Parents' perceptions of the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on the eating behaviors and routines of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Background: Restricted interests and repetitive behavior are characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The likelihood that persons with ASD will respond adversely to unfamiliar situations is great. The novel coronavirus outbreak has resulted in disruptions to all aspects of routine and behavior.

Implication of red meat consumption habits in serum uric acid levels and mood disorders among first-trimester pregnant women.

Background: Dietary pattern involving meat consumption has an association with serum uric acid level which subsequently has an impact on moods. However, this relationship is not clearly established in pregnant women, particularly those who are accustomed to daily meat consumption.

Objective: This study investigated the relationship between red meat consumption and uric acid level and the subsequent impact on mood disorders in 1st trimester pregnant women.

Influence of Weight-Control Attempts as Based on Self-Perception of Macronutrient Intake Among Young Females and Its Association with Mood Disorder.

Background: There are a few studies on the association between macronutrients and mood, but none on weight control based on self-perception of specific macronutrients and mood.

Objective: To assess the association between anxiety and depression levels and weight-control attempts among young females based on self-perception of diet that impacts weight by limiting or boosting a certain macronutrient.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey conducted on young females (n=302) with an age range of 19 to 29.

Perspectives and practices of dietitians with regards to social/mass media use during the transitions from face-to-face to telenutrition in the time of COVID-19: A cross-sectional survey in 10 Arab countries.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most healthcare professionals switched from face-to-face clinical encounters to telehealth. This study sought to investigate the dietitians' perceptions and practices toward the use of social/mass media platforms amid the transition from face-to-face to telenutrition in the time of COVID-19. This cross-sectional study involving a convenient sample of 2,542 dietitians (mean age = 31.

Perceptions of Parents on Management of Food Allergy in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Food allergy is one of the most serious health concerns spread across the globe. Its awareness and management are undervalued, especially in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aim of this study is to explore the perception of parents of autistic children from Saudi Arabia on the prevalence, knowledge, awareness and management of food allergens.

A Snapshot of the Experience of Dietitians during the COVID-19 Crisis in Five Arab Countries: Findings from a Regional Cross-Sectional Study.

COVID-19's intimidating spread has challenged the resilience of the global health systems, causing shifts in the practices of healthcare workers, including dietitians. The current study aimed to assess the change in dietitians' practices and duties in hospitals/clinics after the commencement of COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study was conducted in five Arab countries between November 2020 and January 2021.

Gender-Based Differences in the Consumption of Food Rich in Fibre and Its Relationship with Perceived Mood Status: A Cross-Sectional Study.

It is unclear whether gender-based differences in dietary fibre intake exist in the relationship between daily fibre consumption and the prevalence of mood disorders. This study aims to examine the effects of dietary fibre consumption on mood status between genders in Saudi Arabia. A total of 359 Saudi participants completed the survey.

Use of Plastics with Hot Food among Saudi Pregnant Women Is Associated with Increased Concentrations of A1C, Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, and Homocysteine and Decreased Concentrations of Vitamins and Minerals.

Data regarding association between the use of plastics with hot food and levels of vitamins and minerals, and other biochemical parameters are lacking. Cross-sectional data for 740 healthy pregnant Saudi women were collected from 21 health care centres and 2 hospitals from Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Detailed data regarding the frequency of plastic use with hot food were collected, and laboratory analyses of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), homocysteine (HCY), glycated A1C (A1C), and selected vitamins and minerals were also done.

Flavonoid-rich orange juice is associated with acute improvements in cognitive function in healthy middle-aged males.

Purpose: Epidemiological evidence suggests that chronic consumption of fruit-based flavonoids is associated with cognitive benefits; however, the acute effects of flavonoid-rich (FR) drinks on cognitive function in the immediate postprandial period require examination. The objective was to investigate whether consumption of FR orange juice is associated with acute cognitive benefits over 6 h in healthy middle-aged adults.

Methods: Males aged 30-65 consumed a 240-ml FR orange juice (272 mg) and a calorie-matched placebo in a randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced order on 2 days separated by a 2-week washout.