Background Plant-based nutraceuticals and therapeutics have emerged as promising natural interventions to enhance athletic performance, support recovery, and promote long-term health benefits. Compounds from herbs, vegetables, fruits, seeds, legumes, and other plant parts are rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, as well as essential micronutrients that collectively modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, immune response, and metabolic functions during physical exertion and injury. Objectives This review evaluates findings from clinical research involving athletes, along with traditional knowledge from indigenous communities that utilise plant-based remedies to manage sports injuries, muscle fatigue, and recovery. Methods A literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published between 1999 and 2025, with a focus on the last 10 years, using keywords related to plant-based nutraceuticals, Sports, Athletic performance, Sports injury, Sports supplements and Adaptogens. Only English language human studies publications involving athletes or physically active individuals were included. Results Various human studies have widely documented their roles in reducing exercise-induced / sports-induced muscle damage, accelerating tissue repair and improving endurance capacity. Plant-derived compounds such as Curcumin, Quercetin, Catechins, Resveratrol and Allicin exhibit the capacity to improve muscle strength, reduce fatigue and enhance recovery. Additionally, various adaptogens help in the regulation of stress hormones and improve physical resilience under high training loads. Traditional and indigenous knowledge supports these findings, particularly for managing sports injuries and recovery. Conclusion Plant-based nutraceuticals offer effective, safe, and multifunctional support for athletic performance and recovery. Their integration into sports nutrition holds strong potential to improve performance and injury management after standardized clinical investigations.
Mediterranean diet (MD) is linked to improved health outcomes in children and adolescents. While prior research suggests that individual components of the MD, such as omega-3 fatty acids, may improve cognitive function and behavior in individuals with special educational needs (SEN), it is not known the association between adhering to MD and the symptomatology of SEN. To systematically identify and evaluate the association between adherence to the MD and the diagnosis, symptomatology, and/or well-being of children and adolescents diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Tics Disorder (OCTD), conditions classified as SEN. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search was carried out on MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, from February to June 2024. Studies were included according to the following criteria: studies written in English or Portuguese; participants ≤19 years old; evaluation of MD using specific scores; and SEN diagnosis and/or symptomatology/well-being. This systematic review was also registered at PROSPERO as CRD42024527230. Six studies were included, investigating two specific conditions within the SEN umbrella: ADHD (five studies) and OCTD (one study). Studies found that higher adherence to the MD was associated with reduced symptoms of OCTD and ADHD. Also, a lower likelihood of ADHD diagnosis or having ADHD was associated with children and adolescents adhering more to MD. This systematic review suggests that higher adherence to the MD is linked to lower prevalence and symptom severity of ADHD and OCTD in children and adolescents with SEN. However, future research is needed to confirm these results.
Background and aim Dietary habits significantly affect not only individuals' health but also environmental sustainability indicators such as carbon emissions and water usage. This study aimed to evaluate diet quality and environmental effects in vegan, vegetarian and omnivorous adults. Methods This cross-sectional study included 77 vegans, 28 vegetarians and 72 omnivores. Healthy eating index (HEI) was used to determine the diet quality of individuals. Carbon and water footprint values were calculated. Results In HEI scores, it was determined that vegans and vegetarians had higher scores than omnivores in whole fruits, total vegetables, greens and beans and seafood and plant protein scores (p < 0.05). Omnivores had highest values in carbon footprint and vegans had lowest values, while omnivores had the highest values in water footprint and vegetarians had the lowest values (p < 0.05). Carbon footprint values had a negative relationship with whole fruits scores, total vegetables scores, greens and beans scores, whole grains scores, seafood and plant protein scores and fatty acids scores; and a positive relationship with dairy scores, total protein scores, refined grains scores, added sugars scores and saturation fats scores (p < 0.05), while water footprint values had a negative relationship with whole fruits scores, total vegetables scores, whole grains scores and saturation fats scores; and a positive relationship with dairy scores, total protein scores, refined grains scores, added sugars scores and saturation fats scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion These study findings showed that diet quality and diet type are determinants of carbon and water footprint values.
Background Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in infants, with varying prevalence across countries. Objective The objectives of this study were firstly to compare hematological, biochemical, and dietary parameters between iron-deficient (ID) and non-iron-deficient (NID) infants; and secondly to identify dietary components associated with iron deficiency. Methods Infants (n = 130, Girls/Boys 59/71) aged 18 to 24 months, were recruited from pediatric center in Oran. Fresh blood count, plasma ferritin, and soluble receptors of transferrin (RsTf) were measured. Dietary consumption by the 24-h recall followed by 3 days record was evaluated. Results Among the 130 infants recruited, 71 had iron deficiency, representing a prevalence of 54.6%. Hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and ferritin levels lowered in ID compared to NID group ( p < 0.05), while RsTf levels increased by 10%, confirming iron-deficient erythropoiesis. Despite comparable total energy and macronutrient intakes between the both groups, animal proteins consumption was 1.41-fold lower and vegetable proteins was 1.34-fold higher in ID group compared to NID ( p < 0.001). Micronutrient analysis revealed significant low dietary iron, retinol (vitamin A), zinc, and vitamin B1 in ID group ( p < 0.05). Notably, growth milk consumption was reduced by 64% in ID infants suggesting a potential link between fortified milk intake and iron status. Conclusion This study highlights key differences in hematological, biochemical, and dietary parameters between ID and NID groups, thus underscoring the importance of dietary quality, particularly bioavailable iron, and animal protein sources, to prevent iron deficiency, and to reinforce the role of fortified foods in pediatric nutrition.
Introduction Food literacy is increasingly recognized as an important determinant of healthy aging; however, its relationship with adherence to the Mediterranean diet and successful aging remains insufficiently explored, particularly among older adults participating in lifelong learning programs. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between food literacy, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and successful aging among University of the Third Age (U3A) students. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2024 and February 2025 with 120 individuals aged 60 years attending the U3A at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics and dietary habits, the Self-Perceived Food Literacy Scale (SPFL), the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), and the Successful Aging Scale (SAS). Linear regression analyses were performed. Results Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was positively associated with food literacy in the simple model (beta = 0.202, p = 0.027). Successful aging showed a stronger association (beta = 0.485, p < 0.001). In the multiple model, successful aging remained significant (beta = 0.452, p < 0.001), while BMI was negatively associated (beta = -214, p = 0.007). The association between MEDAS and food literacy was not significant after adjustment. Conclusions Successful aging was more strongly associated with food literacy than with adherence to the Mediterranean diet. While MEDAS showed a significant association in the unadjusted model, this association did not remain after adjustment. These findings suggest the potential importance of multidimensional approaches to promoting healthy aging.
The aim of this research was to assess climbers'adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and to explore its associationwith climbing background and demographic characteristics of this athletic population. The research was conducted as ananalytical cross-sectional study using a modified PREDIMED questionnaire disseminated in four climbing gyms in Lisbon,Portugal. The study included 278 climbers, 188 males and 90 females, with a mean age of 30.8 +/- 7.4 years. On average,participants had been climbing for 1 to 3 years, with a frequency of 2.4 sessions per week. Results indicated a mediumlevel of adherence, with a mean score of 8.47 +/- 2.08 out of 14 points, with, low daily consumption of fruits and lowweekly consumption offish/shellfish. Thesefindings underscore the need to improve climbers'awareness of appropriatedietary choices, particularly by promoting adequate consumption offish and fruit as important components of a balanceddiet. Future studies should adopt interventional designs to elucidate the specific effects of the MD on recovery and per-formance in climbing.
Gluten-free products (GFPs) market assessment largely derives from retail market research or by applying quantitative methodology to populations living with coeliac disease. Data come only from individual countries, lacking a broader geographical perspective, an environmental factor affecting consumer behavior. Thus, the present study aimed to identify perceived challenges faced by GFPs consumers who live around the Mediterranean basin. People who buy GFPs, living in Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Spain, and Turkey, were invited to participate in an on-line survey (led by Harper Adams University, UK) about their purchasing experiences, and were asked to freely comment on the GFPs market, in an optional open-ended question. The texts were analysed following a general inductive approach. In total, 1450 individuals provided input, being in the majority female, between 45-64 years-old, and diagnosed with coeliac disease. Comments were grouped in four broad thematic areas: availability, cost, packaging, and quality. The vast majority of statements were of negative nature, though quite few referred to comparative improvements of the market over time. Views per theme were rather similar, but inter-country differences in prioritising the issues were detected. Availability received the most criticism, in terms of stock and products variety, followed by either cost or quality. Consumers felt GFPs are not value-for-money, considering their organoleptic or nutritional quality. Labelling issues, though raised to a lesser degree, were featured as especially burdensome. People purchasing GFPs in the region of Mediterranean perceive still facing related difficulties, largely mutual, showing to potential implications for improving GFPs market.
Objectives: This study analyzed the associations between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and attentional and executive processes in university students.Methods: An observational study was conducted involving seventy-three first-year physiotherapy students (mean age = 18.41 +/- 0.78 years). MedDiet adherence was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), while cognitive performance was evaluated through the Global and Local Attention Test (AGL), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), and Trail Making Test (TMT) A and B. Comparisons of cognitive performance between participants with low and medium-to-high MEDAS scores were performed using the Mann-U Whitney and student's t test. Also, correlations between cognitive performance and MEDAS score were analyzed using Pearson's or Spearman's correlation coefficients.Results: Adherence to MedDiet showed a positive correlation with TMT-A percentile (rho = 0.264; p = 0.024). No other significant associations were observed between the MEDAS score and cognitive tests.Conclusions: A modest association was found between MedDiet adherence and cognitive performance, particularly in processing speed, as measured by TMT-A. However, the absence of significant effects in the other cognitive tests underscores the multifactorial nature of the relationship between diet and cognition, highlighting the need for further research to clarify these associations in young adult populations.
Orthognathic surgery represents a fundamental therapeutic approach for correcting severe skeletal jaw deformities that cannot be resolved through orthodontic treatment alone. Beyond restoring occlusal function, it also enhances speech, mastication, breathing, and facial aesthetics. The procedure generally involves repositioning the maxilla, mandible, or both, requiring close collaboration between orthodontists and maxillofacial surgeons to ensure optimal outcomes. However, the postoperative phase presents significant challenges, particularly related to nutrition and metabolic stress. Surgical trauma induces a catabolic state that accelerates protein breakdown and lean mass loss, with the most pronounced weight reduction occurring within the first two postoperative weeks. Patients often experience restricted mandibular mobility for 3-4 weeks, necessitating a transition to liquid or semi-liquid diets. This limitation, combined with increased energy and protein requirements-estimated at 2500-3000 kcal and 1-1.5 g/kg protein per day-places individuals at high risk of inadequate intake. Poor nutritional support may impair wound healing, prolong recovery, and negatively affect body composition and biochemical parameters. Clinical studies consistently document significant postoperative weight loss, averaging between -2.5 and -5 kg, with marked reductions in fat mass during the initial month after surgery. Given these findings, nutritional management emerges as a critical determinant of surgical success. Evidence suggests that supplementation with compact, high-calorie, high-protein oral nutritional supplements (ONS) or nutrient-dense natural shakes, in combination with structured dietary counselling, can mitigate postoperative weight loss and preserve lean body mass. This study therefore aims to evaluate the efficacy of targeted nutritional interventions-providing an average of 325 kcal and 20 g protein per serving-in improving anthropometric and body composition outcomes compared with standard care. By addressing the interplay between surgical stress, dietary limitations, and metabolic demands, the research highlights the importance of personalized perioperative nutrition as an integral component of orthognathic surgery management.
Background/Objectives: Psychotropic medications are known to induce significant metabolic side effects, including weight gain and visceral fat accumulation, which are major risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a personalized dietary intervention, supported by targeted physical activity and nutraceutical supplementation, in mitigating weight-related adverse effects, among hospitalized psychiatric patients treated with antipsychotic and/or antidepressant drugs. Methods: A cohort of 50 patients was initially enrolled; 44 patients with a BMI > 25 proceeded with the full intervention protocol, which included a Mediterranean-style dietary plan, structured exercise under kinesiologist supervision, and supplementation with branched-chain amino acids (HYDROXIRAM (R)) and phytosomal or micellar curcumin. Anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance measurements were used to monitor Body Mass Index (BMI), Fat Mass Index (FMI), and Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI) over six follow-up visits. Results: Despite a high dropout rate, significant reductions in BMI and FMI were observed among patients who completed the program, with minimal loss of lean body mass. Results suggest that a multidisciplinary, individualized intervention can effectively reduce fat accumulation while preserving muscle mass in this patient population. Conclusions: The findings support the implementation of integrated nutritional strategies to enhance both physical, and psychiatric outcomes, in individuals with mental health disorders undergoing pharmacological treatment.
Background Timely identification of lactose intolerance is crucial to prevent secondary complications. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of three commonly used methods for detecting lactose malabsorption (LM): the lactose hydrogen breath test (LHBT), the lactose tolerance test (LTT), and the genetic test (GT). Methods Patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome underwent fasting and post-lactose (20 g) evaluations, including measurements of breath hydrogen, blood glucose, and genotyping for the C/T-13910 polymorphism associated with lactase persistence in European populations. A sustained increase of breath hydrogen >= 20 ppm above baseline, a failure of plasma glucose to rise >20 mg/dL from fasting levels, and the presence of the C/T-13910 variant were defined as positive for LHBT, LTT, and GT, respectively. Results One hundred and eight patients (age 39 +/- 14 years, 17 males) were enrolled. Eighty-eight had symptoms after lactose ingestion. Of these, 88 (100%) were LHBT and 69 (78%) were LTT positive. Of a subgroup of 33 patients undergoing GT, 27 presented symptoms and 25 tested positive. Sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 85% for LHBT, 78% and 48% for LTT, and 93% and 83% for GT. Conclusions: With observation times greater than 4 h, LHBT had higher sensitivity and specificity than LTT and GT.
Among berry fruits, strawberries are known for a wide array of beneficial biological activities, including antioxidant, antihypertensive, antibacterial, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-metastatic effects. The cultivar Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne (Romina) is particularly rich in bioactive constituents that may contribute to limiting DNA damage triggered by reactive oxygen species. In this study, we examined whether the methanolic extract of Romina strawberries (RE) exerted any genotoxic effect on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) across concentrations ranging from 25 to 200 mu g/mL using the comet assay. No evidence of genotoxicity was detected. Subsequently, the capacity of RE to counteract oxidative DNA damage in two experimental models was assesed. When PBMCs were pretreated with RE prior to hydrogen peroxide exposure, a slight reduction in DNA damage was observed, with only the 50 mu g/mL concentration producing a statistically significant protective effect. To evaluate the extract's interventional capacity, cells were treated with RE following exposure to H2O2. In this post-treatment design, RE demonstrated a clearly stronger antigenotoxic response, reducing DNA damage at all tested concentrations, with the most pronounced effects at 100, 150, and 200 mu g/mL. Overall, the methanolic extract of the Romina cultivar showed notable protective activity against H2O2-induced oxidative DNA damage in vitro.
Introduction This study aimed to determine the association between food insecurity and eating disorders in university students. Methods The sample of the study consisted of 679 students from a public university in Turkey. Data were collected using a questionnaire. The questionnaire included participants' general information, dietary habits, Household Food Security Survey Module Short Form (HFSSM-SF), and the Eating Attitudes Test 26 (EAT-26). Results Of the students, 12.4% experienced very low food security, 37.3% low food security, 20.6% marginal food security, and 29.7% high food security. Adjusted linear regression analysis showed that higher EAT-26 scores (beta = 0.078, p = 0.038) and lower frequency of fruit (beta = -0.158, p < 0.001) and raw vegetable (beta = -0.148, p < 0.001) consumption were significant predictors of increased HFSSM-SF (food insecurity) scores. Conclusions As a result, it has been observed that students experiencing food insecurity are more prone to eating disorders and consume less fruit and vegetables. Approaches to prevent food insecurity can contribute to healthier dietary habits and reduce the propensity for disordered eating behaviors among university students.
The growing interest in functional foods and nutraceuticals has brought attention to natural products with therapeutic promise, including quail egg powder—a concentrated form of quail eggs recognized for its rich nutritional and bioactive profile. This review evaluates the nutritional value, therapeutic benefits, and pharmaceutical applications of quail egg powder, while also considering its sustainability and potential for clinical use. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar) were searched for peer-reviewed articles published between 2010–2024. Studies focusing on quail egg powder's nutritional composition, therapeutic applications, pharmaceutical innovations, and sustainability were included. Data synthesis was conducted narratively due to study heterogeneity, with quality assessment using JBI Critical Appraisal Tools and evidence certainty evaluated using GRADE framework. Sixty-four studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Quail egg powder is rich in proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Evidence indicates its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, supporting its potential in managing oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and immune-related disorders. Additionally, the powder's physicochemical characteristics may enhance bioavailability and support innovative drug delivery systems. The review also examines sustainable quail egg farming practices, positioning quail egg powder as an environmentally favorable alternative. Despite its promising attributes, clinical applications and large-scale production remain limited. Further well-designed clinical trials are needed to validate its efficacy and safety, and to optimize production methods. This review consolidates existing evidence, identifies research gaps, and emphasizes the diverse potential of quail egg powder as a nutraceutical and therapeutic agent that aligns with sustainability objectives.
Introduction: The prevalence of low quality of life (QoL) remains high among older adults. Understanding the relationship between protein consumption, handgrip strength, fall risk, and QoL is crucial. This study aimed to analyze the association between these variables among older residents of a nursing home. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used for this study with a sample size of 56 subjects. Protein intake data were collected using the Visual Comstock method. Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured using a CAMRY handgrip dynamometer, and fall risk was assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). QoL was evaluated using the EQ-5D-5L, which comprises five domains. The associations between variables were analyzed using Spearman's correlation with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: 56 elderly subjects, with an average age of 70.82 +/- 8 years, were involved in this study at a nursing home in Surabaya, Indonesia. The majority of subjects had insufficient protein intake (80.4%), low muscle strength (92.9%), and a high risk of falling (66.1%). 44.6% of the elderly were found to have a low QoL. Protein intake, HGS, and fall risk were significantly associated with overall QoL with coefficient correlation 0.346, 0.385, and -0.821, respectively. Both Fall risk and HGS showed significant associations with mobility, self-care, and daily activity, Meanwhile, the significant association were found between protein intake and mobility (p = 0.044) and daily activities (p = 0.029). Conclusions: The findings show significant associations between fall risk, protein intake, and HGS with the QoL of the elderly, particularly in specific domains. These results highlight that improving variables is important for enhancing the overall QoL of older adults.
Background Poor dietary choices can lead to inadequate nutritional balance in gluten-free diet (GFD).Objective Factors associated with better adherence to Mediterranean diet (MD) were determined in celiac pediatric population. Methods Eighty-one celiac adolescents were enrolled. Anthropometric, socioeconomic and clinical data were collected. Adherence to GFD and to MD, daily dietary intake, and energy expenditures were evaluated. Celiac disease-related quality of life (CD-QoL) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were assessed. Serum levels of vitamin D, ferritin, and C-reactive protein were analyzed. Correlations were determined between collected data, QoL, GFD, and MD adherence. Results Celiac adolescents showed neutral CD-QoL, moderate HRQoL, high level of sedentary behavior, and inadequate serum vitamin D levels. Low adherence to GFD and to MD was observed in 88% and 78% of celiac adolescents, respectively. Simple carbohydrates intake were high, whereas intakes of fibers, iron, calcium, and vitamins D and C were below recommendations. Positive correlations were found between MD adherence and consumption of fruits and vegetables (p < 0.001), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.01). Furthermore, GFD adherence was highly correlated with mealtime conviviality (p < 0.001), CD-QoL with gluten-free product palatability (p = 0.001), and HRQoL with gender (p < 0.001). MD adherence was associated with strict GFD adherence (p = 0.001), sufficient budget for gluten-free products (p = 0.007), and not skipping meals (p = 0.016). Conclusion Improving MD adherence in celiac adolescents is essential. Strict GFD, favorable socioeconomic status, and regular meal patterns are associated with better MD adherence. Additionally, mealtime conviviality, higher maternal education, and effective GFD management indirectly support MD adherence by enhancing both GFD compliance and QoL.
Background Recent advancements in cancer therapy still lack complementary treatments that substantially enhance the effectiveness of existing anti-cancer agents. A promising emerging strategy is the fine-tuning of nutrients, with a combinatory approach likely achieving superior results.Objective Here, the study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel nutritional regimen that combines the ketogenic diet (KD) and high-dose vitamin C (VitC) as an adjuvant cancer therapy.Methods Syngrafts were established using triple-negative breast cancer EMT-6 cells in BALB/c mice. Five experimental groups were created: one received doxorubicin (DOX) alone, while the others received DOX with KD, high-dose VitC, or both. Treatments were administered over 14 days.Results Both KD and high-dose VitC individually enhanced the response to DOX, as reflected by favorable changes in cancer-associated markers, while their combination did not provide additional benefit. Specifically, KD positively influenced tumor proliferative signaling, angiogenesis, hypoxic response, anti-tumor immunity, and glucose metabolism, evidenced by reductions in insulin-like growth factor-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha, and programmed death-ligand 1, as well as decreased activity of pyruvate kinase and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. High-dose VitC primarily targeted tumor replicative potential by reducing telomerase reverse transcriptase levels and may have inhibited metastasis by increasing tumor collagen content. However, neither the individual use of KD and high-dose VitC nor their combination enhanced DOX efficacy in reducing tumor volume or weight.Conclusion The combined nutritional approach, comprising KD and high-dose VitC, did not show significant advantages over the individual use of each in enhancing the tumor-inhibitory effects of DOX or modulating the tested cancer-associated markers. These findings highlight the need for further research to optimize dosing, treatment schedules, and mechanistic understanding of the combined therapy.
Aim Malnutrition is an often underestimated, worldwide, frequent problem with a high prevalence among inpatients, especially the elderly ones. Undernourished patients have an increased risk of comorbidities, complications and a decreased quality of life. Malnutrition is associated with longer hospital stay, increased care needs and costs for the National Health Service (NHS). We describe the protocol of a study conducted to evaluate the impact of specialized nutritional care on 3-month outcomes of patients at high risk of malnutrition at admission and to describe the actual nutritional practice in a rehabilitation setting.Methods In this single-center, prospective, observational study patients at high risk of malnutrition who received standard nutritional care (Group 1) were compared with patients at high risk of malnutrition who received a specialized nutritional care (Group 2). Three months after discharge (follow-up), patients of both groups were interviewed by telephone to collect data regarding number of hospital readmission, emergency department admission, general practitioner (GP) and outpatient visits, diagnostic tests, daily medication use and survival.Conclusion Our study could help to support clinical choices for personalized nutritional interventions to improve rehabilitation outcomes and to decrease the costs for the NHS. This protocol is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07183098) under the title "A Prospective Observational Study on the Prevalence of Malnutrition and Clinical-Economic Aspects of the Impact of Specialized Nutritional care on the 3-month Outcomes of Patients at high Risk of malnutrition Admitted to a Rehabilitation Hospital".
Background & Aims: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has an increasing prevalence in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess MASLD status and the potential associated factors for MASLD in women with PCOS. Methods: A total of 68 female subjects with PCOS, between the ages of 18 to 38 years, were recruited to this cross-sectional study. PCOS was diagnosed according to the revised 2003 Rotterdam Consensus as the presence of at least two of the following three criteria: (i) oligomenorrhoea or anovulation; (ii) clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenaemia and (iii) polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and liver function tests were assessed. Body weight and composition were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Abdominal ultrasonography was administered for MASLD diagnosis. Results: A total of 35 subjects (48.5%) were diagnosed with MASLD. Mean body mass index (34.9 +/- 5.46 vs. 28.9 +/- 5.13 kg/m(2), p < 0.001), body fat (46.9 +/- 5.32 vs. 40.7 +/- 6.77%, p < 0.001), Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (4.0 +/- 1.88 vs. 2.1 +/- 1.01, p < 0.001), triglycerides (147.1 +/- 84.34 vs. 102.5 +/- 57.11 mg/dL, p = 0.010) and liver function markers were significantly higher in subjects with MASLD. Conclusion: This study identifies key metabolic factors associated with the development of MASLD in women with PCOS. Specifically, insulin resistance, high body fat, waist/hip ratio, triglyceride levels, lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, and smoking were found to be associated with MASLD in this population. While these parameters are recognized as risk factors for MAFLD in general, their role in the PCOS population may differ due to the unique metabolic and hormonal profile of these women. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and managing metabolic dysfunctions in PCOS patients to mitigate the risk of MASLD, offering valuable insights for clinical management and future research.
Background: Climate change poses psychological challenges, and the link between eco-anxiety, organic food consumption, and ecological footprint reduction has become increasingly relevant for sustainable diets. Objective :This study aimed to examine the relationship between sustainable and healthy eating behaviors (SHEB), organic food consumption (OFC), eco-anxiety (EA), and ecological footprint awareness (ASREF) among adults. Methods: A correlational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 301 adults (72.1% women, mean age 26.86 +/- 7.34 years) between December 2023-May 2024. A face-to-face questionnaire included demographic data and four validated scales: SHEB, OFC, EA, and ASREF. Spearman correlations assessed variable relationships, and multiple linear regression identified predictors of SHEB and ASREF. Results: Most participants (60.1%) were college or university graduates. SHEB was moderately positive correlated with OFC (r = 0.482, p < 0.001)and ASREF (r = 0.404, p < 0.001) but no correlation with EA. Higher levels of OFC and ecological footprint awareness predicted greater engagement in Sustainable and healthy eating behaviors, accounting for 25.8% of the variance. Conclusion: These findings may guide public health strategies and educational interventions to promote sustainable and healthy eating, increase organic food consumption, and enhance ecological footprint awareness, ultimately supporting both population health and environmental sustainability.
