This scoping review provides an overview of the impact of fruit and vegetable (FAV) consumption on cognitive function in adolescents and young adults between January 2014 and February 2024. A comprehensive search across six databases, CINAHL, PubMed-MEDLINE, ProQuest, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase, identified 5,181 articles, of which six met the inclusion criteria after deduplication and screening. This scoping review focused on individuals aged 11–35 years in schools, colleges, universities, and communities. Following a descriptive and narrative synthesis of the data, tables and figures were used to present the findings. Across the six included studies, most consistently demonstrated a positive association between higher fruit and vegetable (FAV) intake and improved cognitive performance among adolescents and young adults. This association was evident in both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, with stronger effects observed for whole fruits and vegetables high in fibre and polyphenols. Cognitive domains positively impacted included psychomotor speed, memory, attention, and mood. However, findings varied by type of food and cognitive domain; while whole FAVs were generally beneficial, results for fruit juice were mixed—some studies showed acute benefits. Differences in study designs, dietary assessment tools, and cognitive measures contributed to variability. Despite these inconsistencies, the overall trend supports a beneficial role of FAV consumption in promoting cognitive health during adolescence and early adulthood. This review demonstrates that increased fruit and vegetable consumption is consistently linked to improved cognitive function in adolescents and young adults. However, further research is needed to establish its long-term effects on cognitive ageing and disease prevention

Consumers tend to perceive certain foods as more natural and in turn as more nutritious. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the nutritional quality, the degree of naturalness, and their association with animal-based and plant-based food products. A total of 1275 food products were collected by the Food Quality Observatory in Québec (Canada) between 2018 and 2022. These products were divided into five categories: sliced processed meats (n = 477), yogurts and dairy desserts (n = 344), sausages (n = 266), processed cheese products (n = 96) and plant-based alternatives (n = 92) within these four categories. The overall nutritional quality was evaluated using the Nutri-Score and the front-of-package (FOP) nutrition symbol recently implemented in Canada, while the degree of naturalness was measured using the Food Naturalness Index (FNI). Yogurts and dairy desserts as well as plant-based alternatives had lower Nutri-Score and thus, higher nutritional quality compared to other food categories. The FOP symbol for foods high in saturated fat or sodium was more common in sliced processed meats and sausages. FNI scores were higher in processed cheese products than in other categories, indicating a greater degree of naturalness. Correlations between nutritional quality and food naturalness varied depending on the food category and the nutrient profiling model, with Spearman coefficients being positive or negative and ranging from weak to moderate. This study supports the idea that food naturalness and nutritional quality offer complementary information depending on the food category. Further research in other food categories would help to better understand the associations between the two concepts.

Saturated fatty acids, particularly palmitic acid (PA), promote inflammation and contribute to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. PA induces interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-primed macrophages via NLRP3 inflammasome activation; but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study investigates whether PA-induced IL-1β production involves cytosolic potassium (K+) depletion. In LPS-primed macrophages, treatment with PA conjugated to bovine serum albumin (PA-BSA) significantly reduced cytosolic K+ levels and increased IL-1β production 2.4-fold. Stearic acid-BSA produced similar effects, whereas BSA-bound oleic, linoleic and docosahexaenoic acids had minimal impact. Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel blockers, 4-aminopyridine and tetraethylammonium chloride, attenuated PA-BSA-induced K+ efflux and IL-1β production in LPS-primed macrophages, implicating Kv channels as key mediators. These findings reveal a novel inflammatory pathway in which PA-BSA promotes IL-1β production via Kv channel-dependent K+ efflux, highlighting a mechanistic link between saturated fatty acid exposure and inflammatory signalling.

The weekly iron and folic acid supplementation (WIFAS) programme is a school-based initiative designed to reduce iron and folate deficiency anaemia among adolescent girls. In Ethiopia, donor-supported pilot programmes are implementing WIFAS in schools, but evaluations of its demand- and supply-side barriers and facilitators remain limited. This study aimed to explore these barriers and facilitators in the Sidama Region of Ethiopia. An exploratory qualitative study collected data from ten WIFAS-targeted schools using key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). Participants included purposively selected school directors, WIFAS-trained teachers, health centre heads, district health and education office nutrition focal points, and regional health and education bureau delegates. Ten FGDs were conducted with adolescent girls and their mothers. Thematic analysis was performed using Open Code software to identify emerging themes. This study identified low awareness of iron and folic acid (IFA) tablets, negative community perceptions, fear of side effects, supplementation interruptions due to school closures, and inadequate coverage as key barriers. Structural barriers included poor programme coordination, weak supply chain management, and water scarcity. Facilitators included free IFA tablet distribution, health extension workers’ involvement in awareness campaigns, positive testimonials, local leader support, training, and regular supervision. The WIFAS programme implemented in schools of the Sidama Region faces programmatic and structural barriers. However, facilitators like free IFA distribution, health extension worker involvement, and community support offer opportunities for improvement. These findings highlight the need for addressing barriers while leveraging existing facilitators for enhancing programme success.

A growing body of evidence shows an association between in utero Ramadan exposure and negative long-term consequences. Nonetheless, there is a scarcity of studies utilizing clinical measures in adults. This study investigates a possible association between in utero Ramadan exposure and mean arterial pressure (MAP) as well as random blood glucose (RBG) measures in the adult offspring. Using cross-sectional data from the Southeast Asia community observatory health and demographic surveillance system (SEACO) in Malaysia for two survey rounds (year 2013 and 2018), we compared MAP and RBG of in utero Ramadan-exposed Muslims with unexposed Muslims and non-Muslims. In utero Ramadan exposure was estimated based on the overlap between pregnancy (estimated from birth dates) and Ramadan periods. We conducted difference-in-differences analyses adjusted for age and birth months (seasonal effects). A total of 20,575 participants aged 35 or older were included in the analysis, comprising 12,696 Muslims and 7,879 non-Muslims. Difference-in-differences analyses revealed no statistically significant association between in utero Ramadan exposure and MAP, or between in utero Ramadan and RBG. These findings persisted in additional analyses examining the timing of Ramadan exposure during pregnancy.

Promoting fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption is a public health priority. This study assessed compliance with the international recommendation of consuming at least 400g of F&V daily among Mexican adults and analysed its association with the five stages of behaviour change from the Transtheoretical Model (Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation for action, Action, and Maintenance). Using data from 5203 adults (ages 20–59) in the 2016 National Health and Nutrition Survey, dietary intake was collected via a food frequency questionnaire. Compliance was defined dichotomously (Yes/No), and readiness to change was assessed using a specific survey module. Multiple logistic regression models examined the association between stages of change and compliance, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics, as well as perceived barriers and self-efficacy. Nationally, 26.3% of adults met the F&V recommendation. Compliance was significantly higher among individuals in the Preparation for action (OR 3.62, 95% CI: 1.82–7.19), Action (OR 4.50, 95% CI: 1.8–11.25), and Maintenance (OR 9.54, 95% CI: 4.76–19.13) than those in the Precontemplation stage. Higher compliance was also significantly associated with greater self-efficacy (OR 1.86, 95% CI: 1.4–2.47), being in the highest socioeconomic tertile (OR 1.71, 95% CI: 1.25–2.33), and living in the central region (OR 1.70, 95% CI: 1.18–2.45). Conversely, individuals reporting a dislike for vegetables were less likely to meet recommendations (OR 0.67, 95% CI: 0.48–0.94). These findings highlight the value of developing stage-tailored interventions that consider both psychological and structural barriers to improve F&V consumption.

Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is a well-known intermediate of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and plays an important role in the catabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs: leucine, isoleucine, and valine). While previous study suggested that AKG enhances glucose metabolism, its effect on the adaptation of muscles and adipocytes has not been well studied in diabetic condition. This study aimed to determine whether AKG improves glucose metabolism in the skeletal muscles and adipose tissues in diabetic mice. Male institute of cancer research mice were divided into control, diabetic, and diabetic + AKG groups. Diabetes (DM) was induced by a high fat diet consumption and streptozotocin (STZ) injection. Mice in the DM + AKG group were administered 1% AKG in drinking water for 6 weeks. The non-fasting plasma glucose level was significantly higher in the diabetic group than that in the control and DM + AKG groups (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein levels in the muscles between the DM and DM + AKG groups. AKG supplementation attenuated the decrease in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1 alpha and GLUT4 protein levels in inguinal and epididymal adipose tissues in diabetic condition. In conclusion, the study findings suggested that AKG supplementation increased protein levels related to mitochondrial biogenesis and glucose transporters in adipocyte tissue accompanied with improved whole-body glucose metabolism in STZ and high-fat diet-induced diabetic mice.

Maintaining appetite in older adults is important for preventing malnutrition. Previous studies have shown seasonal variations in dietary intake, suggesting that appetite itself may vary with the seasons. Nevertheless, few studies have directly examined seasonal changes in appetite in older adults, particularly those living alone, who are at higher risk of malnutrition. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to identify when appetite declines throughout the year in older adults living alone and with others. Of the 60 adults aged 65 and older who participated in the study, 57 completed the longitudinal study over four seasons. Appetite for each season was assessed using the Simple Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ) and the visual analogue scale for hunger, satiety, and expectation of food intake. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment and the Food Frequency Questionnaire. The living arrangements of the participants were determined based on whether they were living alone or with others. The stratified analysis revealed seasonal changes in SNAQ scores exclusively among individuals living alone (p = 0.029, effect size = 0.280), who exhibited diminished appetite during summer compared to winter (p = 0.026, 95% CI: 0.076–1.258). No seasonal variation in appetite or nutritional status was observed in those living with others (p > 0.05). These findings highlight the importance of an approach that considers living arrangement and seasonality to ensure that older people maintain adequate appetite status throughout the year.

Kids SIPsmartER is a school-based behavioural intervention for rural Appalachia middle school students with an integrated two-way short message service (SMS) strategy for caregivers. When tested in a cluster randomized controlled trial, the intervention led to significant improvements in sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption among students and caregivers. This study explores changes in secondary caregiver outcomes, including changes in caregiver SSB-related theory of planned behaviour constructs (affective attitudes, instrumental attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and intentions), parenting practices, and the home environment. Participants included 220 caregivers (93% female, 88% White, 95% non-Hispanic, mean age 40.6) in Virginia and West Virginia at baseline and 7 months post-intervention. Relative to control caregivers (n = 102), intervention caregivers (n = 118) showed statistically significant improvements in instrumental attitudes (Coef.= 0.53, 95% CI [0.04, 1.01], p = 0.033), behavioural intentions (Coef.=0.46, 95% CI [0.05, 0.88], p = 0.027), parenting practices (Coef. = 0.22, 95% CI [0.11, 0.33], p < 0.001), and total home SSB availability (Coef. = –0.25, 95% CI [–0.39, –0.11], p < 0.001), with specific improvements for sweetened juice drinks (Coef. = –0.18, 95% CI [–0.35, –0.01], p = 0.043) and regular soda/soft drinks (Coef. = –0.31, 95% CI [–0.55, –0.07], p = 0.010). In contrast, there were no significant between group changes for affective attitudes, subjective norms, or perceived behavioural control. Our findings highlight future research areas and fill gaps in intervention literature. This study is among the few to develop and evaluate a scalable, theory-based caregiver SMS component in a rural, school-based intervention. Combined with evidence that Kids SIPsmartER improved SSB behaviours, our results emphasize the potential of theory-guided SMS interventions to impact SSB-related outcomes.

Trial registration: Clincialtrials.gov: NCT03740113.

Although many online-based dietary surveys have been developed in recent years, systems that easily survey the dietary balance based on the Japanese diet are insufficient. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between dietary balance scores from an online survey system based on the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top, and nutrient/food intake calculated using the weighing method from dietary records (DRs), as well as to assess the system’s utility and applicability. An online dietary balance survey and semi-weighted DR assessment with food photographs were conducted in Japanese participants (n = 34). Registered dietitians entered the balance scores into the system based on the participants’ food photographs, and the scores were calculated using the system. Significant positive correlations (p < 0.001) were found between the online dietary balance scores and nutrient/food intake from DRs; especially for ‘grain dishes’ and carbohydrates (r = 0.704); ‘vegetable dishes’ and the vegetable dish group (sum of potatoes, vegetables, mushrooms, and algae) (r = 0.774); ‘main dishes’ and protein (r = 0.661); ‘milk’ and the milk and milk products group (r = 0.744); and ‘fruits’ and the fruits group (r = 0.748). Bland–Altman analysis showed that the dietary balance scores obtained by this system tended to underestimate the intake compared with the weighing method. Although there are limitations to the accurate estimation of nutrient and food intake, the online dietary balance scores obtained from the online dietary balance survey system were useful for understanding the dietary balance in the Japanese diet.