Evaluation of nutritional status using the minimum dietary diversity for women of reproductive age (MDD-W) tool in breastfeeding mothers in Madagascar.

OBJECTIVES: Women of reproductive age in low-income countries are especially nutritionally vulnerable given the strain that pregnancy and lactation places on the body. The aim of this study was to identify dietary diversity and its associated factors among mothers with young children. METHODS: It is a cross-sectional study conducted in Ampefy, Madagascar from 1 November 2022 to 31 March 2023. Dietary diversity was determined using the minimum dietary diversity for women of reproductive age tool. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using validated structured questionnaires, and anthropometric status was examined. Frequencies and percentages were calculated, and the comparison of variables was performed between mothers with acceptable and unacceptable dietary diversity using the chi-square test for qualitative variables. A logistic regression analysis was also conducted. RESULTS: A total of 437 mothers with young children participated in the study, resulting in a response rate of 95.0%. The mean age of the participants was 25.84 years (SD = 6.30). The study revealed that 32.95% of participants had unacceptable dietary diversity scores and the associated profile included low education, no transport, homebirth not by personal choice, not breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, not breastfeed exclusively for 6 months, no dietary changes during pregnancy or lactation, and no use of folic acid supplements. CONCLUSION: This study's findings underscore the importance of providing nutrition information to women, in order to improve dietary diversity and overall maternal and child health.

Analysis of Fluid Balance and Urine Values in Elite Soccer Players: Impact of Different Environments, Playing Positions, Sexes, and Competitive Levels.

Exercise can disrupt the fluid balance, hindering performance and athlete health. Limited data exist on fluid balance responses in varying climates, sexes, and ages. This study aimed to measure and compare fluid balance and urine values among elite soccer players during training at high and low temperatures, examining the differences between sexes, playing positions, and competitive levels within men's soccer. During the 2022-2023 competitive season, a descriptive observational study was conducted on 87 soccer players from an elite Spanish soccer team. The study found that none of the groups exceeded weight loss values of 1.5% of their body mass. Additionally, the soccer players studied experienced higher weight loss, fluid intake, and a higher sweat rate (SR) during summer training compared to winter training. During the summer, male U23-21 soccer players exhibited higher levels of weight loss, fluid intake, and a higher SR compared to female soccer players or the U19-17 male category. No significant differences were found between playing positions. In conclusion, differences in the fluid balance were observed based on the climatic conditions, competitive level, and sex.

Supplement Consumption by Elite Soccer Players: Differences by Competitive Level, Playing Position, and Sex.

Soccer is a sport practiced all over the world and whose practice begins in young athletes. Currently, the consumption of nutritional supplements is essential to achieve the maximum performance of players. The aim of this study was to describe the consumption of sports supplements (CSS) by elite soccer players and its association with their competitive level, playing position, and sex. A comparative descriptive and non-experimental study was performed during the 2021-2022 competitive season. A total of 70 elite players completed one online questionnaire about their CSS. We found that sports drinks (55.7%), sports bars (50.0%), whey protein (48.6%), caffeine (47.1%), and creatine (60.0%) were the most consumed supplements by the total sample. Relative to the categories, the CSS was higher in the senior teams for both men and women. Regarding playing positions, caffeine was more consumed by midfielders and forwards (p = 0.013). Finally, in relation to sex, significant differences were found in the consumption of sports confectionery (p = 0.036), whey protein (p = 0.002), ß-alanine (p = 0.013), and melatonin (p = 0.016). Soccer club SS questionnaires gather data to understand patterns, assess effectiveness and risks, and aid research. In conclusion, differences were found in the CSS according to competitive level, sex, and playing position.

Assessment and Solutions to Food Waste at Congress Events: A Perspective of the MagNuS Project.

Addressing global food waste is a formidable challenge, requiring comprehensive efforts across the food supply chain, particularly in sectors prone to waste like HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering). In MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) tourism, where gastronomy is a major attraction, overlooked meal services during working meetings contribute significantly to food waste. The MagNuS (Magnitude, Nutritional value, and Sustainability) project aims to assess and address food waste during conference events at the Valencia Conference Center in Spain. This study quantifies waste, categorizes it by food groups, estimates the potential number of individuals that could be fed with discarded food, and assesses energy and nutritional values. Across three events, 104.4 kg of food waste was documented, with cereals having the highest wastage, followed by legumes, fish, and others. Acknowledging potential underestimation due to reliance on cooked values, this study suggests using residues for vermicomposting or composting as sustainable waste management alternatives. These findings have implications for future initiatives, advocating diverse strategies to minimize food waste during congress events, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. The MagNuS project contributes valuable insights to sustainable practices in MICE tourism, informing policies and operational decisions to reduce the environmental impact of food waste.

Sarcopenic Obesity in Community-Dwelling Spanish Adults Older than 65 Years.

Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is diagnosed when sarcopenia and obesity coexist in patients. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of SO under different diagnostic criteria in community-dwelling Spanish adults aged over 65 years residing in Valencia (Spain). The research was conducted as an observational and cross-sectional study with a sample size of 202 subjects. To diagnose sarcopenia, we used the tests proposed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People in 2019 (EWGSOP2): SARC-F, grip strength, sit-to-stand, gait speed, Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass (ASMM), and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). For obesity diagnosis, we used body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), total body fat percentage (%TBF), and tricipital skinfold (TS). The prevalence of SO was 16.5% in women and 29% in men, according to any of the diagnostic criteria used to determine obesity. A higher proportion of SO was observed as age increased in both groups, although no significant differences were found. Most values obtained in tests related to SO diagnosis were worse in the group affected by the disease; however, there were two exceptions related to the amount of ASMM. In total, 18.8% of the participants presented SO according to any diagnostic criteria related to obesity. Our results suggest significant differences in the number of SO cases depending on diagnostic criteria used to determine the participants' obesity. BMI, WC, and TBF% were shown as principal variables to be included in obesity diagnosis within the SO construct. These findings underscore the need to unify criteria to standardize the diagnosis of SO in the global population.

Dietary Habits of Elite Soccer Players: Variations According to Competitive Level, Playing Position and Sex.

Soccer is a sport practiced worldwide by both men and women, where nutrition plays a fundamental role in the performance of soccer players, providing them with the nutrients necessary for energy, muscle recovery and injury prevention. The aim of this study is to describe the dietary habits in elite soccer players and their association with their competitive level, playing position and sex. A descriptive and non-experimental comparative study was conducted during the 2021-2022 competitive season. A total of 105 players belonging to a Spanish elite soccer team completed a food frequency questionnaire (FCFQ). It was observed that male players presented a higher consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods (p < 0.05), fermented foods (p = 0.014), frozen foods (p = 0.049) and red meat (p = 0.012) compared to female players, with the exception of lean meats, which were higher in females (p = 0.012). Furthermore, the U16-15 categories stand out for consuming carbohydrate-rich foods such as pasta (p = 0.000), bread (p = 0.004) and sweets (p = 0.046), as well as frozen foods (p = 0.002). Finally, alcohol consumption is higher in the senior categories (42.9%), where men are more likely to drink mixed drinks (6.2%), and beer and wine by women (10.7%). Practically no differences were found between the playing positions. In conclusion, differences were found in FCFQ according to competitive level and sex.

Simultaneous Salmonella and bacteriophage isolation on Modified Semisolid Rappaport Vassiliadis media.

Salmonella represents a food safety concern worldwide. Despite the application of National Control Programs (NCP) against Salmonella, regulated by the European Union, every year the European Food Safety Authority reports new cases. On the look for new alternatives to antibiotics, bacteriophages, or phages, rise as a promising alternative to treat multidrug resistance infections. Although they are known to be ubiquitous in the environment, their high specificity to host cells hinders their isolation and usage for phage therapy. The ISO 6579-1:2017 is performed as a reference method in the NCP and uses an unspecific media to enrich the sample the same way most phage isolation protocols do. Later, the protocol uses a more selective media to isolate the Salmonella, Modified Semisolid Rappaport Vassiliadis (MSRV). This paper aims to find out whether, due to the similarity between phage isolation protocols and the ISO 6579-1:2017, this last one could be used as a protocol to also isolate phages against the same bacterium that is being simultaneously isolated. To do so, 2 experiments were performed to assess phage isolation from MSRV media in in-vivo conditions. The results from experiments 1 and 2 proved that the MSRV media was usable for simultaneous phage and pathogen isolation through a single procedure. Additionally, there is a correlation between the antigenic formulae from the bacteria and the phage's host range, seeming to be effective against bacteria with similar antigenic formulae.

Radioprotective Effects from Propolis: A Review.

Propolis is a natural bee-produced substance with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, containing some components from the leaves, buds and resins of plants. It has been used for centuries for various health benefits. In this manuscript, our group reviewed the radioprotective effect of propolis using PubMed and Embase, and our review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement. Finally, 27 articles were included in this review, which includes the radioprotective effect of propolis from cell-based studies (n = 8), animal models (n = 14), and human trials (n = 5). Results reflected that the dosage forms of propolis extracted in the scientific literature were ethanolic extracts of propolis, a water-soluble derivate of propolis, or capsules. The efficacy of the radioprotective properties from propolis is extracted from the bibliography, as several compounds of this resinous mixture individually or synergistically are possible candidates that have the radioprotective effect. In fact, studies prior to 2011 lacked a comprehensive characterization of propolis due to the variability in active compounds among different batches of propolis and were limited to analytical techniques. Furthermore, in this manuscript, we have selected studies to include primarily propolis types from Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, European countries, and those commercialized in Spain. They all contained ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) and were influenced by different dosage forms. EEP showed a significant presence of lipophilic bioactive compounds like flavones, flavonols, and flavanones.

[Benefits of using a recommended testing algorithm for the diagnosis and dietary-nutritional management of patients with chronic gastrointestinal disorders]. / Beneficios del uso de un algoritmo de pruebas recomendadas para el diagnóstico y manejo dietético-nutricional del paciente con trastornos gastrointestinales crónicos.

Introduction: Introduction and objective: chronic gastrointestinal disorders such as celiac disease and lactose or fructose intolerance in adulthood are becoming more frequent and are usually accompanied by symptoms that affect daily activities and greatly limit diet. The spectrum of symptoms manifested by those affected is heterogeneous and not very specific; in addition, there is no standardized and agreed protocol for dietary management, which makes a correct diagnosis and effective treatment difficult. Disorders related to malabsorption/food intolerance can originate from primary (genetic) or secondary causes (parasites, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, drugs, etc.). Using genetic data makes it possible to rule out or confirm primary causes, and when necessary, focus the search on secondary ones. The objective of this algorithmic approach is to guide the dietary-nutritional management of the patient with chronic gastrointestinal disease to optimize the diagnostic process and nutritional treatment. Material and methods: after a review of the literature on the pathologies most frequently associated with these disorders, a testing algorithm is proposed and the successive steps to be followed depending on the results obtained, in order to determine the diagnosis and treatment. Results: the proposed algorithm aims to be a tool for health personnel (gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, nutritionists, etc.) who care for these patients. The aim is to guide the flow of diagnostic tests based on the information provided by the patient and the clinic at the beginning, as well as to recommend the most appropriate treatment (dietary-nutritional and/or pharmacological). Conclusions: the benefit of using an algorithmic approach is that it allows optimising the diagnostic process of primary and secondary causes, and with this, to prescribe a personalised nutritional treatment considering the origin of the disorder, to alleviate the intensity and frequency of the symptoms with the least amount of dietary restrictions possible and minimise the impact on the quality of life of the patients.

Introducción: Introducción y objetivo: los trastornos gastrointestinales crónicos como la enfermedad celiaca y la intolerancia a la lactosa o fructosa en la edad adulta son cada vez más frecuentes y se suelen acompañar de sintomatología que repercute en las actividades diarias y limita en gran medida la dieta. El espectro de síntomas que manifiestan los afectados es heterogéneo y poco específico y, además, no existe un protocolo estandarizado y consensuado para el manejo dietético, lo que dificulta un correcto diagnóstico y un adecuado tratamiento. Los trastornos relacionados con malabsorción/intolerancia alimentaria pueden originarse por causas primarias (genéticas) o secundarias (parásitos, alergias, enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, fármacos, etc.). El empleo de análisis genéticos permite descartar o confirmar causas primarias y, cuando sea necesario, centrar la búsqueda en las secundarias. El objetivo del enfoque algorítmico que proponemos es guiar el manejo dietético-nutricional del paciente con trastornos gastrointestinales crónicos para optimizar el proceso diagnóstico y el tratamiento nutricional. Material y métodos: tras realizar una revisión bibliográfica sobre las patologías más frecuentemente asociadas a estos trastornos, se proponen un algoritmo de pruebas y los sucesivos pasos a seguir en función de los resultados obtenidos, para concretar el diagnóstico y el tratamiento. Resultados: el algoritmo propuesto pretende ser una herramienta para el personal sanitario (gastroenterólogos, endocrinólogos, nutricionistas, etc.) que atiende a este tipo de paciente. Se busca guiar el flujo de pruebas diagnósticas en función de la información aportada por el paciente y la clínica al inicio, así como recomendar el tratamiento (dietético-nutricional y/o farmacológico) más adecuado. Conclusiones: el beneficio de utilizar un enfoque algorítmico es que este permite optimizar el proceso diagnóstico de causas primarias y secundarias y con ello, pautar un tratamiento nutricional personalizado considerando el origen del trastorno, a fin de paliar la intensidad y frecuencia de los síntomas con la menor cantidad de restricciones alimentarias posibles y minimizar la afección en la calidad de vida de los pacientes.

Breastfeeding-Related Practices in Rural Ethiopia: Colostrum Avoidance.

The practices of colostrum avoidance and prelacteal feeding, which are common in many developing countries, including Ethiopia, are firmly rooted in ancient traditions. The main objective of this work is to identify the prevalence of colostrum avoidance and study its associated factors among mothers of children aged less than 2 years old in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study on the practice of colostrum avoidance/prelacteal feeding was conducted in a rural community with 114 mothers of children under 2 years old. Our results reflected that colostrum avoidance and prelacteal feeding were practiced by 56.1% of mothers. The percentage of women who started breastfeeding in the first hour after birth, as recommended by the WHO, was 2.6%. Of the women who practiced colostrum avoidance, 67.2% gave birth at home, and 65.6% were attended by relatives. The likelihood of avoiding colostrum increases in mothers who have a lower educational level, who did not receive health care at the time of delivery, who think that colostrum is dirty and dangerous and who did not receive information about breastfeeding from healthcare professionals. The knowledge emanating from this work may be useful in designing new breastfeeding education programs and/or interventions in Ethiopia and other developing countries.

A Narrative Review of the Herbal Preparation of Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, and Kampo Medicines Applied as Radioprotectors.

In recent years, there has been growing scientific interest in the search for natural radioprotectors that can be used to mitigate the effects of radiation on patients, healthcare personnel, and even for space travel. This narrative review covers the past fifty years and focuses on herbal preparations of Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, and Kampo Medicines that have the potential to reduce or eliminate the harmful effects of radiation. Our findings highlight ten herbal preparations, namely Abana, Amalakyadi Churna, Amritaprasham, Brahma, Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (BZYQT), Chyavanaprasha, Cystone, Geriforte, Mentat, and Triphala, which have demonstrated potential radioprotective effects. This review examines their composition, properties, and possible mechanisms of action in relation to their radioprotective properties. Exploring the ethnobotany of traditional Asian medicine is particularly interesting as it may lead to the discovery of new active compounds with radioprotective properties.

The Impact of Moringa oleifera Supplementation on Anemia and other Variables during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: A Narrative Review.

Moringa is a plant commonly used for its medical properties. However, studies have shown contradictory results. The aim of this review is to evaluate the possible association between the use of Moringa during pregnancy and breastfeeding in relation to the health status of both the mother and the baby. A search of the PubMed and EMBASE databases on the literature published during the period 2018-2023 was conducted up until March 2023. The population/exposure/comparison/outcome (PECO) approach was used to select studies on pregnant women, mother-child pairs, and the use of Moringa. Out of the 85 studies initially identified, 67 were excluded, leaving 18 for full-text evaluation. After assessment, 12 were finally included in the review. In the articles included in this work, Moringa is administered during pregnancy or in the postnatal period in the form of leaf powder (MOLP), as a leaf extract (MLE), as an ingredient associated with other supplements or in preparations. It appears to influence several variables during pregnancy and in the postnatal period such as the mother's haematochemical profile, milk production, the child's socio-personal development and the incidence of morbidity during the first 6 months of life. None of the studies analysed reported contraindications to the use of the supplement during pregnancy and lactation.

Assessment of Malnutrition among Children Presenting in a Nutrition Center in Gimbichu, Ethiopia.

Nowadays, Ethiopia has several problems affecting children below 5 years of age, resulting in low life expectancies. Our group carried out a study to calculate the presence of malnutrition as wasting, stunting underweight, and BMI-for-age in children presenting in a nutrition center in a rural Ethiopian village in the Oromia region according to WHO guidelines. Our results demonstrated that they had moderate chronic malnutrition or stunting from 1 to 2 years of age, affecting their life, their parents, their community/household, and their country. In our viewpoint, the solution for this situation will require a global focus on several levels, including individual, family, community, and country, the last being with the help of new health policies focused on short-, medium-, and long-term strategies with multi- and interdisciplinary approaches.

COVID-19 in Italy: Is the Mortality Analysis a Way to Estimate How the Epidemic Lasts?

When an epidemic breaks out, many health, economic, social, and political problems arise that require a prompt and effective solution. It would be useful to obtain all information about the virus, including epidemiological ones, as soon as possible. In a previous study of our group, the analysis of the positive-alive was proposed to estimate the epidemic duration. It was stated that every epidemic ends when the number of positive-alive (=infected-healed-dead) glides toward zero. In fact, if with the contagion everyone can enter the epidemic phenomenon, only by healing or dying can they get out of it. In this work, a different biomathematical model is proposed. A necessary condition for the epidemic to be resolved is that the mortality reaches the asymptotic value, from there, remains stable. At that time, the number of positive-alive must also be close to zero. This model seems to allow us to interpret the entire development of the epidemic and highlight its phases. It is also more appropriate than the previous one, especially when the spread of the infection is so rapid that the increase in live positives is staggering.

Vitamins and Radioprotective Effect: A Review.

The radioprotective effect ex vivo, in vitro and in vivo of vitamins was reviewed using PubMed and Embase and conducted according to the PRISMA statement. A total of 38 articles were included in this review, which includes the radioprotective effect of vitamins from ex vivo, in vitro and in vivo studies. Vitamins A, C, D and E were used alone, in combination or with other nutritional and non-nutritional compounds. The use of vitamins in natural form or supplementation can be useful to reduce the radiation effect in the body, organs and/or cells. Only four (A, C, D and E) out of thirteen vitamins have been detected with radioprotective properties being mainly vitamin E followed by vitamin C, A and D.

Body Composition of Male Professional Soccer Players Using Different Measurement Methods: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The performance of male soccer players (MSP) depends on multiple factors such as body composition. The physical demands of modern soccer have changed, so the ideal body composition (BC) requirements must be adapted to the present. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to describe the anthropometric, BC, and somatotype characteristics of professional MSP and to compare the values reported according to the methods and equations used. We systematically searched Embase, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science following the PRISMA statement. Random-effects meta-analysis, a pooled summary of means, and 95% CI (method or equation) were calculated. Random models were used with the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method. Seventy-four articles were included in the systematic review and seventy-three in the meta-analysis. After comparing the groups according to the assessment method (kinanthropometry, bioimpedance, and densitometry), significant differences were found in height, fat mass in kilograms, fat mass percentage, and fat-free mass in kilograms (p = 0.001; p < 0.0001). Taking into account the equation used to calculate the fat mass percentage and ∑skinfolds, significant differences were observed in the data reported according to groups (p < 0.001). Despite the limitations, this study provides useful information that could help medical technical staff to properly assess the BC of professional MSP, providing a range of guidance values for the different BC.

Prevalence of Malnutrition among Syrian Refugee Children from Lebanon.

Today, the situation of Syrian refugees is one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. To estimate the prevalence of malnutrition among pediatric populations of Syrian refugees, 176 Syrian refugee children, with stays of more than two years at three refugee camps (Zalhé, Deddeh, and Kfar Jouz) or from the town of Yohmor, Lebanon were authorized by their parents to participate in this study. The children were anthropometrically evaluated and height-for-age Z-score (HAZ), weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ), and weight-for-height (WHZ) Z-scores were obtained and compared with WHO standards. Furthermore, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) was analyzed for screening children 6-59 months old. According to the anthropometric measures, no child met the criteria for chronic, global, acute malnutrition (CGAM), severe acute malnutrition (SAM), or moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). In the total sample, 49.4% of participants were moderately thin, with girls presenting a higher prevalence of thinness than that of boys. Thus, the absence of high rates of malnutrition was verified despite the magnitude of the Syrian refugee's problem. The data provided by this study identify the need to carry out further research to assess anthropometric growth and nutritional status among long-staying refugee children in order to prevent any health issues that may arise in the future.

'Nutritional Footprint' in the Food, Meals and HoReCa Sectors: A Review.

Nowadays, the food industry is integrating environmental, social, and health parameters to increase its sustainable impact. To do this, they are using new tools to calculate the potential efficiency of nutritional products with lower levels of environmental impact. One of these tools is called the 'nutritional footprint', created by Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy GmbH. This study aims to review this concept and clarify its historical development, its use in several sectors of the food industry, and its transformation from a manual to an online tool. Results reflected that it is a suitable indicator that integrates nutritional, environmental, and social-economic dimensions to help the decision-making process in the procurement of more sustainable products and, although it is limited to Germany due to the use of the national standard nutritional intakes of Germany, its importance lies in the fact that is a promising instrument to promote environmental sustainability in the context of food, meals, and the hotel, restaurant and catering (HoReCa) sectors.

Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and Cardiovascular Risk in Pregnant Women.

Nutrition during pregnancy is one of the most important factors that determine the health of a mother and the proper development of her fetus. The main objective of this study was to analyze the association between adherence to a Mediterranean dietary (MedDiet) pattern and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in pregnant women. Accordingly, we carried out an observational, population-based study using data from pregnant women present in a hospital during the entire course of their pregnancy. Adherence to the MedDiet was assessed using the MedDiet score questionnaire. Our study identified that 87.25% (95%CI: 83.48-90.27) of the women had a cardiovascular risk in relation to their dietary intake. Women with diet-related CV risk were more likely to smoke (p = 0.004), weighed more at the beginning of pregnancy, engaged in little physical activity, and had lower adherence to the MedDiet pattern than women without a diet-related CV risk. Dietary analysis showed low consumption of cereals, vegetables, and fish, which failed to satisfy the recommended portions in Spain. Adequate adherence to the MedDiet was found for 54.2% of women who were considered to be without CV risk and 45.8% of women with CV risk. Our data suggest that the MedDiet could be improved in relation to the consumption of cereals, vegetables, and fish during pregnancy in order to reduce CV risk.

Assessment of Nutritional Quality of Products Sold in University Vending Machines According to the Front-of-Pack (FoP) Guide.

The aim of this research was to assess the nutritional composition of 654 foods and beverages from vending machines on a University Campus. The guide called "Creating a front of pack nutrition label for pre-packed products sold through retail outlets" from the Department of Health (UK) was used to assess the nutritional composition and to compare values from food and beverage categories. A high proportion of food items had high−moderate content of nutrients related to chronic disease (93, 88, 74 and 49% had high−moderate content of fat, saturated fat, salt and sugar, respectively). On the other hand, a few beverages had high−moderate content of these nutrients, except for sugar (2% high to moderate in fat, 2% in saturated fat, 0% in salt and 39% in sugar). The most frequent food categories were chocolates and bars (10.6%) and breadsticks (8.4%), whereas the most available beverages were water (27.7%) and soft drinks (23.4%). There were no statistically significant differences in the proportion of categories between the health science and humanities faculties, except for energy drinks (p < 0.05) and soft drinks (p < 0.05). Vending machines contribute to an obesogenic environment and do not support healthy snacking. Recommendations in this article should be considered to develop official guidelines to ensure the wider availability of healthy dietary choices in vending machines in university settings.