1
|
Lopes KG, Rodrigues EL, da Silva Lopes MR, do Nascimento VA, Pott A, Guimarães RDCA, Pegolo GE, Freitas KDC. Adiposity Metabolic Consequences for Adolescent Bone Health. Nutrients 2022; 14:3260. [PMID: 36014768 PMCID: PMC9414751 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infancy and adolescence are crucial periods for bone health, since they are characterized by intense physical growth and bone development. The unsatisfactory acquisition of bone mass in this phase has consequences in adult life and increases the risk of developing bone diseases at more advanced ages. Nutrient deficiencies, especially calcium and vitamin D, associated with a sedentary lifestyle; lack of sun exposure; and epigenetic aspects represent some of the main risk factors for poor bone quality. In addition, recent studies relate childhood obesity to impaired bone health; however, studies on the adiposity effects on bone health are scarce and inconclusive. Another gap concerns the implications of obesity on child sexual maturity, which can jeopardize their genetic potential bone mass and increase fracture risk. Therefore, we reviewed the analyzed factors related to bone health and their association with obesity and metabolic syndrome in adolescents. We concluded that obesity (specifically, accumulated visceral fat) harms bones in the infant-juvenile phase, thereby increasing osteopenia/osteoporosis in adults and the elderly. Thus, it becomes evident that forming and maintaining healthy eating habits is necessary during infancy and adolescence to reduce the risk of fractures caused by bone-metabolic diseases in adulthood and to promote healthy ageing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kátia Gianlupi Lopes
- Post-Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Mid-West Region, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Elisana Lima Rodrigues
- Post-Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Mid-West Region, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Mariana Rodrigues da Silva Lopes
- Post-Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Mid-West Region, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Valter Aragão do Nascimento
- Post-Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Mid-West Region, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Arnildo Pott
- Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul-UFMS, Campo Grande 79079-900, Brazil
| | - Rita de Cássia Avellaneda Guimarães
- Post-Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Mid-West Region, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Giovana Eliza Pegolo
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food and Nutrition, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Karine de Cássia Freitas
- Post-Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Mid-West Region, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shkembi B, Huppertz T. Calcium Absorption from Food Products: Food Matrix Effects. Nutrients 2021; 14:nu14010180. [PMID: 35011055 PMCID: PMC8746734 DOI: 10.3390/nu14010180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This article reviews physicochemical aspects of calcium absorption from foods. Notable differences are observed between different food products in relation to calcium absorption, which range from <10% to >50% of calcium in the foods. These differences can be related to the interactions of calcium with other food components in the food matrix, which are affected by various factors, including fermentation, and how these are affected by the conditions encountered in the gastrointestinal tract. Calcium absorption in the intestine requires calcium to be in an ionized form. The low pH in the stomach is critical for solubilization and ionization of calcium salts present in foods, although calcium oxalate complexes remain insoluble and thus poorly absorbable. In addition, the rate of gastric transit can strongly affect fractional absorption of calcium and a phased release of calcium into the intestine, resulting in higher absorption levels. Dairy products are the main natural sources of dietary calcium in many diets worldwide, which is attributable to their ability to provide high levels of absorbable calcium in a single serving. For calcium from other food products, lower levels of absorbable calcium can limit contributions to bodily calcium requirements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blerina Shkembi
- Food Quality & Design Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Thom Huppertz
- Food Quality & Design Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands;
- FrieslandCampina, 3818 LE Amersfoort, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Taylor RM, Haslam RL, Truby H, Attia J, Hutchesson MJ, Burrows T, Callister R, Hides L, Bonevski B, Kirkpatrick S, Ashton L, Collins CE. Do disparities exist between national food group recommendations and the dietary intakes of contemporary young adults? Nutr Diet 2021; 78:524-534. [PMID: 34169615 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to compare food and nutrient intakes of young Australian adults (18-24 years) to national recommendations as per the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and Nutrient Reference Values. METHODS Dietary intake of 18 to 24 year olds (n = 1005) participating in the Advice, Ideas, and Motivation for My Eating (Aim4Me) study was self-reported using the 120-item Australian Eating Survey Food Frequency Questionnaire. Median daily servings of Australian Guide to Healthy Eating food groups, macronutrients and micronutrients were compared to recommendations in the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and Nutrient Reference Values using t-tests or Kruskal-Wallis tests (P < .05). RESULTS None of the young adults met all Australian Guide to Healthy Eating recommendations. The highest adherence [% meeting recommendations, median (IQR)] was for meat/alternatives [38%, 2.1(1.8)] and fruit [32%, 1.5(1.6)], with <25% meeting remaining food-group recommendations. The majority (76%) exceeded recommendations for the consumption of discretionary foods [4.0(3.3) vs 0-3 serves] and 81% had excessive saturated fat intakes. Young adults who met all key Nutrient Reference Values (dietary fibre, folate, iodine, iron, calcium and zinc) (18%) consumed a higher number of serves of all food groups, including discretionary foods. CONCLUSIONS Dietary intakes of contemporary young adults do not align with Australian Guide to Healthy Eating targets, while meeting Nutrient Reference Values is achieved by a higher consumption of all food groups, including discretionary foods. Strategies to increase consumption of nutrient-dense foods in young adults to achieve the Nutrient Reference Values are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael M Taylor
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Haslam
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Helen Truby
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - John Attia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melinda J Hutchesson
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tracy Burrows
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robin Callister
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Leanne Hides
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Billie Bonevski
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sharon Kirkpatrick
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lee Ashton
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Clare E Collins
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
High prevalence of low dairy calcium intake and association with insomnia, anxiety, depression and musculoskeletal pain in university students from Jordan. Public Health Nutr 2020; 24:1778-1786. [PMID: 32830623 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980020002888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess dairy Ca intake and investigate its relationship with insomnia and other common co-morbidities including anxiety, depression and musculoskeletal pain (MSP) among university students. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING University, Irbid, Jordan. PARTICIPANTS Male and female individuals (n 1000), aged 20·87 ± 2·69 years. RESULTS Low dairy Ca intake (<1000 mg/d) was reported by 96·5 % of participants, and moderate to severe insomnia reported by 15·6 % of participants. Abnormal anxiety and depression scores were reported by 26·2 and 18·0 % of participants, respectively. MSP was reported by 42·9 % of participants. Participants with moderate to severe insomnia had lower dairy Ca, higher anxiety and depression scores and higher measures of MSP compared to participants with no insomnia (P-values < 0·05). Dairy Ca was weakly inversely correlated with Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score, depression score and measures of MSP (P-values < 0·05). Regression analysis indicated that insomnia was predicted by low dairy Ca, anxiety, depression, MSP and smoking (P-values < 0·05). Both anxiety and depression were predicted by increased ISI score (P-values < 0·05), while depression alone was predicted by low dairy Ca (P-value < 0·01). MSP was predicted by increased ISI and anxiety scores (P-values < 0·05). CONCLUSIONS Low dairy Ca was highly prevalent and associated with insomnia and depression among university students. Individuals should be advised to increase dietary Ca intake to achieve the recommended daily amount. Further research is required to investigate a potential causal relationship between low Ca and both insomnia and its related co-morbidities.
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang YY, Hughes J, Grafenauer S. Got Mylk? The Emerging Role of Australian Plant-Based Milk Alternatives as A Cow's Milk Substitute. Nutrients 2020; 12:E1254. [PMID: 32354190 PMCID: PMC7281999 DOI: 10.3390/nu12051254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing ethical, environmental and health concerns have encouraged demand for novel plant-based milk alternatives, yet it remains nebulous whether these products are nutritionally adequate as cow's milk replacements. The aim of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional survey of plant-based milk alternatives available in major Australian supermarkets and selected niche food retailers from November 2019 to January 2020 and assess two dietary scenarios (adolescents and older women) where dairy serves were substituted for plant-based alternatives against Australian Estimated Average Requirements (EAR). We collected compositional data from nutrition panels in juxtaposition with derivatives from the Australian Food Composition database, with a total of 115 products, including tree nuts and seeds (n = 48), legumes (n = 27), coconut (n = 10), grains (n = 19) and mixed sources (n = 10). Just over 50% of products were fortified, but only 1/3 contained similar calcium content to cow's milk. Indiscriminate substitutions might reduce intakes of protein and micronutrients, particularly vitamin A, B2, B12, iodine and zinc, and lead to reductions >50% of the EARs for protein, zinc and calcium in the chosen dietary scenarios. To avoid unintended dietary outcomes, it is vital that consumers make pragmatic decisions regarding dietary replacements for cow's milk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yianna Y. Zhang
- School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- CSIRO Agriculture & Food, 671 Sneydes Road, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Jaimee Hughes
- Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council, Mount Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060, Australia
| | - Sara Grafenauer
- Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council, Mount Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vatanparast H, Islam N, Patil RP, Shafiee M, Whiting SJ. Calcium Intake from Food and Supplemental Sources Decreased in the Canadian Population from 2004 to 2015. J Nutr 2020; 150:833-841. [PMID: 31891395 PMCID: PMC7138660 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxz318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In light of the publications (2008-2014) linking calcium intake, mainly from supplements, to the elevated risk of cardiovascular events, there is a need to determine if there have been any changes in usual intakes of calcium among Canadians. OBJECTIVE We aimed to examine changes in dietary and total usual intake of calcium among Canadians aged ≥1 y over the period 2004-2015. METHODS We used nutrition data from 2 nationally representative surveys conducted in 2004 and 2015 (CCHS 2004 Cycle 2.2 and CCHS-Nutrition 2015). This study included all the Canadians across 10 provinces, and the analyses were performed across different age/sex groups. We used the National Cancer Institute (NCI) method to estimate the usual intake of calcium and the prevalence of calcium inadequacy. Multiple logistic regression was performed to assess the relation between supplement uses and sociodemographic variables. RESULTS From 2004 to 2015, the usual intake of calcium from food sources significantly decreased in calcium supplement nonusers (from 872 ± 18.2 mg/d to 754 ± 18.0 mg/d), but not in calcium supplement users. The contribution of calcium from the Milk and alternatives food group significantly decreased by 7.5% and 6.1% in calcium supplement users and nonusers, respectively. The prevalence of calcium supplement use significantly decreased from 2004 to 2015 in the Canadian population, from 27.5% to 22.0%. During this time, the percentage contribution of calcium from supplemental sources significantly decreased among Canadians, especially women. The prevalence of calcium inadequacy increased from 58.0% to 68.0% in supplement nonusers; however, among users of calcium supplements, the prevalence of calcium inadequacy remained at ∼31%. CONCLUSIONS Calcium intake from both food and supplemental sources decreased in the Canadian population over an 11-y period, which must be addressed by policy-makers in their efforts to decrease the high prevalence of calcium inadequacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Vatanparast
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4, Canada,College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4, Canada,Address correspondence to HV (e-mail: )
| | - Naorin Islam
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4, Canada
| | - Rashmi Prakash Patil
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4, Canada
| | - Mojtaba Shafiee
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4, Canada
| | - Susan J Whiting
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rouf A, Nour M, Allman-Farinelli M. Improving Calcium Knowledge and Intake in Young Adults Via Social Media and Text Messages: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e16499. [PMID: 32044755 PMCID: PMC7055802 DOI: 10.2196/16499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcium is an important nutrient for the attainment of peak bone mass during adolescence and young adulthood. However, these life phases are characterized as hard to reach for health promotion. Social media platforms offer a promising channel as they are relatively low cost but used ubiquitously by youth. OBJECTIVE The aim of the CAlcium Nutrition-Dietary Opportunities (CAN-DO) study was to conduct a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of Facebook alone or with text messaging as channels to deliver a theory-based program to encourage optimal calcium intake. METHODS The intervention was a 3-arm parallel trial. Young adults aged 18 to 25 years were recruited through university and social media for a 6-week trial. Participants were randomized to 1 of the 3 arms (ie, Facebook posts, Facebook posts plus text messages, and control group that received an electronic leaflet containing information on calcium intake). The primary outcome was change in intake of milk and other calcium-rich foods, and secondary outcomes were knowledge, self-efficacy, motivation, and habit formation concerning calcium-rich foods. Changes were assessed before and after the intervention, and the differences in change between groups were compared using multivariate regression models with multiple imputations for missing data. RESULTS A total of 211 participants (64/211, 30.3% males) participated (mean age 21.4 years, SD 2.1) in this study. At the end of the program, no increase in milk intake (odds ratio [OR] 1.51, 95% CI 0.61-3.75 Facebook; OR 1.77, 95% CI 0.74-4.24 Facebook plus text messages; P=.41) nor calcium-rich food was detected (P=.57). There was a significant improvement in knowledge in the Facebook plus text messages group (P<.001), but habit formation improved less than that in the other 2 groups (P=.01). Our results showed a moderate level of engagement with intervention content and positive qualitative feedback from participants. CONCLUSIONS The CAN-DO study delivered via Facebook (with the additional support of text messages) was found to improve knowledge and was acceptable among young adults. However, further research is needed to better understand social media engagement and how to optimize the program for participants to be sufficiently motivated to increase their intake of calcium-rich foods. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620000097943; http://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12620000097943.aspx.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anika Rouf
- The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Monica Nour
- The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Camperdown, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hildebrand H, Simons E, Kozyrskyj AL, Becker AB, Protudjer JLP. Calcium Intake in Children with Eczema and/or Food Allergy: A Prospective Cohort Study. Nutrients 2019; 11:E3039. [PMID: 31842448 PMCID: PMC6950300 DOI: 10.3390/nu11123039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Eczema and food allergy may impact diet. Using data from a cohort of Manitoba children born in 1995, we examined calcium intake, defined as the frequency and quality of calcium products consumed (with the exception of cheese), amongst Manitoba adolescents (12-14 years) with eczema or food allergy in childhood (7-8 years) or adolescence. At both ages, children were assessed by a physician for eczema and food allergy. Adolescents completed food frequency questionnaires. Calcium intake was defined as 1+ vs. <1 weekly. Linear and logistic regression was used as appropriate, with adjustments for confounders. Overall, 468 adolescents were included, of whom 62 (13.3%) had eczema only in childhood, 25 (5.3%) had food allergy only, and 26 (5.6%) had eczema and food allergy. Compared to children without eczema, those with eczema only had poorer calcium intake in adolescence (β -0.44; 95%CI -0.96; 0.00). Girls, but not boys, with eczema in childhood had poorer calcium intake in adolescence than girls without eczema (β -0.84; 95%CI -1.60; -0.08). These patterns persisted even if children experienced transient vs. persistent eczema to adolescence. Similar but non-significant trends were found for food allergy. Childhood eczema is associated with significantly lower calcium intake and consumption in adolescence. These differences persist to adolescence, even if a child "outgrows" their allergic condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hailey Hildebrand
- Max Rady College of Medicine, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada;
| | - Elinor Simons
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada; (E.S.); (A.B.B.)
- The Children’s Health Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Anita L. Kozyrskyj
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada;
| | - Allan B. Becker
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada; (E.S.); (A.B.B.)
- The Children’s Health Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Jennifer L. P. Protudjer
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada; (E.S.); (A.B.B.)
- The Children’s Health Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
- George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T6, Canada
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Messaging for Interventions Aiming to Improve Calcium Intake in Young Adults-A Mixed Methods Study. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10111673. [PMID: 30400574 PMCID: PMC6266213 DOI: 10.3390/nu10111673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Social media channels are the preferred communication tools for many young adults and therefore may have applications in health promotion. The framing of messages is important, as an intervention must resonate with the target group. The aim of this study was to determine what type of messaging is preferred by young adults to improve their calcium intake. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted and young adults aged 18 to 25 years recruited. A 14-item survey collected information on the participants’ demographics, ranking of text messages, mock Facebook posts with images, preferences related to type of posts they find personally relevant, and frequency and likelihood of engagement with posts and polls in social media. In addition, optional responses from participants about factors that motivate them to consume more calcium-rich foods were included and thematically analysed using NVivo. Eighty-one participants (17 males) completed the survey. No significant difference in ranking of the text messages and Facebook posts were found. Participants indicated that recipe demonstrations (n = 71), cost-saving tips (n = 70), and information on recommended daily intake (n = 62) were personally relevant, while meal inspiration (n = 70), awareness-raising posts (n = 41), and messages about obtaining enough calcium from non-dairy sources (n = 38) would encourage them to eat more calcium-rich foods. The qualitative replies indicated the tone (in young adults’ language) and length (short) of messages preferred, and the messaging they perceived would motivate young adults. In conclusion, short, aesthetically pleasing and personally relevant messages written in the language of young adults were recommended.
Collapse
|