Supplements purchase intention: young consumer's perspective

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the factors that influence young consumers' purchase intention towards dietary supplements (DS) in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe supplement industry in Malaysia has been growing rapidly recently due to a paradigm shift in healthcare management, from curative to prevention. Thus, it has sparked interest to conduct a study on the factors that influence young consumers' purchase intentions towards DS. With a response rate of 74.5%, a survey questionnaire was used to elicit data from 149 Gen-Y respondents who consume supplements on a regular basis.FindingsThe results revealed that the influencing factors towards purchase decisions among these Gen-Y respondents aged between 17 and 25 are based on product knowledge and product quality. The implications of these findings and directions for future research are outlined at the end of this paper.Originality/valueThis study offers empirical insights from the perspective of an emerging digital economy on the factors that influence young consumers' purchase intentions towards DS in Malaysia.

The Impact of Fast-Food Density on Obesity during the COVID-19 Lockdown in the UK: A Multi-Timepoint Study on British Cohort Data

Poor food environments are considered to trigger obesity and related health complications by restricting the local food options to predominantly low quality, energy-dense foods. This study investigated the impact of the food environment on obesity with a focus on any changes that might have occurred around the COVID lockdown period in the UK when majority of the population relied on food delivery and the local food environments. The proportion of fast-food retailers in the area and the Retail Food Environment Index (RFEI) were calculated for participants of the 1970 British Cohort Study (BCS70) at three timepoints: pre-COVID (2016), the first UK nation-wide lockdown (April–May 2020) and post lockdown (September–October 2020). The association of the food environment and the odds of obesity was estimated through multivariable logistic regression, with adjustments being made for selected socioeconomic variables. A model using the fast-food proportion as the sole predictor estimated that higher fast-food proportion increased the odds of obesity by 2.41 in 2016, 2.89 during the lockdown and 1.34 post lockdown, compared with 1.87, 2.23, and 0.73, respectively, for the same three periods with adjustments being made for select socioeconomic variables. On the other hand, RFEI increased the odds of obesity only slightly at 1.01, 1.02 and 1.03, respectively, with the model with adjustments yielding respective similar values. The fast-food proportion model indicates that proximity to a poor food environment is linked to obesity, especially during the COVID lockdown period, but the impact of a poor-food environment is limited if the RFEI is used as its indicator. The findings will add much needed insights on the UK data and will inform public health planning and policy.

Guest editorial: the relationship between nutrition and COVID-19

[...]the journal Nutrition and Food Science has published this special issue exploring the intersection of nutrition and COVID-19 [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8]. [...]a study explored the factors related to sedentary lifestyle in a Brazilian sample during the COVID-19 initial quarantine [8]. [...]the papers published in the special issue "The relationship between nutrition and COVID-19” underlined the importance of nutrition in mitigating the mental and health-related impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Physical Activity Level in Adolescents During the Lockdown in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study in Greek Island of Rhodes

Background: Nutrition is involved in various ways in the 17 distinct SDGs of the United Nations Agenda 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic is testing the world, threatening health, nutrition, education, and social protection.Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the adolescents' adherence to the Mediterranean diet that attended senior high school in the Greek city of Rhodes during the lockdown period.Methods: In this cross-sectional, observational study, the sample of the research was 227 students aged 11-15 years old, who self-reported their weight and height and completed validated questionnaires for their nutritional attitudes.Results: The percentages of students who were overweight/obese were 22.5% of the total sample (17.2% overweight and 5.3% obese) according to the IOTF (International Obesity Taskforce) cutoffs and 30.4% (21.6% overweight and 8.8% obese) according to the WHO (World Health Organization) cutoffs. The average KIDMED score of the sample was medium (6.00) and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet of the sample needs improvement.Conclusion: Results support a shift from the traditional Mediterranean diet to more unhealthy eating patterns. Adolescents' limited physical activity mainly on weekdays was reported, and further research could examine the role of distant education in this behavior. Policies and strategies targeting the students' population are essential for adolescents' nutrition education and the improvement of their dietary habits toward the sustainable Mediterranean diet, during the specific circumstances of covid pandemic.

In brief

Research shows that while inhaling gas and air (Entonox) in labour is safe for mothers and babies, long-term cumulative exposure may carry health risks. Work notice The right to strike The UK government's Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill is, at the time of going to press, at the committee stage in the House of Lords (the first chance for line-by-line examination). Visit bit.ly/ Clementine-register Working mums Maternity leave Careers After Babies research has found that of 848 mothers interviewed, 98% want to return to work after having a child but just 13% can make it work full-time, citing the cost of childcare and lack of flexibility from businesses as the reason. Find out more at hegenbergermedical.com/training Research Healthy eating support Researchers at the University of Hertfordshire are calling for better information on diet and nutrition to be made available to expectant parents.

Personalized Smart Diet Assistance System in Health Care Prosperity with AI and AR

Health care prosperity is the most challenging task for human being in the present dangerous COVID scenario and the discovery proposes an augmented reality based personalized smart diet assistance system which provides diet recommendations, appropriate time, type, quantity and method of consumption of a food item diet based on user health parameters based on location and event activities. The augmented reality based system comprises a user data input, an image processing, food consumption assistance, transmissible disease information retrieval and diet planning modules. The system incorporates an AI based camera to scan a food item before or after cooking and utilizes augmented reality to indicate the nutritional information. The proposed system provides personalized diet recommendations to the user based on personal data such as height, weight, existing medical conditions and thereof of a user. The system retrieves existing transmissible diseases data from world health organizations and data from news articles about any viral infections or diseases to suggest immunity boosting foods to the user to thereby safeguard the user against such diseases or infections.

Relative validity of a Diet Risk Score (DRS) for Chinese American adults

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the relative validity of the nine-item Diet Risk Score (DRS) among Chinese American adults using Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 scores. We provide insights into the application of the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA24) for this population, and report on lessons learned from carrying out participant recruitment during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThirty-three Chinese American adults (mean age=40;36% male) were recruited from the community and through ResearchMatch. Participants completed the DRS and two 24-hour food records, which were entered into the ASA 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA24) by community health workers (CHWs). HEI-2015 scores were calculated from each food record and an average score was obtained for each participant. One-way analysis of variance and Spearman correlations were used to compare total and component scores between the DRS and HEI-2015.ResultsMean HEI-2015 score was 56.7/100 (SD 10.6) and mean DRS score was 11.8/27 (SD 4.7), with higher scores reflecting better and worse diets, respectively. HEI-2015 and DRS scores were inversely correlated (r=−0.43, p<0.05). The strongest correlations were between HEI-2015 Total Vegetables and DRS Vegetables (r=−0.5, p<0.01), HEI-2015 Total Vegetables and Green Vegetables (r=−0.43, p=0.01) and HEI-2015 Seafood/Plant Protein and DRS Fish (r=−0.47, p<0.01). The inability to advertise and recruit for the study in person at community centres due to pandemic restrictions impeded the recruitment of less-acculturated individuals. A lack of cultural food items in the ASA24 database made it difficult to record dietary intake as reported by participants.ConclusionThe DRS can be a valuable tool for physicians to identify and reach Chinese Americans at risk of cardiometabolic disease.

Research on the relationship between wellness tourism experiencescape and revisit intention: a chain mediation model

PurposeThis study aims to construct a scale for measuring the spa hotel experiencescape in wellness tourism, clarify the mechanism through which wellness tourism experiencescape influences revisit intention and investigate the mediation roles of authenticity, memorability and organizational identification.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted content analysis of interviews, online reviews and relevant articles and used the concept of experiencescape to interpret spa hotels' experiential environment. The stimulus–organism–response (SOR) model was used as the basis for introducing authenticity, memorability, organizational identification and revisit intention to investigate how wellness tourism experiencescape affects tourists' behavior. In total, 488 valid questionnaires were collected at Taiwanese spa hotel clusters.FindingsFour factors of spa hotel experiencescape were identified: health promotion treats, mental learning, unique travel experience and healthy diet. Existential authenticity–memorability and existential authenticity–organizational identification exerted full positive mediation effects in the relationship between wellness tourism experiencescape and revisit intention.Practical implicationsThis study provides guidance on experience design for spa hotels. It promotes the consideration of existential authenticity in wellness tourism design.Originality/valueThe COVID-19 pandemic has raised awareness of wellness, drastically increasing the potential of the wellness tourism market. This study investigated the construction of wellness tourism experiencescape and its influence, and the findings can facilitate post-pandemic restoration of the wellness tourism industry. On the basis of SOR model, a chain mediation model was proposed to reveal the influence of wellness tourism experiencescape on revisit intention. Existential authenticity was discovered to play a crucial role in the relationship between wellness tourism experiencescape and revisit intention, which suggests that existential authenticity should be considered during service design and in marketing strategies for wellness tourism.

Virtual teaching kitchen classes and cardiovascular disease prevention counselling among medical trainees

BackgroundHands-on culinary medicine education for medical trainees has emerged as a promising tool for cardiovascular health promotion.PurposeTo determine whether virtual culinary medicine programming associates with Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) adherence and lifestyle medicine competencies among medical trainees across the USA.MethodA total of 1433 medical trainees across 19 sites over a 12-month period were included. The Cooking for Health Optimisation with Patients-Medical Trainees survey composed of 61 questions regarding demographics, nutritional attitudes, dietary habits including MedDiet score and lifestyle medicine counselling competencies. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the association of virtual culinary medicine education with MedDiet intake and nutritional attitudes.ResultsThere were 519 medical trainees who participated in virtual culinary medicine education and 914 medical trainees who participated in their standard nutrition curricula. More than one-half of participants were women (n=759) and the mean age was 27 years old. Compared with students enrolled in traditional nutrition curricula, participants in virtual culinary medicine education were 37% more likely to adhere to MedDiet guidelines for fruit intake (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.83, p=0.03). Virtual culinary medicine education was associated with higher proficiency in lifestyle medicine counselling categories, notably recommendations involving fibre (OR 4.03;95% CI 3.05 to 5.34), type 2 diabetes prevention (OR 4.69;95% CI 3.51 to 6.27) and omega fatty acids (OR 5.21;95% CI 3.87 to 7.02). Virtual culinary medicine education had a similar, although higher magnitude association with MedDiet counselling competency (OR 5.73, 95% CI 4.26 to 7.70) when compared with historical data previously reported using hands-on, in-person culinary medicine courseware (OR 4.97, 95% CI 3.89 to 6.36).ConclusionsCompared with traditional nutritional educational curricula, virtual culinary medicine education is associated with higher MedDiet adherence and lifestyle medicine counselling competencies among medical trainees. Both virtual and hands-on culinary medicine education may be useful for cardiovascular health promotion.

THE ROLE OF WELLNESS IN DESTINATION BRANDING – A CROSS-COUNTRY ANALYSIS OF CROATIAN VS. MALTA'S ISLANDS

Wellness in different forms is growing in importance in the lifestyles of many travelers, therefore the offer side is constantly innovating and increasing its appealing products and services. DMOs should support these providers in reaching their target markets, which represents the purpose of this paper. It is well known, branding is one of the key tools in communicating the attractiveness of a tourist destination. The main research question which reflects the aim is: how are DMOs incorporating the concept of wellness in their destination branding marketing activities? This problem is researched on the examples of Croatian and Malta island destinations.

Vitamin D supplementation and immune-related markers: an update from nutrigenetic and nutrigenomic studies

Vitamin D is both a nutrient and a neurologic hormone that plays a critical role in modulating immune responses. While low levels of vitamin D are associated with increased susceptibility to infections and immune-related disorders, vitamin D supplementation has demonstrated immunomodulatory effects that can be protective against various diseases and infections. Vitamin D receptor is expressed in immune cells that have the ability to synthesise the active vitamin D metabolite. Thus, vitamin D acts in an autocrine manner in a local immunologic milieu in fighting against infections. Nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics are the new disciplines of nutritional science that explore the interaction between nutrients and genes using distinct approaches to decipher the mechanisms by which nutrients can influence disease development. Though molecular and observational studies have proved the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D, only very few studies have documented the molecular insights of vitamin D supplementation. Until recently, researchers have investigated only a few selected genes involved in the vitamin D metabolic pathway that may influence the response to vitamin D supplementation and possibly disease risk. This review summarises the impact of vitamin D supplementation on immune markers from nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics perspective based on evidence collected through a structured search using PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct and Web of Science. The research gaps and shortcomings from the existing data and future research direction of vitamin D supplementation on various immune-related disorders are discussed.

A Review on Prophylactic Regimen by Evaluation of Asymptomatic SARS CoV-II Carriers

High erythrocyte sedimentation rate and D-dimer were also observed.15 The main pathogenesis of COVID-19 infection as a respiratory system targeting virus was severe pneumonia, RNA anaemia, combined with the incidence of ground-glass opacities, and acute cardiac injury. The comparable viral load in a group of asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 was higher than that of the symptomatic carriers and increasing level of white blood cell count (12.4×109/L), neutrophil count (7.82×109/L), C-reactive protein level (189.2mg/L), low lymphocyte count (0.84×109/L) and platelet count (88×109/L) was found different than the normal range in asymptomatic patients.22 2.1 Clinical Evaluation of Asymptomatic Carriers: Many asymptomatic persons were actually a source of SARS-CoV-2 infection but were considered healthy before they underwent screening. CRP levels, LDH levels, and white blood cell counts were elevated occurred in 10, 13 and 1 patient, respectively.24 According to the study, asymptomatic infection was seldom seen in young people;the proportion with severe COVID-19 was low, and the proportion with ordinary COVID-19 was high. 2.3 Evaluation of Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Carriers: Table-1: Description of general characteristics responsible for evaluation of asymptomatic carriers of Covid-19. General characteristics Asymptomatic Carriers Symptomatic Carriers Normal range White blood cell count (× 10⁹ cells per L) 5.65 9.43 4.00–10.00 Neutrophil count (× 10⁹ cells per L) 3.62 8.21 1.80–6.30 Lymphocyte count (× 10⁹ cells per L) 1.55 0.69 1.10–3.20 C-reactive protein (mg/L) 0.69 202.03 0.0–5.0 3 Prophylactic Regimens for Prevention from Sars Cov-II Virus: This review aims to interrogate the current evidence base, and present the potential immune-mediating, antioxidant, and antimicrobial roles of vitamins A to E in the context of respiratory disease, and to extrapolate this evidence to evaluate the potential roles in the fight against COVID-19.

Micronutrient malnutrition across the life course, sarcopenia and frailty. Winter Conference Live 2020, 8-9 December 2020

These proceedings contain 49 articles that discuss common themes that emerge. (1) the persistently high incidence of micronutrient deficiency in a variety of populations in rich, middle, and low-income countries;(2) frequent micronutrient deficiencies;(3) poor diets with little variety and a lack of foods high in micronutrient density are the main causes of deficiencies;(4) a poor diet's negative consequences are exacerbated by clinical conditions, drugs for prevalent non-communicable diseases, and environmental factors;(5) research on the mechanisms behind the impacts of micronutrients is ongoing. (6) immune function must be maintained, which is critical given the COVID-19 pandemic;(7) more accurate biomarkers are required to identify deficiencies and their consequences;and (8) dietary guidelines must be updated on a regular basis.

IMPACT OF DIFFERENT FOPL SYSTEMS (NUTRI-SCORE vs NUTRINFORM) ON CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: CASE STUDY OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC

Undoubtedly, the proportion of the obese population has increased significantly in recent decades. Using FOPL (front-of-pack labelling) with clear nutritional information could also be helpful in eliminating this problem. The main aim of this contribution is to analyse the effects of using nutritional FOPL on consumers choices. The analysis was based on the research, while 1000 respondents were asked to choose the desired product variant in three categories - cereals, yoghurts and protein bars without FOPL and with FOPL on their package. Two of the most discussed FOPL systems in the EU (Nutri-Score and Nutrinform) were analysed. Changes in consumer choice were analysed using non-parametric statistics, multiple correspondences, and correlation analysis. The results showed that both FOPLs affect the consumer in all products. The effects of FOPL resulted in choosing the best product (for cereals from 47% to 49%;for yoghurts from 28% to 31%;for bars from 28% to 42%) and improved consumers' choice. There are differences in effects between Nutri-Score (NS) and Nutrinform (NI). NS seems to be a more effective system because it has a stronger positive impact on consumers' choices. For cereals, the selection improved by 18% (NS) vs. 15% (NI), for yoghurts by 17% (NS) vs. 13% (NI), and for bars 28% (NS) vs. 20% (Nl). The results among different product categories were not consistent. Consumers' attitudes toward a healthier diet can be improved using nutritional FOPL.

The Impact of an Education Intervention to Improve Blood Pressure Control among Black Non-Hispanic Patients and Hispanic Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

This project examined the effect of an educational intervention on blood pressure control among minority patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Adherence to a lowsodium diet is crucial for blood pressure control. It is also vital to assess food insecurity to improve diet adherence, especially among high-risk underrepresented populations. Participants were recruited from a public hospital renal clinic. Knowledge and food access was assessed using CKD and food insecurity questionnaires. Food frequency and 24-hour 3-day food diaries were completed and analyzed. Eighteen patients were enrolled (Black, nonHispanic = 66.6%, Hispanic = 27.7%, uninsured = 33.3%, and Medicaid recipients = 27.7%). Eighty-nine percent of participants screened positive for food insecurity and received vouchers for healthy food from a food depository. Paired t tests showed statistically significant increase in knowledge (p < 0.00) and self-efficacy, and systolic blood pressure improved post-intervention. This study suggests that Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic patients with CKD have limited access to healthy food and consume higher sodium. Patient education, screening for food insecurity, and access to a food depository enhanced adherence to low sodium diet and improved blood pressure control.

Dietary Catering: The Perfect Solution for Rational Food Management in Households

The problem of food waste is a global phenomenon. Food waste occurs at all stages of the food chain. Households, especially in developed countries, produce the most food waste. In order to effectively prevent consumers from throwing food away, it is important to understand the factors that determine these behaviors in the household. The aim of this study was to define the goal of using dietary catering in Polish society as a form of consumption of wholesome meals with a specific calorific value and distribution of macronutrients in the aspect of reducing losses related to food waste. The research was carried out online in the years 2020–2022 among the clients of a catering company. The survey respondents were residents of the Małopolskie Voivodeship in Poland. The research tool was an original anonymous questionnaire in the form of a shortened nutritional interview. On the basis of the obtained results, it can be concluded that factors such as age and gender influence consumer behavior. The reasons for the decision to choose dietary catering were mainly indicated as wasting and throwing away food, as well as inadequate management of food supplies and preparing too large portions of meals.

Challenges and Solutions to Change of Operations in Nutrition- and Health-Related Community Programs, Cooperative Extension, and Teaching During COVID-19

The Extension and community programs that support the agricultural economy and rural society are incredibly important because they assist thousands of residents every year with the management of chronic disease and prevention of obesity and nutrition-related problems (Pehr, 2018). Limited resources, including poverty, financial constraints, cultural differences and lack of support systems often play a role in post-secondary success (Byun, Meece, & Irvin, 2012). The university also provided laptops for them to check out, wireless internet hotspots, and limited computer lab access-with protocols in place for social distancing and sanitizing-at the main and branch campuses throughout the state. Challenges and Solutions in Nutrition- and Health-Related Extension Programs Funding, technology, and human resources are typically limited in rural communities;geography also influences a number of factors such as transportation.

Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the economic situation and food security of rural households in India

Purpose>The purpose of the study is to understand what impact the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 had on the income and food security of rural households in India and whether it differed across socioeconomic factors. Moreover, the study assesses the needs of rural households and determines whether they had received adequate support services during the lockdown.Design/methodology/approach>The study adopted a repeated-measures quantitative survey design with 1,319 rural women from 16 states of India and conducted a telephonic survey.Findings>The lockdown had directly impacted rural households' employment status and income but the impact differed depending on the type of employment. For example, working in a salaried job or on one's farm led to a lower likelihood of a complete decline in income in states other than Kerala as the lockdown continued. The study also revealed a change in the pattern of food consumption, with higher consumption of subsidized staple foods. It also became evident that the aid announced by the government reached the rural population with some delay.Research limitations/implications>A limitation of the study was that many respondents refused to participate in phase 2, which reduced the sample size when comparing the two phases because the women did not own mobile phones. Instead, they were using their husbands' phones.Originality/value>The study's findings can help better understand the needs of rural populations during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This can help to plan better and build preventive actions for such populations once their needs are understood. In addition, this can aid disadvantaged people for a minimal level of preparedness and security during such a crisis in the future.

PROMOTING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AMONG STUDENTS: RESPONDING TO PANDEMIC CHALLENGES AND IMPLICATIONS

The article deals with the problem of promoting a healthy lifestyle among youth, which is very relevant for present-day society and requires a comprehensive study. An increasingly important role in a healthy lifestyle promotion is played by the online media, which influences young people's behavior model and building a system of life values. The purpose of the study is to determine whether the content of the website of a particular university contains elements of promoting a healthy lifestyle among students. Empirical research was conducted using content analysis as a method, which suggests text quantification with the subsequent interpretation of the results. We used a complete sampling of documents, articles, and reports posted on the website of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine in 2021. The analysis confirmed the presence of promoting healthy lifestyle elements and the quantification identified the points of targeted communication impact on the audience - these are the categories Physical activity (54% of the total number of documents related to health), "Health control (21%), and "Rational nutrition (10%).