Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental condition often accompanied by metabolic and nutritional imbalances. Conventional dietary interventions, such as the gluten-free, casein-free diet, typically fail to consider individual genetic variations. Nutrigenomics, the study of gene-nutrient interactions, offers a promising framework for exploring personalized dietary interventions that may help address the metabolic and neurological complexities associated with ASD, although current evidence remains preliminary. This research note offers recommendations for integrating nutrigenomics into special education through a multidisciplinary approach that combines clinical nutrition, genetics, and educational practice via a 3-phase agenda. Stage 1 focuses on identifying behavioral subgroups within special education settings and using validated tools such as the Child Behavior Checklist Scale to analyze nutritional intake. Stage 2 involves the development and pilot-testing of behavior-specific nutrition protocols that are tailored to these subgroups, incorporating input from practice experts in nutrigenomics. Lastly, in Stage 3, a personalized nutrition model that incorporates genetic screening and metabolic profiling is constructed in collaboration with dietitians, educators, and caregivers. By bridging clinical and educational domains, this study seeks to establish nutrigenomics-based nutrition therapy as a viable and equitable intervention for improving health and developmental outcomes among students with ASD.
The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet is a brain-focused dietary pattern designed to prevent cognitive decline in older adults. This systematic review, conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, aimed to examine the association between the MIND diet and cognitive function in older adults. Relevant studies published between 2015 and 2024 were identified through comprehensive searches of PubMed and the Cochrane Library using keywords including “MIND diet,” “cognitive performance,” and “older adults.” From a total of 138 records screened, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria after excluding reviews, meta-analyses, editorials, and those incorporating other lifestyle interventions such as physical activity or education. These studies included 7 prospective cohort studies, 2 cross-sectional studies, 1 randomized controlled trial (RCT), and 1 case-control study, comprising a total of 17,201 participants aged 57–91 years. Across studies, at least 57% of participants were women, and in the 5 studies reporting race, more than 75% were White. Dietary intake and MIND adherence were assessed primarily via food frequency questionnaires, while cognitive outcomes were evaluated using validated instruments including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, global cognition scores, Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease tests, and magnetic resonance imaging. Six cohort and two cross-sectional studies reported significant associations between higher MIND adherence and better cognitive outcomes. One cohort study and the single RCT showed no effect. Excluding 2 studies with short durations (≤ 3 years), the remaining nine studies suggest consistent cognitive benefits of MIND adherence. Future studies should include systematic reviews and large-scale RCTs focusing on Asian populations.
This study aimed to identify major dietary patterns among Korean adolescents, examine their changes over the past 16 years, and evaluate differences by sex. Data were analyzed from 7,679 adolescents aged 12–18 years who participated in the 2007–2022 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and completed health, examination, and nutrition surveys. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour recall, and cluster analysis was performed based on the energy contribution of 26 food groups. Associations between dietary patterns and nutrient intake were examined using survey-weighted linear regression. Three dietary patterns were identified: Bread, Meat, & Dairy (33.1%); Rice-based Diet (45.5%); and Convenient Foods (21.3%). Among boys, the Rice-based Diet group showed the highest prevalence of obesity and the largest proportion of low-income households, whereas the Bread, Meat, & Dairy group exhibited higher rates of supplement use and high-income status (all p < 0.05). Among girls, the Convenient Foods group tended to be older and was more likely to skip breakfast, consume alcohol, eat out daily, and perceive themselves as overweight (all p < 0.05). Over the 16-year period, adherence to the Bread, Meat, & Dairy pattern increased, whereas adherence to the Rice-based Diet pattern declined in both sexes (p < 0.01). These findings highlight a shift toward Westernized dietary patterns among Korean adolescents. Accordingly, nutrition policies and interventions should adopt tailored strategies that account for both sex and socioeconomic differences to promote healthier eating habits and support long-term adolescent health.
This study examined meal patterns and protein-rich food utilization in the foodservice practices of public and private geriatric long-term care hospitals in South Korea. Over a period of 6 months, a total of 612 daily menus (306 from each hospital type, breakfast, lunch, and dinner) were collected from four hospitals (two public, two private). Each menu was categorized by meal composition, included staple food, soup, main dish, side dishes, and kimchi. The most common meal pattern consisted of a staple food, soup, main dish, two side dishes, and kimchi. Compared with private hospitals, public hospitals offered a greater variety in meal composition, staple foods, soups, and main dishes. However, no significant differences were observed in protein foods of main dishes. Overall, meat accounted for about half, whereas fish accounted for one-third. Approximately 30% of protein foods in main dishes were processed. In side dish 1, the proportion of protein-rich foods was lower in public than in private hospitals, whereas the proportion of processed foods exceeded two-thirds in both hospital, but was significantly higher in public hospitals. Soup was the second most important protein source after the main dish, with fish as the most often used; however, processed protein foods were also common. These findings indicate that the main dish and soup are the principal protein sources, and the relatively high inclusion of fish reflects a favorable pattern. However, to ensure intake of high-quality proteins by older adults, the high reliance on processed protein foods highlights the need to reconsider foodservice practices.
This study evaluated the effects of replacing skipped meals with oral nutritional supplements (ONS) on the nutritional status and functional health of older adults. A total of 29 participants aged ≥ 65 years who regularly skipped at least one meal per day were included in this single-arm study. For 8 weeks, participants consumed two packs of ONS daily (150 mL each, providing 400 kcal and 18 g of protein) as a substitute for skipped meals. Nutritional status, nutrient intake, body composition, and physical function were assessed before and after the intervention. The Nutrition Quotient for the Elderly score significantly increased from 58.97 to 63.62 (p = 0.014). Total nutrient intake, including ONS, significantly improved compared with baseline (p < 0.01). Body weight and body mass index increased significantly from 58.87 to 59.47 kg (p = 0.028) and from 23.9 to 24.18 kg/m2 (p = 0.016), respectively. Calf circumference decreased significantly from 34.1 to 33.39 cm (p = 0.010). Physical function, assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery, showed significant improvement (p = 0.003). In conclusion, replacing skipped meals with ONS may enhance nutritional status and support functional health in older adults.
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Cataracts are a major cause of vision impairment in older adults and pose a growing concern in aging societies. This study examined the association between dietary macronutrient intake and the odds of having cataracts among 1,619 Korean adults aged ≥ 60 years using data from the 2015–2017 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Cataracts were present in 51.8% of participants. Dietary intake was assessed via 24-hour recall and macronutrient intake was categorized by quartiles and energy ratios. After adjusting for covariates, individuals in the highest quartile of carbohydrate-to-energy intake (> 80%) had 41% higher odds of having cataracts (odds ratio [OR], 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99–2.01), with a significant trend (p for trend = 0.022). In contrast, the highest quartile of protein intake (Q3: 12%–15% energy) was associated with significantly lower odds of having cataracts in women (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.40–0.88). Likewise, fat intake exceeding 18% of total energy was associated with reduced odds of having cataracts (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.49–0.97). Saturated and monounsaturated fat intake also showed inverse associations with the odds of having cataracts. These results suggest that excessive carbohydrate intake, particularly when replacing fats and proteins, may increase the odds of having cataracts in older adults, especially among women. Dietary adjustments aimed at reducing the proportion of carbohydrates and increasing high-quality protein and fat intake may help prevent cataracts in aging populations. Further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify causal relationships and to inform nutritional guideline development.
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major respiratory disorder characterized by irreversible airflow limitation. The role of diet in the prevention and management of COPD is receiving increasing attention. This study aimed to examine the association between the composite intake of vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish and pulmonary function as well as COPD prevalence in a representative sample of Korean adults aged ≥ 40 years using data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Higher vegetable intake was associated with significantly better pulmonary function parameters, including forced vital capacity (p < 0.001), forced vital capacity percent predicted (p = 0.050), forced expiratory volume (FEV) in 1 second (FEV1; p < 0.001), FEV1 percent predicted (p = 0.038), FEV in 6 seconds (p < 0.001), and peak expiratory flow (p < 0.001). Furthermore, individuals with a high combined intake of vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish demonstrated a 0.261-fold lower COPD prevalence than those without such intake (p = 0.039). The dietary inflammatory index (DII) was significantly lower among participants without COPD than among those with COPD (mean DII = −3.6947, p = 0.002), indicating that a diet rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients can help reduce COPD risk. These findings suggest that vegetable consumption supports improved respiratory function, and a composite dietary pattern incorporating various food groups may help reduce the prevalence of COPD in the adult population.
We investigated adolescents’ perceptions of meat alternatives and examined the relationships among their views on various types of these alternatives. A survey was conducted with 372 middle and high school students, focusing on their perceptions of 3 categories of meat alternatives: plant-based meats, edible insects, and cultured meats. The relationships among these perceptions were subsequently analyzed. Overall, 77.4% of respondents were aware of meat alternatives, and 38.7% reported having consumed them. Perception levels differed by category, with plant-based meats receiving the highest scores, followed by cultured meats and edible insects. Notably, perceptions across the different categories of meat alternatives were significantly correlated. These findings suggest that increasing awareness about meat alternatives—particularly through education—may help promote sustainable and healthy eating behaviors among adolescents.
Obesity is a multifactorial chronic disease influenced by behavioral, environmental, genetic, and psychological factors. One primary determinant of childhood obesity is the presence of dietary factors commonly acquired through the shared home food environment, which parents can greatly influence. Thus, the present study examined the similarity in diet quality between children or adolescents with obesity and their mothers. We analyzed baseline data collected from the Intervention for Children and Adolescent obesity via Activity and Nutrition study. Seventy mother–offspring dyads were identified, which included children and adolescents with obesity aged 8–16 years and their mothers living in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Food or nutrient intake and diet quality were evaluated from 3-day food records. Childhood obesity was defined as body mass index ≥ 95th percentile based on the 2007 Korean National Growth Charts. No significant difference was observed in the diet quality score between children with obesity and their mothers. However, correlation coefficients between mothers and their children’s total Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) score (r = 0.30) and subcategories, such as variety (r = 0.29), adequacy (r = 0.43), moderation (r = 0.45), and overall balance (r = 0.30), were positively correlated (p < 0.05). Linear regression analysis of the influence of maternal diet quality on offspring diet quality revealed that the maternal DQI-I score influenced the offspring’s DQI-I score, consistent with our prediction. Further studies with larger and more representative samples are needed to confirm the applicability of our findings to all children and adolescent populations.
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Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often present with selective eating behaviors and dietary imbalances, which contribute to nutritional deficiencies that can adversely impact growth and development. Despite increasing awareness of the role of nutrition in ASD management, existing nutritional interventions frequently fail to accommodate the unique dietary needs of this population. This study aimed to develop tailored nutritional counseling materials for ASD children by adapting the food exchange list framework originally designed for individuals with diabetes. A comprehensive food database was constructed using data from the Korean Diabetes Association, the Korea Rural Development Administration, and related resources, specifically addressing the dietary habits and nutritional deficiencies observed in ASD children. Representative foods were selected, standardized for exchange units, and visually documented through photographs to enhance usability. These elements were integrated into a practical, visually engaging educational brochure, which includes detailed food exchange unit tables, photographic representations of portion sizes, and portion standards to guide caregivers in meal planning. The materials focus on enhancing dietary diversity, correcting common nutrient deficiencies, and fostering balanced eating habits. However, limitations exist in adapting a diabetes-centric framework, which may not fully capture the unique dietary preferences and challenges of ASD children. Nevertheless, the developed materials provide a valuable resource for nutritional education and intervention, supporting the health and development of ASD children. Further research is required to refine these materials and evaluate their effectiveness across diverse settings and populations.
This study was conducted to analyze diet and health-related factors based on the income level of single-adult households using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES). Among those who participated in the 2016–2018 KNHANES, 951 single-adult households aged 19 to 64 were selected, and factors such as general characteristics, physical characteristics, dietary behaviors, health behaviors, and the prevalence of chronic diseases were analyzed. The high-income group had higher frequency of eating out, better dietary status generally, higher recognition rate of nutrition labels than the other groups. The rate of alcohol consumption and smoking was higher in the high-income group of single-adult households, while the rates of anxiety and depression were higher in the low-income group. Additionally, the use of dietary supplements decreased as income level decreased. Among chronic diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia had the lowest prevalence in the middle-income group and the highest prevalence in the low-income group. These results suggest that diet and health behaviors vary by income level in single-adult households and may be associated with the prevalence of chronic diseases. Future systematic studies should be conducted to determine the causal relationships between these factors.
Calcium plays a major role in apoptosis, cell proliferation, and various cellular mechanisms. It is also essential for the function of the pancreas. However, the association between calcium intake and pancreatic cancer is not clear. This study aims to clarify the links between calcium intake and pancreatic cancer risk using a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for eligible articles published through 31 August 2023. Case-control and cohort studies reporting the association between dietary and/or supplemental calcium intake and risk of pancreatic cancer using relative risk (RR), hazard ratio (HR), or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were included. Meta-analysis using a random effect model was used to estimate the significance of the association. Eight studies were included. An inverse association between total calcium intake (dietary and supplement) and pancreatic cancer risk (RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.72–0.97; I2 = 0%) was observed. However, the association between dietary calcium intake alone and pancreatic cancer risk did not reach a statistically significant level (RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.78–1.06; I2 = 48%). Higher total calcium intake may reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer but the difference between sources of calcium (dietary vs. supplementation) requires further investigation. Also, due to the heterogeneity between the articles, the results of this study should be interpreted with caution.
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A food exchange list is a tool developed to help diabetic patients control their energy intake and plan balanced meals. Korean food exchange lists were first developed in 1988, revised in 1995, and updated again in 2010. With rapidly changing dietary habits and increasing demand for diverse food cultures, the Korean Diabetes Association in cooperation with 4 related organizations established a Task Force Team (TFT) to revise food exchange lists in March 2022. Starting with a workshop, TFT held 11 official revision meetings, culminating in a public hearing in May 2023. The final revised version of Korean food exchange lists was published in December 2023. Key outcomes of the revision are summarized as follows: 1. Based on the National Standard Food Composition Table 10.0 database, the existing classification system and nutrient standards for each food group remain unchanged this time. 2. Based on a survey conducted among diabetes educators, the number of items on the food exchange lists has increased from 339 in 2010 to 435 this time. 3. Considering patients’ usual eating habits, meal planning examples were developed distributing food group exchange units by energy level based on 3 types of proportions of carbohydrate energy (40%–45%, 50%–55%, 60%–65%). 4. Due to limitations in real-time updates for rapidly changing information, detailed guidance on how to access and interpret the data is provided. These revisions will help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels and facilitate the implementation of healthy meal planning in various other conditions, including obesity.
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