As social culture and structure evolve, changes occur in individuals’ eating habits and environmental awareness. This study assesses the relationship between sustainable eating behaviors and environmental literacy across generations (Gens) from the same ancestry. The Sustainable and Healthy Eating (SHE) Behavior Scale and the Environmental Literacy Scale for Adults (ELSA) was administered to 381 individuals across three generations. Self-reported anthropometric data were collected. The total scores of the SHE Behavior Scale of the participants from all three generations were significantly different from each other. The “Quality Labels”, “Meat Reduction” and “Low Fat” factor scores were similar in GenX and GenY. These factor scores were significantly lower in GenZ. The “Animal Welfare” factor score was significantly higher in GenX. The “Avoiding Food Waste and Seasonal Foods” and “Local Food” factor scores were significantly higher in GenX than in GenY and GenZ. The “Healthy and Balanced Diet” factor score was significantly lower in GenZ. There was no difference between the total ELSA scores. The “Environmental Consciousness” factor score was significantly lower in GenX than in GenY. Generational disparities strongly influence perspectives on sustainable and healthy eating. Focused initiatives are essential to educate future parents, who play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation, about sustainable nutrition.

Food neophobia, characterized by the fear of unfamiliar foods, can be influenced by environmental, cultural, and genetic factors, leading to decreased consumption of novel or diverse foods. Understanding the impact of Mediterranean diet adherence and eating disorders on dietary behaviors is crucial, particularly for young adults who are developing lifelong eating patterns. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships among food neophobia, Mediterranean diet adherence, and eating disorders in university students aged 18–24 years. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1277 students (67.2% female) via an online questionnaire to assess sociodemographic characteristics, food neophobia (Food Neophobia Scale, FNS), Mediterranean diet adherence (KIDMED), and eating disorder risk (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, EDE-Q). Most participants (67.7%) had a normal body mass index (BMI), 19.3% were classified as overweight, and 3.7% were classified as obese. Compared with male students, female students had significantly higher FNS scores (40.8 ± 9.21) (38.5 ± 10.97, p < 0.05), indicating greater food neophobia among women. Similarly, men’s EDE-Q scores (3.5 ± 3.32) were significantly lower than those of women (4.4 ± 4.05, p < 0.05). Most participants (69.5%) did not experience food neophobia, and underweight individuals (11.0%) were more neophobic than obese individuals (4.4%). No significant differences were observed according to BMI (p > 0.05). A positive correlation was found between age and KIDMED adherence, whereas a negative correlation was observed between BMI and EDE-Q scores regarding food neophobia. The effects of BMI on food neophobia and the risk of eating disorders were found to vary by sex. These findings suggest that food neophobia may harm Mediterranean diet adherence and increase the risk of eating disorders among university students. Targeted interventions addressing food neophobia could promote healthier eating habits, such as the Mediterranean diet, thereby reducing disordered eating behaviors and associated risks. Further research is needed to confirm these findings, improve population nutritional habits and mental health outcomes, and develop effective public health strategies.

The global epidemic of diet‐related chronic diseases emphasizes the significance of the human gut microbiota in dietary physiological effects and the etiology of chronic diseases. This research aimed to assess the relationship between microbiota awareness, healthy eating attitudes, and sociodemographic factors in university students. Two hundred forty‐two university students participated in this descriptive and analytical study in Aydın and Ordu, Türkiye. University students completed a general information form, anthropometric measures, the Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition, the Microbiota Awareness Scale, and a probiotic and prebiotic food frequency questionnaire. In total, 48 (19.8%) male and 194 (80.2%) female students participated in the study. Nutrition and dietetics students had higher total scores and sub‐factor scores in ASHN and microbiota awareness and lower body mass index compared to other departments (p < 0.05). A positive and significant correlation was found between the Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition and Microbiota Awareness Scale total scores. Conversely, a negative statistically significant correlation was observed between body mass index and the total score of the Microbiota Awareness Scale (p < 0.05). The frequency of probiotic and prebiotic food consumption was higher in nutrition and dietetics students compared to other departments. A higher Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition, studying in the nutrition and dietetic department, knowing the term microbiota, and self‐assessment on microbiota knowledge as good were associated with increased awareness of microbiota (p < 0.05). Given this positive association, integrating healthy nutrition, microbiota, probiotics, and prebiotics into the educational curricula for all university departments, scientific conferences, and academic research may enhance microbiota awareness among university students.

Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research aims to publish findings of doctors at grass root level and post graduate students, so that all unique medical experiences are recorded in literature.