Dietary diversity and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public hospitals in North Shewa, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023.

Background: Adequate consumption of diversified food during pregnancy enables adequate intake of 11 important micronutrients. Pregnant women who consume an inadequate amount of diversified food during pregnancy are at a higher risk of delivering preterm babies, stillbirth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age newborns. Objective: This study aimed to assess dietary diversity (DD) and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at public hospitals in North Shewa, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023. Methods and materials: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 pregnant women attending antenatal care. The study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling method. A pre-tested, structured, and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information about dietary diversity. The questionnaire was adapted from a validated and modified individual dietary diversity guideline, as recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The household food security level was determined using a standard set of questions derived from the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) measurement guide. The data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 software and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 for analysis. The results from the bivariate analysis of p < 0.25 were moved to the multivariable logistics regression analysis model. Any statistical test with a p < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval (CI) was considered statistically significant. Results: The study revealed that 55.4% of the pregnant women had adequate dietary diversity. Being an urban dweller [adjusted odds ratios (AOR = 2.4. 95% CI: 1.1, 5.18)], being a housewife (AOR = 3.44, 95% CI: 1.37, 8.68), being employed (AOR = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.12, 12.16), being a merchant (AOR = 3.43, 95% CI: 1.15, 10.24), being a daily laborer (AOR = 3.66, 95% CI: 1.0, 13.45), having a low average monthly household income of <500 Ethiopian birr (ETB) (AOR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.83), practicing home gardening (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.39, 4.5), meal frequency being three or more times per day (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.64, 5.09), and receiving dietary counseling during antenatal care (AOR = 3.56, 95% CI: 2.0, 6.35) were factors associated with the dietary diversity of the pregnant women. Conclusion and recommendations: This study found that 55.4% of the pregnant women had adequate dietary diversity. Place of residence, women's occupation, average monthly household income, practicing home gardening, meal frequency per day, and receiving dietary counseling during antenatal care were strong predictors of adequate dietary diversity among pregnant women. Therefore, attention should be paid to pregnant women's diet by healthcare providers during antenatal care.

Total dietary antioxidant capacity and food groups and their relationship with the sleep time of Brazilian graduates (CUME Study).

To investigate the association between the Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity (dTAC) and the Total Antioxidant Capacity of food groups (fgTAC) with the sleep time of Brazilian graduates participating in the Cohort of Universities of Minas Gerais (CUME Study). This cross-sectional study analyzed 6,387 graduates (2,052 men, 4,335 women, 35.3 ± 9.3 years old) from the CUME Study. Data was collected online, and dTAC was obtained by the Ferric Reduction Antioxidant Power (FRAP) method. Daily sleep time was classified as short sleep, normal sleep, and long sleep (≤6, 7-8, and ≥9 h, respectively). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate the Odds Ratio (OR) and its 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) between short sleep and long sleep with quartiles of dTAC and the fgTAC. Lower odds of short sleep was observed for the third quartile of dTAC and for fourth quartile of fgTAC of fruits, beans, and lentils, and for the third quartile of fgTAC of vegetables and oils and fats. Higher odds of short sleep for the fourth quartile of fgTAC of teas and coffees. For long sleep, inverse associations were observed for the fourth quartile of fgTAC of oilseeds and the third quartile of fgTAC of teas and coffees. Higher odds of long sleep were observed for the third quartile of artificial juices and sodas. We cannot independently assert an association between higher dTAC and sleep time. In turn, the associations between sleep time and fgTAC show the importance of the food matrix that antioxidants are inserted, requiring longitudinal studies to observe the direction of associations.

Meat and dairy consumption in Scottish adults: insights from a national survey.

BACKGROUND: Reducing meat and dairy consumption has been advocated for environmental benefits. This study aimed to better understand meat and dairy consumption in a population with high intakes. METHODS: Dietary data were obtained from up to two online 24-h dietary recalls of adults (≥16 years) in the 2021 Scottish Health Survey, a nationally representative, repeated cross-sectional survey. The contribution of food groups to meat and dairy intake and the nutritional contributions of meat and milk products to intake of 28 nutrients were examined. Weighted mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) daily intakes were reported per capita, overall, and by demographic subgroups (age, gender and Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation). RESULTS: Mean daily intakes of total meat and dairy were 80.4 g (95% CI 77.1-83.7) and 238.6 g (95% CI 228.9-248.3) per capita, respectively. Chicken dishes, beef dishes and sandwiches were the primary contributors to meat intake, together accounting for 56.1% of meat consumed. Liquid milk accounted for 63.4% of the dairy consumed. Meat products were an important source of selenium and zinc (accounting for 26% and 25% of intake, respectively), whereas milk products were an important source of calcium (34%), iodine (38%) and vitamin A (25%). CONCLUSIONS: Although meat and dairy consumption in Scotland is high, a number of food groups contributed to meat intake, providing several opportunities to target for a reduction in line with climate change ambitions. However, careful attention is required for replacements to ensure Scottish diets are nutritionally adequate.

Validity and Reproducibility of a Culture-Specific Electronic Food Frequency Questionnaire: A Trinidad and Tobago Diet Assessment Study.

Nutritional epidemiologists use culture-specific food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) to assess the dietary intake of groups based on country, region or ethnic groups. This study aimed to validate a culture-specific semi-quantitative electronic Food Frequency Questionnaire (e-FFQ) to estimate food group intake in the adult population of Trinidad and Tobago. A 139-item semi-quantitative e-FFQ containing local dishes and street food was administered twice to adults 18 years and older and compared against four 1-day food records (FRs) using digital photographs, which served as the reference method. The validity and reproducibility of the e-FFQ food group intake estimates were determined using paired t-tests, bivariate correlations, and cross-classifications. Reproducibility correlations between the reported food group intakes in the first and repeat administration of the e-FFQ ranged from moderate (r = .44, P ≤ .0001) for sweetened beverages to high (r = .91 P ≤ .0001) for alcohol. The cross-classification agreements ranged from 70% (street food) to 92% (alcohol). Energy-adjusted deattenuated validity correlations between the e-FFQ and FR ranged from (r = .08) for water to (r = .81) for food from animal sources, with a mean validity correlation of .36. An average of 68% of the e-FFQ estimates was correctly classified within the ±1 quintile of the exact agreement with the FRs. Agreements between the e-FFQ and FRs ranged from 55% for street foods to 95% for water, all significant at P ≤ .0001. This study shows that the culture-specific e-FFQ is a valid tool for assessing and ranking food category intake estimates of the adult population living in Trinidad and Tobago.

Correlation between Vegetable and Fruit Intake and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chongqing, China.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between different types of vegetable and fruit intake and cognitive function among the older adults in Chongqing, China, and to provide a scientific basis for developing efficient lifestyle interventions for the prevention of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). METHOD: Approximately 728 older adults in urban and rural areas of Chongqing were surveyed using face-to-face questionnaires. Cognitive function was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MoCA-B) scale, and the vegetable and fruit intake groups were investigated with the Simple Food Frequency Counting Survey Scale. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the effect of the vegetable and fruit intake group on cognitive function. Subgroup analysis was used to demonstrate the robustness of the results. RESULT: Of the 728 participants in the study, 36.40% were likely to have MCI, which is higher than the national average for this condition. After adjusting for confounders, compared to the Q1 group, fruit and root vegetable intake was a protective factor for MCI, showing a dose-response relationship (p < 0.05). Only lower intake (Q2) of total vegetables, medium intake (Q2, Q3) of solanaceous vegetables, and medium-high intake (Q2, Q4) of fungi and algae was protective against MCI, whereas the leafy vegetables showed no relation to MCI. Apart from this, participants who were older, female, unmarried, non-smoking, and engaged in physical labor, and who had an average monthly income of less than 3000 RMB were more likely to suffer from cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION: This suggested that the fruit-intake groups and some vegetable-intake groups showed a protective effect on cognitive function, and might behave differently depending on their different intake and demographic characteristics. A sensible, healthy diet can help prevent MCI.

The Association between Food Groups, Nutraceuticals, and Food Supplements Consumption on Vascular Health Outcomes: A Literature Review.

Vascular aging, marked by alterations in the structure and function of blood vessels, including heightened arterial stiffness and impaired endothelial function, is linked to a higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular and age-associated pathological conditions. Oxidative stress and inflammation are key stimulation factors in vascular aging. Engaging in healthy dietary habits could enhance the functioning of blood vessels. The aim of this study was to conduct a literature review of the evidence regarding the relationship between food regimens, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements and vascular health. A search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection, was performed. Experimental and observational studies evaluating the association between food groups, nutraceuticals, supplements, and endothelial function and/or arterial stiffness were deemed eligible for this narrative review. Based on the current body of the included studies, food groups, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements may not demonstrate superiority over placebos in enhancing markers of vascular health. To obtain more reliable evidence on the effectiveness of interventions in vascular health, additional RCTs with larger sample sizes, extended follow-up periods, and multi-center participation are necessary. Enhancing the credibility of these RCTs requires better control of dietary variables and more precise measurement of vascular health markers.

Skipping breakfast is associated to inadequate nutrient intakes among Tunisian children: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Breakfast is widely acknowledged as a crucial meal of the day, particularly for children, owing to its role in supplying essential nutrients and energy necessary for optimal growth and cognitive function. This study aims to examine differences in nutrient intake between breakfast skippers and non-skippers among children. Methods: A representative sample of 1,200 Tunisian preschool and schoolchildren, aged 3-9 years, was randomly selected from kindergartens and primary schools in the Greater Tunis region which includes four governorates (Tunis, Ariana, Manouba and Ben Arous) using a two-stage cross-sectional design. Stratification was carried out depending on each of the selected governorates and urban/rural areas. Dietary intake was evaluated using the 24-hour recall method and a diet history covering the week preceding the survey. Nutritional food composition was derived from a specific Tunisian food composition database. Nutrient intake below age- and sex-specific reference values was considered inadequate. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that the daily intake of energy and nutrients was lower among breakfast skippers compared to regular breakfast eaters. After adjusting for energy, gender, age, BMI and household economic proxy, the daily consumption of total sugar, riboflavin, vitamin B-5, phosphorus and calcium was higher among breakfast consumers while saturated fatty acid intake was higher among skippers. A comparative analysis of daily mean food category intake between the two groups revealed a higher consumption of milk and dairy products among breakfast consumers. Regular breakfast consumption is an important part of maintaining a balanced diet and healthy weight.

Dietary diversity and associated factors among infants and young children in three West African countries.

Providing children healthy diversified diets is important for their optimal growth and development. The high prevalence of under-nourishment during the critical early life period is of serious concern in West Africa. We assessed the level of dietary diversity and associated factors for children aged 6-23 months in Côte d'Ivoire, Niger and Senegal. Prior 24 h dietary intake was assessed for 3,528 children (Côte d'Ivoire: N = 118; Niger: N = 763; Senegal: N = 2,647) using the Diet Quality Questionnaire survey tool administered to primary caregivers. Cluster random sampling was conducted for urban and rural areas in Niger and Senegal and simple random sampling was used in Côte d'Ivoire, where only rural households were selected. Survey data were analyzed to determine children's intake of items from eight food groups: breast milk; grains, roots, tubers and plantains; pulses, nuts and seeds; dairy products; flesh foods; eggs; vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables; and other fruits and vegetables. Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) was assessed based on the consumption of ≥5 of the 8 food groups. In all countries, the majority of children were ≥ 12 months of age and from rural households. Children from poor/very poor households ranged from 32.4 to 41.9%. MDD prevalence was 54.2% in Côte d'Ivoire, 33.3% in Niger and 30.8% in Senegal. In all three countries, children 12-23 months had significantly higher consumption of six of the food groups, compared to those 6-11 months, and children ≥12 months had a higher likelihood of MDD, compared to infants, in Niger (aOR = 4.25; 95% CI: 2.46, 7.36) and Senegal (aOR = 2.69; 95% CI: 2.15, 3.35). MDD prevalence was higher among children in urban, compared to rural, areas in Niger (p = 0.020) and Senegal (p < 0.001) and significantly higher in the wealthiest, compared to poorest, households. This study suggests most young children in Côte d'Ivoire, Niger and Senegal are not receiving an adequately diversified diet, with a reliance on starchy staples and lower intake of high-quality protein sources. Our results highlight socio-economic barriers to attaining dietary diversity in these settings and stress the urgent and continuing need for investments in strategies that support optimal complementary feeding practices.

Disaggregation of Dairy in Composite Foods in the United Kingdom.

Dairy, especially cheese, is associated with high levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Accurate estimates of dairy consumption are therefore important for monitoring dietary transition targets. Previous studies found that disaggregating the meat out of composite foods significantly impacts estimates of meat consumption. Our objective was to determine whether disaggregating the dairy out of composite foods impacts estimates of dairy consumption in Scotland. Approximately 32% of foods in the UK Nutrient Databank contain some dairy. In the 2021 Scottish Health Survey, mean daily intakes of dairy with and without disaggregation of composite foods were 238.6 and 218.4 g, respectively. This translates into an 8% underestimation of dairy consumption when not accounting for dairy in composite foods. In particular, milk was underestimated by 7% and cheese and butter by 50%, whereas yogurt was overestimated by 15% and cream by 79%. Failing to disaggregate dairy from composite foods may underestimate dairy consumption.

An Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Its Potential Benefit for Individuals with Mental Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases-A Narrative Review.

This narrative review synthesizes current evidence regarding anti-inflammatory dietary patterns and their potential benefits for individuals with mental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Chronic low-grade inflammation is increasingly recognized as a key factor in the etiology and progression of these conditions. The review examines the evidence for the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of dietary components and food groups, focusing on whole foods rather than specific nutrients or supplements. Key dietary components showing potential benefits include fruits and vegetables (especially berries and leafy greens), whole grains, legumes, fatty fish rich in omega-3, nuts (particularly walnuts), olive oil, and fermented foods. These foods are generally rich in antioxidants, dietary fiber, and bioactive compounds that may help modulate inflammation, support gut health, and promote neuroprotection. Conversely, ultra-processed foods, red meat, and sugary beverages may be harmful. Based on this evidence, we designed the Brain Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition (BrAIN) diet. The mechanisms of this diet include the modulation of the gut microbiota and the gut-brain axis, the regulation of inflammatory pathways, a reduction in oxidative stress, and the promotion of neuroplasticity. The BrAIN diet shows promise as an aid to manage mental and neurodegenerative disorders.

The Association between Individual Food Groups, Limbic System White Matter Tracts, and Episodic Memory: Initial Data from the Aiginition Longitudinal Biomarker Investigation of Neurodegeneration (ALBION) Study.

(1) Background: Many studies link food intake with clinical cognitive outcomes, but evidence for brain biomarkers, such as memory-related limbic white matter (WM) tracts, is limited. We examined the association between food groups, limbic WM tracts integrity, and memory performance in community-dwelling individuals. (2) Methods: We included 117 non-demented individuals (ALBION study). Verbal and visual episodic memory tests were administered, and a composite z-score was calculated. Diffusion tensor imaging tractography was applied for limbic WM tracts (fornix-FX, cingulum bundle-CB, uncinate fasciculus-UF, hippocampal perforant pathway zone-hPPZ). Food intake was evaluated through four 24-h recalls. We applied linear regression models adjusted for demographics and energy intake. (3) Results: We found significant associations between (a) higher low-to-moderate alcohol intake and higher FX fractional anisotropy (FA), (b) higher full-fat dairy intake and lower hPPZ FA, and (c) higher red meat and cold cuts intake and lower hPPZ FA. None of the food groups was associated with memory performance. (4) Conclusions: Despite non-significant associations between food groups and memory, possibly due to participants' cognitive profile and/or compensatory mechanisms, the study documented a possible beneficial role of low-to-moderate alcohol and a harmful role of full-fat dairy and red meat and cold cuts on limbic WM tracts.

Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women: Partitioning Misclassifications by Proxy Data Collection Methods using Weighed Food Records as the Reference in Ethiopia.

Background: Nonquantitative list-based or open 24-h recalls (24-HRs) have been shown to overestimate the prevalence of Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W), as compared with direct quantitative observations. However, the main sources of error are unknown. Objectives: To assess the measurement agreement of proxy data collection methods for MDD-W, as compared with weighed food records (WFRs). Methods: Applying a noninferiority design, data were collected from 431 nonpregnant females in Ethiopia. MDD-W estimates from both proxy data collection methods were compared with the WFR prevalence by McNemar's chi-square tests, Cohen's Kappa, and receiver operator characteristic analyses. Ten-point food group diversity scores (FGDS) were compared by Bland-Altman plots, Wilcoxon matched-pairs tests, and weighted Kappa. Food group misclassifications were partitioned into errors related to respondent biases or the questionnaire development. Results: List-based and open 24-HRs overreported MDD-W by 8 and 4 percentage points, respectively, as compared with WFR (objective MDD-W prevalence: 8%). Furthermore, list-based 24-HRs overestimated FGDS by 0.4 points (limits of agreement [LOA]: -1.1, 2.0), whereas open 24-HRs led to a 0.3 point (LOA: -1.2, 1.7) overestimate. Food groups most likely to be misreported using proxy data collection methods were "pulses," "nuts and seeds," "dairy products," and "other fruits." Underreporting of consumption occurred among <4% of females for all food groups. Furthermore, respondent biases were the predominant cause of food group overreporting, except for the "pulses" and "other vegetables" food groups, where food items incorrectly included on the food list were the main source of errors. Conclusions: Food group consumption misclassifications by proxy data collection methods were mainly attributable to females overreporting consumption because of respondent biases or the criterion for foods to be counted, rather than the suboptimal development of the food list in Ethiopia. To obtain precise and accurate MDD-W estimates at the (sub)national level, rigorous context-specific food list development, questionnaire pilot testing, and enumerator training are recommended to mitigate identified biases.

Association between 29 food groups of diet quality questionnaire and perceived stress in Chinese adults: a prospective study from China health and nutrition survey.

PURPOSE: Diet plays a fundamental role in promoting resilience against stress-related disorders. We aimed to examine the overall and sex-specific association between food groups and perceived stress in adults. METHODS: We analyzed the prospective data of 7,434 adults who completed both the 2011 and 2015 surveys of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). The Diet Quality Questionnaire (DQQ) was used to code all the food items of 2011 dietary intake into 29 food groups, and perceived stress in 2015 was measured using a 14-item perceived stress scale (PSS-14). Univariate analysis and logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between food groups and perceived stress. RESULTS: People who perceived a higher level of stress (PSS-14 total score > 25) made up 41.5% and 45.1% of the male and female groups, respectively (χ2 = 9.605, p = 0.002). Individuals with increased intake of food groups such as legumes, other vegetables, other fruits, yogurt, poultry, fish & seafood, fluid milk, and fruit juice were less likely to experience a higher level of psychological stress (OR range: 0.544-0.892, p < 0.05). Additionally, we found sex-specific associations between food groups and perceived stress. The difference in the proportion of food groups, such as fluid milk and fish & seafood, between the two stress groups in men was statistically significant (p < 0.025). In the female group, the distribution of eight food groups, like legumes and nuts & seeds, between the two stress groups was statistically significant (p < 0.025). CONCLUSION: This study indicated that food groups were differentially associated with perceived stress.

Dietary Intake among Lebanese Adults: Findings from the Updated LEBANese natiONal Food Consumption Survey (LEBANON-FCS).

BACKGROUND: The rates of obesity, undernutrition, and other non-communicable diseases are on the rise among Lebanese adults. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the food consumption habits of this population to understand diet quality, analyze consumption trends, and compare them to healthy diets known to reduce risks of non-communicable diseases. AIM: To evaluate the food consumption patterns, energy intake, as well as macro- and micro-nutrient intake among a nationally representative sample of Lebanese adults aged 18-64 years old. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out from May to September 2022 involving 444 participants from all eight Lebanese governorates. Sociodemographic and medical information was gathered through a questionnaire, food consumption was evaluated using a validated FFQ and 24 h recall, and anthropometric measurements were recorded. RESULTS: There was a notable lack of adherence to three healthy diets (Mediterranean, EAT-Lancet, USDA) among Lebanese adults. Their dietary pattern is characterized by high energy, added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat intake while being low in healthy fats, vitamin A, D, and E. Adult women are falling short of meeting their daily calcium, vitamin D, iron, and vitamin B12 requirements, putting them at increased risk of anemia, osteoporosis, and other health issues. Grains and cereals were the most consumed food groups, and most participants were found to be overweight or obese. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the results highlight the need for public health policies and interventions aimed at encouraging Lebanese adults to make healthier food choices and transition towards diets like the Mediterranean, EAT-Lancet, or USDA diet. These diets have been shown to promote overall health and wellbeing.

A Study on the Compatibility of a Food-Recording Application with Questionnaire-Based Methods in Healthy Japanese Individuals.

In Japan, nutritional guidance based on food-recording apps and food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) is becoming popular. However, it is not always recognized that different dietary assessment methods have different nutritional values. Here, we compared the compatibility of dietary intake data obtained from an app with those obtained from FFQs in 59 healthy individuals who recorded information regarding their diet for at least 7 days per month using an app developed by Asken (Tokyo, Japan). The diurnal coefficient of variation in total energy and protein intake was 20%, but those for vitamins B12 and D were >80%, reflecting the importance of 7 days of recording rather than a single day of recording for dietary intake analyses. Then, we compared the results of two FFQs-one based on food groups and one based on a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire-for 7 days, as recorded by the app. There was a correlation coefficient of >0.4 for all the items except salt. Regarding the compatibility between the app and FFQs, the percentage errors for total energy and nutrients were >40-50%, suggesting no agreement between the app and the two FFQs. In conclusion, careful attention should be paid to the impact of different dietary assessment methods on nutrient assessment.

Evaluating the Validity of the PortionSize Smartphone Application for Estimating Dietary Intake in Free-Living Conditions: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the validity of the PortionSize application. METHODS: In this pilot study, 14 adults used PortionSize to record their free-living food intake over 3 consecutive days. Digital photography was the criterion measure, and the main outcomes were estimated intake of food (grams), energy (kilocalories), and food groups. Equivalence tests with ±25% equivalence bounds and Bland-Altman analysis were performed. RESULTS: Estimated gram intake from PortionSize was equivalent (P < 0.001) to digital photography estimates. PortionSize and digital photography estimated energy intake, however, were not equivalent (P = 0.08), with larger estimates from PortionSize. In addition, PortionSize and digital photography were equivalent for vegetable intake (P = 0.01), but PortionSize had larger estimates of fruits, grains, dairy, and protein intake (P >0.07; error range 11% to 23%). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Compared with digital photography, PortionSize accurately estimated food intake and had reasonable error rates for other nutrients; however, it overestimated energy intake, indicating further application improvements are needed for free-living conditions.

Associations of diet with infectious diseases in UK Biobank.

This research aims to utilize multivariate logistic regression to explore associations between the frequency of 13 food groups intake (or four diet groups) and infectious diseases. 487849 participants from the UK Biobank were enrolled, and 75209 participants were diagnosed with infectious diseases. Participants reporting the highest intake frequency of processed meat [odds ratio ( OR) = 1.0964; 95% CI: 1.0622-1.1318] and red meat ( OR = 1.0895; 95% CI: 1.0563-1.1239) had a higher risk of infectious diseases compared to those with the lowest intake frequency. Consuming fish 2.0-2.9 times ( OR = 0.8221; 95% CI: 0.7955-0.8496), cheese ≥5.0 times ( OR = 0.8822; 95% CI: 0.8559-0.9092), fruit 3.0-3.9 servings ( OR = 0.8867; 95% CI: 0.8661-0.9078), and vegetables 2.0-2.9 servings ( OR = 0.9372; 95% CI: 0.9189-0.9559) per week were associated with a lower risk of infection. Low meat-eaters ( OR = 0.9404; 95% CI: 0.9243-0.9567), fish-eaters ( OR = 0.8391; 95% CI: 0.7887-0.8919), and vegetarians ( OR = 0.9154; 95% CI: 0.8561-0.9778) had a lower risk of infectious diseases compared to regular meat-eaters. Mediation analysis was performed, revealing glycosylated hemoglobin, white blood cell counts, and body mass index were mediators in the relationships between diet groups and infectious diseases. This study suggested that intake frequency of food groups is a factor in infectious diseases and fish-eaters have a lower risk of infection.

Identifying the relation between food groups and biological ageing: a data-driven approach.

BACKGROUND: Heterogeneity in ageing rates drives the need for research into lifestyle secrets of successful agers. Biological age, predicted by epigenetic clocks, has been shown to be a more reliable measure of ageing than chronological age. Dietary habits are known to affect the ageing process. However, much remains to be learnt about specific dietary habits that may directly affect the biological process of ageing. OBJECTIVE: To identify food groups that are directly related to biological ageing, using Copula Graphical Models. METHODS: We performed a preregistered analysis of 3,990 postmenopausal women from the Women's Health Initiative, based in North America. Biological age acceleration was calculated by the epigenetic clock PhenoAge using whole-blood DNA methylation. Copula Graphical Modelling, a powerful data-driven exploratory tool, was used to examine relations between food groups and biological ageing whilst adjusting for an extensive amount of confounders. Two food group-age acceleration networks were established: one based on the MyPyramid food grouping system and another based on item-level food group data. RESULTS: Intake of eggs, organ meat, sausages, cheese, legumes, starchy vegetables, added sugar and lunch meat was associated with biological age acceleration, whereas intake of peaches/nectarines/plums, poultry, nuts, discretionary oil and solid fat was associated with decelerated ageing. CONCLUSION: We identified several associations between specific food groups and biological ageing. These findings pave the way for subsequent studies to ascertain causality and magnitude of these relationships, thereby improving the understanding of biological mechanisms underlying the interplay between food groups and biological ageing.

Life expectancy gains from dietary modifications: a comparative modeling study in 7 countries.

BACKGROUND: Eating healthier is associated with a range of favorable health outcomes. Our previous model estimated the impact of dietary changes on life expectancy gains but did not consider height, weight, or physical activity. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to estimate the increase in life expectancy resulting from the transition from typical national dietary patterns to longevity-optimizing dietary changes, more feasible dietary modifications, and optimized vegan dietary changes in China, France, Germany, Iran, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States. METHODS: Our modeling study used data from meta-analyses presenting dose-response relationships between intake of 15 food groups and mortality. Background mortality data were from the Global Burden of Disease Study. We used national food intake data and adjusted for height, weight, and physical activity level. RESULTS: For 40-y-olds, estimated life expectancy gains ranged from 6.2 y (with uncertainty interval [UI]: 5.7, 7.5 y) for Chinese females to 9.7 y (UI: 8.1, 11.3 y) for United States males following sustained changes from typical country-specific dietary patterns to longevity-optimized dietary changes, and from 5.2 y (UI: 4.0, 6.5 y) for Chinese females to 8.7 y (UI: 7.1, 10.3 y) for United States males following changes to optimized vegan dietary changes. CONCLUSIONS: A sustained change from country-specific typical dietary pattern patterns to longevity-optimized dietary changes, more feasible dietary changes, or optimized vegan dietary changes are all projected to result in substantial life expectancy gains across ages and countries. These changes included more whole grains, legumes, and nuts and less red/processed meats and sugars and sugar-sweetened beverages. The largest gains from dietary changes would be in the United States.

Development and Validation of the Meiji Nutritional Profiling System (Meiji NPS) to Address Dietary Needs of Adults and Older Adults in Japan.

This study introduces the Meiji Nutritional Profiling System (Meiji NPS), which was specifically designed to respond to age-related shifts in nutrient requirements among Japanese adults (<65 years old) and older adults (≥65 years old). Japan has one of the most aged societies in the world. The health issues of interest are malnutrition and lifestyle-related diseases among adults and frailty among older adults. Two versions of the NPS were developed based on nutrients to encourage (protein, dietary fibers, calcium, iron, and vitamin D), food groups to encourage (fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and dairy), and nutrients to limit (energy, saturated fatty acids, sugars, and salt equivalents). The Meiji NPS for older adults did not include iron or saturated fatty acids. The algorithms were based on the Nutrient-Rich Foods Index (NRF). The convergent validity between the Meiji NPS and the existing NPSs for the same foods was confirmed using Spearman's correlation coefficients (NRF: r = 0.67 for adults and r = 0.60 for older adults; Health Star Rating: r = 0.64 for adults and r = 0.61 for older adults). The Meiji NPS may be useful for nutritional evaluation and reformulation of food products, tailored to adults and older adults to ameliorate health issues in Japan.