Association of the Length of Service of 24/48 Firefighters with the Quality of Their Diet and Selected Anthropometric Parameters.

The aim of the study was to examine the association of lengths of service (LS) ≤ 10 years and >10 years in 24/48 shifts with the quality of the observed diet based on the Nutrient Rich Food Index (NRF9.3) and selected anthropometric parameters of 130 firefighters of the State Fire Service (SFS) in Wroclaw, Poland. The study also analysed the individual components of the men's diets required to calculate the NRF9.3 index in both seniority groups. Men with LS > 10 years had statistically significant higher body weight (89.00 kg vs. 81.59 kg), body-fat level (22.80 kg vs. 17.95 kg), waist circumference (96.50 cm vs. 89.00 cm), body-fat percentage (21.94 ± 4.06% vs. 25.00 ± 5.45%), body mass index (BMI) (28.10 kg/m2 vs. 25.40 kg/m2) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) (0.84 0.92 vs. 0.84), compared to the LF ≤ 10 years group. In contrast, the quality of the men's dietary adherence, based on the calculated NRF9.3 index, did not differ between the study groups, and was 662.50 ± 103.1 and 664.78 for the LS ≤ 10 years and LS > 10 years groups, respectively. Based on a statistical analysis using the NRF9.3 diet quality index by tertile (NRF9.3-C), a leading and statistically significant association of LS > 10 years vs. ≤10 years was observed as to most of the anthropometric parameters studied. In contrast, the association of participants' diet quality, as assessed by the NRF9.3 index value, was insignificant for all anthropometric parameters studied.

A multifaceted assessment of the nutritional status, diet and eating habits of midwives working on a shift schedule in Wroclaw, Poland: evaluation of macronutrients, vitamins and minerals in the diets of midwives participating in the study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status and diet of midwives working on a shift schedule in public hospitals in Wroclaw, Poland, and to analyze the variation in their diet according to their working hours (day shift, night shift) and on a non-working day. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the group of 50 midwives, employed in 4 public hospitals in Wroclaw weight and body composition, waist and hip circumference, waist-hip-ratio and BMI were assessed. The nutritional habits and quality of the study participants' diets were assessed by 3-days food dietary recall, including 1 day shift day, 1 night shift day, and 1 non-working day. RESULTS: More than half of the subjects were assessed as having excess body weight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2). Thirty percent of participants had BMI ≥25-<30 kg/m2 and 24% BMI ≥30 kg/m2, 70% had a body fat percentage >30%. Fifty-six percent of the diets had an energy value <90% of the subject's total daily energy expenditure. Significantly higher energy value of diets on the night shift day compared to the morning shift day (1959.05±596.09 kcal vs. 1715.36±654.55 kcal, p = 0.01) were observed. The same relationship applied to cholesterol content (349.50±155.33 mg vs. 261.39±190.59 mg, p = 0.002). A high intake of phosphorus and sodium, exceeding the recommended dietary intake, was noticed. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of a night shift in the shift work schedule is an element of that model that may have a significant impact on the nutritional and health value of shift workers' diets. Therefore, it seems reasonable to implement nutritional education programs promoting healthy eating choices and habits during night work. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(5):618-31.

Dietary Patterns and the Prevalence of Noncommunicable Diseases in the PURE Poland Study Participants.

The aim of the study was to analyze the association between dietary patterns (DP) identified in the group of Lower Silesia (Poland) inhabitants and the prevalence of selected noncommunicable diseases, such as total cardiovascular diseases (CVD), hypertension, diabetes, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), visceral obesity, and excessive body weight. This study involved 2023 subjects aged 35-70 years, from Wroclaw and surrounding villages. The assessment of food intake in the study group was assessed using the standardized Food Frequency Questionnaire. Dietary patterns were identified using the principal components analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation. Three dietary patterns were identified in the study group: unhealthy, healthy, and traditional. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, IFG, and visceral obesity decreased across the quartiles of healthy DP. Prevalence of IFG increased across the quartiles of unhealthy DP, but the prevalence of hypertension decreased. When the diet was more adherent to the traditional DP the prevalence of CVD, diabetes, IFG, visceral obesity, obesity, and being overweight was higher. DP abundant in fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, raisins, and unrefined grains, named "healthy dietary pattern", had a beneficial association with lower prevalence of selected noncommunicable diseases. DP abundant in meat products, but poor in fruits and vegetables were positively associated with higher prevalence of total CVD, diabetes, IFG, excessive body weight, and visceral obesity.

The Evaluation of Energy Availability and Dietary Nutrient Intake of Sport Climbers at Different Climbing Levels.

Proper nutrition is the basis for athletes' performances when competing or training. The increasing training volume accompanying the increase in advancement should go hand in hand with the appropriate supply of energy as well as macro and micronutrients. The diet of climbing representatives due to the desire to achieve a low body weight may be deficient in energy and micronutrients. Our study aimed to evaluate the differences in energy availability and nutrient intake of female and male sport climbers at different climbing levels. Anthropometric parameters and the resting metabolic rate were measured, the questionnaire about climbing grade and training hours was filled, and a 3-day food diary was fulfilled by 106 sport climbers. Based on the collected data, the energy availability as well as the macro- and micronutrient intake was calculated. Low energy availability (EA) was observed among both genders of sport climbing representatives. A significant difference between EA in various levels of advancement was found in the male group (p < 0.001). Differences in carbohydrate intake (g/kg/BW) between sexes were observed (p = 0.01). Differences in nutrients intake between climbing grade were found in both the female and male groups. In the group of female elite athletes, the adequate supply of most of the micronutrients can imply a high-quality diet despite the low calorie content. It is necessary to educate sport climbing representatives about the importance of proper nutrition as well as the consequences of insufficient energy intake.

Accuracy of Resting Metabolic Rate Prediction Equations in Sport Climbers.

Resting metabolic rate (RMR) represents the energy required to maintain vital body functions. In dietary practice, RMR is determined by predictive equations on the basis of using body weight or fat-free mass. Our study aimed to assess whether predictive equations used to estimate RMR are reliable tools for estimating the energy requirements of sport climbers. The study included 114 sport climbers whose RMR was measured with a Fitmate WM. Anthropometric measurements were performed with X-CONTACT 356. The resting metabolic rate was measured by indirect calorimetry and was compared with the RMR estimated by 14 predictive equations on the basis of using body weight/fat-free mass. All equations underestimated RMR in male and female climbers, except for De Lorenzo's equation in the group of women. The De Lorenzo equation demonstrated the highest correlation with RMR in both groups. The results of the Bland-Altman tests revealed an increasing measurement error with increasing metabolism for most of the predictive equations in male and female climbers. All equations had low measurement reliability according to the intraclass correlation coefficient. Compared with the indirect calorimetry measurement results, none of the studied predictive equations demonstrated high reliability. There is a need to develop a highly reliable predictive equation to estimate RMR in sport climbers.

Comparison of Intake of Food Groups Based on Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the Middle-Age Population of Lower Silesia: Results of the PURE Poland Study.

Chronic inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of many non-infectious diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD), a leading cause of death in Europe. The aim of the study was to assess the inflammatory potential of the diets of participants enrolled in the Polish arm of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study, evaluate the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) score with the dietary content, and to determine the correlation of DII score with selected anthropometric parameters and biochemical risk factors for CVD. Diets were assessed with the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Among participants with pro-inflammatory diets, we reported higher mean values of triglycerides (TG), fasting glucose (FG), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and the Castelli's risk index (CRI) in the group of men and women, and higher waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in the group of women. Pro-inflammatory diets were associated with higher intake of refined grains, sweets, juices, red meat, high-fat cheese and cream, alcohol, fats except for vegetable oils, potatoes, sugar and honey, French fries, fried fish, and processed/high-fat poultry. Moreover, study participants with pro-inflammatory diets consumed more milk, low-fat dairy, and eggs associated with unhealthy dietary habits, but this should not be considered as an independent CVD risk factor. Anthropometric and biochemical outcomes were more favorable among study participants who consumed more vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, raisins, pulses, low-fat poultry, and tea. However, association of beverage consumption with dietary inflammatory potential requires further study.

A High-Quality Diet, as Measured by the DASH Score, Is Associated with a Lower Risk of Metabolic Syndrome and Visceral Obesity.

The current study was designed to examine the relationship between diet quality, as measured by the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score, and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components. The study was cross-sectional in design and enrolled 535 people, including 215 with MetS and 320 without MetS. Using a validated food frequency questionnaire, the DASH diet quality score was counted. The mean age of the MetS group and control subjects was 58.48 ± 14.65 and 58.33 ± 9.26 years, respectively. The study showed that the MetS group had a significantly lower mean total DASH score than the control group (23.13 ± 5.44 vs. 24.62 ± 5.07, p = 0.0023). In addition, it was found that an increase in the total DASH score was associated with a lower risk of MetS (odds ratio [OR] = 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.91-0.99, p = 0.009). In the correlation analysis of the total population, a better-quality diet (higher DASH score) was positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and negatively correlated with triglyceride (TG) concentration and waist circumference. It was also found that an increase in the total DASH score was associated with a lower risk of abdominal obesity (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.88-0.99, p = 0.017). The results from the analyzed data highlight the potential benefits of following a healthy diet such as DASH.

Comparison of Actual and Predicted Resting Metabolic Rate in Women with Lipedema.

Background: An adequate dietary energy supply is particularly important in patients with lipedema as it promotes weight and fat loss. Accurate estimation of resting metabolic rate (RMR) allows implementing a proper calorie restriction diet in patients with lipedema. Our study aimed to compare actual resting metabolic rate (aRMR) with predicted resting metabolic rate (pRMR) in women with lipedema and to determine the association between individual body composition parameters, body mass index, and aRMR. Methods and Results: A total of 108 women diagnosed with lipedema were enrolled in the study. aRMR was obtained by indirect calorimetry (IC) using FitMate WM metabolic system (Cosmed, Rome, Italy). pRMR was estimated with predictive equations and bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA). All body composition parameters were based on BIA. The mean aRMR in the study group was 1705.2 ± 320.7 kcal/day. This study found the agreement of predictive equations compared to IC is low (<60%). Most methods of predicted RMR measurement used in our study significantly underpredicted aRMR in patients with lipedema. Therefore, the most applied equations remain useless in clinical practice in this specific population due to large individual differences among the studied women. Conclusions: IC is the best tool to evaluate RMR in evaluated patients with lipedema. It is necessary to propose a new equation to RMR determination in clinical practice.

Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII)® and Metabolic Syndrome in the Selected Population of Polish Adults: Results of the PURE Poland Sub-Study.

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the inflammatory potential of the diets of residents of Lower Silesia, based on the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), with the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components. Diets were characterized according to DII terciles. The study group consisted of 1570 individuals enrolled in the Polish arm of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study. Participants' diets in DII T1 (most anti-inflammatory diet) had the highest intake of vegetables (except for potatoes), fruits, nuts and seeds, low-calorie beverages, tea, and coffee (all p < 0.001). On the other hand, participants' diets in DII T3 (most pro-inflammatory diet) contained a lot of whole-fat products, refined cereals, fats (except for vegetable oils), fruit juices, red meat, processed meat/meat products, sugar-sweetened beverages, sweets, sugar, and honey (all p < 0.001). Overall, we did not find an increased prevalence of MetS and its individual components in DII tercile 3 (T3) compared to DII tercile 1 (T1), except for an increased prevalence of abnormal TG in DII T3 compared to T1 (OR 1.34; 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.78) in the crude model. In the adjusted model, a lower prevalence of abnormal fasting glucose (FG) was found in DII T2 compared to DII T1 (OR 0.71; 95% CI = 00.54 to 0.94). Results of this study are informative and provide an important basis for further research on the quality of diet and nutrition.

Metabolic Syndrome Is Associated with Low Diet Quality Assessed by the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) and Low Concentrations of High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol.

Presenting diet quality of patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS), using a holistic approach is more useful than investigating dietary individual components, but there is still a small amount of research in this area. The aim of this study assessed the diet quality, as measured by the HEI-2015, of MetS patients compared to healthy individuals. The study and control group consisted of 215 patients with MetS and 320 people without MetS, respectively. A nutritional analysis using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to evaluate the nutritional habits in the study and control group. Total HEI-2015 scores were significantly lower in MetS subjects than in those in the control group (65.04 ± 9.71 vs. 66.75 ± 8.88) and the quality of women's diets was better than the quality of men's diet (66.83 ± 8.99 vs. 64.75 ± 9.57). We also observed that low HDL-c concentration increased the risk of MetS in the general population the most. Across the population, there was a weak positive correlation between HDL-c concentrations and total HEI-2015 scores and a weak negative correlation between mean waist circumference values and total HEI-2015 scores. HDL-c concentrations may be a key factor in the prevention of MetS and appropriate therapeutic management to increase HDL-c levels may be of key importance in patients diagnosed with MetS.

The importance of nutritional management and education in the treatment of autism.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are an early-onset neurodevelopmental disorders. The key symptoms of ASD include social deficits, verbal and non-verbal communication deficits, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities. Dietary patterns have been evidenced to be related to maternal nutritional status that might lead to different metabolic conditions, and maternal metabolic dysfunction has been observed to be associated with ASD. Furthermore growing evidence suggests that the gut microbiota has a role in the pathophysiology of ASD. Differences in composition of the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota in children with ASD compared to unaffected siblings and/or healthy unrelated controls have been reported in various studies. The above-mentioned ASD factors and symptoms can be regulated by proper nutrition. The importance of nutrition and its possible impact on ASD patients is key to integral therapy. According to numerous research studies, various nutritional approaches succeeded in reducing the severity of patients' core ASD symptoms. The numerous options for diet that is used in the ASD therapy, as described in the scientific literature, are related to the problem of choosing an appropriate nutritional treatment. Each nutrition programme needs to be personalised and tailored to an individual patient. The aim of the paper is to review the available literature on dietary interventions in children with ASD and provide up-to-date evidence.

The Effect of a Low-Carbohydrate, High-Fat Diet versus Moderate-Carbohydrate and Fat Diet on Body Composition in Patients with Lipedema.

Introduction: Lipedema is a disorder characterized by an excessive accumulation of subcutaneous body fat, mainly bilateral and symmetrical accumulation of fat deposits, particularly in the lower extremities excluding feet. Pain (spontaneous or with palpation) and increased capillary fragility with bruising are also part of clinical presentation. It is estimated to occur in approximately 11.0% of women worldwide. Management of obesity among patients with lipedema is a key component in its treatment. Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare effectiveness of two diets: low-carbohydrate-high-fat diet (LCHF) and medium-fat-medium-carbohydrate diet (MFMC) in body weight, body fat and limb circumference reduction in patients with lipedema. Material and Methods: The studied women (n = 91) were divided into 2 groups and submitted to 1 of the 2 diets for 16 weeks. Anthropometric measurements such as body height [cm], body weight [kg], body fat percentage [%], body fat [kg], lean body mass [kg], and visceral fat level were collected at the beginning and end of the study. Results: We have not found any significant differences in anthropometric measurements at the baseline between groups. Body weight and all anthropometric parameters decreased significantly in both groups after 16 weeks of diets, excluding the circumference above the right ankle for the MFMC diet which did not change. The LCHF diet contributed to reduction of body weight (-8.2 ± 4.1 kg vs -2.1 ± 1.0 kg; p < 0.0001), body fat (-6.4 ± 3.2 kg vs 1.6 ± 0.8 kg; p < 0.0001), waist (-7.8 ± 3.9 cm vs -2.3 ± 1.1 cm; p < 0.0001), hips (-7.4 ± 3.7 cm vs -2.5 ± 1.3 cm; p < 0.0001), thighs and calves' circumferences compared with the MFMC diet. We observed reduction of pain in the extremities and mobility improvement in LCHF group (data not shown). Conclusion: The LCHF diet was more effective than MFMC in body weight, body fat and lower limb circumferences reduction.

Possible Nonneurological Health Benefits of Ketogenic Diet: Review of Scientific Reports over the Past Decade.

The ketogenic diet (KD) has been used since the 1920s as a therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy. Due to the beneficial effects of this diet on the nervous system and the proposed multifaceted effects of ketones on health and disease, researchers have evaluated its use in other nonneurological conditions. The objective of this review was to analyze the most recent papers, which is why meta-analyses were used in which 75% of the studies were from 2012 to 2022. Authors also cited single studies from the last decade that lasted longer than 12 months to assess the long-term benefits of KD. Reports from the past decade have highlighted several significant areas regarding the impact of KD. One of these is the use of very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) as an effective possibly safe and patient-motivating component of a long-term weight loss plan. Reports on the positive influence of KD on the health of obese individuals, and the possible resulting validity of its use, should be verified by patients' physical activity levels. A significant number of studies from the last decade evaluate the effect of KD on improving the health of individuals with type 2 diabetes as an effective tool in lowering glycated hemoglobin (Hb1Ac) and required doses of hypoglycemic drugs. The long-term studies indicate a possible beneficial effect of KD on cardiovascular function due to improvement lipid profile, changes in apolipoprotein (Apo) A1, adiponectin, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1).

Estimation of Vitamin K Content and Its Sources in the Diet of the Polish Participants of the PURE Study.

The aim of the study was to estimate the content of K1, K2 (MK-n) as well as total K vitamins and their sources in the diets of 1985 PURE Poland study participants based on the FFQ questionnaire. Due to the pleiotropic effect of K vitamins, it is important to know their food sources depending on different eating habits. Total vitamin K in the diets amounted to 331.1 ± 151.5 µg/d and 358.6 ± 181.0 µg/d for men and women, respectively. Dietary patterns (DPs) were identified in the study group, and the relationship between them and vitamin K intake was assessed. The proportion of dominant products as sources of vitamin K in the fourth quartile of each of the three identified DPs did not change significantly compared to the proportion of these products as sources of vitamin K in all subjects. In the fourth quartile of individual DPs, vitamin K1 came mainly from vegetables (56.5-76.8%); K2 mainly from processed meat and high-fat cheese and cream (70.1-77.6%); and total K mainly from vegetables and processed meat (57.6-67.8%). Intakes of K vitamins were high and similar in terms of predominant vitamin K provider products, in groups of subjects whose diets were most consistent with the particular DP. In the absence of global findings on the most appropriate dietary content of MK-n vitamins other than phylloquinone, the estimated high content of these vitamins in the diets of the subjects compared with other nations suggests that their level in diets was satisfactory. Future studies should aim to determine the need for MK-n vitamins in terms of fulfilling all their functions in the body.

Evaluation of Supplement Use in Sport Climbers at Different Climbing Levels.

The lack of specific recommendations on the use of supplements for sport climbers may be the reason for their misuse by athletes of this discipline. This study aimed to evaluate choices of dietary supplementation, the reasons for taking them, and the source of information on supplementation among sport climbers at different levels. In addition, how climbers subjectively evaluated the impact of their diets in supporting selected aspects of climbing training was evaluated. We enrolled 110 regular sport climbers (40 women and 70 men) from Wroclaw, Poland, who completed a validated questionnaire, assessing their use of dietary supplements, attitudes towards the influence of diet on sports performance, and climbing level. Their anthropometric measurements were also collected. Participants regarded diet as an important element of sports performance. Sport climbers indicated the Internet to be the main source of information on supplements. Health maintenance and improvement of recovery were the most frequently chosen reasons for taking dietary supplements. The most common supplements were isolated protein, vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium, and amino acid blends. However, participants rarely used supplements suggested as beneficial for sport climbing performance. Therefore, developing recommendations for supplementation in sport climbing and promoting this should be an elementary part of the preparation for climbing training.

Mediterranean diet adherence among cosmetology students.

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.

Link between methyl nutrients and the DNA methylation process in the course of selected diseases in adults.

DNA methylation is a reversible epigenetic modification that plays a crucial role in transcriptional gene silencing. Both excessive (hypermethylation) and reduced DNA methylation (hypomethylation) can contribute to the disturbance of the proper course of many important processes in the human body. The aim of the study was to discuss the relationship between methyl nutrients and the DNA methylation process in the course of selected diseases in adults. Methyl nutrients include folates (vitamin B9), riboflavin (vitamin B2), cobalamin (vitamin B12), pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and choline (vitamin B4), as well as methionine and betaine. These substances play the role of both substrates and cofactors in transformations related to one-carbon metabolism. The deficiency of methyl nutrients in the body can lead to disturbances in SAM synthesis, which is the primary donor of methyl groups in the DNA methylation process. However, the mechanism explaining the discussed relationship has not been fully explained so far. Both the concentration in the body and the intake of folate and vitamin B12 in the diet can, to some extent, have an effect on the level of DNA methylation in healthy people. In comparison, data on the effect of excessive intake of vitamin B12 in the diet on the risk of cancer development are inconsistent. An adequate betaine and choline intake in the diet might not only affect the overall improvement of the DNA methylation profile, but, to some extent, also reduce the risk of cancer, the effect of which can depend on the content of folic acid in the body. Research results on the effect of supplementation of methyl nutrients on the DNA methylation process are inconclusive. It is therefore necessary to conduct further research in this area to draw clear conclusions.

The legitimacy of using dietary supplement diglycoside secoisolariciresinol (SDG) from flaxseed in cancer.

Linseed, commonly known as flaxseed, is a fibre-rich food product. According to the recent study prepared by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), an adequate intake of dietary fiber contributes to reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. In addition, the flaxseed and the oil extracted from it are considered to be food products with a high content of anti-inflammatory, unsaturated α-linolenic acid (ALA). However, the authors of the most recent scientific research have assigned the anticancer significance of flax seeds to plant lignan - secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG), of which flaxseed is the main food source. This article provides a review of the world scientific literature together with an assessment of the validity of dietary supplementation with SDG from flaxseeds in cancer and during chemotherapeutic treatment. The paper also presents the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) view on dietary supplementation with flax seeds and its lignans. Additionally, selected dietary supplements available on the Polish market containing SDGs, linseed oil or linseed were analysed, together with a description of their intended use suggested by the manufacturers.

The legitimacy and safety of using alternative diets in cancer.

Alternative diets are used by cancer patients, especially among those who are not treated with conventional methods. Due to worrying data published by the World Health Organisation and its Agenda, the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the International Cancer Union, as well as epidemiological data from all over the world, it has been concluded that cancer will be the main cause of death in the world and that, therefore, the popularity of alternative diets among cancer patients may increase. The paper reviews the scientific literature and assesses the legitimacy and safety of selected alternative diets, as well as the description of research in terms of assumed anticancer efficacy in the following diets: ketogenic, Dr. Budwig and macrobiotic. The article also contains a summary of the analyzed scientific research and conclusions concerning the legitimacy of their use by cancer patients.

Assessment of eating and lifestyle habits among Polish cosmetology and physiotherapy students.

BACKGROUND: Proper nutritional behaviors are one of the most important factors shaping our health, as they influence people's physical and mental state. Good eating habits help prevent many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, some types of cancer, and osteoporosis. The Polish population aged 20-34 years displays improper nutritional behaviors which may put them at risk of developing diet-dependent diseases in the future. There is a need to assess students' lifestyle, including their eating habits, as it would help adapt already existing education programs. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated and compared eating habits and lifestyle of students studying cosmetology and physiotherapy in association with selected risk factors of civilization diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used a standardized dietary questionnaire evaluating respondents' physical activity, smoking and dietary habits. The obtained results were compared with the recommendations from the Polish food-based dietary guidelines. We evaluated respondents' nutritional status based on their anthropometric measurements such as body weight, body height, hips and waist circumferences and then we estimated their body mass index (BMI) and waist hip ratio (WHR). RESULTS: Students studying cosmetology and physiotherapy obtained on average 5.3 ±1.5 points based on their compliance with the nutritional recommendations. The academic youth did not meet principles of healthy nutrition according to the given recommendations. There were no significant differences in nutrition status between the faculties, except for products that provide complete protein. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to increase nutritional awareness of academic youth, especially students of health-related faculties, because better knowledge on nutrition would help them choose healthier food options.