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Vaccaro CM, Guarino G, Danza F, Fraulino A, Bracale R. Changing food choices: the option for high-protein foods and the move away from the Mediterranean diet. Eat Weight Disord 2024; 29:39. [PMID: 38831033 PMCID: PMC11147913 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-024-01668-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The growing importance placed on health and physical well-being by consumers continues to influence food industry choices. The food market therefore, pandering to the desires for a lean and athletic body, offers new products deemed more healthy and able to impact body image. It is evidenced, thus, a change in food choices and habits, with more attention to the quality and nutrient content of the products consumed, in which protein is assuming increasing importance. The purpose of the study is to highlight important changes in eating habits and in particular the increase in the consumption of high-protein foods, attributable to the focus on physical fitness and thinness, resulting in a decreasing adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the progressive loss of its positive impact on health. METHODS AND RESULTS This analysis is based on CIRCANA srl data on food consumption trends (change percentage of quantity and value sales) in recent years. Specifically, between January and September 2022 vs. 2021, there was a 21.6% increase in the sale of high-protein products, significantly higher than all the previous ones. CONCLUSIONS The past few years have seen the gradual discovery of new products, at first little-known and niche, which are becoming major players on the national food consumption scene. The trend is toward a growing preference for high-protein foods and diets with the gradual abandonment of the Mediterranean and an increased risk of nutritional deficiencies, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, evidence obtained from multiple time series with or without the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta M Vaccaro
- Censis Foundation, Health and Welfare Department, Piazza di Novella, 2, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Guarino
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy.
| | - Francesco Danza
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | | | - Renata Bracale
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
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2
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Mantzorou M, Mentzelou M, Vasios GK, Kontogiorgis C, Antasouras G, Vadikolias K, Psara E, Vorvolakos T, Poulios E, Serdari A, Papadopoulou SK, Giaginis C. Mediterranean Diet Adherence Is Associated with Favorable Health-Related Quality of Life, Physical Activity, and Sleep Quality in a Community-Dwelling Greek Older Population. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12050983. [PMID: 37237849 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12050983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a beneficial dietary pattern with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can promote mental and physical human health. This study aims to assess the impact of MD adherence on health-related quality of life, physical activity levels, and sleep quality in a representative Greek elderly population. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 3254 persons ≥65 years from 14 different Greek regions, urban, rural and islands participated in this study, of which 48.4% were female and 51.6% were male. Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) was evaluated utilizing a short form healthy survey, physical activity was determined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), sleep quality was assessed utilizing the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and MD adherence was assessed via the Mediterranean Diet Score (MedDietScore). RESULTS Moderate adherence to the MD and an increased prevalence of poor quality of life, low physical activity levels and inadequate sleep quality among the elderly population were recorded. High MD adherence was independently associated with better quality of life (OR: 2.31, 95% CI: 2.06-2.68, p = 0.0008), higher physical activity (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.47-2.35, p = 0.0141) and adequate sleep quality (OR: 2.11, 95%: 1.79-2.44, p = 0.0018), female sex (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.02-1.68, p = 0.0032) and living with others (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 0.81-1.76, p = 0.0375), after adjustment for potential confounding factors. In unadjusted analysis, participants' age (p < 0.0001), anthropometric characteristics (p < 0.005), educational (p = 0.0026) and financial status (p = 0.0005) and smoking habits (p = 0.0031) were also identified as indicators of MD adherence; however, their impact on MD adherence was considerably attenuated after adjusting for confounding factors (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION High MD adherence was correlated with favorable quality of life, higher levels of physical activity, and a more adequate sleep quality score. Strategies and public health policies that facilitate MD adherence and physical activity in older adults may improve sleep and quality of life, impacting overall wellbeing in this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Mantzorou
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece
| | - Maria Mentzelou
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece
| | - Georgios K Vasios
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece
| | - Christos Kontogiorgis
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Georgios Antasouras
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Vadikolias
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexadroupolis, Greece
| | - Evmorfia Psara
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece
| | - Theofanis Vorvolakos
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexadroupolis, Greece
| | - Efthymios Poulios
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece
| | - Aspasia Serdari
- Department of Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexadroupolis, Greece
| | - Sousana K Papadopoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Constantinos Giaginis
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece
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3
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Carruba MO, Ragni M, Ruocco C, Aliverti S, Silano M, Amico A, Vaccaro CM, Marangoni F, Valerio A, Poli A, Nisoli E. Role of Portion Size in the Context of a Healthy, Balanced Diet: A Case Study of European Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5230. [PMID: 36982138 PMCID: PMC10049364 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, a generalised increase in food portion sizes has probably contributed to the growing global obesity epidemic. Increasing awareness of appropriate portion sizes could contribute to reversing this trend through better control of calorie intake. In this study, a comparison of standard portion sizes in European countries for various food categories shows a wide variability of their importance for food, nutrient, and energy consumption according to government and institutional websites. On the other hand, the overall averages appear to be largely in line with the values indicated by the Italian Society of Human Nutrition, which is the most comprehensive and detailed document among those evaluated. The exceptions are milk and yoghurt, for which the reference portions in Europe are generally higher, and vegetables and legumes, for which portions are smaller than those reported in the Italian document. Moreover, the portion sizes of staple foods (e.g., pasta and potatoes) vary according to different food traditions. It is reasonable to consider that the creation of harmonised standard reference portions common to the European countries, based on international guidelines and scientific evidence, would significantly contribute to consumers' nutritional education and ability to make informed choices for a healthy diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele O. Carruba
- Center for Study and Research on Obesity, Department of Biomedical Technology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Via Vanvitelli, 32, 20129 Milan, Italy; (M.O.C.)
| | - Maurizio Ragni
- Center for Study and Research on Obesity, Department of Biomedical Technology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Via Vanvitelli, 32, 20129 Milan, Italy; (M.O.C.)
| | - Chiara Ruocco
- Center for Study and Research on Obesity, Department of Biomedical Technology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Via Vanvitelli, 32, 20129 Milan, Italy; (M.O.C.)
| | - Sofia Aliverti
- Nutrition Foundation of Italy, Viale Tunisia, 38, 20124 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Silano
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Amico
- Health and Welfare Unit, Censis Foundation, Piazza di Novella, 2, 00199 Rome, Italy
| | - Concetta M. Vaccaro
- Health and Welfare Unit, Censis Foundation, Piazza di Novella, 2, 00199 Rome, Italy
| | - Franca Marangoni
- Nutrition Foundation of Italy, Viale Tunisia, 38, 20124 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Valerio
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Brescia University, Viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Poli
- Nutrition Foundation of Italy, Viale Tunisia, 38, 20124 Milan, Italy
| | - Enzo Nisoli
- Center for Study and Research on Obesity, Department of Biomedical Technology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Via Vanvitelli, 32, 20129 Milan, Italy; (M.O.C.)
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Aiello P, Peluso I, Di Giacomo S, Di Sotto A, Villaño Valencia D. Body Composition and Metabolic Status of Italian and Spanish University Students: Relationship with Fruit and Vegetable Consumption. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14163296. [PMID: 36014802 PMCID: PMC9415832 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Most university students do not follow recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake, with a consequent increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The aim of this study was to compare obesity prevalence and biomarkers of metabolic status between Italian and Spanish university students, in relation with the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Food consumption, adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD), level of physical activity (PA), blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and ketones, blood pressure, and body composition were evaluated. Among CVD risk factors, only glucose was significantly higher in Spaniards (SP), and only 3.1% of SP presented ketosis. SP had a higher percentage of energy from fat. Although adherence to MD and fruit and vegetable consumption did not differ between Italians and SP, students who consumed at least four servings of fruit and vegetables (FV group) showed better values for pressure and metabolic parameters than the no FV group. We observed an association between consumption of fruit and PA. Students who consumed more vegetables than fruit reported a better body composition profile and lower glucose concentrations. As previously suggested, in addition to PA, two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables per day should be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Aiello
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, La Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Health Sciences PhD Program, Universidad Católica de Murcia UCAM, Campus de los Jerónimos n°135, 30107 Guadalupe, Spain
- Correspondence: or (P.A.); (A.D.S.)
| | - Ilaria Peluso
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Center for Food and Nutrition, Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Giacomo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, La Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Di Sotto
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, La Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: or (P.A.); (A.D.S.)
| | - Débora Villaño Valencia
- “Nutrición, Estrés Oxidativo y Biodisponibilidad” Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Católica de Murcia UCAM, Campus de los Jerónimos n°135, 30107 Guadalupe, Spain
- “Producción Animal, Nutrición y Ciencia de los Alimentos” Research Group, Department of Agronomy, Biotechnology and Food Science, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Campus de Arrosadía, 31006 Pamplona, Spain
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Di Maso M, Bravi F, Ferraroni M, Agostoni C, Eussen SRBM, Decsi T, Quitadamo PA, Tonetto P, Peila C, Profeti C, Salvatori G, Kazmierska I, Decarli A, Vacca E, Bertino E, Stahl B, Moro GE. Adherence to Mediterranean Diet of Breastfeeding Mothers and Fatty Acids Composition of Their Human Milk: Results From the Italian MEDIDIET Study. Front Nutr 2022; 9:891376. [PMID: 35719165 PMCID: PMC9201754 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.891376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and AimsThe content of fatty acids (FA) in human milk may be influenced by maternal nutrition. We evaluated the role of a Mediterranean diet in influencing the content of FA in human milk among 282 breastfeeding mothers participating in the MEDIDIET study.Materials and MethodsMediterranean Diet Score (MDS), a composite index, was used to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean diet. It includes 9 components (i.e., vegetables, fruit, cereals, legumes, monounsaturated to saturated FA ratio – MUFA/SFA, fish, dairy products, meat, and alcohol) and therefore potentially ranges from 0 (no adherence) to 9 (complete adherence) points. None of the mothers obtained the highest score due to the low alcohol consumption in the study population. Mothers were categorized in approximate tertiles of adherence: 0–3 (34.4%), 4 (26.2%), and 5–8 points (39.4%). The mean content of FA across categories of MDS was compared using ANOVA and test for trend.ResultsA high adherence of breastfeeding mothers to the Mediterranean diet was associated with lower content of SFA in human milk (42.58 ± 4.36 for MDS = 0–3, 42.58 ± 4.89 for MDS = 4, and 40.92 ± 5.22% of fats for MDS = 5–8 points; p ANOVA and p for trend = 0.02). Conversely, a high adherence was associated with higher content of MUFA in human milk (43.27 ± 4.27 for MDS = 0–3, 43.27 ± 4.47 for MDS = 4, and 45.24 ± 5.22% of fats for MDS = 5–8 points; p ANOVA and p for trend < 0.01), ω-3 FA (1.07 ± 0.25 for MDS = 0–3, 1.22 ± 0.49 for MDS = 4, and 1.31 ± 0.51% of fats for MDS = 5–8 points; p ANOVA and p for trend < 0.01), and the major types of ω-3 FA (i.e., α-linolenic acid – ALA, eicosapentaenoic acid – EPA, docosahexaenoic acid – DHA, docosapentaenoic acid – DPA). These associations were mainly driven by the adherence to the vegetables, MUFA/SFA, fish, and dairy products components of the Mediterranean diet.ConclusionA high adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with human milk showing a lower content of SFA and higher content of MUFA and ω-3 FA, including DHA. The Mediterranean diet may contribute in human milk production with higher content of specific FA which is directly involved in infant’s neural and visual development, as reported by previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Di Maso
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Branch of Medical Statistics, Biometry and Epidemiology “G.A. Maccacaro”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Bravi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Branch of Medical Statistics, Biometry and Epidemiology “G.A. Maccacaro”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Ferraroni
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Branch of Medical Statistics, Biometry and Epidemiology “G.A. Maccacaro”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Monica Ferraroni,
| | - Carlo Agostoni
- Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Cà Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Tamás Decsi
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Pasqua A. Quitadamo
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Paola Tonetto
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, City of Health and Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Peila
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, City of Health and Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Claudio Profeti
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Meyer di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Salvatori
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Iwona Kazmierska
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Ospedale Buccheri La Ferla Fatebenefratelli, Palermo, Italy
| | - Adriano Decarli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Branch of Medical Statistics, Biometry and Epidemiology “G.A. Maccacaro”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Bertino
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Bernd Stahl
- Danone Nutricia Research, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Guido E. Moro
- Italian Association of Human Milk Banks (AIBLUD), Milan, Italy
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Carruba MO, Caretto A, De Lorenzo A, Fatati G, Ghiselli A, Lucchin L, Maffeis C, Malavazos A, Malfi G, Riva E, Ruocco C, Santini F, Silano M, Valerio A, Vania A, Nisoli E. Front-of-pack (FOP) labelling systems to improve the quality of nutrition information to prevent obesity: NutrInform Battery vs Nutri-Score. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:1575-1584. [PMID: 34664216 PMCID: PMC9123065 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-021-01316-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Many systems for classifying food products to adequately predict lower all-cause morbidity and mortality have been proposed as front-of-pack (FOP) nutritional labels. Although the efforts and advances that these systems represent for public health must be appreciated, as scientists involved in nutrition research and belonging to diverse Italian nutrition scientific societies, we would like to draw stakeholders' attention to the fact that some FOP labels risk being not correctly informative to consumers' awareness of nutritional food quality. The European Commission has explicitly called for such a nutrition information system to be part of the European "strategy on nutrition, overweight and obesity-related issues" to "facilitate consumer understanding of the contribution or importance of the food to the energy and nutrient content of a diet". Some European countries have adopted the popular French proposal Nutri-Score. However, many critical limits and inadequacies have been identified in this system. As an alternative, we endorse a new enriched informative label-the NutrInform Battery-promoted by the Italian Ministry of Health and deeply studied by the Center for Study and Research on Obesity, Milan University. Therefore, the present position paper limits comparing these two FOP nutritional labels, focusing on the evidence suggesting that the NutrInform Battery can help consumers better than the Nutri-Score system to understand nutritional information, potentially improving dietary choices. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II. Evidence was obtained from well-designed controlled trials without randomization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele O Carruba
- Center for Study and Research on Obesity, Department of Biomedical Technology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Antonio Caretto
- Endocrinology, Metabolic Diseases and Clinical Nutrition, Hospital of Brindisi, Brindisi, Italy
| | - Antonino De Lorenzo
- Division of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomic, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Claudio Maffeis
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alexis Malavazos
- Endocrinology Unit, Clinical Nutrition and Cardiovascular Prevention Service, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Malfi
- Department of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrica Riva
- Italian Society of Paediatric Nutrition, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruocco
- Center for Study and Research on Obesity, Department of Biomedical Technology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ferruccio Santini
- Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center, Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Silano
- Unità Operativa Alimentazione, Nutrizione e Salute, Dipartimento Sicurezza Alimentare, Nutrizione e Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Valerio
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Brescia University, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Vania
- Department of Paediatrics and Paediatric Neuropsychiatry, La Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Nisoli
- Center for Study and Research on Obesity, Department of Biomedical Technology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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The Effect of Message Framing in Promoting the Mediterranean Diet: The Moderating Role of Eating Self-Efficacy. Foods 2022; 11:foods11101454. [PMID: 35627024 PMCID: PMC9140873 DOI: 10.3390/foods11101454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although a Mediterranean diet (MeDiet) provides several psychophysical health benefits, research on how to effectively promote MeDiet adherence is still lacking. In the present study, we tested the effectiveness of a messaging intervention aimed at promoting the adherence to the Mediterranean diet. A total of 435 Italian participants responded to a questionnaire on their eating self-efficacy and adherence to the MeDiet at Time 1. Then, participants were randomly assigned to three different conditions: (a) gain messages focused on the positive outcomes of MeDiet adherence; (b) non-loss messages focused on the avoided negative outcomes associated with MeDiet adherence; (c) no messages (control). After the 2 week intervention, participants answered some questions regarding their perception of threat and distress, evaluation of the messages, and adherence to the MeDiet at Time 2. We also tested whether the messaging intervention influenced participants' MeDiet adherence at Time 2. Results confirmed that the messaging intervention enhanced the MeDiet adherence (F(2,432) = 4.61; p = 0.01, ηp2 = 0.02), with no difference between exposure to gain or non-loss messages (95% LLCI = -0.32; 95% ULCI = 0.54). We then tested whether message framing effectiveness was influenced by eating self-efficacy, and results showed that gain messages were more persuasive for participants with low eating self-efficacy (effect size = 0.01; p for interaction = 0.03). Discussion suggests that tailoring messages according to receivers' psychological characteristics seems to be pivotal to enhance the persuasiveness of messages aimed at promoting the MeDiet adherence.
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Chou CC, Li YJ, Wang CJ, Lyu LC. A mini-flipped, game-based Mediterranean diet learning program on dietary behavior and cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan: A cluster-randomized controlled trial. Geriatr Nurs 2022; 45:160-168. [PMID: 35489112 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Mediterranean diet has been recommended to delay cognitive decline, but adherence to the diet among older adults remain poor, and research on interventions that effectively promote the diet has been inconclusive. This study examined the effects of a mini-flipped, game-based Mediterranean diet learning program in improving dietary behavior and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan. A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted. The experimental group completed an 8-week, mini-flipped, game-based learning program. Data were collected at baseline and 8 weeks after intervention. Outcome measures included dietary behavior, global cognitive function, and subjective cognitive dysfunction. Compared with the control group, the experimental group exhibited significantly improved Mediterranean diet behavior and global cognitive function after the intervention, although there was no significant difference in subjective cognitive function. Future research should be conducted with larger populations and longer-term follow-up to evaluate the effect of this learning program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Chen Chou
- Institute of Community Health Care, College of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Jen Li
- Institute of Community Health Care, College of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Jane Wang
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ching Lyu
- Graduate Programs of Nutrition Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
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9
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Carfora V, Morandi M, Jelić A, Catellani P. The Psychosocial Antecedents of the Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:1-44. [PMID: 35414370 PMCID: PMC9991846 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980022000878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Most previous research on the antecedents of healthy food choice has not investigated the links between these antecedents and has focused on specific food choice rather than on an overall diet. In the present study, we tested the plausibility of an integrated theoretical model aiming to explain the role of different psychosocial factors in increasing the intention to adhere to the Mediterranean Diet (MeDiet). DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS A sample of 1940 Italian adults participated in an online survey that measured their attitude and perceived behavioral control (i.e., rational antecedents), subjective norm (i.e., social antecedent), positive and negative anticipated emotions (i.e., emotional antecedents), food choice health and mood motives (i.e., motivational antecedents), past adherence to the MeDiet (i.e., behavioral antecedent), and the intention to adhere to the MeDiet. RESULTS Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analyses confirmed the plausibility of the proposed model. Perceived behavioral control was the strongest rational antecedent of intention, followed by the emotional (i.e., anticipated emotions) and the social (i.e., subjective norm) antecedents. Mediation analysis showed that motivational antecedents had only an indirect impact on intention via emotional antecedents. Finally, multigroup SEM analysis highlighted that past adherence to the MeDiet moderated the hypothesized paths among all the study variables. CONCLUSIONS The above findings advance our comprehension of which antecedents public communication might leverage to promote an increase in the adherence to the MeDiet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Carfora
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 1, Milan20123, Italy
| | - Maria Morandi
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 1, Milan20123, Italy
| | - Anđela Jelić
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 1, Milan20123, Italy
| | - Patrizia Catellani
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 1, Milan20123, Italy
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Aiello P, Peluso I, Villaño Valencia D. Alcohol Consumption by Italian and Spanish University Students in Relation to Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and to the Food Neophobia: A Pilot Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10020393. [PMID: 35207005 PMCID: PMC8872188 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10020393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This work aimed to relate alcohol consumption with adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and with food neophobia (FN) among Italian and Spanish university students. Volunteers (n = 194, 108 Italian and 86 Spanish), recruited at the La Sapienza University of Rome and the Catholic University of Murcia, filled in standardized questionnaires to evaluate alcohol consumption (AUDIT), FN (FN Scale: FNS), and adherence to the MD (MDS-14, MED-55, QueMD). In addition to the previously reported QueMD sub-score (aMED), a sub-score for non-typical MD foods (ntMED, carbonated and/or sugar-sweetened beverages (soft drinks), butter, margarine, or cooking cream, and manufactured sweets, pastries, and cakes) was evaluated. Italian females had higher MED-55 and FNS scores, and a lower AUDIT score than Spaniards (p < 0.01). Students who stayed with their family (resident) were more adherent to MD than those who moved away from home. Resident Italians consumed less beer, hard liquors, and cocktails than Spaniards on Saturday nights (p < 0.01). There were negative correlations between AUDIT and QueMD (R squared: 0.137, p < 0.05), and AUDIT and ntMED (R squared: 0.201, p < 0.01) in Spaniards, however, there was no relationship between AUDIT and other MD scores. In conclusion, this pilot study suggests that non-typical MD foods and Saturday night consumptions, related to being far from home, have a great impact on alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Aiello
- Health Sciences PhD Program, Universidad Católica de Murcia UCAM, Campus de los Jerónimos n°135, Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain;
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, La Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Peluso
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-329-613-1353
| | - Débora Villaño Valencia
- “Nutrición, Estrés Oxidativo y Biodisponibilidad” Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Católica de Murcia UCAM, Campus de los Jerónimos n°135, Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain;
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Zeraattalab-Motlagh S, Jayedi A, Shab-Bidar S. Mediterranean dietary pattern and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Eur J Nutr 2022; 61:1735-1748. [PMID: 35001218 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-021-02761-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous meta-analyses assessed the association of adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MedDiet) with the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Since then, new large-scale cohort studies have been published. In addition, dose-response relation was not previously investigated and the certainty of evidence was not assessed. We aimed to explore the dose-response relationship between adherence to the MedDiet and the risk of T2D. METHODS We did a systematic search using PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science upto April 2021 for prospective cohort studies of the relationship between adherence to the MedDiet and the risk of T2D in the general population. The summary relative risks (RR) and 95%CI were estimated by applying a random-effects model. RESULTS Fourteen prospective cohort studies (410,303 participants and 41,466 cases) were included. There was an inverse association for the highest versus lowest category of adherence to the MedDiet (RR: 0.79, 95%CI 0.72, 0.88; I2 = 82%, n = 14; Risk difference: - 21 per 1000 person, 95%CI - 28, - 12; GRADE = moderate certainty), and for a 2-point increment in the MedDiet adherence score (RR: 0.86, 95%CI 0.82, 0.91; n = 13). The RR remained significant after controlling for important confounders and in almost all subgroups, especially subgroups defined by geographical region. We observed an inverse linear association between MedDiet adherence score and T2D incidence. CONCLUSION Adherence to the MedDiet was inversely related to T2D risk in a dose-response manner. Adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet may be a good advice for the primary prevention of T2D. REGISTRY AND REGISTRY NUMBER PROSPERO (CRD42021246589).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheida Zeraattalab-Motlagh
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), No 44, Hojjat-dost Alley, Naderi St., Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Jayedi
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), No 44, Hojjat-dost Alley, Naderi St., Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, Iran
- Social Determinant of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Sakineh Shab-Bidar
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), No 44, Hojjat-dost Alley, Naderi St., Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, Iran.
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12
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Ponzo V, Pellegrini M, D’Eusebio C, Bioletto F, Goitre I, Buscemi S, Frea S, Ghigo E, Bo S. Mediterranean Diet and SARS-COV-2 Infection: Is There Any Association? A Proof-of-Concept Study. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13051721. [PMID: 34069656 PMCID: PMC8160854 DOI: 10.3390/nu13051721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this observational study was investigating the possible correlation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeD) and SARS-COV-2 infection rates and severity among healthcare professionals (HCPs). An online self-administrated questionnaire (evaluating both MeD adherence and dietary habits) was filled out by HCPs working in Piedmont (Northern Italy) from 15 January to 28 February 2021. Out of the 1206 questionnaires collected, 900 were considered reliable and analyzed. Individuals who reported the SARS-COV-2 infection (n = 148) showed a significantly lower MeD score, with a lower adherence in fruit, vegetables, cereals, and olive oil consumption. In a logistic regression model, the risk of infection was inversely associated with the MeD score (OR = 0.88; 95% CI 0.81–0.97) and the consumption of cereals (OR = 0.64; 0.45–0.90). Asymptomatic individuals with SARS-COV-2 infection reported a lower intake of saturated fats than symptomatic; individuals requiring hospitalization were significantly older and reported worse dietary habits than both asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals. After combining all symptomatic individuals together, age (OR = 1.05; 1.01–1.09) and saturated fats intake (OR = 1.09; 1.01–1.17) were associated with the infection severity. HCPs who reported a SARS-COV-2 infection showed a significantly lower MeD score and cereal consumption. The infection severity was directly associated with higher age and saturated fat intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Ponzo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.D.); (F.B.); (I.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Marianna Pellegrini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.D.); (F.B.); (I.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Chiara D’Eusebio
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.D.); (F.B.); (I.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Fabio Bioletto
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.D.); (F.B.); (I.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Ilaria Goitre
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.D.); (F.B.); (I.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Silvio Buscemi
- Unit of Clinical Nutrition, AOU Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
- Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Simone Frea
- Cardiology Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy;
| | - Ezio Ghigo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.D.); (F.B.); (I.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Simona Bo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.D.); (F.B.); (I.G.); (E.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-011-633-6036
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13
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Vettori V, Lorini C, Gibbs HD, Sofi F, Lastrucci V, Sartor G, Fulvi I, Giorgetti D, Cavallo G, Bonaccorsi G. The Nutrition Literacy Assessment Instrument for Italian Subjects, NLit-IT: Exploring Validity and Reliability. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073562. [PMID: 33808072 PMCID: PMC8036908 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to test validity and reliability of the adapted version of the Nutrition Literacy Assessment Instrument (NLit) for Italian people (NLit-IT). An observational cross-sectional study was conducted, involving a convenience sample of adults (n = 74). To explore the validity of the tool, we considered both diet quality as an outcome of NL, and health literacy (HL) as a construct that presents similarities and differences with NL. Diet quality was measured by adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (Med diet) through the validated Mediterranean Diet Literature-based adherence score (MEDI-Lite). The relationship between NL level and adherence to Med diet was assessed by linear regression analysis and computing correlations between NLit-IT and MEDI-Lite scores (Spearman's Rho). Additionally, we evaluated the correlation between NLit-IT score and the level of HL (Spearman's Rho). Internal consistency and reliability were measured by Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) respectively. Internal consistency (ρT = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.69-0.84) and reliability (ICC = 0.68, 95% CI, 0.46-0.85) were confirmed. In addition, NLit-IT total score was correlated with MEDI-Lite score (Rho = 0.25; p-value = 0.031) and multivariate regression analysis confirmed that NL significantly contributed to MEDI-Lite score (R2 = 0.13; β = 0.13; p-value = 0.008). There was no significant association between the level of HL and NL. In conclusion, NLit-IT showed validity and reliability as a measure of NL for Italian people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Vettori
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 48 Morgagni Blvd, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.L.); (V.L.); (I.F.); (G.C.); (G.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Chiara Lorini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 48 Morgagni Blvd, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.L.); (V.L.); (I.F.); (G.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Heather D. Gibbs
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd/MS4013, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - Francesco Sofi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
- Unit of Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital of Careggi, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation Italy, Onlus IRCCS, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Vieri Lastrucci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 48 Morgagni Blvd, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.L.); (V.L.); (I.F.); (G.C.); (G.B.)
- Global Health Center, Meyer University Hospital, 24 Gaetano Pieraccini Blvd, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Gino Sartor
- School of Specialization in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, 48 Morgagni Blvd, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.S.); (D.G.)
| | - Ilaria Fulvi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 48 Morgagni Blvd, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.L.); (V.L.); (I.F.); (G.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Duccio Giorgetti
- School of Specialization in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, 48 Morgagni Blvd, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.S.); (D.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Cavallo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 48 Morgagni Blvd, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.L.); (V.L.); (I.F.); (G.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Guglielmo Bonaccorsi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 48 Morgagni Blvd, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.L.); (V.L.); (I.F.); (G.C.); (G.B.)
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Romeo I, Mesiti F, Lupia A, Alcaro S. Current Updates on Naturally Occurring Compounds Recognizing SARS-CoV-2 Druggable Targets. Molecules 2021; 26:632. [PMID: 33530467 PMCID: PMC7865633 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26030632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been identified in China as the etiologic agent of the recent COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Due to its high transmissibility, this virus quickly spread throughout the world, causing considerable health issues. The scientific community exerted noteworthy efforts to obtain therapeutic solutions for COVID-19, and new scientific networks were constituted. No certified drugs to efficiently inhibit the virus were identified, and the development of de-novo medicines requires approximately ten years of research. Therefore, the repurposing of natural products could be an effective strategy to handle SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review aims to update on current status of the natural occurring compounds recognizing SARS-CoV-2 druggable targets. Among the clinical trials actually recruited, some natural compounds are ongoing to examine their potential role to prevent and to treat the COVID-19 infection. Many natural scaffolds, including alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids, and benzoquinones, were investigated by in-silico, in-vitro, and in-vivo approaches. Despite the large data set obtained by a computational approach, experimental evidences in most cases are not available. To fill this gap, further efforts to validate these results are required. We believe that an accurate investigation of naturally occurring compounds may provide insights for the potential treatment of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Romeo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Francesco Mesiti
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Antonio Lupia
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Stefano Alcaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.M.); (A.L.)
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Penniston KL, Knoll T. Diätetische Aspekte der Urolithiasis. Urolithiasis 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-662-62454-8_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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16
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Bracale R, Vaccaro CM. Changes in food choice following restrictive measures due to Covid-19. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2020; 30:1423-1426. [PMID: 32600957 PMCID: PMC7832660 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2020.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Following the Covid-19 proliferation beyond the borders of China at the beginning of 2020, containment measures have been taken by different countries around the globe. Citizens were forced to stay at home. The aim of this study is twofold. First, we will provide an analysis of food consumption in Italy during the emergency from a social stance. Secondly, we will consider the risks in relation to health of these food product choices. METHODS AND RESULT This analysis is based on IRi's data on consumption trends (percentage increase in sales in value) during the first period of the spread of coronavirus, from 23rd of February through the 29th of March, 2020. The sample includes 10 769 stores. There was an increase in the consumption of pasta, flour, eggs, long-life milk and frozen foods, in comparison to a reduction of fresh food goods. The sales of snacks have dropped in relation to the production of homemade bread, pizza and cakes. CONCLUSION The increase in the consumption of some types of food is linked with their symbolic value and its tendency to carry on at home some external socialization habits. But be careful: these habits are not always healthy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Bracale
- Department of Medicine and Sciences for Health, Molise University, Campobasso, Italy
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