Objective To determine Champion Nutrition's (CN) effectiveness in improving knowledge and attitudes towards safe fueling practices to enhance performance for student athletes (SA) between grades 9-12. Use of Theory CN uses socioecological model to address individual and interpersonal levels (coaches/teammates), and knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs model to improve knowledge and attitudes about safe, effective fueling practices to, long-term, improve eating behaviors. Target Audience In 2022-23, CN was offered to three southeastern Oklahoma public schools within Chickasaw Nation treaty territory, reaching nine teams and 109 SAs. Five coaches and 89 SAs completed pre/post surveys. Program Description CN is a video series with related locker-room posters, including: 1) The Basics, 2) Macros, 3) Athlete's Basic Needs, 4) Nutrient Timing, 5) Hydration, and 6) Athlete's Sport Specific Needs. Teams within area schools were recruited throughout the year. Participating coaches were sent CN resources. Coaches presented videos as appropriate per team schedule. Evaluation Methods Pre/post surveys assessed SAs’ knowledge, confidence, and motivation scores to consume whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and water, and proper whole day and pre-/post-workout nutrition needs. One-month follow-up surveys assessed related behaviors. Coach post surveys assessed reception, compliance, observed SA nutrition changes, and locker room changes. Paired t-tests determined changes pre/post. Results Perceived knowledge (% change pre/post = 38%), confidence (37%), and motivation (37%) related to healthy eating and its implications for performance increased significantly pre/post (ps<0.001). Majority of SAs sometimes/almost always consumed greater amounts of fruits and vegetables (82% of participants), whole grains (76%), and water (92%) daily and sometimes/almost always reached protein (82%) and carbohydrate (70%) requirements, stayed hydrated (88%), and consumed a high protein and carbohydrate snack within 30 minutes post-workout (65%) more often. All coaches were likely to participate again and refer coaches and felt programming was appropriate. Conclusions Considering access to unlimited information and highly influential SAs, it is important to create theory-based programs that effectively communicate, motivate, and result in safe fueling practices, which CN does. Funding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education

Food insecurity is a prevalent issue throughout the United States, the state of Oklahoma, and on Oklahoma State University’s (OSU) Stillwater campus. Research has shown that college and university students tend to be more food insecure than national population averages and Stillwater’s food insecurity rates have been even higher. Mobile food pantries (MFP) generally have been effective in addressing food insecurity, but few studies have investigated their use to alleviate food insecurity among college students. Our Daily Bread Food and Resource Center (ODB) in Stillwater implemented an MFP on OSU’s campus. The present study surveyed students who utilized the MFP to assess their needs, food security status, and perceptions of the MFP. Of 130 students who answered the food security questions (after receiving their food), more than 83% were classified as food insecure. Respondents agreed that the MFP provided sufficient foods considering nutritional value, variety, diversity, and acceptability. Students were mostly unaware of available food assistance programs but were open to using them. Almost one-third of students reported no grocery or market within walking distance of their residence. Overall, the findings of this study showed a need for an MFP on OSU’s campus.

Type 2 diabetes is a complex disease with several modifiable lifestyle factors. The Extension ‘Live well, Eat well, be Active with Diabetes’ curriculum provides four 90-minute lessons teaching individuals to live well, eat well, and be active with diabetes. Fourteen Extension educators implemented and evaluated the curriculum with 107 participants. Participants reported the program helped them feel better able to take care of their health. We observed significant differences in participants’ retrospective pre and post ‘Live well,’ ‘Eat well’ and ‘be Active’ total scores. Extension has a unique opportunity to educate individuals so they may better manage their diabetes.

To examine the factors influencing college students' willingness to consume local food, 425 students completed a validated self-administered paper-and-pencil survey measuring Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs, social influence, and self-identity. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the hypothetical relationships. Perceived benefits, cues to action, self-efficacy, social influence, and self-identity had a significant positive impact on willingness to consume local foods, while perceived susceptibility and perceived severity regarding local food consumption did not. This study adds to the existing research by integrating HBM, social influence, and self-identity, and provides practical implications regarding local food offering to college students.

Older adults have low whole grain (WG) intake. This qualitative study used the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to identify low-income older adults' WG beliefs. A convenience sample of 25 low-income adults 60 years and older were interviewed using questions developed based on TPB constructs: behavioral, normative, and control beliefs. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, cross-checked for consistency, and analyzed using content analysis. Study results revealed that regarding behavioral beliefs, health benefits, taste, and nutrition were WG advantages and sensory qualities, higher cost, and longer cooking time were disadvantages. Regarding normative beliefs, healthcare professionals and family members approved WG intake and those less informed about WGs disapproved. Regarding control beliefs, availability/accessibility, knowledge of WG benefits, and WG cooking skills facilitated WG intake and age-related changes, WG cost, decreased motivation to cook, and low knowledge (label reading) were barriers. Results provide insights for developing programs to increase older adults' WG intake.

The purpose of this study was to identify determinants of low-income older adults' intention to consume fruits and vegetables (F&V) using the model of goal-directed behavior. A sample of 400 low-income community-dwelling older adults participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. Results from this study indicated that subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and positive anticipated emotion were significant predictors of desire. Desire was a significant predictor of intention and past behavior had a significant direct effect on intention. Results of this study can inform future intervention programs aimed to increase F&V intake among low-income older adults.

OBJECTIVE:To examine the influence of habit and theory of planned behavior (TPB) variables in predicting low-income older adults' fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption.DESIGN:Cross-sectional study.SETTING:A city in the southeast United States.PARTICIPANTS:A total of 372 low-income older adults participated in this study.RESULTS:Participants completed a validated survey measuring TPB variables (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention), F&V intake using the Block Dietary Fruit-Vegetable Screener, and self-reported habit index to measure F&V consumption. Perceived behavioral control was the largest factor influencing intention to consume F&V, followed by attitude and subjective norm. In addition, there was a significant interaction between habit strength and intention, such that intention influenced F&V consumption only among individuals with average or higher habit strength.CONCLUSIONS:Findings from this study suggest health promotion programs aimed at increasing F&V intake among low-income older adults should focus on establishing F&V intake as a habit so that an individual's intentions to consume F&V can be transformed into actual F&V intake. Also, emphasizing how to overcome potential barriers would improve low-income older adults' actual F&V intake by increasing their sense of control over consuming F&V.

BACKGROUND:Understanding factors influencing centenarians' nutritional status can offer insight into effective nutrition interventions to improve quality of life among this population.OBJECTIVE:This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the role of social support and loneliness on nutritional status among Oklahoma centenarians (N = 151).METHODS:Nutritional status was assessed with the Short Form Mini Nutrition Assessment (MNA-SF). Perceived social support was assessed with the 24-item Social Provisions Scale. Loneliness was examined with the 10-item UCLA loneliness scale.RESULTS:Ordinal logistic regression revealed that those who lacked social support were at increased risk of poor nutritional status (OR = 2.28, p < .05). Further, the model revealed that centenarians who reported lack of social support and loneliness had almost 2.8 times higher likelihood of being at risk of poor nutritional status compared to their socially connected counterparts (p < .01).CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS:Findings have implications for geriatric dietitians, social workers, and clinical counselors seeking to implement services and programs aimed at helping long-lived adults feel socially connected and maintain proper nutritional well-being.

Elevated postprandial triglycerides (TG) are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and older adults exhibit greater postprandial lipemia (PPL) compared to younger adults. However, determinants of PPL, especially in older populations, remain poorly defined. This cross-sectional study examined the influence of body composition, lifestyle behaviors, and metabolic risk factors for PPL across the aging spectrum. We recruited individuals evenly distributed between the ages of 50–89 years (50% male; 50% female). Participants completed diet and physical activity questionnaires and wore an accelerometer for 5 days. Body composition was measured via bioelectrical impedance. Following an overnight fast, participants also completed an abbreviated fat tolerance test: a blood draw was performed before and 4 hours after consumption of a high-fat meal (9 kcal/kg; 73% fat) to determine fasting and peak postprandial metabolic responses. 56 participants (age groups: 50s, n = 15; 60s, n = 15; 70s, n = 15; 80s, n = 11) completed the study. Fasting TG did not differ across age groups (50s: 99.7 ± 50.1 mg/dL; 60s: 114.3 ± 71.1 mg/dL; 70s: 102.9 ± 45.0 mg/dL; 80s: 86.9 ± 39.5 mg/dL; P = 0.63). There was also no difference in 4-hour TG across age groups (50s: 162.9 ± 76.9 mg/dL; 60s: 181.9 ± 99.9 mg/dL; 70s: 130.8 ± 82.0 mg/dL; 80s: 130.8 ± 60.6 mg/dL; P = 0.40). Across age groups, variables significantly correlated (p's < 0.05) with 4-hour TG included BMI (r = 0.29), visceral adiposity (r = 0.31), ALT (r = 0.37), fasting glucose (r = 0.27), 4-hour glucose (r = 0.34) and alcohol intake (r = 0.33). In a backward elimination regression (R2 = 0.31), the most predictive variables of 4-hour TG were 4-hour glucose (β = 0.31; P = 0.01), ALT (β = 0.33; P = 0.007), and alcohol intake (β = 0.25; P = 0.04). In older adults aged 50–89, we identified ALT, postprandial glucose, and alcohol intake as key determinants of postprandial TG. Future studies should aim to explore the relationship between liver health, insulin resistance, alcohol intake, and PPL across the aging spectrum. Donna Cadwalader Research and Development Grant, College of Education and Human Sciences and Oklahoma State University Foundation.

Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that tart cherries, rich in hydroxycinnamic acids and anthocyanins, protect against age-related and inflammation-induced bone loss. This study examined how daily consumption of Montmorency tart cherry juice (TC) alters biomarkers of bone metabolism in older women. Healthy women, aged 65–80 years (n = 27), were randomly assigned to consume ~240 mL (8 fl. oz.) of juice once (TC1X) or twice (TC2X) per day for 90 d. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were performed to determine bone density at baseline, and pre- and post-treatment serum biomarkers of bone formation and resorption, vitamin D, inflammation, and oxidative stress were assessed. Irrespective of osteoporosis risk, the bone resorption marker, tartrate resistant acid phosphatase type 5b, was significantly reduced with the TC2X dose compared to baseline, but not with the TC1X dose. In terms of indicators of bone formation and turnover, neither serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase nor osteocalcin were altered. No changes in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances or high sensitivity C-reactive protein were observed in response to either TC1X or TC2X. We conclude that short-term supplementation with the higher dose of tart cherry juice decreased bone resorption from baseline without altering bone formation and turnover biomarkers in this cohort.

A major barrier to improving school lunch dietary quality (DQ) is perceived low acceptability, currently investigated through participation, selection, and plate waste in school settings. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in acceptability of NSLP-qualifying school lunches of high [Healthy Eating Index (HEI) = 90–95/100, best practice school lunch, BPSL] and moderate (HEI = 75/100, typical school lunch, TSL) DQ in a controlled offer setting by high school-aged children. This randomized crossover trial included a convenience sample of 40 high school-aged students recruited from local National School Lunch Program (NSLP)-participating schools. Instruments included hunger scale, selection record, taste test survey, and weighted plate waste assessment. Participants were randomized into three groups, attending three meal conditions in a different order. Meal conditions (MC) had two options for each NSLP meal component: 1) BPSL/BPSL, 2) TSL/TSL, 3) BPSL/TSL. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha, one-way ANOVA, ANCOVA, chi-squared, and regression analysis. Preliminary analysis showed one significant difference in acceptability between MC, for grain % plate waste (P < 0.001), such that MC1 was significantly greater than MC2 and MC3 (ps < 0.017, mean differences = 27.0% and 26.8%, respectively). Preliminary results suggest minimal differences in acceptability between BPSL and TSL amongst high school students. Oklahoma State University.

Elevated postprandial triglycerides (TG) are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although some evidence suggests that older adults exhibit greater postprandial TG than younger adults, it is unknown how postprandial lipid tolerance changes across the spectrum of older adulthood. This cross-sectional study examines postprandial TG responses across the spectrum of aging, as well as factors that may modify this response. We are recruiting individuals into four age categories (age 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, 80–89 years), with an equal number of participants and sex distribution in each group. Participants undergo body composition testing via bioelectrical impedance analysis and complete a 130-item food frequency questionnaire. Participants return to the lab after a 10-hour fast and blood is drawn both before and 4 hours after consumption of a high-fat meal (9 kcal/kg body mass; 73% fat, 26% CHO) to determine fasting and postprandial TG. Thirty participants (50’s: n = 12; 60’s: n = 11; 70’s: n = 4; 80’s: n = 3) have completed the study (total N = 60). There was no difference (P = 0.52) in BMI across age groups (50’s: 29.5 ± 5.4 kg/m2; 60’s: 29.1 ± 5.5 kg/m2; 70’s: 25.9 ± 3.8 kg/m2; 80’s: 26.1 ± 1.6 kg/m2). There was also no difference (P = 0.68) in body fat (BF%) across age groups (50’s: 37.5 ± 7.2%; 60’s: 39.53 ± 7.0%; 70’s: 43.6 ± 8.2%; 80’s: 39.5 ± 18.1%). Similarly, there was no difference (P = 0.76) in fasting TG across age groups (50’s: 98.8 ± 40.6 mg/dL; 60’s: 117.9 ± 83.3 mg/dL; 70’s: 105.3 ± 39.7 mg/dL; 80’s: 79.7 ± 31.7 mg/dL), nor was there a difference (P = 0.74) in 4-hr TG (50’s: 162.3 ± 70.8 mg/dL; 60’s: 187.5 ± 105.5 mg/dL; 70’s: 181.8 ± 89.6 mg/dL; 80’s: 130.7 ± 55.1 mg/dL). Lastly, there was no difference (P = 0.16) in fruit and vegetable (FV) intake (50’s: 4.4 ± 1.9 servings/day (s/d); 60’s: 8.2 ± 5.5 s/d; 70’s: 6.2 ± 4.6 s/d; 80’s: 7.9 ± 2.4 s/d). At this point in the study, it cannot be concluded that there is a significant difference in fasting or postprandial TG across aging strata, possibly due to no differences in BMI, BF%, or FV intake. When complete, this study will provide valuable insight with regard to the impact of aging and other lifestyle factors on postprandial lipemia and subsequent CVD risk. This project is funded by the Donna Cadwalader Research and Development Grant.

Objective: Postprandial fluxes in oxidative stress, inflammation, glucose, and lipids, particularly after a high-fat meal (HFM), have been implicated in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study is to determine whether acute freeze-dried mango consumption modulates the postprandial response to an HFM. We hypothesized that the addition of mango, which is a rich source of many bioactive components, to an HFM would lower postprandial triglycerides, glucose, and inflammation, and increase antioxidant enzymes, compared to a standard HFM alone. Methods: In a randomized cross-over study, 24 healthy adult males (18-25 years old) consumed a typical American breakfast (670 kcal; 58% fat) with or without the freeze-dried mango pulp (50 g). Lipids, glucose, antioxidant enzymes, and inflammatory markers were assessed at baseline/fasting and 1, 2, and 4 hours after the HFM. Results: Addition of mango resulted in lower glucose (95.8 ± 4.4 mg/dL; P = .002) and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; 58.4 ± 2.7 mg/dL; P = .01) 1 hour post-HFM compared to control (glucose: 104.8 ± 5.4 mg/dL; HDL-C: 55.2 ± 2.3 mg/dL), although no differences were observed in triglycerides ( P = .88 for interaction). No significant meal × time interactions were detected in markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein, P = .17; interleukin-6, P = .30) or antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, P = .77; glutathione peroxidase, P = .36; catalase, P = .32) in the postprandial period. Conclusions: When added to an HFM, acute mango consumption had modest beneficial effects on postprandial glucose and HDL-C responses, but did not alter triglyceride, inflammatory, or antioxidant enzymes.

Upon completion, participants will be able to understand the moderating effect of habit strength on fruit and vegetable intake among low-income older adults.

Abstract Objective: To examine the effectiveness of the Produce for Better Health Foundation grocery store tour programme as a nutrition education tool for changing consumers’ intention to consume various forms of fruits and vegetables (F&V). Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Ten grocery stores in a city in the Southeast USA. Participants: A total of 147 grocery shoppers in Alabama, who participated in a grocery store tour, completed a retrospective pre-/post-survey using the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Results: Results from independent-samples t tests indicated that mean values of attitude, subjective norm and perceived control were significantly increased after store tours (P < 0·01). Participants’ intentions to consume various types of F&V (fresh, dried, canned, juice and frozen), especially dried F&V, increased significantly after store tours. Results from structural equation modelling indicated that before store tours attitude (γ = 0·48, P < 0·01) was the most significant predictor of intention to consume F&V, followed by perceived behavioural control (γ = 0·24, P = 0·02) and subjective norm (γ = 0·21, P = 0·03). After store tours, attitude (γ = 0·51, P < 0·01) and perceived behavioural control (γ = 0·44, P < 0·01) were still strong predictors of intention to consume F&V, while subjective norm became an insignificant predictor of intention. Conclusions: Findings revealed positive changes in study participants’ attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and their intentions to consume various forms of F&V, which suggest potential benefits of providing grocery store tours as a tool to promote consumers’ F&V intake.

Nutritional status is multifactorial, meaning it can be influenced by a number of factors such as food insecurity, self-care capacity, and depressive symptoms. However, the relationship between food insecurity, self-care capacity, depressive symptoms and nutritional status has not been fully examined among low-income older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the complex relationships between self-care capacity, depressive symptoms, food insecurity and nutritional status among low-income older adults. A total of 372 low-income older adults completed a validated survey measuring food insecurity, self-care capacity, depressive symptoms and nutritional status. Generalized structural equation modeling was used to include the simultaneous equations and multiple mediators in one model. The Akaike Information Criterion, Bayesian Information Criterian, and likelihood ratio tests were conducted to compare the fit of competing model specifications. Results show that participants with lower self-care capacity had greater food insecurity status (b=0.4, OR=1.49, p<.05) and experienced higher depressive symptoms (b=0.15, OR=1.16, p<.01). Participants with poorer self-care capacity and higher depressive symptoms had poorer nutritional status (b=0.88, OR=2.42, p<.001; b=0.15, OR=1.16, p<.01, respectively). Also, participants with higher food insecurity were more likely to experience depressive symptoms (b=0.40, p<.001). In addition, food insecurity influenced nutritional status indirectly through depressive symptoms (b=0.06, p<.05). Study findings imply that dietitians, nutritional health care professionals, and health care policy makers should be cognizant in developing educational programming and policies that combat food insecurity and enhance the emotional health of low-income older adults challenged by functional limitations.

Information regarding the prevalence and risk of osteoporosis among American Indian (AI) women is limited. This study showed that with increasing AI blood quantum, the prevalence of osteoporosis at the hip based on BMD T-scores decreased and this appeared to be independent of other risk factors.

We explored rural older adults' perceptions of health to inform health promotion program development, using social marketing as our framework. Participants in seven focus groups viewed independence and holistic health as indicators of health and identified healthful eating and physical activity as actions to promote health. Barriers to these actions included physical limitations, social factors, financial considerations, motivation issues, and information confusion. Participants desired education that improves knowledge and skills, provides socialization opportunities, and occurs in familiar, affordable locations. Our findings can be useful to others developing health programming for rural-residing older adults. Also, we show that applying social marketing principles during formative assessment can be helpful in tailoring programs to audience interests and concerns.

The Model of Goal-directed Behavior (MGB) was used to examine factors influencing college students' intentions to consume fruit and vegetable (F&V). College students, ages 19years or older pursuing any undergraduate major at The University of Alabama participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed validated survey instruments measuring attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, intention, positive anticipated emotion, negative anticipated emotion, past behavior and desire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine psychosocial determinants of intention to consume F&V among college students. Desire had a significant positive relationship with intention. Although desire was not significantly influenced by attitude, subjective norm, or perceived behavioral control, positive anticipated emotion had a significant positive relationship with desire. Past behavior had a significant relationship with both desire and intention. In addition, college students' intention to consume F&V was significantly influenced by perceived behavioral control. Findings from this study suggest that desire is critical in prompting behavior change. Further, factors influencing desire and/or intention in this population include positive anticipated emotions, past behavior and perceived behavioral control.

Background Understanding of the mechanisms of how food insecurity and poor physical and mental health status are interrelated with nutritional status among older adults is needed due to their unique health and social needs. Objective To examine the complex relationships between self-care capacity, depressive symptoms, food insecurity, and nutritional status among low-income older adults. Design The cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2017 to May 2017. Participants/setting A total of 372 low-income older adults, 60 years of age and older, living in the state of Alabama participated. Main outcome measures Participants completed a validated survey measuring food insecurity (six-item US Food Security Survey Module), self-care capacity (Self-Care Capacity Scale), depressive symptoms (10-item Geriatric Depression Scale), and nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form). Statistical analyses performed Generalized structural equation modeling was used to include the simultaneous equations and multiple mediators in one model. The Akaike Information Criterion, Bayesian Information Criterion, and likelihood ratio tests were conducted to compare the fit of competing model specifications. Results Lower self-care capacity was associated with greater food insecurity (beta [b]=.11, odds ratio [OR]=1.11, P=0.03) and higher depressive symptoms (b=.08, P=0.005). Poorer self-care capacity and higher depressive symptoms were associated with poorer nutritional status (b=.24, OR=1.27, P<0.001; b=.13, OR=1.43, P=0.001, respectively). Higher food insecurity was associated with increased depressive symptoms (b=.40, P<0.001). Self-care capacity was associated with nutritional status directly and indirectly through depressive symptoms (b=.04, P=0.048). Although food insecurity was not significantly associated with nutritional status, a significant indirect association between food insecurity and nutritional status through depressive symptoms was observed (b=.02, P=0.04). Conclusions Study results indicate functionally impaired low-income older adults encounter greater food insecurity. Inability to afford food combined with limited ability to take care of oneself contributes to an increased self-report of depressive symptoms, resulting in less favorable nutritional status.