A Reflection on the State of Multisensory Human–Food Interaction Research

We present a perspective article on the state of multisensory human–food interaction (MHFI) research and lay out some reflections for research and development in this area of inquiry, based on a revision of the different spaces that we have co-created with researchers in this space. We begin by conceptualizing and defining MHFI, before moving onto presenting some of its major themes, as well as possible ways in which such themes can guide future research in the area. This article provides key definitions and foundations for the area of MHFI, as well as a first point of contact for those interested in it.

Travelers’ Psychological Comfort with Local Food Experiences and Place Attachment

Travelers’ engagement with local food at a foreign destination could be overwhelming and affect their overall travel experience. This study investigates the role travelers’ psychological comfort with local food plays in influencing the development of their place attachment to a destination. The study utilized survey data sampled from Korean and American travelers who had visited China and found that travelers’ place attachment is positively and significantly influenced by their psychological comfort with food, interaction with service providers, and atmospherics. The findings also reveal that Korean and American travelers differ in the degree to which comfort affects their place attachment. These and other findings of the study bring attention to the comfort factor of travelers’ food experience, thus complementing previous research that tended to emphasize the novelty value of local cuisines.

Awareness of statin–food interactions using grapefruit as an example: a cross-sectional study in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Objectives The purpose of this study is to assess patients’ knowledge regarding statin–grapefruit interactions, to identify any pertinent demographic characteristics that may influence knowledge of this drug–food interaction, and to identify preferred patient sources of health information. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from statins users about the awareness regarding drug interaction with foods. Self-administered questionnaires have been distributed to collect data from statins users regardless of the type and the reason they administer these medications. Respondents were statins users visiting the King Fahd Hospital’s outpatient clinic (KFHU) and community pharmacies in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Key findings Our study revealed that 62% of statin users never heard about the statin–grapefruit interaction. Only 11% have correctly recognized the interaction effect. Only 11, 21 and 6% of users have reported that they often/always received information on drug–food interaction from pharmacists, physicians and nurses, respectively. Users aged above 60 years had lower awareness than those aged <40 (6.0% vs. 14.1%). Similarly, the proportion was lower among users who had primary or lower educational attainment, unemployed or had income lower than 5000 SAR compared with that among the contrary groups. However, only income showed a statistically significant association (P = 0.007). Conclusions The majority of statin users have never heard about their interaction with food. Geriatrics, low-income and less educated patients had a lower level of awareness compared with their counterparts. Many patients may end up discontinuing their medications because of that interaction and the consequent side effects. Pharmacists are requested to play their expected role in providing adequate patient counselling to help improve patients’ awareness regarding safety concerns of statins medication.

Interactions- Readdressing the issue

Broadly drugs include all the chemical substances excluding food that affect the bodily processes. The drug is considered to be a medicine if it benefits the body. Whereas, if the drug is injurious to the body, it’s considered as a poison. Therefore, the same chemical can be a boon or curse with respect to the situation, condition of use, dosage and the individual using it. In this contemporary healthcare era, a huge number of medications are formulated each year and new interactions between drugs are reported every now and then. As a result, it is no more practical for doctors to be dependent on the memory alone to avoid possible drug interactions. Changes in absorption, distribution, metabolism or elimination of drugs are referred to as pharmacokinetic interactions, resulting in alteration in the level of drugs and its metabolites. The effect of drug changes from person to person than expected because it causes different reaction when a drug reacts with the food or dietary supplements they take (drug -food interaction). So, the effect of the drug is altered by means of increasing, decreasing, or producing a new effect which cannot be produced on its own the effect caused by food or dietary supplements. These interactions may occur due to accidental misuse or due to other factors such as lack of knowledge about it. This review provides a comprehensive literature review on various drug interaction. Generally, drug food interactions are neglected and not well defined but it can cause mild to serious effects. However, all clinicians, pharmacists and nurses should be aware of drug interaction to avoid the consequences caused by drug interactions.