Maternal thyroid hormones facilitate optimal foetal neurodevelopment; however, the exact role of the thyroid hormones on specific cognitive outcomes is unknown. The present study aimed to investigate associations between maternal thyroid function and neurodevelopmental outcomes in the Seychelles Child Development Study (SCDS) Nutrition 2 cohort (n 1328). Maternal free thyroid hormones (fT3, fT4 and fTSH) were assessed at 28 weeks’ gestation with a range of child cognitive outcomes analysed at 20 months. Dietary iodine intake was analysed for a subset of women through a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Linear regression analysis was used to test associations between serum concentrations of maternal thyroid hormones and child neurodevelopment outcomes. Thyroid hormones were analysed as continuous data and categorised as quintiles. 95% of mothers had optimal thyroid function based on fTSH concentrations. Overall, the present study shows that maternal thyroid function is not associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes in this high fish-eating population. However, a positive association, using quintiles for fT3, was reported for the Mental Developmental Index, between Q3 v. Q4 (β 0⋅073; P 0⋅043) and for Q3 v. Q5 (β value 0⋅086; P 0⋅018). To conclude, mothers in our cohort, who largely have optimal thyroid function and iodine intakes, appear able to regulate thyroid function throughout pregnancy to meet neurodevelopmental needs. However, it is possible that minor imbalances of fT3, as indicated from our secondary analysis, may impact offspring neurodevelopment. Further investigation of the relationship between maternal thyroid function and infant neurodevelopment is warranted, particularly in populations with different dietary patterns and thereby iodine intakes.

Despite the well-documented role of carbohydrate (CHO) in promoting endurance exercise performance, endurance athletes typically fail to meet current recommendations in competition. Adequate nutrition knowledge is key to drive athletes’ behaviour, but the current level of knowledge in this population is not known. The present study assessed knowledge of CHO for competition in an international cohort of endurance athletes using the Carbohydrates for Endurance Athletes in Competition Questionnaire (CEAC-Q). The CEAC-Q was completed by 1016 individuals (45 % female), from the United Kingdom (40 %), Australia/New Zealand (22 %), the United States of America/Canada (18 %) and other countries (21 %). Total CEAC-Q scores were 50 ± 20 % (mean ± sd), with no differences in scores between the five subsections (10 ± 5 points, P < 0⋅001). Based on typical knowledge and frequency of correct answers, we defined questions with low (0–39 %), moderate (40–69 %) and high (70–100 %) knowledge at a population level. Knowledge deficiencies were identified in questions related to CHO metabolism (Low: 2 out of 5 questions (2/5), Moderate: 3/5), CHO-loading (Low: 2/5, Moderate: 1/5), pre-event CHO (Low: 2/5, Moderate: 2/5), CHO during exercise (Moderate: 4/5) and CHO for recovery (Low: 3/5, Moderate: 1/5). Current CHO amounts recommendations were identified correctly for CHO-loading, pre-competition meal, during competition >2⋅5 h) and post-competition recovery by 28% (Low), 45 % (Moderate), 48 % (Moderate), and 29 % (Low), respectively. Our findings indicate that endurance athletes typically have limited knowledge of carbohydrate guidelines for competition, and we identify specific knowledge gaps that can guide targeted nutrition education to improve knowledge as an initial step towards optimal dietary practice.

The transition of foods during toddlerhood and the suboptimal diets consumed in the Middle East make children susceptible to malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Based on international recommendations, coupled with the merits of clinical studies on the application of young child formula (YCF), a group of fourteen experts from the Middle East reached a consensus on improving the nutritional status of toddlers. The recommendations put forth by the expert panel comprised twelve statements related to the relevance of YCF in young children; the impact of YCF on their nutritional parameters and functional outcomes; characteristics of the currently available YCF and its ideal composition; strategies to supply adequate nutrition in young children and educational needs of parents and healthcare professionals (HCPs). This consensus aims to serve as a guide to HCPs and parents, focusing on improving the nutritional balance in toddlers in the Middle Eastern region. The panellists considere YCF to be one of the potential solutions to improve the nutritional status of young children in the region. Other strategies to improve the nutritional status of young children include fortified cow's milk and cereals, vitamin and mineral supplements, early introduction of meat and fish, and the inclusion of diverse foods in children's diets.

Lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) may be beneficial for malnourished HIV-infected patients starting antiretroviral therapy (ART). We assessed the effect of adding vitamins and minerals to LNS on body composition and handgrip strength during ART initiation. ART-eligible HIV-infected patients with BMI <18·5 kg/m2 were randomised to LNS or LNS with added high-dose vitamins and minerals (LNS-VM) from referral for ART to 6 weeks post-ART and followed up until 12 weeks. Body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), deuterium (2H) diluted water (D2O) and air displacement plethysmography (ADP), and handgrip strength were determined at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks post-ART, and effects of LNS-VM v. LNS at 6 and 12 weeks investigated. BIA data were available for 1461, D2O data for 479, ADP data for 498 and handgrip strength data for 1752 patients. Fat mass tended to be lower, and fat-free mass correspondingly higher, by BIA than by ADP or D2O. At 6 weeks post-ART, LNS-VM led to a higher regain of BIA-assessed fat mass (0·4 (95 % CI 0·05, 0·8) kg), but not fat-free mass, and a borderline significant increase in handgrip strength (0·72 (95 % CI −0·03, 1·5) kg). These effects were not sustained at 12 weeks. Similar effects as for BIA were seen using ADP or D2O but no differences reached statistical significance. In conclusion, LNS-VM led to a higher regain of fat mass at 6 weeks and to a borderline significant beneficial effect on handgrip strength. Further research is needed to determine appropriate timing and supplement composition to optimise nutritional interventions in malnourished HIV patients.

The present study aimed to develop an isotope protocol to achieve equilibrium of 13CO2 in breath of cats during carbon oxidation studies using L-[1-13C]-Phenylalanine (L-[1-13C]-Phe), provided orally in repeated meals. One adult male cat was used in two experiments. In each experiment, three isotope protocols were tested in triplicate using the same cat. During carbon oxidation study days, the cat was offered thirteen small meals to achieve and maintain a physiological fed state. In experiment 1, the isotope protocols tested (A, B and C) had a similar priming dose of NaH13CO3 (0⋅176 mg/kg; offered in meal 6), but different priming [4⋅8 mg/kg (A) or 9⋅4 mg/kg (B and C); provided in meal 6] and constant [1⋅04 mg/kg (A and B) or 2⋅4 mg/kg (C); offered in meals 6–13] doses of L-[1-13C]-Phe. In experiment 2, the isotope protocols tested (D, E and F) had similar priming (4⋅8 mg/kg; provided in meal 5) and constant (1⋅04 mg/kg; provided in meals 5–13) doses of L-[1-13C]-Phe, but increasing priming doses of NaH13CO3 (D: 0⋅264, E: 0⋅352, F: 0⋅44 mg/kg; provided in meal 4). Breath samples were collected using respiration chambers (25-min intervals) and CO2 trapping to determine 13CO2:12CO2. Isotopic steady state was defined as the enrichment of 13CO2, above background samples, remaining constant in at least the last three samples. Treatment F resulted in the earliest achievement of 13CO2 steady state in the cat's breath. This feeding and isotope protocol can be used in future studies aiming to study amino acid metabolism in cats.

To gain knowledge on the precision of an in vitro method for characterisation of the fermentability of dietary fibres, this study aimed to evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of such a method. Substrates used were citrus pectin (CP), fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), guar gum (GG), sugar beet pulp (SBP) and wheat middlings (WM). Each substrate was incubated with faecal inoculum from five cats with three replicates for each substrate–cat combination. Gas production was measured continuously during the 48 h incubation and SCFA and organic matter disappearance (only SBP and WM) were determined after incubation. Four consecutive runs were performed. The within-run variability (repeatability) was generally lower for the more simple and pure substrates (CP, FOS, GG) than for the more complex substrates containing mixtures of fibres (SBP, WM). Replicates showed high variability, in particular for SCFA profiles and parameters of gas production kinetics. The between-run CV (reproducibility) for the measured parameters were, in general, below 10 % for CP, FOS and GG and higher values were obtained for SBP and WM. It is concluded that for precise dietary fibre characterisation, the number of replicates should be multiple and adjusted according to the variability of the parameters of interest and the complexity of fibres. The method yielded reproducible results with some variation in absolute values obtained, which may have an impact on the significance level of the differences among substrates.

The present study aimed to investigate the nutritional constituents of common market available spices in the United Arab Emirates. Seven commonly consumed spices namely, ginger (Zingiber officinale), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), black seed (Nigella sativa), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) and saffron (Crocus sativus) were obtained from local markets. Proximate analyses were performed according to AOAC procedures. Assessment of major (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P and S) and minor (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) elements was conducted using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Findings revealed varying macronutrient, micronutrient and mineral contents which are highly valuable for dietary purposes. The present study demonstrates that these edible spices could be used for nutritional support, due to their micro and macronutrient contents.

Epidemiological and intervention studies have reported negative health effects of sucrose intake, but many of these studies were not representative of typical dietary habits. In this pilot study, we aimed to test the effect of increasing sucrose intakes for 1 week on body composition and blood pressure and explore the feasibility of consuming high intakes of sucrose in addition to a habitual diet. In a randomised crossover design study, twelve healthy participants (50 % female, age 28⋅4 ± 10 years, BMI 25 ± 3 kg/m2), consumed either 40, 80 or 120 g sucrose in 500 ml water in addition to their habitual diet every day for 1 week, with a 1-week washout between treatment periods. Body composition (assessed using bioelectrical impedance) and blood pressure measurements were taken before and after each intervention phase. All participants reported no issues with consuming the sucrose dose for the intervention period. There was a significant increase in systolic blood pressure following 120 g sucrose intake (P = 0⋅006), however there was no significant changes to blood pressure, body weight, BMI, percentage protein, fat or water (P > 0⋅05) when comparing change from baseline values. There was also no effect of sucrose intakes on energy or macronutrient intakes during the intervention (P > 0⋅05). We show here that varying doses of sucrose over a 1-week period have no effect on body composition or blood pressure. The amounts of sucrose used were an acceptable addition to the habitual diet and demonstrate the feasibility of larger-scale studies of chronic sucrose supplementation.

Previous studies on the relationship between dairy consumption and hip fracture risk have reported inconsistent findings. Therefore, we aimed to conduct an algorithmically driven non-linear dose-response meta-analysis of studies assessing dairy intake and risk of developing incident hip fracture. Meta-analysis from PubMed and Google Scholar searches for articles of prospective studies of dairy intake and risk of hip fracture, supplemented by additional detailed data provided by authors. Meta-regression derived dose-response relative risks, with comprehensive algorithm-driven dose assessment across the entire dairy consumption spectrum for non-linear associations. Review of studies published in English from 1946 through December 2021. A search yielded 13 studies, with 486 950 adults and 15 320 fractures. Non-linear dose models were found to be empirically superior to a linear explanation for the effects of milk. Milk consumption was associated with incrementally higher risk of hip fractures up to an intake of 400 g/d, with a 7 % higher risk of hip fracture per 200 g/d of milk (RR 1⋅07, 95 % CI 1⋅05, 1⋅10; P < 0⋅0001), peaking with 15 % higher risk (RR 1⋅15, 95 % CI 1⋅09, 1⋅21, P < 0⋅0001) at 400 g/d versus 0 g/d. Although there is a dose-risk attenuation above 400 g/d, milk consumption nevertheless continued to exhibit elevated risk of hip fracture, compared to zero intake, up to 750 g/d. Meanwhile, the analysis of five cohort studies of yoghurt intake per 250 g/d found a linear inverse association with fracture risk (RR 0⋅85, 95 % CI 0⋅82, 0⋅89), as did the five studies of cheese intake per 43 g/d (~1 serving/day) (RR 0⋅81, 95 % CI 0⋅72, 0⋅92); these studies did not control for socioeconomic status. However, no apparent association between total dairy intake and hip fracture (RR per 250 g/d of total dairy = 0⋅97, 95 % CI 0⋅93, 1⋅004; P = 0⋅079). There were both non-linear effects and overall elevated risk of hip fracture associated with greater milk intake, while lower risks of hip fracture were reported for higher yoghurt and cheese intakes.

The effects of purslane consumption on anthropometric measurements and blood pressure have been studied in numerous experiments. However, the research findings conflict with one another. In order to assess the impact of purslane on weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), this meta-analysis was carried out. Up until February 2023, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the reference lists of the identified pertinent randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were all searched. The random-effects model was used to calculate the effect size and then to describe it as a weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) (CRD42023427955). The systematic review was able to incorporate seven RCTs. Meta-analysis showed that purslane significantly decreased body weight (WMD): −0⋅73 kg, 95 % confidence interval (CI): −1⋅37, −0⋅09, P=0⋅025), BMI (WMD: −0⋅35 kg/m2, 95 % CI: −0⋅64, −0⋅07, P=0⋅016), and SBP (WMD: −3⋅64 mmHg, 95 % CI: −6⋅42, −0⋅87, P = 0⋅01), and for WC, there was no discernible effect (WMD: −0⋅86 cm; 95 % CI, −1⋅80 to 0⋅07; P = 0⋅06) and DBP (WMD: −0⋅36 mmHg; 95 % CI, −1⋅75 to 1⋅03; P = 0⋅61). Purslane consumption, especially in participants with a BMI of <30, might play a role in decreasing SBP, body weight, BMI, and WC. Purslane consumption significantly reduced body weight, BMI, and SBP; however, WC and DBP did not experience a reduction. More investigation is needed to verify the impact of purslane consumption on anthropometric parameters and blood pressure.

Sound general and sports nutrition knowledge in athletes is essential for making appropriate dietary choices. Assessment of nutrition knowledge enables evaluation and tailoring of nutrition education. However, few well-validated tools are available to assess nutrition knowledge in athletes. The objective of the present study was to establish the validity of the Platform to Evaluate Athlete Knowledge Sports – Nutrition Questionnaire (PEAKS-NQ) for use in the United Kingdom and Irish (UK-I) athletes. To confirm content validity, twenty-three sports nutritionists (SNs) from elite, UK-I sports institutes provided feedback on the PEAKS-NQ via a modified Delphi method. After minor changes, the UK-I version of the PEAKS-NQ was administered to UK-I SN from the British Dietetic Association Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register, and elite athletes (EA) training at elite sports institutes in the UK and Ireland. Independent samples t-test and independent samples median tests were used to compare PEAKS-NQ total and subsection scores between EA and SN (to assess construct validity). Cronbach's alpha (good ≥ 0⋅7) was used to establish internal consistency. The SN achieved greater overall [SN (n 23) 92⋅3 (9⋅3) v. EA (n 154): 71⋅4 (10⋅0)%; P < 0⋅001] and individual section scores (P < 0⋅001) except Section B, Identification of Food Groups (P = 0⋅07). Largest knowledge differences between SN and EA were in Section D, Applied Sports Nutrition [SN: 88⋅5 (8⋅9) v. EA: 56⋅7 (14⋅5)%; P < 0⋅00]. Overall ES was large (2⋅1), with subsections ranging from 0⋅6 to 2⋅3. Cronbach's alpha was good (0⋅83). The PEAKS-NQ had good content and construct validity, supporting its use to assess nutrition knowledge of UK-I athletes.

Dietary supplements can be used to compensate for an inadequate diet. However, some studies indicate that supplement users consume healthier diets than non-users, although such data are lacking in Japanese children. The aim of the present study was to investigate the food and nutrient intake of dietary supplement users among school-aged children in Japan. A nationwide school dietary survey was conducted at fourteen elementary schools and thirteen junior high schools in twelve prefectures in Japan. Three-day non-consecutive semi-weighed dietary records were obtained on two weekdays and one weekend day. Analysis of covariance was performed to investigate differences in food and nutrient intake from meals consumed at school and outside of school between dietary supplement users and non-users, adjusted for socio-demographic and health-related characteristics. Of the 910 children included in this analysis, 80 (8⋅8 %) reported supplement use. Based on 3-d dietary records, dietary supplement users consumed higher mean amounts of oils and lower amounts of fruits and vegetables than non-users. In school lunches, users consumed significantly higher amounts of oils and lower amounts of protein than non-users. In meals consumed outside of school, dietary supplement users consumed significantly higher amounts of confectioneries and lower amounts of fruits and vegetables, folate, vitamin C and dietary fibre than non-users. Collectively, our findings indicate that dietary supplement users consumed less healthy diets than non-users. Additional studies are warranted to confirm these results and identify factors contributing to poorer dietary habits in supplement users.

Malnutrition remains one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among children, particularly in Ethiopia. The present study aimed to assess determinants of severe acute malnutrition among children aged 6–59 months in the pastoral community of Liban District, Southeastern Ethiopia. A case–control study design was conducted on 89 cases and 177 controls from 1–30 December 2020. A simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data collected using interviewer-administered structured questionnaire were used, and anthropometric measurements were done by standardised calibrated instruments to collect data. Data were entered into EPI data version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 25.0 software for analysis. All candidate variables with P < 0⋅25 in bivariate analysis were then entered into multivariable logistic regression. Associated factors were identified at P < 0⋅05 and 95 % CI. A total of 266 (89 cases and 177 controls) having a response rate of 96⋅6 % being underweight [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 11⋅8, 95 % CI 3⋅17, 43⋅89], illness previous 2 weeks (AOR = 3⋅47, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1⋅34, 8⋅99), family member with malnutrition (AOR = 4⋅52, 95 % CI 1⋅45, 14⋅01), greater than five family size, (AOR = 5⋅33, 95 % CI 2⋅08, 13⋅66), mothers unable to read and write (AOR = 3⋅66, 95 % CI 1⋅27, 10⋅56), mothers with low decision autonomy (AOR = 5⋅67, 95 % CI 2⋅26, 14⋅27), not handwashing at all critical time (AOR = 7⋅23, 95 % CI 2⋅74, 19⋅07), not feeding child animal source (AOR = 7⋅13, 95 % CI 1⋅98, 25⋅59), bottle feeding (AOR = 7⋅06, 95 % CI 2⋅34, 21⋅28) and being married (AOR = 0⋅05, 95 % CI 0⋅02, 0⋅19) were significantly associated with acute malnutrition. The present study has confirmed the association of acute malnutrition with maternal education, underweight, family size and inappropriate infant caring practices.

In 2013, the Danish Health Authorities recommended a change in prophylactic iron supplementation to 40–50 mg/d from gestational week 10. Hence, the aims of the present study were (1) to estimate the prevalence of women who follow the Danish recommendation on iron supplementation during the last 3 weeks of the first trimester of pregnancy and (2) to identify potential sociodemographic, reproductive and health-related pre-pregnancy predictors for iron supplementation during the first trimester. We conducted a cross-sectional study with data from the hospital-based Copenhagen Pregnancy Cohort. Characteristics were analysed by descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the associations between predictors and iron supplementation during the last 3 weeks of the first trimester. The study population consisted of 23 533 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet from October 2013 to May 2019. The prevalence of iron supplementation according to recommendations was 49⋅1 %. The pre-pregnancy factors of ≥40 years of age, the educational level below a higher degree and a vegetarian or vegan diet were identified as predictors for iron supplementation during the first trimester of pregnancy. Approximately half of the women were supplemented with the recommended dose of iron during the first trimester of pregnancy. We identified pre-pregnancy predictors associated with iron supplementation. Interventions that target women of reproductive age are needed. An enhanced focus on iron supplementation during pregnancy should be incorporated in pre-pregnancy and interpregnancy counselling.

Neutering of cats has been associated with significant weight gain in the weeks following surgery. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a moderate fat, low-energy dry expanded diet in reducing weight gain in growing pet cats when fed as part of a weight-control regimen over the 6 months post-neutering. Cats in participating primary care veterinary hospitals were enrolled at neutering and assigned to receive one of the two dietary treatments based on the hospital of origin. Owners of cats in the treatment group were instructed to feed the trial diet at maintenance (324·7 kJ/kg BW0·711 per d). Instructions for the control group were to feed the cat's regular diet according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Body weight and condition were evaluated by veterinarians at enrolment, 2-weeks, and 1–4 and 6 months after surgery. Body condition score (five-point scale) was compared between enrolment and each subsequent visit, controlling for enrolment age and sex. Percentage change in body weight was evaluated via multivariate mixed modelling to account for repeated measures. A total of 187 cats (eighty-seven females and 100 males) with a mean age of 5·2 (sd 0·8) months and mean weight of 2·8 (sd 0·6) kg from fifty-one hospitals completed the trial. The odds of being scored as overweight were 4·1 times as great for cats in the control v. treatment groups (95 % CI 2·1, 8·2). Percentage change in body weight differed significantly with enrolment age (P = 0·007) and approached significance between diet groups (P = 0·08). Cats fed the trial diet had a significantly reduced incidence of overweight in the 6 months following neutering.

Studies in many Western countries have consistently shown that monetary diet cost is positively associated with diet quality, but this may not necessarily be the case in Japan. This cross-sectional study examined the nutritional correlates of monetary diet cost among 3963 young (all 18 years old), 3800 middle-aged (mean age 48 years) and 2211 older (mean age 74 years) Japanese women. Dietary intakes were assessed using a comprehensive self-administered diet history questionnaire for young and middle-aged women and a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire for older women. Monetary diet cost was estimated using retail food prices. Total vegetables, fish and shellfish, green and black tea, white rice, meat, fruit and alcoholic beverages contributed most (79–89 %) to inter-individual variation in monetary diet cost. Multiple regression analyses showed that monetary diet cost was negatively associated with carbohydrate intake, but positively with intakes of all other nutrients examined (including not only dietary fibre and key vitamins and minerals but also saturated fat and Na) in all generations. For food group intakes, irrespective of age, monetary diet cost was associated inversely with white rice and bread but positively with pulses, potatoes, fruit, total vegetables, fruit and vegetable juice, green and black tea, fish and shellfish, and meat. In conclusion, in all three generations of Japanese women and contrary to Western populations, monetary diet cost was positively associated with not only healthy dietary components (including fruits, vegetables, fish and shellfish, dietary fibre, and key vitamins and minerals), but also less healthy components (including saturated fat and Na).

Both high and low body weight are associated with adverse health risk for both mother and children. Studies evaluating trends in the coverage of undernutrition and overnutrition among ever-married Bangladeshi women are limited. The objective of the present study is to assess the trends and develop future projections of body weight status among Bangladeshi women and to estimate the smoothed mean BMI by women's age for the national level and across urban and rural areas. Data from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 2004 and 2014 were used. The annual rate of change in the prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity, and smoothed age-specific mean BMI was estimated. During 2004–14, the prevalence of underweight reduced with an annual rate of 5⋅9 % at the national level, while the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased with an annual rate of 8⋅6 and 9⋅6 %, respectively. With the recent trends, the prevalence of underweight is expected to reduce from 11⋅9 % in 2020 to 6⋅5 % by 2025. In 2020, the prevalence of overweight and obesity were 30⋅0 and 6⋅9 %, respectively, which are projected to increase to 38⋅5 and 9⋅0 %, respectively, by 2025, if present trends continue. By 2030, the prevalence of overweight was predicted to be much higher in urban areas (44⋅7 %) compared with rural areas (36⋅5 %). Multifaceted nutrition programme should be introduced for rapid reduction of undernutrition and to halt the rise of the prevalence of overweight and obesity.

Diet is a modifiable contributor to health. The lack of adherence to recommended dietary guidelines may contribute to the disproportionate burden of obesity and other chronic conditions observed in the Deep South region of the United States. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to describe food group intake and diet quality by race and weight status of women in the Deep South. Study participants were eighty-nine healthy female volunteers (56 % black, 44 % white, mean age 39⋅7 ± 1⋅4 years) recruited from Birmingham, AL, USA. Body Mass Index (BMI) determined weight status (non-obese/obese). Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) calculated from dietary recalls assessed diet quality. Wilcoxon sum-rank test compared HEI-2010 scores by race and weight status. χ2 analysis compared the percentage of women who achieved maximum points for HEI-2010 index food components by subgroup. Caloric and macronutrient intake did not differ by race or weight status (mean kcal 1863⋅0 ± 62⋅0). Median Total HEI-2010 Score for the sample was 51⋅9 (IQR: 39⋅1–63⋅4). Although there was no statistical difference in diet quality by race, more whites achieved the maximum score for vegetable intake compared to blacks, while blacks reported higher total fruit intake. Non-obese women reported better diet quality (56⋅9 v. 46⋅1; P = 0⋅04) and eating more whole fruits, and more achieved the maximum score for protein from plant and seafood sources. In summary, differences in diet quality were observed by weight status, but not race among this sample. These results point to tailored dietary interventions for women in metropolitan areas of Alabama, USA.

There is limited knowledge about the associations between intakes of different foods and inconsistency in the literature of the relation between the quality of food intake and bodyweight in adolescents. The aim of this study is to explore how healthy self-reported food intakes are associated with each other and with overweight/obesity in adolescents. This is a cross-sectional study of seven cohorts of adolescents (n 13 451) who turned sixteen from 2009/2010 up to 2015/2016 and responded to a health questionnaire used by the School Health Services in southeast Sweden. Associations between intakes of ten self-reported foods as well as between food intakes and weight groups based on the International Obesity Task Force standards (isoBMI) were explored by multivariable logistic regression. Healthy intakes of different foods were mostly associated with each other with the strongest association between a high intake of fruit and a high intake of vegetables (odds ratio (OR) = 25 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 20⋅0–33⋅1)). A low-frequency intake of sweets/snacks (OR = 2⋅35 (95 % CI 1⋅84–3⋅00)) was associated with overweight/obesity as well as a healthy choice of butter/margarine (≤40 % fat) (OR = 1⋅82 (95 % CI 1⋅39 to 2⋅41)), but a high-frequency intake of vegetables was negatively associated with overweight/obesity 0⋅77 (0⋅62–0⋅95). To promote health and achieve a healthy weight among adolescents, it is important to take both diet quality and total food amount into consideration.