Background Skipping breakfast is a prevalent habit among university students and has been associated with poorer quality of life; however, evidence from Latin America remains limited, particularly from multicenter studies. Aim To analyze the association between breakfast skipping and quality of life across its physical, psychological, social, and environmental dimensions among Latin American university students. Methods A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted in ten Latin American countries using an online self-administered questionnaire. Breakfast frequency, sociodemographic variables, and quality of life were assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF instrument. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, physical activity, and socioeconomic status. Summary A total of 4539 university students participated (67% women; mean age: 21.3 ± 2.5 years). Of these, 38.6% reported skipping breakfast three or more times per week. Breakfast skipping was significantly associated with lower scores in the physical (β = −2.8; 95% CI: −3.9 to −1.6), psychological (β = −2.3; 95% CI: −3.4 to −1.2), and environmental (β = −1.9; 95% CI: −2.9 to −0.9) domains. No significant association was observed with the social domain. In conclusion the frequent breakfast skipping is associated with poorer quality of life among Latin American university students. Promoting regular breakfast consumption may represent an effective strategy to improve overall well-being in this population.
Background: In animal models, polyphenols have shown an ability to activate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2); however, in humans there is no consensus on the effectiveness of this activation. Aim: To analyze the available scientific evidence on the effect of polyphenols on Nrf2 activation in humans. Methods: Inclusion and exclusion criteria: Randomized controlled trials and pre-experimental trials published in English and Spanish. The included studies evaluated Nrf2 activation by polyphenols compared with placebo. A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Results: Nine studies were included. A total of 552 participants (male n = 376, female n = 176) were included in the meta-analysis. In a subgroup analysis, polyphenol supplementation did not significantly affect Nrf2 expression; however, in an analysis of each of the polyphenols, isoflavones exhibited the most pronounced upregulation of Nrf2 ( p < 0.00001), followed by chlorogenic acid and N -methylpyridinium ( p = 0.0008). Conversely, resveratrol supplementation significantly downregulated Nrf2 activation the activation of Nrf2 ( p = 0.03). Curcumin, sulforaphane, and bilberry pomace extract showed no statistically significant differences in Nrf2 activation. Summary: The subgroup analysis did not identify statistically significant differences in Nrf2 activation following polyphenol supplementation in humans. Although some compounds, such as isoflavones and chlorogenic acid combined with N -methylpyridinium, showed favorable effects in individual studies, the available evidence is limited due to the small number of studies and their risk of bias. Therefore, methodologically sound clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Seafood provides protein, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, and micronutrients, yet consumption remains low in the United States. During 2014 to 2018, an estimated 22.7% of the United States edible aquatic animal food supply was lost or wasted, excluding processing by-products not sold as food. We reframe seafood loss and waste as nutrient loss and consider implications for nutrition security. This commentary draws on selected studies and official reports on intake, composition, processing, safety, loss and access. We propose nutrient-based measurement, loss prevention through product and market design, and safe, feasible recovery. An illustrative calculation links a specified processing fraction to its nutrient content, distinguishing it from nutrients that are recovered, consumed, or absorbed. Historical estimates and varied study settings limit conclusions about population benefits. Recovery could help use already-harvested seafood more effectively, provided products are safe, affordable, acceptable, and evaluated against alternative uses.
Background The Imperial Valley is a rural, agricultural region in California with a large Latino and farmworker population. Historically, this county has demonstrated numerous socioeconomic disparities and a high prevalence of food insecurity and physical inactivity. Aim Our study aims to qualitatively assess Latino farmworkers’ unique perspectives concerning dietary and physical activity behaviors in Imperial Valley, California. Methods Using a community-based research approach, focus group methodology, and photo-elicitation techniques were applied to engage participants in crucial dialogue regarding social determinants of health, food insecurity, access to grocery stores, and recreational spaces in their community. Study activities were conducted in Imperial Valley, California (Brawley, Calexico, and El Centro), from September 2023 to March 2024. Eligible participants were 18 years of age or older, Imperial Valley residents, active farmworkers in the Imperial Valley, and agreed to participate in a 2-h focus group session. Focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. An applied thematic analysis approach was utilized to yield salient themes. Summary A total of 24 participants were interviewed: 21 female and 3 male. All (100%) identified as Hispanic/Latino. Findings unveil how socioenvironmental barriers and farmworkers’ occupational time constraints impede healthy lifestyles. A dire need exists for on-site, culturally tailored educational programs centered on chronic disease prevention and nutrition, as well as community-clinical linkage interventions to dismantle the multi-level barriers contributing to food insecurity among this population.
Background Frailty is common in older adults and associated with inadequate nutrition, reduced physical function, and increased vulnerability. While physical exercise benefits frailty outcomes, evidence on combined nutrition and exercise interventions remains unclear. Aim To systematically review evidence on the impact of interventions combining nutrition and physical exercise on frailty status among community-dwelling frail older adults (≥65 years). Methods The review followed the Cochrane Handbook, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020, and Synthesis Without Meta-analysis guidelines. Searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus. Randomised controlled trials explicitly defining frailty were eligible. Two reviewers independently screened and assessed methodology using RoB 2.0. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. Due to heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis without meta-analysis was performed. Summary Of 2447 records identified, 10 publications met the inclusion criteria. Two trials directly assessed frailty reversal and reported improvements favouring structured exercise, with one showing additional benefit when combined with a nutritional supplement. Odds of frailty reversal ranged from two- to fivefold. Additional studies reported modest improvements in mobility disability risk, lean body mass, and functional performance. Certainty of evidence ranged from low to high, limited by small samples and heterogeneity. Although some studies reported favourable effects of combined nutrition and exercise interventions, the available evidence is insufficient to determine whether nutrition adds benefits beyond exercise alone. Structured exercise consistently benefited frailty-related outcomes. However, due to few studies and substantial heterogeneity, firm conclusions cannot be drawn. Further standardised trials are needed to clarify the role of nutritional components within combined nutrition-exercise interventions in frailty management.
