Low dietary diversity is a predictor of depression in high-income countries, but evidence from low-income settings where poor nutrition and depression often co-occur is scarce. We examined the association between dietary diversity and depression in rural Western Kenya. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data collected between June and August 2025 from 311 participants enrolled in a group-based microfinance (‘BIGPIC’) program. Depression was measured using twenty-item Centre for Epidemiologic Studies for Depression Scale, and dietary diversity was assessed based on the consumption of five food groups in the previous 24 hours using a validated scale. We used linear regression models to estimate the association between high dietary diversity and depression scores and assessed effect measure modification by wealth status. Quantile regression was used to examine variation across the distributions of depression scores. Higher dietary diversity was associated with lower depression scores (adjusted β (95 % CI): −3·49 (–6·62, −0·38)). This association was stronger among individuals with lower wealth (adjusted β (95 % CI): −6·00 (–10·46, −1·42)), compared with those with high wealth (adjusted β (95 % CI): −0·53 (–4·76, 3·68); Wald P–value for interaction = 0·0003). Effect sizes were larger at higher quantiles across 75th (Q75: β = −7·56; 95 % CI: −12·82, −2·27) and 90th (Q90: β = −6·01; 95 % CI: −12·43, 0·43) quantiles, though estimates were imprecise. These findings suggest that greater dietary diversity may be associated with improved mental health, particularly among socio-economically vulnerable individuals, and those with severe depression. Future work using longitudinal and quasi-experimental designs are needed to strengthen causal inference and clarify underlying mechanisms.

India’s Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP), under the Integrated Child Development Services, provides a Morning Snack and a Hot Cooked Meal to children aged 36–72 months through Anganwadis (day-care centres). This study assessed these meals against SNP standards (2012) and age-specific ICMR recommendations, when standards were unavailable, and explored the use of linear programming (LP) to improve nutrient quality of SNP meals. A cross-sectional survey documented the SNP-meals, ingredients, serving portions and other details, using questionnaires administered to Anganwadi workers and programme officials from purposively selected Anganwadis across 27 States and Union Territories. Nutrient composition was estimated using standard food composition tables, and State-specific food lists and retail prices were incorporated into the LP framework to identify foods that could improve nutrient content of SNP meals. Energy standards were met in 56% of States, while 22% fell more than 20% below recommendations. Protein standards were achieved in 74% of States; however, declined to 52% after adjusting for digestibility. Only 22% of States met the ICMR-based fat requirement. Zinc, iron and folate were largely met, whereas calcium and vitamins A, B6 and B12 were below recommendations in more than half the States. Meals were predominantly cereal-based with limited inclusion of nutrient-dense foods. LP identified foods that reduced nutrient gaps, although many improvements exceeded the per-child cost allocation. Overall, meals showed wide variability, with persistent gaps in fat and key micronutrients. LP provides a structured approach to enhance nutrient provision within the programme setting, although meeting all nutrient targets may require adjustments to cost and procurement strategies.

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and predictors of nutrition knowledge, nutrition label use and dietary diversity among a sample of university students in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2023 to April 2024 among undergraduate and postgraduate students. About 428 participants (aged 18–26 years) completed a structured questionnaire containing questions related to their demographic information, nutrition knowledge, nutrition label use, and dietary diversity (consumption of different food categories). Separate logistic regression models identified the main factors associated with nutrition knowledge, nutrition label use and dietary diversity. Approximately 32.5% participants had satisfactory nutrition knowledge and 36.0% were frequent nutrition label users. Female participants were more likely to have satisfactory nutrition knowledge (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.29, 3.26) and use nutrition labels more frequently (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.22, 3.17) than their male counterparts respectively. Around 40% of the participants had a high level of dietary diversity. Students with satisfactory nutrition knowledge (AOR = 3.02, 95% CI = 1.41–6.45) and frequent use of nutrition labels (AOR = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.35–5.55) had a higher dietary diversity compared to their counterparts. Less than half of Bangladeshi students in this study have adequate nutrition knowledge, label use, and dietary diversity. The findings highlight the importance of implementing nutrition awareness programmes and nutrition education interventions for university students, such as basic food and nutrition knowledge and the use of nutrition labels, to enhance their dietary diversity and health status.

This study aims to compare dietary diversity score (DDS), nutrient intakes and child feeding practices between under-five children who are provided meals by daycare (PM) or bring a lunchbox (LB) and to explore the perspective of mothers, daycare staff and management on their role in providing balanced and nutritious meals for under-five children. The cross-sectional study used mixed method. The quantitative part assessed nutrient intakes using 2-day non-consecutive dietary records and child feeding practices using Child Feeding Practices Questionnaire (CFPQ). Qualitative research employed WeValue Insitu and Perspective Exploration. The study was conducted at daycares in Ministries/Agencies in Jakarta, Indonesia, involving 138 children (6–59 months) and 124 working mothers. The qualitative sample comprised three working mothers, five daycare staff, and five daycare managers. Although DDS was higher among children aged 6–23 months in the PM group, energy and nutrient intakes were lower, with higher inadequacy of folate and calcium. Mothers in the LB had higher scores in environment, encouragement of balance and variety, and restriction subscales. Qualitative data identified role of daycare in providing meals or advice on lunchbox menus, skipping breakfast, eating environment between home and daycare, and nutrition knowledge. The higher nutrient intakes in LB were concurrent with better child feeding practices. Food provision in daycare, if not accompanied by nutrition education for parents, may lead to parents over reliance to daycare. Nutrition education is needed to enhance attitudes and awareness of working mothers and daycare staff regarding breakfast consumption, menu planning, child feeding practices, and portion sizes.

This study examines how income, location and regional disparities are associated with food expenditure and dietary diversity in Mexico. Using household expenditure data and an entropy-based approach, we confirm Engel’s Law: food budget shares decline with income but do so unevenly across urban–rural areas and regions. Consistent with the Engel curve for variety, wealthier households diversify their diets, spending more on high-value foods, while poorer rural households remain reliant on staples. Quantile regression shows that income has the strongest positive effect on diversity at lower quantiles, with diminishing returns at higher levels. Household characteristics, education, region, and food prices further influence diet. The results thereby underscore the need for income-sensitive, regionally targeted nutrition policies.

Malnutrition remains a major public health issue in Sub-Saharan Africa, with one-third of all malnourished children residing in the region. In Malawi, 37.1% of children under five are stunted, and 63% are anaemic. Poor diets and poverty contribute significantly. Legumes, being rich in protein, fibre, and micronutrients, offer a sustainable food-based approach to improve child nutrition and support local agriculture. This study aimed at assessing the association between legume consumption and nutritional status in children aged 6–59 months in rural Malawi. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Mzimba, Mchinji, and Mangochi districts, involving 1275 children. Data were collected on dietary intake, socioeconomic status, and anthropometry using semi-structured questionnaires. Nutritional status was determined using WHO Anthro, and associations were analysed using logistic regression in Stata. Prevalence of stunting was 42.8%, underweight 17.4%, and wasting 8.4%. Over half of the children did not consume legumes. Pigeon pea consumption significantly reduced odds of wasting (AOR = 0.14), and common beans were associated with lower odds of both wasting and stunting. Conversely, groundnut consumption was linked to increased underweight (AOR = 1.68). Animal food consumption was associated with lower underweight but higher odds of wasting. Legume consumption showed both protective and adverse associations with child malnutrition. In conclusion, this study has shown that promoting dietary diversity and appropriate legume use could enhance nutrition outcomes. Findings highlight the potential of legumes in addressing undernutrition but also the need for targeted nutrition education and interventions in rural Malawi.

Malnutrition from poor diet is a persistent issue in Sri Lanka, especially among women and children. High rates of undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies are documented among rural poor communities(1). Household food production may enhance maternal and child nutrition directly by increasing access to diverse foods and indirectly by providing income to diversify diets(2). This study explores the cross-sectional relationship between household food production and individual dietary diversity among women aged 18-45 years and children aged 2-5 years in Batticaloa district, Sri Lanka. We randomly selected 450 low-income mother-child pairs receiving a Samurdhi subsidiary, having a home garden. Through face-to-face interview, we gathered information on the types of crops grown and livestock reared in the preceding 12 months. Production quantity and utilization were also detailed. Additionally, socio-demographic information and market access were obtained. To measure women’s dietary diversity (DD), we used a scale based on 10-food groups and a 7-food group scale for children. Women who consumed five or more food groups were defined as meeting the Minimum Dietary Diversity of Women (MDD-W), whereas children who consumed of four or more food groups met the minimum standards. Multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression were used to identify the factors predicting individual DD. Complete data for 411 pairs were analysed. The results showed, only 15.3% of the women met MDD-W, with a mean DDS of 3.3 (SD = 1.2). Children had a mean DDS of 3.3 (SD = 1.2), and 41.1% of them met the minimum diversity. Regression analysis indicated that growing leafy vegetables was positively associated with increased dietary diversity of women (β = 0.337; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.54; p = 0.001) and children (β = 0.234; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.42; p = 0.013) but not with meeting the minimum diversity. Moreover, monthly income above 35,000 LKR, higher education level, a secondary income source andfood security were also positively associated with women’s DD. Conversely, living further away from the main road reduced the women’s DD. Interestingly, livestock ownership was only associated with women meeting the MDD-W, but not for children. For children, monthly income was a strong predictor of DD and meeting minimum diversity. Surprisingly, living far from the market was associated with increased DD in children (β = 0.018; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.03; p = 0.013), while distance to main road had a similar effect as in women. Notably, selling their produce at the market contributed to meeting the minimum dietary diversity in children (β = 0.573; 95% CI: 0.14, 1.02; p = 0.013). These findings suggest that enhancing household food production could play a crucial role in improving dietary diversity and addressing malnutrition, particularly in rural Sri Lankan communities, and potentially in other similar settings.

Land use change has significantly altered most ecosystem functioning, such as nutrition provisioning, water flows and pollination services. So far, the impact of land use change on the dietary diversity of predatory insects has remained largely unexplored. In this study, we explored the prey composition of reared yellow-legged hornets Vespa velutina Lepeletier (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in landscapes with a gradient of surrounding green lands, using metabarcoding of feces eliminated by larvae. The hornets primarily fed upon insects, with dipterans, coleopterans, lepidopterans, hemipterans, hymenopterans, and orthopterans being the dominant prey groups. The percentage of green lands had a significantly positive effect on prey richness at a spatial scale of 1500 m, but no effect on Shannnon index of the prey community. Meanwhile, the green lands had significantly positive effects on richness of coleopteran prey and lepidopteran prey, but no significant effect on richness of dipteran prey, hemipteran prey, hymenopteran prey, or orthopteran prey. In terms of beta diversity, the percentage of green lands explained the dissimilarity of prey communities among landscapes, whereas local factors, such as the distance to green lands and the distance to buildings, did not explain the dissimilarity. Our study indicated that the green lands in the landscape positively affected the dietary diversity of reared yellow-legged hornets, but this effect varied among different taxonomic groups of prey.

This study aims to illustrate a process approach for the calculation of minimum dietary diversity (MDD) indicators for interpretation of dietary diversity (DD) scores and to validate the MDD indicator as a proxy for adequate micronutrient intake using an existing dataset for 2 to younger than 10-year-old South African children. The DD scores were derived from nine food groups, adjusted from the ten food groups for women of reproductive age by combining pulses, nuts and seeds. Three reference methods were used to inspect micronutrient adequacy, namely the mean adequacy ratio and the mean probability of adequacy (MPA) using a single 24-h recall, and the MPA derived from usual intake using more than one 24-hour recall in a sub-sample. Adequacy threshold levels and candidate MDD indicators were inspected and validated using several performance criteria. Results show that the mean and median DD scores were 3·6 and 3·1, respectively. The resulting MDD indicators varied between 3 and 4 out of nine food groups favouring the identification of children with adequate and inadequate intake, respectively, depending on the method used and the age group. Our results and those from others furthermore support a simplified method or ‘rule of thumb’ for the determination of an MDD indicator to establish the integer values below and above the median of the DD scores. We conclude that finding a valid MDD indicator can be done using different methodologies and that results underscore the potential of a simplified method for determining an MDD indicator.

Understanding adolescents’ diet and eating behaviours is crucial for informing public health strategies and policies, allowing interventions to be tailored effectively to enhance dietary patterns and improve overall health and quality of life. This study examined dietary patterns, dietary diversity, eating habits, food choice and the factors influencing these among adolescent girls in the Mion District, Ghana. A convergent parallel mixed-method design employing in-depth interviews (n = 30), two focus group discussions (n = 10) and survey data from 882 mother-daughter pairs was used. Key findings indicate that approximately 90% of girls achieved the minimum dietary diversity for women of reproductive age (MDD-W), with most consuming three meals daily. Staples were eaten daily, while fruits and unhealthy foods were less frequently eaten. Moderate/severe food insecurity was negatively associated with the MDD-W, whereas larger household size was positively correlated with the MDD-W. Older girls were less likely to eat breakfast, while household crop farm diversity increased the odds of eating supper on weekends. Moderate/severe food insecurity was inversely associated with intake of animal-sourced foods (ASFs), fruit, and unhealthy foods but positively correlated with vegetable consumption in the past month. Maternal non-literacy was linked to a lower intake of unhealthy foods, while specific ethnic backgrounds negatively influenced ASF intake. Wealthier households demonstrated higher consumption of staples. Qualitatively, health considerations, availability, taste, and cravings were major influencers of food choices. Food aversions were often tied to intolerance, fatigue from consuming the same foods repeatedly, and preferences related to taste and texture. These findings underscore the need for targeted nutritional interventions considering socio-economic and household factors to improve adolescent girls’ dietary habits and overall health.

Dietary diversification is a sustainable and appealing strategy for pregnant women to ensure a balanced dietary intake. In Ethiopia, despite the implementation of various nutritional initiatives, inadequate dietary diversity remains a significant factor contributing to adverse birth outcomes. Thus, this study aimed to assess the dietary diversity and associated characteristics among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Eastern Ethiopia. Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 28 to May 28, 2021. A total of 420 pregnant women were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. We used the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and a 95% confidence interval to estimate the strength of the association. We used a p-value of 0.05 to declare statistical significance. Only 35.0% (95% CI: 30.5, 39.5) of the 420 pregnant women involved in this study received appropriate dietary diversity. Having an educational level of college and above (AOR 3.01, 95% CI: 1.19–7.5), being an urban dweller (AOR = 3.57, 95% CI: 1.68–7.52), eating three meals and above (AOR = 7.62, 95% CI: 2.88–9.03), and having ≤4 family sizes (AOR = 9.33, 95% CI: 4.06–10.4) were significantly associated with an adequate dietary diversity score among pregnant women. This study found that pregnant women had inadequate overall consumption of a diversified diet. Increasing meal frequency, enhancing women’s education, raising awareness of dietary diversity among rural inhabitants, and offering counselling on family planning utilisation during ANC services are all beneficial in promoting dietary diversity among pregnant women.

Research on children's dietary diversity plays a crucial role in designing effective health interventions. Thus, this study aimed to identify the factors contributing to minimum dietary diversity failure (MDDF) among male and female children aged 6–23 months in Bangladesh. The data for this study was obtained from the Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, 2019, which included children currently breastfed within a specific age range. Multivariable binary logistic regression was employed to assess the strength and significance of the association. The findings revealed that approximately 59⋅4 % of children in Bangladesh experienced MDDF, with 57⋅8 % of male children and 61 % of female children affected. Proportion test uncovered a significant gender disparity (χ2=6⋅58, P-value = 0⋅01) among children aged 6–23 months. However, the multivariable binary logistic regression analysis revealed that both male and female children shared common risk factors for MDDF, which included child age, maternal educational status, wealth status, number of antenatal care visits, and division. In our study, we observed varied spatial patterns in minimal dietary diversity. Sherpur, Netrokona, Sunamganj, and Sylhet districts showed the highest failure rates. Notably, all are flood-affected areas, impacting food availability and diversity. For targeted regional development programmes, district mapping results may offer valuable insights to policymakers, especially in areas with a high prevalence of dietary diversity failure. By understanding these risk factors, policymakers and stakeholders can implement targeted strategies to improve dietary diversity among children, promoting better health and well-being for the young population in Bangladesh.

Undernutrition in elders remains under-detected, under-treated, and under-resourced and leads to further weight loss, increased infections, and delay in recovery from illness as well as increased hospital admissions and length of stay. The reports of the findings were fragmented and inconsistent in Ethiopia. Therefore, the main objective of this meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled prevalence of undernutrition and its association with dietary diversity among older persons in Ethiopia. Online databases (Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct), Google, Google Scholar, and other grey literature were used to search articles until the date of publication. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline was followed. The random effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence; whereas subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to identify the probable source of heterogeneity using Stata version 14.0 software. Out of 522 studies accessed, 14 met our criteria and were included in the study. A total of 7218 older people (aged above 60 years old) were included in the study. The pooled proportion of undernutrition among older persons in Ethiopia was 20⋅6 % (95 % CI 17⋅3, 23⋅8). Elders who consumed low dietary diversity scores were strongly associated with undernutrition among older persons. Therefore, promoting appropriate intervention strategies for elders to improve dietary diversity practices and nutritional status is crucial.

The present study assessed dietary diversity and anthropometric status of children attending early development centres in South Africa. In the Vhembe District of Limpopo province, South Africa, 273 children were conveniently chosen from 8 randomly selected early childhood development centres for a cross-sectional study. Data were gathered via a questionnaire administered by the interviewer in June 2021. Height, body weight and mid-upper arm circumference were measured to assess anthropometric status. A 24-h dietary recall was obtained to provide information on dietary diversity. The prevalence of underweight, wasting and stunting was 9, 4 and 26 %, respectively. More than half of the children had a low dietary diversity score, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization scoring system for children. Grains, roots, tubers, dairy products, other fruits and vegetables, and flesh-based foods were the highest consumed food groups. The lowest consumption was for eggs, vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables, legumes and nuts. Height for age and weight for age were significantly associated with dietary diversity score, but not weight for height. Children who did not meet the reference value of greater than 4 for dietary diversity had a significant risk of being underweight (AOR 0⋅25, 95 % CI 0⋅08, 0⋅75) and stunted (AOR 0⋅32, 95 % CI 0⋅14, 0⋅74). The nutritional status of the children was impacted by a lack of adequate dietary diversity. Young children in rural areas need to receive a wide range of food to promote greater diversification of diets in order to diminish the risk of undernutrition.

The industrialisation of Western food systems has reduced the regular consumption of lacto-fermented vegetables (LFV). Consuming LFV may exert health benefits through the alteration of the gut microbiome, but the mechanisms involved remain unclear. To start understanding the possible benefits of LFV, we compared faecal microbial diversity and composition, as well as dietary habits between individuals who regularly consume LFV (n = 23) and those who do not (n = 24). We utilised microbial DNA amplicon sequencing (16S rRNA and ITS2) and untargeted metabolomics (LC–MS) to analyse stool samples. Study participants also provided three consecutive days of dietary data. Results show minor effects on microbiome composition; with the enrichment of a few microorganisms potentially associated with vegetable ferments, such as Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (P < 0.05), in LFV consumers. However, LFV consumption had greater effects on the faecal metabolome, with higher abundances of butyrate, acetate, and valerate (P < 0.05) and significantly greater metabolome diversity (P < 0.001). Overall, the observations of minor changes in the faecal microbiome and greater effects on the faecal metabolome from LFV consumption warrant further investigations on the health significance of LFV as regular components of the daily diet in humans.

In 2021, the Lancet Commission on adolescent nutrition highlighted the need to prioritise the elimination of adolescent malnutrition to tap the human capital potential and break the intergenerational malnutrition trap. The nutritional requirement during adolescence reaches its peak. The present study aims to appraise the prevalence of undernutrition (stunting and thinness) and anaemia among adolescents (10–19 years) in India and the role of socioeconomic, individual-level hygiene behaviour and dietary diversity in nutritional outcomes. We have used the nationally representative Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS-2016–18) that covers children and adolescents (0–19 years) in India. The prevalence of stunting, anaemia and thinness among adolescents was 27⋅2, 28⋅5 and 24⋅1 %, respectively. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were applied to estimate the likelihood of undernutrition. The likelihood of stunting was higher for late adolescence (OR 1⋅21, 95 % CI 1⋅15, 1⋅27), low dietary diversity (OR 1⋅37, 95 % CI 1⋅26, 1⋅49) and low hygiene behaviour compliance (OR 1⋅53, 95 % CI 1⋅42, 1⋅64). Adolescents from the poorest quintile were more likely to be stunted (OR 3⋅20, 95 % CI 2⋅94, 3⋅48), anaemic (OR 1⋅66, 95 % CI 1⋅47, 1⋅87) and thin (OR 1⋅68, 95 % CI 1⋅54, 1⋅82). We found that lower hygienic compliance was significantly associated with undernutrition and anaemia. Therefore, promoting hygienic practices should be emphasised to tackle undernutrition and anaemia. Furthermore, dietary diversity and poverty were strong predictors of stunting and thinness, therefore targeting the poor and focusing on improving dietary diversity should be the priority.