Journal of Nutrition and Food Security

Association between Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ) and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study of Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography

2026-02-09T09:44:38+00:00

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the predominant form ofcardiovascular disease (CVD) and a major cause of mortality globally. This studyaimed to investigate the association between the Index of Nutritional Quality(INQ) for specific nutrients and coronary artery stenosis severity, lipid profiles,and body composition in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Methods: Inthis cross-sectional study of 612 adults (35-75 years) undergoing coronaryangiography, dietary intake was assessed using a validated 178-item foodfrequency questionnaire (FFQ). The INQ was calculated for various nutrients.Coronary artery stenosis was quantified using Gensini (GS) and SYNTAX (SS)scores. Results: A higher INQ for linolenic acid was significantly associated withlower odds of vascular occlusion based on SS after full adjustment (OR=0.5; 95%CI: 0.28-0.88). A higher INQ for fiber was associated with lower total cholesterol(TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), while a higher INQ forprotein was associated with elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Conversely, a higher INQ for riboflavin and vitamin D was correlated withincreased TC. A higher INQ for vitamin B6 was linked to increased TC,triglycerides (TG), and visceral fat, but a lower body mass index (BMI).Conclusion: These findings suggest that the quality of nutrient intake, particularlyhigher linolenic acid and fiber, is associated with a better cardiometabolicprofile and reduced coronary stenosis, highlighting the potential importance ofnutrient quality assessment in the dietary management of CAD. Prospectivestudies are needed to confirm these findings

The Association between Adherence to the MIND Diet and Depression and Anxiety in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients

2026-02-09T09:44:37+00:00

Background: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet and the odds of anxiety and depression among patients with IBS. Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted from 2021 to 2023 in three university- affiliated centers in Iran. A total of 262 IBS patients aged 18–60 (168 males, 94 females; mean age 29.72 ± 10.19 years) were recruited based on the Rome III criteria. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire, and MIND diet scores were calculated. Anxiety was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) for anxiety and depression across MIND diet score tertiles, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Higher adherence to the MIND diet was significantly associated with lower odds of both anxiety (OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.53–0.89, P=0.005) and depression (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.59–0.91, P=0.006) in IBS patients. Additionally, an inverse relationship was observed between MIND diet adherence and the severity of IBS symptoms (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52–0.94, P=0.02). Conclusion: Greater adherence to the MIND diet was associated with reduced odds of anxiety and depression, as well as lower severity of IBS symptoms. Further prospective and interventional studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Comparative Analysis and Agreement of Body Fat Percentage Using Skinfold Thickness and Bioelectrical Impedance in Young College Students

2026-02-09T09:44:36+00:00

Background: Body fat analysis is an essential measurement for understanding adiposity in the population. There are several methods to assess adiposity, like anthropometric measurements, and recently, body impedance analysis has been used for the analysis of adiposity; thus, it is important to compare skinfold thickness (SFT) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in measuring body fat percentage among young college students. Methods: Two methods were compared to analyse the adiposity among young college students i.e. SFT and BIA, both of which are non-invasive techniques and are used widely for assessing body fat. Accordingly, 145 students between the ages of 18-29 year were enrolled (41 males, 104 females) and their body parameters, and adiposity was measured using SFT and BIA. Results: The participants’ mean BMI was 23.08±4.02 kg/m2 for females and 23.63±3.80 kg/m2 for males. According to SFT and BIA procedures, the female had a body fat percentage of 30.62±4.31% and 37.50±6.70%, respectively, while the male had a percentage of 20.06±5.12% and 24.78±8.73%, respectively. A positive correlation (P<0.001) was found between both assessment procedures. The Bland-Altman plot revealed a proportionate bias towards the body fat measurements between females (r=0.853, P<0.001) and males (r=0.496, P<0.07). It also demonstrated SFT and BIA approaches which were not in agreement with body fat percentages as BIA overestimates fat percentage when compared with skin fold thickness. Conclusion: The two approaches cannot be used interchangeably. However, for better understanding cut-off values can be changed according to the assessment method used to analyse adiposity

Prevalence and Pattern of Junk Food Consumption among Secondary School Students of Banganga, Nepal

2026-02-09T09:44:35+00:00

Background: Junk food is high in calories but low in essential nutrients, posing a health risk particularly during adolescence. Many low and middle income countries, like Nepal, are experiencing a nutritional shift along with a rising consumption of junk food among school-aged adolescents. Despite its known health risks, junk food remains popular among adolescent school students. This study aims to determine the prevalence of junk food, its consumption patterns and associated factors, among secondary school students of Banganga, Nepal. Methods: A school-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 270 secondary school students in Banganga municipality ward number 2, selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected via a self-administrated structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done using IBM-SPSS version 20. Results: The prevalence of junk food consumption among secondary school students was 74.4%. Fast food was the most consumed category (74.13%) and the most frequently consumed items were biscuit, chocolate, coke and chowmein. Sex, grade, father‘s occupation, living status and parent‘s habit of junk food consumption were significantly associated with junk food consumption at 95% of confidence interval. Conclusion: The high prevalence of junk food consumption among adolescents highlights an urgent need for collaborative efforts between parents, school administrations and other relevant stakeholders to promote healthier food options in school cafeterias and encourage homemade, nutritious foods.

Consumption and Determinants of Vitamin A Supplementation among Children Aged 6 to 59 Months in Buea and Kumba Health Districts, Cameroon

2026-02-09T09:44:34+00:00

Background: Although the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in Cameroon has dropped slightly in recent years, the prevalence remains high in some areas and is considered a significant public health problem in Cameroon. Nevertheless, vitamin A supplementation (VAS) among children is the best way to tackle this problem. The study aims to determine the consumption and determinants of VAS among children aged 6-59 months in Cameroon. Methods: This study was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted using a validated questionnaire from February 2023 to June 2023 in Buea and Kumba health Districts. Multistage sampling was used to select caregiver- child pair from districts implementing routine VAS program. Results: A total of 407 mothers/caregivers were recruited for this study. The proportion of VAS was 68.8%, 63.4% had adequate knowledge and 64.9% had good attitude towards VAS. Almost all the participants faced no challenges in accessing VAS services. The factors associated with VAS were the time taken (P=0.001), the means of transportation (P=0.037), access to the health facility (P=0.032), child schooling (P=0.006), knowledge on VAS (P= 0.024) and educational level of the caregivers (P=0.020). Conclusion: The VAS coverage was 68.8% below the amount recommended by WHO which is 80-90% coverage. Also, the factors associated with VAS included time taken, the means of transportation, access to the health facility, knowledge of the caregivers on VAS, child schooling, and the education level of the caregiver

Transformation of Public Policy Evaluation: Multi-Stakeholder Approach in Food Security in South Papua

2026-02-09T09:44:32+00:00

Background: Food security is a critical issue in South Papua, where socio- cultural and environmental factors demand locally tailored policies. This study explores the transformation of food security policy evaluation through a multi- stakeholder approach involving indigenous communities, local governments, the private sector, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The approach integrates diverse perspectives and innovative strategies to enhance policy relevance, sustainability, and effectiveness. Methods: This research employs a qualitative case study method, using data from in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), participatory observations, and document analysis. Stakeholders provided insights into local challenges and policy implementation. Participatory mapping and data analytics further enhanced evaluation accuracy and depth, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of diverse perspectives on food security policies. Results: Stakeholder collaboration improves policy relevance by integrating indigenous knowledge into resource management, promoting accountability, transparency, and responsiveness. Technology tools like participatory mapping enhanced evaluation accuracy. However, challenges such as coordination inefficiencies and limited access to technology hinder optimal policy implementation. Conclusion: The multi-stakeholder approach effectively transforms food security policy evaluation in South Papua, making it more relevant and sustainable. Addressing coordination challenges and investing in infrastructure are crucial for overcoming persistent barriers.

Development of Healthy Menus at Minimum Cost for Older Adults Using a Diet Optimization Model

2026-02-09T09:44:31+00:00

Background: The number of older adults in developing countries is growing rapidly, posing challenges related to malnutrition due to unbalanced diets. Food cost is one of the barriers to consuming nutritious foods. This study aims to develop optimized healthy menus for 1800 kcal and 2000 kcal diets at minimal cost using mathematical programming. Methods: Data were obtained from phase IV of the Long Term Research Grant Scheme Towards Useful Aging cohort study (LRGS-TUA), involving 246 purposively sampled older adults (≥60 years) from 10 areas in Selangor, Malaysia. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and nutrient intake data were analyzed. The Diet Optimization Model was applied to develop healthy, low-cost menus for older adults based on the recommended nutrient intakes for Malaysia (2017). Results: Among 246 older adults, 38.6% were overweight, and 71.5% lived below the poverty line. Energy and key micronutrient intakes such as fibre, calcium and potassium were well below daily recommendations, while sodium exceeded the upper limit. The diet optimization model produced nutritionally adequate menus at a minimum cost of RM8.00 (1800 kcal) and RM8.69 (2000 kcal). Conclusion: The diet optimization model demonstrated that affordable, nutritionally adequate menus for older adults can be achieved at minimal cost that meet nutritional requirements, offering a practical strategy to improve diet quality and reduce nutrition inequities among low-income elderly populations. Future studies should be conducted among older adults of varying socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, food preferences, and habits to evaluate the model's generalizability.

The Effectiveness of Nutrition Education on Anthropometric Indices and Eating Behaviour among Students at Primary Schools in Vietnam

2026-02-09T09:44:30+00:00

Background: Malnutrition, overweight, and obesity are growing issues among primary school-aged children in Vietnam, with rising rates of obesity and unhealthy eating behaviors, highlighting the need for effective nutrition education programs. Therefore, the study aims to examine the effectiveness of nutrition education on the eating behavior and anthropometric indices among students at two primary schools, in Nam Dinh city, Vietnam in 2024. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 600 students (300 in the intervention group and 300 in the control group), aged 6-11, at two primary schools in Nam Dinh city. A nutrition education program, led by trained teachers, was implemented over two months, with 7–15- minute sessions each week during class activities, science lessons, and lunch breaks. Additionally, before mealtimes, the homeroom teacher guides the children on food choices and dishes, encourages them to eat vegetables, enjoy a variety of foods, and limit unhealthy options. Data on eating behavior and anthropometric index were collected at baseline and two months after the intervention. Results: After the 2- month intervention, there was a statistically significant improvement in the nutritional practices of participants in the intervention group compared to the control group (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were found in anthropometric indices (Weight and Height) between the two groups at both pre- and post-intervention time points (P<0.05). Conclusions: The school-based nutrition education program was effective in improving students' eating behavior. Schools should implement and expand nutrition education programs to promote healthier eating behaviors among students.

Association of the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay Diet with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Multicenter Case Control Study

2026-02-09T09:44:29+00:00

Background: The association between Mediterranean-DASH diet Interventionfor Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet score and irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) has been rarely investigated; therefore, the authors aim to investigate theassociation between MIND diet score and IBS odds. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 876 adult participants. Dietary intake wasevaluated using a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). TheMIND diet score was calculated using FFQ. Furthermore, socio-economicstatus, anthropometric measures, and blood pressure were recorded by a trainedinterviewer, using standard methods. Finally, logistic regression was used toinvestigate the association between MIND diet and IBS. Results: The mean ageof the participants was 30.9 years. Being the last quantile of MIND diet scorewas associated with 19% lower odds of IBS in crude model. Also, a significantassociation was seen in the fully adjusted model; such that individuals in the topcategory of MIND diet score were 27% less likely to have IBS compared withthose in the bottom category. Conclusions: In summary, the authors presentedevidence showing a negative association between adherence to the MIND dietand odds of IBS. Ultimately, because of the likely preventive influence of diet,it is essential to elucidate the relationship between diet and IBS via extensiveprospective cohort studies in the future.

Comparative Analysis of Serum Levels of Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Zinc in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome versus Healthy Control

2026-02-09T09:44:28+00:00

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MeTS) is directly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The present study aimed to compare serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc in the MeTS and control groups and determine the relationship between serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc and components of MeTS. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 149 individuals (79 people with MeTS and 70 healthy individuals). Demographic data, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and blood pressure, as well as laboratory data, including fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc, were collected. Results: The results indicated that serum zinc levels were significantly lower in MeTS group, while serum phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium levels did not show significant differences between the two groups. Furthermore, serum zinc levels significantly decreased as MeTS factors increased, particularly with 4 or 5 factors. Serum zinc levels were significantly associated with blood pressure, BMI, and HDL-C. Similarly, serum magnesium levels showed a significant association with total cholesterol. Serum calcium levels were linked to both HDL-C and BMI. In contrast, serum phosphorus levels showed no significant association with any components of MeTS. Conclusion: Decreased serum zinc levels appear to be significantly related to MeTS and its components, including blood pressure and HDL-C. However, the relationship between serum calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc levels and MeTS requires further studies.

The Interplay between Demographic Factors, Household Iodized Salt, and Urinary Iodine Concentration in School-Aged Children of Abarkouh, Iran

2026-02-09T09:44:27+00:00

Background: In Abarkouh, despite Iran's national iodine sufficiency, the stability of iodine levels in salt and the influence of demographic factors on IDD risk in this specific population have not been thoroughly assessed. This study aims to determine the quantitative relationships between urinary iodine concentration (UIC), the prevalence of goiter, and behavioral disorders as a consequence of height, weight, and salt iodine concentration. Methods: The urinary and salt iodine concentrations were measured using the Chlorometric method and iodine detector kit, respectively. The differences between the two groups and the relationship between these variables and endpoints were determined using t-test and Pearson correlation with a significance level of 0.05, respectively. Quantitative relationships between them were also modeled using linear and nonlinear models’ artificial neural network (ANN) in MATLAB2020. Results: According to the results and linear modeling, iodine concentration and behavioral disorders based on variables of height, weight, and iodine salt concentration were randomly distributed. Also, limited nonlinear relationships between UIC and variables of height, weight, salt iodine concentration and behavioral disorders were obtained as a consequence of variables of height, weight, salt iodine concentration, and urinary output in ANN (R<0.7). Conclusion: Modeling the relationship between these variables using ANN showed there were limited nonlinear relationships between urinary iodine and variables of height, weight, and iodine salt concentration. Thus, to determine the effective factors and the quantitative relationship between them, it is suggested to study other variables in future studies.

Empirically Derived Prepregnancy Dietary Patterns and the Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study

2026-02-09T09:44:25+00:00

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), diabetes first recognizedduring pregnancy, is associated with complications for mothers and theiroffspring. This study aimed to identify empirically-derived dietary patterns inpregnant women and their associations with GDM. Methods: A total of 274pregnant women (138 women with GDM and 136 controls) participated in thiscase-control study. Anthropometric measurements were performed for all theparticipants. The participants dietary intake data was collected via a valid foodfrequency questionnaire. The major dietary patterns were obtained via principalcomponent analysis (PCA) based on participants’ actual food consumption data.The participants were divided into tertiles based on their adherence to eachdietary pattern and the associations between dietary patterns and GDM wereinvestigated via multivariate logistic regression. Results: The findings revealedthree major dietary patterns. Adherence to the “traditional pattern” wasassociated with an increased risk of GDM. This association remained significantafter adjusting for all confounding factors (highest vs. lowest tertile: OR=3.44,95% CI=1.54-7.69, P-trend=0.001). Similarly, women in the third tertile of the“western pattern” had an elevated risk of GDM compared with those in the firsttertile (third vs. first tertile: OR=1.96, 95% CI=1.02-3.80, P-trend=0.011). Incontrast, participants who adhered to a healthy pattern had a negative associationwith GDM risk (after adjustment P-trend<0.001). Conclusions: This studydemonstrates that dietary patterns of empirically-derived prepregnancysignificantly influence the risk of GDM. These findings underscore theimportance of targeted nutritional counseling and interventions before pregnancyto mitigate GDM risk and promote maternal and fetal health

Analysis of Potential Food Security Index: A Case Study Development in Bogor Regency Indonesia

2026-02-09T09:44:24+00:00

Background: Food security is an important issue in development because food is a basic human need. The availability of accurate, comprehensive and well- organized food security information can be used to build an appropriate food security sector in the development policy system. This research aims to analyze the food security condition in Bogor Regency using the food security index, identify factors that affect food security and provide appropriate strategies and policy recommendations based on measurable data. Methods: This research used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data collection methods in preparing the Bogor Regency Food Security Index include interviews, FGDs and literature studies. Descriptive analysis is used to analyze qualitative and quantitative data and information, especially to examine or evaluate the problems of food security development in Bogor Regency. Hierarchical Process Analysis is used to determine the weight of each indicator when calculating the Bogor Regency Food Security Index. Results: The Food Security Index value based on availability, affordability and usefulness is 47.79, 47.79 and 86.41, respectively. Some influential factors include fluctuations in the volume of food available, difficulties in accessing food needs, and limitations in food utilization. Conclusions: Policy strategies that the Bogor Regency Government is carrying out to improve the achievements of each indicator include prioritizing interventions and programs based on the impacts of relatively high food insecurity in the form of the food supply chain.

Nutritional Influences on the Onset and Progression of Age-Related Cataract: A Narrative Review

2026-02-09T09:44:23+00:00

Background: The leading cause of global blindness is cataract, which affects 70 million people worldwide, a number expected to rise with an aging population. In vitro and animal studies indicate that nutritional deficiencies contribute to age-related cataracts (ARC) while suggesting that dietary interventions may mitigate the risk. The complex relationship between ARC and specific nutrients in humans is difficult to validate due to various factors like diet diversity and compliance. Recent research expands beyond antioxidants to examine carbohydrates, fatty acids, proteins, carotenoids, and diet types like the Mediterranean diet and high dairy intake. Understanding nutrition's role in cataract formation remains an ongoing challenge. Methods: This narrative review aims to combine findings from studies that analyzed the impact of specific dietary patterns, foods, and nutrients on the development or progression of ARC. Results: The review methodically assesses 24 articles. The results suggest notable protective effects associated with various dietary patterns such as the Korean balanced diet, vegetarian diet, "dairy products and vegetables," "traditional," "antioxidant," and "omega-3" patterns. Moreover, consumption of vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, skimmed yogurt, coffee, and vitamins appears to correlate positively with reduced incidence of cataracts. Conclusion: More investigations are deemed essential to deepen our understanding of these relationships and formulate consistent dietary recommendations for both at-risk populations and individuals already diagnosed with ARC.