Food labels are the first information tool used by consumers in the purchase and consumption of food products. Food labeling is a tool that can influence the consumers’ perception of quality and, in turn, their food choice. This study characterizes and demonstrates the importance of labeling and the degree of consumers’ perception and literacy about food labels through the application of an online questionnaire. The results obtained, in a sample of n = 467, showed that Portuguese consumers have the habit of reading the label and recognizing its importance but do not understand all the information contained in the label. They have an easier time understanding the front-of-pack labeling systems, especially those presented through symbols/colors. Thus, it demonstrates the need for greater education and literacy in the areas of food and nutrition so that through the reading and interpretation of labels, consumers can make informed food choices.

Several authors have shown that vegetables a re the most commonly wasted component in school lunches and enhance the importance of food education on topics such as food waste and vegetable consumption. The present research evaluated the efficacy of a single session of food education on vegetables waste and consumption. The data collection was focused on primary school students from a school located in Guarda district (Portugal). A vegetable selective aggregate weighing from the lunch plate was required in two distinct phases: before and after a single 30 min nutritionist’s intervention. The variables collected were the quantities of vegetables produced, leftovers and plate waste. Through these weighings, it was possible to measure the variables: distributed vegetables, consumed vegetables, vegetables waste, leftovers index, plate waste index. The use of materials such as a scale, suitable containers, gown, disposable gloves, cap and office supplies were necessary. In total during the two phases, 870 meals were evaluated. Measures of central tendency and statistical analysis tests were used. At the end of the present research, it was possible to verify significant results in the reduction of the vegetables leftovers index and in the increase in vegetable consumption per capita, through the nutritionist’s intervention. There were significant differences in the reduction of the index of vegetable leftovers and in the increase in the consumption of vegetables per capita and no significant differences in total vegetable waste. Potential causes and strategies for future research were also discussed. This study demonstrates how a nutritionist’s intervention, in a school context, could translate into behavioral change in nutrition and sustainability terms.

Background/Objectives: Glycemic control is essential for preventing both short- and long-term complications of type 2 diabetes (T2D), requiring strict adherence to pharmacological therapy. Medication adherence directly influences therapeutic effectiveness, making its assessment in clinical practice crucial. This study aimed to evaluate medication adherence in elderly patients with T2D and its association with glycemic control. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Algarve, Portugal, involving 133 elderly patients (≥60 years) with T2D. Cardiometabolic parameters and medication adherence (global, intentional, and unintentional) were assessed. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 28.0. Results: The study population had a mean age of 71.7 ± 5.7 years, with a predominance of male participants (57.9%) and a high prevalence of dyslipidemia and/or hypertension. Cardiometabolic control was generally poor, with only 26.3% achieving blood pressure targets (≤140/90 mmHg), 8.5% maintaining fasting glycemia within the recommended range (70–110 mg/dL), and 13.6% attaining glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values ≤ 7%. Despite this, medication adherence was notably high (97.7%), with no significant association with cardiometabolic control (p > 0.05). Unintentional non-adherence behaviors, such as forgetfulness and inconsistent medication schedules, were the most frequently reported. Conclusions: Although elderly patients with T2D demonstrated high medication adherence rates, their cardiometabolic control remained suboptimal. Unintentional non-adherence behaviors may contribute to poor glycemic control. However, medication adherence alone does not fully explain these outcomes, highlighting the need to assess adherence to other self-care behaviors, particularly dietary and physical activity patterns. Future interventions should integrate comprehensive lifestyle modifications alongside pharmacological management to enhance overall disease control.

Vitamin K is a multifunctional micronutrient essential for human health, and deficiency has been linked to multiple pathological conditions. In this study, we aimed to develop and validate a new food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to estimate total vitamin K intake, over the course of a 30-day interval, in a Portuguese, Mediterranean-based, population. We conducted a prospective study in a non-random sample of 38 healthy adult volunteers. The FFQ was designed based on a validated Portuguese FFQ used in nationally representative studies and on literature reviews, to include foods containing ≥5 μg of vitamin K/100 g and foods with a lower vitamin K content, yet commonly included in a Mediterranean diet. Vitamin K intake was estimated from 24 h recalls and six days of food records. The final FFQ included 54 food items which, according to regression analyses, explains 90% of vitamin K intake. Mean differences in vitamin K intake based on food records (80 ± 47.7 μg/day) and on FFQ (96.5 ± 64.3 μg/day) were statistically non-significant. Further, we found a strong correlation between both methods (r = 0.7; p = 0.003). Our results suggest that our new FFQ is a valid instrument to assess the last 30 days of vitamin K intake in the Portuguese Mediterranean population.

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is associated with improved longevity and the prevention and management of chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs). Vitamin K, which is present in MD core components such as leafy green vegetables, is also known as a protective factor for CIDs. Estimates of vitamin K intake in Mediterranean settings are still scarce, and the association between MD and vitamin K intake is yet to be established. This study analyzed vitamin K intake and MD adherence in the Algarve region, in Portugal. We conducted a cross-sectional study in a nonrandom sample of adults using an online questionnaire which included a validated food-frequency questionnaire and a screener for MD adherence. A total of 238 participants were recruited (68% women and 32% men). Adherence to the MD was low (11%). Only 10% of the participants had vitamin K intake below the adequate intake. Adherence to the MD was positively correlated with vitamin K intake (r = 0.463; p < 0.001) and age (r = 0.223; p < 0.001). Our findings underscore the importance of promoting adherence to the MD for optimal vitamin K intake, and future research should focus on developing effective interventions to promote this dietary pattern, particularly among younger individuals and men.

Institutionalized older adults often face complex medication regimens, increasing their risk of adverse drug events due to polypharmacy, overprescribing, medication interactions, or the use of Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIM). However, data on medication use and associated risks in this population remain scarce. This pilot study aimed to characterize the sociodemographic, clinical and pharmacotherapeutic profiles, and the use of PIM among institutionalized elders residing in Residential Structures for Elderly People (ERPI) in the Faro municipality, located in the Portuguese region of the Algarve. We conducted a cross-sectional study in a non-randomized sample of 96 participants (mean age: 86.6 ± 7.86 years) where trained researchers reviewed medication profiles and identified potentially inappropriate medications using the EU(7)-PIM list. Over 90% of participants exhibited polypharmacy (≥5 medications), with an average of 9.1 ± 4.15 medications per person. About 92% had potential drug interactions, including major and moderate interactions. More than 86% used at least one potentially inappropriate medication, most commonly central nervous system drugs. This pilot study demonstrates that institutionalized older adults may be at high risk of potential medication-related problems. Implementing comprehensive medication review programs and promoting adapted prescribing practices are crucial to optimize medication use and improve the well-being of this vulnerable population.