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Forgenie D, Dhayal KS, Sookhai S, Khoiriyah N, Suchit C, Simbhoo G, Isaac WAP. Tree nuts demand analysis using the LA-AIDS model: A case of the Indian economy paradox. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34238. [PMID: 39091942 PMCID: PMC11292534 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
India is one of the world's largest producers of tree nuts, yet it paradoxically remains a net importer of these commodities. This study aims to analyze the demand for imported tree nuts in India, motivated by the need to understand the factors contributing to this imbalance. The primary objective is to calculate income elasticities and own- and cross-price elasticities for five categories of imported tree nuts using the linear approximate almost ideal demand system model. Data is sourced from monthly import records from the United Nations Comtrade database covering 2014 to 2022. The tree nuts considered are almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, and hazelnuts. Key findings reveal all imported tree nuts are normal goods. Cashews exhibit income elasticity (1.2), indicating a significant demand increase with rising incomes, while other nuts show income inelasticity. Cashews are price-elastic (-1.3), while other nuts are price-inelastic. Compensated cross-price elasticities indicate notable substitution effects, particularly between almonds and cashews. The study recommends enhancing domestic cashew production to meet growing demand and developing targeted marketing strategies to address competitive dynamics within the tree nut market. These strategies aim to reduce India's dependency on imports and promote a balanced, sustainable domestic market.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Forgenie
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Food and Agriculture, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Karambir Singh Dhayal
- Department of Economics and Finance, Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani Campus, Rajasthan, India
| | - Satesh Sookhai
- Department of Management Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Nikmatul Khoiriyah
- Department of Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Islam Malang, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Celine Suchit
- Department of Food Production, Faculty of Food and Agriculture, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Gabrielle Simbhoo
- Institute of International Relations, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Wendy-Ann P. Isaac
- Department of Food Production, Faculty of Food and Agriculture, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago
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Yu X, Huang X, Liang X, Ou Q, Sun L, Ren J, Wu Q, Chen H, Huang Q, Zhao H, Wei J, Wu F, Huang S, Wang L. The effects of nutrition education on nutritional knowledge and dietary behaviours in primary school students in Zhongshan city. J Hum Nutr Diet 2024. [PMID: 38944880 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13343] [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] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adequate nutritional knowledge and healthy dietary behaviours are essential for promoting rational nutrition for children. However, lack of nutritional knowledge and unhealthy dietary behaviours are common among Chinese children. Therefore, we developed a school-based nutrition education (NE) program to assess its impacts on nutritional knowledge and dietary behaviours in pupils. METHODS In this trial, one school was assigned as an intervention group (n = 199) and the other two schools were designated as a control group (n = 140). Children in the intervention group received the NE program in addition to their regular health curriculum, whereas the control group continued with their usual health curriculum without any NE program materials. RESULTS Concerning nutritional knowledge, the mean difference (follow-up minus baseline) of average knowledge scores in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group (1.99 ± 3.22 vs. 0.66 ± 3.60, p = 0.001). However, subgroup analysis revealed that this difference disappeared among boys and students with malnutrition status. Regarding dietary behaviours, the NE program significantly increased the proportion of children exhibiting high frequencies of meat and nuts consumption in the intervention group, along with diverse food choice at breakfast. Additionally, it markedly reduced the proportion of children exhibiting high frequencies of sugar-sweetened beverages and fast food consumption. Structural equation modelling analyses indicated a significant direct effect of NE intervention on nutritional knowledge and an indirect effect on dietary behaviours. CONCLUSIONS The NE program effectively enhanced nutritional knowledge scores and further improved dietary behaviours among Chinese primary school students. Future NE programs should pay more attention to boys and children with malnutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxue Yu
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Huang
- Jiahe Community Health Service Centre of Baiyun District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Liang
- Health Care Centre for Primary and Secondary School of Zhongshan, Zhongshan, China
| | - Qian Ou
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liuqiao Sun
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieru Ren
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiongmei Wu
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hangjun Chen
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiaoli Huang
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hanqing Zhao
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Wei
- Department of Science and Technology, Guangzhou Customs, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feng Wu
- Jiahe Community Health Service Centre of Baiyun District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sizhe Huang
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijun Wang
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Fadnes LT, Balakrishna R. Nuts and seeds - a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023. Food Nutr Res 2024; 68:10483. [PMID: 38370112 PMCID: PMC10870978 DOI: 10.29219/fnr.v68.10483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Nuts and seeds have been part of diets in most of the world for millenniums, and they have also been consumed in the Nordic and Baltic countries for centuries. Consumption of nuts and seeds is linked with various health outcomes. Therefore, when updating the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR), summarizing the best evidence on key health outcomes from the consumption of nuts and seeds is essential. Objectives This study aims to evaluate the updated evidence on the consumption of nuts and seeds and health outcomes regarded relevant for the Nordic and Baltic countries, as well as their dose-response relationship presented in updated systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Method The scoping review is built on a de novo systematic review and an umbrella review published in 2022 on the consumption of nuts and seeds and its various health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Results Intake of nuts and seeds is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, with evidence assessed as probable. This conclusion is mirrored by evidence from trials on biomarkers for chronic diseases. An intake of a serving of nuts of 28-30 g/day compared to not eating nuts is estimated to translate into approximately 20% relative reduction in the risks of cardiovascular disease and premature deaths. For cancers, consumption of a serving of nuts is inversely associated with cancer mortality. However, for type 2 diabetes, there are mixed and inconclusive results. Additionally, there are inverse associations between nut consumption and respiratory and infectious disease mortality. Allergies for nuts are seen among 1-2% of the population. Conclusion Overall, the current evidence supports dietary recommendations to increase nut consumption to a serving of nuts and seeds per day for people without allergies to these foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars T. Fadnes
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rajiv Balakrishna
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Acosta PFC, Landon OA, Ribau ZJ, Haines J, Ma DWL, Duncan AM. Plant-Based Dietary Indices in Relation to Nutrient and Food Group Intakes in Preschool-Aged Children. Nutrients 2023; 15:4617. [PMID: 37960273 PMCID: PMC10647719 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary guidance promotes plant-based foods, yet minimal research has examined intake in children. This study examined plant-based food intake in preschool-aged children using plant-based dietary index (PDI) metrics and related these metrics to nutrient and food group intakes. Dietary data were collected from preschool-aged children (n = 283, 3.45 ± 1.22 years) from the Guelph Family Health Study at baseline using the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool. Food intake servings were assigned to 16 food groups for calculation of overall PDI (oPDI), healthful PDI (hPDI), and less healthful (lhPDI) scores and summarized into tertiles for energy-adjusted comparisons. For oPDI, participants in the highest vs. lowest tertile had higher intakes of nutrients and food groups to encourage (e.g., dietary fiber, fruits) as well as lower intakes of nutrients to encourage (e.g., calcium, vitamin D). For hPDI, participants in the highest vs. lowest tertile had higher intakes of nutrients and food groups to encourage and lower intakes of those to limit (e.g., saturated fat, sweets and desserts). For lhPDI, participants in the highest vs. lowest tertile had higher intakes of nutrients and food groups to limit and lower intakes of those to encourage. These results can inform dietetic practice for dietary guidance that promotes plant-based foods in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia F. C. Acosta
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (P.F.C.A.)
| | - Olivia A. Landon
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (P.F.C.A.)
| | - Zachary J. Ribau
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (P.F.C.A.)
| | - Jess Haines
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - David W. L. Ma
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (P.F.C.A.)
| | - Alison M. Duncan
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (P.F.C.A.)
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Berlic M, Battelino T, Korošec M. Can Kindergarten Meals Improve the Daily Intake of Vegetables, Whole Grains, and Nuts among Preschool Children? A Randomized Controlled Evaluation. Nutrients 2023; 15:4088. [PMID: 37764872 PMCID: PMC10536440 DOI: 10.3390/nu15184088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Surveys have indicated that preschool children do not consume adequate amounts of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts. This cross-sectional intervention study aimed to investigate whether a meticulously crafted meal plan for children of kindergarten age (5-6 years) could effectively enhance their daily intake of nutritious foods. Ninety-four healthy children from six kindergartens were enrolled in the study and were randomly assigned to a prototype group (PG) and a control group (CG). The PG kindergartens (n = 4) received a prototype 5-day meal plan that included regulated portions of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts adhering to dietary guidelines. Conversely, the CG kindergartens (n = 2) adhered to their standard meal plan. Participants maintained their usual eating habits outside of kindergarten and during weekends. Using the dietary assessment tool Open Platform for Clinical Nutrition (OPEN), combined with a 7-day dietary record of food consumed inside and outside the kindergarten, the average daily intake of specific food groups was assessed and compared with the Dietary Guidelines for Children. A total of 57 participants completed the study, 40 from the PG and 17 from the CG. Among the PG participants, the average daily intake of vegetables, whole grains, and nuts compared with the guideline recommendations was significantly higher than in the CG. Notably, only meals consumed within the kindergarten setting significantly improved the overall intake, with the outside intake having no significant effect. This study underscores the vital role of a well-designed and precisely executed meal plan in kindergartens in improving children's intake of healthy foods. The findings could help drive positive changes in child nutrition within educational environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Berlic
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva ulica 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Preschool Galjevica, Galjevica 35, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tadej Battelino
- Division of Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Bohoričeva ulica 20, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mojca Korošec
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva ulica 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Leão C, Rocha-Rodrigues S, Machado I, Lemos J, Leal S, Nobari H. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in young male soccer players. BMC Nutr 2023; 9:101. [PMID: 37667367 PMCID: PMC10476429 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-023-00761-6] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nutrition is vital in health and sports performance by improving anthropometric-related parameters and dietary habits, especially in the youngest ages. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been highly recognized for its positive health effects and low adverse environmental impact. OBJECTIVES We aimed to characterize adherence to the MD and analyze its association with anthropometric parameters in young soccer players. METHODOLOGY In the present study, 132 male young soccer players from under 9 to under 15 categories (aged 7 to 15 years) from a Portuguese football club participated. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents (KIDMED) questionnaire was applied to assess adherence to the MD. Anthropometric-related parameters, including body mass, height, triceps skinfold thickness (TSKF), suprailiac skinfold thickness (SISKF), body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (%BF), were determined. The differences between groups were performed accordingly to normal and non-normal distribution. Spearman's correlations were performed to analyze the hypothetical correlation between KIDMED and BMI. RESULTS Players reached an average KIDMED score of 8.36 ± 1.92, showing that 68.2% (n = 90) reached high adherence to the MD, 31.1% (n = 41) had moderate adherence to the MD, and 0.78% (n = 1) had poor adherence to the MD. When the analysis was made for age group and BMI classification, no significant differences were observed in adherence to the MD. Considering the main characteristics of the MD, 50.8% consumed fruit (vs. 49,2%), 52.3% consumed vegetables (vs. 47,7%), and only 20% consumed oleaginous dried fruits (vs. 80%). Dairy consumption throughout the day was 49,2% (vs. no: 50,8%). CONCLUSION Data from the present study showed that many soccer players adhered to the MD, and no differences were observed for age group or BMI classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Leão
- Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun'Álvares, Viana do Castelo, 4900-347, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports Performance, Recreation, Innovation and Technology (SPRINT), Viana do Castelo, Melgaço, 4960-320, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Rocha-Rodrigues
- Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun'Álvares, Viana do Castelo, 4900-347, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports Performance, Recreation, Innovation and Technology (SPRINT), Viana do Castelo, Melgaço, 4960-320, Portugal
- Tumour & Microenvironment Interactions Group, INEB- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, Porto, 4200-153, Portugal
| | - Inês Machado
- Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde, Rua Central de Gandra, Paredes, 4585-116, Portugal
| | - João Lemos
- Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun'Álvares, Viana do Castelo, 4900-347, Portugal
| | - Sandra Leal
- Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde, Rua Central de Gandra, Paredes, 4585-116, Portugal
| | - Hadi Nobari
- Faculty of Sports Science, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, 5619911367, H.N, Iran.
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Bekele TH, Trijsburg L, Brouwer ID, de Vries JH, Covic N, Kennedy G, Alemayehu D, Feskens EJ. Dietary Recommendations for Ethiopians on the Basis of Priority Diet-Related Diseases and Causes of Death in Ethiopia: An Umbrella Review. Adv Nutr 2023; 14:895-913. [PMID: 37182739 PMCID: PMC10334157 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) need to be evidence-based. As part of the development of Ethiopian FBDG, we conducted an umbrella review to develop dietary recommendations. Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), deficiencies of vitamin A, zinc, calcium, or folate, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were selected as a priority. Systematic reviews were eligible if they investigated the impact of foods, food groups, diet, or dietary patterns on priority diseases. After a search, 1513 articles were identified in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar published from January 2014 to December 2021. The results showed that 19 out of 164 systematic reviews reported the impact of diet on PEM or micronutrient deficiencies. Daily 30-90 g whole-grain consumption reduces risk of CVD and T2DM. Pulses improve protein status, and consuming 50-150 g/d is associated with a reduced incidence of CVD and T2DM. Nuts are a good source of minerals, and consuming 15-35 g/d improves antioxidant status and is inversely associated with CVD risk. A daily intake of 200-300 mL of milk and dairy foods is a good source of calcium and contributes to bone mineral density. Limiting processed meat intake to <50 g/d reduces CVD risk. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamins A and C. CVD and T2DM risks are reduced by consuming 200-300 g of vegetables plus fruits daily. Daily sugar consumption should be below 10% of total energy to lower risk of obesity, CVD, and T2DM. Plant-based fat has favorable nutrient profiles and modest saturated fat content. The association of saturated fatty acids with CVD and T2DM is inconclusive, but intake should be limited because of the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-raising effect. Plant-based diets lower risk of CVD and T2DM but reduce micronutrient bioavailability. The review concludes with 9 key dietary recommendations proposed to be implemented in the Ethiopian FBDG. This review was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42019125490).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tesfaye Hailu Bekele
- Food Science and Nutrition Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Laura Trijsburg
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Inge D Brouwer
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeanne Hm de Vries
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Namukolo Covic
- Poverty, Health and Nutrition Division, International Food Policy Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Gina Kennedy
- Knowledge Leadership, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Dawit Alemayehu
- Food Science and Nutrition Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Edith Jm Feskens
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Mandalari G, Gervasi T, Rosenberg DW, Lapsley KG, Baer DJ. Effect of Nuts on Gastrointestinal Health. Nutrients 2023; 15:1733. [PMID: 37049572 PMCID: PMC10096892 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuts are high nutrient-dense foods containing healthy lipids, dietary fiber, and bioactive phytochemicals, including vitamins and minerals. Although the beneficial effect of nut consumption on different chronic diseases has been well documented, especially in relation to their cardiometabolic benefits, less scientific evidence is available on their possible beneficial effects on gastrointestinal health. In this narrative review, we summarize the most important findings and new research perspectives in relation to the importance of nut consumption on gastrointestinal health. The integrity of the cell wall structure, cell size and particle size after mastication are known to play a crucial role in energy, nutrient and bioactive release from nuts during digestion, therefore affecting bioaccessibility. Other mechanisms, such as cell wall composition, thickness and porosity, as well as stability of the membranes surrounding the oil bodies within the cell, are also important for energy extraction. As the undigested nutrients and phytochemicals are delivered to the colon, effects on gut microbiota composition are predicted. Although the overall effect of nut consumption on microbial alpha- and beta-diversity has been inconsistent, some scientific evidence suggests an increase in fecal butyrate after almond consumption, and a beneficial role of walnuts on the prevention of ulcerative colitis and protection against the development of gastric mucosal lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Mandalari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Teresa Gervasi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Daniel W. Rosenberg
- Centre for Molecular Oncology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030-3101, USA
| | | | - David J. Baer
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
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López-Gil JF, Martínez-Vizcaíno V, Amaro-Gahete FJ, Medrano M, Pascual-Morena C, Álvarez-Bueno C, Mesas AE. Nut consumption and academic performance among adolescents: the EHDLA study. Eur J Nutr 2023; 62:289-298. [PMID: 35972530 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-022-02985-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between nut consumption and academic performance in Spanish adolescents and to explore the role of sociodemographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle covariates on this association. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out using a food frequency questionnaire for estimating nut consumption in the number of 20-30 g servings per week, and academic performance data were obtained from school records. Analyses of covariance were adjusted for sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyle covariates, including total energy intake. RESULTS Among the 846 adolescents included in the analyses (55.3% girls, age range from 12 to 17 years), the mean ± standard deviation consumption of nuts was 2.7 ± 2.8 servings per week, while the mean of all school grades recorded was 6.5 ± 2.0. Furthermore, compared to no consumption, the consumption of ≥ 3 nut servings per week was consistently associated with higher grades in language (p for trend = 0.005), combination of language and math (p for trend = 0.026), grade point average (p for trend = 0.039), and combination of all school records (p for trend = 0.046). These associations were observed regardless of all covariates considered, although sex and socioeconomic level played a significant role in the completely adjusted models. CONCLUSION Nut consumption is associated with higher academic performance in a representative sample of Spanish adolescents. These cross-sectional results should be confirmed in longitudinal and intervention studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vicente Martínez-Vizcaíno
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain. .,Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, 3460000, Talca, Chile.
| | - Francisco J Amaro-Gahete
- PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity" Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain.,EFFECTS-262 Research Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - María Medrano
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain.,Institute for Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain (IS-FOOD), Public University of Navarra, 31006, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Celia Álvarez-Bueno
- Universidad Politécnica y Artística del Paraguay, 001518, Asunción, Paraguay
| | - Arthur Eumann Mesas
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain.,Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
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Balakrishna R, Bjørnerud T, Bemanian M, Aune D, Fadnes LT. Consumption of Nuts and Seeds and Health Outcomes Including Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, Cancer, and Mortality: An Umbrella Review. Adv Nutr 2022; 13:2136-2148. [PMID: 36041171 PMCID: PMC9776667 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmac077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Consumption of nuts and seeds is associated with a range of health outcomes. Summarizing the best evidence on essential health outcomes from the consumption of nuts is essential to provide optimal recommendations. Our objective is to comprehensively assess health outcome associations related to the consumption of nuts and seeds, using a culinary definition including tree nuts and peanuts (registered in PROSPERO: CRD42021258300). Health outcomes of interest include cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, respiratory disease, mortality, and their disease biomarkers. We present associations for high compared with low consumption, per serving, and dose-response relations. MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and Epistemonikos were searched and screened for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Evidence was extracted from 89 articles on the consumption of nuts and relevant health outcomes, including 23 articles with meta-analysis on disease and mortality, 66 articles on biomarkers for disease, and 9 articles on allergy/adverse outcomes. Intake of nuts was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases and related risk factors, with moderate quality of evidence. An intake of 28 g/d nuts compared with not eating nuts was associated with a 21% RR reduction of cardiovascular disease (including coronary heart disease incidence and mortality, atrial fibrillation, and stroke mortality), an 11% risk reduction of cancer deaths, and 22% reduction in all-cause mortality. Nut consumption was also inversely associated with mortality from respiratory diseases, infectious diseases, and diabetes; however, associations between nut consumption and diabetes incidence were mixed. Meta-analyses of trials on biomarkers for disease generally mirrored meta-analyses from observational studies on cardiovascular disease, cancers, and diabetes. Allergy and related adverse reactions to nuts were observed in 1-2% of adult populations, with substantial heterogeneity between studies. Overall, the current evidence supports dietary recommendations to consume a handful of nuts and seeds per day for people without allergies to these foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Balakrishna
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | - Dagfinn Aune
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Nutrition, Oslo New University College, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Endocrinology, Morbid Obesity and Preventive Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Unit of Cardiovascular and Nutritional Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Labrosse R, Graham F, Caubet JC. Recent advances in the diagnosis and management of tree nut and seed allergy. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2022; 22:194-201. [DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Mihaylova D, Popova A, Goranova Z, Doykina P. Development of Healthy Vegan Bonbons Enriched with Lyophilized Peach Powder. Foods 2022; 11:1580. [PMID: 35681330 PMCID: PMC9180698 DOI: 10.3390/foods11111580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Changing nutritional demands, in combination with the global trend for snacking, sets a goal for preparing food products for direct consumption with certain beneficial properties. This study was designed to investigate the quality characteristics of raw vegan bonbons enriched with lyophilized peach powder. Three types of formulations were prepared in which 10%, 20%, and 30% of lyophilized peach powder were, respectively, added. The newly developed vegan products were characterized in terms of their physical (moisture, ash, color, water activity), microbiological, and nutritional characteristics. Their antioxidant activity, flavonoid, and phenolic content were also evaluated. Considering the content of the bonbons, the reported health claims indicate that they are sources of fiber, with no added sugar, and contain naturally occurring sugars. The color measurements demonstrated similarity in the values. This study showed that there is significant potential in the production of healthy snacks for direct consumption, with beneficial properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dasha Mihaylova
- Department of Biotechnology, Technological Faculty, University of Food Technologies, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Aneta Popova
- Department of Catering and Nutrition, Economics Faculty, University of Food Technologies, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Zhivka Goranova
- Institute of Food Preservation and Quality, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Pavlina Doykina
- Department of Catering and Nutrition, Economics Faculty, University of Food Technologies, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
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Kontele I, Grammatikopoulou MG, Vassilakou T. Level of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Weight Status among Adolescent Female Gymnasts: A Cross-Sectional Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:children8121135. [PMID: 34943331 PMCID: PMC8700392 DOI: 10.3390/children8121135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent female gymnasts are a vulnerable population in terms of their diet, as their nutritional needs are higher due to their growth and high daily training demands. The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a well-known dietary pattern that is associated with a greater nutritional adequacy and a lower prevalence of overweight. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the degree of adherence to the MD among adolescent female athletes who participated in all disciplines of gymnastics in Greece, as well as to explore the potential correlations between MD adherence, body weight, and body mass index (BMI). A total of 269 female gymnasts (between 11-18 years old) completed the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) and reported their weight and height. Approximately 10% of the participants were underweight and a mere 5.6% were classified as overweight. A high adherence to the MD was reported by 34.9% of the sample and this was correlated with a healthier BMI. Moreover, specific eating habits, such as eating nuts 2-3 times per week and eating fast-food less than once-weekly, were also associated with BMI. Athletes, parents, and coaches of gymnastics should be informed and educated regarding balanced nutrition habits. Future studies could evaluate adherence to MD, as well as the factors that influence the eating behaviors of adolescent female and male athletes in various sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Kontele
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, GR-11521 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (I.K.); (T.V.)
| | - Maria G. Grammatikopoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexander Campus, GR-57001 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Tonia Vassilakou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, GR-11521 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (I.K.); (T.V.)
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Development of a stand-alone index for the assessment of diet quality in elementary school-aged children. Public Health Nutr 2021; 24:5629-5640. [PMID: 34420540 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021003657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop and evaluate a stand-alone Elementary School-aged Children's Index of Diet Quality (ES-CIDQ). DESIGN In this cross-sectional study, children filled in a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with twenty-nine multiple-item questions on the consumption of foods, portion sizes and eating frequency and a 5-d food diary. Nutrient intakes were calculated with nutrient analysis software. FFQ questions best reflecting a health-promoting diet with reference to dietary recommendations were identified by correlations, logistic regression modelling and receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis. SETTING Southwest and Eastern Finland. PARTICIPANTS Healthy elementary school-aged volunteers [n 266, mean (sd) age 9·7 (1·7) years] were recruited between March 2017 and February 2018. RESULTS A set of questions was identified from the FFQ that best depicted the children's diet quality as defined in the dietary recommendations. These fifteen questions were scored and formulated into a stand-alone index as a continuous index score (range 0-16·5 points) and a two-category score: good and poor diet quality. The cut-off score of six points for a good diet quality had a sensitivity of 0·60 and a specificity of 0·78. Children with a good diet quality (49·8 % of the children) had higher intakes of protein, dietary fibre, and several vitamins and minerals, and lower intakes of sucrose, total fat, SFA and cholesterol compared to children with a poor diet quality. CONCLUSIONS The developed short stand-alone index depicted diet quality as defined in the dietary recommendations. Thus, ES-CIDQ may be used for assessing diet quality in Finnish elementary school-aged children in school health care and nutrition research.
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