The Effect of Individual Attitude toward Healthy Nutrition on Adherence to a High-UFA and High-Protein Diet: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Despite beneficial cardiovascular effects, substantial long-term modulation of food pattern could only be achieved in a limited number of participants. The impact of attitude towards healthy nutrition (ATHN) on successful modulation of dietary behavior is unclear, especially in the elderly. We aimed to analyze whether the personal ATHN influences 12-month adherence to two different dietary intervention regimes within a 36-month randomized controlled trial. METHODS: 502 subjects were randomized to an intervention group (IG; dietary pattern focused on high intake of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), plant protein and fiber) or control group (CG; dietary recommendation in accordance with the German Society of Nutrition) within a 36-month dietary intervention trial. Sum scores for effectiveness, appreciation and practice of healthy nutrition were assessed using ATHN questionnaire during the trial (n = 344). Linear regression models were used to investigate associations between ATHN and dietary patterns at baseline and at month 12. RESULTS: Retirement, higher education level, age and lower body mass index (BMI) were associated with higher ATHN sum scores. ATHN was similar in CG and IG. Higher baseline intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and fiber as well as lower intake in saturated fatty acids (SFA) were associated with higher scores in practice in both groups. The intervention resulted in a stronger increase of UFA, protein and fiber in the IG after 12 months, while intake of SFA declined (p < 0.01). Higher scores in appreciation were significantly associated with higher intake of fiber and lower intake of SFA in the CG at month 12, whereas no associations between ATHN and macronutrient intake were observed in the IG after 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: While ATHN appeared to play a role in general dietary behavior, ATHN did not affect the success of the specific dietary intervention in the IG at month 12. Thus, the dietary intervention achieved a substantial modification of dietary pattern in the IG and was effective to override the impact of the individual ATHN on dietary behavior.

Attitude towards healthy nutrition and mental toughness: a study of taekwondo athletes.

Healthy nutrition is widely considered the cornerstone of optimal athletic performance, both physically and mentally. This study investigates the critical role of healthy nutrition in shaping the physical and mental performance of athletes, with a specific focus on taekwondo. This research aims to explore the potential relationship between taekwondo athletes' attitudes towards healthy nutrition and their mental toughness. The research group comprised 276 active and licensed taekwondo athletes who voluntarily participated in the study (Age M = 17.18 ± SD = 7.13, N = 125 women, N = 151 men). Ethical approval for the research was obtained prior to the commencement of the study. Data collection instruments included the Healthy Nutrition Attitude Scale, Mental Toughness Scale, and a personal information form. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to confirm the validity and reliability of the scales. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were performed to explore the relationship between the variables within the research model. The correlation analysis identified two significant, positive, and moderate correlations: (1) between knowledge about nutrition and mental toughness (r = 0.626) and (2) between positive nutrition and mental toughness (r = 0.672). The regression analysis revealed that both knowledge about nutrition (ß = 0.360) and positive nutrition (ß = 0.461) significantly contribute to mental toughness. The findings suggest that as athletes' knowledge of nutrition expands and their attitudes towards healthy eating become more positive, their mental toughness also appears to improve. These results are both important and original, adding significant new insights to the existing research landscape.

Relationship of attitudes for healthy nutrition with mindful eating, motivation to participate in physical activity, and academic success: A controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we examined the relationship between university students' attitudes toward healthy nutrition with mindful eating, motivation to participate in physical activity, and academic success. METHODS: A total of 497 healthy students aged between 21 and 38 were randomly selected from among senior students of the Faculty of Health Sciences and nonhealth-related faculties. In the study, a questionnaire form consisting of questions about the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants were used, along with the Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition (ASHN), Mindful Eating Questionnaire, and Motivation Scale for Participation in Physical Activity. RESULTS: The total scores of ASHN and MEQ were found to be significantly higher in those studying in health-related departments and those with high academic success. In addition, a significant inverse relationship was found between the total score of MEQ and BMI and waist circumference. A statistically significant and positive correlation was found between the total mean score of ASHN and the total mean score of MEQ and MSPPA. CONCLUSIONS: It has been concluded that the development of healthy eating and lifestyle habits in university students positively affects their academic success as well as their general health.

Alimentación basada en plantas: la nueva tendencia nutricional / Plant-based diets: the new nutritional trend

En la actualidad cada vez más familias optan por seguir una alimentación basada en plantas (ABP). Es fundamental que pediatras y agentes de salud conozcan estos tipos de patrones alimentarios para asesorar adecuadamente a sus pacientes y derivarlos oportunamente a especialistas capacitados con el objetivo de garantizar un adecuado crecimiento y desarrollo principalmente en la edad pediátrica, evitando posibles consecuencias negativas sobre la salud. La mayoría de las sociedades científicas del mundo considera a las dietas vegetarianas apropiadas para todas las etapas de la vida si están correctamente planificadas, suplementadas y con un seguimiento adecuado por especialistas capacitados. Con respecto a las dietas veganas existen controversias por parte de las distintas sociedades con respecto a si son adecuadas o no en pediatría. Recientemente se han revisado las descripciones respecto a las tipificaciones de una ABP y se ha propuesto una definición estándar de estos tipos de dieta. Los riesgos más significativos asociados a la mala planificación de estas dietas son las deficiencias de calcio, vitamina D y vitamina B12, aunque también se debe tener en cuenta el estado del zinc, selenio, yodo y los ácidos grasos Omega 3. Es importante la planificación diaria de un plato nutricionalmente completo y es incuestionable que quienes siguen estos patrones alimentarios reciban suplementos con vitamina B12 adecuados para cada etapa de la vida. Se requieren más estudios en pediatría para evaluar los efectos de las distintas ABP sobre la ingesta de nutrientes, el estado nutricional, el crecimiento, desarrollo y la prevención de enfermedades no transmisibles (AU)

Currently, an increasing number of families are choosing to follow a plant-based diet (PBD). It is essential that pediatricians and healthcare agents know these types of dietary patterns in order to properly advise their patients and refer them to trained specialists to ensure adequate growth and development, especially in the pediatric age, avoiding possible negative health consequences. Most of the world's scientific societies consider vegetarian diets appropriate for all stages of life if they are adequately planned, supplemented and monitored by trained specialists. However, there is controversy among different societies regarding the appropriateness of vegan diets for children. Recently, there has been a review of descriptions concerning the characteristics of a plant-based diet, leading to a proposed standard definition for these types of diets. The most significant risks associated with poorly planned diets are calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 deficiencies, although zinc, selenium, iodine and omega-3 fatty acid status should also be considered. The daily planning of a nutritionally complete meal is important and it is imperative that those who follow these dietary patterns receive vitamin B12 supplementation appropriate for each stage of life. Further studies in children are needed to evaluate the effects of different PBDs on nutrient intake, nutritional status, growth, development, and prevention of noncommunicable diseases (AU)

Assessment of Technological and Sensory Properties, Digestibility, and Bioactive Compounds in Polentas from Different Maize Genotypes.

The sensory profile of polenta and the connections between technological attributes and varieties of maize have not been extensively studied. Thus, it is necessary to understand the possible effect of its consumption on consumers' health in terms of postprandial glucose levels and molecules associated with healthy activities. This work aims to study polenta's technological and sensory properties from different maize genotypes and evaluate their digestibility and the potential contribution of bioactive compounds on health. A commercial hybrid, two open-pollinated varieties, and three inbred lines were used. Grain physical determinations and physical-chemical semolina traits were determined. Polenta's technological quality was evaluated after simulated cooking. In vitro digestion was performed for polentas, and a sensory evaluation test was conducted. A significant correlation was found between semolina polyphenols and rapidly digestible starch (r = -0.6). Panellists characterised the genotype C6006 as having a good flavour, sandier mouthfeel, and low consistency. Also, the polenta from the hybrid exhibited sensory attributes more closely resembling commercial polenta in terms of maize odour, flavour, and consistency. The higher content of polyphenols presents in semolina affected the digestion of polenta, showing a lower proportion of rapidly digestible starch and a lower amount of bioaccessible protein fraction.

Dietary Tyrosine Intake (FFQ) Is Associated with Locus Coeruleus, Attention and Grey Matter Maintenance: An MRI Structural Study on 398 Healthy Individuals of the Berlin Aging Study-II.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It is documented that low protein and amino-acid dietary intake is related to poorer cognitive health and increased risk of dementia. Degradation of the neuromodulatory pathways, (comprising the cholinergic, dopaminergic, serotoninergic and noradrenergic systems) is observed in neurodegenerative diseases and impairs the proper biosynthesis of key neuromodulators from micro-nutrients and amino acids. How these micro-nutrients are linked to neuromodulatory pathways in healthy adults is less studied. The Locus Coeruleus-Noradrenergic System (LC-NA) is the earliest subcortical structure affected in Alzheimer's disease, showing marked neurodegeneration, but is also sensitive for age-related changes. The LC-NA system is critical for supporting attention and cognitive control, functions that are enhanced both by tyrosine administration and chronic tyrosine intake. The purpose of this study was to 1) investigate whether the dietary intake of tyrosine, the key precursor for noradrenaline (NA), is related to LC signal intensity 2) whether LC mediates the reported association between tyrosine intake and higher cognitive performance (measured with Trail Making Test - TMT), and 3) whether LC signal intensity relates to an objective measure of brain maintenance (BrainPAD). METHODS: The analyses included 398 3T MRIs of healthy participants from the Berlin Aging Study II to investigate the relationship between LC signal intensity and habitual dietary tyrosine intake-daily average (HD-Tyr-IDA - measured with Food Frequency Questionnaire - FFQ). As a control procedure, the same analyses were repeated on other main seeds of the neuromodulators' subcortical system (Dorsal and Medial Raphe, Ventral Tegmental Area and Nucleus Basalis of Meynert). In the same way, the relationships between the five nuclei and BrainPAD were tested. RESULTS: Results show that HD-Tyr-IDA is positively associated with LC signal intensity. Similarly, LC disproportionally relates to better brain maintenance (BrainPAD). Mediation analyses reveal that only LC, relative to the other nuclei tested, mediates the relationship between HD-Tyr-IDA I and performance in the TMT and between HD-Tyr-IDA and BrainPAD. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide the first evidence linking tyrosine intake with LC-NA system signal intensity and its correlation with neuropsychological performance. This study strengthens the role of diet for maintaining brain and cognitive health and supports the noradrenergic theory of cognitive reserve. Within this framework, adequate tyrosine intake might increase the resilience of LC-NA system functioning, by preventing degeneration and supporting noradrenergic metabolism required for LC function and neuropsychological performance.

The Activities of the Slovenian Strategic Council for Nutrition 2023/24 to Improve the Health of the Slovenian Population and the Sustainability of Food: A Narrative Review.

The health status of individuals in Slovenia across age groups is a matter of concern, as current unsustainable lifestyle choices are already leading to various chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Outdated national dietary guidelines, their inconsistent implementation, and a lack of structural changes represent obstacles to promoting healthy and sustainable nutrition. Limited access to and rising prices of healthy, sustainable foods, in addition to the high availability of low-priced, highly processed foods, increase the risk of NCDs. The lack of systematic health monitoring and early disease detection poses a challenge. Global and local environmental issues, resistance, and/or the inability to adopt healthier diets hinder individuals from changing their nutritional behaviours. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of the current situation in Slovenia as well as planned activities initiated by the Slovenian government and the Prime Minister's Strategic Council for Nutrition, aiming to make progress in supporting healthy and sustainable nutrition, limiting food waste, and increasing the availability of healthier foods for all. Improving the sustainability of the Slovenian food system can contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring Slovenia's commitment to internationally agreed-upon targets. This could lead Slovenia to take a role as a pilot country in testing and implementing the necessary systemic changes, which could be further applied in other countries.

Rise and shine for eating right: the link between healthy nutrition and chronotype among young adults.

Aim: Many studies have examined the relationship between chronotype and general health. Because healthy eating is the basis of health aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between healthy nutrition attitudes and chronotype in young adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,400 young adults (936 females and 464 males). Chronotype was assessed by the Turkish version of the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) and the Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition (ASHN) was applied by face-to-face interview. Furthermore, 24-h dietary recall was collected. The scores of nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) and mean adequacy ratio (MAR) were calculated. The anthropometric measurements including body weight and height were taken. Results: The chronotype distribution of participants according to the MEQ score and MAR score were not significantly different between females and males (p > 0.05). The percentage of participants with high healthy eating attitude was lowest in the evening chronotype and highest in the morning chronotype (49.7, 37.7 and 25.4% in morning-, intermediate-, evening-types, respectively; p = 0.000 for all groups according to the reciprocal comparisons). There was a positive correlation of the MEQ scores with the scores of ASHN (r = 0.282, p < 0.01). ASHN score was shown to be a predictor for MEQ score (ß = 0.280, p = 0.000). Moreover, the score of "poor eating habits" was shown to be highest in the evening chronotype and lowest in the morning chronotype (14.9 ± 3.0 and 13.1 ± 3.0, respectively; p < 0.01). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that individuals with the evening chronotype are more deficient in terms of healthy nutrition attitudes. Further studies with larger populations will potentially guide the development of health promotion strategies to prevent and treat chronic diseases based on an individual's chronotype.

Percepciones y actitudes sobre la alimentación saludable y sostenible en estudiantes universitarios de salud / Perceptions and Attitudes About Healthy and Sustainable Eating in University Health Students

Introducción: La alimentación saludable y que evita enfermedades sigue siendo un tema de investigación para avanzar hacia el desarrollo efectivo de prácticas saludables, que permita a las poblaciones vivir mejor. La alimentación sostenible es un aspecto nuevo, que reconoce lo colectivo del consumo de alimentos por la salud del planeta. Objetivo: Identificar las percepciones y actitudes sobre alimentación saludable y sostenible entre jóvenes estudiantes de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud en Santa Marta-Colombia, 2022. Métodos: Se implementó un estudio transversal con una población de 318 estudiantes, quienes respondieron voluntariamente al cuestionario diseñado por los investigadores (α = 0,908) a través de una plataforma digital. Resultados: La mayoría de los participantes fueron mujeres (65,7 por ciento), con una edad promedio de 20,3 años. El 55 por ciento identificó los alimentos saludables y el 53 por ciento percibió parcialmente el riesgo de los alimentos frente a las enfermedades no trasmisibles. Un 22,7 por cientoeconoció los alimentos sostenibles. La actitud positiva frente a la reducción el riesgo de enfermedades no trasmisibles por alimentos fue del 77 por ciento. Las actitudes hacia la alimentación saludable y la reducción del riesgo de enfermedades no trasmisibles tuvieron diferencias significativas por sexo (p = 0,009; p < 0,001) y programa (p = 0,008; p < 0,001, respectivamente). Las percepciones y actitudes se correlacionaron positivamente. Conclusiones: Las percepciones sobre la alimentación saludable y que evita enfermedades fueron adecuadas, así como las actitudes positivas. En torno a la alimentación sostenible hay vacíos, frente a los cuales se debe sensibilizar para avanzar en una alimentación consiente con la salud humana y planetaria(AU)

Introduction: Healthy feeding, which prevents diseases continues to be a topic of research to move towards the effective development of healthy practices, to allow populations to live better. Sustainable food is a new aspect, which recognizes the collective nature of food consumption for the health of the planet. Objective: To identify perceptions and attitudes about healthy and sustainable feeding among young students of the School of Health Sciences in Santa Marta, Colombia, 2022. Methods: A cross-sectional study was implemented with a population of 318 students, who voluntarily responded to the questionnaire designed by the researchers (α = 0.908) through a digital platform. Results: The majority of participants were women (65.7percent), with an average age of 20.3 years. 55percent identified healthy foods and 53percent partially perceived the risk of foods against non-communicable diseases. 22.7percent recognized sustainable foods. The positive attitude towards reducing the risk of non-food-transmissible diseases was 77percent. Attitudes toward healthy eating and reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases had significant differences by sex (p = 0.009; p < 0.001) and program (p = 0.008; p < 0.001, respectively). Perceptions and attitudes were positively correlated. Conclusions: Perceptions about healthy feeding that prevents diseases were adequate, as were positive attitudes. There are gaps around sustainable nutrition, which must be raised to advance in a diet that is conscious of human and planetary health(AU)

Unraveling Barriers to a Healthy Lifestyle: Understanding Barriers to Diet and Physical Activity in Patients with Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases.

Although the important contribution of nutrition and physical activity to people's health is known, it is equally well known that there are many barriers to adherence to healthy habits (i.e., of an organizational, economic, and/or psychological nature) experienced by the general population, as well as by people with non-communicable diseases. Knowledge of these barriers seems essential to the implementation of the activities and strategies needed to overcome them. Here, we aim to highlight the most frequent barriers to nutrition and exercise improvement that patients with chronic-degenerative diseases experience. Drawing from the Pubmed database, our analysis includes quantitative or mixed descriptive studies published within the last 10 years, involving adult participants with non-communicable diseases. Barriers of an organizational nature, as well as those of an environmental, economic, or psychological nature, are reported. The study of patients' barriers enables healthcare and non-health professionals, stakeholders, and policymakers to propose truly effective solutions that can help both the general population and those with chronic pathologies to adhere to a healthy lifestyle.

Theoretical Derivation of a Telephone-Based Health Coaching Intervention for Promoting Physical Activity and Healthy Nutrition.

Present research regarding interventions to change behavior suffers from insufficient communication of their theoretical derivation. This insufficient communication is caused by the restrictions imposed by most of the relevant scientific journals. This impedes further intervention development. In this article, a telephone-based health coaching (TBHC) intervention is introduced using a format outside these restrictions. This intervention is seen as a combination of (1) the activities performed with the target persons, i.e., its core, and (2) measures to ensure the quality of the intervention. The theoretical derivation of the core is presented. The core is seen to consist of (1) the style of coach-patient interaction and (2) the contents of this interaction. The style of coach-patient interaction was derived from self-determination theory and was concretized using motivational interviewing techniques. The contents of the coach-patient interaction were derived from the health action process approach and were concretized using behavior-change techniques. The derivation led to (1) a set of 16 coaching tools referring to the different states in which a patient might be and containing state-specific recommendations for performing the coaching session, and (2) guidelines for selecting the appropriate coaching tool for each session. To ensure the quality of the intervention, a coach-training program before and supervision sessions during the TBHC were added.

Developing Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors in Early Age-An Intervention Study in Kindergartens.

Childhood obesity prevention is a leading public health challenge requiring the adoption of healthy lifestyles at an early age. We examined how the kindergarten environment can promote eating sensibly, drinking water and becoming physically active. The effects of an intervention program among 42 Israeli kindergartens (1048 children, aged 4-6) whose teachers participated in a health education training program were compared to 32 kindergartens (842 children) whose teachers did not undergo this training program. An eight-month intervention program focused on knowledge/mathematical/logical/critical thinking, self-regulation/control acquisition, and sensible decision-making abilities. We hypothesized that nutrition and physical-exercise-oriented intervention programs, combining knowledge/mathematical logical thinking, would positively impact the quality of children's mid-morning snack and water consumption, their ability to express feelings following physical exercise, and the adoption of healthy lifestyles at home. The quality of mid-morning snacks and water consumption were observed in both groups pre- and post-intervention. Qualitative interviews documented children's subjective feelings following physical exercise. A significant improvement (p < 0.001) was observed in the mid-morning snacks composition and in water drinking habits in the intervention group; 80% of children offered a physiological explanation regarding energy expenditure processes following intense physical exercise. In conclusion, kindergarten interventions implemented by trained teachers can promote adoption of health behaviors necessary for obesity prevention.

Evaluation of adherence to the Mediterranean diet with sustainable nutrition knowledge and environmentally responsible food choices.

Background: Dietary patterns and their possible effects on health and the environment are becoming increasingly important. It is thought that nutritionally balanced diets can also be compatible with environmental targets and, therefore, the Mediterranean diet (MD), which is regarded as a sustainable diet model, comes to the fore. This study was carried out to evaluate adherence to the MD with sustainable nutrition knowledge and environmentally responsible food choices and to determine the factors affecting adherence. Methods: A questionnaire prepared by the researchers was sent to individuals online and 1732 adults living in Turkey participated in this cross-sectional study. Adherence to the MD was evaluated with the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS). In addition, questions were asked about nutritional knowledge and environmentally responsible food choices to evaluate the sustainable nutritional behaviors of individuals. Results: Half of the participants (51.1% of men / 53% of women) adhere to the MD at a moderate level. Even the individuals with the highest adherence to the MD had low compliance with the recommendations for fruit (43.4%) and fish (37.3%) consumption. A one-unit increase in age, sustainable nutrition knowledge score, and environmentally responsible food choices score increases the MD adherence score by 0.08, 0.125, and 0.148 points, respectively (p < 0.005). Individuals with high adherence to the MD avoid consuming genetically modified organism food more (p < 0.001), prefer to consume environmentally labeled foods (p < 0.001), and buy food more from local businesses (p < 0.001), while they prefer to buy imported food less (p = 0.034). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that some strategies should be developed to increase the adaptation of individuals to the MD and sustainable nutritional behaviors. Nutritionally adequate, sustainable, and eco-friendly nutritional behaviors should be encouraged to increase the possible health benefits of nutrition and minimize environmental effects. To promote sustainable nutrition, firstly it is important to determine the knowledge level of individuals concerning sustainable nutrition and, for this purpose, it is thought that an international valid sustainable nutrition knowledge assessment tool is needed.

An Occupation-Based Healthy Nutrition and Wellness Program for Individuals With Schizophrenia.

This study investigated the effectiveness of an occupation-based Healthy Nutrition and Wellness Program (HNWP) on dietary knowledge, dietary habits, metabolic values, and well-being of people with schizophrenia. Forty clients attended the HNWP once a week for 12 weeks in addition to routine treatment. Metabolic values, biochemical values, dietary habits, Healthy Nutrition Knowledge Form, and Well-being Questionnaire were measured before the HNWP, after the HNWP, and at 6-month follow-up. Repeated measures factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare each continuous variable and Cochran's Q test was used to compare categorical variables before HNWP, after HNWP, and at follow-up. Findings showed that HNWP increased the healthy nutrition knowledge, improved some dietary habits, increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and promoted general well-being of the individuals with schizophrenia. There was no gender difference in all variables. Inclusion of occupation-based HNWPs into treatment of individuals with schizophrenia can increase awareness about healthy life and improve their dietary habits and well-being.

Caregivers' Perceived Impact of WIC's Temporary Cash-Value Benefit (CVB) Increases on Fruit and Vegetable Purchasing, Consumption, and Access in Massachusetts.

Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Rescue Plan (2021) allowed state agencies of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) the option of temporarily increasing the Cash-Value Benefit (CVB) for fruit and vegetable (FV) purchases. To examine the impact of this enhancement on WIC caregiver experience, the MA WIC State Office invited 4600 randomly selected MA WIC caregivers to complete an online survey (February-March 2022). Eligible adults had at least one child, had been enrolled at least a year, and were aware of the increase. Of those who opened the screener (n = 545), 58.9% completed it (n = 321). We calculated the frequencies of reporting increased FV outcomes and tested whether responses differed by race/ethnicity, market access, and food security. Most caregivers perceived the CVB increase to benefit FV purchasing (amount and quality, 71.0% and 55.5%), FV consumption (offered to children and personally consumed, 70.1% and 63.2%), and satisfaction with the WIC food package (37.1% reported improved satisfaction, pre- vs. post-increase). Probability of reporting improved outcomes was not found to differ by race/ethnicity, market access, or food security. CVB increases may pose important implications for dietary behaviors and satisfaction with WIC. Policymakers should consider making this increase permanent.

Nutritional and Oral Hygiene Knowledge versus Reported Behavior of Children and Adolescents-A Cross-Sectional Interview-Based Study.

Despite the fact that healthy, sugar-reduced nutrition has been propagated by the media and in schools for years, dental caries in children remains a major health problem worldwide, caused primarily by an unhealthy diet. The objective of this study is to compare statements on nutrition and hygienic knowledge with those on children's actual dietary and hygienic behavior. A random sample of 554 children and adolescents aged 3-19 years was enrolled. Designed as a cross-sectional interview-based community survey, this study was conducted consecutively during three one-day public science-promoting events at the Saarland University's Medical Faculty. Participants' oral hygiene and nutritional knowledge was profound; however, the reported translation into practice showed deficiencies. Boys and younger children (3-10 years) often showed better oral hygiene knowledge than girls and older children (over 11 years) but had problems implementing it into their daily life practice. In contrast, girls and older children often showed less oral hygiene knowledge but reported more favorable behavior. Finally, children up to the mixed dentition phase preferred drinking sweets more often than older children, posing a risk to the developing permanent dentition. Intensifying well-known controlled motivation training approaches to encourage children and adolescents is recommended to put their knowledge into practice.

The relationship between junk food consumption, healthy nutrition, and obesity among children aged 7 to 8 years in Mersin, Turkey.

Increasing junk food (JF) consumption (JFC) among school-aged children is a public health issue that may affect the quality of their diet. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors associated with high-energy intake from JFC in children aged 7 to 8 years with different socioeconomic backgrounds and examine the relationship among JFC, healthy food consumption, and obesity. The hypothesis of the study is that JFC index is related to consumption of staple foods and body mass index. This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2018 and April 2019 with the participation of 524 children and their parents with low or high socioeconomic status. The data collected with "Healthy Food and JFC Frequency Parents" "Views Form" and "24-Hour Dietary Recall Child Form" were analyzed using multiple analysis methods with P ≤ .05 significance level. Among the children, 53.1% were female, 14.1% were children with obesity, and 18.5% consumed at least one of the JF groups daily. A difference was observed between the calorie intake from JF in children with obesity (292.90 kcal/d) and children without obesity (395.76 kcal/d). The consumption of salty food is associated with low-income levels and consumption of fast food is associated with high-income levels. According to the variables of usually having snacks at home, not receiving pocket money every day, and consuming dairy products at the recommended level, usually having JF at home (odds ratio [OR] = 3.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40-10.86), receiving pocket money (OR = 2.96; 95% CI, 1.97-4.48), and consuming dairy products at a the recommended level (OR = 1.60; 95% CI, 1.03-2.49) were found to be better predictors of high level of calorie intake from JF (P < .05). Consumption of fruits, dairy products, and protein-rich foods is associated with JFC (P < .05). Regardless of obesity status, a significant portion of the daily calorie needs of children from any socioeconomic level is met with JFC. Those who consume JF frequently and in large amounts also consume a lot of dairy products and protein-rich foods and very little fruit. The long-term effects of JFC on those who consume staple foods at an adequate level should also be investigated.

Seguridad alimentaria en áreas rurales de la provincia Chimborazo, Ecuador / Food security in rural areas of the Chimborazo province, Ecuador

RESUMEN Introducción: La seguridad alimentaria es un amplio concepto que incluye múltiples factores que de una forma u otra inciden en que la población pueda acceder a una alimentación de calidad. Solo de esta forma se podrá cumplir con la ansiada meta de disponer de una alimentación saludable que no solo permita minimizar la aparición de enfermedades, sino que también contribuya a controlar las ya existentes. Objetivo: Determinar el comportamiento de la seguridad alimentaria en la población rural del cantón Colta, provincia de Chimborazo, Ecuador. Métodos: Investigación básica, de campo, descriptiva y de corte transversal realizada en el cantón Colta, provincia Chimborazo, con una población total de 410 familias dedicadas al cultivo de la quínoa. La muestra quedó conformada por 210 agricultores. Se utilizó la Escala Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Seguridad Alimentaria para determinar la seguridad alimentaria y sus elementos relacionados. Resultados: En el 56,67 % de las familias se identificó inseguridad alimentaria; y fue más significativa en familias con menores de 18 años (66,67 %). Predominó la inseguridad alimentaria ligera (73,95 %). La falta de recursos económicos (86,55 %), el elevado costo de los alimentos (76,49 %), los problemas relacionados con el acceso físico a los alimentos (74,79 %) y la inadecuada cobertura de salud (74,79 %) fueron las determinantes más referidas como causa de inseguridad alimentaria. Conclusiones: El elevado porcentaje de inseguridad alimentaria fue más predominante en las familias con personas menores de 18 años dentro de su composición familiar. Los elementos relacionados con el tema económico fueron los más referenciados como condicionantes de inseguridad alimentaria.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Food security is a broad concept that includes multiple factors that in one way or another affect the population's access to quality food. Only in this way will it be possible to meet the long-awaited goal of having a healthy diet that not only minimizes the appearance of diseases, but also helps to control existing ones. Objective: To determine the behavior of food security in the rural population of the Colta canton, Chimborazo province, Ecuador. Methods: Basic, field, descriptive and cross-sectional research carried out in the Colta canton, Chimborazo province, with a total population of 410 families dedicated to the cultivation of quinoa. The sample was made up of 210 farmers. The Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale was used to determine food security and its related elements. Results: In 56.67% of the families food insecurity was identified; being more significant in families with children under 18 years of age (66.67%). Slight food insecurity predominated (73.95%). The lack of economic resources (86.55%), the high cost of food (76.49%), problems related to physical access to food (74.79%) and inadequate health coverage (74, 79%) were the determinants most referred to as a cause of food insecurity. Conclusions: The high percentage of food insecurity was more prevalent in families with people under 18 years of age within their family composition. The elements related to the economic issue were the most referenced as determinants of food insecurity.

[Role of calcium in health and reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases].

Calcium as an essential mineral is involved in many processes in the body, being the main one in the mineral matrix of bones and teeth. It is necessary for conducting nerve impulses, blood coagulation, muscle contraction, regulation of the transport of various ions through the cell membrane, glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, and the activity of many enzymes. In Russia, insufficient calcium intake is noted. The purpose of the work was to assess the role of calcium of various origins in meeting the needs and health of the population. Material and methods. Literature search was carried out using the PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, RSCI, CyberLeninka systems, mainly for the last 10 years, with the exception of research of fundamental importance, using the keywords "calcium", "milk", "bioavailability". Results. Dairy consumption is associated with an overall reduction in the risk of noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and some types of cancer. Calcium in natural milk and dairy products, as well as calcium of milk origin, has a higher bioavailability and absorption than from other sources of synthetic or natural mineral origin. The recommendation to reduce dairy consumption may be counterproductive to health and therefore may increase health care costs. Conclusion. Milk and dairy products are the optimal source of calcium. The high bioavailability of calcium of milk origin justifies the expediency of its preferred use in dietary nutrition, both as part of therapeutic diets in hospitals and nutrition in social service institutions, and in outpatient practice. Additional studies, including randomized controlled trials, may be needed to explore in more detail the optimal consumption of milk and dairy products, as well as the use of calcium-containing pharmaceutical products and dietary supplements.