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<p>Functional foods (FF) have attracted increasing interest due to their potential role in disease prevention and health promotion. We evaluated perceptions of FF and Mediterranean diet adherence among Portuguese adults, and examined associations with sociodemographic characteristics. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between May and December 2024 via social media and institutional mailing lists. The questionnaire captured sociodemographic, lifestyle behaviours and anthropometric data; FF perceptions using the QAPAF instrument (perceived benefits, necessity, trust in efficacy, safety concerns); and Mediterranean diet adherence using the 14-item MEDAS. Among 225 adults (79% women; mean age 27 years; 87% urban; 58% higher education) 37% reported being aware of FF. Men had higher BMI than women (24.6 vs. 22.7; <i>p</i> = 0.026). Median scores were 56.0 for QAPAF and 8.0 for MEDAS. Participants with higher MEDAS adherence showed higher FF perception scores (59% vs. 51% in low and 56% in moderate adherence; <i>p</i> = 0.019). In adjusted models, FF awareness was positively associated with QAPAF scores (B = 5.95; 95% CI 4.39–7.51; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Regarding MD adherence, QAPAF score was positively associated with MEDAS scores (B = 0.07; 95% CI: 0.03–0.12; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), while age, education attainment, and BMI were also significant predictors. These findings suggest that targeted nutrition education could improve FF literacy and support healthier eating behaviours aligned with the Mediterranean diet. Larger and more diverse samples are needed to confirm the borderline association and to mitigate potential power limitations.</p>

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Exploring the relationship between functional food perceptions and Mediterranean diet adherence in a Portuguese adult sample

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月17日

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  • Leandro Oliveira,
  • Joana Ferreira,
  • Marta Esgalhado

摘要

Functional foods (FF) have attracted increasing interest due to their potential role in disease prevention and health promotion. We evaluated perceptions of FF and Mediterranean diet adherence among Portuguese adults, and examined associations with sociodemographic characteristics. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between May and December 2024 via social media and institutional mailing lists. The questionnaire captured sociodemographic, lifestyle behaviours and anthropometric data; FF perceptions using the QAPAF instrument (perceived benefits, necessity, trust in efficacy, safety concerns); and Mediterranean diet adherence using the 14-item MEDAS. Among 225 adults (79% women; mean age 27 years; 87% urban; 58% higher education) 37% reported being aware of FF. Men had higher BMI than women (24.6 vs. 22.7; p = 0.026). Median scores were 56.0 for QAPAF and 8.0 for MEDAS. Participants with higher MEDAS adherence showed higher FF perception scores (59% vs. 51% in low and 56% in moderate adherence; p = 0.019). In adjusted models, FF awareness was positively associated with QAPAF scores (B = 5.95; 95% CI 4.39–7.51; p < 0.001). Regarding MD adherence, QAPAF score was positively associated with MEDAS scores (B = 0.07; 95% CI: 0.03–0.12; p < 0.001), while age, education attainment, and BMI were also significant predictors. These findings suggest that targeted nutrition education could improve FF literacy and support healthier eating behaviours aligned with the Mediterranean diet. Larger and more diverse samples are needed to confirm the borderline association and to mitigate potential power limitations.