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Public Health, Nutritional Behavior and Nutritional Status

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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 May 2024 | Viewed by 14859

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sabina Lachowicz-Wiśniewska

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Health Sciences, Department Food and Nutrition, Calisia University, 4 Nowy Świat Street, 62-800 Kalisz, Poland
Interests: nutraceuticals and functional foods; medicinal plants; bioactive compounds; HPLC; LC-MS; nutrition; antioxidant agent; prebiotics; probiotics; symbiotics; bioavailability in vitro
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Wioletta Zukiewicz-Sobczak

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Guest Editor

Department of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Calisia University, Kalisz, Poland
Interests: food and nutrition; food production; health aspects in sustainable production
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Agata Kotowska

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Guest Editor Assistant

Department of Social Policy, Institute of Sociological Sciences, College of Social Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszów, Poland
Interests: public health; media and social communication; sociology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is our pleasure to present this Special Issue of Nutrients entitled “Public Health, Nutritional Behavior and Nutritional Status”. The World Health Organization has proposed healthy dietary patterns that impact all dimensions of individual and public health and wellbeing. As a result, consumer awareness about the important role of high-quality products rich in bioactive compounds for human nutrition and health and for prevention against diseases has increased. So why is the health of the population deteriorating? The objective of this Special Issue is to demonstrate the importance of dietary behavior and nutritional status in the context of public health. The challenges for scientists lie in the monitoring of changes in nutritional behavior and nutritional status in the context of public health, which will provide healthcare professionals and dietitians with clear and updated evidence concerning dietary behaviors and how to counteract changes that worsen health. We therefore encourage you to publish research aimed at illuminating the latest news, insights, and advances in the field of public health, nutritional behavior, and nutritional status and their implications for health. This will attract considerable interest from a large group of readers from different disciplines and research fields.

Dr. Sabina Lachowicz-Wiśniewska
Dr. Wioletta Zukiewicz-Sobczak
Guest Editors

Dr. Agata Kotowska
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

public health
community health
social health
functional food
bioactive compounds
bioavailability
pro-health properties
dietary supplements
nutrition and dietetics

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 2342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimation of the Impact of Abdominal Adipose Tissue (Subcutaneous and Visceral) on the Occurrence of Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism Disorders in Patients with Obesity—A Pilot Study

by Katarzyna Witczak-Sawczuk, Lucyna Ostrowska, Urszula Cwalina, Joanna Leszczyńska, Marta Jastrzębska-Mierzyńska and Marcin Krzysztof Hładuński

Nutrients 2024, 16(9), 1301; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu16091301 - 26 Apr 2024

Viewed by 160

Abstract

Obesity represents a significant global public health concern. The excessive accumulation of abdominal adipose tissue is often implicated in the development of metabolic complications associated with obesity. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of particular deposits of abdominal adipose tissue on the occurrence of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism complications. We established cut-off points for visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and the VAT/SAT ratio at which selected metabolic complications of obesity-related diseases (disorders of carbohydrate and/or lipid metabolism) occur. We conducted an observational study involving 91 subjects with first- and second-degree obesity, accounting for gender differences. Anthropometric measurements were taken, body composition analysis (BIA) was conducted, and biochemical determinations were made. Our findings suggest that commonly used parameters for assessing early metabolic risk, such as BMI or waist circumference, may overlook the significant factor of body fat distribution, as well as gender differences. Both visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue were found to be important in estimating metabolic risk. We identified the cut-off points in women in terms of their elevated fasting glucose levels and the presence of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR: homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) based on SAT, VAT, and the VAT/SAT ratio. In men, cut-off points were determined for the presence of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) based on VAT and the VAT/SAT ratio. However, the results regarding lipid disorders were inconclusive, necessitating further investigation of a larger population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health, Nutritional Behavior and Nutritional Status)

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22 pages, 2448 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plant-Based Diets versus the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and Their Socio-Demographic Determinants in the Spanish Population: Influence on Health and Lifestyle Habits

by Elena Sandri, Marco Sguanci, Eva Cantín Larumbe, Germán Cerdá Olmedo, Lisa Ursula Werner, Michela Piredda and Stefano Mancin

Nutrients 2024, 16(9), 1278; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu16091278 - 25 Apr 2024

Viewed by 443

Abstract

Background: Plant-based diets are becoming more and more widespread among the Spanish population, progressively replacing the Mediterranean dietary pattern. Different studies have shown the motivations for adherence to these diets, and others have highlighted some health advantages and disadvantages. Purpose of the study: Further studies are needed to define the socio-demographic determinants that influence the choice of a plant-based diet and to study the relationship that the choice of dietary pattern has on the health and lifestyle habits of the population. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on the Spanish population. The NutSo-HH questionnaire, developed and validated by the research team, was used to gather socio-demographic, nutritional, social, and lifestyle information through non-probabilistic snowball sampling. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 22,181 Spanish citizens, of whom only 19,211 were of interest to the study. The socio-demographic variables gender, age, educational level, income level, and place of residence do not seem to influence the prevalence of a plant-based diet (n = 1638) compared to a Mediterranean diet (n = 17,573). People following a vegetarian or vegan diet have a lower BMI, and they consume less fried food, fast food, and ultra-processed dishes and fewer energy drinks or sugary beverages. They also do more exercise and sleep longer hours, smoke less, and consume alcohol less frequently. However, there seem to be more diagnosed eating disorders among people who follow a plant-based diet than those who follow a Mediterranean diet. Conclusions: People who adopt a plant-based diet tend to exhibit healthier lifestyle patterns and consume fewer foods that are detrimental to their health. However, it is essential for such dietary choices to be supervised by healthcare professionals to mitigate the risk of maladaptive behaviors evolving into eating disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health, Nutritional Behavior and Nutritional Status)

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26 pages, 4530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Malnutrition among Children under Five Years across Contrasting Agroecosystems of Northwest Ethiopia: Application of Structural Equation Modeling

by Biruk Yazie Wubetie, Atsushi Tsunekawa, Nigussie Haregeweyn, Mitsuru Tsubo, Zerihun Nigussie, Taye Minichil Meshesha and Takeshi Abe

Nutrients 2024, 16(8), 1208; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16081208 - 18 Apr 2024

Viewed by 432

Abstract

Child malnutrition remains a public health challenge in developing countries, but a comprehensive understanding of its burden and its determinants in specific local contexts is generally lacking. This study examined the prevalence of malnutrition and its determinants among children aged <5 years across contrasting agroecosystems in northwest Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study involving 400 respondents was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements, complemented with focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The direct and indirect effects of the determinants of malnutrition were examined using structural equation modeling (SEM). The overall prevalence of child malnutrition, measured using the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure, was 49%, with notable variation across agroecosystems (from 36.1% [midland with red soil] to 59% [lowland and valley fragmented]). Disease experience had significant positive direct effects on malnutrition. Dietary intake had negative and significant total (direct and indirect) effects on malnutrition, partially mediated through disease experience. Serial mediation in SEM analysis revealed significant indirect relationships between malnutrition and food security, feeding and care practices, household environment, health services, maternal diet, maternal empowerment, household wealth, and nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices. In conclusion, child malnutrition was highly prevalent and higher among children in the lowland and valley fragmented agroecosystem, characterized by unfavorable agro-climatic conditions, lower wealth status, poor health services access, and higher disease (particularly malaria) exposure. This study demonstrates the dynamics and multifaceted nature of malnutrition, highlighting the importance of considering geographical differences when planning interventions for childhood malnutrition and its determinants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health, Nutritional Behavior and Nutritional Status)

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15 pages, 258 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is Obesity a Cause for Shame? Weight Bias and Stigma among Physicians, Dietitians, and Other Healthcare Professionals in Poland—A Cross-Sectional Study

by Alicja Baska, Karolina Świder, Wojciech Stefan Zgliczyński, Karolina Kłoda, Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas and Mateusz Babicki

Nutrients 2024, 16(7), 999; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu16070999 - 29 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1028

Abstract

Weight bias and weight stigma pose significant challenges in healthcare, particularly affecting obesity management practices and patient care quality. Our study evaluates their prevalence and impact among healthcare professionals in Poland. Using the Fat Phobia Scale and custom questions, we surveyed 686 professionals via Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI). Results reveal a moderate level of explicit weight bias (mean score: 3.60 ± 0.57), with significant variations across professional groups: physicians (3.70 ± 0.48), dietitians (3.51 ± 0.48), and others (3.44 ± 0.77). Common feelings towards individuals with obesity include willingness to help (57.0%) and compassion (37.8%), yet 29.9% perceive obesity as shameful. The results also vary depending on the respondent’s sex or BMI. These findings underscore the need for evidence-based interventions to mitigate weight stigma and enhance understanding of obesity among healthcare professionals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health, Nutritional Behavior and Nutritional Status)

15 pages, 275 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Consumption of Tap Water and Sociodemographic-Associated Characteristics: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

by Jacopo Dolcini, Manuela Chiavarini, Elisa Ponzio, Giorgio Firmani, Marcello Mario D’Errico and Pamela Barbadoro

Nutrients 2024, 16(7), 944; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu16070944 - 25 Mar 2024

Viewed by 559

Abstract

Safe water is a global public health concern amid increasing scarcity and pollution. Bottled water production and consumption contribute to these problems. This study examines tap water consumption in Italy, assessing associated sociodemographic factors and related health outcomes such as obesity and self-perceived health status. Data from the Italian National Statistics Institute’s “Aspects of daily life” survey (N = 45,597) were analyzed. Covariates included education, age, gender, economic status, region, concerns about waste and climate change, consumption of carbonated drinks excluding water, alcohol consumption, consumption of vegetables, consumption of snacks, body mass index, and self-perceived health status. Bivariate analyses and mixed-effect logistic regression models explored the associations. People who drink tap water made up 19,674, with a higher prevalence in people aged 45 to 59 old, people with a graduate/post-graduate degree diploma, with optimal economic resources, people concerned about waste production and climate change, and those coming from the north-east regions of Italy. Underweight people showed a higher prevalence of TW consumption as well as those who less than occasionally drank carbonated drinks, drank alcohol, consumed vegetables more than once a day and snacks less than once a week, dairy products more than once a day, sweet less than once a week, cured meat less than once a week, and chicken meat less than once a week, those with no consumption of sheep meat, consumption of beef meat less than once a week and consumption of pork meat less than once a week, and those with a satisfactory level of perceived health status. Regressions showed that all other age classes are less likely to drink tap water than people younger than 20 years old. The category with “inadequate” economic resources is more likely to consume tap water. Low educational classes show a low likelihood of consuming tap water as well as islands. A concern about waste production and climate change is associated with an increased likelihood of consuming tap water. Tap water consumption was negatively associated with obesity but not with a satisfactory self-perceived health status. Insights from this study can inform public health strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health, Nutritional Behavior and Nutritional Status)

15 pages, 623 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Diet and Nutrient Insufficiencies across Age Groups: Insights from a Population-Based Study of Brazilian Adults

by Mauro Fisberg, Lais Duarte Batista, Agatha Nogueira Previdelli, Gerson Ferrari and Regina Mara Fisberg

Nutrients 2024, 16(5), 750; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu16050750 - 05 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1062

Abstract

Assessing dietary inadequacies can contribute to understanding the nutritional vulnerabilities of a country. This study aimed to investigate nutrient intakes and micronutrient inadequacies in the Brazilian adult population, with an interest in different age subgroups. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 1812 individuals aged 19 to 65 years from a population-based study with a representative sample of Brazilian adults. Dietary intake was assessed by two 24 h food recalls, and the probabilities of inadequate intake were estimated using the Dietary Reference Intake targets. Adequate macronutrient intake was over 99% for proteins, 84.7% for carbohydrates, and 80.7% for total fats. There was a high probability of inadequacy (above 90%) for vitamins D and E, but vitamin D inadequacy was very similar between the sexes. In contrast, vitamin E was more likely to be inadequately consumed among women. A high probability of inadequacies (above 85%) of calcium and magnesium were found in the population, regardless of age group. Except for iron, the probability of an inadequacy of other minerals increased with age. The results showed a relevant proportion of nutrient inadequacies, with those most at risk being women and older individuals, helping with the better targeting and monitoring of public-health policies that address nutritional problems in the population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health, Nutritional Behavior and Nutritional Status)

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16 pages, 7089 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trends in Calcium Intake among the US Population: Results from the NHANES (1999–2018)

by Zhongyi Yu, Yaqi Li, Djibril M. Ba, Susan J. Veldheer, Liang Sun, Tingting Geng and Xiang Gao

Nutrients 2024, 16(5), 726; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu16050726 - 02 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1098

Abstract

Inadequate calcium intake is common in the US. Trends in calcium intake among the US population have been less studied, especially in more recent years. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2000 to 2017–2018 to study trends in calcium derived from diet and dietary supplements among the US population aged 2 years, stratified by sex, age group, race, and ethnicity. Among the 80,880 participants included in our study, a substantial portion consistently lacked sufficient calcium intake, even when considering calcium from supplements. Concerning trends were observed over the more recent ten years (2009–2018), with decreased dietary calcium intake and no significant improvement in the prevalence of dietary calcium intake < Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) or the prevalence of taking calcium-containing dietary supplements among them. Decreasing trends in dietary calcium intake were more concerning among men, children, and non-Hispanic Whites. Attention should be given to subgroups with higher calcium intake requirements (e.g., 9–18 years and 60+ years), and subgroups with low levels of dietary calcium and a low prevalence of obtaining calcium from dietary supplements (e.g., the non-Hispanic Black subgroup). Concerning trends of calcium intake were observed among the US population from 2009 to 2018. Tailored guidance on dietary choices and dietary supplement use is required to change consumers’ behaviors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health, Nutritional Behavior and Nutritional Status)

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14 pages, 299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender Differences in Body Satisfaction Perception: The Role of Nutritional Habits, Psychological Traits, and Physical Activity in a Strength-Training Population

by Jorge Jimenez-Morcillo and Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez

Nutrients 2024, 16(1), 104; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu16010104 - 28 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1208

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine gender disparities in body satisfaction perception, emphasizing the influence of nutritional habits, psychometric assessments, levels of physical activity, and health-related metrics. Employing a sample of 605 strength-trained participants (385 males and 224 females), aged between 20 and 35 years, and regularly engaged in strength training, we conducted a thorough analysis using Google Forms. We evaluated variables including age, anthropometric data, resistance training frequency, food consumption patterns, and psychological profiles. Our findings indicate significant gender-based differences in body satisfaction perception. Females tend to overestimate their muscular size and express heightened concern regarding gluteal shape, while males exhibit a more realistic self-perception, primarily focused on hip width. Dietary patterns also display gender-specific tendencies; females prefer healthier options like vegetables, whereas males consume more milk, fermented products, and carbohydrates. Hydration practices diverge as well, with females showing higher water intake in contrast to males’ preference for alcoholic and carbonated beverages. Psychologically, males demonstrate greater extroversion, while females exhibit higher conscientiousness, openness, and a tendency toward negative thoughts and anxiety. Regarding physical activity, females engage in training sessions with greater volume compared to males. This study highlights the intricate interplay of social, cultural, and personal factors shaping gender-specific perceptions of body satisfaction and their subsequent impact on health and lifestyle choices. These insights pave the way for future specialized interventions and research, underscoring the importance of understanding gender-specific nuances to promote healthy body satisfaction and self-perception. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health, Nutritional Behavior and Nutritional Status)

14 pages, 1828 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Assessment of Women’s Knowledge of the Menstrual Cycle and the Influence of Diet and Adherence to Dietary Patterns on the Alleviation or Exacerbation of Menstrual Distress

by Anna Ciołek, Malgorzata Kostecka, Julianna Kostecka, Paulina Kawecka and Monika Popik-Samborska

Nutrients 2024, 16(1), 69; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu16010069 - 25 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1882

Abstract

A growing number of women of reproductive age experience menstrual disorders. The menstrual cycle is considerably influenced by dietary habits, physical activity, and the use of stimulants. The main aim of this study was to assess women’s knowledge about the menstrual cycle and the influence of diet and lifestyle factors on menstrual symptoms, and to identify dietary models that may alleviate or exacerbate menstrual distress. A total of 505 young women participated in the study. Nearly 90% of the respondents reported at least one menstrual disorder, mostly dysmenorrhea (70.7%), whereas secondary amenorrhea was least frequently reported (13.8%) (p = 0.002). In the study population, dysmenorrhea/menstrual distress was linked with higher consumption frequency of certain food groups. Women with severe dysmenorrhea consumed refined cereal products, processed meat, sugar, and water significantly more frequently than women with moderate menstrual pain. In turn, sweetened dairy products, animal fats, and fruit were consumed more frequently by women with low intensity of menstrual pain (mild pain). Significant differences in knowledge about the menstrual cycle and physiological changes in the body were observed between the compared dietary models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health, Nutritional Behavior and Nutritional Status)

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12 pages, 1119 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Cervical Cancer and Dietary Patterns in Colombia

by Luz Adriana Meneses-Urrea, Manuel Vaquero-Abellán, Dolly Villegas Arenas, Narly Benachi Sandoval, Mauricio Hernández-Carrillo and Guillermo Molina-Recio

Nutrients 2023, 15(23), 4889; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu15234889 - 23 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1095

Abstract

Cervical cancer is a global public health problem. It is the second leading cause of death among women of childbearing age worldwide. Several factors, including diet, have been shown to influence the risk of persistent HPV infection and tumor progression. This paper determines the relationship between dietary patterns and cervical cancer. It is an ecological study of multiple groups, based on two national sources: the High-Cost Account and the National Survey of Nutritional Situation of Colombia of 2015. The population consisted of 3472 women aged 35 to 64. The incidence of cervical cancer was used as the dependent variable while the independent variables included food consumption according to established patterns, area of residence, age, physical activity, and BMI, among other variables. The statistical analysis performed through associations between variables was evaluated by multiple linear regression using R2. 38.9% of the evaluated population belonged to the first quartile of wealth, and 76.5% resided in the municipal capital. The incidence of cervical cancer in Colombia was associated with being affiliated to a state-subsidized health regime and having diabetes mellitus. A conservative eating pattern, as well as belonging to a rural area, are evidenced as protective factors. These results invite the need to encourage public policies and promote healthy lifestyles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health, Nutritional Behavior and Nutritional Status)

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13 pages, 820 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lipid Profile in Children Born Small for Gestational Age

by Justyna Zamojska, Katarzyna Niewiadomska-Jarosik, Beata Kierzkowska, Marta Gruca, Agnieszka Wosiak and Elżbieta Smolewska

Nutrients 2023, 15(22), 4781; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu15224781 - 15 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1065

Abstract

Background: Lipid disorders are one of the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the study was to estimate the lipid profile in early childhood in the population of Polish children born small for gestational age (SGA). Materials and Methods: The study included 140 patients (93 SGA children and 47 controls) aged 5 to 11 years. All the subjects underwent a physical examination and blood laboratory tests for the glucose and lipid profiles. The SGA group was divided into subgroups, i.e., symmetrical and asymmetrical intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Results: Blood sample analysis revealed higher levels of total cholesterol (SGA group 190.61 ± 24.66 mg/dL vs. controls 143.23 ± 23.90; p < 0.001). The analysis of particular cholesterol fractions showed significantly higher mean values of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol as well as lower mean values of HDL cholesterol in SGA children. Children in both groups did not differ significantly in terms of weight or body mass index. A statistically significantly higher glucose concentration was observed in SGA patients with the symmetrical type of IUGR. Analyzing the differences regarding metabolic factors, we obtained a statistically significant difference only in fasting glucose concentration (asymmetrical IUGR = 90.56 ± 10.21 vs. symmetrical IUGR = 98.95 ± 14.79; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Children born SGA, even those not suffering from overweight or obesity in their early childhood, have an abnormal lipid profile, which may contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health, Nutritional Behavior and Nutritional Status)

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12 pages, 1054 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Room for Improvement in Sports Nutrition Knowledge amongst Parents and Caregivers of Male Academy Soccer Players in the UK: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Luke Callis, Mark Russell, Howard Hurst, Jack Hardwicke and Charlie Jon Roberts

Nutrients 2023, 15(20), 4331; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu15204331 - 11 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1568

Abstract

In professional soccer clubs in the UK, nutrition support is often polarised towards senior players or those in the senior academy age groups seeking first team selection/involvement. Accordingly, there is an increased reliance on parents and caregivers to provide support regarding nutritional intake. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of nutrition knowledge of parents and caregivers of male youth soccer players within developmental academies in the UK. Across a single competitive season, 360 registered parents and caregivers of male soccer players from English Premier League under 9–11 (Foundation Phase) and under 12–16 (Youth Development Phase) age group academies completed an online version of the 88-item validated Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire. Nutrition knowledge scores were classified as “poor” (43 ± 23%). Nutrition knowledge scores were significantly greater in respondents with dependents representing Category 1 (45 ± 13%) vs. Category 2 (39 ± 15%) academies and in Foundation Phase (44 ± 13%) vs. Youth Development Phase (41 ± 15%). These results demonstrate that there is room for improvement in the nutrition knowledge levels of parents and caregivers of male soccer academy players. We recommend that club academies provide appropriate resources towards nutritional education for parents and caregivers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health, Nutritional Behavior and Nutritional Status)

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Review

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21 pages, 385 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of Gut Microbiota, Nutrition, and Physical Activity in Depression and Obesity—Interdependent Mechanisms/Co-Occurrence

by Klaudia Sochacka, Agata Kotowska and Sabina Lachowicz-Wiśniewska

Nutrients 2024, 16(7), 1039; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu16071039 - 02 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1201

Abstract

Obesity and depression are interdependent pathological disorders with strong inflammatory effects commonly found worldwide. They determine the health status of the population and cause key problems in terms of morbidity and mortality. The role of gut microbiota and its composition in the treatment of obesity and psychological factors is increasingly emphasized. Published research suggests that prebiotic, probiotic, or symbiotic preparations can effectively intervene in obesity treatment and mood-dysregulation alleviation. Thus, this literature review aims to highlight the role of intestinal microbiota in treating depression and obesity. An additional purpose is to indicate probiotics, including psychobiotics and prebiotics, potentially beneficial in supporting the treatment of these two diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health, Nutritional Behavior and Nutritional Status)

18 pages, 780 KiB

Open AccessReview

Improving Eating Habits at the Office: An Umbrella Review of Nutritional Interventions

by Aleksandra Hyży, Mariusz Jaworski, Ilona Cieślak, Joanna Gotlib-Małkowska and Mariusz Panczyk

Nutrients 2023, 15(24), 5072; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu15245072 - 12 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1313

Abstract

(1) Workplace nutrition interventions have garnered attention as a pivotal component of employee well-being and organisational productivity. However, the effectiveness of various intervention types remains inconclusive. This review aims to systematically evaluate the efficacy of cognitive, behavioural, and mixed nutrition interventions in the workplace, considering the nuances of intervention design, setting, and target demographics. (2) A comprehensive umbrella review was conducted, categorising the existing literature into person-oriented and environmental strategies. This review was prepared in line with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for umbrella reviews and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses reporting standard. (3) The analysis revealed a lack of definitive evidence supporting the universal effectiveness of any single intervention type. Nonetheless, behavioural and mixed interventions demonstrated more favourable outcomes as compared to purely cognitive strategies. Factors such as intervention design, workplace setting, and target group characteristics were identified as significant determinants of the intervention success. (4) The review emphasises the imperative for additional investigations that utilise evidence-based approaches to formulate sound guidelines for efficacious nutrition interventions in occupational settings. This review functions as a foundational framework for guiding both scholarly research and the pragmatic execution of nutrition programs in the workplace. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health, Nutritional Behavior and Nutritional Status)

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