To examine associations between maternal characteristics and feeding styles in Caribbean mothers.

Participants were mother–child pairs enrolled in a cluster randomised trial of a parenting intervention in three Caribbean islands. Maternal characteristics were obtained by questionnaires when infants were 6–8 weeks old. Items adapted from the Toddler Feeding Behaviour Questionnaire were used to assess infant feeding styles at the age of 1 year. Feeding styles were identified using factor analysis and associations with maternal characteristics assessed using multilevel linear regression.

Health clinics in St. Lucia (n 9), Antigua (n 10) and Jamaica (n 20).

A total of 405 mother–child pairs from the larger trial.

Maternal depressive symptoms were associated with uninvolved (β = 0·38, 95 % CI (0·14, 0·62)), restrictive (β = 0·44, 95 % CI (0·19, 0·69)) and forceful (β = 0·31, 95 % CI (0·06, 0·57)) feeding and inversely associated with responsive feeding (β = −0·30, 95 % CI (−0·56, −0·05)). Maternal vocabulary was inversely associated with uninvolved (β = −0·31, 95 % CI (−0·57, −0·06)), restrictive (β = −0·30, 95 % CI (−0·56, −0·04)), indulgent (β = −0·47, 95 % CI (−0·73, −0·21)) and forceful (β = −0·54, 95 % CI (−0·81, −0·28)) feeding. Indulgent feeding was negatively associated with socio-economic status (β = −0·27, 95 % CI (−0·53, −0·00)) and was lower among mothers ≥35 years (β = −0·32, 95 % CI (−0·62, −0·02)). Breast-feeding at 1 year was associated with forceful feeding (β = 0·41, 95 % CI (0·21, 0·61)). No significant associations were found between maternal education, BMI, occupation and feeding styles.

Services to identify and assist mothers with depressive symptoms may benefit infant feeding style. Interventions to promote responsive feeding may be important for less educated, younger and socio-economically disadvantaged mothers.

To investigate the association between family, teachers and peer support patterns on gaps in adolescent’s weight perceptions.

A cross-sectional, school-based survey collected information on weight and height, weight perception, socio-economic and family characteristics and social support. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to capture social support patterns (SSP). Multivariable logistic regression was used to model adolescent weight perception, including SSP adjusted for demographic variables.

The 2014 Israeli Health Behaviours in School-Aged Children (HBSC) survey.

Adolescents aged 11–18 years (n 7563).

In total, 16·1 % of the boys and 10·7 % of the girls were overweight or obese. Most participants perceived their size accurately. Body size was underestimated by 25·6 % of the boys and 15·1 % of the girls, while 15·2 % of the boys and 27·7 % of the girls overestimated their body size. PCA generated three SSP accounting for 81·9 % of the variance in social support. Female sex and higher SES increased odds of overestimating body size. Students in the top quartile (Q4 v. Q1–Q3) of family support and teacher support were less likely to overestimate their body size. Good parental communication reduced the odds of body size overestimation in middle school students. Male sex and higher family support increased odds of underestimation.

Significant support from parents and teachers was associated with accurate weight perceptions; thus, support skills may be amenable to intervention. Efforts should be made to educate adolescents on healthy weight.

To identify a posteriori dietary patterns among women planning pregnancy and assess the reproducibility of these patterns in a subsample using two dietary assessment methods.

A semi-quantitative FFQ was administered to women enrolled in the Singapore PREconception Study of long-Term maternal and child Outcomes study. Dietary patterns from the FFQ were identified using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). In a subsample of women (n 289), 3-d food diaries (3DFD) were also completed and analysed. Reproducibility of the identified patterns was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in the subsample, and goodness of fit of the CFA models was examined using several fit indices. Subsequently, EFA was conducted in the subsample and dietary patterns of the FFQ and the 3DFD were compared.

Singapore.

1007 women planning pregnancy (18–45 years).

Three dietary patterns were identified from the FFQ: the ‘Fish, Poultry/Meat and Noodles’ pattern was characterised by higher intakes of fish, poultry/meat and noodles in soup; ‘Fast Food and Sweetened Beverages’ pattern was characterised by higher intakes of fast food, sweetened beverages and fried snacks; ‘Bread, Legumes and Dairy’ pattern was characterised by higher intakes of buns/ethnic breads, nuts/legumes and dairy products. The comparative fit indices from the CFA models were 0·79 and 0·34 for the FFQ and 3DFD of the subsample, respectively. In the subsample, three similar patterns were identified in the FFQ while only two for the 3DFD.

Dietary patterns from the FFQ are reproducible within this cohort, providing a basis for future investigations on diet and health outcomes.

To examine the impact of front-of-package (FOP) labels on perceived healthfulness, purchasing intentions and understanding of common FOP systems.

A parallel, open-label design randomised participants to different FOP labelling conditions: ‘high in’ warning labels (WL), multiple traffic light labelling (TLL), health star ratings (HSR) (all displayed per serving) or control with no interpretive FOP labelling. Participants completed a brief educational session via a smartphone application and two experimental tasks. In Task 1, participants viewed healthy or unhealthy versions of four products and rated healthiness and purchasing intention on a seven-point Likert-type scale. In Task 2, participants ranked three sets of five products from healthiest to least healthy.

Online commercial panel.

Canadian residents ≥ 18 years who were involved in household grocery shopping, owned a smartphone and met minimum screen requirements.

Data from 1997 participants (n 500/condition) were analysed. Task 1: across most product categories, the TLL and HSR increased perceived healthiness of healthier products. All FOP systems decreased perceived healthiness of less healthy products. Similar, albeit dampened, effects were seen regarding purchasing intentions. Task 2: participants performed best in the HSR, followed by the TLL, WL and control conditions. Lower health literacy was associated with higher perceived healthiness and purchasing intentions and poorer ranking task performance across all conditions.

All FOP labelling systems, after a brief educational session, improved task performance across a wide spectrum of foods. This effect differed depending on the nutritional quality of the products and the information communicated on labels.

Trial Registration: NCT03290118.

The objectives of this study were to document feeding practices amongst rural Senegalese children aged 6 to 23 months and to investigate psychosocial and environmental factors associated with the provision of iron-rich foods (IRF).

This was a cross-sectional study conducted from January to July 2018.

The study took place in the region of Matam, northern Senegal.

Ninety-eight mothers of children aged 6–23 months.

Results show that 27·6 % of children were fed according to the minimum acceptable diet, and 55·1 % and 53·1 % had the minimum diet diversity and minimum meal frequency, respectively. About 65·3 % of mothers provided IRF to young children the day before the survey, mostly fish. Mother’s intention to provide IRF to their children was not associated with the provision of these foods neither was the perceived behavioural control. Child’s age (OR = 1·14, 95 % CI (1·03, 1·26), P = 0·012) and household food insecurity score (OR = 0·80, 95 % CI (0·68, 0·96), P = 0·014) were the predictors of the provision of IRF to children aged 6–23 months.

Household food insecurity status and age of the child rather than mothers’ psychosocial factors were significant predictors of IRF consumption amongst children aged 6–23 months in the study area. More attention should be given to food environment and child-related factors in order to improve children feeding practices and, in particular, their consumption of IRF in the study setting. For instance, home visits and the 5-month-old vaccine consultation in health centres might be opportunities to reinforce the importance of providing IRF as part of complementary foods from the age of 6 months. Implementation of measures for the improvement of socio-economic conditions and food security of households would also be valuable.

To describe the anthropometry, socioeconomic circumstances, diet and screen time usage of adolescents in India and Africa as context to a qualitative study of barriers to healthy eating and activity.

Cross-sectional survey, including measured height and weight and derived rates of stunting, low BMI, overweight and obesity. Parental schooling and employment status, household assets and amenities, and adolescents’ dietary diversity, intake of snack foods, mobile/smartphone ownership and TV/computer time were obtained via a questionnaire.

Four settings each in Africa (rural villages, West Kiang, The Gambia; low-income urban communities, Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire; low/middle-class urban communities, Jimma, Ethiopia; low-income township, Johannesburg, South Africa) and India (rural villages, Dervan; semi-rural villages, Pune; city slums, Mumbai; low-middle/middle-class urban communities, Mysore).

Convenience samples (n 41–112 per site) of boys and girls, half aged 10–12 years and another half aged 15–17 years, were recruited for a qualitative study.

Both undernutrition (stunting and/or low BMI) and overweight/obesity were present in all settings. Rural settings had the most undernutrition, least overweight/obesity and greatest diet diversity. Urban Johannesburg (27 %) and Abidjan (16 %), and semi-rural Pune (16 %) had the most overweight/obesity. In all settings, adolescents reported low intakes of micronutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, and substantial intakes of salted snacks, cakes/biscuits, sweets and fizzy drinks. Smartphone ownership ranged from 5 % (West Kiang) to 69 % (Johannesburg), higher among older adolescents.

The ‘double burden of malnutrition’ is present in all TALENT settings. Greater urban transition is associated with less undernutrition, more overweight/obesity, less diet diversity and higher intakes of unhealthy/snack foods.

To provide updated information about demographic variations and temporal trends in the prenatal use of multiple micronutrient (MMN) supplements in the metropolitan areas of China.

Descriptive analysis of routine prenatal healthcare data between 2013 and 2017.

Chaoyang District, Beijing, China.

A total of 197 346 pregnant women who attended their first prenatal care visit and provided information about MMN supplementation during the periconceptional period.

Of these pregnant women, 60·6 % reported consuming prenatal MMN supplements. In multivariate-adjusted models, there were significant gradients of age, education and parity in prenatal MMN supplementation, with the highest likelihood of MMN use among the oldest, the most highly educated and nulliparous women (Pfor trend < 0·001). Compared with that among unemployed women, prenatal MMN supplementation was more common among the employed, especially those engaged in business (adjusted relative risks (95 % CI): 1·08 (1·06, 1·10)) and management (1·10 (1·08, 1·12)). The proportion of prenatal MMN supplementation was 57·0 % in 2013, which increased to 63·5 % in 2017 (Pfor trend < 0·001). The trends varied by age, education and parity (Pfor heterogeneity < 0·001), whereas no significant difference was observed in trends across subgroups of ethnicity or occupation. The greatest magnitude increase in MMN supplement use occurred in women of age < 25 years (annual percent change: 5·7 %), less than high school education (9·6 %), parity ≥ 2 (6·8 %) or unemployment (6·1 %).

Approximately two-thirds of women consumed prenatal MMN supplements during the periconceptional period in the central area of Beijing and the proportion increased over time, indicating a need to evaluate the effectiveness and safety and to develop a guideline for relatively well-nourished women.

Pellagra is a nutritional deficiency disease associated with niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency. The history of pellagra is well documented for Europe and the USA, but less is known about the prevalence in sub-Saharan African countries. This study documents the history of pellagra in South Africa, as diagnosed based on dermatological symptoms.

Scoping review of information from scientific databases, library archives, other archives and record services and from Statistics South Africa.

South Africa, 1897–2019.

South African.

Pellagra was first officially recorded in South Africa in 1906, but there are earlier indications of the disease. The prevalence of pellagra peaked after it was all but eradicated in the USA and Europe. Pellagra was never as prevalent in South Africa as in Europe, the USA and Egypt, where special hospitals for pellagrins were established. However, studies on urinary excretion of metabolites conducted in 1960s and 1970s suggested a high prevalence of subclinical (sub-pellagra) niacin deficiency, especially in previously disadvantaged Black populations. As in Europe and the USA, pellagra was associated with poverty and an overdependence on maize as staple food. Malnutrition was the main cause of the disease, but alcohol abuse might have been a contributing factor. In South Africa, reports of pellagra had declined by the late 1980s/early 1990s and hardly any cases were reported by the year 2000.

Although pellagra, diagnosed based on dermatological symptoms, appears to be largely eradicated in South Africa, it does not rule out the potential for subclinical niacin deficiency.

To explore determinants of dietary and physical activity behaviours among women of reproductive age.

Data were collected through focus group discussions (FGD). The FGD guide was based on a modified theoretical framework; theory of planned behaviour was incorporated with constructs of health belief model, precaution adoption process model, social cognitive and social support theory. Discussions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

Kampala, Uganda.

Women were categorised into young adults; 18–34 years and adults; 35–45 years

Separate FGD with independent participants were conducted for dietary and physical activity behaviours until data saturation was achieved. Six FGD were conducted per behaviour. Determinants of dietary behaviours at intra-individual level included gaps in food skills, knowledge and self-efficacy, food safety concerns, convenience, finances and physiological satisfaction. The social-cultural norms were relationship between vegetable consumption and low social status, consideration of fruits as a snack for children and not food and habitual orientation towards carbohydrate foods. At environment level, social networks and increased availability of energy-dense, nutrient poor, street and processed foods influence dietary behaviour. For physical activity, intra-individual determinants were knowledge gaps and self-efficacy, while socio-cultural norms included gender stereotypes. Home (limited space and sedentary entertainment like social media and TV) and physical environment (cheap motorised transportation) influence physical activity.

The existing cultural beliefs promote dietary and physical activity behaviours which are divergent from healthy recommendations. Therefore, a comprehensive intervention is needed to address socio-cultural misconceptions, financial and time limitations in urban Uganda.

To assess changes in dietary patterns among youths in China after COVID-19 lockdown.

This study was based on the COVID-19 Impact on Lifestyle Change Survey (COINLICS), a national retrospective survey established in early May 2020. The questionnaire was distributed through social media platforms. The sociodemographic information and routine dietary patterns before and after lockdown of participants were investigated. t tests and χ2 tests were used to compare the differences in consumption patterns of twelve major food groups and beverages between sex and across educational levels before and after lockdown. Factor analysis was employed to obtain the main dietary patterns.

China.

A total of 10 082 youths.

A significant decrease was observed in the average weekly frequency of rice intake, while significant increases were observed in the frequency of intake of wheat products, other staple foods, fish, eggs, fresh vegetables, preserved vegetables, fresh fruit and dairy products (all P values < 0·01). Heterogeneities of average weekly frequency existed between sex and across educational levels to different extents. The three main dietary patterns derived were loaded most heavily on dairy products, rice and wheat products, separately; the rice pattern became more dominant than the wheat products pattern after lockdown. The frequency of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption had decreased, while the frequency of other beverages had increased.

Our timely survey would inform policymakers and health professionals of these significant changes in youths’ dietary patterns after lockdown, with heterogeneities observed to different extents between sex and across educational levels, for better policy-making and public health practice.

To analyse the information on health claims present in the labelling of creatine monohydrate (CM) products.

A descriptive study of a selection of products marketed as CM, with health claims, and that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, was conducted using the Amazon and Google Shopping websites. The adequacy and compliance of the health claims were evaluated with the European legislative requirements (European Food Safety Authority and European Commission). The results were discussed with scientific evidence criteria from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, International Olympic Committee, and International Society of Sports Nutrition, as well as the systematic review carried out by Mielgo-Ayuso in 2019.

Health claims in the commercial communications of a sample of CM supplements, in relation to current legislation and scientific knowledge.

A total of 554 CM products were obtained.

Of the total sample, only 167 met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Of these, 30·5 % recommended a CM dose of 5·0–5·9 g/d, while 29·9 % recommended 3·0 to 3·9 g/d. As for the health claims, ‘Enhances physical performance’ appeared in 73·1 % of the supplements, in most cases referring to a dosage of 3·0 to 3·9 g/d for these products. The rest of the declarations were not adequate or needed to be modified.

Only 25 % of the health claims complied with the criteria established by the scientific reference documents. Most of the declarations must be modified or eliminated, as they could be considered fraudulent and/or misleading for the consumer.

To examine the association between family environment variables (parenting styles, family meal atmosphere), gender-based stereotypes and food intake in Latin American adolescents.

Structural equation modelling applied to cross-sectional data, 2017.

Urban and rural sites of San José, Costa Rica.

n 813; 13–18 years old.

Data suggest direct associations between gender-based stereotypes and intake of fruits and vegetables (FV) (β = 0·20, P < 0·05), unhealthy foods (fast food (FF)) (β = −0·24, P < 0·01) and ultra-processed foods (β = −0·15, P < 0·05) among urban girls; intake of legumes among rural girls (β = 0·16, P < 0·05) and intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) among rural boys (β = 0·22, P < 0·05). Family meal atmosphere was associated with legume intake (β = 0·19, P <·05) among rural girls. Authoritative parenting style was associated with FV intake (β = 0·23, P < 0·05) among urban boys and FF intake (β = 0·17, P < 0·05) among urban girls. Authoritarian parenting style was associated with FV consumption (β = 0·19, P < 0·05) among rural boys, and with SSB and FF consumption (β = 0·21, P < 0·05; β = 0·14, P < 0·05, respectively) among urban girls.

Findings are the first to describe the complex family environment and gender-based stereotypes within the context of a Latin American country. They emphasise the need for culturally relevant measurements to characterise the sociocultural context in which parent–adolescent dyads socialise and influence food consumption.

A suboptimal diet and nutritional deficiencies can have important influences on health with significant impact among older adults. This study aims to assess the presence of suboptimal dietary intake among older Americans and identify risk and protective factors influencing diet quality.

Cross-sectional secondary analysis.

USA.

A nationally representative sample of 5614 community-dwelling older adults over age 54 in the Health and Retirement Study – Health Care and Nutrition Survey.

Overall, only 10·7 % of respondents had a good quality diet (Healthy Eating Index score 81 and above); the majority had diets considered poor or needing improvement. Less than 50 % of respondents met dietary guidelines and nutritional goals for most individual food groups and nutrients. Respondents with low socio-economic status, fewer psychosocial resources and those who had limited access to healthy food outlets were more likely to have a diet of suboptimal quality.

Efforts to remove identified barriers that put older adults at risk for poor nutrition and to provide resources that increase access to healthy food should be made to encourage healthy eating and enhance diet quality.

To explore the relationship between work-related stress and obesity among female shift workers. Additionally, we also aimed to test the interaction between shift work and work-related stress in this association.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among Brazilian female shift workers. Work-related stress was assessed through a demand–control questionnaire (Job Stress Scale). Work-related stress was defined by the presence of high psychological demands and low control at work. The obesity cases were defined as those with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more. Multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance was used to obtain the prevalence ratios (PR) and their respective 95 % CI.

A group of industries located in southern Brazil in 2017.

Four hundred and twenty female workers aged 18–59 years.

The overall prevalence of obesity was 30 % (95 % CI: 25·6, 34·4), and the presence of work-related stress was identified in 24 % (95 % CI: 19·9, 28·1) of the sample. We found an indication of interaction between work-related stress and night shift work on obesity (P = 0·026). After adjusting for confounding factors, work-related stress was associated with a 71 % greater probability of obesity (PR = 1·71; 95 % CI: 1·02, 2·87; P = 0·042) among female night shift workers.

In this study, we revealed that exposure to work-related stress and night shift work were associated with obesity among female shift workers. Furthermore, the prevalence of obesity was high among female shift workers.

To examine the prevalence and nutrient composition of menu offerings targeted to customers with dietary restrictions at US fast casual and full-service chain restaurants.

We used 2018 data from MenuStat, a database of nutrient information for menu items at large US chain restaurants. Five alternative diets were examined: gluten-free, low-calorie, low-carbohydrate, low-fat and vegetarian. Diet offerings were identified by searching MenuStat item descriptions and reviewing online menus. For each diet, we reported counts and proportions. We used bootstrapped multilevel models to examine differences in predicted mean kilojoules, saturated fat, Na and sugars between diet and non-diet menu items.

Forty-five US fast casual and full-service chain restaurants in 2018 (including 6419 items in initial analytic sample across small plates, salads and main dishes).

None.

The most prevalent diets were gluten-free (n 631, 9·8 % of menu items), low-calorie (n 306, 4·8 %) and vegetarian (n 230, 3·6 %). Compared with non-diet counterparts, low-calorie main dishes had significantly lower levels of all nutrients examined and vegetarian main dishes had significantly lower levels of all nutrients except saturated fat. Gluten-free small plates had significantly fewer kilojoules, grams of saturated fat and milligrams of Na compared with non-diet small plates.

A small proportion of fast casual and full-service restaurant menus are targeted towards customers with dietary restrictions. Compared with non-diet items, those classified as gluten-free, low-calorie or vegetarian generally have healthier nutrient profiles, but overall nutrient values are still too high for most menu items, regardless of dietary label.

To propose malnutrition screening methods for the elderly population using predictive multivariate models. Due to the greater risk of nutrition deficiencies in ageing populations, nutritional assessment of the elderly is necessary in primary health care.

This was a cross-sectional study. Multivariate models were obtained by means of discriminant analysis and binary logistic regression. The diagnostic accuracy of each multivariate model was determined and compared with the Chang method based on receiver operating characteristic curves. The optimal cut-point, sensitivity, specificity and Youden index were estimated for each of the models.

The province of Cordoba, Spain.

Two hundred fifty-five patients over the age of 65 years from three health centres and three nursing homes.

Fourteen models for predicting risk of malnutrition were obtained, six by discriminant multivariate analysis and eight by binary logistic regression. Sensitivity ranged from 55·6 to 93·1 % and specificity from 64·9 to 94 %. The maximum and minimum Youden indexes were 0·77 and 0·49, respectively. We finally selected a model which does not require a blood test.

The proposed models simplify nutritional assessment in the elderly and, except for number 2 of those calculated by binary logistic regression, have better diagnostic accuracy than the Spanish version of the Mini Nutritional Assessment screening tool. The selected model, whose validation is necessary for the future with other different samples, provides good diagnostic accuracy, and it can be performed by non-medical personnel, making it an accessible, easy and rapid tool in daily clinical practice.

To investigate dietary health understandings, healthy foods access perceptions and the main sources of nutritional knowledge of residents in three urban communities of varying socio-economic make-up.

An ethnographic approach to primary qualitative data collection, involving frequent visits to study areas over 4 months and in-depth interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed through an iterative approach.

Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

A purposive sample of 45 participants divided equally among the 3 communities. Participants were mostly female (93 %), aged between 27 and 75 years (mean 47·7) and largely identified as the person responsible for household food-related decisions (93 %).

Three overarching themes emerged: (i) dietary health understandings; (ii) healthy foods access perceptions and (iii) sources of nutritional knowledge. Participants employed multifaceted conceptualisation of dietary health. Most identified healthy foods with traditional plant-based foods, inexpensive and locally available from multiple sources. Thus, all participants perceived healthy foods as highly available in the local environment and most (80 %) as affordable. Reported affordability issues referred to specific foods (particularly animal source products) and were independent of income levels. Participants acquired nutritional knowledge from multiple sources, including many community-based initiatives. These were overall perceived as useful, but also as presenting some limitations.

The variety in dietary health understandings reported by study participants, and their high perceptions of healthy foods availability in the local environment reinforce the idea that individual- and food environment-level determinants of nutritional behaviours are highly contextual.

To explore Uruguayan paediatricians’ personal recommendations about complementary feeding and to assess if they are aligned with current guidelines and scientific evidence.

A questionnaire composed of open-ended questions was used to explore foods recommended to start complementary feeding, foods regarded as the most important during the first meals, recommendations for delayed introduction of foods and foods that should be avoided. Reasons underlying the recommendations were also explored.

Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay (Latin America).

A total of 212 paediatricians were recruited during a National Pediatrics Conference, organised by the Uruguayan Society of Pediatrics.

The recommendations about complementary feeding provided by paediatricians to parents and caregivers in Uruguay seemed not to be fully aligned with the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health. Paediatricians recommend a rigid food introduction sequence, characterised by the early introduction of soft pureed vegetables and fruits, followed by meat and the delayed introduction of allergenic foods. Food diversity and the concept of ultra-processed were not frequently identified in the responses.

Results stress the importance of developing educational and communication approaches targeted at paediatricians to contribute to the uptake of updated recommendations regarding complementary feeding.

Accurate measurements of food volume and density are often required as ‘gold standards’ for calibration of image-based dietary assessment and food database development. Currently, there is no specialised laboratory instrument for these measurements. We present the design of a new volume of density (VD) meter to bridge this technological gap.

Our design consists of a turntable, a load sensor, a set of cameras and lights installed on an arc-shaped stationary support, and a microcomputer. It acquires an array of food images, reconstructs a 3D volumetric model, weighs the food and calculates both food volume and density, all in an automatic process controlled by the microcomputer. To adapt to the complex shapes of foods, a new food surface model, derived from the electric field of charged particles, is developed for 3D point cloud reconstruction of either convex or concave food surfaces.

We conducted two experiments to evaluate the VD meter. The first experiment utilised computer-synthesised 3D objects with prescribed convex and concave surfaces of known volumes to investigate different food surface types. The second experiment was based on actual foods with different shapes, colours and textures. Our results indicated that, for synthesised objects, the measurement error of the electric field-based method was <1 %, significantly lower compared with traditional methods. For real-world foods, the measurement error depended on the types of food volumes (detailed discussion included). The largest error was approximately 5 %.

The VD meter provides a new electronic instrument to support advanced research in nutrition science.