Journal of Nutrition and Food Security

The Considerable Case Reports: Observed Taenia Saginata after Consuming Undercooked Beef

Pegah Golafshan — 2025-01-31

Taeniasis is a significant parasitic infection and zoonotic disease. This study describes the follow-up of a patient with a history of consuming undercooked beef as a result of his occupation. "A 29-year-old, robust and plump individual with a history of working in barbecue preparation", expelled tapeworm of more than 1 meter in length. Initially, by going to a pharmacy, he purchased pyrvinium pamoate suspension", and began treatment (In February 2022, and again in May 2022). Besides, he showed no other gastrointestinal symptoms or complaints except for expelling the entire worm and feeling slightly fatigued. This condition persisted for approximately 1-2 years, during which he regularly consumed raw or undercooked contaminated meat, as well as heart and liver of cattle and calves while preparing barbecue. He elucidated that he had a strong urge to eat them. Unfortunately, his treatment was discontinued when he was imprisoned for three months, during which he did not receive any medication. As a result, he mentioned that he sometimes expelled worms, some of which were more than six meters long. He also described the intense horror he felt when, at times, proglottids (segments of the parasite) appeared in his feces. As far as the author is aware, this is an important report on taeniasis, following years of healthcare efforts against parasitic diseases in Shushtar City, Khuzestan Province

Agriculture Based Food Producing Countries Are Less Secured in Food

Jesmin Aktar — 2025-01-31

Background: Food security of a nation depends upon availability and access to agricultural safe products like grain, fishing, forestry, livestock, etc. Agricultural products cover a large part of national GDP in food producing countries but need to assess food security status of those nations. This paper intended to discuss the food insecurity paradox, which is more apparent in some agriculture-based countries around the globe where increased agricultural GDP shares correspond to negative levels of both food security and per capita income and give an overview on the global trends. Methods: Data was collected from the publication of EIU Global Food Security Index and World Bank. A total number of 113 countries were considered for the data on food security index (FSI), per capita income, and percent employment in agriculture. Results: Countries with higher GDP contribution in agriculture have negative correlation with FSI and per capita income but have a positive relationship with the employment rate in agriculture. That means people involved in production of food are not getting food as much and this is the reason not to access food as they have less per capita income. On the other hand, countries with much less GDP contribution in agriculture had an insignificant relationship with per capita income and employment rate in agriculture. Conclusion: Countries producing less food have access to food due to per capita income from sources other than agriculture. So, the nations that contribute to the production of food are less secured in food, which may be due to low per capita income of many people involved in agriculture sector but they make a great contribution to global food security.

Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity and Gastric Cancer: A Case-Control Study

Saba Narmcheshm — 2025-01-31

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is the most common cancer among Iranian men. A diet rich in antioxidant compounds has been offered as an appropriate strategy for reducing the risk of GC. This study aimed to determine the possible association between dietary total antioxidant capacity (dTAC) and the Iranian population's GC risk. Methods: In total, 178 newly diagnosed GC patients and 238 healthy controls were recruited for this hospital-based case-control study. Dietary intakes were collected using a validated 146-item diet history questionnaire (DHQ), and dTAC was analyzed using Ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) assay. Results: The mean value of dTAC was 10.42±5.42 for cases and 11.42±5.86 for controls. Black tea, fruits, and cereals consumption were the main contributors to dTAC in both groups. DTAC was associated with a reduction in the risk of GC (OR 0.54; 95%CI: 0.31–0.92) (second vs. lowest tertile). This association did not change after adjustment for body mass index, education, energy intake, smoking, and Helicobacter pylori infection (0.55; 95% CI: 0.31-0.99). There was no significant association between fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes TAC with GC. Conclusion: The whole intake of dTAC from different food sources was not high in the population; however, this amount showed a preventive effect against GC.

The Comparison of Food and Nutrient Intake among Iranian Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Adults

Najmeh Maayeshi — 2025-01-31

Background: Diabetes is known as a rising global health metabolic disorder. Eating choices are considered as a main factor in type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention and treatment. This study aimed to investigate the comparison of food and nutrient intake among diabetic and non-diabetic adults in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 5442 Iranian adults aged 35–70 years from Shahedieh cohort study, Yazd, Iran. Dietary intake of participants was evaluated using a validated 121-item food frequency questionnaire. All data about the amount of food groups, total energy, micronutrients, and macronutrients intake were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: Participants without diabetes showed significantly higher intake of grains, legumes, total meat, fats, sweets, energy, carbohydrates, total fat, total cholesterol, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin B9, B12, A, and D in comparison with patients with diabetes. On the other hand, diabetic patients revealed significantly higher amounts of vegetables, fruits, dietary fiber, biotin, potassium, and magnesium consumption compared to non-diabetic participants. Conclusion: Given that diet and nutrition are widely believed to play an important part in the development of T2D, significant differences were found in dietary habits of diabetic patients in comparison with participants without diabetes. These findings suggest that emphasis on education is required to improve the current dietary behaviors to assist in the prevention of disease complications.

Isolation, Identification, and Antimicrobial Study of Yersinia spp. Isolated from Traditional and Industrial Olivier Salad Specimens in Tehran

Farnaz Eskandarzadeh — 2025-01-31

Background: Yersinia enterocolitica is a gram-negative bacteria and one of the most important food-borne bacteria that causes yersiniosis. Several studies have investigated various species of this gastrointestinal pathogen in food and water sources. Although Olivier salad is a ready-to-eat and easily available cold food, it is highly susceptible to microbial contaminations. This study aims to investigate the presence of Yersinia spp., especially the pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica in Olivier salad. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 150 specimens (traditional and industrial Olivier salad) were collected and tested for the presence of Yersinia spp. Using the Iranian National Standard No. 4556. Obtained data were analyzed statistically using descriptive statistics in IBM SPSS. Results: Yersinia spp. contamination was found in only 6% of traditional specimens (6 out of 100). Based on biochemical reactions, four isolates of Yersinia enterocolitica and two isolates of Yersinia intermedia were identified from six Yersinia isolates. The biotype of Yersinia enterocolitica was investigated, and three strains of biotype 1A and one strain of biotype 1B were identified. The human pathogenic serotype was not found in the serotype analysis. Conclusion: The study results showed that specimens of traditionally prepared Olivier salad were contaminated with Yersinia spp. Yersinia enterocolitica is the most prevalent species as expected, and the analysis of the strains of this species revealed that it also contains other biotypes, including the highly pathogenic biotype 1B.

Investigating the Prevalence, Antibiotic Resistance Pattern, and Serotyping of Shigella Isolates from Traditional and Industrial Olivier Salads

Shiva Jahanbakhshi — 2025-01-31

Background: Food-borne diseases are one of the major problems in developing countries. This study aims to investigate the prevalence, antibiotic resistance pattern, and serotyping of Shigella isolates from Olivier salad. Methods: 150 samples of Olivier salad, including 50 industrial samples from 10 different available brands in Tehran's shops and 100 traditional samples from Tehran's southern regions, were randomly obtained between April to October of 2021. These samples were examined for bacterial isolation and identification, which was finally confirmed by the API-20E kit. Then, a serological reaction was used to confirm Shigella and determine the species. The antibiotic resistance pattern of isolates was evaluated according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI, 2021) instructions by the Kirby-Bauer method. Results: Among these samples, 10 isolates (6.6%) of Shigella were isolated, of which 6 (4%) belonged to serogroup D (Shigella sonnei), 3 (2%) to serogroup B (Shigella flexneri), and 1 isolate (0.66%) belonged to serogroup C (Shigella boydii). This study showed that all Shigella isolates were related to traditional Olivier salad and were not Shigella spp. isolated from the industrial salad. Other bacteria isolated from traditional salad included Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, and Citrobacter. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was not observed in all isolates, and among 10 isolates of Shigella, 40% showed complete resistance to ampicillin, but other isolates showed 60% intermediate resistance to this antibiotic. No resistance was observed for other tested antibiotics. Conclusion: The difference between the level of contamination in both traditional and industrial samples of salad well indicates familiarity with sanitary protocols and standards provided to reduce the microbial load.

Factors Associated with Stunting in Posyandu in an Underdeveloped Area of Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study in Papua

Rusnaeni Rusnaeni — 2025-01-31

Background: Studies have shown that numerous variables were significantly associated with stunting including knowledge of mothers and level of education. However, the study on nutrition knowledge and nutrition benefits among mothers was limited in Papua. This study aims to explore the prevalence of stunted children in this area and to determine whether the knowledge on healthy nutrition and taking iron supplements are associated with stunted children among mothers who have children under 5 years. Methods: This study as a cross-sectional study was done in 2022. It involved mothers who brought their children under 5 years old to integrated health posts and signed informed consent. Data on balanced nutrition and nutritional benefits for children were collected through a questionnaire consisting of 26 questions with true/false answers. While mothers completed questionnaires on nutrition knowledge, nutrition benefits, and sociodemographic data, height and weight of their children were measured. Results: A total of 496 mothers participated in this study, the mean age of mothers was 30.42±6.40 years. Based on mothers’ characteristics, the majority of mothers went to high school, were unpaid, and consumed iron supplements during pregnancy (98.2%). There was a 10% stunting incidence in this study. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, having children aged 1 to 20 months old (odds ratio (OR)=0.11; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.03–0.64) and knowledge of nutritional benefits (OR=0.62; 95% CI=0.40–0.95) decreased the odds of stunting. Conclusion: A comprehensive program about nutrition should be available, particularly for mothers. This study also suggests that interventions to increase nutrition knowledge among mothers with children aged under 2 years should be prioritized.

Higher Consumption of Carbonated Drinks and Fast Food Related to Depression and Quality of Life in Adolescent Girls

Abbas Ali Sangouni — 2025-01-31

Background: The association between fast food, whole grain, refined grain and carbonated drink consumption and depression and quality of life (QoL) was evaluated in Iranian adolescent girls. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 733 adolescent girls were included from Mashhad and Sabzevar cities in northeastern Iran. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and SF-12v2 questionnaire were used to assess depression and QoL, respectively. A valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire was used to obtain dietary intakes of the study participants. To explore the association between intake of food groups and depression and QoL. It was used linear and logistic regression in crude and adjusted models. Results: There was a signiﬁcant decreasing trend in the odds of poor QOL and depression across increasing quartile intake of whole grain; but, there was no linear relationship between whole grain intake and depression and QoL score. In addition, participants in the highest quartile of carbonated drink consumption had higher odds of poor QoL compared to the first quartile (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.00–2.32, P=0.04). A positive association was found between intake of fast food and depression score (β=0.09). Intake of fast food was inversely associated with QoL score (β=-0.081). However, there was no significant relationship between intake of refined grains and carbonated drinks and depression, and between whole grain and refined grain intake and QoL. Conclusions: The results demonstrated an inverse association between fast food intake and depression and QOL. To better conclude, further studies evaluating the association of various food groups with depression and QoL.

Association between Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity and Odds of Preeclampsia: A Case-control Study

Mahshid Taherkhani — 2025-01-31

Background: Preeclampsia may cause maternal and child morbidity and mortality. Evidence suggests that oxidative stress may be involved in the development of preeclampsia; however, the role of dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) on preeclampsia risk has not yet been elucidated. Thus, this study aims to assess the relationship between DTAC and odds of preeclampsia. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 240 pregnant women (preeclampsia, n=60; controls, n=180) in Qazvin, Iran. Controls were 3:1 ratio matched with cases in terms of participants’ age and gestational age. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire evaluating the preceding year. DTAC was measured by two methods: ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Multivariable logistic regression was employed to evaluate the association between preeclampsia and DTAC and also selected antioxidants. Results: After controlling for potential confounders, a significant inverse relationship was found between ORAC and preeclampsia; individuals in the highest tertile of ORAC were 67% less likely to have preeclampsia than those in the lowest tertile of ORAC (OR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.11-0.97; P-trend<0.05). There was no significant relation between FRAP and preeclampsia. The risk of preeclampsia was 70% lower among subjects with the highest tertile of vitamin C intake compared to the lowest tertile of it. Conclusion: Pregnant women with the highest tertile of ORAC and vitamin C intake were at lower risk of preeclampsia. Therefore, prospective studies are needed to confirm the protective effects of dietary anti-oxidants on preeclampsia incidence.

Management of GERD Adherence to Mediterranean-Like Dietary Pattern in Association with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Adolescents

Azam AhmadiVasmehjani — 2025-02-01

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common esophageal disorder affecting adolescents. Recent studies have indicated that the risk of GERD may be influenced by different dietary patterns. This study aimed to examine the relationship between an adherence to Mediterranean-like dietary pattern and GERD in a large group of adolescents from central Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 5141 adolescents aged 13-14 years. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency method which included in a reliable and valid Global Asthma Network (GAN) core questionnaire. GERD symptoms and the frequency of their occurrence over the last week were assessed using a validated GERD questionnaire. A binary logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between adherence to Mediterranean-like dietary pattern and GERD and its related symptoms. Results: The results showed that after controlling for potential confounding variables including age, sex, watching TV and computer, and BMI, the adolescents in the highest adherence to the Mediterranean style diet (MedDiet) score had lower odds of GERD [odds ratio (OR)=0.53; 95% CI 0.35-0.80, P_trend=0.005)], sense of reflux (OR=0.45; 95% CI 0.26-0.77,
P_trend=0.01) and poor sleep (OR=0.54; 95% CI 0.31-0.96, P_trend=0.02) compared with those in the lowest adherence. No significant association found between MedDiet and other GERD symptoms. Conclusions: This study found a negative relationship between following a MedDiet and having GERD among Iranian adolescents. Following the MedDiet may be a useful strategy to prevent GERD in adolescents.

The Cytotoxicity Assessment of Grapefruit Peel Essential Oil and Its Effect on Frying Stability of Sunflower Oil

Ghania Kaanin- Boudraa — 2025-02-01

Background: Frying oil lipids are prone to oxidation, so aromatic plants and their essential oils (EOs) have been applied to prevent this process. This study aimed to incorporate the grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi) EO in sunflower frying oil to protect it against oxidation. Before enrichment, a cytotoxicity test was performed to determine the non-cytotoxic concentration of this EO.
Methods: Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT-based cytotoxicity assay. Various EO concentrations (0.01-0.5 mg/ml) were added to cultured cells Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) and Human Stellar Hepatic Cell lines LX-2 (SCC064) and incubated for 24 and 48 h. The stability of sunflower oil during frying was assessed by determining several parameters including peroxide value, polar compounds, and free fatty acids. Results: The obtained IC₅₀values after 24 h were 0.276 and 0.200 mg/ml for LX-2 and HUVECs cells, respectively, and the results after 48 h were 0.269 and, 0.216 mg/ml, respectively. Following that, the appropriate concentration of EO was incorporated into the sunflower oil. An oxidation acceleration test demonstrated that the lowest concentration of EO provided the best oxidation resistance (14 h 59 min) comparatively to the unfortified sunflower oil (11 h 63 min). The stability of enriched oil polar compounds during repeated frying was also noticed. Conclusion: The incorporation of this EO into sunflower oil during a deep-frying process led to a significant increase in its oxidative stability; therefore, it can be used as a food additive.

Effect of Weight-Loss Diet Combined with Taurine Supplementation on Fasting Levels of Fibroblast Growth Factors19, 21, and β -klothoCo-Receptor in Obese Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Maryam Asadi — 2025-02-01

Background: Taurine (Tau) is naturally synthesized in the body from cysteine. It plays a crucial role in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, increasing energy consumption, reducing inflammation, and controlling appetite. Some research suggests that obesity may be associated with decreased serum Tau levels. This study is the first randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of a Tau supplement in combination with a weight loss intervention on fibroblast growth factors (FGF) 19, 21, and β-Klotho co-receptor in obese women. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: a standard weight-loss group receiving 3 g/day of Tau capsules for 8 weeks (n=20) and a standard weight-loss group receiving placebo capsules for 8 weeks (n=18). The weight loss intervention aimed to reduce 30% of the total energy consumed by the participants.A paired t-test and an independent sample t-test were employed to assess parametric continuous data within and between the groups. Analysis of covariance was utilized to control for confounding variables. Results: At post-intervention, there was a significant reduction in mean changes of β-Klotho (P=0.01) in Tau group, compared to the control group. However, there were no significant differences in mean changes of FGF 19 and FGF 21 between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion:This study suggests that Tau supplementation alongside a weight loss diet may lead to a reduction in serum levels ofβ-Klothoco-receptor, which could serve as an alternative marker of obesity.

Investigating Diagnostic Accuracy of Strip Kit (Rapid Test) for Detecting Aflatoxin M1 in Milk Based on the Concentration Obtained by ELISA and HPLC

Hanieh Amiri — 2025-02-01

Background: The use of easy, fast, and accurate methods can be an important help in evaluating milk quality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy of diagnostic strip kits and compare it with ELISA and HPLC as a reference diagnostic method, which as the fastest diagnostic tool can play an important role in providing results. Methods: According to the catalog provided by the manufacturer, the samples were analyzed by rapid diagnostic kit and ELISA kit. Finally, the positive samples were checked by HPLC. Validation was done by comparing the results obtained from three methods as well as the values provided by the manufacturer. The limit of detection (LOD) was set at 100 ppt (ng/kg) and 50 ppt for Strip Kit and ELISA, respectively, and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 5 ppt for confirmatory HPLC. Results: A total of 68 samples were selected to measure aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). Based on the results, 10 samples (14.7%) were positive by ELISA and 7 samples (10.29%) were detected to be positive by strip kit, of which only 3 (4.4%) samples were positive by reference method (HPLC). Moreover, among the strip kit test results, no sample was found as false-negative compared to HPLC, and the results of spike solution test with different concentrations also confirmed the results. The sensitivity and specificity of strip kit were calculated 70% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: The strip kit can be used as a cheap, fast, and with acceptable accuracy method based on HPLC results for on-site detection of AFM1 in milk with saving time and money while guaranteeing high analytical precision and accuracy.

The Effect of Synbiotic Supplementation on Self-Reported Aggression in Healthy Adult Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Rahele Sadat Montazeri — 2025-02-01

Background: There is a positive relationship between aggressive behaviors and gut microbiota composition. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of synbiotic supplementation on self-reported aggression in healthy adult men. Methods: This double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 100 healthy adult men working at Iran University of Medical Sciences. Members of synbiotic group (SG) received 2 capsules daily containing 500 mg of synbiotic (Familact) and members of placebo group (PG) received 2 placebo capsules daily for 8 weeks. The intensity of aggression (verbal, physical aggression, hostility, and anger), depression, anxiety and stress, food intake, physical activity, and anthropometric indicators were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Statistical analysis of data was done using SPSS software version 26. P-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Thirty people completed the study. The synbiotic supplement caused a significant decrease in total aggression at the end of the intervention, compared to PG (P=0.04). Moreover, verbal aggression decreased in both groups compared to the beginning of the study, while it was significant in SG (P=0.005). There was no difference in the intensity of physical aggression, anger, and hostility after intervention. Conclusion: Synbiotics may be useful in reducing self-reported aggression in healthy adult men.

Investigating the Association between Healthy Eating Index and Early Childhood Caries in Iranian Preschool Children: A Case-Control Study

Maryam Mehrabkhani — 2025-02-01

Background: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is known as a main global dental problem in childhood period, which oral diet may play an important role in the occurrence of this complication. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the association between dietary Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and ECC in children living in Mashhad, Iran. Methods: In the current case-control study, 732 preschool children (aged 3–6 years) were examined for dental caries and then categorized into two groups of children with ECC, or who were Caries-Free (CF). Then, the HEI was measured by analyzing a validated food frequency questionnaire, which their parents were requested to complete. The association between HEI score and the prevalence of ECC was determined using logistic regression analysis. Results: The HEI for CF group was significantly higher than ECC group (P<0.001, CI 95%: 57.58-67.93 vs. 51.72-65.49), respectively). The mean scores of grain, milk, fruits, vegetables, and meat groups were significantly higher in CF group (P<0.001). Children in CF group were also more compliant with recommended intake of total fat (P<0.01) and cholesterol (P<0.001). Furthermore, CF children had a significantly more diverse food item intake (P<0.001). It is noteworthy to mention that, with each unit increase in HEI score, the odds of ECC decreased by 0.04 (P=0.01, OR=0.04). Conclusion: Caries prevalence in preschool children could be prevented by enhancing food quality.

Potential of Lactiplantibacillus Plantarum 20174 for Vitamin B12 Production in Pineapple: An Enhanced Nutritional Quality and Storage Stability of Processed Jelly

Mayuri Rastogi — 2025-02-01

Background: Vitamin B12 is the micronutrient, present naturally in animal products. The present study was conducted with the aim of developing a naturally fortified vitamin B12 rich fruit product, which can easily be consumed by vegan population. Methods: Pineapple (Ananas comosus) fruit pulp was fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 20174 to produce vitamin B12 rich jelly. The selected microbial strain grew well in pineapple (Ananas comosus) fruit pulp matrix. The physiochemical properties and nutritional content were analysed and compared for the jellies prepared from fermented (fermented pineapple jelly or FPJ) and spontaneous fermented (control pineapple jelly or CPJ) pineapple pulp. Both CPJ and FPJ were packed and stored for 30 days at low (4 ^ºC) and ambient (30 ^°C) temperature conditions, and were subjected to analysis at 10 days intervals. Results: The Total soluble solids (TSS), pH, and reducing sugars were higher in CPJ than FPJ. The FPJ contained 8.17 µg vitamin B12/100 g, while it was not detected in CPJ. There was no microbial growth detected in FPJ throughout the storage period when stored at 4 ºC, rendering it safe for consumption up to 30 days at both the storage temperatures. The decrease in scores of various sensory attributes during storage was little and the developed FPJ was still in the “liked very much” category throughout the storage period. The vitamin B12 content of FPJ was stable during storage and sufficient enough to fulfil an individual’s daily requirement. Conclusion: The developed fermented pineapple jelly can be recommended as an excellent vegan source of vitamin B12.

The Impact of Adequate Selenium Intake on Severity Symptoms and Quality of Life among People with Allergic Rhinitis

Thanyapron Tiyawisutsri — 2025-02-01

Background: Selenium (Se) deficiency leads to impairment of human immune function. Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common immune-related diseases that affects the quality of life among patients. This study aims to investigate the effect of adequate Se intake on the severity of symptoms and quality of life among participants with AR. Methods: A total of 60 participants were recruited for the study and were divided into 2 groups; adequate Se intake (adSe) group and inadequate Se intake (InadSe) group based on nutritional suggestion calculated using a nutritional software package. All the participants were asked to complete the self-reported validated questionnaire on the severity of their symptoms and quality of life impairment for patients with AR. Results: The participants in InadSe group obtained significantly higher scores in almost all the aspects of the severity of symptoms and quality of life impairment compared with participants in adSe group (P<0.05). In addition, the amount of daily Se intake of the participants in this study was negatively correlated with the total scores of the questionnaires (P<0.05).Conclusions: The findings of this study indicated adequate Se intake, according to the recognized dietary guidelines, which tends to reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the quality of life among people with AR.

Food Availability, Accessibility, and Affordability through the Scope of Food Security Level and Food Environment Perception in Mexico City’s Marginated Area

Vianey Camacho-Vallejo — 2025-02-01

Background: Food availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability, the four pillars of food security, have sound impact on food environment activities, regarding households’ food availability, accessibility, and affordability. Food availability implies the adequate supply of healthy food and food accessibility complements and builds on food availability by ensuring that households are able to obtain that food, and that food affordability is limited by incomes and food prices. Methods: In this research, socioeconomic characteristics, food security status and food environment (food availability, accessibility, and affordability) perception of households in Ecatepec, México, a marginal Mexico City conurbation area, were determined with the adequate survey. The collected data were analyzed by logistic regression to stablish the significant relationship among the independent variables (household food security status) with the socioeconomic features, in addition to food environment perception, in order to determinate which facts were significant with food security in this marginal area. Results: Educational level (P<0.001), household income (P<0.001), and belonging to a social assistance program (P<0.001) have a significant effect on food security status. Households with lower income, with food insecurity status, presented lower purchasing power. In contrast, households with food security and mild food insecurity were less likely to agree with the food that they can purchase. A better income, and therefore, a higher purchasing power was reflected in the need to access to more healthy food within their neighborhood. Conclusion: Results indicate that the food environment in this marginal area is benevolent, and households find a way to remain resilient in order to provide enough food for their families. Public policies must be focused on reducing poverty and giving more opportunities to promote social mobility

Ultra Processed Food Addiction among People: A Mini-Review of the Evidence

Mahsa Rezazadegan — 2025-02-01

Background: According to the availability of various types of processed food products worldwide, the demand for their consumption has increased. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) containing high amounts of sodium, hydrogenated oils, and refined carbohydrates are triggers for activating the same neural pathways and act like drug abuse. On the other hand, changing the food environment is a key factor in obesity prevalence and its related outcomes. It may be attributed to addiction to foods that has also been called “eating dependence” which emphasizes the behavior, not the food itself. Food addiction is important for a better understanding of psychiatric and medical problems such as eating disorders, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Methods: In this mini-review, we will examine food addiction and the appropriate strategies for its management. Conclusion: Because food addiction has negative health consequences, strategies for reducing the accessibility of UPFs should be warranted. Also, high fiber intake and consumption of probiotic products should be considered. Further interventional studies are needed to manage this problem.

The Effect of Whey Protein Consumption on Postprandial Glucose, Insulin and Incretin Responses in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Acute-Term Controlled Clinical Trials

Zahra Salimi — 2025-02-01

Background: Postprandial hyperglycemia is an important factor which contributes to glycemic status and complications of diabetes mellitus. This was a systematic review and meta-analysis that was conducted to evaluate the overall effect of whey protein consumption on postprandial glucose, insulin, and incretin hormone responses in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, and Scopus databases were searched to find acute-term controlled clinical trials investigating the effect of all types of whey proteins on products postprandial glucose (PPG) response as the main outcome and also insulin and incretin responses as secondary outcomes in patients with T2DM. Ten trials met the eligibility criteria. A random-effects model was used to obtain pooled effect size. Results: The pooled analysis of the included trials indicated a significant reduction in the mean of glucose in the area under the curve [standard mean difference (SMD)=-1.295, 95% CI: -1.878 to -0.712, P<0.001] and also an increase in the mean of insulin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (SMD=0.562, 95% CI: 0.303 to 0.822, P<0.001, SMD=0.349, 95% CI: 0.074 to 0.624, P=0.013 and SMD=0.439, 95% CI: 0.154 to 0.724, P=0.003, respectively) in participants who consumed whey protein compared with the control group. Conclusion: According to the findings, whey protein intake is effective in reducing postprandial blood glucose as well as increasing postprandial insulin and incretin levels. Thus, whey protein can be considered a strategy to improve glycemic control in patients with T2DM.