scholarly journals Mediterranean diet adherence among cosmetology students

2021 ◽  
pp. 301-307
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Jeziorek ◽  
Alicja Szypowska ◽  
Bożena Regulska-Ilow

Background. The Mediterranean diet (MD) is universally recognized as the healthiest model of nutrition whose beneficial effects help prevent many diet-related diseases. Objective. The aim of the study was to assess cosmetology students’ adherence to the Mediterranean Diet using the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). Material and methods. The study group consisted of 175 cosmetology students of the School of Physiotherapy whose dietary habits were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) consisting of 154 food and drink items representative of the diet during the last year. We analyzed data obtained from FFQ and calculated the average number of daily and/or weekly servings from each of the 9 MDS food groups (grains, vegetables, fruits/nuts, milk/dairy products, meat/meat products, legumes, alcohol, olive oil, fish). To obtain more reliable results, we analyzed other products consumed by study participants (sweets, beverages, eggs and potatoes). Study participants were assigned 0, 1 or 2 points for each MDS ingredient. Mediterranean diet adherence was assessed on a 17-point scale. Low adherence to MD was defined at 0-7 points, moderate at 8-10 points, and high at 11-17 points. Results. The mean MDS was 7.1 ± 2.3. Students who were assigned 11-17 points (n = 20) consumed significantly more vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, fish, olive oil and significantly less meat, meat products, milk, dairy, and sweets compared to study participants who were assigned the lowest number of points (n = 78). We reported significant differences in the amounts of consumed vegetables and sweets between participants who received 8-10 points (n = 77) and those who received 11-17 points. The higher MDS was significantly associated with the higher intakes of vegetables and dietary fiber. Conclusions. The dietary patterns of study group of Polish cosmetology students did not adhere to the MD recommendations.

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1911
Author(s):  
Alejandro Martínez-Rodríguez ◽  
Javier Sánchez-Sánchez ◽  
María Martínez-Olcina ◽  
Manuel Vicente-Martínez ◽  
Laura Miralles-Amorós ◽  
...  

(1) Background: Beach handball is a relatively new type of sport, derived from team handball. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the physical fitness of elite players of this sport by studying some variables of sports performance, including strength, endurance and power, and dietary habits, and to assess bone ultrasonographic variables. (2) Methods: 33 beach handball players have participated in this research; 18 juniors (age: 16.7 ± 0.50) and 15 seniors (age: 24.8 ± 4.71). The athletes’ strength was evaluated using the Handgrip Test on the dominant hand, the height of jump was evaluated by a counter-jump on a contact platform, and velocity, agility, and resistance by the Yo-Yo test. The broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and the sound of speed (SOS) through the calcaneus were also measured. The Mediterranean diet adherence (KIDMED) was the questionnaire used to evaluate eating habits. In the statistical analysis, descriptions and correlations were made between the study variables. (3) Results: Both in the case of the dynamometric hand strength test (p < 0.05) and in the lower extremity power test (p < 0.01), senior players presented significantly higher values compared to junior players (35.1 ± 3.84 vs. 31.8 ± 3.37 and 35.1 ± 6.89 vs. 28.5 ± 5.69 with the dynamometry and Abalakov tests, respectively). However, no differences were observed in the variables by playing position. Significant correlations between different variables have been established, highlighting negative correlations between BMI and weight with the Abalakov Jump Test and positive correlations between Yo-Yo and BUA, and, between BMI and BUA. (4) Conclusions: Older and trained players are in better physical fitness; high weight and BMI have a negative influence on power, agility, speed, and endurance. In general, adherence to the Mediterranean diet is moderate and it seems evident that there is a beneficial influence of beach handball on bone condition, as measured by ultrasound. However future research should be carried on, including dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry assessments and food intake registers for a whole week.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 3569
Author(s):  
Marta Flor-Alemany ◽  
Teresa Nestares ◽  
Inmaculada Alemany-Arrebola ◽  
Nuria Marín-Jiménez ◽  
Milkana Borges-Cosic ◽  
...  

We examined the association of the dietary habits and the Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence with sleep quality during pregnancy. A food frequency questionnaire and the Mediterranean Food Pattern were employed to assess dietary habits and MD adherence, respectively. Sleep quality was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) global score (n = 150; mean age 32.9 ± 4.6 years). A higher consumption of fruits was associated with better sleep quality at the 16th gestational week (g.w.; p < 0.05). A greater olive oil consumption and a higher MD adherence were associated with better sleep quality at the 16th and 34th g.w. (all, p < 0.05). Contrarily, a higher red meat and subproducts consumption was associated with worse sleep quality at the 34th g.w. (p < 0.05). The group with the highest adherence to the MD (Tertile 3) showed better sleep quality than the group with the lowest adherence (Tertile 1) at the 16th and 34th g.w. (both, p < 0.05). A higher adherence to the MD, a greater intake of fruits and olive oil and a lower intake of red meat and subproducts were associated with better sleep quality along the pregnancy course, especially among sedentary women.


Author(s):  
Sarah Cuschieri ◽  
Massimo Libra

Background: Populations living in Mediterranean islands are experiencing a nutrition transition process from traditional to Westernized dietary patterns. No information on this matter regarding individuals living in Malta have been published to date. The aim of this study was to assess the level of adherence of the Maltese people to the Mediterranean diet and which factors were associated with it. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted in the island of Malta between 2014 and 2016. A literature-based Mediterranean diet adherence score was used to assess the level of adherence to the dietary pattern. Results: Out of 3947 adults, the overall Mediterranean diet adherence score mean was 7.19 (SD 1.91): being female, non-smoker, and having older age was associated with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Less clear pattern of association was found for educational and occupational status, for which medium educational level and a high occupational level were associated with lower adherence to Mediterranean diet. Higher adherence was finally associated with consumption of healthier food groups (more rice and dark bread and less pasta and white bread; more all plant-food groups and fish, less animal-food sources, including fast foods; more light cheeses and yogurt were more frequently consumed among higher adherent individuals in spite of regular ones). Conclusions: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in Malta is lower than in those of populations living in companion Mediterranean islands. Given the lack of data on this topic, further studies should be conducted among the Maltese people and public health nutrition interventions should be planned to improve current eating habits toward more traditional dietary patterns.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1197
Author(s):  
Luana Izzo ◽  
Antonio Santonastaso ◽  
Gaetano Cotticelli ◽  
Alessandro Federico ◽  
Severina Pacifico ◽  
...  

The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern; the outbreak has led to lockdowns in several parts of the world, and sudden changes in people’s lifestyles. This study explores the impact of the first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic period on dietary habits, lifestyle changes, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet among the Italian population, through an online questionnaire, conducted from April to May 2020, involving 1519 participants. The 14-point Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) highlighted a medium Mediterranean diet adherence in 73.5% of responders, which principally included the younger population, aged 18–30 years (p < 0.05). In regards to changes in eating habits, 33.5% of responders declared an influence of the pandemic period on nutritional practice. A decrease in alcohol consumption was reported by 81% of responders, while an increase in frozen food consumption was reported by 81.3% of responders. In addition, 58.8% reported positive weight modification (40.8%, +1–3 kg); physical activity reduction was reported for 70.5% of responders. Our study contributes toward amplifying the investigation on the dietary habits and changes of the Italian population during the COVID-19 lockdown, although the pandemic is ongoing. Similar studies should be performed around the world to understand how the emergency has impacted people’s habits.


2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Maha M. Shatwan ◽  
Maryam H. Al-Zahrani

<p>Obesity is considered as a global burden disease and its prevalence is increased worldwide. Physical inactivity and excessive calorie consumption are associated with increased obesity risk. Therefore, strategies for losing weight involved increased physical activity and reduced calorie and macronutrient diet. Also, recent studies showed that higher adherence to Mediterranean diet is associated with lower risk of obesity. This study investigated association between adherence to Mediterranean diet and obesity among healthy Saudi adults. The sample size of 127 participants (50 men and 77 women) from Jeddah city with mean age 38.2 ± 13.3 years and Body Mass Index (BMI) 26.5 ± 5.2. Adherence to Mediterranean Diet (Med-diet) was measured using a validated 14-item questionnaire of Mediterranean diet adherence. Independent t-test was used to examine significant differences between groups. Results showed that lower adherence to Med-diet among the participants was with mean 5.7 ± 1.9. The analysis of 14-item Med-diet questionnaire showed that around 45% of participants used olive oil in cooking and only 35% of participants consumed more than 4 tablespoons of olive oil daily. The consumption from vegetable, fruit and fish was below recommendation from Med-diet, however, the consumption of red meat was high. Individuals with great adherence to Med-diet had lower BMI, however, values were not statistically significant compared to lower adherence to Med-diet. In conclusion, study showed lower adherence to Med-diet among Saudis and adherence to Med-diet was not associated with reduced risk of obesity.</p>


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3837
Author(s):  
Vanda Andrade ◽  
Rui Jorge ◽  
María-Teresa García-Conesa ◽  
Elena Philippou ◽  
Marika Massaro ◽  
...  

The Mediterranean diet (MD) and other lifestyle characteristics have been associated with well-being, a broad multiparameter concept that includes individual’s subjective assessment of their own well-being (SWB). Some studies have suggested that diet influences SWB, thus, this work aimed to add novel information on the association of MD and SWB in a sample of Portuguese adults. Data on sociodemographic, economic, lifestyle, diet, and SWB were collected through a self-filled online questionnaire. MD adherence was assessed by the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score. Results showed a moderate adherence to the MD in 490 Portuguese adults (mean MEDAS of 7.4 ± 2.1). A higher MD adherence was found to be significantly positively associated with women, employed individuals, a higher number of meals per day, and those with frequent contact with nature (p-value < 0.0025, using Bonferroni adjustment). As a novelty, this study divided the participants into low SWB, medium SWB, and medium to high SWB profiles (3.9 ± 1.0; 6.2 ± 1.0; 8.2 ± 1.3, respectively; p-value < 0.05), which reported significantly increasing MEDAS scores (6.5 ± 2.1; 7.3 ± 2.1; 7.8 ± 1.9; respectively, p-value < 0.05).


Author(s):  
E. Hill ◽  
C. Szoeke ◽  
L. Dennerstein ◽  
S. Campbell ◽  
P. Clifton

Background: Research has indicated the neuroprotective potential of the Mediterranean diet. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet has shown preventative potential for Alzheimer’s disease incidence and prevalence, yet few studies have investigated the impact of Mediterranean diet adherence on the hallmark protein; beta-amyloid. Objectives: To investigate the association between Mediterranean diet adherence and beta-amyloid deposition in a cohort of healthy older Australian women. Design: This study was a cross-sectional investigation of participants from the longitudinal, epidemiologically sourced Women’s Healthy Ageing Project which is a follow-up of the Melbourne Women’s Midlife Health Project. Setting: Assessments were conducted at the Centre for Medical Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. F-18 Florbetaben positron emission tomography scanning was conducted at the Austin Centre for PET in Victoria, Australia. Participants: One hundred and eleven Women’s Healthy Ageing Project participants were included in the study. Measurements: Mediterranean diet adherence scores for all participants were calculated from the administration of a validated food frequency questionnaire constructed by the Cancer Council of Victoria. Beta-amyloid deposition was measured using positron emission tomography standardised uptake value ratios. Results: Gamma regression analysis displayed no association between Mediterranean diet adherence and beta-amyloid deposition. This result was consistent across APOE-ε4 +/- cohorts and with the inclusion of covariates such as age, education, body mass index and cognition. Conclusions: This study found no association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and beta-amyloid deposition in a cohort of healthy Australian women.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria João Gregório ◽  
Ana M. Rodrigues ◽  
Clara Salvador ◽  
Sara S. Dias ◽  
Rute D. de Sousa ◽  
...  

A 14-Item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) questionnaire was developed and validated in face-to-face interviews, but not via telephone. The aims of this study were to evaluate the validity and reliability of a telephone-administered version of the MEDAS as well as to validate the Portuguese version of the MEDAS questionnaire. A convenience community-based sample of adults (n = 224) participated in a three-stage survey. First, trained researchers administered MEDAS via a telephone. Second, the Portuguese version of Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and MEDAS were administered in a semi-structured face-to-face interview. Finally, MEDAS was again administered via telephone. The telephone-administered MEDAS questionnaire was compared with the face-to-face-version using several metrics. The telephone-administered MEDAS was significantly correlated with the face-to-face-administered MEDAS [r = 0.805, p < 0.001; interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.803, p < 0.001] and showed strong agreement (k = 0.60). The MEDAS scores that were obtained in the first and second telephone interviews were significantly correlated (r = 0.661, p < 0.001; ICC = 0.639, p < 0.001). The overall agreement between the Portuguese version of MEDAS and the FFQ-derived Mediterranean diet adherence score had a Cohen’s k = 0.39. The telephone-administered version of MEDAS is a valid tool for assessing the adherence to the Mediterranean diet and acquiring data for large population-based studies.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Hadjimbei ◽  
George Botsaris ◽  
Vassilis Gekas ◽  
Andrie G. Panayiotou

Objective. To assess dietary-related habits among young adults.Design and Setting. Dietary habits were assessed cross-sectionally, using a self-completed questionnaire in 193 students enrolled in public and private universities in Cyprus. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated using the validated KIDMED index. BMI was estimated based on weight and height measurements.Results. The mean BMI was 23.31 (±3.98). The mean adherence score to the Mediterranean diet was 6.0 (IQR 4 to 8), with 26.9% of students being classified as high adherers and 21.8% as low adherers to the Mediterranean diet. About 32% of students consumed a second serving of fruit and vegetables more than once a day, whereas 26% reported going more than once a week to a fast-food restaurant and 31% consumed sweets and candy several times a day. On the other hand, 76% of participants reported consumption of at least two dairy products daily and 88% use olive oil at home. The majority consume coffee 2-3 times per day.Conclusions. Results support a shift from traditional healthy diets to more unhealthy eating patterns. However, we also report a high dairy intake and use of olive oil. Tailored-made strategies targeting the young adult population could be warranted.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 2946
Author(s):  
Christiana C. Christodoulou ◽  
Christiana A. Demetriou ◽  
Eleni Zamba-Papanicolaou

Decades of research and experimental studies have investigated Huntington’s disease (HD), a rare neurodegenerative disease. Similarly, several studies have investigated whether high/moderate adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and specific macro and micronutrients can decrease cognitive loss and provide a neuroprotective function to neurons. This review systematically identifies and examines studies that have investigated Mediterranean Diet adherence, micro- and macronutrients, supplementation and caloric intake in people with HD, in order to identify if dietary exposures resulted in improvement of disease symptoms, a delay in age of onset or if they contributed to an earlier age of onset in people with HD. A systematic search of PubMed, Directory of open access journal and HubMed was performed independently by two reviewers using specific search terms criteria for studies. The identified abstracts were screened and the studies were included in the review if they satisfied predetermined inclusion criteria. Reference screening of included studies was also performed. A total of 18 studies were included in the review. A few studies found that patients who had high/moderate adherence to Mediterranean Diet showed a slight improvement in their Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating Scale and Total Functional Capacity. In addition, people with HD who had high Mediterranean Diet adherence showed an improvement in both cognitive and motor scores and had a better quality of life compared to patients who had low Mediterranean Diet adherence. Furthermore, a few studies showed that supplementation with specific nutrients, such as triheaptanoin, L-acetyl-carnitine and creatine, had no beneficial effect on the patients’ Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating Scale score. A few studies suggest that the Mediterranean Diet may confer a motor and cognitive benefit to people with HD. Unfortunately, there was little consistency among study findings. It is important for more research to be conducted to have a better understanding of which dietary exposures are beneficial and may result delaying age of onset or disease progression in people with HD.


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