Growth faltering is widespread in many low- and middle-income countries, but its effects on childhood bone mass accrual are unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate associations between length (conditional length-for-age z-scores, cLAZ) and weight (conditional weight-for-age z-scores, cWAZ) gain in three age intervals (ages 0–6, 6–12 and 12–24 months) with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-derived measures of bone mass (total body less head (TBLH) bone mineral content (BMC), areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and bone area) at 4 years of age.

Associations between interval-specific growth parameters (cLAZ and cWAZ) and bone outcomes were estimated using linear regression models, adjusted for maternal, child and household characteristics.

Data collection occurred in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

599 healthy children enrolled in the BONe and mUScle Health in Kids Study.

cLAZ in each age interval was positively associated with TBLH BMC, aBMD and bone area at 4 years; however, associations attenuated towards null upon adjustment for concurrent height-for-age z-scores (HAZ) at age 4 years and confounders. cWAZ from 0 to 6 and 6 to 12 months was not associated with bone mass, but every sd increase in cWAZ between 12 and 24 months was associated with greater BMC (7·6 g; 95 % CI: 3·2, 12·0) and aBMD (0·008 g/cm2; 95 % CI: 0·003, 0·014) after adjusting for concurrent WAZ, HAZ and confounders.

Associations of linear growth (birth to 2 years) with bone mass at age 4 years were explained by concurrent HAZ. Weight gain in the second year of life may increase bone mass independently of linear growth in settings where growth faltering is common.

We aimed to analyse the evolving trends in macronutrient intake and dietary composition among Korean children and adolescents over a 10-year period.

We utilised cross-sectional data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) spanning the years 2010–2020. Overall, the study included 11 861 participants aged 6–18 years who completed the 24-h dietary recall survey. Subsequently, we assessed trends in energy consumption and macronutrient intake across population subgroups, including age, sex and obesity status. Survey-weighted linear regression was employed to determine the β coefficient and P-value for trends in dietary nutrient consumption, treating the survey year as a continuous variable.

KNHANES from 2010 to 2020.

11 861 children and adolescents aged 6–18 years.

Total energy intake significantly decreased across the 10-year survey period, with a corresponding decline in the percentage of energy intake from carbohydrates. Conversely, the proportion of energy intake from fat increased during the same period. Subgroup analysis revealed changes in the composition of energy intake across age, sex and obesity status, with a consistent increase in total fat intake observed across all subgroups. Upon analysing data on dietary fibres, total sugars and fat subtypes intake, we found insufficient dietary fibre intake and increased intake of all fat subtypes.

This study underscores the gradually changing dietary intake patterns among Korean children and adolescents. Our findings revealed that these transitions in dietary nutrient consumption may pose potential risks of diet-related diseases in the future.

This study examined drivers and barriers to iron and folic acid supplementation and consumption of iron- and vitamin A-rich foods among women of reproductive age and adolescent girls in Niger.

This was an exploratory qualitative study using focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews.

This study was conducted in the rural areas of three districts in Maradi and Zinder regions of southern Niger.

The study included a purposive sample of 56 WRA (15–49 years), 34 non-pregnant adolescent girls (10–14 years), 105 family members and community leaders, 32 health workers and 12 national and regional level stakeholders.

Respondents demonstrated widespread knowledge of recommendations for iron and folic acid during pregnancy and had positive attitudes towards supplements. However, supply barriers were significant, and adherence was limited by side effects, among other constraints. Despite knowledge about and positive attitudes towards micronutrient-source foods, respondents reported that limited food access was an overriding constraint to increasing consumption. Women of reproductive age were seen as nutritionally vulnerable; however, husbands were often not able to provide sufficient nutritious food, and there was a cultural expectation that wives serve themselves food last. Adolescent girls were not seen as nutritionally vulnerable, and there was little family support for their consumption of nutritious foods.

Projects should work with local actors to develop multi-pronged solutions that address supply and access barriers for iron and folic acid and micronutrient-rich foods and to improve social support for nutrition.

Orthorexia has been widely studied, but recently, a new conceptualisation was proposed to distinguish its healthy characteristics from its pathological ones. The objective of this study was to differentiate healthy orthorexia (HeOr) from orthorexia nervosa (OrNe) by exploring their sociodemographic, psychological, health and dietary characteristics using comparative and correlational statistical methods.

Cross-sectional analysis. Participants completed an online, self-administered questionnaire assessing their sociodemographic characteristics, orthorexia, exercise dependence, personality, health anxiety, food choice motives, emotional competences and eating disorders (ED).

Data were collected between May 2021 and September 2022.

1515 French females (meanage = 37·67). Responses from men were excluded.

While OrNe was mainly associated with weight control motives in food choices (r = 0·42), HeOr was more strongly correlated with natural content (r = 0·60) and health motives (r = 0·49). In relation to exercising, OrNe showed its highest association with weight control (r = 0·41). Health anxiety was more strongly associated with OrNe than with HeOr. Both OrNe and HeOr were related to diet adherence and regular exercise, but the association was stronger for the latter. Orthorexia scores, mainly OrNe, were higher in participants at the risk of ED. Participants who were afraid to gain weight showed higher OrNe scores.

HeOr seems to be part of a healthy lifestyle in general. In contrast, OrNe falls into the category of an ED and is associated with more problematic psychological functioning. Particular attention should be given to individuals who are beginning to control and reduce their food intake to prevent them from developing OrNe.

Over recent decades, the commercial ultra-processed food industry has grown, making snacks high in energy, added sugar, saturated fat and sodium affordable and accessible to consumers. Dietary patterns high in ultra-processed snacks are concerning as this can result in negative health outcomes. This study aims to provide insight into available snack products in South African supermarkets, and the marketing thereof, which can be used to support policy development aimed at improving the healthfulness of the food supply and consumption patterns.

This was an observational cross-sectional, mixed-method study.

Secondary data from six major supermarket chains (eight stores) in three different suburbs in Cape Town, South Africa was analysed to evaluate the nutritional composition of snack products (n 3837). The same eight supermarkets were revisited to obtain information on marketing via an observational checklist. Qualitative interviews were also conducted with store managers.

Majority (89 %) of the products assessed either contained non-sugar sweeteners or were high in sugar, saturated fat or sodium. These snack items that are high in nutrients of concern to limit were available at checkout areas in all stores and were found in high-traffic areas, and several in-store promotional strategies such as branded displays, special offers and combo-deals were commonly found.

The current South African supermarket environment encourages consumers to purchase unhealthy snacks. Most snacks assessed in this study cannot be recommended for regular consumption due to the nutritional composition being high in nutrients linked to poor health outcomes. There is a need for regulation of the in-store marketing of unhealthy snacks in South Africa. Retail settings are potential intervention points for limiting exposure to these unhealthy products.