Changes in diet and physical activity in students during lockdown by example of COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Due to the spread of COVID-19 infections around the world, in early 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a global pandemic, i.e. an epidemic of particularly large dimensions affecting countries and entire continents. Long-term stay at home and self-isolation may have significantly impacted lifestyle, diet, food choices and access to food, as well as physical activity in the entire population, including students. Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the impact of social isolation caused by the coronavirus pandemic on changes in diet, lifestyle and body mass index in a group of students, so that we would be better prepared for future new viral infections with characteristics similar to Covid-19. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in 2021 using a cross-sectional online survey (using the CAWI technique). The survey was addressed to students of universities in Poland who were over 18 years of age. After excluding forms completed incorrectly or with incorrect data, the final analysis of the results included the responses of 196 respondents. Statistical analyzes were performed in STATISTICA 13.3. Statistical significance was assumed at the level of p ≤ 0.05. Results: The study involved 136 women and 60 men with an average age of 23. The majority of respondents were residents of cities with over 500,000 inhabitants (50%), were students of 1st degree (45%) in medical/natural sciences (36%). The largest percentage of respondents (above 70%), before the pandemic and during isolation, had normal body weight, according to the BMI. There were significant statistical differences between gender and changes during COVID-19 pandemic in sleeping (p=0.013), physical activity (p=0.028), as well as the consumption of tea (p=0.047), milk and dairy products (p=0.041), alcohol (p=0.001) and red meat (p=0.003), vegetables (p=0.049), sweets (p=0.029) and fast food (p=0.004). Conclusions: Due to the fact that the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the diet and lifestyle has been demonstrated, it is very important that the recommendations of public health organizations spread the message about rational nutrition and physical activity in the event of new viral infections among young people, including students.

Gender as a factor influencing the frequency of meat and fish consumption in young adults.

Background: Meat and fish contain easily digestible whole protein, B vitamins and numerous minerals, such as zinc, phosphorus and iron, thanks to which these products have a high nutritional value. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of consumption of meat and fish in young adults depending on gender. Material and Methods: Data was collected from 200 respondents aged 19-30 using online survey questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into three parts. The first part contained questions about sociodemographic and anthropometric data, the second part contained a question regarding the self-assessment of the diet. Whereas, the third part of the questionnaire concerned the frequency of consumption of meat and fish. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using Statistica 13.3 software and statistical significance was assumed at the p≤0.05 level. Results: Meat consumption was declared by 86.5% of the respondents (83% of women and 90% of men), usually 5-6 times a week (20%). Gender statistically significantly differentiated the frequency of meat consumption. Men significantly more often consumed total meat (p=0.002), red meat (p=0.001) and poultry (p=0.004) compared to women. Fish was eaten by 85% of the respondents, and 39% only 1-3 times a month. Respondents preferred oily fish. There were no statistically significant differences in the consumption of fish by men and women. Conclusions: Considering the complexity of the relationship between men and women's meat and fish consumption and health, research is needed to clarify the amounts of meat and fish consumed, the degrees and how they are processed, and the reasons for eating or not eating them. This can be helpful in directions for nutritional education.

Assessment of coffee, tea and herbal infusions consumption in adults.

Introduction: Coffee and tea are some of the most popular beverages in the world. Herbal infusions are also growing in popularity. Much attention is being paid to the effects of these beverages on the body and human health. Objective: The aim of the study was to analyse the consumption of coffee, tea and herbal infusions in terms of selected socioeconomic and lifestyle factors, as well as the frequency of beverages consumption in the study group. Materials and methods: The study involved 508 adult respondents, including 404 females and 104 males aged over 18 years. An online survey questionnaire was used, consisting of questions on socioeconomic data, lifestyle, height and weight, and frequency of consumption of coffee, tea and herbal infusions. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using Statistica 13.3 software, and statistical significance was assumed at the p≤0.05 level. Results: The beverages most often consumed by the adults was tea (90.2% of the respondents), followed by coffee (81.5%), the least frequently chosen beverage was herbal infusion (48%). The largest percentage of adults consuming coffee were: persons aged 18-29 (p=0.012), with higher education (p=0.010), living in cities over 500,000 inhabitants (p=0.048) or having permanent employment (p<0.001). In the case of tea consumption, significantly the largest percentage of adults concerned: women (p<0.001), persons with low physical activity (p=0.003) or good/very good self-dietary assessment (p<0.001). Significantly the largest percentage of adults consuming herbal infusions were: women (p<0.001), persons aged 18-29 (p=0.031) or with higher education (p<0.001). Gender was not a factor differentiating the frequency of consumption of the analyzed beverages in study group. Conclusions: The consumption of coffee, tea and herbal infusions is determined by several socio-demographic factors. Coffee was chosen more often by young people with an active professional life in large cities, which is probably related to the availability of this beverage in offices as well as in takeaway cafes.

Influence of Body Composition and Specific Anthropometric Parameters on SIBO Type.

Recent observations have shown that Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)affects the host through various mechanisms. While both weight loss and obesity have been reported in the SIBO population due to alterations in the gut microbiome, very little is known about the influence of SIBO type on body composition. This study aimed to evaluate whether there is a link between the three types of SIBO: methane dominant (M+), hydrogen dominant (H+), and methane-hydrogen dominant (H+/M+) and specific anthropometric parameters. This observational study included 67 participants (W = 53, M = 14) with gastrointestinal symptoms and SIBO confirmed by lactulose hydrogen-methane breath tests (LHMBTs) using the QuinTron device. Participants underwent a body composition assessment by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) using the InBody Analyzer. In the H+/M+ group, body weight (p = 0.010), BMI (p = 0.001), body fat in kg (p = 0.009), body fat in % (p = 0.040), visceral fat (p = 0.002), and mineral bone content (p = 0.049) showed an inverse correlation with hydrogen (H2) gas production. These findings suggest that body weight, BMI, body fat, and mineral bone content may be inversely linked to the production of hydrogen and the risk of hydrogen-methane SIBO.

Effects of Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet on changes in thyroid parameters in Hashimoto's disease.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: In the scientific world, the nutritional needs of persons with Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroid disease are discussed, and there is a lot of interest in the autoimmune protocol (AIP). The aim of the study was to check the effects of AIP on thyroid parameters in euthyroid patients with Hashimoto's disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Among 28 people with Hashimoto's (including 1 male) the consumption of nutrients, anthropometrics, symptoms of the disease, values of thyroid parameters: FT3, FT4, TSH, thyroid ultrasound and autoimmune aTPO, aTG were analyzed before and after 12 weeks of using the AIP diet. The impact of changes in the consumption of selected nutrients on changes in thyroid biochemical parameters were analyzed using multiple regression models, where the dependent variables of the created models were changes in thyroid biochemical parameters. RESULTS: After applying the AIP diet, the number of people reporting symptoms of malaise decreased, the levels of FT3 and FT4 as well as TSH decreased, remaining within the reference concentration range. aTG decreased slightly, but aTPO increased significantly. Ultrasound examination also showed a decrease in the volume of the thyroid gland. The body weight of the subjects decreased, which indicates a caloric deficit. CONCLUSIONS: Given the numerous advantages of the AIP diet, extending the observation time of the diet, along with its personalization in terms of food selection, energy and nutritional value, could show changes in both well-being and biochemical test results to a greater extent. The use of a personalized AIP protocol can improve the quality of life, a positive change in mental state, reduction of stress, and above all, the improvement of adverse ailments associated with Hashimoto's disease.

Nutrition-Related Knowledge, Diet Quality, Lifestyle, and Body Composition of 7-12-Years-Old Polish Students: Study Protocol of National Educational Project Junior-Edu-Zywienie (JEZ).

Increasing students' nutrition knowledge is an important goal of school education which may improve their lifestyle and consequently reduce the incidence of non-communicable chronic diseases, including obesity. This research aimed at assessing the dietary habits, nutrition-related knowledge and attitudes, and nutritional status of Polish students aged 7-12 years. Additional objectives included recognizing nutrition-related knowledge among their parents and teachers as well as the school food and nutrition environment. The final goal was to develop a nutrition education program. This study protocol presents a general and detailed approach for realizing the above-mentioned issues, including conducting quantitative and qualitative research. The study was designed as cross-sectional, covering primary school students from all over Poland, including rural, town, and metropolitan areas. Data on eating habits, lifestyle, nutrition-related knowledge, and attitudes were collected with questionnaires. Measurements of body weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, and handgrip strength were performed in accordance with the International Standards for Anthropometric Assessment (ISAK) recommendations. Body composition was assessed with bioelectrical impedance analysis. Ultimately, 2218 schools from all 16 voivodeships in Poland registered for the project. In total, quantitative data were collected among 27,295 students, 17,070 parents, and 2616 teachers. Anthropometric measurements were taken among 18,521 students. The results allow us to develop a multifaceted educational program based on knowledge and adapted to the perception of students. Our research may contribute to the identification of subpopulations of children and adolescents at risk of excessive body weight and define the predictors of obesity risk in Poland.

Efficacy of an Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet in the Treatment of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: A Narrative Review.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is highly prevalent in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The eradication of bacterial overgrowth with antibiotics is the first-line treatment. However, focusing only on the antimicrobial effects without taking care to improve lifestyle factors, especially dietary patterns, may predispose patients to intestinal microbiota dysfunction. The objective of this study is to determine whether the current recommendations regarding nutrition in IBS are suitable for patients with SIBO. A narrative literature review was carried out using databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. Recent studies indicate that dietary manipulation may have a role in alleviating SIBO gastrointestinal symptoms. A low FODMAP diet proposed for IBS may promote a negative shift in the gut microbiota and deepen the existing state of dysbiosis in SIBO patients. Supplementation with soluble fiber can lessen the symptoms in IBS and SIBO. Targeted probiotic therapy may also increase the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment and regulate bowel movements. Therefore, optimal dietary patterns play a key role in the treatment of SIBO. Based on currently available literature, the potential efficacy of the IBS diet in SIBO is largely hypothetical. Future research is needed to characterize a specific diet for the treatment of SIBO.

The content of ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids and vitamin C in non-preserved juices, depending on their type and storage time.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin C is one of the most important water-soluble vitamins. It is responsible for many important functions in the body, including: it has a positive effect on maintaining immunity, protects the body against free radicals, and also participates in the synthesis of hormones. Juices can be a good source of this vitamin. Most of the juices available on the market are processed products. Untreated juices, which do not contain added preservatives, sugar and are not pasteurized, constitute a smaller group on the market. Therefore, this group of juices can be a valuable product in human nutrition. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was t o analyze the content of ascorbic acid (AA), dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA) and vitamin C (TAA) in non-preserved juices, depending on their type and storage time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis of T AA, AA and DHAA content in juices was carried out in ten types of nonpreserved juices from two companies (A and B), purchased in a chain of retail outlets. The analyzed juices in company A were: sauerkraut and carrot, grapefruit, orange, apple and mandarin, while in company B: orange, apple, apple and quince, grapefruit and mandarin. In test 1, the first ten juices were analyzed, in test 2 - another ten juices after one month, in test 3 - juices from test 2 were used, and three days after opening the package and storing the juices in standard refrigeration conditions, the stability test of AA was analyzed. The AA and TAA contents were determined using the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The DHAA content was calculated by subtracting the AA content from the TAA content. RESULTS: The highest TAA content was found in citrus juices, i.e. grapefruit, orange and mandarin, and the lowest in sauerkraut and carrot juices and apple juice. Moreover, ascorbic acid in apple juice was characterized by the lowest durability. CONCLUSIONS: In the production of non-preserved apple juice, consideration should be given to the natural protection of ascorbic acid by the addition of citrus or other fruit juice, vegetable juice or by using a mild technology in the production process.

The importance of gluten exclusion in the management of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: There is a growing interest in a gluten-free diet (GFD) in the management of various autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Even medical professionals claim that gluten elimination may improve a patient's treatment. Some studies suggest a relationship between gluten intake and HT development or progression. The aim of the study was to analyze and describe available knowledge regarding the effect of gluten or a gluten-free diet on thyroid autoimmunity in HT with or without celiac disease. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: Potentially applicable records were obtained through review and analysis of the PUBMED (MEDLINE) and Google Scholar database by using the following phrases: 'hypothyroidism gluten', 'Hashimoto gluten' and 'thyroiditis gluten'. If a record focused on the subject by title and abstrakt, the full paper was screened. Authors' scientific achievements and references of eligible records were screened for possibly omitted studies. The review was focused only on human studies. DISCUSSION: Gluten exclusion might increase the risk of HT development because of the potential nutritional deficiencies related to the low quality of gluten-free products. Gluten intake from crops grown on selenium-depleted soil increases the risk of HT development. Only a few studies suggest that GFD would be beneficial for HT patients, even without the coexistence of CD. The strongest connection between gluten intake and thyroid destruction seems to be based on a mechanism of molecular mimicry between gut and thyroid tissue transglutaminase. CONCLUSIONS: Studies conducted so far do not support the claim that HT patients should eliminate gluten from their diet. In view of the limited number of studies, with major limitations and ambiguous results, a gluten-free diet is not recommended.

Are Nutritional Patterns among Polish Hashimoto Thyroiditis Patients Differentiated Internally and Related to Ailments and Other Diseases?

There is not any diet recommended for Hashimoto's disease, despite that those patients are often undernourished. Because of the high heterogeneity of Hashimoto's patients, insight into dietary patterns might shed some light on the patient-tailored dietary approach, thus improving their treatment and helping to identify patients with the highest probability of particular nutritional deficiencies. The aim of this study was to identify Hashimoto's patients' dietary patterns and their characterization based on both socio-demographic variables and dietary self-assessment. We collected data online from patients with Hashimoto's disease. The questionnaire formula used in the study was developed based on a validated food frequency questionnaire KomPAN®. K-means pattern analyses were used to characterize patients into patterns based on the frequency of particular types of foods consumption and socio-demographic factors. Four patterns were identified. We labeled them as 'Convenient', 'Non-meat', 'Pro-healthy', and 'Carnivores' with participants proportions at approximately one-fourth per each pattern. The patients were mainly of the female gender (94.08%), with a female: male ratio of 15.9. Hashimoto's patients differed in their food product choices, food choice motives, dieting experience, nutritional knowledge, smoking habits, food allergies and intolerances, and lipid disorders, and thus represent different eating patterns. However, these patterns were not determined by comorbidities or the majority of ailments.

Food Neophobia among Adults: Differences in Dietary Patterns, Food Choice Motives, and Food Labels Reading in Poles.

Food neophobia (FN) is associated with reduced quality of diet in adults; thus, the understanding of the relationship between FN and food consumption in more depth appears to be a key issue. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between food neophobia, dietary patterns, food choice motives, and food label reading in the group of adults. Data were collected using the computer-assisted personal interviewing technique (CAPI). A cross-sectional quantitative survey was carried out in November-December 2017 in a sample of 1017 Polish adults. The questionnaire used in the study included the Food Neophobia Scale (FNS), the Beliefs and Eating Habits Questionnaire (KomPAN), and questions regarding food choice motives, reading food labels, and sociodemographic characteristics. The food neophobics were older, had a lower level of education, and had higher BMI compared to others. Compared to others, among the food neophobics, there were more people who often consumed vegetables, fruit, meat, and meat products and who rarely consumed functional and convenience food, sweets, and sweetened beverages. When choosing food, more food neophobics chose healthy and tasteless food products, while more food neophilics chose unhealthy and tasty products. More food neophobics declared not reading price and shelf-life information on food labels compared to the other two groups. Although food neophobia may make adaptation to dietary recommendations difficult, health-promoting features of the diet were observed within the food neophobics. Actions focusing on food choice motives may help even more to limit the effects of food neophobia in adults. Further research is recommended to confirm the observed relationships under different sociocultural conditions.

Perceived Nutrition and Health Concerns: Do They Protect against Unhealthy Dietary Patterns in Polish Adults?

The aim of the study was to explore the associations between perceived health and nutrition concerns, sociodemographic characteristics and unhealthy dietary patterns in a representative group of Polish adults. The data were collected in 2017 through a cross-sectional quantitative survey under the National Health Program 2016-2020. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the data. It was found that higher health concerns decreased the chances of adhering to upper tertiles of "Fast food & alcohol" and "Refined food & sweetened beverages" dietary patterns (DPs), thus displaying less frequent consumption of such foods. No relationship was found between health concerns and adhering to the "Fat food" and "Butter" DPs. Nutrition concerns increased the likelihood of frequent consumption of foods from "Fast food & alcohol" DP. Women were less likely to adhere to unhealthy eating patterns than men, while older people were less likely to often consume fast food, alcohol, or refined food and sweetened beverages. Findings of this study showed that concerns about health or nutrition were differently associated with dietary patterns and consumption of unhealthy foods. These relationships should be considered when developing interventions to address health-related lifestyle changes. However, further research is needed to identify cause-effect relationships between these variables.

Dietary and Lifestyle Changes During COVID-19 and the Subsequent Lockdowns among Polish Adults: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey PLifeCOVID-19 Study.

The present study aimed to identify patterns of dietary changes during the COVID-19 pandemic and their associations with sociodemographics, body mass index (BMI) before pandemic, and lifestyle changes in Polish adults and to examine the effects of lockdowns on dietary-lifestyle changes. This study used a cross-sectional online survey to collect data. The k-means algorithm was used to determine of patterns of dietary changes, and logistic regression analyses were performed. During the study period, 43% of respondents decreased physical activity (PA), 49%-increased screen time, and 34%-increased food consumption. Among the three dietary changes patterns, two opposite patterns were found: Prohealthy (28% participants) and Unhealthy (19% participants).The adherence to the Prohealthy pattern was negatively associated with age, but positively with being overweight (aOR 1.31) or obese before pandemic (aOR 1.64). Residing in a macroeconomic region with GDP > 100% decreased adherence to the Prohealthy (aOR 0.73) but increased adherence to the Unhealthy pattern (aOR 1.47). Adults over 40 years old, those living with children, unemployed, those living in a region with a higher GDP, and those not consuming homemade meals could be more exposed to unhealthy behaviors. From a public health perspective, enhancing the message "to be active" during the compulsory isolation period should be prioritized.

Nutraceutical functions of beta-glucans in human nutrition

Recent studies have shown that naturally occurring substances found in the food of the daily human diet are important for preventing chronic non-communicable diseases. One of them is beta-glucan, which is a natural polysaccharide, occurring in plant cell walls, mainly oats, barley and wheat. It is also present in baker's yeast cells, fungal cell walls, and some microorganisms. Beta-glucan belongs to one of the dietary fiber fractions, which are attributed a number of beneficial health properties, including the prevention and treatment of certain digestive diseases and supporting the immune system. This compound has biological activity that depends on the size, molecular weight, conformation, frequency of bonds, solubility and changes in structure. Beta-glucan reduces cholesterol and glucose concentrations in the blood, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In addition to its effects on lipid levels and glucose metabolism, beta-glucan also exhibits antioxidant properties by scavenging reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing the risk of diseases, including atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Immunostimulatory and antitumor effects have also been reported. The immunostimulatory activity of beta-glucan occurs as a result of its attachment to specific receptors present on the immune cell surface. Beta-glucan belongs to the group of prebiotics which stimulate the growth and activity of the desired natural intestinal microbiota, while inhibiting the growth of pathogens. It plays an important role in the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and preventing inflammation as well as colon cancer. Such a number of health benefits resulting from the properties of beta-glucan may play a key role in improving health and preventing chronic non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

[Assessment of mineral bottled water as a source of selected minerals among students]. / Ocena spozycia wód butelkowanych jako zródla wybranych skladników mineralnych wsród mlodziezy akademickiej.

BACKGROUND: Given the range of natural mineral waters, natural spring waters and table waters, and their degree of mineralization (from low to the high), it can be assumed that they will become increasingly important as a source of minerals in everyday diet. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was the assessment of the amount of bottled waters consumption as well as contained selected minerals in waters among female students. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Study was conducted among 18-26 years old students from Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW) and Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw (UKSW) (50 female from each), from May to October 2010 year. The study was performed by using the questionnaire concerned habitual consumption of bottled waters. Intake of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, silicon, chlorine and fluorine, as the major components of water declared on the label packaging, was also estimated. RESULTS: Almost 40% of respondents consumed four glasses of water a day, about 24% - 2 glasses, about 24% - 3 glasses, 11% - 1 glass, but it was mainly low- and medium-mineralized water. The average daily intake of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorine and fluorine in the study population was respectively: 64.1, 26.5, 14.3, 1.9, 5.4, and 0.1 mg per person. Intake of silicon was 14, 4 mg/person/day. Among minerals only calcium and magnesium intake with waters was comparatively significant (6% and 8% of reference values, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Bottled waters were not a significant source of minerals, but they can be a valuable addition to daily diet. There is a need to promote the drinking of natural mineral waters, spring waters and table waters, especially highly-mineralized and low-sodium waters as a source of well-absorbed minerals.