Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism - Volume 17, issue 3

Authors: Fakhrzadeh, Hossein | Moodi, Mitra | Sajadi Hezaveh, Zohreh | Kami, Atefe | Arzaghi, Seyed Masoud | Esmaeili, Aliakbar | Khodabakhshi, Huriye | Khorashadizadeh, Masoumeh | Ejtahed, Hanieh-Sadat | Sharifi, Farshad

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Egg consumption may be associated with the risk of depression. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess this possible relationship in the context of the Birjand longitudinal aging study (BLAS). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study PHQ-9 was used to assess depression in a total of 1364 adults above 60 years of age, participating in the first stage of BLAS between September 2018 to April 2019. Socio-demographic information, anthropometric indices, and number of whole eggs consumed per week were assessed. Depression was assessed across the egg consumption groups: low (≤1 eggs/week), moderate (≥2 to ≤3 eggs/week), and high …(≥4 eggs/week), and the association was investigated using logistic regression. RESULTS: Mean egg intake in the studied population was 2.4 eggs/week. In the crude model and after adjustment for age and sex, moderate and high egg consumption were both associated with lower risk of depression in older adults (P ≤0.05). Adjustment for more confounding variables revealed that only moderate egg consumption protected against depression, while high egg consumers were still at risk of depression. CONCLUSION: Both moderate and high egg intake had reverse association with depression, and reduced the odds of depression among the elderly to approximately 30–40%. Future longitudinal studies could better confirm this association. Show more

Keywords: Depression, elderly, dietary intake, egg

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-230087

Citation: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 179-189, 2024

Authors: Godos, Justyna | Zappalà, Gaetano | Mistretta, Antonio | Galvano, Fabio | Grosso, Giuseppe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the relation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet, adequacy to the Italian dietary recommendations, and several domains of diet quality in a sample of Italian adults. METHODS: The dietary habits of a total of 1936 participants were investigated. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and diet quality were assessed through the Medi-Lite and the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I). RESULTS: The global DQI-I score positively correlated with the Medi-Lite score. Negative coefficients were found for protein intake and calcium in the adequacy category, total fat in the moderation category, and fatty acid …ratio in the overall balance category. More than half of the participants were adherent to national recommendations for potatoes, cereals, red meat, and other fats consumption. In contrast, recommendations on legumes, fruit, vegetables, and processed meat were met by about half of the participants while those for dairy products (milk and yogurt) and cheese, eggs, and white meat were rather underrepresented. Higher scores in DQI-I and Medi-Lite well predicted adequacy to recommendations on fruit and vegetables, legumes, processed meat, cereals, and legumes. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals reporting higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet show better diet quality and a higher probability of meeting the dietary recommendations. Show more

Keywords: Mediterranean diet, diet quality, nutritional recommendations

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-240043

Citation: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 191-204, 2024

Authors: Giuseppina, Bernardelli | Francesca, Gori | Rezarta, Kolleshi | Laura, Tomaino | Antonella, Di Maggio | Alessandra, Piontini | Maria Rosaria, Ingenito | Daniela, Lucini | Vito, De Gennaro Colonna | Vigna, Luisella

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Workplace barriers to physical activity (PA) and sedentary work contribute to obesity. Workplace lifestyle interventions are needed to reduce sedentary behavior. OBJECTIVE: The study evaluates the effects of a self-monitoring PA protocol plus diet on general health of workers with obesity. METHODS: Thirty-nine workers affected by obesity were enrolled in this pilot intervention study. Monthly and daily PA diary, six-minute walking test (6MWT), Short Form-36 health survey (SF-36), and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) results were evaluated prior (T0) and at the end of the study (T1). A personalized low-calorie diet based on the Mediterranean …diet model was also implemented. Participants followed the protocol from one to three months depending on the date of recruitment. RESULTS: Significant improvements in SF36 and GPAQ scores were recorded, along with reductions in sedentary activity, weight, and BMI (p  < 0.001). 6MWT significantly increased from 462.5 [412.5–500] m at T0 to 500 [462.5–550] m at T1 (p  < 0.001). A multiple linear regression analysis to investigate the impact of selected covariates (PA, body weight reduction, and sedentary time) on the 6MWT was significant in men. CONCLUSIONS: PA self-monitoring protocols and diets are effective and sustainable for workplace interventions. PA should be part of daily medical practice and occupational physicians should encourage behavioral changes in workers. Show more

Keywords: Lifestyle, obesity, workplace, GPAQ, 6MWT, physical activity, intervention

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-230115

Citation: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 205-217, 2024

Authors: Pollakova, Daniela | Lauria Pantano, Angelo | Di Folco, Ugo | Nardone, Maria Rosaria | Tubili, Claudio

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Postprandial Glucose Excursion (PPGE) control is one of the goals of diabetes therapy. Patients should count meal carbohydrates but it is often inaccurate. Automated Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop (AHCL) systems may overcome carbohydrate count mistakes and aid to improve PPGE control. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of switching from manual Sensor Augmented Pump (SAP) to AHCL on PPGE in Type 1 Diabetic (T1D) subjects. METHODS: In 15 T1D patients using manual SAP, the Area Under the Curve (AUC) after breakfast, lunch and dinner was calculated for two weeks before (T0), immediately (T1) and 3 months …(T2) after switching to 780 G AHCL system. Total Daily Dose (TDD), Time Above/Below/In Range (TAR, TBR, TIR), BMI, A1c, lipid profile and Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ) were considered. RESULTS: A significant reduction in AUC was observed for breakfast and dinner at T2 and for lunch and dinner at T1. TIR increased, while TAR and TBR reduced significantly from T0 to T1 and T2. For A1c, BMI and plasma lipids no statistically significant differences were observed, although A1c decreased from 7.2% to 6.8%. TDD increased significantly, due to the automatic correction boluses. DTSQ score at T2 was 33 (range 32–34, max 36). CONCLUSIONS: After switching to AHCL, PPGE decreased rapidly by automatic correction boluses, without weight gain. Meal management simplification and glucose control improvement were associated with high satisfaction scores. Show more

Keywords: Glucose metrics, insulin pump, postprandial glucose excursion, type 1 diabetes

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-230125

Citation: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 219-227, 2024

Authors: Tari Selcuk, Kevser | Atan, Ramazan Mert | Dal, Nursel | Arslan, Sedat

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Picky eating is defined as “consuming a limited variety of foods, being strict about the preparation and presentation of preferred foods, and being reluctant to try new foods”. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the picky eating behaviours of adults and the “MEDFICTS (Meats, Eggs, Dairy, Frying, Fats in Bakery Products, Prepared Foods, Fats Added at the Table, Snacks) Dietary Assessment Questionnaire” score and “Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI)”. METHODS: In this cross sectional study, data of 580 adults aged between 19–64 years were evaluated. Descriptive Information Form, “Adult Picky …Eating Questionnaire (APEQ)”, “MEDFICTS Diet Assessment Questionnaire”, “International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF)” were used to collect data. The VAI score was calculated with the formula using the “Body Mass Index (BMI)”, “Waist Circumference (WC)”, “High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)” and “Triglyceride (TG)” levels. RESULTS: There is a negative relationship between APEQ total score (β :–0.228, p  < 0.05), APEQ “Food Presentation” (β :–0.172, p  < 0.05) and “Taste Avoidance” (β :–0.117, p  < 0.05) subscales and MEDFICTS score. There is a negative relationship between APEQ total score (β :–0.089, p  < 0.05), APEQ “Food Presentation” (β :–0.112, p  < 0.05) subscales and VAI. CONCLUSIONS: In adults, picky eating behavior is associated with decreased MEDFICTS Diet Assessment Questionnaire score and reductions in VAI. Show more

Keywords: Picky eating, MEDFICTS, VAI, adults

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-240013

Citation: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 229-240, 2024

Authors: Zambrano-Villacres, Raynier | Frias-Toral, Evelyn | Maldonado-Ponce, Emily | Poveda-Loor, Carlos | Leal, Paola | Velarde-Sotres, Alvaro | Leonardi, Alice | Trovato, Bruno | Roggio, Federico | Castorina, Alessandro | Wenxin, Xu | Musumeci, Giuseppe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the body composition and somatotype of professional soccer players, investigating variations across categories and playing positions. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted with 51 male professional soccer players in the U-19 and U-20 categories. Data about sex, age, height, and weight were collected between March and May 2023. Body composition analysis utilized the ISAK protocol for the restricted profile, while somatotype categorization employed the Heath and Carter formula. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics V.26, which involved the application of Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests to discern differences in …body composition variables and proportionality based on categories and playing positions. The Dunn test further identified specific positions exhibiting significant differences. RESULTS: The study encompassed 51 players, highlighting meaningful differences in body composition. The average body mass in kg was 75.8 (±6.9) for U-20 players and 70.5 (±6.1) for U-19 players. The somatotype values were 2.6-4.6-2.3 for U-20 players and 2.5-4.3-2.8 for U-19 players, with a predominance of muscle mass in all categories, characterizing them as balanced mesomorphs. CONCLUSIONS: Body composition and somatotype findings underscore distinctions in body mass across categories and playing positions, with notably higher body mass and muscle mass predominance in elevated categories. However, the prevailing skeletal muscle development establishes a significant semblance with the recognized somatotype standard for soccer. Show more

Keywords: Anthropometry, somatotypes, soccer, body composition, young adult

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-240038

Citation: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 241-254, 2024

Authors: Cassotta, Manuela | Quiles, José L. | Giampieri, Francesca | Battino, Maurizio

Article Type: Article Commentary

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-240057

Citation: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 255-259, 2024