Intestinal inflammation can lead to inflammation-related diseases such as IBD, so modulation of inflammatory responses is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in the gut and alleviating intestinal inflammation. Autophagy may play a functional role in inflammatory responses and inflammatory signalling pathways. In addition, probiotics can influence important signalling pathways that lead to inflammation. Thus, our objective was to investigate the impact of probiotics on autophagy gene expression to prevent or reduce inflammation by targeting the autophagy signalling pathway. A relative real-time PCR assay was performed to evaluate gene expression involved in the autophagy process after exposing the HT-29 cell line to sonicated pathogens and adding a native potent Lactobacillus/Bifidobacterium cocktail before, after, and simultaneously with inflammation. In general, the native potential Lactobacillus/Bifidobacterium mixture was able to significantly increase autophagy gene expression in all phases and our selected probiotics can influence all phases of the autophagy signalling pathway. Our native Lactobacillus/Bifidobacterium cocktail exhibited a significant impact on the expression of autophagy genes throughout all treatments, particularly during the pre-inflammatory phase. Consequently, our selected probiotics can potentially serve a preventive function in an in vitro model of inflammation.

In the context of the rapidly evolving modern food environment, there is a need for dietary assessment tools to accurately assess current food intake. The objective of this research was to develop and validate a new food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). A 265 item web-based, self-administered FFQ (PREDICT-FFQ-v1) was developed using information from two FFQs and US and UK cohort level data. Over a 1-month period, 68 participants completed the PREDICT-FFQ-v1 and six 24-h recalls (reference tool; Intake24). Relative validity was assessed using Bland–Altman plots, cross-classification food group analysis, and Spearman’s rank correlation for food groups and nutrients. From the Bland–Altman plots, the median bias between the PREDICT-FFQ-v1 and Intake24 were energy (414 kcal (95%CI 289 to 609) (1734 kj (95% CI 1208 to 2549)), carbohydrate (2.3 %EI, 95%CI 0.08 to 3.68), fat (2.5 %EI, 95%CI 0.23 to 3.52), protein (−1.14 %EI, 95% CI −1.64 to −0.23), and fibre (1.86 g/1000 kcal, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.65). Cross-classification by quartiles of diet quality (plant-based diet index) categorised >76% of participants into the same or adjacent quartiles. Correlation coefficients for food groups assessed using both tools ranged from 0.38 (legumes) to 0.78 (meat), and for energy-adjusted nutrients ranged from 0.28 (total fat) to 0.82 (alcohol). The PREDICT-FFQ-v1 captures intakes of foods that are commonly consumed in modern diets, with greater resolution at the food level than previous tools. The PREDICT-FFQ-v1 has acceptable relative validity in comparison to 24-h dietary recall and provides a valuable alternative for assessing dietary intake in nutritional epidemiology.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of preventable blindness, particularly in regions with poor glycemic control and limited access to structured education. Theory-driven interventions such as the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) may enhance self-care and improve clinical outcomes. To evaluate the effectiveness of a TPB-based self-care education programme on glycemic control, knowledge, self-care behaviours, and TPB constructs among patients with diabetic retinopathy. This quasi-experimental pretest–posttest-controlled study was conducted between September 2024 and August 2025 among 200 patients with diabetic retinopathy attending a tertiary diabetes centre in Erbil, Iraq. Participants were allocated to an intervention group (n = 100) receiving a structured three-session TPB-based education programme or a control group (n = 100) receiving standard care. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 3 months. The primary outcome was HbA1c. Secondary outcomes included diabetes knowledge, self-care practices, and TPB constructs. Statistical analyses included paired and independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and effect size estimation. At 3 months, HbA1c significantly decreased in the intervention group (−0.50%) but increased in controls (+1.06%), yielding a significant between-group difference (−1.50%, 95% CI: −1.93 to −1.07; p < 0.001; d = 0.97). Significant improvements were observed in systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. Diabetes knowledge improved markedly, with 56% achieving high knowledge versus 0% in controls (p < 0.001). Self-care behaviours and TPB constructs also improved significantly (all p < 0.001). A brief TPB-based education programme significantly improved glycemic control and self-management in patients with DR. This low-cost intervention offers a scalable strategy for reducing diabetes-related complications in resource-limited settings.

This special issue of the JNS presents a selection of abstracts and outputs from the 23rd edition of the IUNS International Congress of Nutrition (IUNS-ICN Paris 2025), held in Paris from 24 to 29 August 2025. The Congress, themed ‘Sustainable Food for Global Health’, brought together students, researchers, academics, practitioners, and policy stakeholders from across the globe to share advances in nutritional science and address contemporary challenges in nutrition and health. A total of 3,805 delegates from 123 countries participated. This wide international participation reflected the global nature of the IUNS-ICN Paris 2025 and supported the exchange of perspectives across all areas of nutritional science.

Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease resulting in lifelong intolerance to gluten. Treatment of CD is a gluten-free diet (GFD). High gluten-free (GF) food costs contribute to GF-food insecurity (GF-FI) in households with children with CD. The study objective was to describe parental perceptions of the barriers/facilitators of GF-food security (GF-FS) and the health policies parents deem necessary to combat GF-FI. A subset analysis of a cross-sectional study examining household and child socio-demographic, child diet quality and GFD adherence, food environment, and GF-FI in parent–child dyads (n = 59) using validated questionnaires. Virtual interviews included 13 open-and-closed ended questions examining parent perceptions related to barriers/facilitators of GF-FS and health policies to address GF-FI. Questions were validated for face-and-content using an iterative process with parental responses deductively coded using the 5As of food insecurity theoretical framework. High GF-food costs (>90%) and the lack of effective GF-food specific health policies (∼94%) were the most commonly cited barriers to GF-FS, particularly in GF-FI households. Social media (>60%) was used to share information related to tax credits (15%) affordability, accessibility, and availability of GF-foods (75%). Parents deemed child tax credits (∼75%), development of food policies focused on education in schools (∼34%), dietary prescriptions (25%) and official recognition of CD as a disability (∼26%) as important to address GF-FI. In conclusion, parents perceive high GF-food costs and lack of effective GF-food health policies as important mediators of GF-FI. Social media platforms were widely used by the community to share information and solutions to address GF-FI.

Prebiotics are selectively utilised dietary substrates that may influence depression through gut microbiota-related pathways, but population-level estimates of intake and associations with depression are limited. This repeated cross-sectional study estimated intake of International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP)-recognised prebiotics and examined associations with depression among US adults using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015–2018 and NHANES August 2021–August 2023, analysed as independent survey periods. Estimated intakes of galactooligosaccharides and inulin-type fructans were assigned to foods using published source-food values, Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies food codes, and ingredient-level information for mixed dishes. Depression was defined as Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score of 10 or greater. Survey-weighted analyses estimated intake distributions, and logistic regression models estimated ORs and 95% CIs for depression per 5 g/day higher estimated prebiotic intake in restricted adult samples. Mean estimated prebiotic intake was 6.44 g/day in NHANES 2015–2018 and 6.09 g/day in NHANES 2021–2023. In NHANES 2015–2018, higher estimated intake was associated with lower odds of depression overall (OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.49–0.98) and among females (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.45–0.94), but not among males. In NHANES 2021–2023, estimated intake was not associated with depression overall (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.74–1.43) or in sex-stratified models. These repeated cross-sectional findings provide nationally representative estimates of intake of ISAPP-recognised prebiotics and indicate that the inverse association observed in 2015–2018 was not replicated in 2021–2023. Prospective studies are needed to clarify whether prebiotic intake is associated with depression risk.

Energy drinks are widely consumed for their caffeine content and related ergogenic effects. Many energy drinks also contain additional ingredients purported to enhance both physical and cognitive performance; however, it remains unclear whether these benefits are attributable solely to caffeine or the synergistic effect of other ingredients. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of an energy drink vs. a caffeine-matched control on measures of sustained attention. Using a randomised, double-masked design (n = 116), subjects were assigned to an energy drink (C4 – Nutrabolt®) or a caffeine-matched control (200 mg caffeine). The following assessments were conducted before and approximately 45 min after consuming an energy drink or caffeine-matched control: psychomotor vigilance test (PVT), MemTrax (memory), handgrip strength, and wall-sit endurance. Both the energy drink and the caffeine-matched control improved pre vs. post for the PVT (i.e. reaction time improved); however, there were no differences in the delta score. The energy drink group showed a significant decrease in the MemTrax assessment (% correct), whereas reaction time increased, with no change in the control group. However, there were no differences in the delta score between groups for either the % correct score or reaction time. There were no significant differences in the handgrip or wall-sit assessments between the two groups. There are no significant differences between the effects of consuming an energy drink or caffeine. Both beverages improved sustained attention and alertness likely due to the effects of caffeine. There were no differences in memory, handgrip strength, or wall-sit endurance.

In Japan, a version of the Japanese Food Guide, specifically developed for pregnancy and lactation (JFGST-P/L), promotes healthy dietary habits. In the mid- to-late stages of pregnancy, it is especially important to consume the recommended additional calories and nutrients. Adherence to these guidelines also plays a key role in achieving appropriate gestational weight gain (GWG). This study investigated the relationship between adherence to these guidelines and GWG among women in the mid- to late stages of pregnancy. Data were obtained from the Maternal and Child Cohort Study, conducted at the National Center for Child Health and Development (Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan). The degree of adherence to the JFGST-P/L was evaluated using scores calculated from responses to a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The participants were classified into quartiles (Q1–Q4) based on their adherence scores. GWG was classified as inadequate, adequate, or excessive according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare guidelines. The degree of JFGST-P/L adherence was divided into quartiles, and a multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed. Furthermore, the Q1 group was compared with the Q2–Q4 groups to examine the association with the risk of insufficient GWG. In the quartile analysis, no clear dose–response relationship was observed between JFGST-P/L adherence and GWG. Conversely, among Q1, an increased risk of insufficient GWG was noted compared to the Q2–Q4 group (Unadjusted OR 1.389, 95%CI 1.008–1.913). In this study, the lowest degree of adherence to the JFGST-P/L among pregnant women was associated with inadequate GWG.

Many dietary interventions have been conducted in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with quantitative outcomes the key focus; qualitative research exploring participant experiences remains limited. The autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet is an elimination reintroduction approach designed for autoimmune conditions. This study explored the experiences of nine adults with RA who completed an eight-week AIP dietary intervention, with semi-structured interviews conducted immediately post-intervention and again one year later. Interviews explored participants’ motivations, challenges, enablers, and perceived effects of the intervention, their experiences with food reintroduction, and the degree to which dietary changes were sustained. Thematic analysis identified three themes related to initial intervention experiences. Open to change, captured initial motivations, trust in the protocol and willingness to attempt substantial dietary change. Navigating dietary transition described the mental, practical, and social strategies used to manage challenges and support adherence. Reflections on benefits and looking ahead, captured perceived health changes and intentions for future dietary practices. At one-year follow-up, three further themes were identified. Personalised reintroductions and responses highlighted how participants observed the effects of foods on RA and health. Finding and sustaining balance reflected the ongoing process of negotiating dietary structure with flexibility, particularly in social contexts. Reflections on wellbeing and future intentions encompassed perceived benefits, persistent challenges, and plans for ongoing dietary management. High initial adherence was facilitated by participant motivation and structured study support. The reintroduction protocol was perceived as burdensome, however, most participants sustained meaningful dietary change, even without ongoing formal guidance.

Research highlights school meals as a powerful mechanism to impact population health. As 4.7 million English primary school children consume around 30.0% of their daily food at school, the school lunch caterer can influence child dietary health. Despite this, and considerable public sector spend on school food, no public record of school food provision exists. This study aimed to understand who provides school food and whether school characteristics differed by provider type. School food provision in 1,771 state funded Yorkshire primary schools was mapped by provider and provider type, along with key school characteristics (school size, geography, deprivation, cultural diversity and school type). Descriptive statistics and ANOVA analysed differences in characteristics between provider types. Three provider types were identified; local government caterer, commercial caterer, and in-house caterer. School size varied widely from 5 to 789 children and 21.0% of schools had fewer than 150 pupils necessary for meal provision to financially breakeven. Local government caterers served most schools (49.3%), with smaller (F3-479 = 7.132, P < 0.001), less deprived (F3-470 = 8.813, P < 0.001) schools, and a higher rural proportion, than other catering types. Commercial caterers served 30.2% of schools, with the largest (F3-479 = 7.132, P < 0.001), and proportionally more urban, schools. In-house catering was less prevalent at 8.9%. Data were unavailable for 11.6% of schools. The data demonstrated fragmentation and complexity of school food provision which may hinder effective policy and practice. Significant differences in school characteristics by provider type, facilitating unequal profitability potential and issues with financial viability, likely affect school food quality.

Lithium is a mainstay treatment in bipolar disorder and is used in various psychiatric conditions. Micro or trace doses have also been suggested to have potential neuropsychiatric effects. Dietary supplements containing lithium are available in the US, but no studies have evaluated their labelling regarding dosing, health claims, or precautionary practices. Products from the Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) marketed between 2011 and 2025 were reviewed, with composition and dosing derived from declared labelling. Lithium amounts, mood-, cognitive-, and suicide-related claims, and precautions for pregnancy/breastfeeding, kidney, and antidepressant use were assessed, and associations with dosing were analysed using Mann–Whitney U tests with correction for multiple comparisons. Of 439 products, 99 met inclusion criteria. Forty-one percent were lithium-only, with reported elemental lithium ranging from trace amounts to 25 mg (median, 1.5 mg). Some elemental lithium amounts were comparable to the lowest manufactured doses of lithium carbonate. Lithium-only products contained higher elemental lithium than combination products (p < 0.05), and lithium orotate was the predominant salt (52.5%). Products with mood-related claims had higher reported elemental lithium than those without (5 vs. 1 mg; p < 0.05), whereas no association was observed for cognitive claims. No products made suicide-related claims. Kidney- and antidepressant-related precautions were not associated with elemental lithium amounts, while products with pregnancy/breastfeeding precautions had higher reported content than those without (3.25 vs. 0.5 mg; p < 0.05). These findings highlight variability in dosing and labelling, with certain labelling features correlated with declared lithium amounts, possibly reflecting conventions in lithium use.

Food insecurity is a significant public health concern associated with adverse mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety symptoms, yet the role of resilience in this relationship remains unclear. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between food insecurity, resilience, and depression and anxiety symptoms and explored whether resilience moderates or mediates this association. Data were collected using a self-administered online survey distributed from April to May 2022 to a quota-based sample of California adults (n = 1,177). Food security was measured using the United States Department of Agriculture 6-Item Food Security Module, depression and anxiety symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4, and resilience using the Brief Resilience Scale. Food insecurity was reported by 39.5% of participants and 31.2% reported moderate-to-severe depression and anxiety symptoms. Regression analysis showed an inverse association between resilience and symptoms (beta = −2.01, 95% CI −2.22, −1.79), while food insecurity was positively associated with symptoms (beta = 0.46, 95% CI 0.38, 0.54). Moderation analysis was not significant, while mediation analysis revealed that resilience partially mediated the association between food insecurity and depression and anxiety symptoms (beta = 0.135; 95% CI: 0.095, 0.176). In conclusion, food insecurity and low resilience were independently associated with psychological distress. Resilience showed a partial indirect association in this relationship. These findings suggest that resilience may be a modifiable factor to consider alongside broader efforts to address food insecurity and support mental health. However, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the directionality of these associations.

Positive attitudes toward healthy nutrition and food literacy have been associated with healthy eating habits in previous research. However, evidence regarding the relationships among food literacy, attitudes toward healthy nutrition, and BMI among school teachers remains limited. This study examined the associations among self-perceived food literacy, attitudes toward healthy nutrition, and BMI among school teachers. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 294 primary, secondary, and high school teachers. An online questionnaire including demographic characteristics, eating habits, anthropometric measurements, the Self-Perceived Food Literacy Scale (SPFLS), and the Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition (ASHN) was used to collect data. A total of 294 school teachers aged 20–59 years completed the study, of whom 73.5% were female. Obese participants had lower food literacy (p < 0.001) and healthy nutrition attitude scores (p < 0.05) than normal-weight participants. Food literacy and attitudes toward healthy nutrition were positively correlated with age and years of experience, and negatively correlated with BMI (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that attitudes toward healthy nutrition and BMI were associated with self-perceived food literacy (R2adj = 0.501, p < 0.001). These findings contribute to the limited evidence regarding the relationships among food literacy, attitudes toward healthy nutrition, and BMI among school teachers.

This study aimed to conduct the first known systematic review concerning the evidence on probiotic-fermented food consumption among the young population across multiple countries and its dietary outcomes, including diet quality and nutrient intakes. Five databases were searched through December 8, 2025: Web of Science, Scopus, OVID Medline, EBSCO CINAHL, and ProQuest. English-language quantitative studies from 2004 to 2025 were included. Eligible studies reported probiotic-fermented food consumption patterns in youth aged 2–24 years and examined associations with dietary quality and nutrient intakes. Initial searches identified 11,844 records, of which twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Included studies originated predominantly from high-income countries in North America and Europe, with limited representation from Africa and Asia. Consumption patterns varied widely, with both children and adolescents consuming probiotic-fermented foods at least once a week and having fewer daily servings, particularly for yogurt. Of the seven studies that examined dietary outcomes, six reported positive associations between consumption of probiotic-fermented foods and improved dietary quality scores, and six studies reported associations with higher nutrient intakes. The review underscored the need to increase the consumption of probiotic-fermented foods among the younger population to improve nutrient intake in the early stages. Further research is needed in under-represented regions, including Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, where fermented food traditions are culturally significant but population-level consumption data among youth remain scarce.

In Switzerland, as in many other countries, national guidelines recommend individualized rather than systematic vitamin D supplementation in children beyond the age of three, making routine assessment challenging. This study aimed to examine paediatricians’ reported practices and opinions regarding vitamin D management in children aged 3–17 years in Geneva, Switzerland. A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to 193 paediatricians, of whom 59 completed the questionnaire (85% women). The questionnaire covered assessment frequency and methods, deficiency management, and views on systematic supplementation. Fewer than half reported assessing vitamin D adequacy at every check-up, with 49% (n = 29) for children aged 3–10 years and 44% (n = 26) for adolescents. Among children with clinical signs of deficiency, 76% (n = 45) reported assessment at every check-up, compared with 63% (n = 37) for children with dark skin or chronic digestive disorders and 58% (n = 34) for those with overweight or obesity. Assessments relied mainly on reported supplementation, followed by diet and sun exposure. Regarding prophylactic supplementation, 61% of paediatricians were in favour for children aged 3–10 years and 76% for those aged 11–17 years. Among those opposed, the main reason cited was the absence of clear national guidelines. Overall, this survey highlights marked variability in paediatricians’ approaches to vitamin D, with routine assessment remaining infrequent, even among children with clinical signs of deficiency. This gap may leave vulnerable children and adolescents with undetected deficiency, underscoring the need for harmonized national guidance and targeted educational initiatives to support preventive paediatric care.