BMC Nutrition最新文献

{"title":"Mediterranean diet and diabetic microvascular complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Diar Zooravar, Pedram Soltani, Saeed Khezri","doi":"10.1186/s40795-025-01038-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-025-01038-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diabetic microvascular complications, including diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic nephropathy (DN), and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), contribute significantly to morbidity and healthcare burdens among individuals with diabetes. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been associated with improved metabolic health, but its role in mitigating microvascular complications remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of MD adherence on the risk and progression of these complications.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus was conducted through February 12, 2025 to identify studies evaluating MD adherence and diabetic microvascular complications. Meta-analysis was performed where possible, with effect sizes reported as odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fourteen studies, encompassing 138 to 71,392 participants, were included. Meta-analysis indicated a significant reduction in DR risk among individuals adhering to the MD (HR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.49-0.97, p = 0.03; OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.12-0.82, p = 0.02). A lower likelihood of DN development was observed (HR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.73-0.99, p = 0.04; OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.25-0.96, p = 0.04). However, results for diabetic neuropathy were inconclusive due to study heterogeneity. Sensitivity analyses revealed notable heterogeneity and publication bias was detected in some analyses.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with a reduced risk of diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy, supporting its potential as a dietary intervention for diabetes management. However, the evidence for neuropathy remains inconclusive. Future well-controlled randomized trials are needed to strengthen causal inferences and refine clinical recommendations for MD-based interventions in diabetic microvascular complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":"11 1","pages":"66"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143765198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anemia and food insecurity: the nutritional struggles of pregnant women in Lebanon amid unprecedented crises.","authors":"Rana Mahfouz, Yonna Sacre, Rana Rizk, Myriam El Khoury-Malhame, Toni Sawma, Lara Hanna-Wakim, Maha Hoteit","doi":"10.1186/s40795-025-01042-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-025-01042-0","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Pregnant women require specific dietary intake to optimize fetal development and support mother's health. The ongoing crises in Lebanon: the economic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Beirut port explosion, limited the population's overall ability to consume a well-balanced diet, preventing adequate consumption of fresh, whole food and possibly disrupting people's eating habits, notably for pregnant women. Given the vulnerability of pregnant women to malnutrition and diseases during those times, research on the nutrition status and intake of pregnant women is urgently needed to inform targeted policies and programs. This study explores nutritional status (malnutrition and anemia), food insecurity, and diet quality, and associated factors in Lebanese adult pregnant women residing in Lebanon.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;A cross sectional study was conducted on a representative sample of 500 adult Lebanese pregnant women who were in different pregnancy trimesters, between March and October 2023. Collected data included sociodemographic and medical characteristics, anthropometrics, serum hemoglobin, food security status, and diet quality using validated tools.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;A total of 38.6% of the participants had anemia, with more than half (53.8%) reporting not taking iron supplements. Food insecurity prevalence was 14.6% based on the \"Food Insecurity Experience Scale\" and 22.6% based on the \"Arab Family Food Security Scale\". Although most women in the sample (79.2%) had a high minimum dietary diversity (MDD-W) score and an acceptable household dietary diversity, however; around 38% and 81.6% of them had low adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and the USDA dietary guidelines, respectively. Being in the second (aOR: 1.77) or third (aOR:1.88) pregnancy trimesters increased the likelihoods of anemia; while being employed (aOR: 0.46) and having a higher household income (aOR: 0.639) decreased the likelihood of maternal anemia. Living in a crowded household (aOR: 0.072) decreased the odds of high MDD-W, while being employed (aOR: 2.88), being food secure (aOR: 1.76) and living in the North and Akkar (aOR: 2.44) or South and Nabatieh (aOR: 2.06) increased the odds of high MDD-W. Being food secure (aOR: 1.87) increased the likelihood of fair to very good MD adherence, while having a higher household income (aOR: 0.57) decreased adherence to MD. A higher household income (aOR: 0.57) decreased the adherence to USDA dietary guidelines.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;Anemia, compounded by low levels of iron supplementation and low adherence to healthy diets, warrant immediate public action given the detrimental effects they have on pregnancy outcomes. National comprehensive nutrition policies and interventions are thus needed to enhance adherence to healthy diets and the overall health of pregnant women. This also requires improving the food security situation of Lebanese pregnant women, as o","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":"11 1","pages":"65"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11959850/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143765183","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of nutritional supplements on gut microbiome in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders: a systematic review and narrative synthesis.","authors":"Elaheh Dehghani, Keyvan Karimi, Soheil Arekhi, Maryam Ardeshir, Reshad Rezapour, Monir Shayestehfar, Amir Hossein Memari","doi":"10.1186/s40795-025-01043-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-025-01043-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) encompass a range of disruptive conditions with varying prevalence rates and multiple contributing factors. Recent studies have suggested a potential connection between NDDs and the gut-brain axis. Furthermore, there is evidence indicating that nutritional supplements might have an impact on gastrointestinal (GI) and behavioral symptoms. This study aimed to explore the effects of nutritional supplements on the gut microbiota and behavioral symptoms in individuals with NDDs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search of databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and APA PsycINFO was conducted, utilizing relevant keywords until February 2025. In addition, the search for gray literature was carried out on Google Scholar and ProQuest. The risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool for non-randomized studies and the RoB-1 tool for randomized controlled trials. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, a Synthesis without Meta-analysis (SWiM) approach was employed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall findings from the studies indicated positive effects of supplementation in reducing the Gastrointestinal Severity Index (GIS) score and alleviating GI symptoms. Supplementation with probiotics and vitamins increased good microbiomes (GM) and decrease in bad microbiomes (BM) among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Moreover, the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio (F/R ratio) exhibited significant changes after supplementation. Additionally, improvements were observed in various assessment scores, including ATEC, ABC, CARS, and PGI-2.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Nutritional supplementation in individuals with NDDs can have a positive influence by modulating the microbiome, reducing dysbiosis, and enhancing gut barrier integrity. Shifting in the F/R ratio can be considered as the reason for improving gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms by influencing neurotransmitter activity and neuroinflammation. Targeting the gut-brain axis with interventions that focus on gut microbiota offers a promising adjunct therapy for the management of NDD. Registration of the review protocol. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023460449.</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":"11 1","pages":"64"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11954342/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143744272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nutrition and dietary inflammatory indices of the eight major cuisines of China.","authors":"Wenzhi Zhao, Zhongwei Jia, Hanping Shi","doi":"10.1186/s40795-025-00999-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-025-00999-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chinese cuisines are celebrated for their remarkable qualities in color, aroma, and taste. There are eight major culinary styles, each characterized by its distinct flavors. The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) serves as a comprehensive measure of the inflammatory potential of diet and is designed for universal applicability in dietary assessments across all human studies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The ingredients, food composition, and Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) of dishes from the eight major cuisines of China were analyzed based on two cookbooks. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was utilized for the analysis of non-normally distributed data. Additionally, systematic cluster analysis and chi-square analysis were conducted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 980 dishes representing eight distinct cuisines were included in this study. Condiments emerged as the most prevalent ingredient across the various cuisines. In terms of standard servings (per 100 g), Sichuan cuisine exhibited the highest levels of energy (calories) and fat content. Conversely, Zhejiang cuisine displayed the highest carbohydrate content, whereas Sichuan cuisine recorded the lowest. When evaluated per energy-equivalent serving (per 2056 kcal), dishes from Sichuan cuisine contained the highest amounts of total fat and dietary fiber. In contrast, Fujian cuisine had the highest carbohydrate content, while Sichuan cuisine again had the lowest. Similarly, dishes from Anhui cuisine demonstrated the highest levels of protein and niacin, whereas Sichuan cuisine had the lowest. A significant difference was observed among the cuisines concerning the distribution of the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). The percentage of pro-inflammatory dishes was highest in Anhui cuisine (63.1%) and lowest in Sichuan cuisine (41.9%). Additionally, Sichuan cuisine exhibited the highest percentage of high fat-protein dishes, while Anhui cuisine had the lowest, with a statistically significant difference.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Distinct Chinese cuisines demonstrated varying preferences for ingredient selection, which can be partially attributed to the unique tastes associated with local culinary traditions. The energy and nutrient composition across different cuisines exhibited significant variability. Notably, the proportion of pro-inflammatory dishes was highest in Anhui cuisine, while Sichuan cuisine surprisingly contained the lowest percentage.</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":"11 1","pages":"63"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11948948/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143732144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Consumption of carbonated soft drinks and association with health behaviours and mental health among adolescents in Malaysia: findings from 2022 Adolescent Health Survey (AHS).","authors":"Nor Azian Mohd Zaki, Lai Wai Kent, Syafinaz Sallehuddin, Norhafizah Sahril, Ruhaya Salleh","doi":"10.1186/s40795-025-01044-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-025-01044-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The consumption of carbonated soft drinks has risen substantially and has been associated with weight gain, chronic disease, and oral health issues. This study seeks to examine the relationship between carbonated soft drink consumption, health behaviours and mental health among Malaysian adolescents.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The 2022 Adolescent Health Survey (AHS) 2022 was a nationwide study involving Malaysian students aged 13 to 17 years old. It used a multistage stratified cluster sampling method to ensure a representative sample. Data collection was performed via a validated self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the prevalence and factors associated with the consumption of carbonated soft drinks.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of carbonated soft drink consumption at least once daily in the past 30 days was 32.4% (95% CI: 30.93, 33.87). The results revealed that the consumption of carbonated soft drinks was highest among males and young adolescents. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that health-related behaviours associated with high soft drink consumption included consuming fast food at least three days per week, drinking alcohol, drinking fewer than six glasses of plain water, and being physically inactive. In addition, a greater intake of carbonated soft drinks was positively associated with depression and suicide attempts.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study provides compelling evidence that the consumption of carbonated soft drinks was associated with health-related behaviours and poor mental health among Malaysian adolescents.</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":"11 1","pages":"62"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11948764/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143732142","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A qualitative study to explore mother's experiences of a family MUAC project in two provinces in South Africa.","authors":"C Horwood, S Luthuli, L Haskins, S Mapumulo, Z Kubeka, G Tshitaudzi","doi":"10.1186/s40795-025-01003-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-025-01003-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In South Africa, severe acute malnutrition remains a significant cause of child mortality. Measuring mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is a simple, cost-effective approach to identify malnutrition in communities. The Family MUAC intervention supported community health workers (CHWs) to mentor mothers and child caregivers to measure MUAC, record their findings and access nutrition information from the child's Road-to-Health-Book. Family MUAC was implemented in seven sites in two provinces in South Africa: Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. This study aimed to explore mother/caregiver's perceptions and experiences of participating in Family MUAC.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with mothers purposively selected by CHWs based on their active participation in Family MUAC. Trained qualitative researchers conducted one FGD at each participating site. Coding reliability thematic analysis with topic summaries was employed to analyse the data using Nvivo v12.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seven FGDs were conducted with a total of 59 participants. Key themes identified were mother's perceptions of the CHW's role, experiences of implementing Family MUAC activities, and perceptions of the broader effect on maternal empowerment and child health. Mothers appreciated the support from CHWs who were perceived as patient and caring, taking time to develop mother's skills and answer questions. CHWs provided ongoing care, encouraged participation and understood the mother's home situation. Mothers experienced group learning positively, and helped each other learn about MUAC measurements. Most mothers experienced measuring MUAC as challenging initially, needing support from CHWs to gain confidence to measure and record findings. Participating in Family MUAC empowered mothers in caring for their child, and improved their relationships with CHWs. Mothers compared support from CHWs to care received at the clinic, saying clinic visits were costly and time-consuming and nurses frequently did not explain their findings. Mothers reported feeling more confident to ask questions during clinic visits after participating in family MUAC.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Using CHWs to support mothers measuring MUAC in households was acceptable and feasible. CHWs provided ongoing good quality care, relevant advice and support, and empowered mothers. Family MUAC had wide ranging benefits for building relationships and peer support in communities and strengthened mothers perceived role in the care of her child.</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":"11 1","pages":"61"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11938593/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143721451","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Irregular meal and migraine headache: a scoping review.","authors":"Samson Mideksa Legesse, Alemu Earsido Addila, Belayneh Hamdela Jena, Birhanu Jikamo, Zewditu Denu Abdissa, Tesfahun Hailemarim","doi":"10.1186/s40795-025-01048-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-025-01048-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Migraines are a type of headache, with certain types being more severe than others. The aim of this scoping review is to map the association between migraine headache and irregular meals, including skipping meals or missed diets and fasting.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The six-stages methodological framework of Arksey & O'Malley for scoping reviews was used. A protocol was registered on OSF on November 17, 2024 ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/Z8C7M ) as OSF preregistration for Generalized Systematic Review Registration. Searches were made from the Cochrane Library, Research for Life, PQD Evidence, Global Index Medicus, Scopus, and MEDLINE databases. To make comprehensive searches, Google Scholar, Google, and grey literature sources, including databases of relevant organizations, were searched. Only studies published in English without a date limit were considered. Screening and data extraction were conducted by two groups of reviewers independently.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>Thirty-six studies were included in this review. It includes systematic reviews, randomized placebo-control trials, cohort studies, literature reviews, chart reviews, case control studies, case studies, and cross-sectional studies. Some studies found no clear link between meal omission and migraines, with mixed evidence on the role of dietary factors as triggers. But the majority of studies suggest that fasting and skipping meals, especially breakfast, can trigger migraines by reducing brain glucose levels and causing hypoglycemia, a known trigger. The timing of meals is crucial, as missed meals can provoke different types of migraines, including retinal and abdominal migraines. Moreover, irregular meal patterns, particularly in those with chronic migraines, are strong predictors of attacks. Consistent and balanced meals help to prevent migraines and manage symptoms.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>While few studies show mixed evidence, the majority indicate that fasting or skipping meals can trigger migraines. Regular, balanced meals benefit preventing and managing migraines, as irregular meal patterns are predictors of migraine attacks. Moreover, some studies have low to moderate methodological quality, often lacking rigorous control groups and randomization. Thus, it is recommended to draw conclusions from interventional research having longitudinal research with better sample sizes.</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":"11 1","pages":"60"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11938733/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143721453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The MIND diet, cognitive function, and well-being among healthy adults at midlife: a randomised feasibility trial.","authors":"Deirdre Timlin, Jacqueline M McCormack, Maeve Kerr, Laura Keaver, Ellen E A Simpson","doi":"10.1186/s40795-025-01020-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-025-01020-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets have been shown to slow cognitive decline. However, these diets were not originally developed with dementia prevention as their primary focus. In contrast, the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet was specifically designed based on evidence linking individual dietary components to brain health and the prevention of cognitive decline. The aim of this research was to test the effectiveness of the MIND diet on cognitive function, mood, and quality of life using the Behaviour Change Wheel, and to design an intervention using the COM-B model to promote the MIND diet at midlife.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An online pilot randomised control trial (RCT) was conducted. Forty-one participants (aged 40-55 years, male and female) were randomised into a MIND diet with support group (n = 15), MIND diet group with no support (n = 14) or control group (n = 12) for 12 weeks. Baseline and follow-up measures of cognitive function, mood, quality of life (QOL) and adherence to MIND diet was assessed in each group. Capability, opportunity, and motivation (COM-B) towards MIND diet behaviour were also assessed pre and post intervention.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A repeated measures ANOVA showed that in comparison to the control group, both intervention groups significantly improved mood, quality of life, MIND diet score and all COM-B components at follow-up (p < 0.05). No significant differences or interactions in cognitive function were found between groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There are only two RCT's that test the effectiveness of the MIND diet on cognitive function, and this is the first RCT to assess the usefulness of the COM-B in increasing adherence to the MIND diet. Future interventions with longer duration are needed to establish an association with MIND diet and cognitive function in adults at midlife. This study recommends using less Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) with a focus on self-monitoring, goal setting and education on diet as an effective strategy for promoting adherence to the MIND diet.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>Trial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Record NCT04654936, May 2019.</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":"11 1","pages":"59"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11938686/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143711544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dietary outcomes of moderately wasted children treated in a food voucher program in Cameroon's Far North: a three-month longitudinal study.","authors":"Brice Ulrich Saha Foudjo, Ismael Teta, Jennifer Notkin Nielsen, Yunhee Kang, Georges Nguefack-Tsague, Carole Debora Nounkeu, Djeinam Touré, David Doledec, Julius Oben","doi":"10.1186/s40795-025-01041-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-025-01041-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Many interventions in Cameroon focus on addressing severe wasting rather than targeting moderate wasting, although the latter is more prevalent. The objective of the study was to evaluate dietary outcomes in a program designed to treat moderate wasting using a food voucher program (FVP) tested in the Far North, examining the factors associated with dietary outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A three-month longitudinal study was carried out by an independent team of researchers within the context of a one-year humanitarian project designed to treat children with moderate wasting (middle-upper arm circumference [MUAC] measures 115-125 mm) by providing caretakers with a bi-weekly voucher to redeem for a predefined basket of foods together with essential hygiene and nutrition education. A sample of 474 children were randomly selected from the cohort enrolled in the program for inclusion in the study. Using a pre/post-test design, we evaluate the effect of the receipt of food vouchers on dietary outcomes using as indicators minimum dietary diversity (MDD) for children aged 6-23 months and dietary diversity scores (DDS) for children aged 24-53 months. Mixed logistic and linear regressions were used to identify factors from socio-demographic data and program activities (cooking demonstrations and nutrition education, perception of food safety, food basket sharing, and lasting) associated with these variables. Life table analysis was employed to assess the likelihood of achieving MDD among children aged 6-23 months.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The likelihood of children aged 6-23 months meeting MDD increased from 19.9% at the beginning of the study to 100% after 12 weeks. Among older children, average DDS increased from 3.2 at entry to 5.1 at the two-week mark and remained constant for the duration of the study. A negative perception among caregivers of the safety of redeemed food items was negatively associated with achieving MDD (adjusted RR = 0.50, p = 0.012). The consumption of food basket contents by other family members was negatively associated with DDS (adjusted coef. = 0.33, p = 0.047).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The FVP was effective in improving the dietary diversity of MAM children aged between 6 and 59 months in Cameroon's Far North.</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":"11 1","pages":"58"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11929175/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143693826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The use of social media to promote unhealthy food and beverage consumption among Indonesian children.","authors":"Isabella Jiaqi Guo, Astrid Citra Padmita, Mika Matsuzaki, Joel Gittelsohn, Alison Feeley, Fiona Watson, Eva Susanti, Esti Widiastuti Mangunadikusumo, Fatcha Nuraliyah, David Colozza","doi":"10.1186/s40795-025-01040-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-025-01040-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rates of childhood overweight and obesity are rising across most low and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Indonesia, the largest country in Southeast Asia. Marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children is a key driver, yet evidence on digital marketing strategies used in LMICs remains scarce. This study examines the techniques used to advertise unhealthy food and beverages to children on social media in Indonesia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We retrieved 295 ads on three social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) from 20 food brands with the highest market share in Indonesia across four food categories (snacks, processed foods, soft drinks, and fast food). Marketing techniques used in the ads were coded based on a pre-developed codebook outlining techniques often used to target children and assessed qualitatively through content analysis. The healthfulness of the products advertised was also evaluated, based on the WHO nutrient profile model for Southeast Asia.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The ads analysed employed frequently marketing techniques used to target children. The most common marketing techniques across the three platforms were the inclusion of social media features (21.3%), branded products (19.6%), emotional cues and appeal of fun (10.1%), images of children, teens, or adults (9.0%) and special offers (6.6%). Notably, 85% of the brands analysed promoted at least one food unsuitable for marketing to children based on the WHO model.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Food and beverage brands in Indonesia purposely and frequently employ various techniques on social media to target children with ads for food and beverages that, based international nutritional standards, are unsuitable for promotion to this age group. This represents a threat to the nutritional status, health, and well-being of Indonesian children, and calls for stricter regulations on the marketing of these products in the country.</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":"11 1","pages":"57"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11929256/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143676724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}