Naja Zagorc

Mrs. Naja Zagorc


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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12 March 2026 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
EČEva Marija Čad
Eva Marija Čad
ABAnja Bolha
Anja Bolha
BFBlaž Ferjančič
Blaž Ferjančič
JBJasna Bertoncelj
Jasna Bertoncelj
NZNaja Zagorc
Naja Zagorc
Mojca KorošecMojca Korošec
Mojca Korošec
Background: Childhood and adolescence represent a critical period for shaping long-term dietary habits, including whole grain consumption, which remains low despite well-documented health benefits. Objective: This cross-sectional study (November–December 2024) examined Slovenian adolescents’ attitudes toward whole-grain foods in the context of organized school meals. Methods: Participants aged 10–12 years and 14–19 years (N = 501; mean age 15.6 ± 2.6) completed an online questionnaire assessing knowledge, self-reported consumption frequency, preferences, motivational factors, and food neophobia using the translated Italian Child Food Neophobia Scale (ICFNS). Based on ICFNS scores, participants were classified as low (≤17), medium (18–24), or high (≥25) in food neophobia. Results: Older adolescents demonstrated better knowledge of whole-grain health benefits; however, greater knowledge was not associated with higher self-reported consumption. Food neophobia was strongly associated with lower consumption frequency and reduced willingness to try whole-grain foods, including whole-grain bread, oatmeal, buckwheat porridge and brown rice. Across all groups, taste was the most consistent motivator for trying whole-grain foods. Older adolescents prioritized health and appearance as key reasons for eating more whole grain foods. Conclusions: Findings suggest that improving taste, increasing exposure, and leveraging institutional settings such as schools, where availability, preparation, and social cues can be managed, may be effective in promoting whole-grain food consumption.