Nutrition Education, Food Literacy and Healthy Diets in Childhood and Adolescence

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Children children	2.4	2.0	2014	13.8 Days	CHF 2400
Dietetics dietetics	-	-	2022	24.3 Days	CHF 1000
Foods foods	5.2	5.8	2012	13.1 Days	CHF 2900
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ijerph	-	5.4	2004	29.6 Days	CHF 2500
Nutrients nutrients	5.9	9.0	2009	14.5 Days	CHF 2900

11 pages, 987 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alterations of Nutritional Status in Children and Adolescents with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

by Izabela Kranjčec, Ines Pranjić, Jelena Roganović, Maja Pavlović, Nada Rajačić and Sara Sila

Children 2024, 11(3), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11030334 - 11 Mar 2024

Viewed by 812

Malnutrition is often observed in pediatric cancer patients and has been recognized as a risk factor for relapse and survival. Maintaining an appropriate nutritional status during anticancer treatment has, therefore, been more and more frequently perceived as an additional requirement for optimal therapy [...] Read more.

Malnutrition is often observed in pediatric cancer patients and has been recognized as a risk factor for relapse and survival. Maintaining an appropriate nutritional status during anticancer treatment has, therefore, been more and more frequently perceived as an additional requirement for optimal therapy outcomes. The aim of our study was to establish alterations of nutritional status in 26 children and adolescents treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at the Children’s Hospital in Zagreb, Croatia, between 2016 and 2021, by using anthropometric measures and serum albumin levels. The majority of patients (53.8% female, median 4 years, 52.2% intermediate-risk leukemia group) had normal weight at the beginning of chemotherapy. The percentage of overweight/obese patients increased from 4.2% at diagnosis to 37.5% at the end of intensive therapy. Apart from a significant increase in body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI) for age, a notable decline in body height/body length (BH/BL) for age in the observed period was recorded, especially in high-risk leukemia patients. The alterations in serum albumin values were not significant, nor was their correlation with BMI. Dietary consultation was offered to all patients, while children with a decline in BMI and BH/BL received additional nutritional support. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nutrition Education, Food Literacy and Healthy Diets in Childhood and Adolescence)

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10 pages, 283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Children Whose Parents Spend More Time Preparing Dinner Eat More Made-from-Scratch Meals

by Carla Adriano Martins, Luara dos Santos, Mariana Fernandes Brito de Oliveira and Larissa Galastri Baraldi

Dietetics 2024, 3(1), 42-51; https://doi.org/10.3390/dietetics3010004 - 02 Feb 2024

Viewed by 527

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate associations between the time spent by parents preparing dinner and children’s consumption of made-from-scratch meals. We developed a cross-sectional study with 595 parent–child dyads from São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected via telephone interviews: time [...] Read more.

The aim of this paper is to investigate associations between the time spent by parents preparing dinner and children’s consumption of made-from-scratch meals. We developed a cross-sectional study with 595 parent–child dyads from São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected via telephone interviews: time spent preparing dinner and socio-demographic characteristics were obtained using a questionnaire, while food consumption was recorded via dietary recall. Crude and adjusted regression analyses were used to test associations between time spent preparing dinner and the contribution of made-from-scratch meals to children’s dinner energy intake. Parents (93.1% woman, 60.5% aged 31–41, 62.2% white, 88.4% married, 71.2% employed, 50.0% ≥ 12 years of education) spent an average of 108- and 112-min preparing dinner on weekdays and weekends, respectively. Spending more than two hours/day was positively associated with the consumption of made-from-scratch meals (β = 4.4; p = 0.035). When parents spend more time preparing dinner, their children consume more made-from-scratch meals. Given that cooking from scratch is considered healthier but takes more time, it is important that policies and interventions aimed at promoting healthier meals among children/families and avoiding overburdening women with domestic tasks are accompanied by recommendations that focus on promoting an equitable division of food work among families. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nutrition Education, Food Literacy and Healthy Diets in Childhood and Adolescence)

12 pages, 439 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Sociodemographic and Anthropometric Variables on Nutritional Knowledge and Nutrition Literacy

by Nevin Sanlier, Funda Kocaay, Sule Kocabas and Pinar Ayyildiz

Foods 2024, 13(2), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13020346 - 22 Jan 2024

Viewed by 763

Abstract

Nutrition literacy, which is one of the important components of health literacy, includes basic nutritional information and understanding, interpreting and having the ability to make healthy decisions on nutrition-related issues. This study aims to dwell upon the relationship between sociodemographic and anthropometric variables [...] Read more.

Nutrition literacy, which is one of the important components of health literacy, includes basic nutritional information and understanding, interpreting and having the ability to make healthy decisions on nutrition-related issues. This study aims to dwell upon the relationship between sociodemographic and anthropometric variables and nutritional knowledge and nutrition literacy. A total of 1600 people aged 19–64 years, 934 women and 666 men, voluntarily participated in the research in the capital city of Turkey. The mean age is 28.2 ± 10.9 years. More than half of the participants (57.4%) have a university graduate/postgraduate education level, and 66.2% are unemployed. This cross-sectional study evaluated demographic information, anthropometric measurements, nutritional information and nutrition literacy. Nearly all the respondents (94.6%) were determined to have sufficient nutrition literacy. Body mass index (BMI) and age were negatively associated with nutrition literacy, whilst nutrition knowledge was positively associated. Respondents with nutrition education at school had the highest nutrition knowledge and nutrition literacy scores, and primary school graduates had the lowest. Participants who received nutrition education scored higher in all the subgroups of the GNKQ. Age, gender, marital status, education status, employment status, BMI and nutrition education were significantly associated with nutrition literacy. The results will be useful in developing food and nutrition policies that will pave the way for making decisions on the most useful themes of health and nutrition campaigns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nutrition Education, Food Literacy and Healthy Diets in Childhood and Adolescence)

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12 pages, 704 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is It Training Enough? Professional Competence in Catering Quality for University Food Canteen Employees

by Yugang Ji and Wen-Hwa Ko

Foods 2024, 13(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13010059 - 22 Dec 2023

Viewed by 888

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between professional competence and the training provided for canteen staff in Chinese universities. This study’s methods included a survey questionnaire, and importance–performance analysis (IPA) was used for analysis. The questionnaire distributed to canteen [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between professional competence and the training provided for canteen staff in Chinese universities. This study’s methods included a survey questionnaire, and importance–performance analysis (IPA) was used for analysis. The questionnaire distributed to canteen staff in Chinese universities considered eight dimensions and 39 questions to evaluate the relationship between the staff’s professional competence (performance level) and the training provided (importance level). “Focus on consumers”, “Employee hygiene knowledge”, and “Food quality” indicated poor professional competence for employees and insufficient training from the canteen. Our findings improve these circumstances by providing recommendations for future training. The research results provide guidance for managing and training university canteen employees and recommendations for improving the quality of catering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nutrition Education, Food Literacy and Healthy Diets in Childhood and Adolescence)

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16 pages, 309 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Foods and Beverages Are Promoted Online: A Content Analysis of the Digital Food Environment in China

by Juan Chen, Yuetong Du and Jian Raymond Rui

Nutrients 2023, 15(24), 5067; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15245067 - 11 Dec 2023

Viewed by 997

Abstract

Digital platforms such as social media and e-commerce platforms have become a major space where foods and beverages (F&B) are promoted. Prior research has found that online, unhealthy F&B receive more presence than healthy F&B. This obesogenic food environment may increase the obesity [...] Read more.

Digital platforms such as social media and e-commerce platforms have become a major space where foods and beverages (F&B) are promoted. Prior research has found that online, unhealthy F&B receive more presence than healthy F&B. This obesogenic food environment may increase the obesity rate. Therefore, it is critical to understand how healthy and unhealthy F&B are promoted online. A content analysis of 2906 posts related to F&B via five digital platforms was conducted in China, where the obesity rate has increased in recent years. Firstly, the results show that unhealthy F&B received more presence on digital platforms than healthy F&B. Secondly, healthy F&B posts tended to highlight the healthiness of the products, whereas unhealthy F&B posts leveraged a wide range of promotional strategies, specifically use cues, food cues, chewing sounds, sensory descriptions, friend cues, local cultural appeal, nostalgia appeal, price information, discount information, and trending hashtags or topics. Next, use cues, chewing sounds, sensory descriptions, family cues, and friend cues increased the quantity of audience feedback, whereas price information and using trending hashtags or topics lowered the quantity of audience feedback. Moreover, local cultural appeal and social proof exhibited the opposite impact on audience feedback. Finally, health benefit statements lowered audience feedback for healthy F&B posts, whereas brand visibility and purchase links inhibited audience feedback for unhealthy F&B posts. In addition to describing the digital food environment in China, the present research provides implications on how to promote healthy F&B. Particularly, we suggest that healthy F&B businesses and healthy eating campaigns should leverage the strategies unhealthy F&B use to receive more consumer attention, in order to increase their own products’ public visibility and attractiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nutrition Education, Food Literacy and Healthy Diets in Childhood and Adolescence)

12 pages, 1771 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Professional Feeding Guidance Improved Infants’ Self-Feeding Proportion during Complementary Foods Introduction in Beijing, China: An Exploratory Study

by Guochao Song, Jiahui Chang, Hongyan Guan, Yanfeng Zhang, Ting Zhang and Zhaofeng Zhang

Children 2023, 10(11), 1740; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10111740 - 26 Oct 2023

Viewed by 792

Abstract

An exploratory study was undertaken to examine the prevalence of infants’ feeding patterns in Beijing, China, as well as the factors linked to infants’ self-feeding proportion during the introduction of complementary foods, and the impact of professional feeding guidance on this proportion. A [...] Read more.

An exploratory study was undertaken to examine the prevalence of infants’ feeding patterns in Beijing, China, as well as the factors linked to infants’ self-feeding proportion during the introduction of complementary foods, and the impact of professional feeding guidance on this proportion. A total of 122 families with infants aged 6–11 months from Beijing were included in the study. A descriptive analysis was employed to assess the prevalence of infants’ feeding patterns, while generalized linear model analysis was utilized to investigate the factors associated with these patterns. All families were provided with comprehensive and personalized professional guidance regarding the introduction of complementary foods for infants. However, 64 families were lost to follow-up, leaving 58 families who were re-evaluated and queried after one month. To exclude the influence of infants aging, both the 64 families prior to receiving feeding guidance, and the 58 families after receiving feeding guidance, were included in the analysis. The families with infants aged 6–8 months and 9–11 months were compared separately based on the presence or absence of feeding guidance. Statistical tests, including the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and χ² test, were conducted to assess any significant differences. The study revealed that the proportion of infants engaging in self-feeding was found to be remarkably low (10% [0%, 40%]). Furthermore, a significant positive association was observed between the proportion of infants engaging in self-feeding and their age (p < 0.001). Notably, after receiving professional feeding guidance, the proportion of infants engaging in self-feeding significantly increased (from 1% [0%, 20%] to 30% [10%, 50%], p < 0.001 for infants aged 6–8 months; from 20% [10%, 50%] to 40% [30%, 50%], p < 0.001 for infants aged 9–11 months). These findings contribute valuable insights for improving postnatal care practices during the introduction of complementary foods for infants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nutrition Education, Food Literacy and Healthy Diets in Childhood and Adolescence)

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9 pages, 247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sugar Intake among Preschool-Aged Children in the Guelph Family Health Study: Associations with Sociodemographic Characteristics

by Anisha Mahajan, Jess Haines, Jessica Yu, Gerarda Darlington, Andrea C. Buchholz, Alison M. Duncan, David W. L. Ma and on behalf of the Guelph Family Health Study

Children 2023, 10(9), 1459; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10091459 - 27 Aug 2023

Viewed by 958

Abstract

Background: It is crucial to develop strategies targeted to promote healthy eating patterns in vulnerable populations, especially young children from diverse sociodemographic groups. Thus, the study objective was to investigate the associations between child age, child sex, child ethnicity, parent number of years [...] Read more.

Background: It is crucial to develop strategies targeted to promote healthy eating patterns in vulnerable populations, especially young children from diverse sociodemographic groups. Thus, the study objective was to investigate the associations between child age, child sex, child ethnicity, parent number of years living in Canada, annual household income, parent education and parent marital status with total, free and added sugar intakes in young children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was a secondary analysis of data gathered in the Guelph Family Health Study. The study included 267 children (129M; 138F) from 210 families aged 1.5 to 5 years. Parents completed questionnaires for children on sociodemographic characteristics and an online 24-hour diet recall. The associations between sociodemographic characteristics and sugar intakes were determined using generalized estimating equations applied to linear regression models. Results: The mean age of the children was 3.5 ± 1.2 years (mean ± std dev.). As children’s age increased, there was a greater intake of free and added sugar (

\hat{β}

= 8.6, p = 0.01, 95% CI = 2.4 to 14.7 and

\hat{β}

= 6.5, p = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.8 to 12.2, respectively). Those children who identified as white had a higher total sugar intake than children of other ethnicities (

\hat{β}

= 31.0, p = 0.01, 95% CI = 7.2 to 54.7). Additionally, higher annual household income was associated with lower was free sugar intake in children (

\hat{β}

= −2.4, p = 0.02, 95% CI = −4.5 to −0.4). Conclusions: This study underscores the significant influence of multiple sociodemographic characteristics on sugar intake in young children, providing valuable insights for public health policy and nutrition interventions. Moreover, this study highlights the need for early behaviour interventions focusing on reducing sugar intake in young children, while considering sociodemographic factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nutrition Education, Food Literacy and Healthy Diets in Childhood and Adolescence)

11 pages, 552 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of the rs17782313, rs17773430 and rs34114122 Polymorphisms of/near MC4R Gene with Obesity-Related Biomarkers in a Spanish Pediatric Cohort

by Joaquín Carrasco-Luna, María Navarro-Solera, Marie Gombert, Vanessa Martín-Carbonell, Álvaro Carrasco-García, Cristina Del Castillo-Villaescusa, Miguel Ángel García-Pérez and Pilar Codoñer-Franch

Children 2023, 10(7), 1221; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10071221 - 14 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1248

Abstract

Obesity is a multifactorial disease whose onset and development are shaped by the individual genetic background. The melanocortin 4 receptor gene (MC4R) is involved in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. Some of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of [...] Read more.

Obesity is a multifactorial disease whose onset and development are shaped by the individual genetic background. The melanocortin 4 receptor gene (MC4R) is involved in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. Some of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of this gene are related to obesity and metabolic risk factors. The present study was undertaken to assess the relationship between three polymorphism SNPs, namely, rs17782313, rs17773430 and rs34114122, and obesity and metabolic risk factors. One hundred seventy-eight children with obesity aged between 7 and 16 years were studied to determine anthropometric variables and biochemical and inflammatory parameters. Our results highlight that metabolic risk factors, especially alterations in carbohydrate metabolism, were related to rs17782313. The presence of the minor C allele in the three variants (C–C–C) was significantly associated with anthropometric measures indicative of obesity, such as the body mass and fat mass indexes, and increased the values of insulinemia to 21.91 µIU/mL with respect to the wild type values. Our study suggests that the C–C–C haplotype of the SNPs rs17782313, rs17773430 and rs34114122 of the MC4R gene potentiates metabolic risk factors at early ages in children with obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nutrition Education, Food Literacy and Healthy Diets in Childhood and Adolescence)

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13 pages, 1975 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effectiveness of Positive Deviance Approach to Reduce Malnutrition among under Five Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Interventional Studies

by Nining Tyas Triatmaja, Trias Mahmudiono, Abdullah Al Mamun and Nurul Ashikin Abdullah

Nutrients 2023, 15(8), 1961; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15081961 - 19 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1815

Abstract

The high malnutrition rate in children under five makes this problem one of the public health problems. Various efforts have been made to reduce malnutrition in children under five, one of which is the implementation of community programs with a positive deviance approach [...] Read more.

The high malnutrition rate in children under five makes this problem one of the public health problems. Various efforts have been made to reduce malnutrition in children under five, one of which is the implementation of community programs with a positive deviance approach which is considered an effective way because the solution to the problem comes from the local community. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of interventions with a positive deviance approach to reducing under-five children’s malnutrition. Systematic searches were conducted using the following journal databases: Science Direct, Pubmed, Proquest, SAGE journal, Web of Science, and Scopus. The article was included if using an intervention design. Data analysis used Review Manager 5.4 software, random effect model, outcome mean of difference, and 95% confidence interval. There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups on the length for age z-scores (LAZ), weight for age z-scores (WAZ), and weight for height z-scores (WHZ) indicators. There was an increase in LAZ, WAZ, and WHZ scores in the intervention group, with a greater z-score than in the control group. In conclusion, interventions with the positive deviance approach can be used as an alternative to improving the nutritional status of under-five children. However, further research is needed to determine the effective duration of interventions in improving the nutritional status of children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nutrition Education, Food Literacy and Healthy Diets in Childhood and Adolescence)

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7 pages, 237 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

Pitfalls and Risks of “New Eating Disorders”: Let the Expert Speak!

by Alessia Salatto, Maria Pia Riccio, Raffaele Garotti, Carmela Bravaccio and Maria Immacolata Spagnuolo

Nutrients 2023, 15(6), 1307; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061307 - 07 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1913

Abstract

Since the post-pandemic period, there has been an increase in the incidence of eating disorders (EADs) and a lowering of the age of onset. In addition to the ‘classic’ forms, there has also been an increase in new forms of EADs. This article [...] Read more.

Since the post-pandemic period, there has been an increase in the incidence of eating disorders (EADs) and a lowering of the age of onset. In addition to the ‘classic’ forms, there has also been an increase in new forms of EADs. This article proposes a brief review of the literature concerning mainly two of these new disorders: atypical anorexia and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. In addition, a brief overview is proposed of the most frequently raised questions that clinicians may face when dealing with EADs. The answers are provided by doctors from the Federico II University of Naples, who additionally offer the most common red flags on the topic derived from long clinical experience. This article is proposed to be a brief operational guide for all clinicians working in the pediatric area in order to provide diagnostic clues and useful elements to refer patients to specialists for a correct and multidisciplinary treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nutrition Education, Food Literacy and Healthy Diets in Childhood and Adolescence)

11 pages, 557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Has Changed over Years on Complementary Feeding in Italy: An Update

by Marco Congiu, Valeria Cimador, Irene Bettini, Teresa Rongai, Flavio Labriola, Francesca Sbravati, Caterina Marcato and Patrizia Alvisi

Nutrients 2023, 15(5), 1280; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15051280 - 04 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1495

Abstract

Current practice regarding complementary feeding (CF) is influenced by socio-cultural background. Our group already investigated the Italian approach to CF in the years 2015–2017. Our aim was to update those data by finding out: if the habits have changed nationwide, how the trends [...] Read more.

Current practice regarding complementary feeding (CF) is influenced by socio-cultural background. Our group already investigated the Italian approach to CF in the years 2015–2017. Our aim was to update those data by finding out: if the habits have changed nationwide, how the trends changed in each area, and if the differences between regions still exist. We devised and submitted to Italian primary care paediatricians (PCP) a questionnaire consisting of four items regarding the suggestions they gave to families about CF and compared the results to the ones from our previous survey. We collected 595 responses. Traditional weaning was the most recommended method, with a significant reduction compared to the period of 2015–2017 (41% vs. 60%); conversely, the proportion of PCP endorsing baby-led weaning (BLW) or traditional spoon-feeding with adult food tastings has increased, while the endorsement of commercial baby foods dropped. BLW is still more popular in the North and Centre compared to the South (24.9%, 22.3%, and 16.7%, respectively). The age to start CF and the habit of giving written information have not changed over time. Our results highlighted that Italian paediatricians encourage BLW and traditional CF with adult tastings more than in the past, at the expense of traditional spoon-feeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nutrition Education, Food Literacy and Healthy Diets in Childhood and Adolescence)

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20 pages, 639 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Associated with Diet Quality among Adolescents in a Post-Disaster Area: A Cross-Sectional Study in Indonesia

by Nikmah Utami Dewi, Ali Khomsan, Cesilia Meti Dwiriani, Hadi Riyadi, Ikeu Ekayanti, Diah Ayu Hartini and Rasyika Nurul Fadjriyah

Nutrients 2023, 15(5), 1101; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15051101 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1984

Abstract

The diet quality of adolescents in low-middle-income countries is low. Especially in post-disaster areas, adolescents are not a priority target for handling nutritional cases compared with other vulnerable groups. The aim of this study was to examine the factors associated with diet quality [...] Read more.

The diet quality of adolescents in low-middle-income countries is low. Especially in post-disaster areas, adolescents are not a priority target for handling nutritional cases compared with other vulnerable groups. The aim of this study was to examine the factors associated with diet quality among adolescents in post-disaster areas in Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was performed with 375 adolescents aged 15–17 years, representing adolescents living close to the areas most affected by a significant disaster in 2018. The variables obtained include adolescent and household characteristics, nutritional literacy, healthy eating behavior constructs, food intake, nutritional status, physical activity, food security, and diet quality. The diet quality score was low, with only 23% of the total maximum score. Vegetables, fruits, and dairy scored the lowest, whereas animal protein sources scored the highest. Higher eating habits of animal protein sources; being healthy; normal nutritional status of adolescents; higher vegetable and sweet beverage norms of mothers; and lower eating habits of sweet snacks; animal protein sources; and carbohydrate norms of mothers are associated with higher diet quality scores in adolescents (p < 0.05). Improving the quality of adolescent diets in post-disaster areas needs to target adolescent eating behavior and changes in mothers’ eating behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nutrition Education, Food Literacy and Healthy Diets in Childhood and Adolescence)

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