Frontiers in Nutrition

Scalp dysregulation and hair shedding are common cosmetic concerns, driving an increasing demand for non-pharmaceutical interventions, including plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EV) and growth factors. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of topical formulations in 60 healthy adults over a 56-day period, monitoring scalp and hair parameters at Days 14, 28, 42, and 56 relative to baseline (Day 0). Group A: placebo; Group B: base (placebo containing 0.1% caffeine and panthenol); Group C: base + recombinant Fc-fusion long-acting insulin-like growth factor-1 (rIGF-1) and fibroblast growth factor-7 (rFGF-7); Group D: base + Centella asiatica (C. asiatica) + ginger EVs; and Group E: base + rIGF-1, rFGF-7, and C. asiatica + ginger EVs. Group E demonstrated rapid onset and significant superiority over the control and other treatment groups across all parameters. In scalp regulation, Group E achieved a highly significant, time-dependent reduction in excess sebum, reaching a 67% decrease by Day 56. Hair growth kinetics were significantly accelerated in Group E, with a mean cumulative length increase approaching 3.9 cm by Day 56, driven by a surge in mean weekly growth velocity to 1.4 cm/week. Group E also demonstrated the highest improvements in hair thickness (19 m) and hair density (17% increase) by Day 56. Finally, hair shedding was reduced by almost half by Day 56 in Group E. These results demonstrate that the formulation delivers a clinically superior non-pharmaceutical intervention for advanced hair and scalp revitalization.

Beyond their cosmetic significance, eyelashes are critical for retaining ocular moisture and protection against mechanical debris, environmental stressors, and excessive light. While recombinant growth factors support hair growth through activating key follicular signaling pathways, plant-derived EVs modulate local inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways to optimize the follicular microenvironment. Here we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study to investigate the synergistic effects of a serum containing recombinant Fc-fusion growth factors (rIGF-1, rFGF-7) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from Zingiber officinale (ginger) and Curcuma longa (turmeric). Thirty healthy female participants were recruited and allocated to Group A (active serum) or Group B (placebo) at a ratio of 1:1. Participants applied the intervention twice daily for 8 weeks. The VISIA Skin Analysis System was used during clinical visits to objectively measure eyelash density and average length at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8. Group A exhibited a mean density increase of 3.3% at Week 4 and 4.4% at Week 8 relative to baseline. Eyelash length in Group A exhibited significant increases, reaching 8.1% at Week 4 and 11.0% by Week 8. In contrast, Group B showed slight reductions in length (-1.7% and -3.7% at Weeks 4 and 8, respectively) and a negligible change in density (+0.8% and -1.0% at Week 4 and 8, respectively). Notably, no periocular skin hyperpigmentation, a frequent adverse event associated with pharmacologic agents such as bimatoprost, was observed. These findings demonstrated the potential of combining long-acting recombinant growth factors with plant-derived EVs as an effective, highly tolerable, non-pharmaceutical cosmetic strategy for eyelash enhancement.

Background & Aims Personalized nutrition has the potential to improve nutritional intake and clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients by adapting to individual dietary needs and preferences. Despite its promise, no personalized nutrition product (PNP) for hospitalized patients is currently available. This study aimed to assess the acceptability of PNPs among hospitalized patients and hospital staff. Methods A prospective, ten-days, proof-of-concept study was conducted among in-hospital adult patients ([&ge;]18y). Study patients received a freshly 3D printed PNP, customized to match individual taste preferences and health profiles. Patients could reorder the product daily if they remained hospitalized >24h after consumption. Consumption was assessed by weighing the PNP before and after consumption. Acceptability, sensory feedback, and overall experience were evaluated using questionnaires. Hospital staff also evaluated sensory feedback and acceptability. Factors influencing consumption and liking among patients were evaluated by testing within-group differences. Correlations between consumption rates, liking and patient characteristics were assessed. Results Eighty-seven patients received 137 PNPs during the study period. The average overall liking score was 5.7 ({+/-}2.1) on a 1-9 scale, and median consumption rate was 51% [Interquartile Range 19-100]. Consumption rates positively correlated with overall liking (R2 = 0.50, p < 0.001). Patients' willingness to reorder was 3.5 ({+/-}2.3) on a 1-7 scale, and reorder rate 63%. The perceived value of a PNP service in a hospital setting (scale 1-7) was scored 5.3 ({+/-}1.7) by patients and 4.5 ({+/-}1.1) by staff. Conclusions PNPs were evaluated as moderately positive in terms of acceptability and value by both patients and staff. However, further optimization of the product is needed before evaluating clinical efficacy.

Background: Large-scale studies examining dietary patterns and gut microbiome have focused predominantly on European ancestry populations; evidence from other ancestry groups remains limited. Objectives: We conducted a two-stage study to evaluate associations of multiple dietary patterns with gut microbiome diversity and composition among Black/African American adults and validate significant findings in a Hispanic/Latino population in the US. Methods: Included were 514 Black participants from the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS) and 2,133 participants from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). Diet was collected by food frequency questionnaires or 24-h dietary recalls at cohort enrollment. Gut microbiome profiling was performed by shotgun metagenomic sequencing of stool samples collected during cohort follow-up. Five dietary patterns - Healthy Eating Index (HEI), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Potential (EDIP), Empirical Dietary Index for Hyperinsulinemia (EDIH), and Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF) - were examined for associations with microbiome diversity and composition by linear regression after data transformation and confounders adjustment. Microbial taxa with FDR<0.1 and their constituent lower-level features identified in SCCS were targeted for validation in HCHS/SOL. Results: In SCCS, HEI, DASH, EDIP, or EDIH were associated with the relative abundances of 14 microbial taxa, primarily members of families Coriobacteriaceae and unclassified Firmicutes, as well as species Lactococcus lactis and Clostridium sp. AF20-17LB. Among these, the inverse associations of genus Collinsella and its species C. aerofaciens with HEI or DASH were validated in HCHS/SOL (all P<0.05). Additionally, Collinsella and C. aerofaciens were associated with higher odds of obesity in SCCS (BMI[&ge;] 30 kg/m2; OR [95%CI]:1.24 [1.01, 1.53] and 1.32 [1.07, 1.63], respectively). Conclusions: Healthier dietary patterns were consistently associated with lower abundances of Collinsella and C. aerofaciens in Black/African and Hispanic/Latino Americans. Further research should clarify causal pathway linking diet, gut microbiome, and health outcomes across diverse populations.

Background & aims: The human gut microbiota plays a key role in health. Factors shaping its composition and diversity have been widely studied during infancy and adulthood, but far less in adolescence, despite this being a key developmental stage. We examined the potential associations between the gut microbiota of adolescents and 82 variables measured from pregnancy to adolescence. Methods: Stool samples were collected from 366 adolescents (age range: 13-16 years) from two INMA cohorts (Spain), while a range of variables, including diet, lifestyle, sociodemographic factors, health status, antibiotic use, vaccination, COVID-19, anthropometrics, and pubertal development, were collected from pregnancy to adolescence. The gut microbiota was characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and assessed using - and {beta}-diversity indices and individual taxa. Associations with the study variables were evaluated using linear models, permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA), and Microbiome Multivariable Association with Linear Models (MaAsLin2). Results: During pregnancy, vegetable intake was positively associated with -diversity and with both {beta}-diversity and the abundance of four genera (three inverse associations and one positive association). Legume intake was also inversely associated with two genera. During adolescence, cereal and pasta intake was positively associated with -diversity and {beta}-diversity, and was inversely associated with Bacteroides, whereas fish and seafood intake was inversely associated with -diversity. Other relevant variables measured during pregnancy and at birth, such as biological sex, parental social class, and maternal education, and during adolescence, such as antibiotic use, body mass index, and pubertal status, were also associated with {beta}-diversity indices and different taxa in both directions. Conclusions: Diet during pregnancy and adolescence, together with some anthropometric, clinical, and biological factors, appeared to play an important role in shaping the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota in this population of adolescents.

Adipose tissue is a principal source of texture, flavor, and aroma in meat products. Higher fat content corresponds to higher juiciness, tenderness and overall palatability of meat products, making it a key component of cultivated meat. Our previous study investigated the aromatic characteristics of cultivated pork fat tissue, finding comparable consumer panel hedonic scores between conventional livestock derived and cultivated pork fats. Further research was pursued to characterize if adipogenic differentiation of the cells is required to enhance the flavor of cultivated fat. While differentiation of cultivated cells results in tissues that more closely resemble the morphology of livestock-derived tissue, the process substantially increases production timelines and material costs associated with cultivated meat production. As a result, we observed changes in organoleptic and nutritional properties of cultivated pork fat cells associated with differentiation of porcine dedifferentiated fat (PDFAT) cells. We assessed the effect of varying degrees of adipogenesis with soybean oil supplementation on fat content, composition, and volatile compound formation. Notably, we observed the concentrations of 2-pentylfuran, 2-heptanone, hexanal and (E)-2-octenal increased compared to the undifferentiated preadipocytes. These compounds, along with other ketones, aldehydes, alcohol and lactone molecules, contribute to fruity, herbal, and fatty aromas. Additionally, these results were achieved without requiring the maximum differentiation time frame of 12 days in culture. These findings emphasize the importance of adipocyte differentiation in cultivated fat production and highlight its potential as a strategy for optimizing both flavor and nutritional attributes of cultivated meat.

Gut dysbiosis poses a significant public health concern, and malnutrition plays a central role in its development. In our recent clinical trial, we explored the effects of regulated walnut intake on the levels of 11 fecal metabolites to determine whether (I) walnut consumption promotes changes in metabolite profiles consistent with reduced gut dysbiosis, and (II) whether these changes are associated with the levels of urolithin A, a bioactive metabolite produced by colonic microbes following walnut consumption. DNA was extracted from fecal samples using a DNeasy 96 PowerSoil Pro QIAcube HT for 16S rRNA sequencing, and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and p-cresol were extracted fecal specimens by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). At baseline, obese individuals (BMI > 30) had lower alpha diversity, higher p-cresol and valeric acid levels, and a higher trending Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio compared to non-obese (BMI < 30) participants, indicating a level of inherent gut dysbiosis. Walnut intake was associated with an overall 2.8% increase in alpha diversity, a 17.6% reduction in estimated marginal mean F/B ratio, and an overall reduction in three luminal proteolytic metabolites associated with gut dysbiosis: isobutyric acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid. Interestingly, the effects on the gut metabolome were more pronounced in obese individuals, with significant decreases observed in the same three SCFAs, as well as p-cresol. Given the known associations between these luminal proteolytic metabolites and gut dysbiosis, these results suggest that walnut intake may help to attenuate overall gut dysbiosis, particularly in obese populations.

Background Circadian eating patterns, referring to the timing and regularity of meal intake relative to the body's internal clock, are increasingly recognized as important determinants of metabolic health among university students. However, empirical evidence on how the university food environment influences circadian eating patterns remains scarce, particularly within Nigerian tertiary institutions. This study assessed the influence of the university food environment on the circadian eating patterns of undergraduate students at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED). Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 302 undergraduate students selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, facilitator-administered questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, the university food environment (UNI-FOOD, across six domains), circadian eating patterns, influencing factors, and anthropometric measurements. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27, employing descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results The mean age of respondents was 20.03 {+/-} 2.58 years, and the majority were female (68.9%). Students generally perceived the university food environment as moderate, with affordability rated the weakest domain (mean 2.65 {+/-} 0.51) and food promotion/visibility the strongest (3.27 {+/-} 0.52). Most respondents (71.9%) exhibited moderate circadian eating patterns, while 21.2% had poor patterns. A significant association was found between the overall food environment and circadian eating patterns ({chi}2 = 44.369, p < 0.001). After adjustment, poor physical food accessibility (AOR = 6.44, 95% CI: 2.00-20.72, p = 0.002) and a poor food policy environment (AOR = 9.53, 95% CI: 3.51-25.87, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of poor circadian eating patterns. Circadian eating pattern was also significantly associated with BMI category ({chi}2 = 7.346, p = 0.025). Conclusion The university food environment, particularly physical accessibility and food policy, significantly influences circadian eating patterns among undergraduate students. Improving campus food accessibility and implementing supportive food policies may promote healthier meal timing and nutritional outcomes.

Background: Prediabetes is an intermediate state of increased glucose concentrations above the normal range but below the diagnostic threshold for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Adults with overweight and prediabetes are at increased risk of progression to T2D and metabolic imbalance. Feiolix -a whole-fruit feijoa powder rich in abscisic acid, polyphenols and dietary fibre which may support metabolic health with complementary pathways. Objective: To evaluate the effects of low and high-dose Feiolix compared with placebo, on HbA1C, glucagon like peptide (GLP-1) and other metabolic parameters. Methods: Adults aged 21-65 years with prediabetes i.e. glycosylated hemoglobulin (HbA1c) 5.7-6.4% and overweight with body mass index (BMI)- 25.0-29.9 kg/m2 were randomised to receive Feiolix-LD (300 mg/day) or Feiolix-HD (1,150 mg/day), or placebo (maltodextrin) for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements were obtained monthly, and fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and 12 weeks post intervention. Postprandial blood samples were collected at baseline and 12 weeks. Outcomes included HbA1c, GLP-1, fasting plasma glucose, insulin resistance lipid markers, body weight and BMI. Analyses were conducted using ANCOVA model with baseline values as covariates. Result: Of 41 individuals screened, 39 were randomised (13 per group); one participant withdrew from the Feiolix-LD. At week 12, HbA1c decreased by 0.5% in the Feiolix-HD and by 0.4% in the Feiolix-LD, with both reductions significantly greater than placebo (p < 0.05); Compared with placebo, Feiolix supplementation significantly lowered fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. The Feiolix-HD significantly attenuated the increase in triglycerides observed in the placebo group and was associated with significant reductions in body weight and BMI versus placebo by month 2. However, no change in GLP-1 was observed between the treatments. No treatment-related adverse events were reported. Conclusion: This study supports the potential of Feiolix supplementation to improve metabolic health, including glycemic and lipid outcomes, with additional benefits for body weight and BMI at the higher dose. This study supports the potential of Feiolix supplementation to improve metabolic health, including glycemic and lipid outcomes, with additional benefits for body weight and BMI at the higher dose

Importance: Food and non-alcoholic beverage marketing drives children's dietary intake, yet updated evidence quantifying effects by marketing medium and sociodemographic factors is needed to inform policy. Objective: To quantify the effect of food marketing on dietary intake among children and adolescents (0-19 years) and examine variations by age, sex, socioeconomic position (SEP), weight status, marketing medium, and exposure duration. Data Sources: Nineteen electronic databases were searched for articles published from April 2020 to February 2026, complemented by World Health Organization-commissioned reviews covering 1970 to March 2020. Study Selection: Two reviewers independently selected peer-reviewed primary studies that assessed the association between food marketing and dietary intake, following PRISMA guidelines, with no language restrictions. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted. The certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. Main Outcomes and Measures: Dietary intake (energy, quantity, or number of items consumed). Results: A total of 55 studies (N = 6,877; range 2-18 years) were included. Food marketing was associated with higher dietary intake (mean difference [MD], 34.8 kcal; 95% CI, 20.2-49.4) compared with no or less marketing. Unhealthy marketing via television (20 studies; MD, 44.5 kcal; 95% CI, 11.2-77.8), digital media (11 studies; MD, 37.5 kcal; 95% CI, 20.1-54.9), and packaging (11 studies; MD, 20.5 kcal; 95% CI, 0.7-40.3) all increased intake; the difference across media was significant (p < .001). Higher intake was observed in males (3 studies; MD, 51.9 kcal; 95% CI, 45.4-58.3) but not in females (MD, -6.8 kcal; 95% CI, -60.3-46.6); difference was not significant (p = .082). Differences by weight status (p = .012) were seen (5 studies; normal weight: MD, 55.6 kcal; 95% CI, -51.3-162.5; overweight/obese: 146.9 kcal; 95% CI, 34.1-259.7). Effects varied by age (p = .003) and by digital media exposure duration (p = .044). One study examined ethnicity; none studied SEP. Conclusions and Relevance: Food marketing is associated with increased dietary intake, with low certainty of evidence. Variations were observed across age, sex, weight status, and marketing medium. Further research is needed for adolescents and the role of SEP.

Background: There is a growing availability of plant-based alternatives for bovine milk. However, plant-based drinks differ e.g. in protein quantity, protein quality and carbohydrate composition. Knowledge on the impact this has on digestion-related outcomes such as postprandial amino acid (AA) availability and gastric behavior is still limited. Additionally, data on milk alternatives with higher overall protein concentration are lacking. Objective: We aimed to compare the differences in postprandial AA profiles, glycemic response, and gastric behavior between bovine milk and plant-based drinks with or without added protein using representative commercial drinks. Methods: 12 healthy males participated in a randomized crossover study with three treatments. After an overnight fast, participants drank 750 ml of semi-skimmed milk (Milk), a standard oat-based drink (OBD) or an oat-based drink enriched with pea protein (OBD+Pea). Blood samples were taken for measurement of plasma AA, glucose, insulin and FGF21 over 5 hours. Gastric content changes were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging scans for Milk and OBD+Pea over 2 hours. Results: Compared with Milk, both oat-based drinks elicited lower 5-h total AA iAUC (OBD -169706; OBD+pea -139552 microM*min; both P<0.001) and EAA iAUC (OBD -91748; OBD+pea -78199; both P<0.001), with no differences between oat-based drinks. Gastric content volume was lower for OBD+Pea versus Milk from 60-120 min (range -48 - -84 ml, all P<0.001). Compared to Milk, OBD and OBD+Pea increased glucose more from 15-45 min (range 0.86 - 1.73 mmol/l, all P<0.001) and insulin from 30-60 min (1.84 - 2.14-fold, all P<0.001). Conclusions: Protein enrichment in plant-based milk alternatives can be a valuable strategy to increase protein content and improve amino acid composition. However, such products still show faster gastric emptying, lower postprandial essential amino acid and higher glycemic and insulinemic responses compared to bovine milk because of their different carbohydrate and protein content and quality.

Epidemiological studies associate replacing animal-sourced with plant-sourced protein with lower colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, but controlled feeding studies have rarely tested how this substitution alters the gut microbiota and CRC-related biomarkers. In a 12-week randomized controlled feeding study, 136 healthy adults consumed diets providing 30 energy percent (E%), 50 E%, or 70 E% of protein from plant sources. Change in gut microbiota composition was the primary outcome; stool characteristics, fecal N-nitroso compounds (NOCs), and fecal and plasma bile acids (BAs) were secondary outcomes. The 70% plant-protein diet significantly restructured the gut microbiota, increasing fiber-associated Lachnospiraceae and Roseburia while reducing Methanobrevibacter and several asaccharolytic taxa. Microbial functional potential shifted toward plant-carbohydrate degradation, with lower amino acid degradation and methanogenesis. Fecal pH decreased, stool characteristics suggested faster colonic transit, and potentially carcinogenic total and haem-derived NOCs declined progressively with plant-protein replacement. The 70% plant-protein diet also reduced fecal secondary and taurine-conjugated BAs, including the CRC-associated BAs DCA and LCA. Plasma glucuronidated BAs increased, expanding the circulating pool of readily excreted BA conjugates. Higher insoluble fiber intake was associated with greater microbiota restructuring and lower fecal NOCs. Methanogen carriers had higher baseline fecal NOCs and features of slower colonic transit, and showed weaker microbiota and less favorable BA responses to the 70% plant-protein diet. Baseline methanogen carriage thus could be exploited for participant stratification in future dietary interventions.

Background: Chronic low-grade inflammation and gut microbiota dysbiosis contribute to metabolic syndrome (MS). Huanglian Wendan Decoction (HLWDD) is a defined multi-herbal formulation used in Chinese medicine, but its effects on gut microbiota-associated metabolism and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling remain unclear. Objective: This study evaluated the pharmacological effects and candidate absorbed bioactive constituents of HLWDD in experimental MS. Methods: A high-fat, high-sugar diet-induced rat model of MS was assessed using metabolic, biochemical, histological, molecular, and multi-omics endpoints. Gut metagenomics, untargeted metabolomics of liver and colonic contents, liver transcriptomics, and UPLC-HRMS/MS analysis of serum-absorbed constituents were integrated with network pharmacology and molecular docking. Baicalin was further evaluated in PA-BSA-treated HepG2 cells. Results: HLWDD ameliorated obesity, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and systemic inflammation and attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome-related signaling. Multi-omics analysis identified nine shared differential metabolites and a strong positive association between Faecalibacterium and butyrate. Thirty-two serum-absorbed constituents were tentatively identified. Baicalin showed favorable predicted interactions with NLRP3 (-5.82 kcal/mol) and CASP1 (-5.41 kcal/mol) and concentration-dependently suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome-related signaling in HepG2 cells; the highest concentration increased intracellular butyrate. Conclusion: HLWDD ameliorated metabolic and inflammatory abnormalities in experimental MS in association with restoration of gut-liver metabolic homeostasis and attenuation of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. Baicalin emerged as a candidate absorbed bioactive constituent.

Background Street food vending is a major source of food supply in Nepal. Poor food hygiene practices among street food vendors pose a health risk by increasing the risk of foodborne diseases. Studies regarding food hygiene knowledge and practices are needed to improve public awareness. Therefore, this study aimed to assess food hygiene knowledge and practice among street food vendors and their associated factors in selected districts of Bagamati Province. Methods A community-based cross-sectional analytical study was carried out among 186 street food vendors of Districts located in central Nepal. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire and an observation checklist. Knowledge and practice levels were categorized as good and poor. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, odds ratio, and Mann-Whitney U test were applied for data analysis. Results Less than half (39.8%) of the vendors had good food hygiene knowledge, while 91.4% of the respondents reported good food safety and hygiene practices. The education level of street food vendors was significantly associated with food hygiene knowledge (p = 0.001) and food safety and hygiene practices (p = 0.042). Significant association was not seen between overall food hygiene knowledge and overall food safety and hygiene practices levels. Conclusion The study identified a gap between food hygiene knowledge and self-reported food hygiene practices among street food vendors. Education, infrastructure, and regulations among street food vendors play a key role in good food hygiene practices more than knowledge alone. Policymakers should focus on training of food vendors, regular supervision, and monitoring of vending sites to enhance food safety.

Background: Since 2025, US states have rapidly adopted waivers to restrict the purchase of "non-nutritious items" like soda and candy with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. States have proposed various approaches in terms of food categories restricted and implementation strategies, which may influence the downstream effects of waivers on program participation and participants diets and health. Objective: To examine and describe contextual information related to the adoption and implementation of state-level SNAP food restriction waivers. Design: A content analysis was conducted including publicly available state-level: (1) bills introduced related to SNAP food restriction waivers (2025 to early 2026), (2) waiver requests, and (3) waiver approvals (up to June 2026). Codebooks that captured key elements, such as food and beverage group restrictions and definitions, rationale for restrictions, implementation supports, and evaluation plans, were applied independently by two coders, and discrepancies were resolved through consensus. Participants/setting: United States Intervention: N/A Main outcome measures: N/A Statistical analyses performed: Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the presence of coded elements in documents. Results: Seventy-one bills, 22 waiver requests, and 23 waiver approvals were included. Bills mostly proposed restricting candy (65%) and soft drinks (59%). Of the approved waivers, all restrict the purchase of specific beverage groups with SNAP benefits and 65% restrict the purchase of specific food groups with SNAP benefits. There is a high level of variability in how the same food or beverage groups (e.g., soda) are defined across states. States varied in the implementation supports described in waiver requests, describing strategies like communications plans, nutrition education, and staff training. Conclusions: The current state of SNAP food restriction waivers is highly variable and shifting rapidly. Understanding characteristics of early-adopting states can inform future impact and implementation evaluations of waivers and efforts of additional states that may pursue SNAP food restriction waivers.

High calorie intake of unhealthy foods are the main factor of overweight and obesity. In food environment, food retailers are the biggest player in shapping consumers purchase pattern. In this South East Asia Obesogenic Food Environment (SEAOFE) study, we aimed to to explore retailer perspectives on stocking decisions and barriers to stocking healthy food products in urban poor areas of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The study was conducted using purposive sampling at three parliaments which have the highest urban poor population. 35 retailers who involved in procurement, retail operations, and product placement, with at least one year of experience, were selected as participants of this study. The interview were conducted face-to-face and been transcribed verbatim for data analysis. Nine key themes emerged regarding factors affecting stocking decisions: 1) consumer demand, 2) consumer satisfaction and feedback, 3) profitability, 4) forecast software, 5) fast-moving products, 6) product healthiness, 7) availability, 8) seasonality, and 9) e-commerce; while four key barriers in stocking healthy food products included 1) price, 2) shelf life, 3) consumer demand and preferences, and 4) availability of supply. This study showed that the urgency of targeted interventions to improve healthy food supply through collaboration from retailers, suppliers and policymakers. By addresing the issue will help to increase consumption of healthy foods and improve the health of the residents within the urban poor areas of Kuala Lumpur.

Thailand is experiencing a rapid rise in childhood obesity, increasing the risk of early-onset non-communicable diseases. Although whole grains support weight management and reduce non-communicable diseases risk, consumption remains low in Thailand and is insufficiently addressed in the Thai Food-Based Dietary Guidelines. Whole grains are also rarely included in the National School Lunch Program. Given its high participation rate, the school lunch program represents a strategic platform for increasing whole-grain intake and fostering lifelong healthy eating habits. This study aimed to identify facilitators and barriers to increasing whole-grain provision in Thai elementary schools from the perspectives of adult stakeholders We conducted in-depth interviews guided by the Integrated Behavioral Model with 19 teachers and contracted school cooks from two Thai elementary schools, and with 10 faculty and staff members at Mahidol University. Interviews explored perceived norms regarding student whole grain consumption, attitudes toward whole grain, and perceived facilitators and barriers to whole grain provision in schools. Data were analyzed using framework analysis, combining the Integrated Behavioral Model-informed thematic categorization with inductive coding. Transcripts were independently coded by two researchers to develop an Integrated Behavioral Model-grounded conceptual framework describing factors influencing intentions to increase whole grain provision in Thai elementary schools. Participants were predominantly female (93.1%) and highly educated (89.7% with a bachelors degree or higher). Most supported incorporating whole grains into school meals, citing their health benefits for schoolchildren. However, participants reported low WG intake among schoolchildren, attributable to limited availability at both schools and homes. Two primary barriers to whole grain provision were identified. The first was student-level resistance, including unfamiliarity and sensory aversions, particularly toward brown rice. The second involved systemic challenges, including the absence of regulatory guidance promoting whole grain inclusion and operational constraints related to contracted food services and inflexible menu systems. Multi-level engagement among schools, households, and government agencies was identified as a key facilitator of increased whole grain provision in school meals.? These findings indicate that although teachers and cooks are receptive to whole-grain provision in school meals, translating this support into practice will require coordinated, multisectoral action to address persistent structural barriers at the student, school, and policy levels. Future research should incorporate childrens perspectives and examine a broader range of school settings to inform the design of effective, sustainable strategies for whole grain integration.

BackgroundDespite the advancements in infant nutrition, a gap still exists in the nutritional composition bioactive ingredients between infant formula and human milk. We developed a next-generation, proof-of-concept infant formula that contains recombinant human milk proteins. ObjectiveTo determine the impact of a novel infant formula (H1) on organ growth and development, and intestinal function compared to donor human milk (DHM) and standard infant formula (S) in a term piglet model. MethodsTerm piglets delivered via cesarean section were fed either a donor human milk (DHM) control, the investigational formula (H1), or infant formula (S) for 10 days. On d 10, a blood sample and tissues were collected. ResultsThere was no difference (P > 0.05) in piglet growth, although H1 piglets had a smaller relative stomach and liver than DHM and S piglets. H1 piglets had higher (P < 0.05) interleukins in the distal ileum, but no other systemic cytokines were elevated compared to the DHM and S piglets. H1 piglet small intestinal histology was similar (P > 0.05) to that of DHM and S piglets. Additionally, H1 piglets had either the same (P > 0.05) or higher (P < 0.05) amino acids in circulation compared to DHM and S piglets. Recombinant human proteins had either similar (P > 0.05) or lower (P < 0.05) activity compared to the native human proteins when assessing the individual ingredients in the H1 formula. ConclusionH1 formula was noninferior to DHM and S based on growth, small intestinal histology and plasma amino acid endpoints when fed to neonatal piglets. These findings warrant further studies to use the neonatal piglet as a model to evaluate more in-depth outcomes of health and safety for new infant formulas. Lay SummaryA novel piglet study shows a hypoallergenic, next-generation infant formula containing recombinant human milk proteins rivals donor human milk and standard formula for growth, gut health, and nutrient status.

Background: University life can influence food choice even among physically active students. This study examined nutritional awareness, emotional, external, and restrained eating, body mass index (BMI), and estimated resting metabolic rate (RMR) in physical education students, and assessed differences by sex and academic level. Methods: A descriptive, analytical and correlational design was used. The sample included 160 physical education students (95 women and 65 men; mean age 20.42 {+/-} 1.53 years) from An-Najah National University. Nutritional awareness was assessed with a 15-item scale, and eating behaviour with the 33-item Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire. BMI was calculated from measured height and body mass, and RMR was estimated using an equation developed for athletes. Correlations, group comparisons, robust interaction models, and hierarchical regression were applied. Results: Nutritional awareness was high (3.73 {+/-} 0.81), whereas emotional (3.11 {+/-} 1.18), external (3.20 {+/-} 0.95), and restrained eating (3.25 {+/-} 1.11) were moderate. Higher awareness was associated with less emotional (r = -0.617) and external eating (r = -0.652), but greater restrained eating (r = 0.644; all q < 0.001). These associations remained after adjustment. Men reported more external eating, while women reported more restrained eating. Eating patterns also varied by academic level. BMI and estimated RMR showed weaker and less consistent associations with eating behaviour. Conclusions: Nutritional awareness was closely associated with reported eating behaviour, whereas BMI and estimated RMR were less informative. Sex and academic-level differences suggest that nutrition education for physical education students may be more useful when adapted to specific behavioural patterns. The findings represent associations and group differences and do not establish causal relationships. Keywords: physical education students; nutritional awareness; eating behaviour; emotional eating; external eating; restrained eating; body mass index; resting metabolic rate

Despite known carcinogenic properties, indoor tanning remains popular among young adults and may contribute to early-onset melanoma. Our study aims to compare early-onset melanoma incidence by state availability of tanning beds. We analyzed population-based melanoma incidence data (2019-2023) from the National Program of Cancer Registries and calculated Incidence Rate Ratios (IRR) using verified state-level quintiles of tanning bed availability. Overall, in the Midwest/South regions, melanoma incidence increased with greater tanning-bed availability, from 8.7 cases per 100,000 population in Quintile 1 to 14.8 cases per 100,000 population in Quintile 5 (IRR = 1.69; CI = 1.65-1.74). No such relationship was found in the Northeast/West regions. In conclusion, we found that in Southern and Midwest states, increased availability of tanning beds was associated with higher early-onset melanoma in non-Hispanic White males and females, in both metro and non-metro counties. Policies which reduce tanning bed availability in high utilization regions may have potential to reduce early-onset melanoma.