BMC Nutrition最新文献

{"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}

{"title":"The nutritional impact of 7 versus 21 home-delivered medically tailored meals in patients with heart failure and malnutrition risk: a random order crossover feeding trial (MEDIMEALS).","authors":"Charlene Compher, Jule Anne Henstenburg, Marianne Aloupis, Amy Sun, Ryan Quinn, Elizabeth Emery, Jovina Thomas, Adrian Glass Crafford, Daniel R Schwartz","doi":"10.1186/s40795-025-01036-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-025-01036-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Heart failure (HF) is frequently associated with malnutrition or malnutrition risk. The delivery of medically tailored meals (MTM) to the homes of patients with HF and malnutrition risk or malnutrition after hospital discharge holds promise for improving outcomes. However, the number of MTM needed to provide benefit is not established.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A random order crossover study was designed to compare the delivery of 7 versus 21 MTM for four weeks each to patients discharged from the hospital with HF and malnutrition risk. Telephone surveys were conducted at baseline, 30, and 60 days post-discharge to evaluate change in malnutrition risk, American Heart Association (AHA) diet goals, sarcopenia risk, and 30-day readmissions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Forty-six patients were enrolled. Patients had reduced odds of having malnutrition risk relative to the baseline score at one and two months (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04-0.74 and OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.05-0.99, respectively). The AHA diet score improved over time from baseline by 0.73 ± 0.22 units at one month (p = 0.0014), and by 0.48 ± 0.23 units at two months (p = 0.0430), regardless of the number of MTM provided. Sarcopenia risk improved over time (p = 0.01), decreasing by 0.43 ± 0.2 units by one (p = 0.03) and 0.59 ± 0.21 units by two months (p = 0.007) regardless of the number of MTM provided. Readmissions by 30 days were not significantly different based on the number of MTM provided (9% for 21 MTM vs 12.5% for 7 MTM), but well below national data at 23%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The provision of at least seven MTM per week in the early window after hospital discharge to patients with HF and malnutrition or malnutrition risk is a promising strategy to improve malnutrition and sarcopenia risk and diet adherence, while keeping readmissions below national averages.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>Clinicaltrials.gov NCT06142903, registered 11/23/2023.</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":"11 1","pages":"56"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11916996/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143658971","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":"Associations between green tea drinking and body mass index, serum lipid profile and prostate-specific antigen in a Ghanaian population: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Emmanuel Amankwah Ntim, Samuel Nyamekye, Kofi Oduro Yeboah, Rufai Safianu, Francis Tanam Djankpa, George Kwaw Ainooson, Kwaku Addai Arhin Appiah","doi":"10.1186/s40795-025-01039-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-025-01039-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Prostate cancer (PCa) is a major malignancy that affects men worldwide. Obesity, dyslipidemia and elevated serum PSA are common risk factors. Green tea is a popular beverage in some West African communities with a relatively low incidence of PCa. However, the associations of green tea consumption with these PCa risk factors in that population remain unknown. This study therefore aimed at investigating the associations between green tea intake and the serum lipid profile, body mass index (BMI), and serum PSA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted to compare the serum lipid profile, BMI and serum PSA between green tea drinkers (GTD) and non-tea drinkers (NTD). A total of 415 men, 40 years or older, who gave their consent were assigned to four groups on the basis of age: 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years, and 70 + years. BMI, serum lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, and triglycerides), and serum PSA level were determined and compared between GTD and NTD.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared with the NTD group, the GTD with normal BMI were significantly greater across all age groups, and the odds of being overweight (obese) were significantly lower in the GTD group than in the NTD group. Compared with those in the NTD, significantly fewer atherogenic lipids in the GTD were observed across all age categories. Furthermore, the odds of dyslipidemia in GTD groups were lower than those in NTD groups across all age groups. A significantly lower mean serum PSA level was observed in the older GTD age groups (60-69 and 70+) than in the NTD group, and significantly lower odds of elevated serum PSA were detected in the GTD group than in the NTD group. However, there were no differences in the mean PSA between the GTD and NTD groups in the younger age groups. Weak positive correlations between serum PSA and BMI were observed in the NTD group regardless of the age category. However, a significantly strong negative correlation between the serum PSA concentration and BMI was observed in the older age GTD group compared with the NTD group.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Consumption of green tea was associated with reduced atherogenic serum lipids and improved BMI independent of age. Furthermore, GTD was significantly associated with reduced serum PSA in older men but not in younger adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":"11 1","pages":"55"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11908008/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143634665","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":"Assessing food vendor receptiveness to healthier options: a study of knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers regarding salt, sugar, and oil reduction in cafeteria food vendors.","authors":"Wen Xuan Chia, Felicia Fei-Lei Chung, Yook Chin Chia, Jia Yi Ng, Kai Hui Lee, Kelvin Gunawan, Tze Pheng Lau, Pei Boon Ooi, Maong Hui Cheng, Yee-How Say","doi":"10.1186/s40795-025-01037-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-025-01037-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Prioritizing policies that address major non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors, such as poor diet, is a cost-effective way to improve health outcomes. While education can enhance knowledge and practices in the short term, recent trends show that structural and policy-based initiatives, such as setting mandatory salt, sugar, and oil (SOS) targets are effective means of changing dietary behaviours and reducing NCD risk factors. However, few studies have surveyed the KAP of food vendors in workplaces and educational institutions and assessed their receptiveness to serving low-SOS dishes. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding salt, oil, and sugar (SOS) consumption and use, as well as the barriers, and enablers of these practices amongst food operators within Malaysia's out-of-home sector.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study employed a cross-sectional, descriptive survey design to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to the consumption of salt, oil, and sugar and their use in food preparation amongst campus canteen staff at two Malaysian higher education institutions. Data were collected anonymously from 38 participants, which included representatives from all independent canteen operators on the premises. The study also explored the barriers and enablers vendors encounter in reducing salt and sugar usage.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study found that most participants were aware of the health risks associated with high salt, oil, and sugar (SOS) consumption and had positive attitudes towards reducing dietary SOS intake in general, though these attitudes did not extend to their own food preparations. However, their knowledge of recommended dietary guidelines was poor, and actual practices related to SOS reduction were inadequate. Barriers to reducing SOS included concerns about taste and customer acceptance, as well as the lack of standardized guidelines and tools for measuring SOS in food preparation.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study identifies gaps in knowledge and practices related to SOS reduction among the surveyed food vendors. While vendors acknowledge the health risks of high SOS consumption, there is a lack of awareness of dietary guidelines and practical low-SOS cooking methods, highlighting the need for regular monitoring, vendor education, and support in promoting healthier food options.</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":"11 1","pages":"54"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11907947/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143634663","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":"Effectiveness of nutrition counseling in managing gestational weight gain and infant outcomes: a retrospective cohort study.","authors":"Marzieh Zare, Alireza Olyaeemanesh, Parisa Torabi, Sepideh Dolati, Hossein Fallah, Mitra Zabihi, Malihe Jafari, Elham Kavoosi, Farnaz Baghban, Zeinab Shahsavani, Maryam Maharat, Ahmad Esmaillzadeh, Hossein Farshidi, Razieh Tabaeifard, Leila Azadbakht","doi":"10.1186/s40795-025-01035-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-025-01035-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Gestational weight gain (GWG) plays a crucial role in maternal and fetal health outcomes during pregnancy. Excessive weight gain is associated with various complications, emphasizing the importance of effective management strategies. Nutrition counseling has been proposed as a promising intervention to optimize GWG and improve maternal and infant outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition counseling for pregnant women experiencing unfavorable weight gain during pregnancy, who were referred to a registered dietitian at health centers in Iran.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Fars Province, Iran, involving pregnant women with unfavorable weight gain patterns referred to health centers between April 1, 2019, and November 20, 2023. Participants received either nutrition counseling or standard care. Data on maternal weight gain, infant anthropometric measurements, and counseling sessions were collected from the Integrated Health System.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 565 enrolled pregnant women, 279 received nutrition counseling. Among pregnant women who experienced unfavorable weight gain and received nutritional counseling, 52.3% successfully attained a desirable weight gain. However, there was no significant difference in the hazard ratio of abnormal weight gain during pregnancy between the two groups. Additionally, no significant association were found in infant birth weight, length, or head circumference between the counseling and non-counseling groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Nutritional counseling improved weight gain trajectories in pregnant women, with more achieving desirable weight gain. However, no significant differences were found in neonatal outcomes. Further studies are needed to refine intervention strategies.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial number: </strong>Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":"11 1","pages":"53"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11895257/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143606697","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}