Background and objective: The current study aims to evaluate the glycemic index of local honey and date intake in healthy adults. Methods: The study was conducted on 24 healthy volunteers. They were given 50 g of carbohydrates from Haji Omeran local honey, Khudri (or Khadrawi) local date and reference food (white bread). The average body mass index and age of volunteers are almost similar. The blood samples were collected from finger capillaries to assess the glucose levels by using glucometer at selected time points (0, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes). The data was recorded and statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Duncan comparison. Results: The study results showed that the glycemic index of the honey and date is classified as a medium glycemic index, referring to their high carbohydrates content. The results also indicated that honey and dates have significantly different effects (P<0.05) on the blood glucose responses compared to reference food (white bread) in healthy subjects. The mean blood glucose levels after honey ingestion were higher than that when the date was ingested and lower than that of the reference food. In addition, the blood glucose responses for different foods in the study for females and males are not significantly different (P>0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, eating behavior regarding honey and date consumption, particularly portion size and ingestion timing, is essential to manage blood glucose levels. Thus, glycemic index values should be considered in promoting a healthy lifestyle from chronic related metabolic disorders especially, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.

The health benefits of vitamin D are widely acknowledged by scientific and public health specialists. In Iraq, vitamin D deficiency and inadequacy are highly prevalent. However, public knowledge on this problem is scarce. This research aimed to evaluate the participants' knowledge about vitamin D, particularly their nutrition-related understanding and behavior, along with their overall attitude toward sun exposure. A descriptive cross-sectional survey of Iraqi adults over 18 was performed with a collection of serum 25(OH)D result between June and September 2022. The observed serum vitamin D indicated that only 25% of the participant had healthy (>30 ng/ml) vitamin D levels. The majority of participants, 90.9%, were aware of vitamin D. Media and primary health care centers were major vitamin D information sources (57.3 and 32%, respectively). Despite believing sunshine is the principal source of vitamin D (90.2%), respondents lacked understanding about the duration (26.3%) and frequency (30%) of sun exposure. In addition, less than 10% of individuals attributed vitamin D shortage to kidney and liver problems, fat malabsorption, obesity, and bariatric surgery. Nevertheless, more than two-thirds (83.3%) of participants defined the positive role of vitamin D in preventing osteoporosis and immune system strengthening (61%). Furthermore, nutritional awareness among the participants was variable. Approximately, 75% misrepresented the percentage of vitamin D supplied by food, over 50% believed that fruit and vegetables are vitamin D sources, 43% of vegetarians are not at risk for vitamin D deficiency, and rather plants considered (70.3%) as an approach to lessen vitamin D deficiency. Additionally, optimal daily intake was recognized by only 10%. Similarly, only 18.3% was aware of the optimal level of serum vitamin D. Notably, 54% was entirely ignorant of the benefits of dietary fortification. Although 55% of the surveyed population used vitamin D supplements, and 76% acknowledged it through their doctor's recommendation, exceeding two-thirds incorrectly anticipated that drinking tea would impair vitamin D absorption. Therefore, 90% would buy supplements without a prescription if needed. Implementing nutrition education initiatives, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and supporting vitamin D examination should be included in Iraq's health care system.