Evaluation of factors related to organic food consumption and orthorexia nervosa tendencies.

The relationship between organic food consumption, awareness of reducing ecological footprint, and orthorexia nervosa (ON) tendencies has yet to be explored in detail. This study aimed to determine factors related to organic food consumption and ON tendencies in young adults. Also, the relationship between organic food consumption, awareness of reducing ecological footprint, and ON tendencies was investigated. This study was conducted with 887 young adults (58.4% female, 41.6% male, aged 18-25 years, mean age 20.8 ± 2.55 years). Study data were obtained with a web-based questionnaire. The questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, the Organic Food Consumption Scale (OFC), ORTO-11, and the Awareness Scale for Reducing Ecological Footprint (ASREF). While 17.2% were overweight or obese, 74.9% had a normal body weight. There were no differences by sex in terms of ORTO-11, OFC, and ASREF total scores (p > .05). Significant positive correlations were found between ASREF and OFC (p < .001), while negative correlations were found for ORTO-11 and OFC (p < .001). A higher ASREF and increased ON tendencies predicted increased organic food consumption (p < .05). Furthermore, higher organic food consumption behaviors and awareness of reducing ecological footprint predicted increased ON tendencies (p < .05). Findings from this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors associated with organic food consumption and ON tendencies among individuals. By shedding light on the interplay between ecological awareness, organic food consumption, and orthorexic tendencies, policymakers and health professionals can develop targeted interventions to promote sustainable and healthy food consumption.

Evaluation of the Relationships Among Mindful Eating, Environmental Beliefs, Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, and Obesity in Children.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), mindful eating, environmental beliefs, and obesity in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 318 children (50.6% male, 49.4% female, 10.0 ± 0.73 years old). Data were obtained using survey and a face-to-face interview method. The questionnaire includes general information, anthropometric measurements, the New Ecological Paradigm Scale for Children (NEP), the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents (KIDMED), and the Mindful Eating Questionnaire for Children. RESULTS: According to the KIDMED classification, 52.5% of the children were in the group that needs improvement, 35.2% were in the low diet quality group, and 12.3% were in the optimal MD group. The Mindless score was higher in overweight/obese children compared to the normal body mass index (BMI) group (P < .05). Awareness, NEP, and KIDMED scores were the lowest in overweight/obese children (P < .05). In regression analysis, the father's age, KIDMED, and Awareness scores related to NEP scores positively (R2 : 0.545, P < .001). Also, children's body mass index-related KIDMED scores negatively, and awareness and NEP scores related KIDMED scores positively (R2 : 0.276, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Our results show that higher adherence to the MD is associated with higher environmental beliefs. Children with higher mindful eating have higher environmental beliefs and adherence to the MD, and these scores are lower in obese children. Therefore, raising generations that adopt sustainable diet models and have high environmental awareness is necessary. This research provides significant findings for future clinical studies on children's body weight maintenance and sustainability. Cite this article as: Bozkurt O, Kocaadam-Bozkurt B, Koçyigit E. Evaluation of the relationships among mindful eating, environmental beliefs, adherence to the mediterranean diet, and obesity in children. Turk Arch Pediatr. 2024;59(1):98-105.

Evaluation of sustainable and healthy eating behaviors and adherence to the planetary health diet index in Turkish adults: a cross-sectional study.

Aim: The Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI) is a relatively new index, and studies about its relationship with eating behaviors, nutritional status, and obesity in adults are very limited. For this reason, in this study, sustainable healthy eating behaviors of individuals and compliance of their diets with PHDI were evaluated. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,112 adults (70.1% women and 29.9% men with mean age = 28.7 years, SE = 9.47). Study data were obtained with the face-to-face interview method via a questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, the Sustainable and Healthy Eating (SHE) Behaviors Scale, and 24-h dietary recall. PHDI was evaluated for adherence to EAT-Lancet Commission recommendations. Results: The average PHDI total score was 41.5 points. Higher SHE Behaviors Scale and PHDI scores were observed in participants with a duration of education above 8 years (p < 0.05). Those with lower SHE Behaviors Scale and PHDI scores were more likely to be obese (p < 0.001). The total PHDI score was positively associated with fiber, vitamin E, potassium, and folate, and negatively associated with pyridoxine and calcium (p < 0.05). The total SHE Behaviors Scale score was positively associated with carbohydrates, fiber, and potassium and negatively associated with pyridoxine, calcium, and energy (p < 0.05). A one-unit increase in SHE Behaviors Scale total score resulted in a 5,530 unit (95%CI: 4.652; 6.407) increase in PHDI total score and a one-unit increase in duration of education (years) resulted in a 0.660 unit (95%CI: 0.403; 0.918) increase in PHDI total score. Furthermore, a one-unit increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) (kg/m2) resulted in a - 0.218 unit (95%CI: -0.424; -0.013) decrease in PHDI total score. Conclusion: The participants' PHDI index scores were low; therefore, the adherence to the EAT-Lancet recommendation was low which might be associated with obesity. Clinical studies evaluating the effects of adherence to sustainable diets on adequate and balanced nutrition and health outcomes are recommended.

Children's eating attitudes test (ChEAT): validation and reliability in Turkish children.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine the validity and reliability of the children's eating attitudes test (ChEAT) in Turkish children. METHODS: The participants were 331 children (137 boys and 194 girls, ages 8-15). Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire containing socio-demographic characteristics, the ChEAT, and the children's eating behaviour questionnaire (CEBQ). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to determine the factor structure of the Turkish version of the ChEAT. Additionally, the reliability was examined in terms of internal consistency and test-retest reliability. All statistical analyses were performed using Mplus Trial Version and SPSS 11.5 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: According to the goodness-of-fit statistic, a three-factor solution was appropriate and compatible with clinical considerations. The three factors explained 50.1% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.75 for ChEAT-26, 0.67 for "Preoccupation with thinness and food", 0.63 for "Social pressure to eat", and 0.71 for "Dieting". Furthermore, the test-retest reliability was 0.72, 0.62, 0.59, and 0.59 respectively. Statistically significant correlations between the ChEAT and CEBQ were found (p < 0.05). "Preoccupation with thinness and food" was significantly higher in obese children (p < 0.05), while "Social pressure to eat" was lower (p < 0.001). Sex, grade, BMI, parental education in addition to working status affected the ChEAT-26 scores. CONCLUSIONS: The present study has provided preliminary evidence for the validity and reliability of a Turkish version of the ChEAT.

Early diagnosis and intervention of abnormal eating attitudes are crucial to minimizing adverse physical as well as psychological health outcomes such as obesity or being underweight for children with eating disorders. Since eating disorders occur early, screening for nutritional attitudes along with behaviors is crucial. The Children's Eating Attitudes Test (ChEAT) was developed by Maloney et al. to evaluate eating attitudes and behaviors in children. This study aimed to adapt the ChEAT-26 to Turkish and evaluate its validity and reliability. The present study has provided preliminary evidence for the validity and reliability of a Turkish version of the ChEAT. High scores on ChEAT-26 indicate the severity of the eating disorder.

Plant Toxic Proteins: Their Biological Activities, Mechanism of Action and Removal Strategies.

Plants evolve to synthesize various natural metabolites to protect themselves against threats, such as insects, predators, microorganisms, and environmental conditions (such as temperature, pH, humidity, salt, and drought). Plant-derived toxic proteins are often secondary metabolites generated by plants. These proteins, including ribosome-inactivating proteins, lectins, protease inhibitors, α-amylase inhibitors, canatoxin-like proteins and ureases, arcelins, antimicrobial peptides, and pore-forming toxins, are found in different plant parts, such as the roots, tubers, stems, fruits, buds, and foliage. Several investigations have been conducted to explore the potential applications of these plant proteins by analyzing their toxic effects and modes of action. In biomedical applications, such as crop protection, drug development, cancer therapy, and genetic engineering, toxic plant proteins have been utilized as potentially useful instruments due to their biological activities. However, these noxious metabolites can be detrimental to human health and cause problems when consumed in high amounts. This review focuses on different plant toxic proteins, their biological activities, and their mechanisms of action. Furthermore, possible usage and removal strategies for these proteins are discussed.

Association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet with anthropometric measurements and nutritional status in adolescents / Asociación entre la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea y las medidas antropométricas y el estado nutricional en adolescentes

Background: adolescence is a critical period for developing healthy eating habits. It is crucial to evaluate and encourage adherence to the Mediterranean diet, a sustainable and healthy diet model in this age group. Objective: this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and anthropometric measurements and nutritional status in Turkish adolescents. Material and methods: the demographic characteristics, health information, nutritional habits, physical activity status, and 24-hour dietary recall of the adolescents were obtained with a questionnaire. Adherence to Mediterranean diet was evaluated with the Mediterranean-Style Dietary Pattern Score (MSDPS). Results: a total of 1,137 adolescents (mean age 14.0 ± 1.37 years) were included; 30.2 % of the boys and 39.5 % of the girls were overweight/obese. The median (interquartile range) value of the MSDPS was 10.7 (7.7), and this value was 11.0 (7.6) for the boys and 10.6 (7.4) for the girls (p > 0.05). The levels of protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, vitamin B12, iron, magnesium, zinc, and potassium intake increased with adherence to Mediterranean diet (p < 0.001). Age, parental education level, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and skipping meals affected MSDPS. Conclusion: adolescents’ adherence to the Mediterranean diet was low and correlated with some anthropometric measures. Increasing adherence to the Mediterranean diet may contribute to preventing obesity and adequate and balanced nutrition in adolescents. (AU)

Introducción: la adolescencia es un periodo crítico para el desarrollo de hábitos alimentarios saludables. Es fundamental evaluar y fomentar la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea, un modelo de alimentación sostenible y saludable en este grupo de edad. Objetivo: este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la relación entre la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea y las medidas antropométricas y el estado nutricional en adolescentes turcos. Material y métodos: las características demográficas, la información de salud, los hábitos nutricionales, el estado de actividad física y el recuerdo dietético de 24 horas de los adolescentes se obtuvieron mediante un cuestionario. La adherencia a la dieta mediterránea se evaluó con el Mediterranean-Style Dietary Pattern Score (MSDPS). Resultados: se incluyó un total de 1.137 adolescentes (edad media 14,0 ± 1,37 años). El 30,2 % de los niños y el 39,5 % de las niñas tenían sobrepeso/obesidad. El valor de la mediana (rango intercuartílico) del MSDPS fue de 10,7 (7,7), siendo este valor de 11,0 (7,6) para los niños y de 10,6 (7,4) para las niñas (p > 0,05). Los niveles de ingesta de proteína, fibra, vitamina A, vitamina C, folato, vitamina B12, hierro, magnesio, zinc y potasio aumentaron con la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea (p < 0,001). La edad, el nivel de educación de los padres, el índice de masa corporal (IMC), la circunferencia de la cintura y la omisión de comidas afectaron al MSDPS. Conclusión: la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea de los adolescentes fue baja y se correlacionó con algunas medidas antropométricas. El aumento de la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea puede contribuir a la prevención de la obesidad y a una nutrición adecuada y equilibrada en los adolescentes. (AU)

Association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet with anthropometric measurements and nutritional status in adolescents.

Introduction: Background: adolescence is a critical period for developing healthy eating habits. It is crucial to evaluate and encourage adherence to the Mediterranean diet, a sustainable and healthy diet model in this age group. Objective: this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and anthropometric measurements and nutritional status in Turkish adolescents. Material and methods: the demographic characteristics, health information, nutritional habits, physical activity status, and 24-hour dietary recall of the adolescents were obtained with a questionnaire. Adherence to Mediterranean diet was evaluated with the Mediterranean-Style Dietary Pattern Score (MSDPS). Results: a total of 1,137 adolescents (mean age 14.0 ± 1.37 years) were included; 30.2 % of the boys and 39.5 % of the girls were overweight/obese. The median (interquartile range) value of the MSDPS was 10.7 (7.7), and this value was 11.0 (7.6) for the boys and 10.6 (7.4) for the girls (p > 0.05). The levels of protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, vitamin B12, iron, magnesium, zinc, and potassium intake increased with adherence to Mediterranean diet (p < 0.001). Age, parental education level, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and skipping meals affected MSDPS. Conclusion: adolescents' adherence to the Mediterranean diet was low and correlated with some anthropometric measures. Increasing adherence to the Mediterranean diet may contribute to preventing obesity and adequate and balanced nutrition in adolescents.

Introducción: Introducción: la adolescencia es un periodo crítico para el desarrollo de hábitos alimentarios saludables. Es fundamental evaluar y fomentar la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea, un modelo de alimentación sostenible y saludable en este grupo de edad. Objetivo: este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la relación entre la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea y las medidas antropométricas y el estado nutricional en adolescentes turcos. Material y métodos: las características demográficas, la información de salud, los hábitos nutricionales, el estado de actividad física y el recuerdo dietético de 24 horas de los adolescentes se obtuvieron mediante un cuestionario. La adherencia a la dieta mediterránea se evaluó con el Mediterranean-Style Dietary Pattern Score (MSDPS). Resultados: se incluyó un total de 1.137 adolescentes (edad media 14,0 ± 1,37 años). El 30,2 % de los niños y el 39,5 % de las niñas tenían sobrepeso/obesidad. El valor de la mediana (rango intercuartílico) del MSDPS fue de 10,7 (7,7), siendo este valor de 11,0 (7,6) para los niños y de 10,6 (7,4) para las niñas (p > 0,05). Los niveles de ingesta de proteína, fibra, vitamina A, vitamina C, folato, vitamina B12, hierro, magnesio, zinc y potasio aumentaron con la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea (p < 0,001). La edad, el nivel de educación de los padres, el índice de masa corporal (IMC), la circunferencia de la cintura y la omisión de comidas afectaron al MSDPS. Conclusión: la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea de los adolescentes fue baja y se correlacionó con algunas medidas antropométricas. El aumento de la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea puede contribuir a la prevención de la obesidad y a una nutrición adecuada y equilibrada en los adolescentes.

Relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet, sustainable and healthy eating behaviors, and awareness of reducing the ecological footprint.

This study evaluated the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), sustainable and healthy eating behaviors, and awareness of reducing the ecological footprint. It was conducted with 1333 adults (38.2% male, 61.8% female, mean age 24.2 ± 7.5 years). The questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, the Awareness Scale for Reducing Ecological Footprint (ASREF), the Sustainable and Healthy Eating (SHE) Behaviors Scale, and Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale (MEDAS). 40.2% of the participants adhered to the MD (≥7 scores). Obese individuals' total scores on MEDAS, SHE Behaviors Scale, and ASREF were the lowest (p < 0.05). In regression analysis, education duration, SHE Behaviors Scale total score, and BMI affected the ASREF score (p < 0.05). The education duration, SHE Behaviors Scale scores, and ASREF scores were higher in those in MD-adherence group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, adherence to the MD was associated with higher sustainable and healthy eating behaviors and higher awareness of ecological footprint reduction.

Effects of curcumin, a bioactive component of turmeric, on type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications: an updated review.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a substantial issue in public health. Recently, there has been considerable interest in the effectiveness of using herbal supplements for T2DM. Among the herbal supplements, turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) has been attracting an avalanche of attention owing to its main component, curcumin. This review examines the physiological activities and mechanisms of action of curcumin associated with T2DM and its complications. The literature indicates that pro-inflammatory cytokines along with oxidative stress play a very important role in diabetes pathogenesis. Since inflammation is a main cause of disruption of the ß cell structure, the anti-diabetic characteristic of curcumin is mainly attributed to its anti-inflammatory as well as anti-oxidant activities. In addition to these activities, curcumin has been developed as a promising prevention/treatment choice for diabetes complications by modulating various critical signal steps owing to the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic activities of curcumin. Studies on diabetic humans and animals have revealed that curcumin may have positive effects on oxidative stress and inflammation and may reduce fasting blood glucose levels, increase insulin sensitivity/secretion and regulate the lipid profile. Thus, it may prevent and treat diabetes by affecting various molecular targets.

Microbiota alteration and modulation in Alzheimer's disease by gerobiotics: The gut-health axis for a good mind.

The role of the gut microbiota in human health is one of the most important research topics. There is a strong relationship between the microbiota-gut-brain axis and cognitive functions. Since Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a disease characterized by cognitive impairment, the influence of the gut microbiota in the development and treatment of the disease attracts considerable attention. Gerobiotics is a new concept that includes probiotics or derived postbiotics involved in delaying the aging process. Increasing evidence in the literature suggests that gerobiotics has important roles in the pathogenesis and progression of AD, and even in its treatment, through various mechanisms of action. Several researchers have established the linkage between ingestion of gerobiotics and improved gut dysbiosis and cognitive functions, nevertheless the dose and duration of treatment differ based on strain. Furthermore, oxidative-inflammatory pathways are mainly involved in the neuroprotective effects caused by gerobiotics. This review provides the effects of gerobiotics on microbiota alteration and modulation in AD.

Effect of Intermittent Fasting (18/6) on Energy Expenditure, Nutritional Status, and Body Composition in Healthy Adults.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of intermittent fasting of Ramadan on resting energy expenditure (REE), body composition, and nutritional status. METHODS: The study was conducted on a total of 27 adults (16 females, 11 males) who were fasting (18 h) in the Ramadan month (May 6-June 3) of 2019. REE was measured using the indirect calorimeter. Dietary energy and nutrient intakes were evaluated by 3-day food records in baseline and post-Ramadan. Body composition and some metabolic parameters were analyzed simultaneously with REE measurements. All measurements were performed two times at baseline, and post-Ramadan. RESULTS: Body weight (-2.9% vs. -1.4%), body mass index (BMI) (-3.1% vs. -2.1%), fat-free mass (-2.7% vs. -1.4%), and hydration status were decreased in both males and females after the Ramadan fasting (p < 0.05). REEs (kcal/d) of the participants were 1708.1 ± 262.50 kcal/d and 1596.5 ± 302.27 kcal/d at baseline and post-Ramadan, respectively (6.5%) (p < 0.05). This decrease in REE (kcal/d) in females was greater than that in males (-8.1% vs. -4.6%). However, no statistically significant difference was found in sleep duration (h), physical activity levels, dietary energy and nutrient intakes, and blood pressures (mm Hg) of both genders compared to baseline (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intermittent circadian fasting may lead to a decreased energy expenditure and a change in fat-free mass in healthy individuals, and this effect is interpreted as gender-dependent.

Identification of differentially expressed transcripts from leaves of the boron tolerant plant Gypsophila perfoliata L.

Very recently some of the species of Gypsophila genus collected from the boron rich soils in Turkey were shown to be remarkably tolerant to high levels of boron. A limited amount of boron is necessary for the normal development of plants; however, a high level of boron in soil is generally toxic. Nevertheless, the adaptability of plant species allows them to withstand the presence of extreme amounts of metal ion by various strategies. This study is conducted on highly boron tolerant Gypsophila perfoliata L. collected from a location in the boron mining area. The plant samples were transferred into plant nutritional medium in the presence high; approximately 500 (35 mg/kg), 1,000, and 30 microM (considered normal) boron concentrations. We compared the transcriptome of the plant sample treated with the excess levels of boron to that of the samples grown under normal concentration using differential display PCR (DDRT-PCR) method. Thirty bands showing differential expression levels (presence or absence of bands or varying intensities) in either of approximately 500 or 30 microM B concentrations at varying time points were excised, cloned, and sequenced. Among which, 18 of them were confirmed via quantitative reverse transcription real time PCR (qRT-PCR). We are reporting the first preliminary molecular level study of boron tolerance on this organism by attempting to identify putative genes related in the tolerance mechanism. The gene fragments are consistent with the literature data obtained from a proteomics study and a metabolomics study performed in barley under varying boron concentrations.