BMC Nutrition最新文献

{"title":"Serum carotenoids modify the association between porphyromonas gingivalis IgG and mortality: a prospective cohort study with 25.8 years of follow-up.","authors":"Weihong Qiu, Lijun Zheng, Yingying Yu, Zhiquan Zhang, Zhenzhen Li, Zihan Zhang, Heng He","doi":"10.1186/s40795-026-01420-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-026-01420-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is a vital pathogen that can increase mortality. However, whether serum carotenoids, commonly known antioxidants, modify the association of serum P. gingivalis immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody levels with mortality remains uncertain. We aimed to explore the modification of this association by serum carotenoids.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The associations of serum P. gingivalis IgG levels with mortality among 7,043 participants from the Third U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were assessed. The modifications of serum carotenoids on the associations were also examined. We used the recommended sampling weights to account for the complex survey design. Surveycox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause and specific-cause mortality.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We identified 2,646 deaths during a median follow-up period of 25.8 years. Compared with participants with low serum P. gingivalis IgG levels (< 69 EU), those with high levels (≥ 69 EU) were associated with an HR (95% CI) of 1.10 (1.04-1.16) for all-cause mortality. Similar results were found in mortality analyses for cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus (all P < 0.05). Notably, significant interactions were detected between the serum α-carotene, β-carotene, or lutein/zeaxanthin concentrations and the serum P. gingivalis IgG levles on all-cause mortality (all P_int < 0.05). Compared with high P. gingivalis IgG participants with low carotenoids, low P. gingivalis IgG participants with high carotenoids had the lowest risk of all-cause mortality, with HR of 0.74 (0.68-0.80) for α-carotene, 0.78 (0.72-0.86) for β-carotene, 0.70 (0.64-0.76) for β-cryptoxanthin, 0.79 (0.73-0.85) for lutein/zeaxanthin and 0.64 (0.59-0.69) for lycopene, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Serum carotenoids mitigate the associations between serum P. gingivalis IgG levels and mortality.</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13617849/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148392000","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 knowledge and health belief model-based dietary perceptions among in-school female adolescents in Ogun State, Nigeria.","authors":"Dare D Ademiluyi, Yewande O Uthman-Akinhanmi, Ayobami R Ojo-Adalumo, Esther D Olubiyi, Akinade E Ogunniyi, Adeyinka B Adepoju, Olubunmi B Akinsanya, Oluwatosimi A Oyeneye, Praise M Ajayi","doi":"10.1186/s40795-026-01421-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-026-01421-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Adolescence is a critical period for establishing dietary behaviours that influence immediate health, reproductive outcomes, and long-term risk of non-communicable diseases. Female adolescents are particularly vulnerable to poor nutrition due to increased biological demands and sociocultural constraints. Examining the relationship between nutrition knowledge and behavioural perceptions within a theoretical framework is essential for developing effective interventions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 290 in-school female adolescents aged 13-17 years in public and private secondary schools in Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria. A pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, nutrition knowledge, and perceived dietary behaviour using the Health Belief Model (HBM) framework. Independent samples t-tests, Pearson's correlation, chi-squares test, and six parallel linear regression models were fitted one per HBM construct as the dependent variable with nutrition knowledge as the primary predictor and age, school setting, household income, and household size as covariates. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of participants was 15.19 ± 1.05 years. Overall nutrition knowledge was moderate, with a mean score of 56.52 ± 13.26. Nutrition knowledge was positively associated with perceived severity, perceived benefits, cues to action, and self-efficacy, and negatively associated with perceived barriers. Nutrition knowledge was not significantly associated with perceived susceptibility. In multivariate analysis, nutrition knowledge remained significantly associated with perceived severity (β = 0.196, η² = 0.041), perceived benefits (β = 0.179, η² = 0.033), perceived barriers (β = -0.344, η² = 0.118), cues to action (β = 0.286, η² = 0.083), and self-efficacy (β = 0.225, η² = 0.052), but not perceived susceptibility (p = 0.124).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Nutrition knowledge is significantly associated with HBM-based dietary perceptions among in-school female adolescents. Strengthened, theory-driven nutrition education, particularly in public schools, may reinforce favourable dietary cognitions theoretically linked to healthier eating practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13640236/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148398604","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":"Nutritional status in pediatric celiac disease: evaluation at diagnosis and during follow-up.","authors":"Seyhan Yılmaz, Sebahat İmamoğlu Çam","doi":"10.1186/s40795-026-01418-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-026-01418-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Celiac disease (CD) is a lifelong immune-mediated condition precipitated by gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals, resulting in intestinal mucosal damage, impaired growth, micronutrient deficiencies, among other gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms. A gluten-free diet (GFD) contributes to the healing of the mucosa and improves nutrient absorption, although recovery patterns may vary.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The present study aimed to determine changes in anthropometric parameters and micronutrient levels at diagnosis and at six and twelve months following the start of a GFD, and to investigate any associations between these changes and tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) status, the severity of mucosal damage, or clinical characteristics.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective investigation involved an assessment of pediatric individuals diagnosed with CD using anthropometric and micronutrient data collected at the point of diagnosis and at subsequent 6- and 12-month intervals following GFD. Dietary adherence was evaluated retrospectively using physician and dietitian follow-up notes, clinical assessment, and serial tTG-IgA measurements.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 103 children (64% female), 56% had no comorbidities, and type 1 diabetes was the most common (15%). Height, weight, body mass index, and most micronutrient levels improved during follow-up period. Vitamin D deficiency remained present in 27% of patients at 12 months and overweight prevalence increased from 7.8% to 18.4% during follow-up. Individuals presenting with comorbid CD+type 1 diabetes demonstrated higher SDS for weight and height, and elevated hemoglobin concentrations. The incidence of seronegativity was 55% at six months and 73% at twelve months.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Within a year, GFD enhances growth and resolves the majority of micronutrient deficiencies, however; ongoing nutritional monitoring is crucial due to persistent vitamin D deficiency and an increasing risk of overweight.</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13613579/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148388185","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":"Vitamin D deficiency in high-altitude populations: 25(OH)D level and association with systemic inflammation.","authors":"Qiong Ye, Jimei Li, Ying Ju","doi":"10.1186/s40795-026-01423-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-026-01423-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to investigate the prevalence of serum vitamin D deficiency in the Xining, Qinghai Province (elevation 2260 m, oxygen partial pressure 16.10 kPa, 36°13'-37°28'N) and to explore the correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and inflammatory markers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 2,080 subjects were enrolled, serum 25(OH)D, and inflammatory markers-including procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and C reactive protein (CRP) -were measured. According to serum 25(OH)D concentrations, participants were divided into three groups: vitamin D sufficiency (> 30 ng/mL), insufficiency (20-30 ng/mL), and deficiency (< 20 ng/mL). Spearman correlation analysis, partial correlation analysis and Logistic regression analysis were performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean 25(OH)D concentration was 13.99 ± 7.20 ng/mL, with the proportions of vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency and sufficiency being 83.65%, 13.65% and 2.70%, respectively. The levels of PCT, IL-6 and CRP in the deficiency group were significantly higher than those in the other two groups (P < 0.05). The vitamin D deficiency was higher in females than in males (87.95% vs. 77.47%, P < 0.05). The 25(OH)D level peaked in summer and reached the lowest level in winter (P < 0.05), while no significant intergroup difference was observed across different age groups. PCT, IL-6 and CRP were significantly negatively correlated with 25(OH)D (r=-0.674, -0.533, -0.292, P < 0.01), and these correlations remained significant after adjustment for confounding factors (P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender (OR = 4.043), PCT (OR = 2491.808), IL-6 (OR = 1.903) and CRP (OR = 1.608) were independent risk factors for vitamin D deficiency (P < 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Residents in high-altitude Xining suffer from severe vitamin D deficiency correlated with heightened inflammation. Female sex and elevated inflammatory biomarkers independently increase deficiency risk, and seasonal sunlight regulates 25(OH)D levels. Gender- and season-specific vitamin D supplementation could mitigate inflammatory load in highland residents.</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13613821/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148382450","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":"Immigrant women's diet challenges and strategies to achieve healthy eating behaviour for oneself and one's family - a qualitative story dialogue method study from Norwegian context.","authors":"Nima Neolene Wesseltoft-Rao, Usha Subramanian, Jemimah Yambo Sigurdsen, Else Storaas Vatne, Kristin Åmli Van Gilst, Zada Pajalic","doi":"10.1186/s40795-026-01412-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-026-01412-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Immigrant women are sometimes confused about dietary advice in the Norwegian healthcare context, which is incongruent with their original traditional beliefs and food culture. This confusion increases their risk of developing food intake-related lifestyle syndromes. However, little is known about their experiences and thoughts about maintaining a healthy eating behaviour. The aim of the present study was to gain insight into how immigrant women, after participating in a nutrition course, reflect on their responsibility for their own health and weight management.The present study has a qualitative design and a participatory action research approach. The story-dialogue method (SDM) was adopted to collect and analyse data. Immigrant women (n = 20) from six countries: Kurdistan, India, Ethiopia, Sudan, Kongo and China participated in the study.Our study showed that the participants were motivated to take control of their diets to overcome obesity. When motivated to change their habits, the women searched for nutrition information online and sought guidance. When motivated to change, the women actively encouraged family members to switch to healthier eating habits.The study underscores the urgency of providing culturally sensitive nutrition guidance. Motivation to change one's eating habits and lifestyle to be healthier is necessary to achieve change. Culture sensitive nutrition guidance is not just beneficial, but essential for nutrition education and health promotion in an immigrant population. It is crucial that culturally sensitive nutrition information is easily available both online and in health care settings, to ensure the health and well-being of immigrant women and their families.</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13471650/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148377050","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 association between anthropometric failure and zinc deficiency among preschool-age children in rural Sidama region, Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study.","authors":"Assefa Philipos Kare, Yoseph Demelash Alemu, Beruk Berhanu Desalegn, Ayalew Astatkie","doi":"10.1186/s40795-026-01422-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-026-01422-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malnutrition remains a significant global public health challenge, particularly affecting preschool-age children in low- and middle-income countries. Zinc, an essential micronutrient for growth and immunity, is often deficient in such settings, exacerbating undernutrition risks. Despite evidence linking zinc deficiency to poor anthropometric outcomes, findings remain inconsistent. Limited research exists on its association with combined growth failures, assessed via the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF). In Ethiopia, where undernutrition rates are high, localized data-especially from regions like Sidama-are scarce. This study examines the prevalence of anthropometric failures and their association with zinc deficiency among rural preschool-age children (24-59 months) in Sidama, Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 17 to October 3, 2024 with 364 children selected via multistage sampling. Data were collected electronically (KoboCollect), and anthropometric indices (stunting, wasting, underweight) were analyzed using WHO Anthro 2007. Serum zinc levels were measured at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute's Nutrition Laboratory. Zinc deficiency was defined as < 65 µg/dL in morning non-fasting samples and < 57 µg/dL in afternoon non-fasting samples. Modified Poisson Regression assessed associations and determinants in Stata 17.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>The prevalence of CIAF (Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure) was 29.67% (95% CI: 24.96-34.39), with 20.05% (n = 73), 7.97% (n = 29), and 1.65% (n = 6) failing one, two, or all three indices, respectively. Stunting (23.08%; 95% CI: 18.73-27.43), underweight (10.16%; 95% CI: 7.05-13.28), and wasting (7.69%; 95% CI: 4.94-10.44) were observed. Zinc deficiency showed no significant association with CIAF (APR(adjusted prevalence ratios) = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.65-1.23). However, compared to children aged 24-35 months, older children had markedly lower CIAF prevalence: those aged 36-47 months had 35% lower prevalence (APR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.44-0.96), and those aged 48-59 months had 52% lower prevalence (APR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.34-0.69).Children from households using unimproved water sources had 48% higher CIAF prevalence (APR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.03-2.07). Unexpectedly, household wealth, dietary diversity, maternal education, and food security showed no significant associations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings indicate a high prevalence of composite anthropometric failure among preschool-aged children in rural Sidama Region. Zinc deficiency was not a significant predictor. Younger age and unimproved water access were key determinant factors, highlighting the need for targeted nutrition and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) interventions to mitigate undernutrition in this vulnerable population.</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13476932/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148382390","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":"Consumer acceptance of a locally produced nutritive food bar in Lao PDR.","authors":"Marco J Haenssgen, Eric Deharo, Nutcha Charoenboon, Philippe Schmidt, Toum Lathsamee, Jacques Berger, Frank T Wieringa","doi":"10.1186/s40795-026-01385-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-026-01385-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Food insecurity and micronutrient deficiency remain pressing global development challenges, particularly for women and children in poor and remote communities in low- and middle-income countries. Global interest has grown in locally produced ready-to-eat nutritive foods to help combat different forms of malnutrition. The aim of this paper was to understand the acceptability of a novel and locally produced nutritive food bar for rural consumers at risk of malnutrition in Lao PDR.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This multidisciplinary cross-sectional acceptability study assessed the organoleptic qualities of five different nutritive food bar formulations; willingness to use ready-to-use foods; and nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to ready-to-use foods. The study, implemented in June 2023, used structured questionnaires administered by trained interviewers to elicit data from 62 subject pairs of children and their caregivers from four rural communities in Vientiane Province. The data were analysed using non-inferential descriptive statistical analysis (univariate and bivariate analysis).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All five bar formulations received organoleptic ratings from 3.7 to 4.1 (adults) and 3.7 to 4.0 (children) on a 1-to-5 scale (5 being \"very good\"). 93.6% caregivers would buy their preferred bar in a shop and 91.9% would have their child buy it at school. Participants' average willingness-to-pay for their preferred bar was LAK 2580.64 (US$ 0.14) per bar, which was less than the production cost (LAK 4300). 95.2% of caregivers had knowledge on micronutrients and 75.8% on food fortification. At least weekly consumption of ready-to-use foods in participants' households was 93.5% for salty snacks, 95.2% for sweets, and 98.4% for drinks. Willingness-to-pay appeared to be linked to lower age, higher household-level ready-to-use food spending, social and mass media use for nutrition information, and previous experiences with nutritive food bars for children.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We conclude that a locally produced nutritive food bar has potential to improve nutrition intake among vulnerable populations at risk of malnutrition, such as women in childbearing age or school-aged children. Since rural development may raise demand for convenient ready-to-use foods, a nutritive food bar could provide a healthier alternative for households with high existing consumption of salty snacks and sweets, aided by market-based instruments and social/mass media outreach.</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13491913/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148377101","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 effects of a novel combination of a probiotic supplement (L. rhamnosus GG, L. acidophilus, and L. casei) with a weight gain intervention on body composition, appetite, gut permeability, oxidative stress, and inflammation in underweight adults: study protocol for a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Alireza Hatami, Maryam Ahmadi-Khorram, Asma Afshari, Aliyeh Ghannadzadeh Yazdi, Ali Jafarzadeh Esfehani, Lida Jarahi, Mohammad Masoumvand, Elena Philippou, Mohsen Nematy","doi":"10.1186/s40795-026-01403-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-026-01403-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Undernutrition, characterized by insufficient energy and protein intake and/or malabsorption, leads to adverse physical and mental health outcomes. Addressing Undernutrition is complex, requiring adequate dietary intake and consideration of the gut microbiota, which is crucial for nutrient absorption and metabolism. Probiotics have shown potential in restoring the gut microbiota balance, enhancing nutrient absorption, and improving growth and immune function. The proposed double-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to evaluate the effects of a novel probiotic combination in conjunction with a weight gain intervention on body composition, appetite, gut permeability, oxidative stress, and inflammation in severely underweight adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A double-blind, randomized controlled trial in which 100 underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²) adults will be recruited and randomly assigned to receive either a probiotic combination (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus casei) or an identical placebo alongside a weight gain dietary intervention providing an additional 500 kcal/day for eight weeks will be performed. The primary endpoint will be the difference in body mass index (BMI), calculated as weight/height² (kg/m²), between the two groups. The secondary endpoints include (1) body composition evaluated by bioelectrical impedance, (2) appetite evaluated via a visual analog scale, (3) gut permeability assessed by the serum zonulin concentration, (4) oxidative stress evaluated by the serum concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and inflammation assessed via the C-reactive protein (CRP) level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), (5) bowel function assessed via the Bristol stool chart, and (6) dietary intake evaluated via 24-h dietary recall.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study outlines a comprehensive approach to investigating the impact of probiotics in combination with dietary intervention on multiple health parameters in underweight adults. The results of this trial will contribute to further ways of managing malnutrition.</p><p><strong>Ethics and dissemination: </strong>This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Research Vice-Chancellor at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (IR.MUMS.MEDICAL.REC.1401.589) (IR.MUMS.MEDICAL.REC.1402.057). All participants will be asked to complete the consent form at the beginning of the study. The results will be actively disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION {2A AND 2B}: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT20230310057667N1 (Issue date 30 March 2023), https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/69130 .</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13378002/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148377216","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":"\"Well, these are deeply rooted customs\": a qualitative study on nutritional practices among postpartum mothers in Oaxaca, Mexico.","authors":"Marian Marian, Ramona L Pérez","doi":"10.1186/s40795-026-01414-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-026-01414-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Maternal nutrition during the postpartum period is a critical time for mothers as they recover from pregnancy and delivery and continue to support their infant through breastfeeding. As Mexico goes through a nutrition transition away from traditional, home-prepared meals to more processed foods, it is unknown what the current dietary choices of women are after pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to explore the nutritional practices of women in Southern Mexico during the postpartum period.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative study, guided by the Ecological Systems Theory and the Intersectionality Framework, was conducted involving 25 low-income women with children under the age of five in the cities of Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico. Data were collected through in-depth interviews between June and December 2023. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim in Spanish, coded, and analyzed using NVivo R1 following a grounded theory approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three main themes emerged: (i) maternal diet after a C-section, (ii) food practices during the breastfeeding period, and (iii) nutrition supplements after the delivery. These findings reveal that compared to women who deliver vaginally and are not advised on a specific diet during the postnatal recovery, women who deliver via C-section usually have a selective diet, based on recommendations from health providers and family members. Their diet consists mainly of fruit, vegetables, and broths with a restriction from consuming seafood and pork. A common traditional hot beverage, Atole, was frequently consumed by postnatal women to increase their milk supply. Iron and folic acid were nutritional supplements mostly consumed during the postnatal period by women with a greater need to replenish nutrients lost during childbirth or the postnatal period.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlighted the significance of understanding the nutritional habits that postnatal women in Puerto Escondido and Oaxaca City practice, as they are driven by customs and focus on the recovery of the mother and the development of the baby. These findings could be used to inform culturally relevant policies. Still, as postnatal care continues to be understudied in Mexico, future research is needed to identify any gaps in the nutrition of the mothers during puerperium.</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13591846/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148362726","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":"Food is the Best Medicine (FBM): design and baseline findings from a multi-arm randomized controlled trial among food-insecure postpartum mothers in Texas.","authors":"Aida Nielsen, Alexis Falzone, Christopher Reyes, Elizabeth Polinard, Victoria Threadgould, Nalini Ranjit, Martha Diaz Marin, Alejandra Gonzalez, Maria Tello, Andrea Abel, Joi Chevalier, Alicia Fischweicher, Alexandra van den Berg","doi":"10.1186/s40795-026-01406-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40795-026-01406-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Food is Medicine (FIM) interventions, which connect health-supporting food programs with healthcare systems, demonstrate substantial clinical and economic benefits. However, few FIM studies have focused on the health of postpartum mothers, a population facing unique vulnerabilities during a critical period. Food is the Best Medicine (FBM) is an 8-week, home-delivery-based FIM intervention targeting postpartum mothers experiencing food insecurity. Developed through partnerships between healthcare providers and community-based organizations, the FBM intervention integrates food delivery with supportive services. Here, we describe the research design and present baseline findings of a study evaluating the impacts of supplementing the FBM intervention with different sustainability-enhancing modalities.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The Food is the Best Medicine (FBM) study was a three-arm randomized controlled trial conducted in Central Texas. Food-insecure postpartum mothers (n = 150) were randomized to receive: (1) FBM-Standard (8-week food delivery), (2) FBM-CHW (standard delivery plus Community Health Worker (CHW) support), or (3) FBM-Virtual (standard delivery plus online educational platform). Primary planned outcome measures included food security and fruit, vegetables, and whole grain intake. Secondary planned outcome measures included nutrition security, breastfeeding rates, mental health, financial stress, and cooking behaviors. Baseline data were collected via telephone or online surveys prior to randomization.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants were predominantly Hispanic (71%) and Spanish-speaking (79%), with a mean household income of $20,620 (SD = $18,190). Most lived in households with multiple children (74%), in which the number of children and adults ranged from 1 to 15 and 1 to 9, respectively, and had limited formal education (38% without a high school diploma). Marital status was not collected. At baseline, 89% were food insecure. Depression screening indicated mental health concerns in 13% of participants. The 10-item Dietary Screener Questionnaire was used to assess fruit and vegetable intake. Mean fruit and vegetable consumption was 3.9 cups daily, but consumption of whole-grain bread and cooked whole grains was low, at about once a week.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The FBM study uses a multi-component, randomized design to evaluate variations of a FIM intervention among food-insecure postpartum mothers. The intervention incorporates food delivery, CHW support, and virtual education components. Ongoing analyses will assess the potential of these approaches to improve food security and related maternal health outcomes in the postpartum period.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06428578 (registered May 20, 2024).</p>","PeriodicalId":36422,"journal":{"name":"BMC Nutrition","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13591843/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148354045","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}