Eur J Nutr [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Accounting for culinary practices to improve FFQ-based vitamin C estimates in epidemiological studies: a cross-sectional analysis.
Belzunce L, Goni L, Hershey MS … +11 more , Barrio-López MT, Ramos P, Tercedor L, Ibáñez Criado JL, Ibañez Criado A, Macías-Ruíz R, de la O V, Castellanos E, García-Bolao I, Almendral J, Ruiz-Canela M
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Jun · PMID 42371135 · Full text
PURPOSE: Conventional vitamin C intake estimations via food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) typically ignore cooking techniques, which can significantly alter nutrient content. This study evaluates the effect of incorpora...
PURPOSE: Conventional vitamin C intake estimations via food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) typically ignore cooking techniques, which can significantly alter nutrient content. This study evaluates the effect of incorporating a home cooking frequency questionnaire (HCFQ) alongside a FFQ to calculate vitamin C intake and its impact on adherence to dietary recommendations. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis in the PREDIMAR study, a randomized trial that aims to evaluate the effect of a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil on atrial fibrillation recurrence after ablation. Vitamin C intake was estimated in two ways: derived from (1) raw food using a FFQ and the Spanish food composition tables, and (2) from raw and cooked food using a FFQ+HCFQ. Adherence to estimated average requirements and a recommended intake of 200 mg/day were used to assess nutritional adequacy. Paired t-Test compared vitamin C mean intakes derived from both methods, and paired McNemar tests assessed differences in adequacy rates. RESULTS: Among 447 patients (25.1% female; mean age = 59.7 years (10.1)), mean vitamin C intake (SD) was significantly higher when derived solely from the FFQ (173.7 mg/day (71.2)) vs. FFQ+HCFQ (160.1 mg/day (68.8); p < 0.001). The largest decreases of vitamin C, when cooking techniques were considered, were observed in legumes (- 88.0%), tubers (- 62.7%), and vegetables (- 12.5%). The main source of between-person variability in vitamin C intake from vegetables and tubers was raw vegetables and boiled potatoes, respectively. Adequacy of vitamin C intake significantly dropped using FFQ+HCFQ (21.5%) vs. FFQ alone (30.4%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ignoring cooking methods may lead to overestimation by approximately 8% of both vitamin C intake and adequacy prevalence in epidemiologic research. Incorporating a cooking-frequency questionnaire yields more conservative and potentially accurate estimates, improving nutritional epidemiology precision.
Patatin-like phosphatase domain-containing 3 genotype and quality of dietary fat modify the liver adiposity in men.
Tauriainen MM, Lankinen MA, Hakumäki JM … +5 more , Lahtinen OM, Husso M, Ågren JJ, Laakso M, Schwab US
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Jun · PMID 42371130 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Patatin-like phosphatase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3) gene and dietary fat are important factors for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). OBJECTIVE: We studied the impact of dieta...
BACKGROUND: Patatin-like phosphatase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3) gene and dietary fat are important factors for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). OBJECTIVE: We studied the impact of dietary fat quality modification on liver adiposity in men homozygotes for PNPLA3 (GG, carriers of the risk allele and CC, non-carriers). METHODS: Ninety-eight men (age: 67.8 ± 4.2 years, body mass index: 27.2 ± 2.5 kg/m), homozygous for PNPLA3 rs738409 variant (I148M), randomly assigned for two diet intervention arms, participated in a 12-week diet intervention. Recommended diet (RD) arm ate fat according to the National and Nordic nutrition recommendations, average diet (AD) arm ate according to the average fat intake in Finland. Liver imaging by ultrasound with 2D-shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in combination with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) were performed. RESULTS: MRI-based liver fat proportion decreased in the RD arm (CC: from 3.8 ± 3.2 to 3.2 ± 3.3%, GG: from 3.9 ± 3.3 to 3.5 ± 3.1%, p time = 0.032) and increased in the AD arm (CC: from 4.1 ± 3.6 to 4.8 ± 3.9%, GG: from 4.7 ± 3.7 to 6.7 ± 5.3%, p time = 0.015). MRS-quantified liver saturated fat content increased in the AD arm in both genotypes of PNPLA3 (p time = 0.010). Liver triglyceride concentration did not change in either arm with the CC genotype but increased in the AD arm with the GG genotype (for time and genotype interaction p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Diet based on fat quality recommendations could be beneficial for liver health in both PNPLA3 genotypes CC and GG. The average diet seems to be especially harmful for liver health in carriers of the PNPLA3 risk genotype (GG).
Investigating enhancement of learning and memory following supplementation with Juice Plus® Omega in an adolescent population.
Bell L, Eastwood J, Lamprecht M … +1 more , Williams CM
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Jun · PMID 42371128 · Full text
PURPOSE: Omega fatty acids (FA) have been shown to benefit cognition during infancy and adulthood. However, adolescence remains under investigated, despite being a critical period for development of executive functions a...
PURPOSE: Omega fatty acids (FA) have been shown to benefit cognition during infancy and adulthood. However, adolescence remains under investigated, despite being a critical period for development of executive functions and emotion regulation. The current objective was to investigate the impact of daily treatment with a proprietary omega-FA blend on cognitive performance, mood, and emotion regulation in healthy adolescents aged 13-14 years. METHODS: Using a parallel, double-blind, placebo controlled design, participants were randomly allocated to consume the omega blend (2 capsules/day providing 925 mg blend of algae-derived omega 3-, 7-, and 9-FAs) or a placebo (2 capsules/day of MCT oil) for 16 weeks. Episodic memory, executive function, mood, emotion regulation, EEG measures, and omega-3 index (O3I) were recorded at baseline and following 16 weeks of intervention. RESULTS: O3I increased significantly only in the omega blend group, indicating compliance with the intervention and improved O3I status. Improvements were observed for immediate word recall and delayed word recall aspects of episodic memory in the omega blend group only. Significantly faster reaction times were also observed on an attention network executive function task in the omega group. Alongside cognitive benefits, changes in EEG activity were observed, including increased N200 ERP deflections during 0-back task performance, and reduced PSD activity during sustained attention and at rest. CONCLUSION: Combined, these cognitive and physiological findings suggest that an omega-FA blend may support cognitive development in healthy adolescents aged 13 & 14, potentially through facilitation of brain maturation and more efficient allocation of neural resources. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05581108. Registration date: 11/10/2022.
Promoting and sustaining fruit intake among children aged 3-11 years: a before-and-after evaluation of a school-based intervention.
Martins R, Fernandes J, Feteira-Santos R … +5 more , Virgolino A, Santos Loureiro R, Silva M, Camolas J, Santos O
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Jun · PMID 42371127 · Full text
PURPOSE: Insufficient fruit intake remains a public health concern in childhood, with potential long-term health impacts. This study assessed the adequacy of a school-based intervention in promoting and sustaining fruit...
PURPOSE: Insufficient fruit intake remains a public health concern in childhood, with potential long-term health impacts. This study assessed the adequacy of a school-based intervention in promoting and sustaining fruit intake among Portuguese children aged 3-11 years. METHODS: A before-and-after study was conducted in a non-probabilistic sample of pre- and primary schools across Portugal. Children participated in 12-week teacher-led classroom activities encouraging fruit consumption using storytelling and gamification strategies. Fruit intake was assessed by students' daily self-reports and teachers' records of portions eaten the previous day, collected at baseline and post-intervention. Regular fruit intake was defined as eating fruit on at least 75% of school days for four consecutive weeks, sustained through completion. A per-protocol approach was applied, with behavioral analysis restricted to children consuming < 3 portions/day at baseline. Pre- and post-intervention differences were assessed using paired Student's t-tests. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to evaluate the timing of regular fruit intake enactment, accounting for the design effect. RESULTS: Among 1016 children (64 schools) with complete pre- and post-intervention data, 357 provided daily records and had suboptimal baseline intake. Over half achieved regular fruit intake at school by week 12, with most gains observed by week 4. Mean overall fruit intake increased from 2.09 (1.12) to 2.44 (1.02) portions/day (p < 0.001). Children previously exposed to the intervention were 2.24 times more likely to meet fruit recommendations at baseline. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest improvements in fruit intake following this school-based intervention, and that repeated exposure may help consolidate healthy eating habits.
Dietary diversity in Mediterranean countries is characterized by amino acid and fatty acid profiles.
Kenzaka M, Nakao S, Oue C … +3 more , Natsume S, Sakai S, Yamanaka-Okumura H
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Jun · PMID 42371124 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The dietary patterns of Mediterranean countries, widely recognized as a healthy eating pattern, is often perceived as a uniform entity; however, it is, in reality, a complex amalgamation of distinct food cult...
BACKGROUND: The dietary patterns of Mediterranean countries, widely recognized as a healthy eating pattern, is often perceived as a uniform entity; however, it is, in reality, a complex amalgamation of distinct food cultures across different countries. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the dietary diversity within the Mediterranean region through detailed nutritional analysis. METHODS: The analysis targeted six countries: Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, and Croatia. Estimated average intake (mg/1,000 kcal) and food source profiles of 18 amino acids (AA) and 19 fatty acids (FA) were determined by integrating national dietary survey data with standardized nutrient databases. Exploratory clustering and principal component analyses were conducted, including data from Japan and the United States, to preliminarily capture similarities and differences in AA and FA profiles. RESULTS: The six-country average AA intake was highest for glutamic acid, accounting for 20.9% of the total. For FA, 18:1 was the most abundant 44.5%, followed by 18:2 and 16:0. Clustering analysis showed that while AA profiles exhibited little inter-country variation, FA profilesshowed more pronounced differences, suggesting that diet has a major impact on FA composition. Specifically, n-3 FA intake tended to be higher in Portugal, Spain, and Japan, whereas the other four Mediterranean countries and the United States were grouped within a lower-intake group. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the dietary patterns observed in Mediterranean countries are not a monolithic model but rather exhibit distinct region-specific characteristics. These descriptive findings highlight the importance of considering quantified nutritional diversity when characterizing regional dietary patterns.
Associations between eating jetlag and adiposity in preschool children, and the moderating roles of social jetlag and chronotype.
Maukonen M, Ruokolahti AM, Björkqvist J … +8 more , Launistola H, Rahkola J, Tillman I, Vepsäläinen H, Ray C, Roos E, Erkkola M, Lehto R
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Jun · PMID 42371120 · Full text
PURPOSE: Eating jetlag (variation in eating times between weekdays and weekends) may increase obesity risk in adults, but studies in children are lacking. The potential moderating roles of social jetlag (SJL, variation i...
PURPOSE: Eating jetlag (variation in eating times between weekdays and weekends) may increase obesity risk in adults, but studies in children are lacking. The potential moderating roles of social jetlag (SJL, variation in sleep timing between weekdays and weekends) and chronotype (an individual's intrinsic circadian rhythm) also remain unclear. We examined whether eating jetlag is associated with adiposity in Finnish preschoolers and whether chronotype or SJL moderate these associations. METHODS: Data included 639 children (3-6 years, 48% girls) from the cross-sectional DAGIS study (2015-2016). Diet was assessed using 3-day food records. SJL and chronotype were assessed from hip-worn accelerometer data. Six eating jetlag indicators were derived as weekend-weekday differences: first/last eating occasion jetlag, eating/energy intake midpoint jetlag and morning/evening latency jetlag. Adiposity was measured by BMI z-score and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Linear regression with interaction terms was used, with significant interactions examined in moderator-stratified analyses. RESULTS: Eating jetlag indicators were not associated with adiposity in the full sample. However, interaction analyses indicated moderation by SJL. Among children with high SJL (median 62 min, IQR 17), greater eating midpoint jetlag was associated with lower BMI z-score (β: - 0.65, 95% CI: - 1.21 to - 0.10), whereas greater morning latency jetlag was associated with higher BMI z-score (0.83, 0.19 to 1.46) and WHtR (0.035, 0.013 to 0.058). No consistent interactions were observed for chronotype. CONCLUSION: Although no associations were observed between eating jetlag and adiposity in the full sample, associations varied by SJL. However, these findings require confirmation in longitudinal studies.
The effectiveness of a plant-based milk with fermented brown rice on constipation symptoms via gut microbiota modulation: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.
Tang A, Cao Q, Wang M … +24 more , Li W, Xu H, Wang Y, Niu H, Wang H, Ma G, Jia K, Feng X, He C, He J, Alballa MM, Liao X, Tian T, Qin B, Yang N, Wei J, Sun J, Wang Y, Cheng Y, Wu Q, Yang J, Wang Q, Wang X, Liu X
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Jun · PMID 42371112 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of a plant-based milk with fermented brown rice on constipation symptoms in patients with functional constipation and to identify post-intervention gut microbial alterations that may unde...
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of a plant-based milk with fermented brown rice on constipation symptoms in patients with functional constipation and to identify post-intervention gut microbial alterations that may underlie potential mechanisms. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled trial among 100 participants with functional constipation. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (plant-based milk with fermented brown rice, 2 bottles/day, 500 ml in total), or the control group (an isocaloric plant protein milk, equivalent dose) for 3 weeks. The primary outcome is complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM) rate, while secondary outcomes include score of individual symptoms assessment of constipation, bowel movement frequency (BMF), and gut microbial changes (metagenomics). RESULTS: A total of 99 participants completed the intervention. CSBM and BMF increased, and GSRS scores decreased over time in both groups, with no significant between-group differences. The plant-based milk with fermented brown rice relieved constipation symptoms more than the control group did, with significant between-group differences in straining, bloating and abdominal pain (all P < 0.05). The intervention group showed increases in 8 species, including three beneficial species in the genus Blautia, associated with relief of abdominal pain after the intervention. Meanwhile, machine learning models identified gut microbiota features predicting intervention responders. CONCLUSION: Our study did not find between-group difference in CSBM, while the plant-based milk with fermented brown rice showed greater effectiveness in relieving constipation symptoms and optimizing gut microbiota. Functional species benefiting intestinal health in response to the intervention were also identified. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: This study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (https://www.chictr.org.cn/, ChiCTR2400088688).
Long-term wholegrain intake in line with the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 and risk of breast cancer in a population-based cohort of women.
Pitt S, Håkansson N, Kaluza J … +3 more , Larsson SC, Åkesson A, Wolk A
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Jun · PMID 42319504 · Full text
PURPOSE: Current findings on the relationship between wholegrain intake and breast cancer are inconsistent. We aimed to estimate the association between long-term wholegrain intake and breast cancer risk, specifically in...
PURPOSE: Current findings on the relationship between wholegrain intake and breast cancer are inconsistent. We aimed to estimate the association between long-term wholegrain intake and breast cancer risk, specifically investigating: (i) adherence to the updated Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR2023) guidelines on wholegrain intake, and (ii) consumption of specific wholegrain products. METHODS: Data from food frequency questionnaires were used to assess adherence to NNR2023 guidelines on wholegrain intake and consumption of wholegrain products among 36,479 women (48-83 years) in the Swedish Mammography Cohort at two timepoints. Time-updated Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for incident total breast cancer and hormone receptor-positive and -negative subtypes. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 16.5 years, 1,979 breast cancer cases were identified. Compared to long-term low adherence (< 50%, corresponding to < 45 g/day wholegrain intake), the HRs (95% CIs) for women with full adherence (≥ 90 g/day intake) were 0.78 (0.66, 0.94), 0.82 (0.67, 1.03), and 1.08 (0.65, 1.80), for total breast cancer, hormone receptor-positive, and hormone receptor-negative breast cancer, respectively. There was no clear association between long-term consumption of any specific wholegrain products and total breast cancer risk, although HRs for high oatmeal and for high breakfast cereal consumption were < 1, whilst HRs for high crispbread consumption were > 1. CONCLUSION: Wholegrain intake in line with NNR2023 was associated with a lower risk of total breast cancer. However, different wholegrain products may be differently associated with breast cancer risk, indicating the need for further investigation.
Sustainable diets and long-term cardiovascular disease outcomes; insights from the 20-year follow-up ATTICA study (2002-2022).
Sigala EG, Damigou E, Dalmyras D … +5 more , Chrysohoou C, Barkas F, Pitsavos C, Tsioufis C, Panagiotakos D
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Jun · PMID 42319493 · Full text
PURPOSE: To identify habitual dietary patterns within a Mediterranean population-based cohort, examine their associations with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and outcomes over 20 years, and interpret them in s...
PURPOSE: To identify habitual dietary patterns within a Mediterranean population-based cohort, examine their associations with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and outcomes over 20 years, and interpret them in sustainability terms. METHODS: A total of 3,042 CVD-free adults from the ATTICA Study were enrolled in 2001-2002. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and principal component analysis was utilized to derive a posteriori dietary patterns. Participants were followed for 20 years, with complete CVD data available for 1988 individuals. CVD incidence, lifetime risk, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were calculated. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards, beta and gamma regression models examined associations between dietary patterns and CVD outcomes. RESULTS: Three dietary patterns were identified, explaining 46.5% of variance in consumption: a plant-based, sustainable pattern; a Western pattern rich in animal-sourced and processed foods; and a high-calorie, low-white-meat pattern. Higher adherence to the plant-based pattern was associated with a 26% (HR: 0.74, 95% CI 0.55-0.99) lower 20-year CVD risk. The high-calorie, low-white-meat pattern was linked to increased lifetime risk (β = 0.066, p < 0.001) and DALYs (β = 0.13, p = 0.009). No significant associations were observed for the Western pattern after adjustments. CONCLUSIONS: A plant-based dietary pattern was protective against long-term CVD outcomes, while a high-calorie, low-white-meat pattern was detrimental. These findings underscore the importance of promoting culturally acceptable, sustainable dietary patterns to reduce CVD risk and support environmental sustainability.
Iodine intake and its association with sociodemographic and dietary factors in Australian preschool children.
Rogerson ME, Grimes CA, Szymlek-Gay EA
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Jun · PMID 42319484 · Full text
PURPOSE: Imbalanced iodine intakes in early childhood may impair growth and neurodevelopment, yet iodine intake in Australian preschoolers remains poorly characterised. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of inadeq...
PURPOSE: Imbalanced iodine intakes in early childhood may impair growth and neurodevelopment, yet iodine intake in Australian preschoolers remains poorly characterised. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of inadequate and excessive iodine intake, identify sociodemographic and dietary factors associated with iodine intakes, and determine dietary sources of iodine in Australian children aged 2-5 years. METHODS: Data of children aged 2-5 years (n = 762) from the 2011-2013 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey were analysed. Dietary intake was assessed using up to two 24-h recalls, with usual intakes estimated via the Multiple Source Method. The proportion of children meeting the Estimated Average Requirement for iodine (EAR; 65 µg/day for 1-8-year-olds) or exceeding the Upper Level of Intake for iodine (UL; 200 µg/day for 1-3-year-olds and 300 µg/day for 4-8-year-olds) was calculated for the whole sample (2-5-year-olds) and for each age group (2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year olds). Children were classified by dietary pattern (omnivores, vegetarian/vegan) and dairy consumption. Multivariable linear regression assessed associations between iodine intake and sociodemographic and dietary factors. Analyses accounted for complex survey design. RESULTS: Mean iodine intake was 148.9 µg/day (95% CI: 145.0, 152.8 µg/day; median: 143.5 µg/day; 25th, 75th percentiles: 120.2, 175.1 µg/day). Few 2-5-year-old children (1.1%) had iodine intakes below the EAR, while intakes in 18.4% of 2-year-old children and 14.9% of 3-year-old children exceeded the UL; none (0%) of 4-5‑year‑old children had iodine intakes that exceeded the UL. Intake declined with age (-7.5 µg/day; 95% CI: -10.5, -4.5 µg/day) and was higher in children from food-secure than food-insecure households (mean difference: 16.0 µg/day; 95% CI: 7.3, 24.8 µg/day). Dairy avoiders had lower intakes than consumers (mean difference: 25.7 µg/day; 95% CI: 11.1, 40.3 µg/day). No differences were observed by dietary pattern. Major iodine sources were dairy milk (34.8%), bread/bread rolls (24.4%), cereal-based dishes (4.8%), and yoghurt (4.5%). CONCLUSIONS: While inadequate intake was uncommon, excessive iodine intake affected over 1 in 7 2- and 3-year-old children. Iodine intake declined with age and was lower in children from food-insecure households and those avoiding dairy. Strategies are needed to address excess and inadequacy in vulnerable groups.
Glycemic index, glycemic load, and colorectal cancer risk stratified by insulin receptor expression: the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective study.
Homma Y, Nakano S, Nishihara K … +13 more , Yamaji T, Goto A, Hidaka A, Shimazu T, Kuchiba A, Saito M, Kunishima F, Nakaza R, Kato I, Sawada N, Inoue M, Tsugane S, Iwasaki M
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Jun · PMID 42319479 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) are markers for postprandial glucose level. Since insulin, a hormone secreted to control hyperglycemia, is likely to promote the progression of tumor cells, the associa...
PURPOSE: Glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) are markers for postprandial glucose level. Since insulin, a hormone secreted to control hyperglycemia, is likely to promote the progression of tumor cells, the association between GI/GL and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been researched for decades but still remains controversial. This study investigated the association between GI/GL and CRC risk, considering subtypes based on insulin receptor beta (IRβ) expression. METHODS: In a large-scale, population-based prospective cohort study involving 18,537 Japanese participants, a total of 415 CRC cases were evaluated for IRβ expression using immunohistochemistry. GI and GL were calculated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the risk of CRC and its specific subtypes. Additionally, we conducted sensitivity analyses to confirm the robustness of the results. RESULTS: No significant associations were observed between dietary GI, GL and overall CRC risk. Further, no significant associations were detected in IRβ-stratified analyses. The heterogeneities in the associations by IRβ status were also not statistically significant. (GI: p for heterogeneity 0.83 for men and 0.96 for women; GL: p for heterogeneity 0.84 for men and 0.60 for women) Sensitivity analyses yielded robust results. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not observe a significant association between GI/GL and overall CRC or IRβ-defined subtypes. These results, particularly those from the assessment of IRβ status, do not support a possible association between GI/GL and CRC development.
Association of food insecurity with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease by sex and race/ethnicity.
Tao MH, Lin CH, Liu J … +5 more , Chai W, Trudeau S, Gonzalez HC, Lu M, Gordon SC
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Jun · PMID 42319478 · Full text
PURPOSE: We examined whether the association between food insecurity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) differs across different racial/ethnic groups and sex using data from the 2017-Mar...
PURPOSE: We examined whether the association between food insecurity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) differs across different racial/ethnic groups and sex using data from the 2017-March 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). METHODS: A total of 5076 participants aged ≥ 20 years who completed transient elastography examination for evaluation of MASLD were included. Logistic regression, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the association of food insecurity with MASLD. RESULTS: Adult food insecurity was associated with increased odds of MASLD (low/very low vs. full security: OR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.12-1.77). Although there was no significant interaction between food insecurity and race/ethnicity (p interaction = 0.23), the positive association between food insecurity and MASLD was limited among non-Hispanic Whites. Food insecurity was associated with higher odds of MASLD in women but not men, with an interaction between food insecurity and sex (p interaction = 0.049). Furthermore, mediation analyses suggested that added sugar intake and intake of whole fruits and non-potato vegetables partially mediated the association of food insecurity with MASLD. The partial mediating effects of these foods were observed only among non-Hispanic Whites but not observed in other racial/ethnic groups or across sex. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the positive association between food insecurity and MASLD may be dependent on race/ethnicity and sex. Increased consumption of whole fruits vegetables intake and reduced intake of added sugar may partially reduce the impact of food insecurity on MASLD development.
Phenolic-rich extruded BRS 305 sorghum-based beverage improves fecal and blood metabolites, oxidative balance and cardiometabolic markers in adults with excess body weight: a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.
da Silva LA, de São José VPB, Piermatei ÁLM … +8 more , Rodrigues LA, do Prado PVC, Toledo RCL, de Carvalho CWP, Queiroz VAV, da Silva BP, Pierre JF, Martino HSD
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Jun · PMID 42319463 · Full text
PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of a phenolic-rich, extruded BRS305 sorghum-based beverage on fecal and blood metabolic, oxidative balance, and cardiometabolic parameters in adults with excess body weight. METHODS: In a...
PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of a phenolic-rich, extruded BRS305 sorghum-based beverage on fecal and blood metabolic, oxidative balance, and cardiometabolic parameters in adults with excess body weight. METHODS: In a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 51 overweight adults of both sexes, were assigned to consume a sorghum beverage (SG, n = 25) or a control beverage (CG, n = 26), daily for 10 weeks, alongside a personalized hypocaloric diet (-500 kcal). The beverages phenolic profile was analyzed. Anthropometry, body composition, food intake, biochemicals, total plasma antioxidant capacity, oxidative stress, blood metabolite, fecal pH, short-chain fatty acids concentration, and Bristol stool scale were assessed at baseline and endpoint. RESULTS: The sorghum beverage exhibited high diversity of phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, which reflected in higher plasma concentrations of trans-caffeic acid and naringenin in SG at the endpoint compared to the CG, along with an increase in total plasma antioxidant capacity. In the SG, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde decreased in intra-group, while catalase decreased at delta. In contrast, CG decreased nitric oxide levels and increased body fat percentage in intra-group. SG decreased insulin, triglycerides, HOMA-IR, and TyG index intra-group, maintaining body fat percentage; increased HDL-c and decreased Castelli I index at the endpoint; and decreased Castelli II index at delta. SG also decreased fecal pH and increased acetic acid content at endpoint and delta. CONCLUSION: These findings support the functional potential of extruded BRS305 sorghum-based beverage in improving fecal and blood metabolites, oxidative balance and cardiometabolic markers in adults with excess body weight.
Changes in alcohol consumption and the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort.
Antoniussen CS, Ibsen DB, Olsen A … +19 more , Overvad K, Vasson F, Severi G, Dragic D, Truong T, Fortner RT, Le Cornet C, Schulze MB, Di Girolamo C, Pala V, Doccioli C, Agudo A, Guevara M, Tin Tin S, Jackson IG, Gunter MJ, Dossus L, Ferrari P, Dahm CC
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Jun · PMID 42319457 · Full text
PURPOSE: Alcohol consumption is a cause of breast cancer (BC), yet the association between changes in alcohol consumption during adulthood and the risk of BC has been examined little. This study aimed to investigate the...
PURPOSE: Alcohol consumption is a cause of breast cancer (BC), yet the association between changes in alcohol consumption during adulthood and the risk of BC has been examined little. This study aimed to investigate the association between midlife changes in alcohol consumption and the risk of BC. METHODS: Within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort including 123,679 women, changes in alcohol intake were obtained by comparing middle-aged participants' alcohol intake assessed at recruitment and during follow-up, 9.8 years (median) later. Missing information about follow-up alcohol intake and covariates was multiple imputed. In the primary analysis, changes in alcohol consumption were investigated continuously as a change in alcohol intake of 10 g/day, calculated by subtracting the baseline intake (g/day) from the follow-up intake (g/day) and divided by 10 in relation to the risk of subsequent postmenopausal BC, overall, and by hormonal receptor status: estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). In a secondary analysis, changes in alcohol intake were categorized in nine combinations of three intake groups at baseline and follow-up (≤1 g/day, >1-8 g/day, and >8 g/day)., Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: During a median follow-up time of 4.0 years after the follow-up assessment, 2,173 cases of postmenopausal BC were diagnosed. No associations were observed between alcohol changes and BC risk (HR: 0.97, 95% CI 0.93, 1.01) per 10 g/day nor with ER-/PR-, ER+/PR, ER+/PR+, HER2-, or HER2+ specific BC. CONCLUSION: Changes in alcohol consumption during midlife were not associated with the risk of postmenopausal BC, either overall or by hormonal receptor status.
Acceptability and impact on health-related markers of a sustainable dietary pattern: results from a pilot randomized controlled cross-over study.
Vinelli V, Tucci M, Martini D … +14 more , Rendine M, Venturi S, Perna S, Gargari G, Mantegazza G, Gardana C, Battezzati A, Leone A, Sucato S, Fustinoni S, Guglielmetti S, Porrini M, Del Bo' C, Riso P
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Jun · PMID 42319445 · Full text
PURPOSE: Well-balanced plant-based diets can promote health and reduce environmental impact. However, evidence from interventional studies remains limited. This pilot intervention study aimed to provide exploratory insig...
PURPOSE: Well-balanced plant-based diets can promote health and reduce environmental impact. However, evidence from interventional studies remains limited. This pilot intervention study aimed to provide exploratory insights into potential challenges associated with the EAT-IT dietary pattern, an adaptation of the EAT-Lancet Healthy Reference Diet. METHODS: Nine subjects (mean age 26 ± 2 years, 5 females) participated in a 6-week randomized controlled cross-over trial. Participants followed two isocaloric interventions: the EAT-IT dietary pattern and a control diet based on the Italian Food-Based Dietary Guidelines. Dietary intake was recorded using 7-day food records. Anthropometric measurements and metabolic parameters were collected according to standardized and validated protocols. Gut microbiota was analyzed through 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and taxonomic profiling. Acceptability was evaluated via a validated questionnaire. RESULTS: Nutritional analysis showed that the EAT-IT pattern significantly increased fiber intake from 11.3 ± 5.2 to 15.1 ± 4.2 g/1000 kcal and ω-6 fatty acid intake from 5.7 ± 2.2 to 6.6 ± 1.9 g/day (p < 0.05 for interaction). Regarding metabolic markers, a significant within-group reduction (p < 0.05) was observed for fasting insulin (8.4 ± 2.2 to 6.5 ± 2.2 µU/mL) and HOMA1-IR (2.0 ± 0.6 to 1.5 ± 0.5). Changes in gut microbiota were also observed, specifically an increase in Bacteroides and a decrease in Coriobacteriaceae. While generally well-accepted, participants reported a higher perceived effort for EAT-IT, particularly regarding legume preparation. CONCLUSION: Despite the small sample size, this pilot study offers relevant insights into key aspects of sustainable plant-based diets, underscoring the necessity for further investigation.
Correction: Characterization of food portion size in children from 6 months to 8 years of age: a descriptive analysis.
Hernandez-Perez I, Escribano J, Grote V … +8 more , Koletzko B, Gispert-Llauradó M, Alcázar M, Verduci E, Gruszfeld D, Etienne L, Luque V, CHOP Study Group
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Jun · PMID 42295421 · Full text
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Longitudinal dietary profiles and risk of accelerated pubertal onset in Chinese prepubertal children: a 3-year cohort study.
Chen X, Fu S, Zhu S … +5 more , Liu M, Pan D, Liang Y, Liu S, Lin C
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Jun · PMID 42295370 · Publisher ↗
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Consumption of whole and refined grains and the risk of gastric cancer: a pooled analysis within the Stomach cancer Pooling (StoP) Project.
Turati F, Bravi F, Pelucchi C … +32 more , Bonzi R, Johnson KC, Hu J, Ferraroni M, Zhang ZF, Yu G, Lunet N, Morais S, Zaridze D, Maximovitch D, Vioque J, Gonzalez-Palacios S, Curado MP, Dias-Neto E, Castaño-Vinyals G, Fernández de Larrea-Baz N, López-Carrillo L, Hernández-Ramirez RU, Tsugane S, Hamada GS, Ward MH, Mu L, Rabkin CS, Hidaka A, Lagiou A, Lagiou P, López-Cervantes M, Boffetta P, Camargo MC, Boccia S, Negri E, La Vecchia C
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Jun · PMID 42287468 · Full text
PURPOSE: The relationship between whole and refined grain intake and gastric cancer risk has been investigated, but findings remain inconclusive. We aimed to evaluate and quantify the association of whole and refined gra...
PURPOSE: The relationship between whole and refined grain intake and gastric cancer risk has been investigated, but findings remain inconclusive. We aimed to evaluate and quantify the association of whole and refined grain consumption with gastric cancer risk through an individual participant pooled analysis of studies participating in the Stomach cancer Pooling (StoP) Project. METHODS: Twenty case-control studies (including 7,943 cases and 19,729 controls) contributed to the analysis of refined grains, and 13 of these (5,658 cases and 15,802 controls) contributed to the analysis of whole grains. Study-specific odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression models and pooled through a two-stage approach based on fixed-effects models. RESULTS: For whole grains, compared with no consumption, the OR was 0.92 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.84-1.01) for any consumption, and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.77-0.96) for a consumption equal or above the study-specific median. There was an increasing risk of gastric cancer with increasing consumption of refined grains, with an OR for the highest versus the lowest tertile of 1.39 (95% CI: 1.28-1.50) when considering staple grain foods only and 1.52 (95% CI: 1.39-1.65) when also considering grain-based sweets and desserts. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that whole grain consumption is inversely associated, and refined grain consumption directly associated with gastric cancer risk. These findings support current dietary recommendations favoring whole grains over refined grains.
Pro-inflammatory dietary patterns and physical fitness in Spanish adolescents: a cross-sectional analysis from the EHDLA study.
López-Gil JF, Muñoz-Pardeza J, Yáñez-Sepúlveda R … +9 more , Miño C, Quiroz-Cárdenas F, Cisneros-Vásquez E, Montenegro-Espinoza JA, Olivares-Arancibia J, Almonacid JH, Ezzatvar Y, Ridgell L, Yon DK
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Jun · PMID 42287445 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Chronic low-grade inflammation has been implicated in diminished physical fitness, with diet being a key modulator of inflammatory status. The dietary inflammatory index (DII) literature quantifies the inflam...
BACKGROUND: Chronic low-grade inflammation has been implicated in diminished physical fitness, with diet being a key modulator of inflammatory status. The dietary inflammatory index (DII) literature quantifies the inflammatory potential of habitual diet; however, evidence linking pro-inflammatory dietary patterns (when operationalized using DII-type scores) to physical fitness during adolescence remains scarce. This study aims to characterize the distribution of a pro-inflammatory dietary pattern score (DII-informed food frequency questionnaire [FFQ]-derived inflammatory score) and examine its cross-sectional associations with multiple physical fitness components in adolescents, accounting for relevant confounders. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis including Spanish adolescents aged 12-17 years from the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) study. Dietary inflammatory potential was operationalized using a DII-informed FFQ-derived inflammatory score based on 45 food items (higher scores indicate more pro-inflammatory dietary patterns). Physical fitness was assessed with the 20 m shuttle run test, standing long jump, 4 × 10 m shuttle run, sit-and-reach, handgrip strength, and an age- and sex-standardized overall fitness score. Associations were examined using robust linear regression models (lmrob function, robustbase package, KS2014 setting in RStudio), with adjustment for energy intake, age, sex, socioeconomic status, sleep duration, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and body mass index z-score. We additionally performed Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) correction across the six primary outcomes and sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: The analytical sample included 909 adolescents (median age: 14.0 years [interquartile range (IQR): 2.0]; 55.1% girls). In adjusted models, higher pro-inflammatory dietary pattern scores were associated with lower overall physical fitness (unstandardized beta coefficient [B] = -0.007 z-score units per 1-point increase; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.012 to -0.002; p-adjusted = 0.003), lower cardiorespiratory fitness (20 m shuttle run: B = -0.137; 95% CI: -0.243 to -0.031; p-adjusted = 0.011), and lower handgrip strength (B = -0.048; 95% CI: -0.092 to -0.005; p-adjusted = 0.029). Flexibility showed an inverse association that did not remain significant after FDR correction (p-adjusted = 0.173). Effect sizes were trivial to small. CONCLUSIONS: A more pro-inflammatory dietary pattern (DII-informed score) was associated with lower physical fitness indicators in Spanish adolescents, although effect sizes were modest. Findings should be interpreted within a multifactorial framework of physical fitness, where diet represents one modifiable contributor among behavioral, biological, and social determinants.
Plant-based diet quality and gut microbiota in relation to cardiometabolic risk in Korean adults.
Shin JH, Song EJ, Lim MY … +3 more , Choi HJ, Kim J, Nam YD
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Jun · PMID 42287442 · Full text
PURPOSE: This study investigated the association between plant-based diet quality and gut microbiota and explored whether integrating microbiota profiles with dietary indices improved strength of association with selecte...
PURPOSE: This study investigated the association between plant-based diet quality and gut microbiota and explored whether integrating microbiota profiles with dietary indices improved strength of association with selected cardiometabolic outcomes. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed cohort data collected from 2,388 Korean adults between 2017 and 2019. Dietary quality indices, including the overall plant-based diet index (PDI), healthful PDI (hPDI), and unhealthful PDI (uPDI), were derived from a food frequency questionnaire. Gut microbiota were profiled using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Cardiometabolic risk factors included obesity, abdominal obesity, elevated fasting glucose, elevated triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and elevated blood pressure. RESULTS: A higher hPDI score was associated with reduced obesity risk (OR = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.57-0.91) and improved gut microbiota α-diversity. A higher uPDI score was associated with increased risk of elevated fasting glucose (OR = 1.23; 95% CI, 1.00-1.52) and low HDL-C levels (OR = 1.35; 95% CI, 1.07-1.70), and lower α-diversity. hPDI and uPDI scores were also associated with differences in gut microbial community structure. For obesity and elevated fasting glucose, models integrating plant-based diet indices with gut microbiome features showed higher area under the curve than dietary-only models. Genus-level analyses identified key bacterial genera associated with dietary scores and metabolic traits. The predictive performance for low HDL-C remained modest across models. CONCLUSIONS: Plant-based diet quality was associated with gut microbiota composition and cardiometabolic health. Integrating gut microbiome features with dietary assessments provided greater explanatory value for obesity and elevated fasting glucose, although longitudinal studies are needed to clarify temporal relationships and causal pathways.
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