total group (no sex differences). After adjustment, multiple linear regression models showed significant associations between 25-(OH)D concentrations and the use of supplements (B = 0⋅069; P = 0⋅020) and dietary vitamin D (B = 0⋅001; P = 0⋅028). In gender-stratified analysis, the association between supplement use and 25-(OH)D concentrations was significant in women (B = 0⋅076; P = 0⋅040). The vitamin D status of women in the present cohort is critical and appears to be mainly due to wearing a hijab, regular use of sunscreen and low dietary vitamin D intake. The vitamin D status of the women should be improved by taking vitamin D containing supplements or fortified foods.

Strawberry contains many bioactive compounds such as vitamin C and polyphenols as well as folate, a vitamin that is especially important for women of childbearing age. We investigated the effects of the acute consumption of strawberry on the serum levels of vitamin C and folate, and on the antioxidant potential of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). In a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study, twenty-three healthy female volunteers (age 22⋅5 ± 1⋅4 years) ingested 500 g of a strawberry purée beverage or a sugar content-matched placebo beverage. Blood samples were collected at fasting and at 0⋅5, 1, 2 and 4 h post-ingestion. The serum concentrations of vitamin C and folate were significantly elevated from 0⋅5 to 4 h after the strawberry beverage ingestion (P < 0⋅001); the levels peaked at 2 h, with peak levels of 15⋅0 ± 2⋅5 μg/ml for vitamin C and 14⋅4 ± 7⋅0 ng/ml for folate. Notably, at 1 h after the strawberry beverage ingestion, the LDL oxidation lag time was significantly prolonged (P < 0⋅05), suggesting that the antioxidant potential of LDL was increased. After the ingestion of either beverage, the serum levels of glucose and insulin reached a peak at 0⋅5 h and then quickly returned to baseline levels. These results suggest that strawberries are a useful source of vitamin C and folate and may help enhance the antioxidant potential of LDL in healthy young women.

Despite the critical importance of complementary feeding, large proportions of children in developing countries are sub-optimally fed during 6–23 months of age. In Ethiopia, even though the government has been rolling out infant and young child feeding (IYCF) guidelines, the proportion of mothers adhering to the recommended optimal practices and its associated factors have not been assessed in different agro-ecological areas. Hence, the present study aimed to determine optimal complementary feeding practices and associated factors in three agro-ecological rural districts (high, mid and lowland) of southwest Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 845 mothers-index young children 6–23 months Jimma zone. Multistage sampling was employed to select the study participants. Structured and pretested questionnaires were used to collect data and entered into Epi Data V.1.4.4.0. The data were analysed using SPSS version 20. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with optimal child-feeding practices. The significance of the association was determined at P < 0⋅05. The overall proportion of optimal complementary feeding practice (OCFP) was 9⋅4 % at 95 % CI (7⋅19, 11⋅08). The timely initiation of complementary feeding, minimum meal frequency, minimum dietary diversity and minimum acceptable diet was 52⋅2, 64⋅1, 17⋅2 and 12⋅2 %. Multivariable logistic regression showed that being in the highland districts, having good maternal knowledge, and mothers having primary school education, having a family size of less than six were positively associated with optimal complementary feeding practices. The findings showed that OCFP was low, especially in the midland agro-ecological districts.