Household- and community-level factors of zero vegetable or fruit consumption among children aged 6-23 months in East Africa.

Introduction: The World Health Organization recommends that children aged 6-23 months should consume a diversified diet, including fruits and vegetables, during each meal. However, low consumption of fruits and vegetables contributes to 2.8% of child deaths globally. The literature review indicates limited research on factors that affect zero vegetable or fruit consumption among children aged 6-23 months in East Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the household- and community-level factors determining zero vegetable or fruit consumption among children aged 6-23 months in East Africa. Method: The study analyzed cross-sectional secondary data from the recent rounds of demographic and health surveys conducted in East Africa from 2015 to 2023. The weighted sample comprised 113,279 children aged 6-23 months. A multilevel mixed-effect analysis was used, measuring the random variation between the clusters based on the intra-cluster correction coefficient, median odds ratio, and proportional change variance. Adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was reported while considering variables having a p < 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence of zero vegetable or fruit consumption among children aged 6-23 months in East Africa was 52.3%, with Ethiopia showing the highest prevalence (85.9%). The factors associated with zero vegetable or fruit consumption were maternal educational level, number of household members, short birth interval, multiple births, sex of the household head, household wealth index, community-level maternal literacy, community-level wealth index, and countries. Conclusion: Considering the high overall prevalence of zero vegetable or fruit consumption among children aged 6-23 months in East Africa, overlooking this nutritional gap among children is a serious oversight. Therefore, efforts should be geared toward improving individual- and community-level maternal literacy. In particular, nutrition and public health organizations should support low-income communities to achieve vegetable or fruit consumption for infants and young children.

Alternate solvent for soybean oil extraction based on extractability and membrane solvent recovery.

Ethyl acetate, acetone, 2-propanol, 1-propanol, and ethanol were screened among the class 3 category solvents as an alternative to hexane based on operational and occupational safety and bio-renewability potential. All five solvents exhibited higher extractability (22.3 to 23.2%) than hexane (21.5%) with soybean flour. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the fatty acid and triacylglycerol (TAG) composition of the oils extracted using alternate solvents and hexane, indicating the oil quality was not affected. More importantly, ethyl acetate (2.1%) resulted in a marginally higher yield of TAG, while 2-propanol showed a nearly equal yield to hexane. Further, membrane desolventizing was attempted to mitigate the limitations of higher thermal energy requirements. One of the polydimethylsiloxane membranes exhibited good selectivity (TAG rejection 85.8%) and acceptable flux (59.3 L·m-2·h-1) with an ethyl acetate miscella system. Under plant-simulated recirculation conditions, a two-stage membrane process reduced the oil content in permeate to 2.5%. The study revealed that ethyl acetate could potentially replace hexane, considering its higher TAG extractability and suitability for the membrane-augmented solvent recycling process in the extraction plants.

Modulation of gut microbiota composition and predicted metabolic capacity after nutritional programming with a plant-rich diet in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): insights across developmental stages.

To promote sustainable aquaculture, the formulation of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) feeds has changed in recent decades, focusing on replacing standard marine-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives, increasingly demonstrating successful outcomes in terms of fish performance. However, little is known about how these plant-based diets may impact the gut microbiota at first feeding and onwards. Nutritional programming (NP) is one strategy applied for exposing fish to a plant-based (V) diet at an early stage in life to promote full utilisation of plant-based ingredients and prevent potential adverse impacts of exposure to a plant-rich diet later in life. We investigated the impact of NP on gut microbiota by introducing fish to plant ingredients (V fish) during first feeding for a brief period of two weeks (stimulus phase) and compared those to fish fed a marine-based diet (M fish). Results demonstrated that V fish not only maintained growth performance at 16 (intermediate phase) and 22 (challenge phase) weeks post first feeding (wpff) when compared to M fish but also modulated gut microbiota. PERMANOVA general effects revealed gut microbiota dissimilarity by fish group (V vs. M fish) and phases (stimulus vs. intermediate vs. challenge). However, no interaction effect of both groups and phases was demonstrated, suggesting a sustained impact of V diet (nutritional history) on fish across time points/phases. Moreover, the V diet exerted a significant cumulative modulatory effect on the Atlantic salmon gut microbiota at 16 wpff that was not demonstrated at two wpff, although both fish groups were fed the M diet at 16 wpff. The nutritional history/dietary regime is the main NP influencing factor, whereas environmental and host factors significantly impacted microbiota composition in M fish. Microbial metabolic reactions of amino acid metabolism were higher in M fish when compared to V fish at two wpff suggesting microbiota played a role in digesting the essential amino acids of M feed. The excessive mucin O-degradation revealed in V fish at two wpff was mitigated in later life stages after NP, suggesting physiological adaptability and tolerance to V diet. Future studies are required to explore more fully how the microbiota functionally contributes to the NP.

Comparison of approach/avoidance intentions for alcohol and vegetable consumption under a temporal self-regulation theory framework.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the differences between the framing of intention (approach vs. avoidance) and the type of self-regulatory capacity (planning vs. inhibition) to predict two behaviours (alcohol vs. vegetable consumption). Interaction effects between temporal self-regulation theory constructs were also explored. METHODS: UK participants were recruited online (N = 254) and completed measures of intention (approach and avoidance), self-regulatory capacity (planning and inhibition), and behavioural prepotency (habit) related to alcohol and vegetable consumption. One week later, consumption was assessed. RESULTS: Habit strength and approach-intentions consistently predicted consumption across each model for both behaviours. There was mixed support for avoidance-intentions and self-regulatory capacity variables in predicting consumption. Planning was more important in vegetable consumption than in alcohol consumption, and avoidance-intentions were only predictive in alcohol consumption. Inhibition was not significant for either behaviour. The interaction between approach-intention and planning was the only significant moderation detected and was only present in vegetable consumption. CONCLUSION: The framing of intentions and the sub-facet of self-regulatory capacity are important to consider when attempting to explain health behaviours. Furthermore, theoretically defined moderation between temporal self-regulation theory variables might also depend on the type of behaviour and specific measured used to capture self-regulatory capacity.

Fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a meta-analysis of observational studies.

Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical observational studies aims to clarify the correlation between the intake levels of fruits and vegetables and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Materials and methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies on the association between vegetable or fruit intake with the risk of NAFLD from the foundation of each database up until September 2023. The relative risk (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled for both the highest and lowest consumption levels of vegetables and fruits to explore their association with the incidence of NAFLD. Results: The meta-analysis encompassed 11 studies with a total of 493,682 patients. A higher consumption of vegetables (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.67-0.91) and fruits (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.83-0.93) was found to have a negative correlation with the risk of NAFLD, denoting an inverse association. This correlation, however, varied among different ethnic groups and gender. Conclusions: Our results indicate that increased consumption of vegetables and fruits is associated with a reduced likelihood of developing NAFLD. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#searchadvanced, identifier: CRD42023460430.

Temporal variations in absorption and translocation of heavy metal(loid)s in pak choi (Brassica rapa L.) under open-field and greenhouse cultivation.

Elucidating the absorption and translocation of heavy metal(loid)s by common vegetables across different growth environments and stages is crucial for conducting accurate environmental risk assessments and for associated control. This study investigated temporal variations in the absorption and translocation capacities of pak choi (Brassica rapa L.) for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn in polluted soils during the plant growth cycle under greenhouse and open-field cultivation modes. Results showed high root metal(loid) bioconcentration factors and root-to-shoot translocation factors for Cd (0.25 and 1.44, respectively) and Zn (0.26 and 1.01), but low values for As (0.06 and 0.88) and Pb (0.06 and 0.87). The Cd concentration in the aerial edible parts peaked during the early slow growth period, whereas other heavy metal(loid)s peaked during the later stable maturity period. Root bioconcentration and root-to-shoot translocation factors did not significantly differ between cultivation modes. However, greenhouse cultivation exhibited lower average Cd and Zn concentrations in the edible parts and cumulative uptake amounts of most metal(loid)s than open-field cultivation during the typical harvest period spanning days 60 and 90. Short-term transitioning from open-field to greenhouse cultivation may reduce health risks associated with heavy metal(loid) intake via pak choi consumption. These findings facilitate sustainable agricultural practices and food safety management.

Chemical Characterisation of New Oils Extracted from Cañihua and Tarwi Seeds with Different Organic Solvents.

Vegetable oils are rich in health-beneficial compounds, including fatty acids, phenolic compounds, natural antioxidants, and fat-soluble vitamins. However, oil extraction methods can influence their composition. This study aims to understand the chemical basis for developing a green process to extract oils from two Andean seeds, cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule) and tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis). Ethanol, considered a green solvent, is compared to petroleum ether used at the laboratory level and hexane used at the industrial scale for extracting oils. The extraction efficiency is assessed in terms of yield, fatty acids profile, polar and neutral lipids, tocopherols, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity. The chemical composition of edible commercial oils, such as sunflower, rapeseed, and olive oils, was used as a reference. Hexane had the highest extraction yield, followed by petroleum ether and ethanol. However, the oils extracted with ethanol having yields of tarwi 15.5% and cañihua 5.8%, w/w showed the significatively superior content of tocopherols (α, γ, and δ); phenolic compounds; and antioxidant capacity. In addition, ethanol-extracted (EE) oils have higher levels of polar lipids, such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol, than those extracted with the other solvents. Remarkably, EE oils presented comparable or slightly higher levels of monounsaturated fatty acids than those extracted with hexane. Finally, compared to the commercial oils, tarwi and cañihua EE oils showed lower but acceptable levels of oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids and a wider variety of fatty acids (10 and 13, respectively). The composition of tarwi and cañahua oils extracted with ethanol includes compounds associated with nutritional and health benefits, providing a sustainable alternative for oil production.

Recent Advances in the Determination of Major and Trace Elements in Plants Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry.

Interest in measuring major and trace elements in plants has increased in recent years because of growing concerns about the elements' contribution to daily intakes or the health risks posed by ingesting vegetables contaminated by potentially toxic elements. The recent advances in using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) to measure major and trace elements in plant samples are reviewed in the present work. The sample preparation before instrumental determination and the main advantages and limitations of ICP-OES are described. New trends in element extraction in liquid solutions using fewer toxic solvents and microextractions are observed in recently published literature. Even though ICP-OES is a well-established and routine technique, recent innovations to increase its performance have been found. Validated methods are needed to ensure the obtaining of reliable results. Much research has focused on assessing principal figures of merit, such as limits of detection, quantification, selectivity, working ranges, precision in terms of repeatability and reproducibility, and accuracy through spiked samples or certified reference materials analysis. According to the published literature, the ICP-OES technique, 50 years after the release of the first commercially available equipment, remains a powerful and highly recommended tool for element determination on a wide range of concentrations.

Effect of White Cabbage Intercropping with Aromatic Plant on Yield, Mineral and Biochemical Composition.

The growing demand for higher-quality food production in smaller soil areas points to optimized land use. Intercropping has the potential to increase yield, reduce pests and diseases, and boost biodiversity. This study, conducted at the Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, from 2017 to 2019, aimed to determine the effect of white cabbage intercropping with aromatic plants, calendula, French marigold, thyme, and sage on yield, mineral and biochemical composition. Aromatic plants are known to reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases, so this study aimed to determine whether aromatic plants affect the yield, mineral, and biochemical composition of white cabbage. The two-year observations demonstrated that aromatic plants did not affect or slightly affect the mineral composition of cabbage's primary macronutrients (N, P, K, Mg, and Ca). Cabbage's dry matter, sugars, and ascorbic acid content vary when grown intercropped with aromatic plants compared to monoculture. Although the results were comparable, sugar concentration was lower in all cabbage combinations than in monoculture. Lower nitrate levels were detected in cabbage monoculture, probably due to agro-meteorological circumstances. The highest cabbage yield was achieved by intercropping with thyme (7.25 t/ha) compared to monoculture (6.81 t/ha) in 2018. It was found that intercropping with aromatic plants had little effect on the biochemical composition of white cabbage. The study results suggest that French marigold and thyme can be grown together with white cabbage to improve the phytosanitary of vegetables without compromising the biochemical quality of the cabbages. However, the influence on biochemical composition, especially on the nitrate and glucosinolate levels, should be examined further, providing valuable insights for future research in this field.

A Collaborative Approach for Metal Pollution Assessment in Production System of Plastic-Shed Vegetables Near Industrial Areas.

A collaborative assessment approach, including impact index of comprehensive quality (IICQ), food pollution index (FPI), and single factor pollution index (PI), was used to simultaneously select priority metal pollutants and assess metal contamination status in the plastic-shed soil (PSS)-vegetable system of the industrial towns situated in the Yangtze River Delta, China. Overall, significant Cr increment as well as Cd and Cu pollution in PSS existed, which was related to anthropogenic activities, especially industrial wastewater irrigation. The evaluation using PI and FPI demonstrated that priority metal pollutants were Cu and Cd in PSS while Cr and Cd in vegetables. Additionally, the estimation using IICQ method revealed that 23.3% and 13.3% of the sampling sites were sub-moderately and heavily contaminated by metals, respectively. These sites especially with heavy pollution need priority pollution management. These data will be beneficial to metal pollution control in PSS-vegetable system around industrial areas.

Bioaccumulation and Health Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Metals in Citrus Limetta & Citrus Sinensis Irrigated by Wastewater.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different irrigation sources on the levels of potentially toxic metals (Cd, Cr, Fe and Mn) in the edibles of citrus fruits (Citrus sinensis and Citrus limetta). The samples of fruit, soil and water were collected from two locations (fresh water irrigated-FW I and sewage water irrigated-SW II) within the city of Sargodha. The samples utilized in the study for metal analysis were prepared utilizing the wet acid digestion method. Metal determination was performed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The potentially toxic metal values in the citrus samples ranged from 0.010 to 0.063, 0.015 to 0.293, 6.691 to 11.342 and 0.366 to 0.667 mg/kg for Cd, Cr, Fe and Mn, respectively. Analysis of Citrus limetta and Citrus sinensis indicated that the highest concentration of Cr, Fe and Mn is observed at the sewage water irrigation site (SW-II), whilst the minimum levels of Cr, Fe and Mn were observed at the fresh water irrigation site (FW-I). The results show that the levels of these metals in soil and fruit samples meet the acceptable guidelines outlined by USEPA and WHO. It was found that the metal pollution constitutes a potential threat to human health due to the HRI values for Cd, Cr, and Fe being above 1, despite the DIM values being below 1. Regular monitoring of vegetables irrigated with wastewater is highly recommended in order to minimise health risks to individuals.

The effect of various dietary MUFA content and n-6/n-3 ratios on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed on a whole plant protein based diet: growth performance, digestive enzymes activity, intestinal morphometry and fatty acids profile of muscle and liver.

The effect of diets with various dietary MUFA content and n-6/n-3 ratios, diets 1 (55.33, 1.00), 2 (25.30, 1.00), 3 (55.13, 2.05), 4 (24.92, 2.03), 5 (54.94, 8.06) and 6 (24.91, 8.06) and a control diet with fish oil (FO), diet 7 (33.60, 5.97), was studied on growth and digestive physiology of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Juveniles, 14.65 g ± 0.17, were fed the experimental diets for eight weeks. Those fish fed diet 1 (55.33, 1.00) had the lowest growth and nutritional indices, while fish fed diet 6 (24.91, 8.06) possessed the highest indices. However, fish fed D7 (33.60, 5.97) was intermediate in this regard. Proximate body composition results revealed no significant differences among various experimental groups (P > 0.05). Fish fed on diet 1 possessed the highest alkaline protease activity, while fish raised on diet 2 showed the lowest enzyme activity (P < 0.05). Fish fed on diets 1, 3 and 4 had the highest lipase activity (P > 0.05). Amylase activity and intestinal parameters did not differ among groups (P > 0.05). MUFA contents of liver and muscle reflected the MUFA contents of the diets; however, liver PUFA contents was not affected by dietary PUFA contents (P < 0.05). However, 18:3n-3 contents of liver decreased as dietary n-6/n-3 ratio increased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the liver 20:4n-6 contents considerably increased as dietary n-6/n-3 increased to 8.06 (P < 0.05). Muscle 22:6n-3 content of groups 1 to 6 was lower than group 7 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, rainbow trout was considerably capable of de novo synthesis of 22:6n-3. Meanwhile, increasing dietary n-6/n-3 ratio to 8.06 decreased the muscle 22:6n-3 content which requires further considerations regarding fish immune competence and nutritional quality for human consumption.

Foraging for the future: traditional culinary uses of wild plants in the Western Himalayas-Kashmir Valley (India).

BACKGROUND: In the intricate tapestry of food security, wild food species stand as pillars, nourishing millions in low-income communities, and reflecting the resilience and adaptability of human societies. Their significance extends beyond mere sustenance, intertwining with cultural traditions and local knowledge systems, underscoring the importance of preserving biodiversity and traditional practices for sustainable livelihoods. METHODS: The present study, conducted between February 2022 and August 2023 along the Line of Control in India's Kashmir Valley, employed a rigorous data collection encompassing semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and specific field observations facilitated through a snowball sampling technique. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The comprehensive inventory includes 108 edible plant and fungal species from 48 taxonomic families, with Rosaceae (N = 11) standing out. Young and soft leaves (N = 60) are an important component of various culinary preparations, with vegetables (N = 65) being the main use, followed by fruits (N = 19). This use is seasonal, with collection peaks in March-April and June-August (N = 12). The study also highlights the importance of use value (UV), with Portulaca oleracea standing out as the plant taxon (UV = 0.61), while Asyneuma thomsoni has the lowest use value (UV = 0.15). Many species such as Senecio chrysanthemoides, Asperugo procumbens, Asyneuma thomsoni, and Potentilla nepalensis were classified as new for gastronomic use. Furthermore, the study underlines the great cultural importance of mushrooms such as Morchella esculenta and Geopora arenicola in influencing social hierarchies within the community. However, the transmission of traditional knowledge across generations is declining in the region. At the same time, the conservation of endangered plant species on the IUCN Red List, such as Trillium govanianum, Taxus wallichiana, Saussurea costus, and Podophyllum hexandrum, requires immediate attention. CONCLUSION: Conservation measures should be prioritized, and proactive remedial action is needed. Further research into the nutritional value of these edible species could pave the way for their commercial cultivation, which would mean potential economic growth for local communities, make an important contribution to food security in the area under study, and contribute to scientific progress.

Application of municipal solid waste (MSW) char during rotary drum co-composting (RDC) of vegetable waste and its characterization.

Composting, a sustainable method for handling biodegradable waste constituting nearly 50% of municipal solid waste (MSW), can be enhanced by incorporating char produced from MSW pyrolysis. This study investigates the impact of MSW char (0% char-Control, 2.5% char-Trial 1, 5% char-Trial 2) on the physicochemical properties of vegetable waste compost. A thermophilic temperature range of 53.8 °C was detected in Trial 2, 50.8 °C in Trial 1, and 46.8 °C in Control. The pH of the mixes increased at day 20 to 7.5, 7.87, and 8.2 in Control, Trial 1, and Trial 2, respectively. The highest drop of total organic carbon (TOC) and volatile solids in Trial 2 is about 21.18% and 21.02%, respectively. Total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) increased, particularly in Trial 2 (2.35%), while NH4-N concentrations decreased, and phosphorus levels rose notably to 23.48 mg/kg, with 2.49 mg/kg available phosphorus in Trial 2. The C/N was reduced to 10 in Trial 2. Total potassium increase was highest for Trial 1 (6.9 g/kg). Trial 2 had the highest overall macronutrient concentration and correspondingly showed the greatest decrease in volatile solids. Furthermore, Trial 1 demonstrated a reduction in heavy metal concentration in comparison to Control and Trial 2. Consequently, the utilization of MSW char during rotary drum composting enhances the process of composting and significantly improves compost quality, making it a sustainable waste management solution.

Fruit and vegetable waste used as bacterial growth media for the biocementation of two geomaterials.

This paper investigates the feasibility of using randomly collected fruit and vegetable (FV) waste as a cheap growing medium of bacteria for biocementation applications. Biocementation has been proposed in the literature as an environmentally-friendly ground improvement method to increase the stability of geomaterials, prevent erosion and encapsulate waste, but currently suffers from the high costs involved, such as bacteria cultivation costs. After analysis of FV waste of varied composition in terms of sugar and protein content, diluted FV waste was used to grow ureolytic (S. pasteurii, and B.licheniformis) and also an autochthonous heterotrophic carbonic anhydase (CA)-producing B.licheniformis strain, whose growth in FV media had not been attempted before. Bacterial growth and enzymatic activity in FV were of appropriate levels, although reduced compared to commercial media. Namely, the CA-producing B.licheniformis had a maximum OD600 of 1.799 and a CA activity of 0.817 U/mL in FV media. For the ureolytic pathway, B. licheniformis reached a maximum OD600 of 0.986 and a maximum urease activity of 0.675 mM urea/min, and S. pasteurii a maximum OD600 = 0.999 and a maximum urease activity of 0.756 mM urea/min. Biocementation of a clay and locomotive ash, a geomaterial specific to UK railway embankments, using precultured bacteria in FV was then proven, based on recorded unconfined compressive strengths of 1-3 MPa and calcite content increases of up to 4.02 and 8.62 % for the clay and ash respectively. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), attested the formation of bioprecipitates with characteristic morphologies and elementary composition of calcite crystals. These findings suggest the potential of employing FV to biocement these problematic geomaterials and are of wider relevance for environmental and geoenvironmental applications involving bioaugmentation. Such applications that require substrates in very large quantities can help tackle the management of the very voluminous fruit and vegetable waste produced worldwide.

Skin Carotenoid Levels Are Associated with Demographic Factors, Body Size, and Fruit and Vegetable Intake in the Japanese Population.

This study aimed to determine the association between demographic factors, body size, and fruit and vegetable intake in the general population, focusing on individuals with both low and high skin carotenoid levels. This cross-sectional study was conducted during the 14th National Convention on the Promotion of Food and Nutrition Education (2019) in Yamanashi, Japan (a rural area) and the Open House 2019 at the National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health, and Nutrition in Tokyo, Japan (an urban area). Skin carotenoid measurements were conducted, and the participants were asked to fill out a self-administered questionnaire. The study population consisted of 492 Japanese individuals aged ≥16 years. The odds ratios (ORs) for low skin carotenoid levels were elevated in males, those who were overweight, and those who almost never consumed or consumed only one vegetable dish/day. Conversely, the ORs were lower in those living in Yamanashi, aged 30-39 and ≥70 years, and those who consumed fruit ≥1 time/week. For high skin carotenoid levels, the ORs were higher among those aged ≥70 years, living in Yamanashi, and those who consumed fruit ≥1 time/day or ≥5 vegetable dishes/day. Demographic factors, body size, and habitual fruit and vegetable intake may serve as indicators of skin carotenoid levels.

Evaluating the Association of the Increase in the WIC Cash Value Benefit on the Diversity of MyPlate Fruits and Vegetables Redeemed and Consumed By Children in Low-Income Households.

Background: Fruits and vegetables (FV) are a critical source of nutrients, yet children in the United States are not meeting the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). The monthly FV cash value benefit (CVB) included in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)'s food package to support child FV intake (FVI) received a substantial increase for economic relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: To evaluate how an expansion of the monthly WIC CVB to purchase FV for WIC children ages 1-4 y is associated with diversity in FV redeemed, and how changes in redeemed FV are related to FVI. Methods: Caregivers representing 1463 WIC-participating children recruited from Los Angeles County, California, completed surveys during the CVB augmentation (T1: CVB = $9/mo; T2 = $35/mo; T3 = $24/mo). Redeemed price look-up codes (PLUs), corresponding to a food item, were assigned to its corresponding MyPlate FV group. Multivariable generalized estimating equation regression models assessed changes in amount and diversity of FV redemption across MyPlate groups and associations between changes in FV diversity and changes in FVI. Results: Slightly over half of all households were food insecure (55%), half of the children were female (52%), and most were Hispanic (78%). Compared with T1, significant increases in the number of PLUs and dollars redeemed were observed in most MyPlate FV groups. From T1 to T2, significant increases in diversity scores were observed for total fruit (ß: 1.6 pts; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4, 1.7), total vegetable (ß: 3.6 pts; 95%CI: 3.4, 3.9), and total FV (ß:7.8 pts; 95%CI: 7.4, 8.2). Similarly, increases in diversity score were observed at T3 compared with T1. Changes in FV diversity redeemed were not associated with changes in FVI. Conclusions: During the CVB augmentation, WIC participants redeemed a greater amount and variety of FV according to DGA MyPlate recommendations, supporting its permanent increase.

Influence of the initial microbiota on eggplant shibazuke pickle and eggplant juice fermentation.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the initial microbiota on microbial succession and metabolite transition during eggplant fermentation. Samples of traditional Japanese eggplant pickles, shibazuke, which were spontaneously fermented by plant-associated microbiota, were used for the analysis. Microbiota analysis indicated two successional patterns: early dominance of lactic acid bacteria superseded by aerobic bacteria and early dominance of lactic acid bacteria maintained to the end of the production process. Next, shibazuke production was modeled using filter-sterilized eggplant juice, fermenting the average composition of the initial shibazuke microbiota, which was artificially constructed from six major species identified during shibazuke production. In contrast to shibazuke production, all batches of eggplant juice fermentation showed almost identical microbial succession and complete dominance of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in the final microbiota. These findings revealed the fate of initial microbiota under shibazuke production conditions: the early dominance of lactic acid bacteria that was maintained throughout, with L. plantarum ultimately predominating the microbiota. Furthermore, a comparison of the results between shibazuke production and eggplant juice fermentation suggested that L. plantarum is involved in the production of lactic acid, alanine, and glutamic acid during eggplant fermentation regardless of the final microbiota. IMPORTANCE: The findings shown in this study provide insight into the microbial succession during spontaneous pickle fermentation and the role of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in eggplant pickle production. Moreover, the novel method of using filter-sterilized vegetable juice with an artificial microbiota to emulate spontaneous fermentation can be applied to other spontaneously fermented products. This approach allows for the evaluation of the effect of specific initial microbiota in the absence of plant-associated bacteria from raw materials potentially promoting a greater understanding of microbial behavior in complex microbial ecosystems during vegetable fermentation.

Impact of Healthy Lifestyle Factors on Life Expectancy and Lifetime Health Care Expenditure: Nationwide Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The association between lifestyle risk factors and the risk of mortality and chronic diseases has been established, while limited research has explored the impact of healthy lifestyle factors on lifetime health care expenditure using longitudinal individual data. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the individual and combined effects of 5 healthy lifestyle factors on life expectancy and lifetime health care expenditure in Taiwan. METHODS: Using data from the National Health Interview Survey cohort, 5 healthy lifestyle behaviors were defined and analyzed: nonsmoking, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, engaging in sufficient physical activity, ensuring sufficient fruit and vegetable intake, and maintaining a normal weight. We used a rolling extrapolation algorithm that incorporated inverse probability of treatment weighting to estimate the life expectancy and lifetime health care expenditure of the study populations with and without healthy lifestyle factors. RESULTS: A total of 19,893 participants aged ≥30 (mean age 48.8, SD 13.4) years were included, with 3815 deaths recorded during a median follow-up period of 15.6 years. The life expectancy and per capita estimated lifetime health care expenditures for the overall study population were 35.32 years and US $58,560, respectively. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios for all-cause mortality in participants adhering to all 5 healthy lifestyle factors, compared with those adhering to none, were 0.37 (95% CI 0.27-0.49). We found significant increases in life expectancy for nonsmokers (2.31 years; 95% CI 0.04-5.13; P=.03), those with sufficient physical activity (1.85 years; 95% CI 0.25-4.34; P=.02), and those with adequate fruit and vegetable intake (3.25 years; 95% CI 1.29-6.81; P=.01). In addition, nonsmokers experienced a significant reduction in annual health care expenditure (-9.78%; 95% CI -46.53% to -1.45%; P=.03), as did individuals maintaining optimal body weight (-18.36%; 95% CI -29.66% to -8.57%; P=.01). Overall, participants adhering to all 5 healthy lifestyle behaviors exhibited a life gain of 7.13 years (95% CI 1.33-11.11; P=.02) compared with those adhering to one or none, with a life expectancy of 29.19 years (95% CI 25.45-33.62). Furthermore, individuals adopting all 5 healthy lifestyle factors experienced an average annual health care expenditure reduction of 28.12% (95% CI 4.43%-57.61%; P=.02) compared with those adopting one or none. CONCLUSIONS: Adopting a healthy lifestyle is associated with a longer life expectancy and a reduction of health care expenditure in Taiwanese adults. This contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of healthy lifestyle factors on the overall health and economic burden.

Experiences participating in federal nutrition assistance programs during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic: an investigation in Vermont.

BACKGROUND: Federal nutrition assistance programs serve as safety nets for many American households, and participation has been linked to increased food security and, in some instances, improved diet quality and mental health outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic brought new and increased economic, social, and psychological challenges, necessitating inquiry into how nutrition assistance programs are functioning and associated with public health outcomes. METHODS: Using data from a representative statewide survey administered in Vermont (n = 600) between July and September 2020, we examined participant experiences with major federal nutrition assistance programs: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and school meal programs. We explored quantitative and qualitative responses regarding perceptions of program utility, and used nearest neighbors matching analyses in combination with bivariate statistical tests to assess associations between program participation and food insecurity, perceived stress, and fruit and vegetable intake as indicators of dietary quality. RESULTS: One in four respondents (27.3%) used at least one federal nutrition assistance program. As compared to non-participants, we found higher rates of food insecurity among program participants (57.5% vs. 18.1%; p < 0.001), an association that persisted even when we compared similar households using matching techniques (p ≤ 0.001). From matched analyses, we found that, compared to low-income non-participants, low-income program participants were less likely to meet fruit intake recommendations (p = 0.048) and that low-income SNAP and WIC participants were less likely to meet vegetable intake recommendations (p = 0.035). We also found lower rates of perceived stress among low-income school meal participant households compared to low-income non-participants (p = 0.039). Despite these mixed outcomes, participants broadly valued federal nutrition assistance programs, characterizing them as helpful or easy to use. CONCLUSIONS: We found that federal nutrition assistance programs as a group were not sufficient to address food insecurity and stress or increase fruit and vegetable intake in the state of Vermont during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, participants perceived benefits from participation in these programs. Optimizing the utility of nutrition assistance programs depends on critical examination of their functioning under conditions of great stress.