Predicted vitamin D levels and risk of depression in the SUN Project: A prospective cohort study.

The current study aimed to investigate the association between predicted vitamin D status and depression in a prospective Spanish cohort of university graduates. The SUN Project is a dynamic cohort study designed to investigate multiple aspects of health and lifestyle. Participants were asked to complete a comprehensive questionnaire consisting of 556 items, that included a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Participants initially free of depression were classified as incident cases if they reported a medical diagnosis of depression during follow-up. Serum vitamin D levels were predicted by a previously validated equation. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as vitamin D levels below 20 ng/mL. Cox models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). We included 15,175 Spanish university graduates [mean (SD) age: 36.9 year (11.5)] followed-up for a median of 12.7 years. Among 192,976 person-years of follow-up, we identified 753 incident cases of depression. Participants with vitamin D deficiency had a 27% higher risk of depression as compared to those with vitamin D sufficiency (HR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.09-1.48; p = 0.002) after adjusting for potential confounders. Furthermore, a significant effect modification by female sex was observed with higher depression risks associated with vitamin D deficiency in women than in men (p for interaction = 0.034). In educated middle-aged Spanish adults, we observed a direct association between vitamin D deficiency and the risk of depression, that was stronger among women.

Biomarkers of atrial fibrillation-related pathways and left atrial structure and function in an overweight and obese population.

Background: Exploring longitudinal associations of blood biomarkers with left atrial (LA) structure and function can enhance our understanding of atrial fibrillation (AF) etiopathogenesis. Methods: We studied 532 participants of the PREDIMED-Plus trial, a multicenter randomized trial in overweight and obese adults with metabolic syndrome. At baseline, 3 and 5 years after randomization, participants underwent transthoracic echocardiography and provided blood for serum biomarker measurements [propeptide of procollagen type I (PICP), high-sensitivity (hs) troponin T (hsTnT), hs C-reactive protein (hsCRP), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), and N-terminal propeptide of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)]. Outcomes of interest included LA peak systolic longitudinal strain (LA PSLS), LA volume index (LAVi), LA function index (LAFi), and LA stiffness index (LASi). We performed cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses to evaluate relationships between log-transformed biomarkers and echocardiographic measurements using multiple linear regression and mixed models. Results: The participants in this analysis had a mean age of 65.0 (SD 4.8) years, and 40% were females. At baseline, increased NT-proBNP and hsTnT were associated with larger LAVi and worse LA function as measured by the LAFi, LASi, and LA PSLS. Longitudinally, higher NT-proBNP, but not higher hsTnT, was associated with increased LAVi and worsening LA function. Over 5 years, 1 unit increase in log(NT-proBNP) was associated with steeper decline in LA PSLS (-0.19%, 95% CI -0.35%, -0.02%) and greater increase in LAVi (0.28 mL/m2, 95% CI 0.10, 0.45) each year. PICP, hsCRP, and 3-NT did not show consistently significant associations with LA outcomes at baseline and through 5 years. Conclusion: In an overweight and obese population, higher NT-proBNP was associated with LA volume enlargement and worsening LA function over 5 years. The implications of these findings for the prevention and prediction of AF warrant further investigation.

Association between provegetarian food patterns and micronutrient adequacy in preschoolers: the SENDO project.

This study aims to examine the association between different versions of a provegetarian food pattern and micronutrient adequacy in a population of children from the SENDO Project. Children aged 4-5 years old were recruited and baseline information on diet, lifestyle and socio-demographic characteristics was collected through self-administered online questionnaires completed by their parents. Scores were calculated for overall, healthful, and unhealthful provegetarian food patterns (FP) using an a priori approach. Participants were categorized into tertiles according to their scores. Micronutrient adequacy was assessed using the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) cut-off point. Multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between tertiles of each provegetarian FP and the risk of inadequate micronutrient intake (failing to meet ≥ 3 requirements). Despite lower intakes of certain micronutrients, children with higher scores in the healthful provegetarian FP did not exhibit a higher prevalence of inadequacy. Children in the highest tertile of this index had 0.47-fold lower odds (95%CI 0.23-0.95) of having ≥ 3 inadequate micronutrient intakes than their peers in the lowest tertile, after adjusting for potential confounders. In contrast, children in the highest tertile of the unhealthful provegetarian FP had 20.06-fold higher odds (95%CI 9.19-43.79) of having ≥ 3 inadequate micronutrient intakes compared to children in the lowest tertile. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to a healthful provegetarian food pattern is associated with improved nutritional adequacy in preschoolers, while following an unhealthful pattern is detrimental to micronutrient adequacy. These results suggest that moderate reductions in animal food consumption within a healthy diet may not compromise micronutrient adequacy in young children. Further research is needed to explore the impact of diets reduced in animal food intake on the health of children. WHAT IS KNOWN: • There's a notable trend towards plant-based diets due to health and sustainability concerns. • Research links plant-based diets in adults with lower risks of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. WHAT IS NEW: • A new study examines how different versions of a provegetarian food pattern affect micronutrient adequacy in children, using a moderate and stepwise approach. • Following a healthful provegetarian food pattern enhances nutritional adequacy in preschoolers, whereas an unhealthful pattern negatively impacts micronutrient adequacy.

Mediterranean Diet Modulation of Neuroinflammation-Related Genes in Elderly Adults at High Cardiovascular Risk.

Individuals with dementia and neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) often suffer from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Neuroinflammation driven by conditions involved in CVDs is linked to disruptions in the central nervous system triggering immune reactions, perpetuating an "inflammatory-like" environment. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has been proposed as a key factor to attenuate these risks. Blood nuclear cell samples were collected from 134 participants of the PREDIMED trial, which randomized participants to three diets: one supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil (MedDiet-EVOO), another with nuts (MedDiet-Nuts), and a low-fat control diet. These samples were analyzed at baseline and 12-month follow-up to assess the impact of these dietary interventions on gene expression markers. We first selected target genes by analyzing intersections between NDD and CVD associations. Significant gene expression changes from baseline to 12 months were observed in the participants allocated to the MedDiet-EVOO, particularly in CDKN2A, IFNG, NLRP3, PIK3CB, and TGFB2. Additionally, TGFB2 expression changed over time in the MedDiet-Nuts group. Comparative analyses showed significant differences in TGFB2 between MedDiet-EVOO and control, and in NAMPT between MedDiet-Nuts and control. Longitudinal models adjusted for different covariates also revealed significant effects for TGFB2 and NAMPT. In conclusion, our results suggest that one year of traditional MedDiet, especially MedDiet-EVOO, modulates gene expression associated with CVD risk and NDDs in older adults at high CV risk.

COVID-19 and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults with High-Cardiovascular Risk: A Post Hoc Analysis.

Cognitive decline has been reported as a short-term sequela in patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Whether COVID-19 is associated with late cognitive impairment in older free-living individuals with high cardiovascular risk, a group at greater risk of cognitive decline, is unknown. We determined this association of COVID-19 through a longitudinal evaluation of post-COVID-19 cognitive performance and impairment as post hoc analysis in 5,179 older adults (48% female) with mean (SD) age 68.5 (5.0) years, body mass index 31.7 (3.7) kg/m2, harboring ≥ 3 criteria for metabolic syndrome (e.g., hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia etc.) enrolled in PREDIMED-Plus trial. Pre- and post-COVID-19 cognitive performance was ascertained from scheduled assessments conducted using a battery of neuropsychological tests, including 5 domains: Global Cognitive Function, General Cognitive Function, Execution Function, Verbal Fluency and Attention domains, which were standardized for the cohort. Cognitive impairment was defined as the bottom 10 percentile of the sample. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models assessed the association of COVID-19 with cognitive decline and impairment, respectively. After a mean 50-week follow-up, no significant associations were observed between COVID-19 status and post-COVID-19 scores of all tapped neuropsychological domains, except Global Cognitive Function (GCF). When fully adjusted, COVID-19 was marginally associated with higher (better) post-pandemic GCF score (ßadj (95% CI): 0.06 (0.00, 0.13) p=.05). However, the odds for post-COVID-19 cognitive impairment in GCF domain were not associated with the disease (ORadj (95% CI): 0.90 (0.53, 1.51) p=.68). In the PREDIMED-Plus cohort, COVID-19 status and cognitive impairment determined 50 weeks post-infection showed no association in older adults at high cardiovascular risk. This suggests that cognitive changes observed shortly after COVID-19 revert over time. However, cautious interpretation is warranted as these data were obtained within the framework of a clinical trial encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

Objectively Measured Sleep Duration and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: A One-Year Longitudinal Analysis of the PREDIMED-Plus Cohort.

The aim of our cross-sectional and longitudinal study is to assess the relationship between daytime and night-time sleep duration and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with metabolic syndrome after a 1-year healthy lifestyle intervention. Analysis of the data from 2119 Spanish adults aged 55-75 years from the PREDIMED-Plus study was performed. Sleep duration was assessed using a wrist-worn accelerometer. HRQoL was measured using the SF-36 questionnaire. Linear regression models adjusted for socioeconomic and lifestyle factors and morbidity were developed. In cross-sectional analyses, participants with extreme night-time sleep duration categories showed lower physical component summary scores in Models 1 and 2 [ß-coefficient (95% confidence interval) <6 h vs. 7-9 h: -2, 3 (-3.8 to -0.8); p = 0.002. >9 h vs. 7-9 h: -1.1 (-2.0 to -0.3); p = 0.01]. Participants who sleep less than 7 h a night and take a nap are associated with higher mental component summary scores [ß-coefficient (95% confidence interval) 6.3 (1.3 to 11.3); p = 0.01]. No differences between night-time sleep categories and 12-month changes in HRQoL were observed. In conclusion, in cross-sectional analyses, extremes in nocturnal sleep duration are related to lower physical component summary scores and napping is associated with higher mental component summary scores in older adults who sleep less than 7 h a night.

Macronutrient quality and its association with micronutrient adequacy in children.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The double burden of malnutrition compels us to reconsider macronutrients from a diet quality perspective. The Macronutrient Quality Index (MQI) has been designed to reflect overall macronutrient quality and is based on three sub-indexes: the carbohydrate quality index (CQI), the healthy plate protein quality index (HPPQI) and the fat quality index (FQI). Nutritional adequacy is an essential aspect of diet quality that should be captured by reliable dietary indexes. METHODS: We analyzed the association between the Macronutrient Quality Index (MQI) and micronutrient adequacy. Participants were children aged 4 and 5 years, recruited in the SENDO cohort. Baseline information was collected through a self-administered online questionnaire, which included information on sociodemographic, dietary, and lifestyle variables. Dietary information was obtained using a 147-item validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Participants were categorized into tertiles based on their MQI score. We evaluated the intake of 20 micronutrients and assessed the probability of micronutrient adequacy using the Estimated Average Requirement cut-off point. RESULTS: Children in the highest tertile of MQI had 0.33-fold lower odds (95%CI 0.17-0.66) of having ≥3 inadequate micronutrient intakes than their peers in the lowest tertile, after adjusting for potential confounders. The adjusted proportions of children with inadequate intake of ≥3 micronutrients were 18%, 14% and 11% in the first, second, and third tertiles of MQI respectively. The MQI appears to be capable of capturing nutrient adequacy in children, although our results suggest that a modified MQI, with eggs and dairy products weighted positively, might be more adequate for the pediatric population.

Mediterranean Diet and Cardiometabolic Biomarkers in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Importance: No prior systematic review and meta-analysis has specifically verified the association of Mediterranean diet (MedDiet)-based interventions with biomarkers of cardiometabolic health in children and adolescents. Objective: To review and analyze the randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that assessed the effects of MedDiet-based interventions on biomarkers of cardiometabolic health among children and adolescents. Data Sources: Four electronic databases were searched (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus) from database inception to April 25, 2024. Study Selection: Only RCTs investigating the effect of interventions promoting the MedDiet on cardiometabolic biomarkers (ie, systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], triglycerides [TGs], total cholesterol [TC], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], glucose, insulin, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) among children and adolescents (aged ≤18 years) were included. Data Extraction and Synthesis: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Data were extracted from the studies by 2 independent reviewers. Results across studies were summarized using random-effects meta-analysis. Main Outcome and Measures: The effect size of each trial was computed by unstandardized mean differences (MDs) of changes in biomarker levels (ie, SBP, DBP, TGs, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR) between the intervention and the control groups. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach. Results: Nine RCTs were included (mean study duration, 17 weeks; range, 8-40 weeks). These studies involved 577 participants (mean age, 11 years [range, 3-18 years]; 344 girls [59.6%]). Compared with the control group, the MedDiet-based interventions showed a significant association with reductions in SBP (mean difference, -4.75 mm Hg; 95% CI, -8.97 to -0.52 mm Hg), TGs (mean difference, -16.42 mg/dL; 95% CI, -27.57 to -5.27 mg/dL), TC (mean difference, -9.06 mg/dL; 95% CI, -15.65 to -2.48 mg/dL), and LDL-C (mean difference, -10.48 mg/dL; 95% CI, -17.77 to -3.19 mg/dL) and increases in HDL-C (mean difference, 2.24 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.34-4.14 mg/dL). No significant associations were observed with the other biomarkers studied (ie, DBP, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR). Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that MedDiet-based interventions may be useful tools to optimize cardiometabolic health among children and adolescents.

Vitamin D and the Risk of Developing Hypertension in the SUN Project: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with a higher risk of multiple diseases, including cardiovascular disorders. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential association between predicted levels of serum 25(OH)D and the risk of new-onset hypertension in a large Mediterranean cohort. A validated 136-item food frequency questionnaire was used as the dietary assessment tool. 25(OH)D serum levels were predicted using a previously validated equation. We performed Cox regression models to analyze the association between predicted serum 25(OH)D and the risk of hypertension, according to quartiles of forecasted vitamin D at baseline, after adjusting for multiple potential confounders. Over a median follow-up of 12.3 years, 2338 new cases of hypertension were identified. The analyses revealed a significant inverse association between predicted serum levels of 25(OH)D at baseline and the risk of hypertension. Individuals in the highest quartile showed a 30% relatively lower risk of hypertension compared to the lowest quartile (hazard ratio (HR): 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.60-0.80, p-trend < 0.001). The outcomes remained significant after performing sensitivity analyses. The findings suggested that higher levels of forecasted vitamin D are inversely and independently associated with the risk of incident hypertension, implying that vitamin D may offer protective benefits against the disease.

Lipidome changes due to improved dietary fat quality inform cardiometabolic risk reduction and precision nutrition.

Current cardiometabolic disease prevention guidelines recommend increasing dietary unsaturated fat intake while reducing saturated fats. Here we use lipidomics data from a randomized controlled dietary intervention trial to construct a multilipid score (MLS), summarizing the effects of replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat on 45 lipid metabolite concentrations. In the EPIC-Potsdam cohort, a difference in the MLS, reflecting better dietary fat quality, was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular disease (-32%; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): -21% to -42%) and type 2 diabetes (-26%; 95% CI: -15% to -35%). We built a closely correlated simplified score, reduced MLS (rMLS), and observed that beneficial rMLS changes, suggesting improved dietary fat quality over 10 years, were associated with lower diabetes risk (odds ratio per standard deviation of 0.76; 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.98) in the Nurses' Health Study. Furthermore, in the PREDIMED trial, an olive oil-rich Mediterranean diet intervention primarily reduced diabetes incidence among participants with unfavorable preintervention rMLS levels, suggestive of disturbed lipid metabolism before intervention. Our findings indicate that the effects of dietary fat quality on the lipidome can contribute to a more precise understanding and possible prediction of the health outcomes of specific dietary fat modifications.

Association between overall quality of macronutrients and incidence of overweight and obesity in the SUN (Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra) cohort.

INTRODUCTION: no previous large prospective studies have assessed the global quality of macronutrients in association with the risk of overweight/obesity. OBJECTIVE: to prospectively assess the association of an overall macronutrient quality index (MQI) with weight change and the incidence of overweight/obesity in the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra (SUN) cohort. METHODS: the diet of 9,344 Spanish university graduates (mean age: 36.5 [SD, 11.1]) was assessed through a validated 136-item food frequency questionnaire. The MQI was calculated as the sum of the Carbohydrate Quality Index, the Fat Quality Index, and the Healthy Plate Protein Quality Index. Participants were classified into groups according to MQI. Incident overweight/obesity was defined if follow-up questionnaires indicated BMI was ≥ 25 kg/m2. Multiple linear regression models and Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the average yearly weight change and the risk of overweight/obesity over follow-up time. RESULTS: 2,465 cases of incident overweight/obesity were identified (median follow-up: 10.7 years). Increasing MQI was significantly associated with lower annual weight gain (g): ß coefficient: -99.0, (95 % CI: -173.6 to -24.5) in the Q4 vs Q1, p for trend = 0.007. In the fully adjusted model the incidences of overweight/obesity in Q4 and Q1 were 21.7 % (431 cases) and 29.3 % (954 cases), respectively. The adjusted HR was 0.87 (95 % CI, 0.77-0.98, p for trend = 0.036). When we used repeated analyses updating the MQI after 10 years of follow-up, results remained similar. CONCLUSIONS: a significant inverse association between a multidimensional MQI and the risk of overweight/obesity was found in this Mediterranean cohort of adults.

Relationship between sex, APOE genotype, endocannabinoids and cognitive change in older adults with metabolic syndrome during a 3-year Mediterranean diet intervention.

BACKGROUND: The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has demonstrated efficacy in preventing age-related cognitive decline and modulating plasma concentrations of endocannabinoids (eCBs) and N-acylethanolamines (NAEs, or eCB-like compounds), which are lipid mediators involved in multiple neurological disorders and metabolic processes. Hypothesizing that eCBs and NAEs will be biomarkers of a MedDiet intervention and will be related to the cognitive response, we investigated this relationship according to sex and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, which may affect eCBs and cognitive performance. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of 102 participants (53.9% women, 18.8% APOE-ɛ4 carriers, aged 65.6 ± 4.5 years) from the PREDIMED-Plus-Cognition substudy, who were recruited at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute (Barcelona). All of them presented metabolic syndrome plus overweight/obesity (inclusion criteria of the PREDIMED-Plus) and normal cognitive performance at baseline (inclusion criteria of this substudy). A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests was administered at baseline and after 1 and 3 years. Plasma concentrations of eCBs and NAEs, including 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), anandamide (AEA), oleoylethanolamide (OEA), palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and N-docosahexaenoylethanolamine (DHEA), were also monitored. Baseline cognition, cognitive changes, and the association between eCBs/NAEs and cognition were evaluated according to gender (crude models), sex (adjusted models), and APOE genotype. RESULTS: At baseline, men had better executive function and global cognition than women (the effect size of gender differences was - 0.49, p = 0.015; and - 0.42, p = 0.036); however, these differences became nonsignificant in models of sex differences. After 3 years of MedDiet intervention, participants exhibited modest improvements in memory and global cognition. However, greater memory changes were observed in men than in women (Cohen's d of 0.40 vs. 0.25; p = 0.017). In men and APOE-ε4 carriers, 2-AG concentrations were inversely associated with baseline cognition and cognitive changes, while in women, cognitive changes were positively linked to changes in DHEA and the DHEA/AEA ratio. In men, changes in the OEA/AEA and OEA/PEA ratios were positively associated with cognitive changes. CONCLUSIONS: The MedDiet improved participants' cognitive performance but the effect size was small and negatively influenced by female sex. Changes in 2-AG, DHEA, the OEA/AEA, the OEA/PEA and the DHEA/AEA ratios were associated with cognitive changes in a sex- and APOE-dependent fashion. These results support the modulation of the endocannabinoid system as a potential therapeutic approach to prevent cognitive decline in at-risk populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN89898870.

Association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the incidence of peptic ulcer disease in the SUN project: a Spanish prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) has increased despite potential adverse health effects. Recent studies showed an association between UPF consumption and some gastrointestinal disorders. We evaluated the association between UPF consumption and peptic ulcer disease (PUD) in a large Spanish cohort. METHODS: We conducted a prospective analysis of 18,066 participants in the SUN cohort, followed every two years. UPF was assessed at baseline and 10 years after. Cases of PUD were identified among participants reporting a physician-made diagnosis of PUD during follow-ups. Cases were only partially validated against medical records. Cox regression was used to assess the association between baseline UPF consumption and PUD risk. Based on previous findings and biological plausibility, socio-demographic and lifestyle variables, BMI, energy intake, Helicobacter pylori infection, gastrointestinal disorders, aspirin and analgesic use, and alcohol and coffee consumption were included as confounders.We fitted GEE with repeated dietary measurements at baseline and after 10 years of follow-up. Vanderweele's proposed E value was calculated to assess the sensitivity of observed associations to uncontrolled confounding. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 12.2 years, we recorded 322 new PUD cases (1.56 cases/1000 person-years). Participants in the highest baseline tertile of UPF consumption had an increased PUD risk compared to participants in the lowest tertile (HR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.15, 2.00, Ptrend=0.002). The E-values for the point estimate supported the observed association. The OR using repeated measurements of UPF intake was 1.39 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.87) when comparing extreme tertiles. CONCLUSION: The consumption of UPF is associated with an increased PUD risk.

Development of the VEGANScreener, a Tool for a Quick Diet Quality Assessment among Vegans in Europe.

BACKGROUND: Plant-based diets are not inherently healthy. Similar to omnivorous diets, they may contain excessive amounts of sugar, sodium, and saturated fats, or lack diversity. Moreover, vegans might be at risk of inadequate intake of certain vitamins and minerals commonly found in foods that they avoid. We developed the VEGANScreener, a tool designed to assess the diet quality of vegans in Europe. METHODS: Our approach combined best practices in developing diet quality metrics with scale development approaches and involved the following: (a) narrative literature synthesis, (b) evidence evaluation by an international panel of experts, and (c) translation of evidence into a diet screener. We employed a modified Delphi technique to gather opinions from an international expert panel. RESULTS: Twenty-five experts in the fields of nutrition, epidemiology, preventive medicine, and diet assessment participated in the first round, and nineteen participated in the subsequent round. Initially, these experts provided feedback on a pool of 38 proposed items from the literature review. Consequently, 35 revised items, with 17 having multiple versions, were suggested for further consideration. In the second round, 29 items were retained, and any residual issues were addressed in the final consensus meeting. The ultimate screener draft encompassed 29 questions, with 17 focusing on foods and nutrients to promote, and 12 addressing foods and nutrients to limit. The screener contained 24 food-based and 5 nutrient-based questions. CONCLUSIONS: We elucidated the development process of the VEGANScreener, a novel diet quality screener for vegans. Future endeavors involve contrasting the VEGANScreener against benchmark diet assessment methodologies and nutritional biomarkers and testing its acceptance. Once validated, this instrument holds potential for deployment as a self-assessment application for vegans and as a preliminary dietary screening and counseling tool in healthcare settings.

Is Ultra-Processed Food Intake Associated with a Higher Risk of Glaucoma? A Prospective Cohort Study including 19,255 Participants from the SUN Project.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of ultra-processed food (UPF) intake with the incidence of glaucoma in a large sample of Spanish university graduates followed prospectively. METHODS: Prospective cohort study using data from the SUN Project. A final sample of 19,225 participants (60.1% women) was included in this study, with a mean age of 38.2 years (standard deviation (SD) = 12.4). Participants were followed-up for a mean time of 12.9 years (SD = 5.4). Dietary intake was measured using a 136-item semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. UPFs were defined based on the NOVA classification system. Glaucoma diagnosis was determined by asking the participants if they had ever been diagnosed with glaucoma by an ophthalmologist. This self-reported diagnosis of glaucoma has been previously validated. RESULTS: After adjusting for several covariates, participants with the highest UPF consumption were at higher risk of glaucoma (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.83; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06 to 3.17) when compared to participants in the lowest category of UPF consumption. Regarding subgroup analyses, a significant multiplicative interaction was found for age (p = 0.004) and omega 3:6 ratio (p = 0.040). However, an association between UPF consumption and glaucoma was only found in older participants (aged ≥ 55 years), in men, in the most physically active group, in the group of non- or former smokers, in those with a lower omega 3:6 ratio, and in those with a lower energy intake. Regarding the contribution of each type of UPF group, UPF coming from sweets showed a significant risky effect (HR = 1.51; CI 95% 1.07 to 2.12). CONCLUSIONS: This prospective cohort study shows that participants with a greater UPF consumption have a higher risk of developing glaucoma when compared to participants with a lower consumption. Our findings emphasize the relevance of monitoring and limiting the consumption of UPFs as a means of preventing glaucoma incidence.

Effect of a nutritional intervention based on an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet on environmental impact.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the environmental impact of a dietary intervention based on an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) after one year of follow-up. METHODS: Baseline and 1-year follow-up data were used for 5800 participants aged 55-75 years with metabolic syndrome in the PREDIMED-Plus study. Food intake was estimated through a validated semiquantitative food consumption frequency questionnaire, and adherence to the MedDiet was estimated through the Diet Score. Using the EAT-Lancet Commission tables we assessed the influence of dietary intake on environmental impact (through five indicators: greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), land use, energy used, acidification and potential eutrophication). Using multivariable linear regression models, the association between the intervention and changes in each of the environmental factors was assessed. Mediation analyses were carried out to estimate to what extent changes in each of 2 components of the intervention, namely adherence to the MedDiet and caloric reduction, were responsible for the observed reductions in environmental impact. RESULTS: We observed a significant reduction in the intervention group compared to the control group in acidification levels (-13.3 vs. -9.9 g SO2-eq), eutrophication (-5.4 vs. -4.0 g PO4-eq) and land use (-2.7 vs. -1.8 m2). Adherence to the MedDiet partially mediated the association between intervention and reduction of acidification by 15 %, eutrophication by 10 % and land use by 10 %. Caloric reduction partially mediated the association with the same factors by 55 %, 51 % and 38 % respectively. In addition, adherence to the MedDiet fully mediated the association between intervention and reduction in GHG emissions by 56 % and energy use by 53 %. CONCLUSIONS: A nutritional intervention based on consumption of an energy-reduced MedDiet for one year was associated with an improvement in different environmental quality parameters.

Effect of an Intensive Lifestyle Intervention on Circulating Biomarkers of Atrial Fibrillation-Related Pathways among Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: Results from a Randomized Trial.

Background: Lifestyles influence atrial fibrillation (AF) risk. Determining the effect of lifestyle interventions on blood concentrations of biomarkers of AF-related pathways could help understand AF pathophysiology and contribute to AF prevention. Methods: We studied 532 participants enrolled in the PREDIMED-Plus trial, a Spanish randomized trial conducted in adults (55-75 years) with metabolic syndrome and body mass index between 27-40 kg/m2. Eligible participants were randomized 1:1 to an intensive lifestyle intervention, emphasizing physical activity, weight loss, and adherence to an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet or to a control group. Serum biomarkers [carboxy-terminal propeptide of procollagen type I (PICP), high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT), high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), and N-terminal propeptide of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)] were measured at baseline, 3 and 5 years after randomization. Mixed models were used to evaluate the effect of intervention on changes in biomarkers through year 5. Mediation analysis was performed to examine the proportion mediated by each component of the intervention. Results: At baseline, participants' mean age was 65, 40% were female, and 50% were assigned to the intervention. After five years, mean changes in log-transformed biomarkers were -0.01 (PICP), 0.20 (hsTnT), -0.17 (hsCRP), 0.12 (3-NT), and 0.27 (NT-proBNP). Compared to the control group, participants in the intervention group experienced greater decreases in hsCRP (-14%, 95% confidence interval (CI) -26%, 0%) or smaller increases in 3-NT (-16%, 95% CI -25%, -5%) and NT-proBNP (-12%, 95% CI -23%, 1%). The intervention had minimal impact on hsTnT (-3%, 95% CI -7%, 2%) or PICP concentrations (-2%, 95% CI -9%, 6%). The effect of the intervention on hsCRP was primarily mediated by weight loss (89% at year 5). Conclusions: Over five years, a dietary and lifestyle intervention for weight-loss favorably affected concentrations of hsCRP, 3-NT, and NT-proBNP, pointing to specific mechanisms in pathways linking lifestyles and AF.

Moderate wine consumption measured using the biomarker urinary tartaric acid concentration decreases inflammatory mediators related to atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: Several studies suggest that moderate wine consumption, particularly red wine, may have benefits for cardiovascular health. Red wine contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols like phenolic acids, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in experimental models. The aim of this study was to assess the anti-inflammatory properties of wine, measured as urinary tartaric acid, a new biomarker of wine consumption. DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS: One-year longitudinal study that included 217 participants from the PREDIMED trial. MEASUREMENTS: Plasma inflammatory biomarkers and urinary tartaric acid were analyzed using xMAP technology and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between variations over 1-year in urinary tartaric acid concentrations and 1-year changes in serum inflammatory molecules, including adhesion cell molecules, interleukine-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1. Three categories were built according to tertiles of 1-y changes in urinary tartaric acid. RESULTS: Using a ROC curve, urinary tartaric acid was corroborated as a reliable biomarker of wine consumption (AUC = 0.818 (95% CI: 0.76; 0.87). In the continuous analysis, participants with higher increases in tartaric acid significantly reduced their concentrations in soluble vascular adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1) after 1-year of follow-up (-0.20 (-0.38; -9,93) ng/mL per 1-SD increment, p-value = 0.031). Moreover, tertiles 2 and 3 of 1-year changes in tartaric acid presented a significant reduction in soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule (sICAM-1) as compared to tertile 1 (-0.31 (-0.52; -0.10) ng/mL, p-value = 0.014 and -0.29 (-0.52; -0.07) ng/mL, p-value = 0.023, respectively). Participants in the third tertile also exhibited a reduced concentration of sVCAM-1 compared to those in the first tertile (-0.31 (-0.55; -0.06) ng/mL, p-value = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that wine consumption is associated with lower levels of inflammation due to the anti-inflammatory properties of wine compounds.

Tobacco and alcohol co-use: Lifestyle and sociodemographic factors, and personality aspects as potential predictors in the "Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra" cohort.

Tobacco and alcohol co-use are two major lifestyle modifiable risk factors. Understanding the determinants of both behaviors helps to develop interventions to prevent these exposures. However, previous studies have focused on predictors of individual tobacco or alcohol use. This study aims to explore the potential predictors of tobacco and alcohol co-use among Spanish university graduates from the "Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra" (SUN) cohort study. A total of 7175 participants who were co-users of tobacco and alcohol were selected for this cross-sectional analysis. Their mean age was 39.1 years (12.04 SD) and 57.3% were women. Univariate regression models were used to select the potential predictors of tobacco and alcohol co-use, and the areas under the ROC curves (AUC) were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to create a predictive model. Baseline potential predictors included sociodemographic factors, lifestyle habits, and perceived personality aspects. In the multivariable model, the main significant potential predictors of tobacco and alcohol co-use were driving under the influence of alcohol (odds ratio [OR] = 1.65 [1.43-1.90]), drinking 1-2 cups of coffee daily (OR = 1.50 [1.24-1.84]), drinking three or more cups of coffee daily (OR = 1.61 [1.35-1.91]), and doing more physical activity than recommended (OR = 1.18 [1.02-1.34]) when compared with the reference group. Conversely, those who were married (OR = 0.87 [0.75-0.99], ate at home 7 days a week (OR = 0.69 [0.60-0.80]), or had a high perceived level of competitiveness (OR = 0.83 [0.72-0.95]) had a lower risk of co-use (AUC 0.61 [confidence interval 95% 0.59-0.63]), compared to the reference group. These results could be used by healthcare professionals, especially nurses, to effectively assess patients at higher risk of tobacco and alcohol co-use. [Correction added on 16 February 2024, after first online publication: The abstract section has been revised to provide more clarity in this version.].

Coronavirus disease 2019 is associated with long-term depressive symptoms in Spanish older adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has serious physiological and psychological consequences. The long-term (>12 weeks post-infection) impact of COVID-19 on mental health, specifically in older adults, is unclear. We longitudinally assessed the association of COVID-19 with depression symptomatology in community-dwelling older adults with metabolic syndrome within the framework of the PREDIMED-Plus cohort. METHODS: Participants (n = 5486) aged 55-75 years were included in this longitudinal cohort. COVID-19 status (positive/negative) determined by tests (e.g. polymerase chain reaction severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, IgG) was confirmed via event adjudication (410 cases). Pre- and post-COVID-19 depressive symptomatology was ascertained from annual assessments conducted using a validated 21-item Spanish Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Multivariable linear and logistic regression models assessed the association between COVID-19 and depression symptomatology. RESULTS: COVID-19 in older adults was associated with higher post-COVID-19 BDI-II scores measured at a median (interquartile range) of 29 (15-40) weeks post-infection [fully adjusted ß = 0.65 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15-1.15; p = 0.011]. This association was particularly prominent in women (ß = 1.38 points, 95% CI 0.44-2.33, p = 0.004). COVID-19 was associated with 62% increased odds of elevated depression risk (BDI-II ≥ 14) post-COVID-19 when adjusted for confounders (odds ratio; 95% CI 1.13-2.30, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 was associated with long-term depression risk in older adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome, particularly in women. Thus, long-term evaluations of the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and preventive public health initiatives are warranted in older adults.