Browsing by Author "Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Betul"

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Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Adults: The Role of Environmental and Sustainable Food Literacy
(BMC, 2025) Ozata-Uyar, Gizem; Aslan, Serkan; Camli, Ayse; Arslan, Merve; Bozkurt, Osman; Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Betul
AimThis study aimed to evaluate the relationship between environmental literacy, sustainable food literacy, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) in adults.MethodData were collected via a web-based questionnaire created using Google Forms between April and August 2024 in Erzurum, Turkey. A total of 394 adults participated through snowball sampling. The questionnaire included sections on demographic information, anthropometric measurements, the Environmental Literacy Scale for Adults (ELSA), the Sustainable Food Literacy Scale (SFLS), and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS).Results38.6% of the participants were found to adhere to the Mediterranean Diet (MD). Married participants were more likely to have adhered to the MD than single ones (odds ratio [OR]:0.41, p = 0.006). Adherence to the MD was associated with higher education duration (OR = 1.05, p = 0.011), a higher SFLS total score (OR = 1.01, p = 0.025), and a higher ELSA score (OR = 1.04, p = 0.004).ConclusionThe MD is a sustainable dietary model that enhances health and is environmentally friendly. For this reason, it may be possible to direct society towards healthier and less environmentally damaging food choices through training to increase individuals' sustainable literacy and environmental literacy levels.
Association Between Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet with Anthropometric Measurements and Nutritional Status in Adolescents
(Aran Ediciones, S L, 2023) Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Betul; Ermumcu, Merve Seyda Karacil; Govez, Nazlican Erdogan; Bozkurt, Osman; Akpinar, Serife; Celik, Ozge Mengi; Tek, Nilufer Acar
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 & PLUSMN; 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.
Association Between Dental Caries and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, Dietary Intake, and Body Mass Index in Children
(BMC, 2024) Esin, Kubra; Balli-Akgol, Beyza; Sozlu, Saniye; Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Betul
Background: Children with healthier nutritional status are less likely to develop severe caries than those with a high-sugar content diet. Studies evaluating dental caries and nutritional status in school-age children have generally focused on dietary intake, diet quality, or anthropometric measures, and the number of studies evaluating them together is limited. Objective: It was aimed to evaluate the relationship between dental caries adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD), dietary intake, and Body Mass Index (BMI) in school-age children. Materials and methodsThis study was conducted with 300 healthy children (52.0% boys, 48.0% girls) aged between 6 and 12 years. The data collection forms included sociodemographic characteristics, oral health practices of children, Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents (KIDMED), and food consumption records. Anthropometric measurements (body weight and height) of the children were taken. Dental examinations were performed by a pediatric dentist. Results: While the DMFT mean score of the children was 1.7 +/- 2.09, the mean dft score was 2.9 +/- 3.29. The mean of KIDMED scores was 5.9 +/- 3.32. DMFT and dft scores decreased statistically as maternal education increased (p 0.05). DMFT scores differed statistically between KIDMED groups (p < 0.05). This difference was between low-optimal and low-improvement-needed groups. While there was a low negative correlation (r=-0.169) between calcium intake and DMFT score, a low positive correlation was found between glucose (r = 0.172) and fructose (r = 0.149) intake and dft score (p < 0.05). In regression analysis, while the children's age related DMFT scores positively, maternal education and KIDMED scores related DMFT scores negatively. Also, children's age and maternal education related dft scores negatively. Conclusion: In this study, adherence to the MD rather than nutrients was found to be important in dental caries. Also maternal education level was also found to be a determinant factor in dental caries in children. DMFT and dft did not differ between BMI groups.Further studies should be conducted to assess the impact of the MD on dental caries in children to develop dietary interventions for preventative purposes.
Association Between Ecological Footprint Awareness and Health Literacy in Adults: A Population-Based Study from Turkey
(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2024) Celik, Ozge Mengi; Koksal, Eda; Akpinar, Serife; Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Betul; Govez, Nazlican Erdogan; Daziroglu, Merve Esra Citar; Tek, Nilufer Acar
This study aimed to determine the relationship between health literacy and ecological footprint which is an indicator of sustainability and environmental impact and to examine the factors that may affect them. It was found that 20.3% of individuals have inadequate, 43.7% problematic, 26.1% sufficient and 10.0% excellent health literacy levels. There were differences in age, education level and BMI classification according to Ecological Footprint Awareness Scale score quartiles and health literacy levels (p < 0.05). It was determined that age and Turkey Health Literacy Scale score had effect on ecological footprint awareness. Individuals with a high level of health literacy have a high awareness of their ecological footprint. The increase in people's health literacy levels and ecological footprint awareness with age can be interpreted as the increase in people's education and knowledge levels and their awareness levels against the protection of nature and the environment.
Children's Eating Attitudes Test (CHEAT): Validation and Reliability in Turkish Children
(BMC, 2023) Bozkurt, Osman; Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Betul; Koksal, Eda; Ates, Funda Seher Ozalp
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.
A Comprehensive Review on Food Hydrocolloids as Gut Modulators in the Food Matrix and Nutrition: The Hydrocolloid-Gut Axis
(Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2023) Agagunduz, Duygu; Ozata-Uyar, Gizem; Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Betul; Ozturan-Sirin, Aycil; Capasso, Raffaele; Al -Assaf, Saphwan; Ozogul, Fatih
Background: Food hydrocolloids are versatile natural food ingredients, which can be authentically present in food matrices or can be added as functional food ingredients and/or food additives. All hydrocolloids are common in industrial use with enhancers of viscosity, emulsifiers, coating, gelling agents, stabilizing agents and/or thermodynamic stability providers. While safety issues of hydrocolloids in the food industry have been discussed until now, research has turned to their effects on gut modulation, human health and wellbeing. Scope and approach: This review focuses on a comprehensive discussion of certain food hydrocolloids in gut modulation and their potential interaction with health through gut modulation. Key findings and conclusions: Novel literature suggests that certain food hydrocolloids could substantially change the range and structure of the microbiota of the gut and the primary bioactive metabolites. Besides, hydrocolloids show important outcomes on gut microbiota because of their physicochemical and structural properties. Moreover, they may have various impacts, and the mechanisms of gut microbiota activity are quite diverse depending on their polymeric structure and source. Despite some discrepancies and divergences in their impacts on the gut microbiota-health axis, their reassuring outcomes on health are mainly associated with their prebiotic or prebiotic-like effects. In this way, it can directly/indirectly affect host health. Therefore, while investigating the possible health and safety effects of the use of hydrocolloids in the form of food additives, it may be useful to investigate the benefits and side effects on the gut.
Do Mindful Eating Intervention Programs Improve Mindful Eating and Nutritional Status in Children
(BMC, 2025) Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Betul; Koksal, Eda
Background The study aimed to evaluate the changes in mindful eating scores, anthropometric measurements, and dietary adequacy in children after the Mindful Eating Intervention Program for Children and Parents (MEIP-CP). Methods This study was conducted as a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test pattern. The research sample comprised 64 children (48.4% boys, 51.6% girls) aged 8-11 years and their parents. The MEIP-CP includes six sessions (preventing mindless eating, exploring the senses, recognizing hunger and fullness signals, expressing emotions, sowing the seeds of awareness, and cultural meal invitation) of 45-60 min/per week. Data was obtained using questionnaire with face-to-face interviews at the pre-test (baseline), post-test (week 6 and week 12). The survey form included the socio-demographics information, the Mindful Eating Questionnaire for Children (MEQ-C), the Emotional Eating Scale for Children and Adolescents (EES-C), anthropometric measurements, and a 24-hour dietary recall. The nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) and mean adequacy ratio (MAR) were used to evaluate children's diets. Results The Mindless eating scores of children decreased, and Awareness scores increased at post-test evaluation (p 0.05). Following the MEIP-CP, there was a trend toward decreased EES-C subscales scores. The rate of those who were in the "good" group (> 80%) in terms of MAR rating baseline (46.9%) increased to 70.3% in the sixth week. While gender, the EES-C score, and Body Mass Index were associated with the Mindless eating score, age, the MAR rating, and the EES-C scores were associated with the Awareness score in regression models (p < 0.05). Conclusions The MEIP-CP may contribute to increasing mindful eating and dietary adequacy in addition to reducing emotional state-related behaviours in children.
Effects of Curcumin, a Bioactive Component of Turmeric, on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications: An Updated Review
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2022) Bozkurt, Osman; Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Betul; Yildiran, Hilal
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 beta 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.
Evaluation of Factors Related to Organic Food Consumption and Orthorexia Nervosa Tendencies
(Wiley, 2024) Bozkurt, Osman; Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Betul
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 Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors and Adherence to the Planetary Health Diet Index in Turkish Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
(Frontiers Media SA, 2023) Macit-Celebi, Melahat Sedanur; Bozkurt, Osman; Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Betul; Koksal, Eda
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.
Evaluation of the Dietary Carbon Footprint as a Sustainable Diet Marker in Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
(Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University Rektorlugu, 2024) Bozkurt, Osman; Macit-Celebi, Melahat Sedanur; Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Betul
This study planned to investigate the characteristics of the diet and its contribution to the carbon footprint-the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Data were collected through face-to-face interview methods via a questionnaire including socio-demographic information, anthropometric measurements, the Three-Factor Eating Questionarre21, and 24-hour recall food consumption record. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 619 adults (M = 266 (43.0%), F = 353 (%57.0)) aged 18-64 years. The carbon footprint value of the overall diet was 3.84 +/- 0.1 kg CO2-eq 2-eq per person per day and 2.10 +/- 1.2 kg CO2-eq 2-eq per 1,000 kcal per day. Meat and dairy groups are the major contributors to carbon footprint (34.8%, and 18.9%, respectively). Uncontrolled eating scores were higher in the highest quantile (Q5) group for the carbon footprint (CO2-eq 2-eq kg-1 ) group (p p = 0.048), and according to the multiple regression model, uncontrolled eating scores significantly affecting the increase of carbon footprint (ss = 0.122, p = 0.006). While high carbon footprint groups have higher dietary protein intake (43.30 +/- 0.8 g per day, 29.0 +/- 0.7 g per day, respectively, p = 0.048), low carbon footprint groups have higher carbohydrate intake (103.75 +/- 3.7 g per day, 85.86 +/- 3.4 g per day, respectively, p <0.001). The results of this study provide important knowledge on the contribution of diet patterns and eating behaviour to the carbon footprint and draw attention to the importance of developing sustainable nutrition recommendations in parallel with healthy nutrition recommendations.
Evaluation of the Relationships Among Mindful Eating, Environmental Beliefs, Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, and Obesity in Children
(Aves, 2024) Bozkurt, Osman; Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Betul; Kocyigit, Emine
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.
Exploring the Understanding of How Parenting Influences the Children's Nutritional Status, Physical Activity, and BMI
(Frontiers Media SA, 2023) Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Betul; Sozlu, Saniye; Macit-Celebi, Melahat Sedanur
AimParental behaviors and the home environment are two of the most effective ways to adopt healthy eating and active lifestyles. For this reason, it is crucial to understand children's nutritional habits, analyze the dynamics related to parental factors, diagnose and treat childhood obesity in the early period, and prevent adulthood obesity. This study aimed to explore how parenting influences children's nutritional status, physical activity, and BMI. MethodsThe study involved 596 children with their parents. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the survey method. The survey consists of descriptive information (age, gender, educational status), anthropometric measurements, nutritional habits, Family Nutrition and Physical Activity Scale (FNPA), International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and 24-h dietary recall. The Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR) was applied to assess dietary adequacy. ResultsMost mothers and fathers were overweight or obese (61.6 and 68.7%, respectively). 38.6% of boys and 23.1% of girls were overweight or obese. The FNPA score was positively correlated with MAR (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that children's BMI was negatively correlated with FNPA score, while maternal BMI and father's BMI were positively correlated (p < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary energy was not associated with the child's BMI but with dietary adequacy (p < 0.05). There was no evidence that family impacted children's physical activity. ConclusionThis study supports that parenting influences children's dietary intake and BMI. Adequate and balanced nutrition, regardless of dietary energy, may affect children's body weight. Family plays a significant role in influencing and forming children's lifestyle-related behaviors. Children's healthy eating and physical exercise habits can be encouraged through school-based programs involving families.
Factors Affecting Food Addiction: Emotional Eating, Palatable Eating Motivations, and BMI
(Wiley, 2024) Bozkurt, Osman; Camli, Ayse; Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Betul
Evaluating the factors leading to adult food addiction should shed light on potential preventive and treatment strategies for obesity and eating disorders. This research aimed to assess the relationship between food addiction, emotional eating, palatable eating motivations, and the factors that affected them. Five hundred twenty-two adults participated in this descriptive, cross-sectional study in Erzurum, Turkey. Participants completed a questionnaire that included a general information form, anthropometric measurements, Palatable Eating Motives Scale (PEMS), Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), and Emotional Eater Questionnaire (EEQ). In total, 181 (34.7%) men and 341 (65.3%) women participated in the study. While 24.7% were overweight or obese, 65.7% had normal BMI (body mass index). Food addiction (FA) was determined in 18.2% of the participants. The FA group had significantly higher PEMS and EEQ scores (p < .001). The risk of FA was 3.18 times higher in women than in men (95% CI = 1.65, 6.13, p = .001). Significant positive associations between FA, BMI (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.00, 1.11, p = .021), and EEQ (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.23, 1.38, p = .000) were found. Emotional eating behavior and palatable eating motivations are more common in individuals with food addiction than nonfood addiction. Female gender, emotional eating, and high BMI values were determined as risk factors for food addiction.
Fermented Foods and Brain Health: Gut-Brain Axis Mechanisms and Clinical Insights
(Elsevier Science Inc, 2026) Bodur, Mahmut; Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Betul; Bozkurt, Osman; Aslan, Serkan; Agagunduz, Duygu
The gut-brain axis represents a complex bidirectional communication network connecting the central nervous and gastrointestinal systems. Fermented foods and their phenolic compounds, which increase their bioavailability due to microbial transformation in their contents, have the potential to affect the gut microbiota and therefore the gut-brain axis positively. Fermented foods such as kefir, yogurt, miso, natto, tempeh, kombucha, and their polyphenols have an effect on the gut microbiota and on the provision of neurological activities through neuroactive components that affect the nervous system. Phenolic compounds appear to have direct or indirect effects on brain tissue through various mechanisms such as reducing neuronal oxidative stress, suppressing microglial activation, supporting synaptic plasticity, and slowing down neurodegenerative processes such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. In addition, the polyphenol content enriched in fermented foods has been shown to exhibit psychobiotic effects in depression and anxiety models; it has been shown in clinical studies that it improves systemic inflammation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction. Current data support the inclusion of fermented, polyphenol-rich foods as a noninvasive strategy to enhance neuroprotection and mental health. However, enhanced clinical studies are needed where heterogeneity in the fermentation process and dosage adjustment are standardized. This article reviews the current literature on the effects of fermented foods and polyphenols on brain health via the microbiota and gut-brain axis. (c) 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Impact of MyPlate and the Healthy Highway Program-Based Nutrition Education Intervention on Preschoolers' Knowledge and Food Choice
(BMC, 2025) Kocyigit, Emine; Bozkurt, Osman; Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Betul; Us Altay, Diler
Background Early childhood is a crucial developmental period whereby children acquire nutrition knowledge and skills, presenting a significant potential for lifestyle interventions. This study aimed to assess the effects of a nutrition intervention on knowledge and food choice behavior among preschool students. Methods A semi-experimental, pre-post design study was conducted with 45 children (20 girls and 25 boys) aged 60-72 months, preschool students. Students participated in a 4-week nutrition education. The researchers carried out a pre- and post-intervention evaluation of a nutrition education intervention, employing age-appropriate visual food cards, a plate icon, and a traffic light icon. A questionnaire was used to collect data, and anthropometric measurements of children were recorded. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0. Paired t-tests were applied for quantitative variables and the McNemar test for categorical variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The mean age of preschool children was 61.8 +/- 4.40 months. Based on BMI for age z-score classification in children, more than half of the children are of normal weight (51.1%), while 22.2% are underweight and 26.7% are overweight or obese. The total mean NutriSTEP (R) score for preschool children before intervention was 22.9 +/- 5.82. After nutrition education, preschool students significantly improved MyPlate knowledge and healthy and unhealthy food choice behaviors (p < 0.001). Conclusions Nutrition education intervention has been shown to be effective in identifying food types and differentiating between healthy and unhealthy food among preschool children. The use of food cards and visual materials can be a valid strategy for determining the effectiveness of nutrition education. Developing financially accessible, plausible, and culturally pertinent methods to enhance student health through nutrition education may augment preschool students' knowledge and healthy choice of foods.
Microbiota Alteration and Modulation in Alzheimer's Disease by Gerobiotics: The Gut-Health Axis for a Good Mind
(Elsevier France-Éditions Scientifiques Médicales Elsevier, 2022) Agagunduz, Duygu; Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Betul; Bozkurt, Osman; Sharma, Heena; Esposito, Renata; Ozogul, Fatih; Capasso, Raffaele
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.
Mindful Eating Questionnaire for Children: Validation and Reliability in Turkish Children
(Springer, 2022) Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Betul; Koksal, Eda; Ates, Funda Seher Ozalp
Objectives This study aims to adapt the Mindful Eating Questionnaire for Children (MEQ-C) to Turkish and test its validity and reliability. Methods A total of 227 children (118 boys, 109 girls, aged 8-11 years) participated in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using surveys that contained the MEQ-C, Emotional Eating Scale Adapted for Use in Children and Adolescents (EES-C), and the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was applied for categorical data. For the evaluation of external construct validity, Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated between MEQ-C scores and EES-C and CEBQ. Reliability was examined in terms of internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Results A confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the 12-item Turkish version of the MEQ-C measures two underlying factors (Mindless eating and Awareness). The fit indices were found to be acceptable. The Cronbach alpha coefficient was found to be 0.82 for the Mindless eating subscale, while it was found to be 0.80 for the Awareness. The test-retest reliability was 0.78 for the Mindless eating and 0.75 for the Awareness. Also, the total contribution of two factors to the variance was 51.70%. The Mindless eating subscale had significant positive correlations both with the EES-C and its subscales and with the CEBQ scale, and the Awareness subscale had statistically significant negative correlations with Food Responsiveness and Emotional Undereating subscales. Conclusions The two subscales (Mindless eating and Awareness) are valid and reliable tools for measuring mindful eating in Turkish children.
More Mindful, More Selective, More Disordered? a Mediation Analysis of Picky Eating in the Link Between Mindful Eating and Orthorexia Nervosa Tendency
(Elsevier Science Inc, 2026) Ozata-Uyar, Gizem; Aslan, Serkan; Arslan, Merve; Camli, Ayse; Bozkurt, Osman; Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Betul
Aim: This study evaluated the relationship between picky eating, mindful eating (ME), orthorexia nervosa (ON) tendency, and diet quality in adults. The secondary aim was to examine whether picky eating mediates the effect of ME on ON tendency. Methods: A total of 541 adults (mean age 26.6 +/- 10.54 y, 50.6% women) participated. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire via face-to-face interviews and convenience sampling. Picky eating (PE) was assessed with the Adult Picky Eating Questionnaire, ME with the ME Inventory (MEI), ON tendency with the Test of ON-17 (TON-17), and diet quality with the Healthy Eating Index-2020. Dietary intake was measured using a 24-h dietary recall. Results: Among participants, 5.2% had ON, and 41.6% had inadequate diet quality. MEI was positively associated with PE (beta = 0.108; P = 0.013) and TON-17 (beta = 0.093; P = 0.025). PE was positively associated with TON-17 (beta = 0.213; P < 0.001) and negatively associated with Healthy Eating Index-2020 (beta = -0.126; P = 0.003). The indirect effect of MEI on TON-17 via PE accounted for 19.8% of the total effect, indicating that PE partially mediated this relationship. Conclusions: The findings suggest that ME is associated with healthier dietary behavior; however, they may also be related to increased orthorexic tendencies. It also showed that PE mediates between MEI and TON-17. Addressing selective eating behaviors and encouraging balanced, ME in public health strategies may help improve diet quality and reduce eating related problems. (c) 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Plant Toxic Proteins: Their Biological Activities, Mechanism of Action and Removal Strategies
(MDPI, 2023) Kocyigit, Emine; Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Betul; Bozkurt, Osman; Agagunduz, Duygu; Capasso, Raffaele
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, & alpha;-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.