Recommendations for protein intake are based on total body weight; however, these recommendations do not consider lean body mass (LBM). The purpose of the present study was to identify the average protein intake in g/kg LBM in a group of healthy Masters Athletes (≥26 years of age, exercising ≥2 d/week). Data were obtained from a cross-sectional study. Body weight (kg), height (cm) and LBM via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were measured. Dietary intake was measured using a 2005 Block Food Frequency Questionnaire. The average energy intake, the percent energy from protein and the average protein intake in g/kg LBM were calculated. Differences between protein intake and the US Recommended Dietary Allowance (US RDA) (0⋅8 g/kg body weight) were determined. Alpha levels were set a priori to P < 0⋅05. A total of 176 participants (94 women, 82 men; 39 ± 11 years of age; body mass index: 24⋅6 ± 3⋅4 kg/m2) were analysed. The average energy intake, the percent protein energy and the average protein intake were 7996⋅9 ± 110⋅9 kilojoules (kJ)/d (1,910⋅4 ± 26⋅5 kcal), 15⋅5 ± 2⋅6 % and 1⋅43 ± 0⋅53 g/kg LBM, respectively. No differences existed between women and men for protein intake/kg LBM. Both sexes had significantly higher protein intakes than the US RDA (P < 0⋅001). We identified the average protein intake (g/kg LBM) in healthy Masters Athletes that may contribute to evolving perspectives on the determination of protein needs. The present study helps establish the relationship between protein intake and LBM so that we may further increase our accuracy when developing future protein recommendations.

Even though antiretroviral therapy (ART) access for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children increased dramatically, anaemia has continued as a challenge regardless of a cluster of differentiation (CD4) count and viral load. Hence, the present study aimed to assess the determinants of iron deficiency anaemia among children living with HIV after the initiation of ART. An institution-based unmatched case–control study was conducted among consecutively selected 712 children on HIV care from 1 September to 30 October 2022 in the Metekel zone. A pre-tested and structured data extraction checklist was used to collect the data. Data were analysed using STATA version 16 software. Binary logistic regression was used to find the association between independent variables and anaemia. The level of statistical significance was declared at a value of P < 0⋅05. A total of 712 HIV-positive children (178 cases and 534 controls) were included in this study, with a completeness rate of 98⋅8 %. In multivariable analysis, variables that have a statistically significant association with anaemia were as follows: CD4 count <350 (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 2⋅76; 95 % CI 1⋅76, 4⋅34), World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stage III (AOR 7⋅9; 95 % CI 3⋅5, 17⋅91) and stage IV (AOR 7⋅8; 95 % CI 3⋅37, 18⋅1), cotrimoxazole prophylaxis therapy (AOR 0⋅5; 95 % CI 0⋅31, 0⋅8) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) ≤11⋅5 mm (AOR 2⋅1; 95 % CI 1⋅34, 3⋅28). The present study found that CD4 count, WHO clinical stage, cotrimoxazole prophylaxis therapy and MUAC were significantly associated with anaemia in children on ART. Therefore, continuous screening of anaemia and nutritional treatment is essential in these patients.

The objective of the present study was to assess the association between the observed and perceived food environment and food insecurity among households with children <18 years in Lima, Peru. This was a cross-sectional study including an income-stratified random sample of households (n 329) in Villa el Salvador, a low-income district in Lima, Peru. Data were collected with a household questionnaire – including the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and the University of Pennsylvania's Perceived Nutrition Environment Survey (NEMS-P) – and a neighbourhood food outlet census, including recording of food outlets’ GPS coordinates. Three-quarters of the households interviewed were food insecure. Compared with food secure households and adjusting for socio-demographic covariates, food insecure households were more likely to disagree to having easy access (OR 5⋅4; 95 % CI 2⋅1, 13⋅4), high quality (OR 3⋅1; 95 % CI 1⋅7, 5⋅5) and variety (OR 2⋅5; 95 % CI 1⋅4, 4⋅6) of fresh fruits and vegetables in their neighbourhood. About 60 % (513 out of 861) of the food outlets identified in participants’ neighbourhoods were classified as fresh, including markets, bodegas, and fruit and vegetable vendors. There was no difference in distance to fresh food outlets by household food insecurity; all households were on average within 52–62 m from a fresh food outlet (~2-min walk). Despite negative perceptions of their neighbourhood food environment, food insecure households had similar physical access to fresh food sources than their food secure counterparts. Thus, changes to the food environment may not alleviate food insecurity in urban poor areas of Peru.

Inflammation is an underlying problem for many disease states and has been implicated in iron deficiency (ID). This study aimed to determine whether iron status is improved by epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) through reducing inflammation. Thirty-two male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed an iron-deficient diet for 2 weeks and then randomly divided into four groups (n 8 each): positive controls, negative controls, lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0⋅5 mg/kg body weight), and LPS + EGCG (LPS plus 600 mg EGCG/kg diet) for 3 additional weeks. The study involved testing two control groups, both treated with saline. One group (positive control) was fed a regular diet containing standard iron, while the negative control was fed an iron-deficient diet. Additionally, two treatment groups were tested. The first group was given LPS, while the second group was administered LPS and fed an EGCG diet. Iron status, hepcidin, C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. There were no differences in treatment groups compared with control in CRP, hepcidin, and liver iron concentrations. Serum iron concentrations were significantly lower in the LPS (P = 0⋅02) and the LPS + EGCG (P = 0⋅01) than in the positive control group. Compared to the positive control group, spleen iron concentrations were significantly lower in the negative control (P < 0⋅001) but not with both LPS groups. SAA concentrations were significantly lower in the LPS + EGCG group compared to LPS alone group. EGCG reduced SAA concentrations but did not affect hepcidin or improve serum iron concentration or other iron markers.

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among Taiwanese individuals. Data were collected using a nationwide cohort study (2001–15) from the Triple-High Database. Dietary intake was assessed using the twenty-group food frequency questionnaire and used to calculate alternate Mediterranean diet (aMED) and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) scores. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least-squares (PLS) regression were used to derive dietary patterns, with incident T2DM as the outcome. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios and 95 % confidence intervals were calculated using time-dependent Cox proportional hazards (Cox PH) regression analysis, and subgroup analyses were performed. A total of 4705 participants were enrolled in the study, and 995 had newly developed T2DM during the median 5⋅28-year follow-up period (30⋅7 per 1000 person-years). Six dietary patterns were extracted (PCA: Western, prudent, dairy and plant-based; PLS: health-conscious, fish-vegetable and fruit-seafood). The highest aMED score quartile had a 25 % (hazard ratio 0⋅75; 95 % CI 0⋅61, 0⋅92; P = 0⋅039) lower risk of T2DM than the lowest quartile. This association remained significant after adjustment (adjusted hazard ratio 0⋅74; 95 % CI 0⋅60, 0⋅91; P = 0⋅010), and no effect modifier was found for aMED. The DASH scores, PCA and PLS dietary patterns were not significant after adjustment. In conclusion, high adherence to a MED-type dietary pattern by Taiwanese foods was associated with a lower risk of T2DM in the Taiwanese population, regardless of unhealthy lifestyle habits.

The consumption of locally nutrient-rich edible plants in rural areas can be used to satisfy the dietary diversity of pregnant women. Date palm is one of the wild edible plants in different parts of the world. Studies on wild edible plants in Ethiopia cover only about 5 % of the country's districts. Furthermore, the nutrient composition of the palm heart of Phoenix reclinata is not yet investigated as it is commonly consumed by indigenous people in western Ethiopia. The utilization of such plants requires strong policy support based on scientific evidence to maintain the nutrition security of pregnant women. Homogeneous samples of 1000 grams (g) of palm hearts were collected randomly. The macronutrient contents were determined using standard methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC, 2000). The flame Photometric method was used for potassium and sodium determination. The carbohydrate concentration (g/100 g) was 78⋅2. It covers approximately 78⋅5 % of the total daily Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). In line with this, the concentrations of minerals such as potassium (K+) and sodium (Na+), per milligram (mg/100 g) of the sample were 1962⋅3 and 7⋅9, respectively. The palm heart of Phoenix reclinata has many nutritional values and is important for pregnant women. Its nutrient composition is comparable with different staple foods of the country and can contribute to household food security in rural communities.

The nutritional status is a determinant of the immune response that promotes a cellular homeostasis. In particular, adequate selenium levels lead to a better antioxidant and immune response. The aim of this work is to assess whether blood selenium levels, at time of SARS-CoV-2 infection, have an impact on the development and severity of COVID-19. A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative and descriptive studies using MeSH terms, selenium and COVID-19 was performed. We searched bibliographic databases up to 17 July 2022 in PubMed and ScienceDirect. Studies that reported data on blood selenium levels were considered. A total of 629 articles were examined by abstract and title, of which 595 abstracts were read, of which 38 were included in the systematic review and 11 in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was conducted to mean difference (MD) with a 95 % confidence interval (CI), and heterogeneity was tested by I2 with random factors with a MD between selenium levels, mortality, morbidity and healthy subjects with a P-value of 0⋅05. Selenium levels were higher in healthy people compared to those in patients with COVID-19 disease (six studies, random effects MD: test for overall effect Z = 3⋅28 (P = 0⋅001), 97 % CI 28⋅36 (11⋅41–45⋅31), P < 0⋅00001), but without difference when compared with the degree of severity in mild, moderate or severe cases. In conclusion, the patients with active SARS-CoV-2 infection had lower selenium levels than the healthy population. More studies are needed to evaluate its impact on clinical severity through randomised clinical trials.

Online food delivery applications (OFDAs) have seen a surge in popularity during the COVID-19 Pandemic, particularly among young adults. This study aimed to assess the use of OFDAs and the perception of food healthiness and safety among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among university students in the UAE via snowball sampling (n = 1096). Sociodemographic characteristics, OFDAs usage, and perceptions toward food healthiness and safety were investigated. Chi-square analysis was used to determine the association between categorical variables and healthy food choices. Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis H tests were used to determine differences between different groups and perception statements. Over half (52%) of the students were frequent users of OFDAs with fast food being the most popular choice (88.4%). Older participants, those living in the university dorms, and those with higher allowances used the OFDAs more frequently (P < 0.05). Price (78.0%) and food appearance (65.7%) had the highest impact on food selection. Most subjects (69.3%) reported looking for healthy food but were worried about affordability (43.1%) and taste (27.1%). Most participants (57.8%) agreed that OFDAs increased their appetite and food intake. Participants believed that having a hygiene rating system in OFDAs would give them the chance to make informed decisions (82.3%). Unhealthy food options were popular among university students. The study highlights the need to provide more affordable and appealing healthy food options and suggests that improved nutrition information and hygiene standards could help to promote healthy food choices among university students.

Research on children's dietary diversity plays a crucial role in designing effective health interventions. Thus, this study aimed to identify the factors contributing to minimum dietary diversity failure (MDDF) among male and female children aged 6–23 months in Bangladesh. The data for this study was obtained from the Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, 2019, which included children currently breastfed within a specific age range. Multivariable binary logistic regression was employed to assess the strength and significance of the association. The findings revealed that approximately 59⋅4 % of children in Bangladesh experienced MDDF, with 57⋅8 % of male children and 61 % of female children affected. Proportion test uncovered a significant gender disparity (χ2=6⋅58, P-value = 0⋅01) among children aged 6–23 months. However, the multivariable binary logistic regression analysis revealed that both male and female children shared common risk factors for MDDF, which included child age, maternal educational status, wealth status, number of antenatal care visits, and division. In our study, we observed varied spatial patterns in minimal dietary diversity. Sherpur, Netrokona, Sunamganj, and Sylhet districts showed the highest failure rates. Notably, all are flood-affected areas, impacting food availability and diversity. For targeted regional development programmes, district mapping results may offer valuable insights to policymakers, especially in areas with a high prevalence of dietary diversity failure. By understanding these risk factors, policymakers and stakeholders can implement targeted strategies to improve dietary diversity among children, promoting better health and well-being for the young population in Bangladesh.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a common feature of brain disorders. Mitochondria play a central role in oxidative phosphorylation; thus changes in energy metabolism in the brain have been reported in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. In addition, mitochondria regulate cellular responses associated with neuronal damage such as the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), and apoptosis. Therefore, interventions that aim to protect mitochondria may be effective against brain disorders. Fucoxanthin is a marine carotenoid that has recently gained recognition for its neuroprotective properties. However, the cellular mechanisms of fucoxanthin in brain disorders, particularly its role in mitochondrial function, have not been thoroughly discussed. This review summarises the current literature on the effects of fucoxanthin on oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis using in vitro and in vivo models of brain disorders. We further present the potential mechanisms by which fucoxanthin protects mitochondria, with the objective of developing dietary interventions for a spectrum of brain disorders. Although the studies reviewed are predominantly preclinical studies, they provide important insights into understanding the cellular and molecular functions of fucoxanthin in the brain. Future studies investigating the mechanisms of action and the molecular targets of fucoxanthin are warranted to develop translational approaches to brain disorders.

Mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency remains a problem worldwide, including in Norway. Of particular, concern is fertile, pregnant and lactating women. The Norwegian Dairy Council developed a digital iodine-specific dietary screener (I-screener) for the assessment of iodine intake levels but has yet to be validated. The aim was thus to investigate the relative validity of the I-screener by comparing estimates of iodine intake from the I-screener against a single 24-hour recall (24HR) and urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in fertile women. Healthy females were recruited in Bergen in August–December 2021. Six spot-urine samples from six consecutive days were collected into a pooled sample to assess UIC. Each participant completed a single administration of the I-screener and the 24HR. The estimated daily iodine intake from the I-screener was compared with the estimations from the 24HR and UIC. Seventy-two women aged 19–39 completed the study. The median UIC was 76 μg/l. Compared with the 24HR, the I-screener placed 83 % of the participants in the same/adjacent tertial, with a slight agreement between the methods (Cohen's kappa = 0⋅187). The present study shows an acceptable correlation between the I-screener and the 24HR (r = 0⋅318), but not between the I-screener and UIC (r = 0⋅122). Despite its varying iodine estimate abilities, the I-screener may be used as an initial screening tool to rank fertile women on an individual level into deficient inadequate, and sufficient iodine intake. However, due to the relatively high risk of misclassification, further assessment of iodine status should follow.

Research suggests that adiponectin, leptin, and genetic polymorphisms such as catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genotype may play an integral role in blood pressure status and thereby cardiovascular health. This is an area especially important for women who are post-menopause; however, the current literature investigating these associations is limited. This study was a cross-sectional secondary analysis of baseline data (N 237) from the Minnesota Green Tea Trial (MGTT). The current study explored the relationships between plasma adiponectin, leptin, and COMT genotype on blood pressure measures. Plasma adiponectin and leptin were obtained after an overnight fast of at least 10 h and were measured by the radioimmunoassay method. The relationships were analysed using multiple linear regression after adjusting for potential confounders. Effect modifications by age, body mass index (BMI) category, blood pressure category, antihypertensive medication use, and COMT genotype were also investigated. The majority of participants were non-Hispanic (97⋅9 %) and Caucasian (94⋅9 %). Mean (sd) age and BMI were 60⋅7 (5⋅0) years and 28⋅2 (2⋅9) kg/m2, respectively. After adjustment for confounding variables, neither plasma adiponectin, plasma leptin nor COMT genotype was associated with systolic or diastolic blood pressure measures. The results of stratified analyses also did not reveal any significant interactions or associations. Based on the findings of this study, which utilised more rigorous statistical methods than previous research, neither adiponectin, leptin nor COMT genotype play a role in blood pressure measures in women who are post-menopause.

Obesity is one of the major contributors to the excess mortality seen in people with severe mental illness (SMI) and in low- and middle-income countries people with SMI may be at an even greater risk. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight in people with SMI and investigate the association of obesity and overweight with sociodemographic variables, other physical comorbidities, and health-risk behaviours. This was a multi-country cross-sectional survey study where data were collected from 3989 adults with SMI from three specialist mental health institutions in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was estimated using Asian BMI thresholds. Multinomial regression models were then used to explore associations between overweight and obesity with various potential determinants. There was a high prevalence of overweight (17·3 %) and obesity (46·2 %). The relative risk of having obesity (compared to normal weight) was double in women (RRR = 2·04) compared with men. Participants who met the WHO recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake had 2·53 (95 % CI: 1·65–3·88) times greater risk of having obesity compared to those not meeting them. Also, the relative risk of having obesity in people with hypertension is 69 % higher than in people without hypertension (RRR = 1·69). In conclusion, obesity is highly prevalent in SMI and associated with chronic disease. The complex relationship between diet and risk of obesity was also highlighted. People with SMI and obesity could benefit from screening for non-communicable diseases, better nutritional education, and context-appropriate lifestyle interventions.