The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
○ Elsevier BV
Preprints posted in the last 30 days, ranked by how well they match The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition's content profile, based on 19 papers previously published here. The average preprint has a 0.02% match score for this journal, so anything above that is already an above-average fit.
Athinarayanan, S.; Zoller, A. R.; Bergethon, K. E.; Goss, A. M.; Gower, B. A.
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Background: Incretin-based obesity medications (IOMs) produce substantial weight loss, but the incremental benefit of structured nutritional therapy when integrated with pharmacotherapy remains unclear. Objectives: To compare 12-month weight-loss outcomes between individualized carbohydrate-reduced nutritional therapy combined with IOMs (VINT+IOM) and IOM-based care without structured nutritional therapy (IOM only). Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated 4,269 adults enrolled in a comprehensive telemedicine obesity care program (VINT+IOM, n=1,658; IOM only, n=2,611). Both pathways included clinician-guided medication management and behavioral coaching. The primary analysis focused on GLP-1-naive participants receiving either semaglutide or tirzepatide without switching medications during follow-up. Adjusted weight changes were estimated using longitudinal linear mixed-effects models accounting for baseline demographic and clinical characteristics. Additional analyses evaluated weight-loss responders, prior GLP-1 exposure, and medication utilization. Results: Among GLP-1-naive semaglutide users, adjusted 12-month weight loss was greater with VINT+IOM than IOM only (30.7 vs. 24.1 lb; P=0.01), with corresponding observed weight loss of 13.3% versus 11.1%. Among tirzepatide users, adjusted weight loss was 45.9 versus 34.4 lb (P=0.003), with observed reductions of 19.7% versus 15.6%, respectively. Weight-loss responder rates consistently favored VINT+IOM. In the overall cohort, including GLP-1-naive participants, those with prior GLP-1 exposure, and participants with varying medication trajectories, adjusted weight loss was 29.4 versus 21.5 lb (P less than 0.001), with observed reductions of 12.7% versus 9.6%. Greater weight loss with VINT+IOM was also observed among participants with prior GLP-1 exposure. Weight loss continued between 6 and 12 months in both pathways. Medication coverage was high, with approximately 80% of participants achieving a proportion of days covered of at least 80% in both pathways. Conclusions: Integrating individualized carbohydrate-reduced nutritional therapy with IOM-based care was associated with greater 12-month weight loss than IOM-based care without structured nutritional therapy. These real-world findings support further evaluation of individualized nutritional approaches as an adjunct to incretin-based obesity pharmacotherapy.
Fortin-Miller, S. A.; Gajewski, B. J.; Carlson, S. E.; Colombo, J.; Christifano, D. N.; Sullivan, D. K.; Hull, H. R.
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Background: Added sugars during early development may influence adiposity, but whether associations vary by developmental timing and child sex is unclear. Objectives: To determine whether child sex modifies associations of added sugars and fructose exposure from pregnancy through 24 months with body composition at 24 months. Methods: This secondary longitudinal analysis included 130 mother-child dyads. Maternal diet was assessed during mid-pregnancy and child diet at 2wk and 6mo (infancy), and 12mo and 24mo (toddlerhood). Multivariable regression tested sex-by-exposure interactions for anthropometric outcomes; 42 children had usable dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) data. Results: Prenatal added sugars were more positively associated with percentage body fat and total and regional fat mass in girls than in boys. Prenatal fructose was more positively associated with waist circumference in boys. During infancy, added sugars were more positively associated with percentage body fat and total and regional fat mass in boys, whereas fructose was more positively associated with fat-free mass in girls. Conclusions: Associations of early-life sugars exposure with body composition varied by developmental timing and child sex. Findings from the smaller DXA subset are exploratory and require replication but suggest that susceptibility to early dietary sugars may differ across developmental windows.
Burns, J. L.; Scott, H.; Mbuagbaw, L.; Miller, C. H.; Sheyholislami, H.; Clouthier, B. A.; Fontaine-Bisson, B.; Connor, K. L.
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Background: Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) have global and severe health implications, and disproportionately impact women of reproductive age. Current methods of supplementing diets with iron are challenged by poor adherence and palatability, reducing effectiveness of these treatment strategies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a novel home beverage fortification with a mineral-enriched powder, designed to enhance bioavailability and ease of use, for the treatment of ID in women of reproductive age. Methods: This single-centre, randomised, double-blinded placebo-controlled trial will enrol 150 eligible biologically female participants with ID. Participants will be randomly assigned to the active intervention (iron/zinc-enriched powder) or control group (placebo powder) over 6 months. Primary outcomes will include change in serum ferritin (SF) concentrations and proportion of participants who remain iron deficient at 6-months. Secondary outcomes will include change in SF and haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations across timepoints, and levels of metabolites and key circulating pro-inflammatory biomarkers, changes in dietary intakes, self-reported perceptions of health, barriers to use of the powder, adherence and palatability, safety outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. Exploratory outcomes will assess the gut microbial metagenome and metabolome. Discussion: Fortification, an effective approach for the prevention of ID/IDA, has advantages over some methods of supplementation because it uses low levels of iron, minimising unpleasant side effects, does not risk toxicity, and has high acceptability and compliance rates. This mineral-enriched powder uses electrolytic iron and zinc sulphate monohydrate of a small particle size, which is less irritating to the gut, and facilitates bioavailability. Findings from the study will be shared with those affected by and involved in treating these conditions, as a novel intervention that is both effective and acceptable among women of reproductive age would help to improve treatment compliance, and ultimately, reduce ID/IDA burden. Trial registration: This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05990166): https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05990166, August 2023.
Parameswaran, V.; Phalke, A.; Gardner, C.; Maron, D. J.
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Background: Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles 1988-1994 and 1999-2004 show a declining trend in the adherence to Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) among adults. Since then, DASH evidence, dietary guidelines, and public-facing dietary resources have advanced, but whether national DASH adherence has improved is uncertain. Methods: We extended the Mellen et al. NHANES analysis among 14,163 adults with self-reported hypertension (N=6,914, 2003-2010, N=7,249, 2011-2018). DASH score included 9 nutrient components: total fat, saturated fat, protein, cholesterol, fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, with adherence defined as a score 4.5. Survey-weighted multivariable models compared DASH score, adherence, and nutrient-threshold attainment across periods. Results: In 2011-2018, U.S. adults with self-reported hypertension represented 76.2 million individuals (33.8%). Multivariable-adjusted DASH adherence declined from 22.1% in 2003-2010 to 18.6% in 2011-2018 (p=0.003), and mean DASH score declined from 2.98 to 2.85 (p=0.007). Adjusted odds of adherence were lower in 2011-2018 compared with 2003-2010 (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.67-0.91; p=0.002). Adherence was lower among non-Hispanic Black adults (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.59-0.84), adults with BMI 30 kg/m2 (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.51-0.73), and adults with prior stroke (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.56-0.89). Total fat and sodium threshold attainment declined from 20.9% to 18.7% and 13.8% to 11.8%, respectively. Conclusions: DASH adherence among U.S. adults with self-reported hypertension declined from 2003-2011 to 2011-2018. Implementation strategies should identify barriers to adoption and address the full DASH dietary pattern.
Liu, Y.; Tang, Y.; Galex K.S., N.; Lu, Y.; Takara, T.; Jiang, S.
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Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a functional phospholipid widely studied for cognitive support, yet evidence in healthy adults with subjective cognitive decline remains limited. This 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the safety and cognitive effects of 300 mg/day of soybean-derived PS in 70 adults aged 35-65 years reporting subjective memory complaints. PS was well tolerated, with no adverse events or clinically significant changes in safety parameters. In the prespecified primary analysis, the primary endpoint of composite memory score did not differ significantly between groups at week 12. Exploratory secondary analyses suggested possible domain-specific effects, including favorable changes in working memory (p = 0.037) and motor speed (p = 0.005), with the latter appearing to vary according to blood fatty-acid profiles. These findings should be interpreted cautiously and require confirmation in future studies designed to evaluate these domains and potential nutritional moderators.
Shrestha, A.; Sarvate, A.; Mehta, D.; Nargundhar, N.; Deshmukh, D.; Godse, C.
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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
Yoshida, A.
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Background: Whether whole-body energy balance is associated with perceived stress in young adults is unclear. Aim: To examine associations of estimated free-living energy balance with physical and psychological stress during 28-day monitoring. Methods: This secondary analysis of an observational study included 18 Japanese male university students with at least 14 valid accelerometer days (at least 600 min/day). Energy intake was estimated using the Brief-type Self-administered Diet History Questionnaire; total energy expenditure was estimated from accelerometry plus resting metabolic rate. Physical and psychological stress were assessed before and after monitoring using 100-mm visual analog scales. Baseline-adjusted linear regression was used. Summary: Mean energy balance was -79 kcal/day (SD 531). Energy balance was not clearly associated with post-monitoring physical stress (B = 0.067 per 100 kcal/day, 95% CI -1.604 to 1.737; p = 0.933) or psychological stress (B = 0.314, 95% CI -2.571 to 3.199; p = 0.820). No clear association between estimated free-living energy balance and post-monitoring stress was detected.
Adams, R. N.; Mozaffarian, D.; Bollinger, C.
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Importance: Dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes are highly prevalent conditions for which medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is guideline-recommended, yet access remains limited, and real-world evidence on technology-enabled MNT models at scale is sparse. Objective: To characterize lipid, blood pressure, and glycemic outcomes among adults receiving virtual MNT (vMNT) across three cardiometabolic conditions. Design: Retrospective cohort study of adults with a first Nourish appointment before November 2025, followed for 6 months. Setting: National vMNT platform. Participants: Adults meeting enrollment criteria for dyslipidemia, hypertension, or diabetes and remaining engaged in care with [≥]1 follow-up measurement at 3 or 6 months. Final cohorts: dyslipidemia (n=6,501), hypertension (n=13,704), diabetes (n=2,444); 18,965 unique patients overall. Exposure: vMNT delivered by a registered dietitian via telehealth visits, with technology-enabled support between visits. Main Outcomes and Measures: Outcomes were LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (dyslipidemia); systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) (hypertension); and HbA1c (diabetes), assessed at enrollment, 3, and 6 months. Weight was a secondary outcome. The proportion achieving guideline-recommended targets (HbA1c <7.0%, SBP <130 mmHg) was also assessed. Results: Among 18,965 patients (mean [SD] age, 42.9 [11.6] years; 15,770 [83.2%] female), significant changes from baseline to 6 months included: LDL cholesterol (-14.0 mg/dL [SE, 0.56]); total cholesterol (-19.4 mg/dL [SE, 0.61]); HDL cholesterol (-0.5 mg/dL [SE, 0.15]); triglycerides (-28.6 mg/dL [SE, 1.06]); SBP (-5.5 mmHg [SE, 0.16]); DBP (-4.5 mmHg [SE, 0.11]); and HbA1c (-1.37 percentage points [SE, 0.04]) (all P<.001). Among those with elevated SBP, 57.3% achieved <130 mmHg by 6 months; among those with elevated HbA1c, 54.7% achieved <7.0%. Outcomes among patients with stable medication regimens were similar to the full cohort. Conclusions and Relevance: In this study of 18,965 patients, vMNT delivered through a technology-enabled care model was associated with clinically meaningful improvement across three prevalent cardiometabolic conditions. These findings support technology-enabled virtual care as a scalable approach to delivering effective MNT.
Giffuni, J.; Fique, M.; Cassatt, S.; Joyce, K.; Krasniewski, L.; Addison, O.; Dennis, E.
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Despite the numerous benefits associated with higher dietary quality, many older Veterans do not meet national dietary recommendations. Existing programs are not typically tailored for older Veterans who may experience physical and environmental limitations that hinder their ability to access and prepare healthy foods. This project piloted the incorporation of age-friendly, tailored, virtual nutrition education into an existing health promotion program for older Veterans. Programming followed an iterative design process over two years. Year 1 included 14 weeks of virtual nutrition education on healthy aging paired with weekly produce bags and recipe suggestions. In Year 2, virtual nutrition education shifted to more hands-on learning emphasizing basic meal preparation and adaptive cooking strategies for mobility limitations. Produce distribution in Year 2 shifted to a farmer's market model, based on feedback from year 1, allowing participants to self-select items. Primary outcomes included program satisfaction, dietary intake assessed via 24-hour recall to calculate the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015), and health-related quality of life (PROMIS Global Health). Findings demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual nutrition program incorporating age-friendly cooking instruction and adaptive strategies to improve dietary quality among older Veterans.
Melchers, M.; van der Haar, S.; Hoevenaars, F. P.; Wopereis, S.; Ummels, M.; van Bokhoven, K.; Hoppenbrouwers, M.; Rijfers, A.; Menkveld, M.; Noort, M. W.; van Zanten, A. R.; Kouw, I. W.
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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 ([≥]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.
Pietzner, A.; Rohwer, N.; Weylandt, K. H.
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AO_SCPLOWBSTRACTC_SCPLOWO_ST_ABSIntroductionC_ST_ABSPolyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status is an important marker of metabolic health across the lifespan, and omega-3 (n-3) PUFA were shown to have anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects. The omega-3 index, a composite of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is widely used to assess n-3 PUFA supplementation status, and product-to-precursor fatty acid ratios are used as proxy indices of desaturation and elongation. Previous data indicate a higher proportion of n-3 PUFA with age. Whether the same pattern can be found in an NHANES cohort, and whether long-chain n-3 status relates to phenotypic age (PhenoAge), a composite measure of biological age, has not been established. MethodsWe analyzed erythrocyte fatty acid profiles measured by electron capture negative-ion mass spectrometry in erythrocytes of participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2021-2023. Adults aged 20-79 years with a complete 21-fatty-acid panel were included (n = 4,863) and stratified into five age groups (20-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-79 years). In the fasting subsample with a measured fasting glucose (n = 2,822) we additionally computed PhenoAge according to Levine and assessed PhenoAge acceleration (PhenoAge regressed on chronological age) in relation to EPA and DHA. ResultsPercentage of summarized PUFA and n-6 PUFA decreased with age while percentage of n-3 PUFA and EPA + DHA increased. In contrast, total saturated fatty acids did not differ across age groups. EPA and DHA rose with age, whereas linoleic acid (LA), dihomo-{gamma}-linolenic acid (DGLA) and -linolenic acid (ALA) declined. The delta-5-desaturase (D5D) index (AA/DGLA) and the AA/LA ratio were positively associated with age, while elongation-related proxies ELOVL2 (DTA/AA, DPA/EPA) and ELOVL5 (DGLA/GLA) were inversely associated. Higher EPA + DHA was associated with lower PhenoAge acceleration with the most pronounced effect of - 4,7 years in the group with highest ([≥]8%) EPA+DHA content. DiscussionAge-related shifts in erythrocyte PUFA composition and in desaturase and elongase proxy indices reported previously in a clinical cohort from Germany are reproduced in a large US population. In addition, long-chain n-3 status was inversely associated with PhenoAge acceleration.
Carvalho, E. R. B. d.; Sousa, H. K. P.; Siqueira, T. d. S.; Queiroz, R. R. d.; Silva, J. B. T. d.; Cavalcante, A. J. H.; Viana, P. L. V.; Magalhaes, M. E. A.; Fidencio, G. S.; Carvalho, A. R. B. d.
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Background: Vitamin B12 is essential for one-carbon metabolism, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis, and myelination, and inadequate maternal status during pregnancy may influence fetal growth and child neurodevelopment. Objective: To evaluate the association between maternal vitamin B12 status and perinatal and child neurodevelopmental outcomes. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies and randomized clinical trials. The main outcomes were preterm birth, low birth weight, small for gestational age (SGA), and cognitive/global development. For binary outcomes, the natural logarithm of the relative risk (logRR) was the primary analytical effect measure; for neurodevelopment, Hedges g was used. Random-effects models were fitted, between-study variance was estimated by restricted maximum likelihood (REML), and inference used Knapp-Hartung (KH) adjustment. Results: For preterm birth, nine estimates yielded a pooled logRR of 0.190 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] KH: -0.046 to 0.427; p = 0.101; I2 = 19.2%). For low birth weight, nine estimates yielded a pooled logRR of 0.136 (95% CI KH: -0.013 to 0.286; p = 0.069; I2 = 4.8%). For SGA, six estimates yielded a pooled logRR of 0.047 (95% CI KH: -0.083 to 0.177; p = 0.397; I2 = 0%). Cognitive/global development, assessed in five independent studies, showed a pooled Hedges g of 0.266 (95% CI KH: 0.034 to 0.499; p = 0.034; I2 = 55.7%). Conclusions: logRR estimates for preterm birth and low birth weight were directionally compatible with higher risk among mothers with lower vitamin B12 availability, but their 95% CIs included the null. No consistent association was observed for SGA. Higher maternal vitamin B12 availability or supplementation was associated with a small favorable effect on cognitive/global development, with moderate heterogeneity.
ANIM-FOFIE, M.; Otoo, G. E.; Harrison, O. A.; Azagba-Nyako, J.; Steiner-Asiedu, M. A.; Saalia, F. K.
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Background: Aging is associated with physiological, biological, socioeconomic and psychological changes that may increase vulnerability to poor dietary intake, reduced muscle strength and elevated blood pressure. In Ghana, evidence on dietary intake in relation to functional and cardiometabolic health among community-dwelling older adults remains limited. This cross-sectional study assessed dietary intake, handgrip strength (HGS) and elevated blood pressure (BP), and examined associations between diet quality indicators and these health outcomes among older adults in five peri-urban communities in the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality, Ghana. Methods: Data were collected from 200 community-dwelling adults aged 60 years and above. Dietary intake was assessed using a multiple-pass 24-hour dietary recall, while physical activity, HGS and BP were measured using standardized procedures. Categorical variables were summarized as frequencies and percentages. Non-normally distributed dietary variables were compared between health outcome groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. Adjusted binary logistic regression was used to examine associations between diet quality indicators and HGS or elevated BP. Results: The mean age of participants was 69.8 {+/-} 7.3 years. More than half did not meet the dietary reference intake for protein, fat, fiber, magnesium, potassium and vitamin E, and no participant met the dietary reference intake for calcium. The prevalence of inadequate minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and inadequate mean adequacy ratio (MAR) exceeded 50%. Energy, protein, carbohydrate and selenium intake differed significantly by HGS status (p < 0.05). Mean adequacy ratio differed significantly by HGS status (p = 0.021) and BP status (p = 0.016). In adjusted models, each one-unit increase in MDD was associated with lower odds of elevated BP (AOR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.46-1.00; p = 0.05), while each one-unit increase in MAR was associated with higher odds of normal HGS (AOR = 8.77; 95% CI: 1.33-64.08; p = 0.034). Conclusions: Dietary inadequacy was common among older adults in this peri-urban Ghanaian setting. Better diet quality indicators were associated with normal HGS and lower odds of elevated BP. These findings support the need for nutrition-focused strategies and further longitudinal or intervention studies to clarify the role of dietary intake in functional and cardiometabolic health among older adults.
Leenders, L. M.; Casagranda, S.; Balvers, M. G. J.; de Gier, G.; Lambers, T. T.; Smeets, P. A. M.
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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.
Li, R.; Revuelta Iniesta, R.; Barker, A. R.; Chatelan, A.; Leuenberger, L. M.; Shoman, Y.; Spycher, B. D.; Belle, F. N.
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PurposeTo identify dietary patterns among adult childhood cancer survivors (CCSs), examine their determinants, and assess whether they differ according to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profiles. MethodsCCSs from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study diagnosed before age 21 years (1976-2005), surviving [≥]5 years and aged [≥]18 years in 2017, completed a food frequency questionnaire (SCCSS-Nutrition). Factor and hierarchical cluster analyses of 52 food groups identified dietary patterns. We categorised CCSs as having CVD, CVD risk factors (obesity, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol), or being CVD risk-free. Multinomial logistic regression assessed associations between dietary patterns and CVD risk profiles. ResultsAmong 802 CCSs (median age: 35 years; IQR: 29-41; 50% male), we identified five dietary patterns: Mediterranean-inspired diet (22%), Western indulgence diet (38%), Western sweet & fatty diet (26%), restrained indulgence diet (9%), plant-based & alcohol-rich diet (6%). Male sex, younger age, German-speaking region, smoking, and living with others were associated with Western indulgence, Western sweet & fatty, and restrained indulgence diets. Higher Swiss socioeconomic position (Swiss-SEP) and education, and not having children, were associated with the plant-based & alcohol-rich diet, higher Swiss-SEP was also associated with the Western indulgence diet. No associations were observed between dietary patterns and CVD risk profiles. ConclusionsDietary patterns among adult CCSs were socially patterned and differed according to sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, but were not associated with CVD risk profiles. Implications for Cancer SurvivorsDietary counselling and broader lifestyle support should be considered as part of long-term survivorship care for CCSs.
Zhan, X.; Shen, M.; Zhang, Y.; Mao, X.
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Background: Handgrip strength is associated with cardiometabolic abnormalities, but whether it adds information once detailed adiposity and muscle mass are known is unclear. Methods: We studied adults aged 40-59 years from NHANES 2011-2012 (development, n=508) and 2013-2014 (temporal validation, n=616). The outcome was at least two of four non-adiposity abnormalities (elevated blood pressure, fasting glucose or triglycerides, or low HDL cholesterol); waist circumference was not part of the outcome. A prespecified feature ladder added DXA body fat percentage and visceral adipose tissue to age, sex, BMI and waist circumference (M1), then appendicular skeletal muscle index (M2), then absolute (M3A, primary) or weight-normalised (M3B) grip strength. Logistic regression was primary; elastic-net and XGBoost were supportive. Development performance used nested cross-validation; frozen models were scored once in the validation cohort. Paired increments used 2000 stratified bootstrap resamples. Results: The outcome occurred in 249 (49.0%) and 277 (45.0%) participants. Adding adiposity increased the logistic regression AUC by 0.0209 (95% CI 0.0024-0.0402) in development and 0.0209 (0.0032-0.0375) in temporal validation. Adding absolute grip strength to M2 changed the AUC by -0.0046 (-0.0107 to 0.0013) and 0.0045 (-0.0009 to 0.0098), respectively. All 12 grip-strength AUC increments across algorithms, definitions and cohorts had intervals that included zero. Calibration was unchanged and the incremental net benefit was not consistently positive. Model attributions to grip strength varied by algorithm. Conclusions: In middle-aged adults, detailed adiposity, but not grip strength, added reproducible information for concurrent cardiometabolic risk stratification beyond conventional anthropometry and muscle mass.
Pedroso, I.; Kumbhare, S. V.; Saravanan, S. K.; Sharma, G.; Almonacid, D. E.; Sinha, R.
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Elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) is a major modifiable driver of cardiovascular morbidity. Digital food-as-medicine and home-blood-pressure-monitoring programs increasingly support its management outside the clinic, but most published evaluations are single-arm, pre/post designs; because enrolment is conditioned on an elevated baseline reading, regression to the mean (RTM) is expected to inflate any observed improvement, and this is rarely checked against an internal comparator. We conducted a retrospective, single-arm cohort study of home blood-pressure monitoring within a commercial digital food-as-medicine program serving a US employer-sponsored population with obesity. Of 329 members included, 136 were at-goal (<130/80 mmHg), 74 at Stage 1 (130-134/80-84 mmHg) and 119 at Stage 2 ([≥]135/85 mmHg) at baseline; follow-up SBP was evaluable for 128, 68 and 112 members in these strata at 3 months and for 62, 34 and 53 at 6 months, respectively. The primary estimand was the unadjusted within-member change in home SBP at 6 months among members with Stage-1 and Stage-2 blood pressure at baseline; a secondary estimand corrected for RTM using an ANCOVA linear mixed model with the at-goal stratum as an internal negative-control population. Among Stage-1 members (n = 34), unadjusted SBP change was -4.36 mmHg (95% CI -7.43 to -1.28; p = 0.0069), paired with an RTM-corrected secondary change of -3.33 mmHg (-6.40 to -0.26; p = 0.033). Among Stage-2 members (n = 53), unadjusted change was -10.17 mmHg (-12.94 to -7.40; p < 0.001), paired with an RTM-corrected secondary change of -5.50 mmHg (95% CI -8.50 to -2.50; p = 0.00037); RTM accounted for ~24% and ~46% of the unadjusted decline in Stage-1 and Stage-2, respectively. RTM-corrected estimates were robust to sensitivity analyses on measurement modality, seasonality, covariates and model specification, with no evidence of attrition bias. Program participation was associated with a decline in home SBP among Stage-1 and Stage-2 members that remained significant, though smaller, after RTM correction, supporting RTM-adjusted SBP change as the appropriate metric for evaluating food-as-medicine interventions.
QADUMI, A. a.; Qadumi, R. A.; Qadoume, A. A.; Al-Atrash, M.; Qutob, R. K.; Amad, S. H.; Qadoumi, M. A.; Nairat, Q. M.; Qaddoum, A. K.
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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
Sieng, C.; Um, S.; Heng, S.
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Aim: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and distribution of minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W) and underweight/thinness and examine sociodemographic and dietary factors associated with underweight/thinness among Cambodian women aged 15-49 years. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 9,181 women aged 15-49 years (9,262.5 weighted) from the 2021-22 Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey. Survey-weighted descriptive statistics and provincial mapping were used to describe MDD-W, food-group consumption and underweight/thinness. Rao-Scott chi-square tests assessed group differences, and survey-weighted logistic regression estimated factors associated with underweight/thinness. MDD-W and household wealth were retained a priori in the adjusted model, while other covariates with an overall crude Wald P value <0.20 were included. Results: The analysis included 9,181 women (9,262.5 weighted). Overall, 57.2% achieved MDD-W, and 6.7% had underweight/thinness; 22.8% were overweight, and 5.7% had obesity. Underweight/thinness was highest among women aged 20-24 years (17.7%). Achieving MDD-W was not associated with underweight/thinness in crude analysis (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.17; P=0.545). In the adjusted analysis, the association remained imprecise (aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.09; P=0.219). Provincial estimates showed geographic variation in both MDD-W and underweight/thinness. Conclusion: More than half of Cambodian women achieved MDD-W, while underweight/thinness coexisted with overweight and obesity. MDD-W was not clearly associated with underweight/thinness. These findings support monitoring dietary diversity, anthropometric status, and socioeconomic inequalities together in women's nutrition.
Paisanvit, N.; Ponprachanuvut, P.; Chammari, K.; Raethong, N.; Srisangwan, N.; Keeratichamroen, A.; Wang, S.; Tong, H.; Rai, R. K.; Srichamnong, W.; Bromage, S.; Matsuzaki, M.
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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.