scholarly journals Dietary changes and anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic: a multinational survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vered Kaufman-Shriqui ◽  
Daniela Abigail Navarro ◽  
Olga Raz ◽  
Mona Boaz
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Point Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediterranean Diet Score ◽  
General Anxiety Disorder ◽  
General Anxiety ◽  
Stress Control ◽  
Online Study ◽  
Diet Score

Abstract Background/objectives The 2020 global coronavirus pandemic is characterized by increased anxiety. Anxiety has been associated with poor diet quality and weight gain, which may lead to obesity, a risk factor for adverse COVID-19 outcomes. The present study was designed to examine associations between diet quality and anxiety levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subjects/methods This cross-sectional, international online study was conducted between March 30 and April 25, 2020 and available in seven languages: Arabic (7.6%), English (43.7%), French (0.8%), Hebrew (42.1%), Italian (3%), Russian (1.1%), and Spanish (1.6%). Diet quality was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Score (possible range: 0–17 points) and anxiety scored using the General Anxiety Disorder 7-point scale (GAD-7). The Google Survey platform was used to conduct the survey. Results A total of 3797 persons were included in the present analysis. More than 75% of respondents were female; most completed the survey in English or Hebrew. Median age was 31 (IQ = 18) years. Almost 60% indicated that their pre-pandemic diet was healthier than their current diet. The median Mediterranean diet score was 9 (IQ = 3). The majority (54%) of participants reported at least mild anxiety, while 25% reported moderate anxiety or more severe. In a logistic regression model of at least moderate anxiety, Mediterranean diet score (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.89–0.95, p < 0.0001) reduced odds of elevated anxiety, even after controlling for age, sex and other variables. Conclusions Though causality cannot be inferred, associations between diet quality and anxiety might suggest public health interventions including diet and stress control during future mass lockdowns.

scholarly journals Associations between energy density of meals and snacks and overall diet quality and adiposity measures in British children and adolescents: the National Diet and Nutrition Survey

2016 ◽  
Vol 116 (9) ◽  
pp. 1633-1645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kentaro Murakami ◽  
M. Barbara E. Livingstone
Keyword(s):  
Energy Density ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Nutrition Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediterranean Diet Score ◽  
Dietary Record ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Diet Score ◽  
British Children

AbstractThis cross-sectional study examined how energy density (ED) of meals and snacks are associated with overall diet quality and adiposity measures in 1617 British children aged 4–18 years from the 1997 National Diet and Nutrition Survey. On the basis of data from 7-d weighed dietary record, all eating occasions were divided into meals or snacks on the basis of time (meals: 06.00–09.00, 12.00–14.00 and 17.00–20.00 hours; snacks: all others) or contribution to energy intake (EI) (meals: ≥15 %; snacks: <15 %). ED of meals and snacks was calculated on the basis of food only. Overall diet quality was assessed using the Mediterranean diet score (range 0–8). Irrespective of the definition of meals and snacks, ≥67 % of EI was derived from meals, whereas ED of meals was lower than ED of snacks (mean: 8·50–8·75 v. 9·69–10·52 kJ/g). Both ED of meals and ED of snacks were inversely associated with total intakes of vegetables, fruits, dietary fibre and overall diet quality and positively associated with total intakes of fat. However, the associations were stronger for ED of meals. The change in the Mediterranean diet score with a 1-unit increase of ED (kJ/g) was −0·35 to −0·30 for ED of meals and −0·09 to −0·06 for ED of snacks (all P<0·0001). After adjustment for potential confounders, all measures of ED of meals and snacks did not show positive associations with adiposity measures. In conclusion, although both ED of meals and ED of snacks were associated with adverse profiles of overall diet quality (but not adiposity measures), stronger associations were observed for ED of meals.

scholarly journals Alternate Mediterranean diet score is positively associated with skeletal muscle mass index in middle-aged adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 117 (8) ◽  
pp. 1181-1188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui-yuan Tian ◽  
Rui Qiu ◽  
Li-peng Jing ◽  
Zhan-yong Chen ◽  
Geng-dong Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Mass ◽  
General Information ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediterranean Diet Score ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Mass Index ◽  
Diet Score

AbstractResearches have suggested Mediterranean diet might lower the risk of chronic diseases, but data on skeletal muscle mass (SMM) are limited. This community-based cross-sectional study examined the association between the alternate Mediterranean diet score (aMDS) and SMM in 2230 females and 1059 males aged 40–75 years in Guangzhou, China. General information and habitual dietary information were assessed in face-to-face interviews conducted during 2008–2010 and 3 years later. The aMDS was calculated by summing the dichotomous points for the items of higher intakes of whole grain, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, fish and ratio of MUFA:SFA, lower red meat and moderate ethanol consumption. The SMM of the whole body, limbs, arms and legs were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry during 2011–2013. After adjusting for potential covariates, higher aMDS was positively associated with skeletal muscle mass index (SMI, SMM/height2, kg/m2) at all of the studied sites in males (all Ptrend<0·05). The multiple covariate-adjusted SMI means were 2·70 % (whole body), 2·65 % (limbs), 2·50 % (arms) and 2·70 % (legs) higher in the high (v. low) category aMDS in males (all P<0·05). In females, the corresponding values were 1·35 % (Ptrend=0·03), 1·05, 0·52 and 1·20 %, (Ptrend>0·05). Age-stratified analyses showed that the favourable associations tended to be more pronounced in the younger subjects aged less than the medians of 59·2 and 62·2 years in females and males (Pinteraction>0·10). In conclusion, the aMDS shows protective associations with SMM in Chinese adults, particularly in male and younger subjects.

scholarly journals Relative validation of the adapted Mediterranean Diet Score for Adolescents by comparison with nutritional biomarkers and nutrient and food intakes: the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) study

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (13) ◽  
pp. 2381-2397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Aparicio-Ugarriza ◽  
Magdalena Cuenca-García ◽  
Marcela Gonzalez-Gross ◽  
Cristina Julián ◽  
Silvia Bel-Serrat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Continuous Variable ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediterranean Diet Score ◽  
Diet Score ◽  
Helena Study

AbstractObjective:To investigate whether adherence to the adapted Mediterranean Diet Score for Adolescents (MDS_A) and the adapted Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Adolescents (KIDMED_A) is associated with better food/nutrient intakes and nutritional biomarkers.Design:The Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) study is a cross-sectional study aiming to obtain comparable data on a variety of nutritional and health-related parameters in European adolescents aged 12·5–17·5 years.Setting:Nine European countries.Participants:European adolescents (n 2330) recruited to the HELENA study. Dietary intake was obtained with 24 h dietary recalls, an FFQ and a Food Choices and Preferences questionnaire. MDS_A was calculated as a categorical variable using cut-offs (MDS_A), as a continuous variable (zMDS_A) and with energy adjustments (zEnMDS_A). The KIDMED_A score was also calculated.Results:Multilevel linear regression analysis showed positive associations for zMDS_A and KIDMED_A with serum levels of vitamin D, vitamin C, plasma folate, holo-transcobalamin, β-carotene and n-3 fatty acids, while negative associations were observed with trans-fatty acid serum levels. For categorical indices, blood biomarkers showed few significant results. zMDS_A and KIDMED_A showed positive associations with vegetables and fruits intake, and negative associations with energy-dense and low-nutritious foods. zMDS_A and KIDMED_A were positively associated with all macronutrients, vitamins and minerals (all P &lt; 0·0001), except with monosaccharides and PUFA for KIDMED_A and cholesterol for both indices (P &lt; 0·05).Conclusions:zMDS_A and KIDMED_A have shown the strongest associations with the dietary indicators and biomarkers that have been associated with the Mediterranean diet before, and are therefore considered the most appropriate and valid Mediterranean diet scores for European adolescents.

scholarly journals Diet quality and attention capacity in European adolescents: the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) study

2017 ◽  
Vol 117 (11) ◽  
pp. 1587-1595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pontus Henriksson ◽  
Magdalena Cuenca-García ◽  
Idoia Labayen ◽  
Irene Esteban-Cornejo ◽  
Hanna Henriksson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functions ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Quality Index ◽  
Maternal Education ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Mediterranean Diet Score ◽  
Diet Quality Index ◽  
Diet Score

AbstractAdolescence represents an important period for the development of executive functions, which are a set of important cognitive processes including attentional control. However, very little is known regarding the associations of nutrition with components of executive functions in adolescence. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate associations of dietary patterns and macronutrient composition with attention capacity in European adolescents. This cross-sectional study included 384 (165 boys and 219 girls) adolescents, aged 12·5–17·5 years, from five European countries in the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence study. Attention capacity was examined using the d2 Test of Attention. Dietary intake was assessed through two non-consecutive 24 h recalls using a computer-based self-administered tool. Three dietary patterns (diet quality index, ideal diet score and Mediterranean diet score) and macronutrient/fibre intakes were calculated. Linear regression analysis was conducted adjusting for age, sex, BMI, maternal education, family affluence scale, study centre and energy intake (only for Mediterranean diet score). In these adjusted regression analyses, higher diet quality index for adolescents and ideal diet score were associated with a higher attention capacity (standardised β=0·16, P=0·002 and β=0·15, P=0·005, respectively). Conversely, Mediterranean diet score or macronutrient/fibre intake were not associated with attention capacity (P>0·05). Our results suggest that healthier dietary patterns, as indicated by higher diet quality index and ideal diet score, were associated with attention capacity in adolescence. Intervention studies investigating a causal relationship between diet quality and attention are warranted.

scholarly journals Nut Consumptions as a Marker of Higher Diet Quality in a Mediterranean Population at High Cardiovascular Risk

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Bibiloni ◽  
Alicia Julibert ◽  
Cristina Bouzas ◽  
Miguel Martínez-González ◽  
Dolores Corella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Quality Index ◽  
Mediterranean Population ◽  
High Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Mediterranean Diet Score ◽  
Nutrient Adequacy ◽  
Diet Score

Background: Nut consumption has been associated with improved nutrient adequacy and diet quality in healthy adult populations but this association has never been explored in individuals at high cardiovascular risk. Objective: to assess the associations between consumption of nuts and nutrient adequacy and diet quality in a Mediterranean population at high cardiovascular risk. Design: baseline assessment of nutritional adequacy in participants (n = 6060, men and women, with ages 55–75 years old, with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome) in the PREDIMED-PLUS primary cardiovascular prevention randomized trial. Methods: nut intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Participants who reported consuming zero quantity of nuts were classified as ‘non-nut consumers’. ‘Nut consumers’ were participants who reported consuming any quantity of nuts. Nineteen micronutrients were examined (vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, A, C, D, E and folic acid; Ca, K, P, Mg, Fe, Se, Cr, Zn, and iodine). The proportion of micronutrient inadequacy was estimated using the estimated average requirements (EAR) or adequate intake (AI) cut-points. Diet quality was also assessed using a 17-item Mediterranean dietary questionnaire (Mediterranean diet score, MDS), a carbohydrate quality index (CQI) and a fat quality index (FQI). Results: eighty-two percent of participants were nut consumers (median of nut consumption 12.6 g/day; interquartile range: 6.0–25.2). Nut consumers were less likely to be below the EAR for vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, E, folic acid, and Ca, Mg, Se and Zn than non-nut consumers. Nut consumers were also more likely to be above the AI for K and Cr than non-nut consumers. Nut consumers had lower prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intakes, but also higher CQI, higher FQI, and better scores of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (Mediterranean diet score, MDS). Conclusions: nut consumers had better nutrient adequacy, diet quality, and adherence to the MedDiet than those non-nut consumers.

Adherence to an Energy-restricted Mediterranean Diet Score and Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the PREDIMED-Plus: A Cross-sectional Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 72 (11) ◽  
pp. 925-934
Author(s):  
Ismael Álvarez-Álvarez ◽  
Miguel Á. Martínez-González ◽  
Ana Sánchez-Tainta ◽  
Dolores Corella ◽  
Andrés Díaz-López ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediterranean Diet Score ◽  
Diet Score

scholarly journals Concurrent and construct validity of Mediterranean diet scores as assessed by an FFQ

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 2015-2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandra A Benítez-Arciniega ◽  
Michelle A Mendez ◽  
Jose M Baena-Díez ◽  
Maria-Asunción Rovira Martori ◽  
Cristina Soler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dietary Recall ◽  
Diet Score

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to assess the concurrent and construct validity of two diet-quality indices, a modified Mediterranean diet score (mMDS) and a Mediterranean-like diet score (MLDS) additionally incorporating unhealthy food choices, as determined by an FFQ.DesignA validation study assessing FFQ intake estimates compared with ten or more unannounced 24 h recalls. Pearson's correlation coefficients, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Bland–Altman plots and the limits of agreement method were used to assess the between-method agreement of scores. Construct validity was shown using associations between nutrient intakes derived from multiple 24 h recalls and the mMDS and MLDS derived from the FFQ.SettingGerona, Spain.SubjectsA total of 107 consecutively selected participants from a population-based cross-sectional survey.ResultsPearson's correlations for the energy-adjusted mMDS and MLDS compared with multiple recalls were 0·48 and 0·62, respectively. The average FFQ energy-adjusted mMDS and MLDS were 102 % and 98 % of the recall-based mMDS and MLDS estimates, respectively. The FFQ under- and overestimated dietary recall estimates of the energy-adjusted MLDS by 28 % and 25 %, respectively, with slightly wider boundaries for the mMDS (31 % and 34 %). The ICC, which assesses absolute agreement, was similar to Pearson's correlations (mMDS = 0·48 and MLDS = 0·61). The mean differences between methods were similar across the range of average ratings for both scores, indicating the absence of bias. The FFQ-derived mMDS and MLDS correlated in the anticipated directions with intakes of eleven (73·3 %) and thirteen of fifteen nutrients (86·7 %), respectively.ConclusionsThe FFQ provides valid estimates of diet quality as assessed by the mMDS and MLDS.

scholarly journals Dietary Changes and Anxiety during the Coronavirus Pandemic: Differences between the Sexes

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 4193
Author(s):  
Mona Boaz ◽  
Daniela Abigail Navarro ◽  
Olga Raz ◽  
Vered Kaufman-Shriqui
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Present Report ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Mediterranean Diet Score ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Baked Goods ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Diet Score

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with both increased anxiety, deterioration in diet and weight gain. These associations may differ by sex. The present report examines differences by sex in diet quality in order to determine whether associations between diet and psychological stress during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic differed by sex. This online study is available internationally in seven languages. The Mediterranean Diet Score was used to measure diet quality, while the General Anxiety Disorder 7-point scale (GAD-7) was used to measure anxiety. Findings were compared by self-reported sex (male vs. female). A total of 3797 respondents provided informed consent and met eligibility criteria, of whom 526 women were omitted due to being pregnant or six months or less post-partum, or due to reproductive status not being reported. Thus, 3271 individuals are included in the present report, of whom 71.2% were women. The median age of women was 30 (interquartile range (IQR) = 16) years vs. 31 (IQR = 19) years, p = 0.079. The median diet quality score was 9 (IQ = 3) in both women and men (p = 0.75). Despite the overall similarity in diet score, several components of the score differed significantly by sex. Women reported consuming significantly more olive oil, daily servings of vegetables, and weekly servings of sweet baked goods. Men reported consuming significantly more sweetened/carbonated drinks, red meat, alcohol, legumes, and hummus/tahini. Women reported a GAD-7 score of 6 (IQR = 8), while men reported 3 (6), p < 0.001. An inverse association was detected between the Mediterranean diet score and the GAD-7 score in both women (rho = −0.166, p < 0.001) and men (rho = −0.154, p < 0.001), and the correlation coefficients did not differ by sex (p = 0.76). Mediterranean diet score and age both reduced the odds of elevated anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 10), while female sex, deterioration of diet quality during the outbreak, unemployment, and completing the survey in English increased the odds of this outcome. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, overall diet quality did not differ by sex; however, some differences by sex in components of the total score were detected. Moderate to severe anxiety was positively associated with female sex and poorer diet quality even after controlling for age, employment status, and the language in which the survey was performed.

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