This review summarizes the establishment of the 2025 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRIs), the third national standard for nutrient reference values in Korea. The 2025KDRIs build on lessons from revisions in 2010, 2015, and 2020, and chart a path forward by addressing 4 priorities: upgrading the scientific evidence base through systematic evaluation, strengthening intake monitoring using national survey data, advancing international harmonization, and responding to changes in the nutrition and health environment, including those associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The scientific basis of the KDRIs was advanced by systematically evaluating the findings across exposure indicators, health assessment indicators, and the health outcomes, and reorganizing the indicators to estimate the nutrient requirements. Adequate Intake was set using explicit criteria when an Estimated Average Requirement could not be derived, data gaps, uncertain outcomes, and limited representativeness were documented. Key inputs, including coefficients of variation and uncertainty factors, as well as life stage estimation procedures, were re-evaluated in alignment with current evidence and international standards. The 2025 KDRIs incorporate intake evidence from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to inform policy and practice and support intake monitoring. For international harmonization, the NUQUEST-based literature framework was updated, and recent DRIs from other countries were compared. The shifts in anthropometric characteristics and dietary intake patterns observed during the COVID-19 pandemic were considered to reflect a changing context. The review identified remaining challenges for future revisions, including validating Koreanspecific indicators, developing evidence for infants and older adults, stronger translation of reference values into policy and practice, prioritizing of nutrients for future review within the 5-year revision cycle. Together, these advances will position the 2025 KDRIs as a science-based national reference integrating policy, practice, and evidence to support implementation aimed at improving nutritional status and healthy life expectancy in Korea.

The Korean Dietary Reference Intakes (KDRIs) are essential guidelines for promoting public health and preventing chronic diseases. For the 2025 KDRI revision, the implementation of a highly standardized and scientifically rigorous systematic review (SR) methodology became dominant to enhance the consistency and reproducibility of evidence synthesis. This paper describes the standardized 8-stage SR and umbrella review (UR) protocol developed for the 2025 KDRIs: 1) formulating research questions and analytic frameworks, 2) establishing selection criteria (PICOTS), 3) literature searching, 4) screening, 5) data extraction, 6) quality assessment, 7) data synthesis, and 8) evidence grading and conclusion derivation.A major hallmark is the transition to the NUtrition QUality Evaluation Strengthening Tools (NUQUEST), which prioritizes the accuracy and maintenance of nutrient exposure while ensuring that the key potential confounders are systematically accounted for. The 2025 protocol expanded its scope by incorporating existing SRs through an UR approach to capture the highest level of global evidence. A case study on sodium and cerebrovascular disease showed that studies previously rated as ‘Low Risk’ by the generic Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were reclassified as ‘Moderate to High Risk’ when evaluated using NUQUEST, primarily because of the limitations in dietary assessment validity. The evidence was ultimately synthesized and graded using the Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review grading rubric, considering consistency, directness, precision, and generalizability to the Korean population.The 2025 KDRI protocol minimizes the subjective bias and maximizes scientific integrity by prioritizing nutritional specificity. The adoption of NUQUEST and UR methodologies ensures that the dietary standards are founded on transparent, methodologically sound evidence. This standardized framework provides a robust model for future nutritional evidence synthesis and public health policy development in Korea.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic induced global lifestyle changes that have impacted public health, particularly concerning obesity. This study investigated the changes in obesity prevalence and associated factors among Korean adults using data from the Eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VIII, 2019~2021). The participants were divided into pre-pandemic (2019) and pandemic (2020~2021) groups. The results suggested that the prevalence of obesity and perceived weight gain increased significantly during the pandemic. Regarding dietary habits, while mixed grain consumption increased, fruit intake decreased, particularly among women.In addition, men showed a specific increase in saturated fat intake. Although moderateintensity physical activity increased, high-frequency walking declined during the pandemic.The pandemic period was associated with a significantly higher risk of obesity (odds ratio [OR]: 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03~1.32) compared to 2019. Factors significantly associated with obesity included men, age 30 years or older, rural residence, lower education levels, and lower Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) scores. Therefore, the pandemic-related rise in obesity may be closely linked to diet quality and educational level rather than to changes in physical activity alone. Consequently, post-pandemic public health strategies should prioritize nutrition education and targeted interventions for vulnerable populations, particularly those with lower educational attainment.

As South Korea transitions into a super-aged society, addressing the challenges of aging through tailored nutritional strategies is becoming increasingly critical. This study developed a hemp seed soup designed for the elderly, using the functional benefits of hemp, a nutrient-dense ingredient rich in dietary proteins, essential fatty acids, polyphenols, and antioxidants. Soups were formulated with varying levels of hemp seed powder (0% (CS), 25% (HS25S), 50% (HS50S), and 75% (HS75S)), to address the dietary needs and physiological characteristics of the elderly, including mastication and swallowing difficulties. Increasing the hemp seed powder levels significantly enhanced the crude protein, total polyphenol, and flavonoid contents while improving the antioxidant activities, as assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays. HS75S exhibited the highest nutritional values and antioxidant activity. By contrast, food texture analysis showed that the viscosity decreased at higher hemp seed concentrations, with HS25S and HS50S demonstrating favorable textures for elderly consumption.Consumer acceptance testing identified HS50S as the most preferred sample, scoring highest in flavor, texture, and overall acceptability. This study highlights the potential of hemp seeds as a functional ingredient in developing nutritious and elderly-friendly food products. The hemp seed soup, with its enhanced protein, antioxidant properties, and tailored texture, offers a promising solution to improve the nutritional status and health of the elderly. Future studies should explore the long-term health benefits of hemp seed soup and its integration with other functional ingredients to optimize the sensory and nutritional properties.

As South Korea transitions into a super-aged society, addressing the challenges of aging through tailored nutritional strategies is becoming increasingly critical. This study developed a hemp seed soup designed for the elderly, using the functional benefits of hemp, a nutrient-dense ingredient rich in dietary proteins, essential fatty acids, polyphenols, and antioxidants. Soups were formulated with varying levels of hemp seed powder (0% (CS), 25% (HS25S), 50% (HS50S), and 75% (HS75S)), to address the dietary needs and physiological characteristics of the elderly, including mastication and swallowing difficulties. Increasing the hemp seed powder levels significantly enhanced the crude protein, total polyphenol, and flavonoid contents while improving the antioxidant activities, as assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays. HS75S exhibited the highest nutritional values and antioxidant activity. By contrast, food texture analysis showed that the viscosity decreased at higher hemp seed concentrations, with HS25S and HS50S demonstrating favorable textures for elderly consumption.Consumer acceptance testing identified HS50S as the most preferred sample, scoring highest in flavor, texture, and overall acceptability. This study highlights the potential of hemp seeds as a functional ingredient in developing nutritious and elderly-friendly food products. The hemp seed soup, with its enhanced protein, antioxidant properties, and tailored texture, offers a promising solution to improve the nutritional status and health of the elderly. Future studies should explore the long-term health benefits of hemp seed soup and its integration with other functional ingredients to optimize the sensory and nutritional properties.

As South Korea transitions into a super-aged society, addressing the challenges of aging through tailored nutritional strategies is becoming increasingly critical. This study developed a hemp seed soup designed for the elderly, using the functional benefits of hemp, a nutrient-dense ingredient rich in dietary proteins, essential fatty acids, polyphenols, and antioxidants. Soups were formulated with varying levels of hemp seed powder (0% (CS), 25% (HS25S), 50% (HS50S), and 75% (HS75S)), to address the dietary needs and physiological characteristics of the elderly, including mastication and swallowing difficulties. Increasing the hemp seed powder levels significantly enhanced the crude protein, total polyphenol, and flavonoid contents while improving the antioxidant activities, as assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays. HS75S exhibited the highest nutritional values and antioxidant activity. By contrast, food texture analysis showed that the viscosity decreased at higher hemp seed concentrations, with HS25S and HS50S demonstrating favorable textures for elderly consumption.Consumer acceptance testing identified HS50S as the most preferred sample, scoring highest in flavor, texture, and overall acceptability. This study highlights the potential of hemp seeds as a functional ingredient in developing nutritious and elderly-friendly food products. The hemp seed soup, with its enhanced protein, antioxidant properties, and tailored texture, offers a promising solution to improve the nutritional status and health of the elderly. Future studies should explore the long-term health benefits of hemp seed soup and its integration with other functional ingredients to optimize the sensory and nutritional properties.

Objectives: This study aims to identify and analyze how different South Korean lifestyles impact attitudes towards pork consumption. Methods: We implemented a cross-sectional survey targeting 705 adult consumers in South Korea using hierarchical and K-means cluster analyses. Respondents were classified into three relevant lifestyles: (1) domestic preference, (2) price-sensitive, and (3) quality-experience-oriented. The importance-performance analysis was employed to evaluate discrepancies between how they rated pork consumption using factors of “importance” and “satisfaction”. We employed Borich’s needs assessment and the Locus for Focus model to prioritize management areas. Results: The research findings highlight that unpleasant odor/smell (Q7) and hygiene (Q1) were common key areas for management across all consumer groups, emphasizing their importance in enhancing pork consumption satisfaction. Among the groups, the domestic preference group showed high importance-performance discrepancies in attributes like expiry date (D2), suggesting a need for strengthened trust in domestic pork distribution and information transparency. The price-sensitive group prioritized economic factors, with fat thickness (Q8) identified as an essential management area. The quality-experience-oriented group emphasized sensory qualities such as juiciness (Q6) and meat color (Q5), with off-flavors (Q7) displaying the largest discrepancy. These results show the significant role of sensory attributes in consumer satisfaction. Conclusion This study demonstrated the multidimensional nature of pork consumption behavior, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies across consumer groups. Managing hygiene (Q1) and reducing off-flavors (Q7) are critical for all segments, while group-specific strategies include managing sensory quality for the quality-experience-oriented group, providing product information (D2) to increase trust for the domestic preference group, and emphasizing value for money for the price-sensitive group.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Many studies have revealed an association between fat mass and the obesity-related gene (FTO) and obesity. On the other hand, no meta-analysis was conducted with data from only Koreans. Therefore, this study performed a meta-analysis using Korean data to provide evidence for the association between FTO single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk of obesity among Korean adults.SUBJECT/METHODS: Meta-analysis was finally conducted with data extracted from seven datasets of four studies performed on Korean adults after the screening passed. Five kinds of FTO SNPs (rs9939609, rs7193144, rs9940128, rs8050136, and rs9926289) were included, and the relationship between FTO SNPs and body mass index (BMI) was investigated using linear regression with an additive model adjusted for covariants, such as age, sex, and area. RESULTS: The minor alleles of FTO SNPs were associated with increased BMI (odds ratio [OR], 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21–1.42). In sub-group analysis, FTO rs9939609 T>A was significantly associated with BMI (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.06–1.42). The other FTO SNPs together were significantly associated with BMI (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.25–1.49). The publication bias was not observed based on Egger’s test. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis showed that minor alleles in the FTO SNPs were significantly associated with an increased BMI among Korean adults. This meta-analysis is the first to demonstrate that minor alleles in the FTO SNPs contribute significantly to the increased risk of obesity among Korean adults using data from a Korean population.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The scientific evidence of a sodium-obesity association is limited by sodium intake assessments. Our specific aim is to synthesize the association between dietary sodium intake and obesity across the sodium intake assessments as evidenced by systematic reviews in adults. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A systematic search identified systematic reviews comparing the association of dietary sodium intakes with obesity-related outcomes such as body mass index (BMI), body weight, waist circumference, and risk of (abdominal) obesity. We searched PubMed on October 24, 2022. To assess the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS), we employed the ROBIS tool. RESULTS: This review included 3 systematic reviews, consisting of 39 unique observational studies (35 cross-sectional studies and 4 longitudinal studies) and 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We found consistently positive associations between dietary sodium intake and obesity-related outcomes in cross-sectional studies. Studies that used 24-h urine collection indicated a greater BMI for those with higher sodium intake (mean difference = 2.27 kg/m2 ; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.59–2.51; P < 0.001; I2 = 77%) compared to studies that used spot urine (mean difference = 1.34 kg/m2 ; 95% CI, 1.13–1.55; P < 0.001; I2 = 95%) and dietary methods (mean difference = 0.85 kg/m2 ; 95% CI, 0.1–1.51; P < 0.05; I2 = 95%). CONCLUSIONS Quantitative synthesis of the systematic reviews has shown that crosssectional associations between dietary sodium intake and obesity outcomes were substantially different across the sodium intake assessments. We need more high-quality prospective cohort studies and RCTs using 24-h urine collection to examine the causal effects of sodium intake on obesity.

In the era of the fourth industrial revolution technology, the inclusion of personalized nutrition for healthcare (PNH), when establishing a healthcare platform to prevent chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, and inflammatory diseases, enhances the national competitiveness of global healthcare markets. Furthermore, since the government experienced COVID-19 and the population dead cross in 2020, as well as numerous health problems due to an increasing super-aged Korean society, there is an urgent need to secure, develop, and utilize PNHrelated technologies. Three conditions are essential for the development of PNH technologies. These include the establishment of causality between obesity genome (genotype) and prevalence (phenotype) in Koreans, validation of clinical intervention research, and securing PNH-utilization technology (i.e., algorithm development, artificial intelligence-based platform, directto-customer [DTC]-based PNH, etc.). Therefore, a national control tower is required to establish appropriate PNH infrastructure (basic and clinical research, cultivation of PNHrelated experts, etc.). The post-corona era will be aggressive in sharing data knowledge and developing related technologies, and Korea needs to actively participate in the large-scale global healthcare markets. This review provides the importance of scientific evidence based on a huge dataset, which is the primary prerequisite for the DTC obesity gene-based PNH technologies to be competitive in the healthcare market. Furthermore, based on comparing domestic and internationally approved DTC obese genes and the current status of Korean obesity genome-based PNH research, we intend to provide a direction to PNH planners (individuals and industries) for establishing scientific PNH guidelines for the prevention of obesity.