One of the most significant challenges in research related to nutritional epidemiology is the achievement of high accuracy and validity of dietary data to establish an adequate link between dietary exposure and health outcomes. Recently, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in various fields has filled this gap with advanced statistical models and techniques for nutrient and food analysis. We aimed to systematically review available evidence regarding the validity and accuracy of AI-based dietary intake assessment methods (AI-DIA). In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, an exhaustive search of the EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify relevant publications from their inception to 1 December 2024. Thirteen studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this analysis. Of the studies identified, 61·5 % were conducted in preclinical settings. Likewise, 46·2 % used AI techniques based on deep learning and 15·3 % on machine learning. Correlation coefficients of over 0·7 were reported in six articles concerning the estimation of calories between the AI and traditional assessment methods. Similarly, six studies obtained a correlation above 0·7 for macronutrients. In the case of micronutrients, four studies achieved the correlation mentioned above. A moderate risk of bias was observed in 61·5 % (n 8) of the articles analysed, with confounding bias being the most frequently observed. AI-DIA methods are promising, reliable and valid alternatives for nutrient and food estimations. However, more research comparing different populations is needed, as well as larger sample sizes, to ensure the validity of the experimental designs.

Artificial sweeteners are used to reduce energy intake, but studies suggest that consumption during pregnancy may impact the offspring’s risk of overweight. In this longitudinal cohort study, we aimed to examine the association between consumption of artificially sweetened or sugar-sweetened beverages during pregnancy and offspring overweight from birth to 18 years in the Danish National Birth Cohort. A total of 101 042 pregnancies were enrolled in the Danish National Birth Cohort from 1996 to 2002. Follow-up was conducted throughout pregnancy, childhood and adolescence. Additionally, 72 821 women completed an FFQ during pregnancy, reporting intake of beverages sweetened with artificial sweeteners or sugar. Offspring height and weight were obtained during childhood and adolescence. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to estimate the OR for overweight concerning maternal beverage consumption. Analyses were adjusted for risk factors for childhood overweight, including maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, physical activity and smoking in pregnancy, healthy eating index, paternal BMI, socio-economic status and duration of breastfeeding. We found increased odds of overweight in 7-, 11-, 14- and 18-year-old offspring whose mothers reported drinking ≥ 1 artificially sweetened beverage daily during pregnancy compared with no consumption (18 years: adjusted OR 1·26 (95 % CI 1·12, 1·42)). We found decreased adjusted odds of overweight in 11- and 18-year-old offspring whose mothers reported drinking ≥ 1 sugar-sweetened beverage daily during pregnancy compared with no consumption. We found that consumption of artificially sweetened beverages during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of overweight in childhood and adolescence after adjustment for risk factors for childhood overweight.

Whole-body and regional raw bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) parameters have been used to develop lean soft tissue estimation prediction models. Still, no regional fat mass (FM) assessment models have been provided. Hence, we aimed to develop and validate BIA-derived equations to predict regional FM against dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in healthy adults. One hundred and forty-eight adults (77 females) were included in this cross-sectional investigation. DXA assessed whole-body and regional FM and raw bioelectrical parameters of distinct body regions were measured using a 50 kHz phase-sensitive BIA analyser. BIA-derived equations were developed for each sex using a stepwise multiple linear regression approach in 2/3 of the sample and cross-validated in the remaining sample. The BIA-derived equations exhibited moderate to very strong relationships (P < 0·001) with DXA-measured FM of all body regions in females (r = 0·650 to 0·907) and males (r = 0·401 to 0·807). Also, for all the models, no significant deviation from linearity was found (P > 0·10). Agreement analyses revealed no associations between the differences and the means of the predicted and DXA-derived FM. However, the limits of agreement were large, with individual errors exceeding 50 % in females and 70 % in males. While the new BIA-derived equations provide a valid estimate of regional FM in middle-aged healthy adults at the population level, demonstrating a cost-effective alternative to DXA for assessing regional FM, caution is advised when applying these equations for individual-level analysis.

There has been concern regarding the consumption of fruit juices because of the high levels of naturally occurring sugars they contain, which could rapidly elevate glycaemic response and increase the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. We conducted two trials in which each volunteer ingested (1) white bread with 200 ml of two types of orange juice (OJ) prepared from ‘Moro’ and ‘Pera’ varieties (MOJ and POJ) – the former containing anthocyanins – and the same juices alone; and (2) 200 ml of POJ or MOJ followed by a sandwich made with white bread, plus light cheese or butter, and also the same juices alone. Capillary blood was collected over 120 min, and glucose and insulin levels were analysed. In the cross-over clinical design with healthy volunteers, we observed that both OJ does not increase blood glucose and insulin, even when co-consumed with other typical breakfast foods in Brazil. In conclusion, OJ does not elevate postprandial glycaemic responses to the meal while providing additional sugars and nutrients.

Studies on longitudinal associations between diet quality and lipid and amino acid metabolism in children and adolescents are limited. We studied associations between diet quality and serum markers of lipid and amino acid metabolism in the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) study. These analyses included 403 children aged 6–9 years at baseline, 360 re-examined 2 years later at age 9–11 years and 219 eight years later at age 15–17 years. Food intake was recorded over 4 days, and diet quality was assessed using the Finnish Children Healthy Eating Index (FCHEI). Fasting serum fatty acids, amino acids, apolipoproteins and lipoprotein particle sizes were analysed via NMR spectroscopy. Linear mixed-effects models, adjusted for sex, age, body fat percentage, pubertal stage and physical activity were used to analyse the associations. Better diet quality was linked to increased serum PUFA and reduced saturated and MUFA, alanine and VLDL particle size. Consuming more vegetables, fruits, berries, vegetable oils and margarine with at least 60 % fat, fish and whole grains is associated with higher serum PUFA, lower SFA and smaller VLDL particles. Conversely, consuming higher-fat dairy products and sugary products is associated with higher saturated and MUFA, branched-chain and aromatic amino acids and larger VLDL particles. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, unsaturated fats and fibre, with reduced sugar consumption, promotes favourable metabolic changes relevant to cardiometabolic health.

Low vitamin D associated with high parathyroid hormone (PTH) is common in HIV infection. We determined the association between total 25(OH)D and PTH in adolescents living with HIV, in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Adolescents (11–19 years) perinatally infected with HIV and established on antiretroviral therapy for ≥ 6 months were recruited into a cross-sectional study. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded, anthropometry measured and fasted serum concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D, total 25(OH)D and intact PTH measured. The association between total 25(OH)D and PTH was examined using natural cubic spline regression. 842 participants (female: 53·2%) with a median age of 15·5 (IQR: 13·2–17·9) years were enrolled. Median antiretroviral therapy duration was 9·8 (IQR: 6·3–12·3) years, and 165/841 had an HIV viral-load >60 copies/ml. Stunting (height-for-age z-score <–2) and underweight (weight-for-age z-score <–2) were observed in 29·9 and 30·0%, respectively. Three-quarters reported daily Ca intakes <150 mg/d. The mean (sd) concentrations of total 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D were 66·1(16·5) nmol/l and 210·6 (70·4) pmol/l, respectively, and median PTH level was 4·3 (IQR: 3·3–5·5) pmol/l. There was an inverse non-linear relationship between total 25(OH)D and PTH, 25(OH)D levelling off at 74·6 nmol/l (95 % CI: 74·5, 75·2). Results were consistent in those taking tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and virally unsuppressed participants. In this population with extremely low habitual Ca intakes, the lack of association between 25(OH)D and PTH when 25(OH)D exceeded 75 nmol/l potentially suggests that levels of 25(OH)D >75 nmol/l may need to be achieved to improve bone health; investigation is needed in future research studies.

This study examined the relationship between total body fat percentage (TBFP), trunk fat percentage (TFP), and urinary flow rate (UFR) using NHANES data (2011–2018) from 10 521 participants aged 18–59. Multivariable-adjusted regression models assessed associations between dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-measured fat percentages and UFR. Results showed that increased TBFP and TFP were inversely associated with UFR (TBFP: β = −0·013, 95 % CI [–0·018, −0·007]; TFP: β = –0·014, 95 % CI [–0·018, −0·009]). Stratified analyses revealed gender differences: in males, higher TBFP and TFP correlated with lower UFR (TBFP: β = –0·011, 95 % CI [−0·019, −0·004]; TFP: β = –0·016, 95 % CI [−0·022, −0·009]), but this association was absent in males aged 18–35. In females, both TBFP and TFP were consistently linked to reduced UFR across all age groups (TBFP: β = −0·016, 95 % CI [−0·023, −0·008]; TFP: β = −0·012, 95 % CI [−0·019, −0·006]). These findings suggest that body and trunk fat accumulation negatively impact UFR, with stronger effects in females and age-dependent variations in males. Further research should explore mechanisms behind these disparities to guide targeted interventions.

Measurement error undermines the accuracy of dietary intake data. The 24-h dietary recall (24HR) is the standard data collection method in nutrition surveillance. Several neurocognitive processes underpin the act of recall, and individuals differ in their performance of these processes. This study aimed to investigate whether variation in neurocognitive processes, measured using four cognitive tasks, was associated with variation in measurement error of 24HR. Participants (n 139) completed the Trail Making Test, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, the Visual Digit Span and the Vividness of Visual Imagery questionnaire. During a controlled feeding study, participants completed three technology-assisted 24HR: the Automated Self-Administered Dietary Assessment Tool, Intake24 and an Interviewer-Administered Image-Assisted 24HR (IA-24HR) 1 week apart. The percentage error between reported and true energy intakes was calculated. Using linear regression, the association between cognitive task scores and absolute percentage error in estimated energy intake was assessed. Longer time spent completing the Trail Making Test, an indicator of visual attention and executive functioning, was associated with greater error in energy intake estimation using ASA24 (B 0·13, 95 % CI 0·04, 0·21) and Intake24 (B 0·10, 95 % CI 0·02, 0·19). Regression models explained 13·6 % (ASA24) and 15·8 % (Intake24) of the variance in energy estimation error. No cognitive task scores were associated with error using IA-24HR. This study demonstrates that variation between individuals in neurocognitive processes explains some of the variation in 24HR error. Further investigation into the role of neurocognitive processes in 24HR and their role in the reliability of dietary intake data is warranted.

High intake of dietary advanced glycation end products (AGE) could induce oxidative stress, inflammation and the gut microbiota dysbiosis processes that play a major role in the development of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). There is limited data on the association between AGE intake and FGID. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association of AGE with FGID in Iranian adults. In a cross-sectional analysis under the framework of the Isfahan functional disorders study, data on 1892 Iranian healthy adults aged 18–65 years were examined. Participants’ dietary intakes were collected using a validated dish-based, 106-item FFQ. Dietary AGE content of seventy-two food items was measured for all participants. FGID were assessed using Rome IV criteria. In total, 38 % of subjects had one of the most prevalent upper or lower FGID. The mean of AGE intake was 14690·10 (sd 8797·25) (kU/gr). In the fully adjusted model, being in the highest v. lowest tertile of AGE intake was associated with increased odds of FGID (OR = 1·78; 95 % CI: 1·01, 3·36). In stratified analysis by sex, males in the highest tertile of AGE intake showed higher odds of FGID than those in the lowest tertile (OR = 2·15; 95 % CI: 1·04, 4·45). However, in females, the AGE intake was not significantly associated with the risk of FGID in the fully adjusted model. Higher AGE intake was significantly associated with an increased risk of FGID, particularly in men. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Prior studies have shown that plant-based diets are associated with lower cardiovascular risk. However, these diets encompass a large diversity of foods with contrasted nutritional quality that may differentially impact health. We aimed to investigate the pooled cross-sectional association between metabolic syndrome (MetS), its components and healthy and unhealthy plant-based diet indices (hPDI and uPDI), using data from two French cohorts and one representative study from the French population. This study included 16 358 participants from the NutriNet-Santé study, 1769 participants from the Esteban study and 1565 participants from the STANISLAS study who underwent a clinical visit. The MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation definition. The associations between these plant-based diet indices and MetS were estimated by multivariable Poisson and logistic regression models, stratified by gender. Meta-analysis enabled the computation of a pooled prevalence ratio. A higher contribution of healthy plant foods (higher hPDI) was associated with a lower probability of having MetS (PRmen: 0·85; 95 % CI: 0·75, 0·94, PRwomen: 0·72; 95 % CI: 0·67, 0·77), elevated waist circumferences and elevated blood pressure. In women, a higher hPDI was associated with a lower probability of having elevated triacylglyceride (TAG), low HDL-cholesterolaemia and hyperglycaemia; and a higher contribution of unhealthy plant foods was associated with a higher prevalence of MetS (PRwomen: 1·13; 95 % CI: 1·01, 1·26) and elevated TAG. A greater contribution of healthy plant floods was associated with protective effects on metabolic syndrome, especially in women. Gender differences should be further investigated in relation to the current sustainable nutrition transition.

Children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present feeding problems that may influence food acceptance and refusal. However, data regarding dietary intake variability in this population are either not available in the literature or not well-known. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the within-person and between-person variability, and the number of days needed for a 24-hour recall (24HR) to estimate the usual intake of children and adolescents with ASD. Data were collected from 284 patients assisted at a public neuropediatric health service in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. Food consumption was assessed using three non-consecutive 24HR. Within-person (S2w) and between-person (S2b) variances, the variance ratio (VR) and the distribution of energy, macronutrients and micronutrients were obtained using the Multiple Source Method® (version 1.0.1). The number of days of 24HR needed was calculated for correlation coefficients of 0·7, 0·8 and 0·9. For most nutrients, S2w was greater than S2b, resulting in VR > 1, except for age-group analyses where children up to 5 years old showed VR < 1. Two to three days of 24HR were estimated for most nutrients, considering a correlation coefficient of 0·8. Differences were observed according to sex and age group, with adolescents requiring more days of 24HR. These findings indicate the need to assess dietary variability among individuals with ASD according to the characteristics of this investigated population.

The diet proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission has faced criticism concerning its affordability. This study aimed to investigate the cost associated with a greater alignment to the EAT-Lancet reference diet in the province of Québec, Canada. The dietary habits of 1147 French-speaking adults were assessed using repeated web-based 24-h recall data collected between 2015 and 2017 in the cross-sectional PRÉDicteurs Individuels, Sociaux et Environnementaux (PREDISE) study. Diet costs were calculated using a Nielsen food price database. Usual dietary intakes and diet costs were estimated using the National Cancer Institute’s multivariate Markov Chain Monte Carlo method. Adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet was assessed using the EAT-Lancet dietary index (EAT-I). Associations between diet costs and EAT-I scores were evaluated using linear regression models with restricted cubic splines. After adjustment for energy intake, a higher EAT-I score (75th v. 25th percentiles) was associated with a 1·0 $CAD increase in daily diet costs (95 % CI, 0·7, 1·3). This increase in diet costs was mostly driven by the following component scores of the EAT-I (75th v. 25th percentiles, higher scores reflecting greater adherence): vegetables (1·6 $CAD/d, 95 % CI: 1·2, 2·1), free sugars (1·6 $CAD/d, 95 % CI: 1·3, 1·9), fish and plant-based proteins (1·4 $CAD/d, 95 % CI: 1·0, 1·8), fruits (0·9 $CAD/d, 95 % CI: 0·4, 1·3) and whole grains (0·4 $CAD/d, 95 % CI: 0·0, 0·8). Inversely, a greater score for the poultry and eggs component was associated with reduced diet costs (–1·2 $CAD/d, 95 % CI: −1·7, −0·7). This study suggests that adhering to the EAT-Lancet diet may be associated with an increase in diet costs in the province of Québec.

This review aimed to assess the impact of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) consumption on CVD risk factors. Relevant studies were identified through electronic searches of databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL and EMBASE, up to January 2025. Twelve trials involving 770 participants with interventions ranging from 2 to 12 weeks and doses varying from 125 to 40 000 mg/d were included. Okra supplementation significantly reduced BMI (standardised mean difference (SMD) = −0·70; 95 % CI −1·23, −0·16; P = 0·011), fat mass (SMD = −0·74; 95 % CI −1·13, −0·36; P < 0·001), hip circumference (SMD = −0·85; 95 % CI −1·41, −0·28; P = 0·003), weight (SMD = −0·77; 95 % CI −1·42, −0·11; P = 0·022), fasting insulin (SMD = −0·35; 95 % CI −0·63, −0·07; P = 0·013), fasting plasma glucose (SMD = −1·07; 95 % CI −1·75, −0·38; P = 0·002), HbA1c (SMD = −0·38; 95 % CI −0·71, −0·05; P = 0·023), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (SMD = −0·56; 95 % CI −0·84, −0·29; P < 0·001), LDL-cholesterol (SMD = −0·32; 95 % CI −0·52, −0·11; P = 0·003), total cholesterol (SMD = −0·45; 95 % CI −0·74, −0·16; P = 0·003) and aspartate aminotransferase (SMD = −0·45; 95 % CI −0·73, −0·17; P = 0·002). Okra supplementation demonstrated significant benefits in improving anthropometric measures, glycaemic control, lipid profiles and liver function tests, suggesting its potential as an adjunct therapy for improving CVD risk factors.

Current literature has shown that poor sleep patterns and social jet lag (SJL) are associated with obesity and weight gain. However, this area remains underexplored in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. We hypothesised that higher levels of SJL and poorer sleep patterns are associated with lower weight loss, greater caloric/nutrient intake and poorer metabolic outcomes following surgery. This study aims to assess the associations of SJL and subjective sleep with anthropometric, metabolic and dietary parameters during the first year following bariatric surgery. SJL, sleep quality and daytime sleepiness were measured in 122 patients (77 % women; median age 33·0 [28·0 – 41·7]). SJL was estimated by the absolute difference between the midpoint of sleep and wake times on weekdays and weekends. Daytime sleepiness and sleep quality were evaluated using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (Epworth) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively. Multiple linear regressions were employed to evaluate the associations of SJL, sleep quality and daytime sleepiness with weight loss, metabolic and dietary outcomes. Independent variables were negatively associated with weight loss after surgery: SJL at 6 months and 1 year; sleep quality at all time points and sleepiness after one year (P < 0·05). SJL was positively associated with calorie and protein intake after 1-year post-surgery (P < 0·05). Our results show that higher SJL and poorer sleep patterns are associated with worse anthropometric, metabolic and dietary outcomes after bariatric surgery. These findings reinforce the importance of addressing variables related to biological rhythms to optimise post-surgical outcomes in bariatric patients.

Understanding the correlation between genes and diet holds significance in formulating tailored nutritional guidance and enhancing public health initiatives. Consequently, a thorough examination is undertaken to clarify the interplay between varying nutrient intake, glutathione S-transferases Mu1 and Theta 1 (GSTM1 & T1) gene variants and susceptibility to cancer development. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive search on MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases up to 30 April 2023. The review included observational studies that explored the relationship between dietary consumption of acrylamide, fruits, vegetables, plant-based foods, total meat, red meat, coffee and green tea, as well as the presence of GSTM1 and T1 gene polymorphisms, and the risk of cancer in adult populations. The review findings indicated that high levels of risk factors, particularly red meat, have been linked to a higher chance of developing colorectal cancer risk among individuals with the GSTM1 null genotype. In contrast, heightened levels of protective factors, such as cruciferous vegetables, green tea, coffee and fruit, have been associated with a decreased risk of lung cancer, adult leukaemia, cutaneous melanoma and lung cancer in individuals exhibiting GST polymorphisms. There is a scarcity of comprehensive studies examining different types of cancer due to various dietary patterns and genetic variations. Research has illuminated the complex interplay among dietary factors, gene polymorphisms and cancer risk, further comprehensive studies are needed to understand and validate these findings fully. More robust investigations across diverse populations are crucial to developing personalised nutritional interventions and strengthening public health strategies.

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-inflammatory skin disease. Cross-sectional research examining diet quality indices in psoriasis has focused on the Mediterranean diet and is confined to Mediterranean populations, thereby lacking generalisability to other populations. We explored associations between diet quality indices and the likelihood of reporting a higher psoriasis severity. This was an online cross-sectional study recruiting adult volunteers with psoriasis (n 257). A 147-item FFQ evaluated adherence to the Mediterranean diet score, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension score and the Plant-based Diet Index (PDI), including its original (oPDI), healthy (hPDI) and unhealthy (uPDI) subtypes. Psoriasis severity was determined with the self-assessed Simplified Psoriasis Index. When adjusted for age, sex, smoking, alcohol overconsumption, energy intake and psychological morbidity, multinomial logistic regression analyses revealed an increased likelihood of reporting a higher psoriasis severity in participants with a very low adherence to Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (OR = 3·75; 95 % CI 1·313, 10·700; P = 0·01) and hPDI (OR = 4·04; 95 % CI 1·251, 13·064; P = 0·02) patterns. A reduced likelihood of reporting a higher psoriasis severity was shown in participants with low adherence to the uPDI (OR = 0·25; 95 % CI 0·085, 0·716; P = 0·01). With further adjustment for BMI, a very low adherence to the oPDI was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of reporting a higher psoriasis severity (OR = 3·46; 95 % CI 1·029, 11·656; P = 0·05). Dietary interventions and assessment should be introduced in the care pathway for psoriasis management.