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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Nutrition | Research

Investigation of the 1-week effect of traffic light nutrition labeling on diet selection among Japanese university students: a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Nobuyuki Wakui, Raini Matsuoka, Kotoha Ichikawa, Chikako Togawa, Aika Okami, Shoko Kawakubo, Hinako Kagi, Mai Watanabe, Yuika Tsubota, Miho Yamamura, Yoshiaki Machida

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

The method of displaying nutrition information labels on the front of food packaging (FOP: Front of Pack) has been implemented worldwide to prevent lifestyle-related diseases. This study aimed to investigate whether the use of the UK’s Traffic Light Food (TLF) label, known as the FOP label, influences the dietary choices of Japanese youth and promotes healthy dietary choices.

Methods

Diet selection was performed for one week each during the baseline and intervention periods. During the intervention period, TLF labels were displayed on meal images of the intervention group. Participants chose what they would like to have for dinner of the day from 15 images. Each meal was scored based on the color of the nutrition label, and a comparison between groups was made to determine whether TLF labeling influenced meal selection for dinner. The psychological stress caused by the presence or absence of nutrition labels and nutritional components when choosing meals was also evaluated.

Results

A total of 69 participants were randomly assigned to two groups. Dietary choice scores indicated that the TLF-labeled group made significantly healthier dietary choices than the unlabeled group. Additionally, the TLF-labeled group showed a significant increase in the percentage of people conscious of nutritional components when choosing meals. Furthermore, a significant increase in the number of people conscious of protein, a nutritional ingredient not indicated on the TLF label, was observed. During the test period, no difference in psychological stress caused by the presence and absence of the TLF labels was observed.

Conclusions

The use of TLF labels also encouraged healthy dietary choices among Japanese university students. The use of FOP nutrition labels should be considered in Japan to prevent lifestyle-related diseases through healthy dietary choices.

Trial registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry Number: UMIN000047268. Registered March 23, 2022.

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Title: Investigation of the 1-week effect of traffic light nutrition labeling on diet selection among Japanese university students: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nobuyuki Wakui
Raini Matsuoka
Kotoha Ichikawa
Chikako Togawa
Aika Okami
Shoko Kawakubo
Hinako Kagi
Mai Watanabe
Yuika Tsubota
Miho Yamamura
Yoshiaki Machida
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Nutrition
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-17815-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Investigation of the 1-week effect of traffic light nutrition labeling on diet selection among Japanese university students: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

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