The antioxidant activity and polyphenols content of beer associated with its low alcohol content are relevant factors for an evaluation of the nutritional quality of beer. To investigate the effect of adding foods on the nutritional quality of beer, seven special beers that were commercially available and produced adding natural foods (walnut, chestnut, cocoa, honey, green tea, coffee, and licorice) during the fermentation process were analyzed for their polyphenols and flavonoids contents, phenolics profile, and antioxidant activity. The results obtained showed that most of the special beers under study possessed antioxidant activity, as well as total polyphenols and flavonoids contents notably higher as compared with the five conventional beers analyzed. The highest polyphenols and flavonoids contents were exhibited in cocoa, walnut, chestnut, and licorice beers, followed by coffee, honey, and green tea beers. Antioxidant activity decreased in the order walnut, cocoa, chestnut, licorice, coffee, honey, and green tea. Most special beers were enriched in catechin, epicatechin, rutin, myricetin, quercetin, and resveratrol. The content of phenolic acids, especially ferulic, p-coumaric, syringic, and sinapic acids was generally higher in special beers as compared with conventional beers. Our findings showed that the addition of natural foods during the fermentation process remarkably increased antioxidant activity of beer and qualitatively and quantitatively improved its phenolics profile.

Background: Inflammatory cytokine levels are associated with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and can be influenced by a person’s macronutrient profile. This work aims to evaluate the relationship between the compliance with the age-specific recommended protein intake and the levels of inflammatory markers related to the risk of NCDs. Methods: The study participants included 347 participants (119 men and 228 women), ages 18 to 86 years. Cardio-metabolic risk evaluations, including an assessment of the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome, were performed. Leptin, IL-15, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were measured. Results: The adequacy of the total protein (TP) intake was lower in old people compared to individuals aged <60 years, and only few volunteers consumed the suggested 50% plant protein (PP) for a healthy and sustainable diet. A lower risk of NCDs with a PP consumption above at least 40% was observed only in old individuals. A differential effect on TNF-α and IL-6 was observed for both TP and PP intake by gender and age class, whereas for leptin and IL-15 only significant interactions among sex and the class of age were found. Conclusion: Although our data suggest that consuming more than 40% of PP can reduce the risk of NCDs, the effect of gender differences on cytokine levels should be considered in larger studies.

The objective of the present research was to evaluate if and to what extent the encounter between different cultures in a context of globalization may have influenced the adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) in adolescents. The study comprised a structured questionnaire packet that inquired about anthropometric data, demographic information and both dietary and lifestyle habits. The KIDMED questionnaire was used to evaluate the adherence to the MD. A total of 103 respondents, aged 10–24 years (39.8% born in Italy or first-generation immigrants from Mediterranean countries) were included in the study. The results showed the highest percentage of adolescents having a medium adherence to the MD (44.7%), without differences according to geographical area of origin. Furthermore, the study proved that a higher adherence to the MD was significantly associated with daily breakfast (p = 0.008) and the consumption of fruit and vegetables (p = 0.002 and p = 0.000, respectively). Volunteers representing some of the different cultures and geographical proveniences currently present in Italy were perfectly integrated regarding diet and lifestyle, aspects considered in this study. Our investigation suggests the existence of incorrect dietary habits. It is certainly necessary to implement public health policies targeting adolescents to promote healthier lifestyle choices; the nutritional patterns of the MD should be among these choices.

Background/Objectives: This paper aims to assess the unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary behaviours among adolescents and young adults simultaneously. Methods: The sample consists of 682 participants aged 10–24 years old (58.9% males and 68.2% aged 15–19 years old), recruited for the ALIMA (ALImentazione Multiculturale negli Adolescenti) study in both secondary schools and youth aggregation centres, located in Rome. The study utilizes structured questionnaires to gather data on anthropometric measurements, eating habits, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and sedentary behaviours. Data are analyzed by using the Pearson chi-squared test. Results: Excessive screen time (>3 h/day) and inadequate dietary habits (insufficient consumption of fruit, vegetables, and legumes, skipping breakfast, and a high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and alcohol) are observed in the total sample, but mainly in older adolescents aged 15–19 years old. The adherence to the MD, measured via the KIDMED index, is significantly different among the three age groups (p = 0.001); 47.8% of the sample has a medium adherence, while among those with a low adherence, the highest percentage is represented by older adolescents (39.8%); those with foreign-born parents have healthier diets, whereas lower parental education correlates with unhealthy behaviours. Conclusions: These results highlight the need for targeted interventions tailored to adolescents and young adults to encourage healthier lifestyle choices.

The aim of this research was to assess, through an observational study, lifestyle and eating behaviours of adolescents (native, and first- and second-generation immigrants), in order to understand if the migration process may have influenced these aspects. The study was carried out by a structured questionnaire packet that investigated anthropometric data, eating habits, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and sedentary behaviours. A total of 105 respondents, aged 10–24 years (51.4% first-generation immigrants, 19.1% second-generation immigrants, and 29.5% natives) were included in the study. The results showed statistical differences in some social aspects by migration status, such as place of residence, living arrangement, parental educational level, and eating differently from family members. Despite these differences, volunteers were perfectly integrated regarding most eating habits and lifestyle behaviour, underlying a process of acculturation. Moreover, our study indicates the existence of inadequate dietary habits, such as skipping breakfast. It is important to implement effective nutrition interventions for adolescents to promote healthier lifestyle choices, considering that they should also include cultural components of dietary habits.

Background/Objectives: Adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by increased susceptibility to engaging in risky health behaviors, including the use of alcohol, energy drinks (EDs), and tobacco products. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of 1249 individuals aged 10–24 years was analyzed, stratified into two age groups (16 years). The study sample comprised volunteers living in Rome, Italy, who were recruited for the ALIMA (ALImentazione Multiculturale negli Adolescenti) study. Categorical variables were analysed using the Pearson chi-square test and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Alcohol consumption was higher among participants aged ≥16 years (62.2%) than among those age <16 years (39.9%), without significant gender difference, with binge drinking also more common, especially among older males. ED use was widespread, more frequent in males, and often associated with alcohol consumption. Smoking prevalence differed by age group, reaching 41.5% among participants over 16 years of age, with higher rates among younger females. Finally, 17.3% reported combined use of alcohol, EDs, and tobacco, with significant gender differences in both age groups. Conclusions: These findings highlight a clear age-related escalation and co-occurrence of substance-use behaviors, with emerging gender differences in specific patterns. The results underscore the need for integrated, age-targeted prevention strategies addressing multiple substance use simultaneously to reduce long-term health risks and promote adolescent well-being.