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Lanham AR, van der Pols JC. Toward Sustainable Diets-Interventions and Perceptions Among Adolescents: A Scoping Review. Nutr Rev 2024:nuae052. [PMID: 38809755 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuae052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is an important life stage during which shifts toward more healthy and sustainable diets can be promoted. Adolescents have increasing influence over their food choices, informed by their developing personal knowledge and values, affecting long-term dietary behaviors into adulthood. The recent literature regarding adolescents' (1) perceptions of environmentally sustainable diets and (2) interventions to support adolescents to eat sustainably was reviewed in this study. We reviewed published literature that focused on adolescent participants and their perceptions of, or interventions to support, sustainable dietary habits. Five electronic databases were searched to include studies published since 2012 that met the inclusion criteria, including reporting of participants aged between 11 and 18 years, reporting on adolescents' perceptions of sustainable diets or interventions implemented to improve the sustainability of adolescents' diets, and framed in the context of sustainability. Data were extracted, including study and participant characteristics, methodology, and results in relation to each of the 2 research focus areas. Twenty-eight articles were included in the review. Findings suggest that adolescents' understanding of what constitutes sustainable eating is poor. Adolescents who had previously received education regarding sustainable diets valued nature and health, or were from a rural or indigenous community, were more likely to value environmentally sustainable-food choices. Interventions which target adolescents' understanding of and aspiration to make sustainable-food choices appears to improve their attitudes toward sustainable food, whereas interventions to increase the availability of sustainable foods improved the environmental sustainability of adolescents' dietary intake. Multicomponent, tailored, and community-based interventions were most effective; however, the long-term effect of these interventions remains unclear. More research is needed in low- and middle-income countries, with consideration of adolescents' level of autonomy in food choice in local food environments and the long-term effectiveness of interventions. Systematic Review Registration: Open Science Framework identifier osf.io/h3jz6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeline R Lanham
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, 4059, Australia
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia
| | - Jolieke C van der Pols
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, 4059, Australia
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia
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Benedetto L, Sabato I, Costanza C, Gagliano A, Germanò E, Vetri L, Roccella M, Parisi L, Scaffidi Abbate C, Ingrassia M. Diet-Related Attitudes, Beliefs, and Well-Being in Adolescents with a Vegetarian Lifestyle. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2885. [PMID: 37958029 PMCID: PMC10650094 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11212885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Vegetarianism can meet healthy, ethical, or ecological values (such as equality and protection of animals or the environment). At the same time, it can represent a response to the need for self-determination in adolescence. Furthermore, some studies show vegetarians have greater depressive risk and a lower sense of body satisfaction. Considering the spread of non-meat diets in the Western world, researchers have investigated the benefits and risks to physical and psychological health. Despite this, few studies have been conducted on factors influencing adolescent's vegetarian diet-related attitudes. Through self-administered loosely structured interviews, this research investigated factors potentially associated with vegetarian choices in adolescence. It checked (a) gender differences in vegetarian choices; (b) religious, familial, ethical, or health factors implied in vegetarian choices; and (c) indicators of well-being among young vegetarians. The findings suggest that for our sample, non-vegetarians have lower scores on health-related questions than others, while for vegetarian adolescents, the benefits of vegetarianism mainly depend on their ethical stances, beliefs, and values. Conversely, it is unrelated to factors such as the desire to lose weight, dissatisfaction about one's body shape, or depressive feelings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Benedetto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (I.S.); (M.I.)
| | - Ilenia Sabato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (I.S.); (M.I.)
| | - Carola Costanza
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Antonella Gagliano
- Department of Human and Pediatric Pathology “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Eva Germanò
- Department of Human and Pediatric Pathology “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Luigi Vetri
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Michele Roccella
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.R.); (L.P.); (C.S.A.)
| | - Lucia Parisi
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.R.); (L.P.); (C.S.A.)
| | - Costanza Scaffidi Abbate
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.R.); (L.P.); (C.S.A.)
| | - Massimo Ingrassia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (I.S.); (M.I.)
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McInnes C, Carstairs SA, Cecil JE. A qualitative study of young peoples' thoughts and attitudes to follow a more plant-based diet. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1196142. [PMID: 37727744 PMCID: PMC10506079 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1196142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant-based diets (PBDs) refer to dietary habits that reduce the consumption of animal-based products and increase the consumption of nutritionally rich plant foods. PBD's have been shown to provide significant health benefits, such as reducing obesity and improving psychological wellbeing, and are environmentally friendly. However, few studies have investigated factors that influence young people's thoughts and attitudes toward following a PBD in western societies, particularly in the United Kingdom. Understanding these factors may benefit public health interventions that encourage the consumption of more fruit and vegetables. The aim of this study was to explore the factors that affect young people's intentions toward following a PBD. Twenty-one young people (18-24 years) participated in this qualitative study. Participants were asked about their views of PBDs in a semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis was utilized to explore views and the barriers and facilitators to following a PBD. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was used as a framework to organise the findings. Within attitudes, the sub-themes identified were an awareness of a healthy diet, environmental concerns, health concerns and distrust, perceptions of PBDs and associated stereotypes, perceived restriction and lack of enjoyment, and need for education. Within subjective norms, the sub-themes identified were cultural and familial norms, peer influence, and exposure through social media. Within perceived behavioral control (PBC), the sub-themes identified were a lack of independence and parental control, lack of knowledge and perceived difficulty, lack of inclusiveness and accessibility, and inconvenience. Overall, the findings suggest that increased provision of education and knowledge about PBDs to young people, and widening access to PBDs, could encourage and help improve their understanding and intention to follow this dietary style. Tailored health promotion strategies, which also consider additional barriers and facilitators found within this study, could motivate young people to consume a more PBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine McInnes
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon A. Carstairs
- School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Joanne E. Cecil
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Garaus M, Garaus C. US consumers’ mental associations with meat substitute products. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1135476. [PMID: 37051122 PMCID: PMC10083498 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1135476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Negative impacts of meat consumption on both consumers’ health and the environment call for alternative sources for protein intake. In the last decades, the development of meat substitute products has made enormous progress. Given the beneficial aspects of reduced meat consumption, meat substitutes might be a promising approach for a more plant-based diet. However, despite the continuous improvement of meat substitute products and their increasing market potential, meat consumption in the US is still at a high level. Extant literature acknowledges that meat substitute products prompt several negative thoughts and feelings in various European countries, while US consumers’ perceptions of meat substitute products have not been investigated so far. However, understanding consumers’ thoughts and feelings toward meat substitute products provides valuable insights which can help policymakers and marketers to efficiently promote meat substitute products. Against this background, the current research investigates US consumers’ mental associations (i.e., connections of information and prior experiences with the product category stored in memory) with meat substitute products and explores if there are any differences between women and men. A sample of 175 US citizens acquired through an online panel provider completed a free word association technique resulting in 824 mental associations that qualified for the subsequent analysis. In a deductive-inductive content analysis, we assigned the mental associations to 20 categories (e.g., taste, health, environment) and determined their valence (i.e., positive, neutral, or negative). Frequencies and relationships among the categories were analyzed by employing frequency analyses, Chi-square difference tests, and multidimensional correspondence analysis. The findings reveal that meat substitute products elicit more negative mental associations than positive ones. Results validate categories identified in existing literature, but also reveal new categories of mental associations. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that mental associations differ between women and men, with women tending to perceive meat substitutes more negatively than men. The multiple correspondence analysis resulted in four different consumer profiles (skeptics, innovators, health-oriented consumers, and avoiders) which can guide policymakers and brand managers on the effective promotion of meat substitute products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Garaus
- Department of International Management, Modul University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Garaus
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Marketing and Innovation, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Christian Garaus,
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Hao Z, Zhang X, Peng X, Shi X, Wang R, Guo S. Identification of the key off-flavor odorants for undesirable spoiled odor in thermally sterilized fermented soymilk. Food Res Int 2023; 164:112407. [PMID: 36737988 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.112407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Spoiled odors are a problem in thermally sterilized fermented soymilk. This study aims to clarify production conditions and key odorants of spoiled odors. The sensory evaluation showed that thermal sterilization caused a decrease in the sensory intensity of yogurt and fruity odors while significantly increasing undesirable aromas including beany, acidic, cooked-beans and spoiled odors. The spoiled odors increased with increasing acidity and heating temperatures. The strongest spoiled odor was observed in fermented soymilk at titratable acidity of 5.4 g/kg, sterilized at 90 °C. Apart from common volatiles that were inherent in soymilk and generated from lactic fermentation, 2-methyltetrahydrothiophen-3-one was found for the first time in soybean foods and was found to cause the spoiled odor. 44 volatiles found in thermally sterilized fermented soymilk were jointly formed its flavor wheel. This study provides important theoretical support for solving the problem of spoiled odor restricting the popularization of plant-based fermented soymilk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengqi Hao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Plant Protein and Cereal Processing, College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiong Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Plant Protein and Cereal Processing, College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xingyun Peng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Plant Protein and Cereal Processing, College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiaodi Shi
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Plant Protein and Cereal Processing, College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ruican Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Plant Protein and Cereal Processing, College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shuntang Guo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Plant Protein and Cereal Processing, College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China.
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Wirnitzer KC, Motevalli M, Tanous DR, Wirnitzer G, Wagner KH, Cocca A, Schätzer M, Kirschner W, Drenowatz C, Ruedl G. Study Protocol of "Sustainably Healthy-From Science 2 Highschool & University"-Prevalence of Mixed, Vegetarian, and Vegan Diets Linked to Sports & Exercise among Austrian Tertiary Students and Lecturers/Academic Staff. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15313. [PMID: 36430039 PMCID: PMC9690980 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215313] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Healthy lifestyle is the major indicator of individual and public health especially in target populations (e.g., during emerging adulthood). Evidence indicates that unhealthy lifestyle behaviors are strongly associated with the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. The dual approach of sustainable health (i.e., physical exercise tied to a healthy diet) is an effective lifestyle strategy to control and manage health-related disorders, including overweight/obesity. Based on the evidence on plant-based diets regarding health and considering the growing prevalence of vegans and vegetarians worldwide, limited data exist on the health-related behaviors of those who follow plant-based vs. mixed diets in young adulthood. This multidisciplinary study is the first to examine the association between diet type (mixed, vegetarian, and vegan diets) and various health-related behaviors (primarily physical activity, sport, & exercise) among college/university students and lecturers/academic staff in Austria nationwide. Following a cross-sectional study design and using online questionnaires, 4510 tertiary students and 1043 lecturers/academic staff provided data on sociodemographic characteristics, dietary patterns, physical exercise habits, and other lifestyle behaviors (sleep, alcohol intake, smoking, etc.) along with information on health status and quality of life. While the data will be analyzed based on differentiated sociodemographic and health-related categories, the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle behaviors will also be evaluated. As a study protocol, this article represents comprehensive details of the design, purposes, and associated analytical measures of the present study within the tertiary educational context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina C. Wirnitzer
- Department of Research and Development in Teacher Education, University College of Teacher Education Tyrol, 6010 Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Research Center Medical Humanities, Leopold-Franzens University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mohamad Motevalli
- Department of Research and Development in Teacher Education, University College of Teacher Education Tyrol, 6010 Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Derrick R. Tanous
- Department of Research and Development in Teacher Education, University College of Teacher Education Tyrol, 6010 Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Karl-Heinz Wagner
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Research Platform Active Ageing, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Armando Cocca
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Manuel Schätzer
- Special Institute for Preventive Cardiology and Nutrition—SIPCAN, 5061 Elsbethen, Austria
| | - Werner Kirschner
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Clemens Drenowatz
- Division of Sport, Physical Activity and Health, University of Teacher Education Upper Austria, 4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Gerhard Ruedl
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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Mazzocchi A, De Cosmi V, Milani GP, Agostoni C. Health and Sustainable Nutritional Choices from Childhood: Dietary Pattern and Social Models. ANNALS OF NUTRITION AND METABOLISM 2022; 78 Suppl 2:21-27. [PMID: 35679841 DOI: 10.1159/000524860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of diet in the pediatric age for optimal development, achievement, and maintenance of a healthy status is well recognized. Increasing attention is nowadays also paid to reducing the burden of human nutrition on the planet's health for present and future generations. SUMMARY Beyond environmental sustainability, the transition to diets rich in animal and processed foods contributes to an overall unhealthy nutritional status leading to an increased prevalence of obesity- and diet-related noncommunicable diseases. Childhood overweight and obesity are a growing public health crisis worldwide. The aim of this narrative review was to summarize evidence of the nutritional status and dietary habits in children and the link with environmental sustainability. KEY MESSAGE Optimizing nutrition in infancy and establishing healthy lifestyles from the preschool years might help to reduce the risk of overweight, and all the disorders related, respecting the sustainability dimension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Mazzocchi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy,
| | - Valentina De Cosmi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gregorio P Milani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Pediatric Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Agostoni
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit, Milan, Italy
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