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Di Gennaro G, Licata F, Pujia A, Montalcini T, Bianco A. How may we effectively motivate people to reduce the consumption of meat? Results of a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Prev Med 2024; 184:108007. [PMID: 38762144 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2024.108007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Excessive meat consumption (MC) is associated with multiple health risks. Additionally, it can undermine environmental sustainability and affect the potential improvement of animal welfare. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of literacy interventions (LIs) in reducing MC. METHODS Studies assessing the efficacy of LIs addressing health risks, environmental sustainability and/or animal welfare in reducing MC were searched. We used random-effects meta-analysis to estimate the overall efficacy and conducted subgroup analyses to identify the most effective information contents. Additionally, meta-regression analyses investigated participants' age, LI duration, and follow-up length influence on LIs' efficacy. RESULTS Fourteen studies involving more than ten thousand subjects were meta-analyzed. The pooled estimate showed that LIs had a small (Hedges's g = 0.15; 95%CI: 0.06-0.25) but statistically significant effect in reducing MC. Subgroup analysis showed that the highest efficacy was achieved when subjects were alarmed about health risks (g = 0.29; 95% CI: -0.02, 0.60), compared to informing about the risks for the environment (g = 0.18; 95% CI: -0.15, 0.51) and for animal welfare (g = 0.02; 95%CI: -0.08, 0.11). The meta-regression analysis indicated that LIs had greater efficacy in younger individuals and when the intervention duration was longer. Conversely, it was suggested that efficacy improves as the length of follow-up increases. CONCLUSIONS Informing about health risks related to MC temporarily decreased its intake, while informing about the impact on environmental sustainability or animal welfare was ineffective. Furthermore, long-lasting LIs achieve long-term dietary change toward MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Di Gennaro
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Græcia", Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Francesca Licata
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Græcia", Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Arturo Pujia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Græcia", Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Montalcini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Græcia", Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Aida Bianco
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Græcia", Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
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Lonati E, Cazzaniga E, Adorni R, Zanatta F, Belingheri M, Colleoni M, Riva MA, Steca P, Palestini P. Health-Related Lifestyles among University Students: Focusing on Eating Habits and Physical Activity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:626. [PMID: 38791840 PMCID: PMC11120768 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The transition to higher education at University is a critical moment for young adults to acquire unhealthy habits regarding physical activity (PA) and adherence to a healthy diet. Negative behaviors might be maintained in the years to come with a major risk of suffering from a Non-Communicable Disease. This study aims to determine the relationship between diet and PA in the student community of University of Milano-Bicocca. Students between 18 and 30 years old completed an online survey (6949 students). Two analyses of covariance (ANCOVA), chi-square tests of independence, and a binomial logistic regression were performed to examine the relationship between adequacy of food consumption and PA, in association also with sociodemographic characteristics. Data show a strong correlation between behaviors analyzed, with a proportional positive association between PA and healthy diet. Nevertheless, a third of the sample students incur in incorrect habits for both diet and PA. Further, students performing intensive PA have the healthiest food consumption in general but the worst red meat and pork intake. Accordingly, men practice more PA but have a less adequate diet, exactly contrary to women. In conclusion, policies promoting consciousness of well-being would transform Universities into healthy hubs for virtuous habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Lonati
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore, 48, 20900 Monza, Italy; (E.C.); (M.B.); (M.A.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Emanuela Cazzaniga
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore, 48, 20900 Monza, Italy; (E.C.); (M.B.); (M.A.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Roberta Adorni
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell’Ateneo Nuovo, 20126 Milan, Italy; (F.Z.); (P.S.)
| | - Francesco Zanatta
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell’Ateneo Nuovo, 20126 Milan, Italy; (F.Z.); (P.S.)
| | - Michael Belingheri
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore, 48, 20900 Monza, Italy; (E.C.); (M.B.); (M.A.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Matteo Colleoni
- Department of Sociology and Social Research, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell’Ateneo Nuovo, 20126 Milan, Italy;
- BASE Bicocca Sustainability Committee, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell’Ateneo Nuovo, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Augusto Riva
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore, 48, 20900 Monza, Italy; (E.C.); (M.B.); (M.A.R.); (P.P.)
- BASE Bicocca Sustainability Committee, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell’Ateneo Nuovo, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Steca
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell’Ateneo Nuovo, 20126 Milan, Italy; (F.Z.); (P.S.)
- BASE Bicocca Sustainability Committee, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell’Ateneo Nuovo, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Palestini
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore, 48, 20900 Monza, Italy; (E.C.); (M.B.); (M.A.R.); (P.P.)
- BASE Bicocca Sustainability Committee, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell’Ateneo Nuovo, 20126 Milan, Italy
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Lomazzi M. Nutrition for European Elite Fencers: A Practical Tool for Coaches and Athletes. Nutrients 2024; 16:1104. [PMID: 38674795 PMCID: PMC11055078 DOI: 10.3390/nu16081104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this narrative review is to create a comprehensive, innovative, and pragmatic resource to guide elite fencers and coaches in making strategic nutritional choices to enhance performance and facilitate recovery. The literature review identified only 12 articles specifically addressing the topic of nutrition for fencers. Thus, the recommendations provided in this review derive also from articles dealing with similar sports, such as martial arts, and from investigations with European elite fencers and their coaches. For elite fencers, it is suggested to consume daily 7-11 g/kg of body weight (BW) of carbohydrates and 1.5-2 g/kg of BW of proteins and allocate 25% to 30% of the total energy intake to essential fats, with a specific focus on omega-3 fatty acids. The timing of meals, ideally within one hour after exertion, plays a pivotal role in restoring glycogen reserves and preventing injuries. The intake of leucine, creatine, omega-3, collagen, and vitamins C and D is proposed as a strategy for injury recovery. It is worth acknowledging that even when personalized plans are provided, implementation can be challenging, especially during competitions and training camps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Lomazzi
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
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Siddiqui SA, Bhowmik S, Afreen M, Ucak İ, Ikram A, Gerini F, Mehdizadeh M, Ayivi RD, Castro-Muñoz R. Bodybuilders and high-level meat consumers' behavior towards rabbit, beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb meat: A comparative review. Nutrition 2024; 119:112305. [PMID: 38199031 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2023.112305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
In bodybuilders' diets, protein plays a crucial role in supporting muscle growth and repairing damaged muscle tissue. These individuals meet their protein needs by combining dietary sources with supplements. Animal-based proteins are often preferred over plant-based proteins because they are believed to better support muscle protein synthesis. This review explores the meat consumption patterns of bodybuilders and high-level meat consumers, focusing on rabbit, beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb. We describe and compare the types of meat bodybuilders commonly consume and provide an overview of protein supplements, including meat-based options, plant-based alternatives, and whey-based products. Our aim is to gain insight into the dietary preferences of bodybuilders and high-level meat consumers, considering their nutritional requirements and the potential effect on the meat industry. We conducted an extensive search across various databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. We found that individual choices vary based on factors such as attitudes, trust, taste, texture, nutritional content, ethical considerations, and cultural influences. Nutritional factors, including protein content, amino acid profiles, and fat levels, significantly influence the preferences of bodybuilders and high-level meat consumers. However, it is crucial to maintain a balance by incorporating other essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals to ensure a complete and balanced diet. The findings from this review can inform strategies and product development initiatives tailored to the needs of bodybuilders and discerning meat enthusiasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahida Anusha Siddiqui
- Technical University of Munich, Department of Biotechnology and Sustainability, Straubing, Germany; German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL e.V.), Quakenbrück, Germany
| | - Shuva Bhowmik
- Centre for Bioengineering and Nanomedicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Department of Food Science, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Maliha Afreen
- Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Animal Production and Technologies Department, Niğde, Turkey
| | - İlknur Ucak
- Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Animal Production and Technologies Department, Niğde, Turkey
| | - Ali Ikram
- University Institute of Food Science and Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Francesca Gerini
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Mohammad Mehdizadeh
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Raphael D Ayivi
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA; Department of Nanoscience, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Roberto Castro-Muñoz
- Gdansk University of Technology, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Sanitary Engineering, 80 - 233, Gdansk, G. Narutowicza St. 11/12, Poland.
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Franca PAP, Gonçalves Lima CKAZ, de Oliveira TM, Ferreira TJ, da Silva RRM, Loureiro LL, Pierucci APTR. Effectiveness of current protein recommendations in adolescent athletes on a low-carbon diet. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1016409. [PMID: 36185661 PMCID: PMC9520475 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1016409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescent athletes require adequate energy and nutrient supply to support growth, development, and the demands associated with exercise and training. However, they are susceptible to nutritional inadequacies affecting their health and physical performance. Food choices with nutrient adequacy and environmental protection is crucial for a sustainable diet. Therefore, we aimed to assess the adequacy of low-carbon diets to meet the protein requirements of adolescent athletes. Therefore, a cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 91 adolescent athletes from sports clubs in Rio de Janeiro who underwent anthropometric and food consumption assessments. To estimate the environmental impact of anthropogenic activities, the sustainability indicators carbon footprint (CF) and water footprint (WF) were used. The CF of the athlete's diet was compared with the benchmark of 1,571 g CO2eq/cap/d estimated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Protein recommendations according to the American Dietetic Association (ADA) for athletes and protein food groups according to the low-carbon EAT-Lancet reference diet were used as references. The results were stratified by sport modality, age, sex, and income range. The Mann-Whitney test was performed, followed by the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post-hoc test to assess the differences between groups using the statistical program GraphPad PRISM® version 8.0. CF and WF were directly associated with total energy intake, total protein intake, animal-origin protein intake, and the food groups of meat and eggs. Significant differences were observed in the environmental impact of diet based on sports groups and gender. The athletes' profile with higher environmental impact was male, middle-income class, and of any age group. The quartiles of CF of the overall diets were above the 1,571 g CO2eq/cap/d benchmark. Additionally, ADA's recommended range of daily protein consumption was met by most athletes, even in the lowest quartile of CF. Thus, a diet with a lower environmental impact can meet protein recommendations in adolescent athletes. The results found are of interest to the sports and food industries. It could help in designing a balanced diet for athletes as well as ensure less negative environmental impacts of food production and consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Anna Paola Trindade Rocha Pierucci
- Department of Basic and Experimental Nutrition (DNBE), Instituto de Nutrição Josué de Castro, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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