Author(s): Sneha Maurya and Vandana Verma

Abstract:
Nutrition literacy is crucial for individuals to comprehend and apply nutrition information, shaping their dietary habits and impacting health outcomes. This systematic review aims to assess how nutritional literacy influences dietary practices across various socioeconomic backgrounds and age groups. Multiple search engines and databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science, were utilized to identify relevant studies published from January 2013 to December 2023. Studies examining the link between nutritional literacy and dietary habits in diverse populations were included, with data extraction performed using standardized methods. The discussion highlights how nutrition literacy affects dietary habits among children, adolescents, and adults, emphasizing the role of education. Parental literacy influences children's diets, while adolescents' choices are influenced by their own literacy levels. However, adults with higher literacy tend to adopt healthier eating habits. Interventions and cultural considerations are crucial for promoting nutrition literacy. In conclusion, this review underscores the significant impact of nutritional literacy on dietary habits across all age groups. Educational interventions, particularly online and through social media, are effective in enhancing literacy levels. Tailored approaches are essential to address gender and cultural disparities. Overall, improved nutrition literacy leads to healthier dietary habits and better health outcomes among diverse populations.