Finnish consumers’ intentions to consume insect-based foods

Introducing and increasing the use of insect-based foods as an alternative source of protein has recently aroused academic and commercial interest in Europe. In this research, we examined Finnish consumers' intentions to consume insect-based foods in the near future. As a theoretical background we used Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour (TPB), where individuals' intentions to change their behaviour are affected by their attitude (A), subjective norm (SN) and perceived behavioural control (PBC). The data was obtained by using an online questionnaire and convenience sampling. For measuring TPB-components a self-administered 58-item Likert-type questionnaire was used. Food neophobia (FN) was measured by using the food neophobia scale. Respondents' (n=564) intentions to consume insect-based foods were explained significantly (80%) by their A (beta=0.749, PPeer reviewe

Insect Consumption Attitudes among Vegans, Non-Vegan Vegetarians, and Omnivores

Abstract: Background: Consumption of foods of insect origin is encouraged, since insect consumption is seen as one of the responses to the environmental impact of meat production. This study examines the attitude (A), subjective norm (SN), perceived behavioral control (PC), and food neophobia (FN) toward the consumption of foods of insect origin, as well as the conditions for eating insect-based foods among vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores. Methods: The data was obtained by using an online survey and convenience sampling (n = 567, of whom omnivores represented 74%, vegans 5%, and non-vegan vegetarians 22%). Results: The three dietary groups exhibited significantly different intention (I) to eat foods of insect origin. Vegans held the most rigid negative attitude (A), and their subjective norm (SN) to eat insects was weaker compared to that of omnivores (p < 0.001) and non-vegan vegetarians (p < 0.001). Vegans’ perceived behavioral control (PC) over their eating of insects was stronger compared to that of omnivores (p < 0.001) and non-vegan vegetarians p < 0.001), and they were more neophobic than omnivores (p < 0.001) and non-vegan vegetarians (p < 0.001). Non-vegan vegetarians held the most positive attitude toward eating insects, and both non-vegan vegetarians and omnivores thought that insect consumption is wise and offers a solution to the world’s nutrition problems. In contrast, vegans regarded insect consumption as immoral and irresponsible. Conclusions: Vegans’ weak intention, negative attitude, and low willingness to eat insects in the future exhibit their different dietarian identity compared to that of omnivores and non-vegan vegetarians

Kodin arki kotouttaa afgaaneja

Kotitaloudet tuottavat hyvinvointia, joka on tärkeää maahanmuuttajien kotoutumiselle. Sen vaatima jokapäiväinen vuorovaikutus kantaväestön kanssa on syytä pitää mukana kotouttamistoimissa

Comparison of Five Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Vegans and Omnivores from Germany and Finland

When the amount of reactive oxygen species produced by human metabolism cannot be balanced by antioxidants, this phenomenon is commonly referred to as oxidative stress. It is hypothesised that diets with high amounts of plant food products may have a beneficial impact on oxidative stress status. However, few studies have examined whether a vegan diet is associated with lower oxidative stress compared to an omnivorous diet. The present cross-sectional study aimed to compare the levels of five oxidative stress biomarkers in vegans and omnivores. Data of 36 vegans and 36 omnivores from Germany and of 21 vegans and 18 omnivores from Finland were analysed. HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry or fluorescence detection and ELISA methods were used to measure the oxidative stress biomarkers malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls and 3-nitrotyrosine in plasma and 8-hydroxy-2 '-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2 alpha (8-iso-PGF2 alpha) in 24 h urine. Analyses of variance and covariance, considering potential confounders, were used. Vegans and omnivores showed no differences in MDA and protein carbonyl concentrations. In Finnish but not in German vegans, the concentrations of 3-nitrotyrosine were lower compared to those in omnivores (p = 0.047). In Germany, vegans showed lower excretion levels of 8-iso-PGF2 alpha than omnivores (p = 0.002) and with a trend also of 8-OHdG (p = 0.05). The sensitivity analysis suggests lower 8-iso-PGF2 alpha excretion levels in women compared to men, independently of the dietary group. The present study contributes to expanding our knowledge of the relationship between diet and oxidative stress and showed that 3-nitrotyrosine, 8-OHdG and 8-iso-PGF2 alpha tended to be lower in vegans. Furthermore, studies are recommended to validate the present findings.Peer reviewe

Comparison of Five Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Vegans and Omnivores from Germany and Finland

When the amount of reactive oxygen species produced by human metabolism cannot be balanced by antioxidants, this phenomenon is commonly referred to as oxidative stress. It is hypothesised that diets with high amounts of plant food products may have a beneficial impact on oxidative stress status. However, few studies have examined whether a vegan diet is associated with lower oxidative stress compared to an omnivorous diet. The present cross-sectional study aimed to compare the levels of five oxidative stress biomarkers in vegans and omnivores. Data of 36 vegans and 36 omnivores from Germany and of 21 vegans and 18 omnivores from Finland were analysed. HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry or fluorescence detection and ELISA methods were used to measure the oxidative stress biomarkers malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls and 3-nitrotyrosine in plasma and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) in 24 h urine. Analyses of variance and covariance, considering potential confounders, were used. Vegans and omnivores showed no differences in MDA and protein carbonyl concentrations. In Finnish but not in German vegans, the concentrations of 3-nitrotyrosine were lower compared to those in omnivores (p = 0.047). In Germany, vegans showed lower excretion levels of 8-iso-PGF2α than omnivores (p = 0.002) and with a trend also of 8-OHdG (p = 0.05). The sensitivity analysis suggests lower 8-iso-PGF2α excretion levels in women compared to men, independently of the dietary group. The present study contributes to expanding our knowledge of the relationship between diet and oxidative stress and showed that 3-nitrotyrosine, 8-OHdG and 8-iso-PGF2α tended to be lower in vegans. Furthermore, studies are recommended to validate the present findings

Comparison of Five Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Vegans and Omnivores from Germany and Finland

When the amount of reactive oxygen species produced by human metabolism cannot be balanced by antioxidants, this phenomenon is commonly referred to as oxidative stress. It is hypothesised that diets with high amounts of plant food products may have a beneficial impact on oxidative stress status. However, few studies have examined whether a vegan diet is associated with lower oxidative stress compared to an omnivorous diet. The present cross-sectional study aimed to compare the levels of five oxidative stress biomarkers in vegans and omnivores. Data of 36 vegans and 36 omnivores from Germany and of 21 vegans and 18 omnivores from Finland were analysed. HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry or fluorescence detection and ELISA methods were used to measure the oxidative stress biomarkers malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls and 3-nitrotyrosine in plasma and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) in 24 h urine. Analyses of variance and covariance, considering potential confounders, were used. Vegans and omnivores showed no differences in MDA and protein carbonyl concentrations. In Finnish but not in German vegans, the concentrations of 3-nitrotyrosine were lower compared to those in omnivores (p = 0.047). In Germany, vegans showed lower excretion levels of 8-iso-PGF2α than omnivores (p = 0.002) and with a trend also of 8-OHdG (p = 0.05). The sensitivity analysis suggests lower 8-iso-PGF2α excretion levels in women compared to men, independently of the dietary group. The present study contributes to expanding our knowledge of the relationship between diet and oxidative stress and showed that 3-nitrotyrosine, 8-OHdG and 8-iso-PGF2α tended to be lower in vegans. Furthermore, studies are recommended to validate the present findings

Perusopetuksen opettajat ruokakasvattajina – kohti kestävää ruokakäyttäytymistä edistäviä opetusmenetelmiä

Kestävän ruokakasvatuksen tavoitteena on oppijoiden ruokakäyttäytymisen muutos kestävän kehityksen eri osa-alueilla. Tutkimustietoa siitä, millaisia menetelmiä opettajat käyttävät perusopetuksen ruokakasvatuksessa on niukasti. Tutkimuksessa tarkastellaan perusopetuksen opettajien ruokaan ja ruokahävikkiin liittyviä asenteita ja opettajien käyttämiä kestävän ruokakasvatuksen opetusmenetelmiä, oppimisympäristöjä ja oppimateriaaleja. Tutkimusaineisto kerättiin sähköisellä kyselylomakkeella (n = 52). Tuloksien mukaan opettajat hyödyntävät monia opettajalähtöisiä ja vain muutamia oppijakeskeisiä opetusmenetelmiä. Opettajan laaja-alaisen ruokaan ja ruokahävikkiin liittyvän vastuullisuuden havaittiin olevan positiivisessa yhteydessä useampien oppijakeskeisten menetelmien käyttöön. Muihin opettajiin verrattuna kotitalousopettajat hyödynsivät ruokakasvatuksessa merkitsevästi useammin kotia, yritysten verkkosivuja, sosiaalisen median kanavia ja verkossa olevia pelejä ja testejä. Tutkimuksen johtopäätös on, että oppijakeskeisten menetelmien ja erilaisten oppimisympäristöjen hyödyntämistä tulisi lisätä, jotta siirtymä kohti kestävää ruokakäyttäytymisistä saavutetaan.Peer reviewe

Food and Nutrient Intake and Nutritional Status of Finnish Vegans and Non-Vegetarians

Background Vegetarian and vegan diets have become more popular among adolescents and young adults. However, few studies have investigated the nutritional status of vegans, who may be at risk of nutritional deficiencies. Objective To compare dietary intake and nutritional status of Finnish long-term vegans and non-vegetarians. Methods Dietary intake and supplement use were estimated using three-day dietary records. Nutritional status was assessed by measuring biomarkers in plasma, serum, and urine samples. Vegans' (n = 22) data was compared with those of sex-and age-matched non-vegetarians (n = 19). Results All vegans adhered strictly to their diet; however, individual variability was marked in food consumption and supplementation habits. Dietary intakes of key nutrients, vitamins B12 and D, were lower (P <0.001) in vegans than in non-vegetarians. Nutritional biomarker measurements showed lower concentrations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH) D3), iodine and selenium (corrected for multiple comparisons, P <0.001), Vegans showed more favorable fatty acid profiles (P <0.001) as well as much higher concentrations of polyphenols such as genistein and daidzein (P <0.001). Eicosapentaenoic acid proportions in vegans were higher than expected. The median concentration of iodine in urine was below the recommended levels in both groups. Conclusions Long-term consumption of a vegan diet was associated with some favorable laboratory measures but also with lowered concentrations of key nutrients compared to reference values. This study highlights the need for nutritional guidance to vegans.Peer reviewe

Medicines education at home : A case study in Finland

Background: Educating children about medicines and medicine use is part of health education and is often seen as parents’ responsibility. However, to date, little research has been conducted on medicines education as provided in the home. Objective: To explore (1) parents’ attitudes towards medicines, (2) medicines education practices in the home and (3) the interaction in medicines education between the home and at school. Design: Mixed-methods case study. Setting: Pupils and their parents in one comprehensive school in Finland. Method: Before an educational intervention with Year 4 (aged 10–11 years) and Year 7 (aged 13–14 years) students, parents completed a background survey concerning their perceptions, beliefs and knowledge of medicines (n = 250). Following the intervention, interviews with 12 mothers and 12 children, and medicine cabinet studies (n = 10) were conducted. Quantitative data were analysed using K-mean cluster analysis to see whether respondents could be divided into different clusters based on their attitudes towards medicines. Qualitative data were analysed using theory-guided content analysis to obtain a picture of home medicines education. Results: Participants, mostly mothers, were divided into different types of medicine educators, whose attitudes towards medicines were either positive or neutral. Medicine consumption practices varied between families, but medicines were usually discussed when the child, a family member, a relative or a friend had a long-term illness; when a family member was suffering from a sickness; and while taking a medicine. In general, interaction between the home and the school was rather limited. Conclusion: The majority of mothers exhibited a strong reliance on public systems of health care. Greater interaction between schools and the home is needed in Finnish medicines education