MJN 2006 Issues
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
Volume 12 No.1, 2006
Table of Content
Preliminaries
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Editorial
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ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Eating Patterns of School Children and Adolescents in Kuala Lumpur
Moy Foong Ming, Gan Chong Ying & Siti Zaleha Mohd Kassim
ABSTRACT
Eating patterns such as eating frequency, skipping of breakfast, and frequency of meals eaten away from home might influence school-going children's nutritional status, which will then influence their health and academic performance. This article reports the findings of a survey on the eating patterns of the school children and adolescents in Kuala Lumpur. A total of 3620 school children studying in Primary 5, Secondary 2 and Secondary 4 were selected using multi-stage sampling. The students were surveyed using a pre-tested questionnaire while their weights and heights were measured in the field. It was found that 19.9% skipped at least one meal a day with the youngest group having the lowest prevalence. The most frequently missed meal is breakfast (12.6%) followed by lunch (6.7%) and dinner (4.4%). The school is an important provider of breakfast and lunch for the students. As the students' age increased, the prevalence of eating breakfast and lunch in school increased. The youngest age group had the highest prevalence of snacking and taking of nutritional supplements (p<0.05). Fast food and local hawker food were also consumed by about 60-70% of the students. Logistic regression analysis showed that skipping of breakfast is significantly associated with age, sex, BMI and taking of nutritional supplements. Promotion of healthy eating should be targeted at students in primary and secondary schools as they tend to depend on outside food.
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Eating patterns such as eating frequency, skipping of breakfast, and frequency of meals eaten away from home might influence school-going children's nutritional status, which will then influence their health and academic performance. This article reports the findings of a survey on the eating patterns of the school children and adolescents in Kuala Lumpur. A total of 3620 school children studying in Primary 5, Secondary 2 and Secondary 4 were selected using multi-stage sampling. The students were surveyed using a pre-tested questionnaire while their weights and heights were measured in the field. It was found that 19.9% skipped at least one meal a day with the youngest group having the lowest prevalence. The most frequently missed meal is breakfast (12.6%) followed by lunch (6.7%) and dinner (4.4%). The school is an important provider of breakfast and lunch for the students. As the students' age increased, the prevalence of eating breakfast and lunch in school increased. The youngest age group had the highest prevalence of snacking and taking of nutritional supplements (p<0.05). Fast food and local hawker food were also consumed by about 60-70% of the students. Logistic regression analysis showed that skipping of breakfast is significantly associated with age, sex, BMI and taking of nutritional supplements. Promotion of healthy eating should be targeted at students in primary and secondary schools as they tend to depend on outside food.
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Dietary Intake of Adolescents in a Rural Fishing Community in Tuaran District, Sabah
Foo Leng Huat, Khor Geok Lin, Tee E Siong & Dhanaraj Prabakaran
ABSTRACT
Dietary intakes and lifestyle habits during adolescence may predict the occurrence of obesity and other diet-related chronic diseases later in life. The purpose of this study was to determine dietary intake of adolescents in a fishing community in Tuaran District, Sabah. A total of 199 apparently healthy adolescents comprising 94 male and 105 female subjects were purposively selected for the study. The mean age of the subjects was 15.2 ± 2.2 years with female subjects having a higher mean age of 15.7 ± 2.4 years compared to the males (14.6 ± 1.8 years). The mean BMI of the subjects was 18.4 ± 2.9 kg/m² with females having a significantly higher BMI (18.9 ± 2.8 kg/m²) than the males (17.8 ± 3.0 kg/m²). Based on the WHO classification (WHO, 1995), 19.6% of the subjects could be classified as thin while 4.5% were at risk of overweight. Overall for both sexes, intake of energy and most nutrients were below the Malaysian recommended nutrient intake (RNI) levels for adolescents, with the exception of vitamin C and niacin. The male subjects showed higher mean intake for vitamin A, thiamine, niacin and vitamin C than the females. Calcium and iron intake ranked among the lowest levels, at 33.4% and 47.2% respectively of the RNI values for both sexes. The main sources of energy were rice, flour products and tubers while fish and seafood were the chief sources of protein. Majority of the subjects (84%) reported taking breakfast daily, which often consisted of fried noodles, fried banana, doughnuts and coffee. Consumption of snacks was popular and commonly consumed snacks were bread, biscuits, and fried banana. The present study revealed that 25.5% and 14.3% of the male and female adolescents respectively were thin, with majority of them consuming inadequate levels of energy and several key nutrients. The results underscore the need for adolescents to be targeted for nutrition and health education as they go through a period of marked physical, physiological and psychological changes.
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Dietary intakes and lifestyle habits during adolescence may predict the occurrence of obesity and other diet-related chronic diseases later in life. The purpose of this study was to determine dietary intake of adolescents in a fishing community in Tuaran District, Sabah. A total of 199 apparently healthy adolescents comprising 94 male and 105 female subjects were purposively selected for the study. The mean age of the subjects was 15.2 ± 2.2 years with female subjects having a higher mean age of 15.7 ± 2.4 years compared to the males (14.6 ± 1.8 years). The mean BMI of the subjects was 18.4 ± 2.9 kg/m² with females having a significantly higher BMI (18.9 ± 2.8 kg/m²) than the males (17.8 ± 3.0 kg/m²). Based on the WHO classification (WHO, 1995), 19.6% of the subjects could be classified as thin while 4.5% were at risk of overweight. Overall for both sexes, intake of energy and most nutrients were below the Malaysian recommended nutrient intake (RNI) levels for adolescents, with the exception of vitamin C and niacin. The male subjects showed higher mean intake for vitamin A, thiamine, niacin and vitamin C than the females. Calcium and iron intake ranked among the lowest levels, at 33.4% and 47.2% respectively of the RNI values for both sexes. The main sources of energy were rice, flour products and tubers while fish and seafood were the chief sources of protein. Majority of the subjects (84%) reported taking breakfast daily, which often consisted of fried noodles, fried banana, doughnuts and coffee. Consumption of snacks was popular and commonly consumed snacks were bread, biscuits, and fried banana. The present study revealed that 25.5% and 14.3% of the male and female adolescents respectively were thin, with majority of them consuming inadequate levels of energy and several key nutrients. The results underscore the need for adolescents to be targeted for nutrition and health education as they go through a period of marked physical, physiological and psychological changes.
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Assessment of Nutritional Status through Body Mass Index among Adult Males of 7 Tribal Populations of Maharashtra, India
Dipak K Adak, Rajesh K Gautam & Ajay K Gharami
ABSTRACT
This paper deals with the assessment of nutritional status through body mass index (BMI) in adult males of 7 tribal populations of the Maharashtra state of India. Anthropometric data collected by the Anthropological Survey of India on 600 adult males aged 18-60 years were used in this analysis. Majority of them were thin and lean with medium to short stature. The mean BMI was found to be highest among the Gond (18.33 kg/m²) followed by Korku (18.30 kg/m²) and Mahadeokoli (18.17 kg/m²). There were significant variations in the mean BMI among the tribal populations, ranging between 16.82 kg/m² and 18.33 kg/m². The prevalence of Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) was highest among the Warli, among whom 30.0% were found to be suffering from severe CED, 32.0% moderate CED and 26.0% mild CED. A greater prevalence (36.0%) of normal status of nutrition was found among the Korku. The linear regression coefficient (b f standard error) of BMI on Cormic Index or CI (SH/H) for these tribal groups was 13.68 ± 3.3 (t=4.14, p<0.000), and the correlation coefficient (r ± standard error) was 0.16 ± 0.02. The differences in BMI across the tribes were significant even after allowing for the Cormic Index. It can be said that the majority of the tribal populations of Maharashtra were lean. The high proportion of individuals with CED corroborates their low social and economic status.
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This paper deals with the assessment of nutritional status through body mass index (BMI) in adult males of 7 tribal populations of the Maharashtra state of India. Anthropometric data collected by the Anthropological Survey of India on 600 adult males aged 18-60 years were used in this analysis. Majority of them were thin and lean with medium to short stature. The mean BMI was found to be highest among the Gond (18.33 kg/m²) followed by Korku (18.30 kg/m²) and Mahadeokoli (18.17 kg/m²). There were significant variations in the mean BMI among the tribal populations, ranging between 16.82 kg/m² and 18.33 kg/m². The prevalence of Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) was highest among the Warli, among whom 30.0% were found to be suffering from severe CED, 32.0% moderate CED and 26.0% mild CED. A greater prevalence (36.0%) of normal status of nutrition was found among the Korku. The linear regression coefficient (b f standard error) of BMI on Cormic Index or CI (SH/H) for these tribal groups was 13.68 ± 3.3 (t=4.14, p<0.000), and the correlation coefficient (r ± standard error) was 0.16 ± 0.02. The differences in BMI across the tribes were significant even after allowing for the Cormic Index. It can be said that the majority of the tribal populations of Maharashtra were lean. The high proportion of individuals with CED corroborates their low social and economic status.
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Reliability and Validity of the Instrument Used in the HELIC (Healthy Lifestyle in Children) Study of Primary School Children's Nutrition Knowledge, Attitude and Practice
Siti Sabariah B, Zalilah MS, Norlijah 0, Normah H, Maznah I, Laily P, Zubaidah J, Sham MK & Zabidi Azhar MH
ABSTRACT
The objective of this paper is to report on the reliability and validity of a knowledge, attitude and practice instrument used among young primary school children. The instrument was developed as an evaluation tool in the HELIC study and consisted of 23 knowledge, 11 attitude and 10 practice items. A total of 335 Year 2 students from 4 randomly selected primary schools in Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan participated in the HELIC study. Students were divided into small groups and an enumerator verbally administered the instrument to each group. Reliability for each construct (knowledge, attitude and practice) was estimated as item to total score correlation and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha). Construct validity was determined through factor analysis and Pearson correlation. Results indicated that 3 attitude and 3 practice items did not correlate significantly to the total score (p>0.05). However, the deletion of these items did not significantly alter the Cronbach's alpha coefficients. Internal consistency was good for knowledge (a=0.68) but low for attitude (a=0.37) and practice (a=0.36) constructs. Based on factor analysis, 5 factor-solutions emerged for knowledge and 4 factor solutions for attitude and practice. Sufficient variance was obtained for the factors in knowledge (51.7%), attitude (51.2% and practice (51.0%). There were also significant positive correlations among the constructs ( p<0.01). In conclusion, the instrument was valid and reliable, especially for the knowledge construct. Further improvements, particularly on the attitude and practice constructs, are needed in order for the instrument to be an effective assessment or evaluation tool in various settings.
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The objective of this paper is to report on the reliability and validity of a knowledge, attitude and practice instrument used among young primary school children. The instrument was developed as an evaluation tool in the HELIC study and consisted of 23 knowledge, 11 attitude and 10 practice items. A total of 335 Year 2 students from 4 randomly selected primary schools in Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan participated in the HELIC study. Students were divided into small groups and an enumerator verbally administered the instrument to each group. Reliability for each construct (knowledge, attitude and practice) was estimated as item to total score correlation and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha). Construct validity was determined through factor analysis and Pearson correlation. Results indicated that 3 attitude and 3 practice items did not correlate significantly to the total score (p>0.05). However, the deletion of these items did not significantly alter the Cronbach's alpha coefficients. Internal consistency was good for knowledge (a=0.68) but low for attitude (a=0.37) and practice (a=0.36) constructs. Based on factor analysis, 5 factor-solutions emerged for knowledge and 4 factor solutions for attitude and practice. Sufficient variance was obtained for the factors in knowledge (51.7%), attitude (51.2% and practice (51.0%). There were also significant positive correlations among the constructs ( p<0.01). In conclusion, the instrument was valid and reliable, especially for the knowledge construct. Further improvements, particularly on the attitude and practice constructs, are needed in order for the instrument to be an effective assessment or evaluation tool in various settings.
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Nutrition Education and Food Choices Among African American Teenagers at a Southern Parochial High School in Alabama, United States - A Case Study
Marta Sovyanhadi & Malcolm A. Cor
ABSTRACT
The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a three-week nutrition education intervention on high school students' choices of food. The study design was based on paired comparisons of the servings of food in an ideal meal plan with a 24-hour recall, students' meal plan, and an observed meal. The subjects comprised a sample of (n=19) tenth grade students enrolled at a historically black, parochial, high school. Paired t tests were used to compare the differences for all measurements presented in the analyses. Analysis shows that the students ate on a daily basis significantly more fats and sweets than was ideal for good health (p=0.05). Also, after one week of nutrition instruction students constructed meal plans which were lower than ideal in two nutrition areas, vegetables (p>0.01), and dairy products (p>0.001). After three weeks of nutrition education, they consumed significantly larger amounts of fats and sweets (p>0.01), and significantly smaller amounts of fruit (p>0.01), vegetables (p>0.01), and dairy products (p>0.001), than was ideal for their health. After the intensive nutrition education programme, students still chose foods that were high in fats and sweets, and low in vegetables, fruits, and dairy products, showing that it would take more than just formally educating youths, to prevent chronic diseases in the later stages of life. Targeting families, in an effort to encourage parents to begin modeling good nutrition early in their children's lives, is essential for forming lifestyle patterns, which promote good health into adulthood.
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The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a three-week nutrition education intervention on high school students' choices of food. The study design was based on paired comparisons of the servings of food in an ideal meal plan with a 24-hour recall, students' meal plan, and an observed meal. The subjects comprised a sample of (n=19) tenth grade students enrolled at a historically black, parochial, high school. Paired t tests were used to compare the differences for all measurements presented in the analyses. Analysis shows that the students ate on a daily basis significantly more fats and sweets than was ideal for good health (p=0.05). Also, after one week of nutrition instruction students constructed meal plans which were lower than ideal in two nutrition areas, vegetables (p>0.01), and dairy products (p>0.001). After three weeks of nutrition education, they consumed significantly larger amounts of fats and sweets (p>0.01), and significantly smaller amounts of fruit (p>0.01), vegetables (p>0.01), and dairy products (p>0.001), than was ideal for their health. After the intensive nutrition education programme, students still chose foods that were high in fats and sweets, and low in vegetables, fruits, and dairy products, showing that it would take more than just formally educating youths, to prevent chronic diseases in the later stages of life. Targeting families, in an effort to encourage parents to begin modeling good nutrition early in their children's lives, is essential for forming lifestyle patterns, which promote good health into adulthood.
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Effect of Glycaemic Control on Serum Retinol and Beta Carotene Levels in Type 2 Diabetics in Calabar, Nigeria
Usoro CAO, Echeji DC, Usoro IN and Nsonwu AC
ABSTRACT
The study aimed to determine the effect of glycaemic control on serum retinol and beta-carotene levels in diabetics and non-diabetics. Fasting blood glucose (FBS), glycated haemoglobin (HbAlc), serum retinol and beta-carotene levels were estimated using colorimetric methods in 100 diabetic subjects and 65 agematched non-diabetic controls. The body mass index (BMI) of all subjects was determined. The mean FBS, HbAlc, retinol and beta-carotene levels were significantly (p<0.05) higher in diabetics than in non-diabetic subjects. No significant (p>0.05) difference was observed in the serum retinol and betacarotene levels in diabetics with poor glycaemic control and those with good control. A significant negative correlation (p<0.01, r=-0.314) was observed between HbAlc and serum retinol levels of the diabetic population. Age, sex, BMI and duration of diabetes do not have any significant (p>0.05) effect on the serum retinol and beta-carotene levels in all the subjects. Diabetics have higher levels of retinol and beta-carotene perhaps as a result of high dietary intake. This study found that glycaemic control and duration of diabetes do not seem to affect the metabolism of vitamin A.
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The study aimed to determine the effect of glycaemic control on serum retinol and beta-carotene levels in diabetics and non-diabetics. Fasting blood glucose (FBS), glycated haemoglobin (HbAlc), serum retinol and beta-carotene levels were estimated using colorimetric methods in 100 diabetic subjects and 65 agematched non-diabetic controls. The body mass index (BMI) of all subjects was determined. The mean FBS, HbAlc, retinol and beta-carotene levels were significantly (p<0.05) higher in diabetics than in non-diabetic subjects. No significant (p>0.05) difference was observed in the serum retinol and betacarotene levels in diabetics with poor glycaemic control and those with good control. A significant negative correlation (p<0.01, r=-0.314) was observed between HbAlc and serum retinol levels of the diabetic population. Age, sex, BMI and duration of diabetes do not have any significant (p>0.05) effect on the serum retinol and beta-carotene levels in all the subjects. Diabetics have higher levels of retinol and beta-carotene perhaps as a result of high dietary intake. This study found that glycaemic control and duration of diabetes do not seem to affect the metabolism of vitamin A.
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Urinary Amino Acids Profile of Vegetarians and Non-vegetarians
Chia Yoke Yin & Ton So Ha
ABSTRACT
The objective of the study was to quantify and to profile the amino acids content in urine samples. The amino acids content in urine was determined in 162 individuals (62 young non-vegetarians aged 15-45 years, 24 elderly non-vegetarians aged 46-70 years, 40 young vegetarians and 36 elderly vegetarians) by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The most common amino acids detected in the young and elderly individuals on vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets were phenylalanine, threonine, arginine and asparagine, while leucine, aspartic acid and alanine were not found in any urine samples in both groups. Isoleucine was not detected in the urine of vegetarians. The concentrations of the majority of essential amino acids were between 0.10-2.00 mgl24hrs except for histidine which had a range of 4.1-5.0 mgl24hrs. The concentrations of non-essential amino acids varied. Proline, glycine and tyrosine concentrations were between 0.10-1.00 mg/24hrs, while cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid and cystine concentrations were between 11.0-21.0 mg124hrs. Asparagine and hydroxy-proline had a range of 0.10-5.00 mg/24hrs, while serine and arginine ranged between 31.0-50.0 mg124hrs. Isoleucine and serine were not detected in elderly vegetarians while histidine, glycine, glutamic acid and hydroxy-proline were not detected in elderly non-vegetarians. Isoleucine, glycine and hydroxy-proline were detected in young non-vegetarians but not in young vegetarians. The levels of amino acids showed no significant statistical differences between young vegetarians and non-vegetarians as well as between elderly vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Phenylalanine, threonine and trypthophan were commonly detected in the lacto-ovo and lacto vegetarians, while valine, cysteine, arginine and asparagine were commonly detected in vegans. In conclusion, except for isoleucine, general differences were seen in urinary amino acid excretions between vegetarians and non-vegetarians even though the differences were statistically not significant. Therefore lacto-ovo diets could be nutritionally adequate as the nutrients were substituted by dairy or plant products.
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The objective of the study was to quantify and to profile the amino acids content in urine samples. The amino acids content in urine was determined in 162 individuals (62 young non-vegetarians aged 15-45 years, 24 elderly non-vegetarians aged 46-70 years, 40 young vegetarians and 36 elderly vegetarians) by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The most common amino acids detected in the young and elderly individuals on vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets were phenylalanine, threonine, arginine and asparagine, while leucine, aspartic acid and alanine were not found in any urine samples in both groups. Isoleucine was not detected in the urine of vegetarians. The concentrations of the majority of essential amino acids were between 0.10-2.00 mgl24hrs except for histidine which had a range of 4.1-5.0 mgl24hrs. The concentrations of non-essential amino acids varied. Proline, glycine and tyrosine concentrations were between 0.10-1.00 mg/24hrs, while cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid and cystine concentrations were between 11.0-21.0 mg124hrs. Asparagine and hydroxy-proline had a range of 0.10-5.00 mg/24hrs, while serine and arginine ranged between 31.0-50.0 mg124hrs. Isoleucine and serine were not detected in elderly vegetarians while histidine, glycine, glutamic acid and hydroxy-proline were not detected in elderly non-vegetarians. Isoleucine, glycine and hydroxy-proline were detected in young non-vegetarians but not in young vegetarians. The levels of amino acids showed no significant statistical differences between young vegetarians and non-vegetarians as well as between elderly vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Phenylalanine, threonine and trypthophan were commonly detected in the lacto-ovo and lacto vegetarians, while valine, cysteine, arginine and asparagine were commonly detected in vegans. In conclusion, except for isoleucine, general differences were seen in urinary amino acid excretions between vegetarians and non-vegetarians even though the differences were statistically not significant. Therefore lacto-ovo diets could be nutritionally adequate as the nutrients were substituted by dairy or plant products.
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Symphysis-Fundal Height and Abdominal Circumference Measurements as Indicators for Low Birth Weight
Fatemeh Shobeiri & Mansour Nazari
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to determine if symphysis-fundal height and abdominal circumference measurements at the umbilical level could be used as indicators of risk for low birth weight infants. Thereby simple equations could be derived to predict birth weights. Five hundred pregnant women in their first trimester, belonging to the middle and upper socioeconomic families from Mysore City, India, participated in the study. They were monitored till one-week post delivery period. The mean symphysis-fundal height at the end of second and third trimesters was 25.2 ± 1.9 and 32.5 ± 2.5 cm, respectively. Significant associations between birth weight and symphysis-fundal height (r=0.219, P<0.01) or abdominal circumference (r=0.438, P<0.01) or weight gain was noticed at the end of the second trimester, suggesting these to be valuable indicators. A symphysis-fundal measurement of less than 25 cm or abdominal circumference of less than 95 cm in the second trimester is significantly associated with low birth weight infants. Maternal weight gain of less than 3 kg at 28±2 week of pregnancy had a higher association with low birth weight. These should be used as monitoring parameters for risk pregnancies. These parameters can be applied in the prediction of low birth weight babies and allow appropriate interventions to be undertaken during the antenatal period.
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The study was conducted to determine if symphysis-fundal height and abdominal circumference measurements at the umbilical level could be used as indicators of risk for low birth weight infants. Thereby simple equations could be derived to predict birth weights. Five hundred pregnant women in their first trimester, belonging to the middle and upper socioeconomic families from Mysore City, India, participated in the study. They were monitored till one-week post delivery period. The mean symphysis-fundal height at the end of second and third trimesters was 25.2 ± 1.9 and 32.5 ± 2.5 cm, respectively. Significant associations between birth weight and symphysis-fundal height (r=0.219, P<0.01) or abdominal circumference (r=0.438, P<0.01) or weight gain was noticed at the end of the second trimester, suggesting these to be valuable indicators. A symphysis-fundal measurement of less than 25 cm or abdominal circumference of less than 95 cm in the second trimester is significantly associated with low birth weight infants. Maternal weight gain of less than 3 kg at 28±2 week of pregnancy had a higher association with low birth weight. These should be used as monitoring parameters for risk pregnancies. These parameters can be applied in the prediction of low birth weight babies and allow appropriate interventions to be undertaken during the antenatal period.
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Total Antioxidant Activity and Total Phenolic Contents in Yemeni Smoked Cheese
Mutahar Shaiban, Mohammed AL-Mamary & Molham AL-Habori
ABSTRACT
The antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of smoked cheese subjected to smoke treatment by different types of wood materials (Dodonia viscosa, Zizyphus spin christi, and Acacia asak) are reported in this study. The total phenolic contents were determined according to the Folin-Ciocalteu method and were significantly higher (3-fold) in the smoked cheese (ranged from 59.9 to 62.1 mg / 100g fresh weight of cheese, as Catechin equivalent) compared to the non-smoked cheese. However, the three types of smoked cheese did not significantly differ from each other. The total phenolic content in commercially smoked cheese was approximately 2-times higher than the three treated cheese samples. Antioxidant activity of smoked cheese samples were assayed in vitro by the inhibition of liver homogenate oxidation using FeSO4 /ascorbate system. The addition of different levels (25 µl, 50 µl, 100 µl and 200 µl) of cheese suspension equivalent to 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg of smoked cheese respectively to the reaction mixture showed that the antioxidant activity increased with increasing levels of smoked cheese suspension. The total antioxidant activity obtained from different levels (30.9 - 46.3%) of the cheese treated by Zizyphus spina christi was the highest and was significantly different in comparison with the other two treatments. The total antioxidant activity of commercially smoked cheese are similar to that of Zizyphus spina christi at the lower levels and higher at the higher levels.
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The antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of smoked cheese subjected to smoke treatment by different types of wood materials (Dodonia viscosa, Zizyphus spin christi, and Acacia asak) are reported in this study. The total phenolic contents were determined according to the Folin-Ciocalteu method and were significantly higher (3-fold) in the smoked cheese (ranged from 59.9 to 62.1 mg / 100g fresh weight of cheese, as Catechin equivalent) compared to the non-smoked cheese. However, the three types of smoked cheese did not significantly differ from each other. The total phenolic content in commercially smoked cheese was approximately 2-times higher than the three treated cheese samples. Antioxidant activity of smoked cheese samples were assayed in vitro by the inhibition of liver homogenate oxidation using FeSO4 /ascorbate system. The addition of different levels (25 µl, 50 µl, 100 µl and 200 µl) of cheese suspension equivalent to 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg of smoked cheese respectively to the reaction mixture showed that the antioxidant activity increased with increasing levels of smoked cheese suspension. The total antioxidant activity obtained from different levels (30.9 - 46.3%) of the cheese treated by Zizyphus spina christi was the highest and was significantly different in comparison with the other two treatments. The total antioxidant activity of commercially smoked cheese are similar to that of Zizyphus spina christi at the lower levels and higher at the higher levels.
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Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Urea Hydrolysis in an In Vitro Fermentation Using Rumen Liquor
Kathirvelan C & Balakrishnan V
ABSTRACT
Rapid hydrolysis of urea in the rumen is the principle cause for urea (ammonia) toxicity. Efforts were directed to retard urea hydrolysis by supplementing zinc at gradual levels viz, 0, 5.0,10.0, 15.0 and 20.0 ppm in one ml solution to 35 mg of urea in one ml solution, and in one ml distilled water with 40 ml buffered rumen liquor in 100 ml syringe fitted with butyl rubber cap and incubated at 39ºC. The 35 mg of urea per 43ml of liquor in the in vitro batch culture is equivalent to toxic dose of 100 mg per 100ml of rumen liquor in adult cattle. The incubation was carried out in an anaerobic environment at pH of 6.8. Five replications were conducted twice, resulting in ten replications in each treatment. The residual urea retained in each tube at 0, 1, 2 and 3 hour intervals from the respective aliquot (1 ml) was measured at wavelength of 520 nm. Highest residual urea (P<0.01) was observed in 10 ppm zinc supplementation over the rest of the treatments imposed across incubating hours. The residual urea (mg/dL) at the end of 1,2 and 3 hours of incubation were 28.99 ± 1.04, 18.33 ± 0.04 and 15.45 ± 0.18 respectively at 10 ppmn of zinc compared to 18.95 ± 0.38,10.00 ± 0.16 and 7.48 ± 0.12 in control (0 ppm). The result divulged that 10 ppm zinc was able to effectively retard the urea hydrolysis up to 3 hours, reflecting its effect on the extent of duration. Though the results demonstrated the superiority of 10 ppm zinc treatment over the rest of the treatments in retarding urea hydrolysis, yet another experiment was conducted to further improve the precision at a pH of 7.4 that is considered to be favorable environment for ammonia toxicity. The second trial was conducted following the same procedure except that of the level of zinc supplemented. In this experiment, zinc was supplemented at 0, 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5 ppm to 35 mg of urea with 40 ml of buffered rumen liquor incubated for 0,1,2 and 3 hours. The intial pH was brought to 7.4 by addition of a suitable quantity of soda bicarbonate to simulate a conducive environment for free ammonia production. The results of this experiment further strengthened the previous experiment's results with a significantly (P<0.01) higher residual urea in 10 ppm against the rest of the treatments. Thus it can be concluded that supplementation of 10 ppm zinc delayed the hydrolysis of urea.
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Rapid hydrolysis of urea in the rumen is the principle cause for urea (ammonia) toxicity. Efforts were directed to retard urea hydrolysis by supplementing zinc at gradual levels viz, 0, 5.0,10.0, 15.0 and 20.0 ppm in one ml solution to 35 mg of urea in one ml solution, and in one ml distilled water with 40 ml buffered rumen liquor in 100 ml syringe fitted with butyl rubber cap and incubated at 39ºC. The 35 mg of urea per 43ml of liquor in the in vitro batch culture is equivalent to toxic dose of 100 mg per 100ml of rumen liquor in adult cattle. The incubation was carried out in an anaerobic environment at pH of 6.8. Five replications were conducted twice, resulting in ten replications in each treatment. The residual urea retained in each tube at 0, 1, 2 and 3 hour intervals from the respective aliquot (1 ml) was measured at wavelength of 520 nm. Highest residual urea (P<0.01) was observed in 10 ppm zinc supplementation over the rest of the treatments imposed across incubating hours. The residual urea (mg/dL) at the end of 1,2 and 3 hours of incubation were 28.99 ± 1.04, 18.33 ± 0.04 and 15.45 ± 0.18 respectively at 10 ppmn of zinc compared to 18.95 ± 0.38,10.00 ± 0.16 and 7.48 ± 0.12 in control (0 ppm). The result divulged that 10 ppm zinc was able to effectively retard the urea hydrolysis up to 3 hours, reflecting its effect on the extent of duration. Though the results demonstrated the superiority of 10 ppm zinc treatment over the rest of the treatments in retarding urea hydrolysis, yet another experiment was conducted to further improve the precision at a pH of 7.4 that is considered to be favorable environment for ammonia toxicity. The second trial was conducted following the same procedure except that of the level of zinc supplemented. In this experiment, zinc was supplemented at 0, 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5 ppm to 35 mg of urea with 40 ml of buffered rumen liquor incubated for 0,1,2 and 3 hours. The intial pH was brought to 7.4 by addition of a suitable quantity of soda bicarbonate to simulate a conducive environment for free ammonia production. The results of this experiment further strengthened the previous experiment's results with a significantly (P<0.01) higher residual urea in 10 ppm against the rest of the treatments. Thus it can be concluded that supplementation of 10 ppm zinc delayed the hydrolysis of urea.
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REVIEW ARTICLE
Advances in Food Carotenoid Research: Chemical and Technological Aspects, Implications in Human Health
Delia B. Rodriguez-Amaya, Evelyn B. Rodriguez & Jaime Amaya-Farfan
ABSTRACT
This article reviews advances on carotenoid analysis, carotenoid composition of foods and influencing factors, alterations during processing and storage, and the role of food carotenoids in human health. Substantial progress has been achieved in refining analytical methods to assure the accuracy of carotenoid data. Although carotenoid analysis is inherently difficult and error prone, more complete and reliable databases are now available, especially of carotenoids considered important to human health. The carotenoid composition of foods vary qualitatively and quantitatively. Even in a given food, compositional variability occurs because of factors such as maturity, varietylcultivar, climate or season, part of the plant consumed, production practices, post-harvest handling, processing and storage conditions. During processing, isomerisation of trans-carotenoids to the cis-forms occurs, with consequent alteration of the carotenoids' bioavailability and bioconversion. The principal cause of carotenoid loss during processing and storage of food is enzymatic or non-enzymatic oxidation. The bioavailability of carotenoids is influenced by many factors, and studies on this important topic have been confounded by wide variation in individual response and the existence of non-responders. In spite of reported evidence to the contrary and some weaknesses in earlier studies, the weight of evidence favours improvement of the vitamin A status of deficient children and adults on consumption of food sources of provitamin A. This is supported by more recent studies. More evidence has also been presented for the role of carotenoids, provitamins A or not, in reducing the risk of degenerative diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cataract and macular degeneration.
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This article reviews advances on carotenoid analysis, carotenoid composition of foods and influencing factors, alterations during processing and storage, and the role of food carotenoids in human health. Substantial progress has been achieved in refining analytical methods to assure the accuracy of carotenoid data. Although carotenoid analysis is inherently difficult and error prone, more complete and reliable databases are now available, especially of carotenoids considered important to human health. The carotenoid composition of foods vary qualitatively and quantitatively. Even in a given food, compositional variability occurs because of factors such as maturity, varietylcultivar, climate or season, part of the plant consumed, production practices, post-harvest handling, processing and storage conditions. During processing, isomerisation of trans-carotenoids to the cis-forms occurs, with consequent alteration of the carotenoids' bioavailability and bioconversion. The principal cause of carotenoid loss during processing and storage of food is enzymatic or non-enzymatic oxidation. The bioavailability of carotenoids is influenced by many factors, and studies on this important topic have been confounded by wide variation in individual response and the existence of non-responders. In spite of reported evidence to the contrary and some weaknesses in earlier studies, the weight of evidence favours improvement of the vitamin A status of deficient children and adults on consumption of food sources of provitamin A. This is supported by more recent studies. More evidence has also been presented for the role of carotenoids, provitamins A or not, in reducing the risk of degenerative diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cataract and macular degeneration.
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LETTER TO EDITOR
Nutrients and Immunity Status of HIV-1-seropositive Drug Addicts
SK Nazrul Islam, Kazi Jahangir Hossain and Monira Ahsan
Dear Editor,
We report here the serum nutrients and immunity status ("immunonutrients profile") of HIV-1-seropositive drug addicts. Our investigation showed that the HIVseropositive addicts had poor nutritional status with multiple nutrient deficiencies, particularly of protein, cholesterol, alpha-tocopherol, copper and zinc. They had an expected increase of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM), monocytes, neutrophils and decrease of lymphocytes. The results were compared with non-HIV drug addicts.
It has been documented that multiple immunonutrient deficiencies are prevalent in HIV infection (Baum and Shor-Ponser, 1998; Baum et a/, 1995) and drug addiction (Varela et al., 1997), and this is recognised as a significant prognostic factor in advanced disease (Salomon et al., 2002). Multiple nutrient deficiencies progressively destroy immunity affecting various immune parameters. The present study comprised of 10 HIV-1-sero-positive and twenty HIV-sero-negative drug addicts. HIV-1-seropositivity was screened and confirmed by ELISA and LIA (Line Immunoassay) using immunoassay kits (ABBOTT, UK). Analyses of immunonutrients were performed by spectrophotometry, HPLC, Atomic Absorption Flame Emission spectrophotometry and ELISA methods. Data were analysed by SPSS software package (version 10.0 SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA).
Our results showed that the HIV-1-seropositive drug addicts had poor nutritional status, suffering from protein-energy malnutrition and multiple immunonutrient deficiencies (Table 1). These results correspond with the reports of others (Salomon et al., 2002; Baum & Shor-Ponser, 1998; Baum et al., 1995). The HIV-1-seropositives had increased IgG and IgM, and decreased lymphocytes, which might be due to HIV infection and multiple immunonutrient deficiencies or malnutrition (Varela et al., 1997). The higher concentrations of neutrophils (neutrophilia) and monocytes (monocytosis) might also be associated with HIV infection.
It is revealed from this study that HIV infection induces a wide spectrum of immunonutrient deficiencies.
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We report here the serum nutrients and immunity status ("immunonutrients profile") of HIV-1-seropositive drug addicts. Our investigation showed that the HIVseropositive addicts had poor nutritional status with multiple nutrient deficiencies, particularly of protein, cholesterol, alpha-tocopherol, copper and zinc. They had an expected increase of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM), monocytes, neutrophils and decrease of lymphocytes. The results were compared with non-HIV drug addicts.
It has been documented that multiple immunonutrient deficiencies are prevalent in HIV infection (Baum and Shor-Ponser, 1998; Baum et a/, 1995) and drug addiction (Varela et al., 1997), and this is recognised as a significant prognostic factor in advanced disease (Salomon et al., 2002). Multiple nutrient deficiencies progressively destroy immunity affecting various immune parameters. The present study comprised of 10 HIV-1-sero-positive and twenty HIV-sero-negative drug addicts. HIV-1-seropositivity was screened and confirmed by ELISA and LIA (Line Immunoassay) using immunoassay kits (ABBOTT, UK). Analyses of immunonutrients were performed by spectrophotometry, HPLC, Atomic Absorption Flame Emission spectrophotometry and ELISA methods. Data were analysed by SPSS software package (version 10.0 SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA).
Our results showed that the HIV-1-seropositive drug addicts had poor nutritional status, suffering from protein-energy malnutrition and multiple immunonutrient deficiencies (Table 1). These results correspond with the reports of others (Salomon et al., 2002; Baum & Shor-Ponser, 1998; Baum et al., 1995). The HIV-1-seropositives had increased IgG and IgM, and decreased lymphocytes, which might be due to HIV infection and multiple immunonutrient deficiencies or malnutrition (Varela et al., 1997). The higher concentrations of neutrophils (neutrophilia) and monocytes (monocytosis) might also be associated with HIV infection.
It is revealed from this study that HIV infection induces a wide spectrum of immunonutrient deficiencies.
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Upcoming Conferences
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Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
Volume 12 No.2, 2006
Table of Content
Preliminaries
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Editorial Commentary
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ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Lifestyle Intervention Improved Nutritional Knowledge, Dietary Composition and Health Status of Midlife Malaysian Women
Noor-Aini MY, Pon LW, Ong FB, Adeeb N, Seri SS, Shamsuddin K, Mohamad AL, Hapizah N, Mokhtar A & Wan HWH
ABSTRACT
Lifestyle has been shown to exert a major impact on the quality of life and health in mid-life women coping with menopausal changes. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a lifestyle intervention package in improving nutritional knowledge and composition, dietary habits and related health status in mid-life women. Between Nov 1999 to Oct 2001, 360 disease free women, non users of HRT, aged 45 years and above with intact uterus were recruited into the study. The women were randomised into three groups - I (control), II (lifestyle intervention) and III (lifestyle intervention with HRT) respectively. After 12 months, 85.6% completed the study. The lifestyle intervention programme, well accepted by the participants, brought about an improved dietary composition, better eating habits, more exercise participation and increment in knowledge with concomitant improvement of the health status. The benefits observed were significant reduction in energy, fat and carbohydrate intake with increased intake of legumes; milk and cheese/yogurt; and reduction of tea and coffee. Body weight was reduced and more importantly preventing abdominal obesity in the intervention groups with HRT was more effective. Further adaptations of the dietary component with advice on obtaining micronutrients from local produce would contribute towards a more balanced diet in midlife women as dairy products were not popular and these women had low meat intake.
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Lifestyle has been shown to exert a major impact on the quality of life and health in mid-life women coping with menopausal changes. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a lifestyle intervention package in improving nutritional knowledge and composition, dietary habits and related health status in mid-life women. Between Nov 1999 to Oct 2001, 360 disease free women, non users of HRT, aged 45 years and above with intact uterus were recruited into the study. The women were randomised into three groups - I (control), II (lifestyle intervention) and III (lifestyle intervention with HRT) respectively. After 12 months, 85.6% completed the study. The lifestyle intervention programme, well accepted by the participants, brought about an improved dietary composition, better eating habits, more exercise participation and increment in knowledge with concomitant improvement of the health status. The benefits observed were significant reduction in energy, fat and carbohydrate intake with increased intake of legumes; milk and cheese/yogurt; and reduction of tea and coffee. Body weight was reduced and more importantly preventing abdominal obesity in the intervention groups with HRT was more effective. Further adaptations of the dietary component with advice on obtaining micronutrients from local produce would contribute towards a more balanced diet in midlife women as dairy products were not popular and these women had low meat intake.
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Nutritional Status of Preschool Children of Raj Gond - a Tribal Population in Madhya Pradesh, India
Barkha Sharma, Mitashree Mitra, Suman Chakrabarty & Premananda Bharati
ABSTRACT
A cross sectional study of the nutritional status was made on 123 Raj Gond (tribal community of Central India) preschool children (62 boys and 61 girls; aged 1 to 5 years) in the Waratola village of Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Anthropometric nutritional status was assessed by WHO criterion (SD classification) and also NCHS standard using weight for age, height for age, weight for height indices and MUAC. The prevalence of nutritional deficiency was also investigated by clinical signs. The results revealed that there was high prevalence of underweight (37.4%), stunting (46.3%), wasting (41.5%) and low MUAC (50.4%) as well as different grades of malnutrition. Boys suffered these more than the girls. Comparatively, Raj Gond preschool children were nutritionally more wasted than Gond and other nontribal preschool children of Madhya Pradesh. When gradation of malnutrition was compared with other tribal and caste preschool children of Central India, it was observed that the present children studied suffered more by different grades of protein energy malnutrition (PEM). The poorer nutritional status was also reflected through high prevalence of sparse hair (18.7%), conjunctival xeroxis (18.7%), angular stomatitis (32.5%) and other nutritional deficiency signs. All these observations suggest that preschool children need better nutrition to combat the problem of PEM. Further studies should be made to identify the factors responsible for it.`
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A cross sectional study of the nutritional status was made on 123 Raj Gond (tribal community of Central India) preschool children (62 boys and 61 girls; aged 1 to 5 years) in the Waratola village of Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Anthropometric nutritional status was assessed by WHO criterion (SD classification) and also NCHS standard using weight for age, height for age, weight for height indices and MUAC. The prevalence of nutritional deficiency was also investigated by clinical signs. The results revealed that there was high prevalence of underweight (37.4%), stunting (46.3%), wasting (41.5%) and low MUAC (50.4%) as well as different grades of malnutrition. Boys suffered these more than the girls. Comparatively, Raj Gond preschool children were nutritionally more wasted than Gond and other nontribal preschool children of Madhya Pradesh. When gradation of malnutrition was compared with other tribal and caste preschool children of Central India, it was observed that the present children studied suffered more by different grades of protein energy malnutrition (PEM). The poorer nutritional status was also reflected through high prevalence of sparse hair (18.7%), conjunctival xeroxis (18.7%), angular stomatitis (32.5%) and other nutritional deficiency signs. All these observations suggest that preschool children need better nutrition to combat the problem of PEM. Further studies should be made to identify the factors responsible for it.`
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Obesity and Overweight in Young Adult Females of Northern Badia of Jordan
Mousa Numan Ahmad, Salma Khalil Tukan and Hamed Rabah Takruri
ABSTRACT
The objective of the study was to describe anthropometric indices of obesity in young adult females from Northern Badia of Jordan and explore their association with some socio-economic and lifestyle factors. A representative random sample based on a proportional sampling method of 233 females aged 20-25 years from the Jordan Northern Badia was used. Studied variables were: weight, height, skinfold thickness at selected sites, body mass index (BMI), % body fat (BF%), and associated factors including education, marital status, smoking, employment, housing and having a chronic disease. The main anthropometric characteristics of the Badia young females were: body weight (55.7 ± 0.7 kg), height (153.4 ± 0.4 cm) and BF% (26.5 ± 0.3). The prevalence of the BMI categories in the sample were: 8.2% underweight (BMI< 18.5kg/m²), 27.0% overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m²) and 6.9% obese (BMI = 30.0 kg/m²). Median height matched the 5th NCHS percentiles. Medians of weight and triceps skinfold thickness were located between the 25th and 50th, and the 10th and 25th NCHS percentiles respectively. Factors that were found to be significantly (p<0.05) associated with BMI among the Badia young females included educational status, being married, not working, non smokers, settlers and having no chronic disease. In conclusion, underweight, overweight and obesity do exist in the young adult females of Northern Badia of Jordan, with a tendency towards obesity. The presence of overweight and obesity in Badia may be a reflection of the ongoing development in the area.
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The objective of the study was to describe anthropometric indices of obesity in young adult females from Northern Badia of Jordan and explore their association with some socio-economic and lifestyle factors. A representative random sample based on a proportional sampling method of 233 females aged 20-25 years from the Jordan Northern Badia was used. Studied variables were: weight, height, skinfold thickness at selected sites, body mass index (BMI), % body fat (BF%), and associated factors including education, marital status, smoking, employment, housing and having a chronic disease. The main anthropometric characteristics of the Badia young females were: body weight (55.7 ± 0.7 kg), height (153.4 ± 0.4 cm) and BF% (26.5 ± 0.3). The prevalence of the BMI categories in the sample were: 8.2% underweight (BMI< 18.5kg/m²), 27.0% overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m²) and 6.9% obese (BMI = 30.0 kg/m²). Median height matched the 5th NCHS percentiles. Medians of weight and triceps skinfold thickness were located between the 25th and 50th, and the 10th and 25th NCHS percentiles respectively. Factors that were found to be significantly (p<0.05) associated with BMI among the Badia young females included educational status, being married, not working, non smokers, settlers and having no chronic disease. In conclusion, underweight, overweight and obesity do exist in the young adult females of Northern Badia of Jordan, with a tendency towards obesity. The presence of overweight and obesity in Badia may be a reflection of the ongoing development in the area.
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Problems During Lactation are Associated with Exclusive Breastfeeding in DKI Jakarta Province: Father’s Potential Roles in Helping to Manage These Problems
Judhiastuty Februhartanty, Saptawati Bardosono, Andi Mariyasari Septiari
ABSTRACT
The rate of breastfeeding practice in general is high, but exclusive breastfeeding is not optimally practised as factors influencing it are multifaceted. As part of a cross-sectional survey using quantitative and qualitative approaches in DKI Jakarta Province between September and October 2005, this paper reports the risk factors of exclusive breastfeeding and potential roles of fathers in supporting exclusive breastfeeding practice. The subjects were mothers who have infants aged between 1.5 and 8.5 months. Data collected include exclusive breastfeeding practice, maternal characteristics, infant’s characteristics, family characteristics, exposure to various sources of information, and potential roles of fathers in providing emotional and physical supports for the mothers. Logistic regression was employed to identify determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practice. Coding of themes that emerged fromin-depth interviews was used to explain some phenomena found in the quantitative part of the study. Exclusive breastfeeding practice was 17.5%. Around 85% of the mothers ever experienced at least one lactation-related problem and had a 2.1 risk (95% CI: 1.1-3.8) of not practising exclusive breastfeeding. The lactation problems experienced may be mostly managed by non-medical professionals. As reported in the in-depth interviews, father’s roles included involvement during antenatal visits, in child caring and household works, as well as provision of comfort to the nursing mother when she is breastfeeding or feeling tired by massage. Although further confirmation is needed on the roles of Indonesian fathers to help manage lactation problems, the data from this study show that fathers do have the potential to do so.
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The rate of breastfeeding practice in general is high, but exclusive breastfeeding is not optimally practised as factors influencing it are multifaceted. As part of a cross-sectional survey using quantitative and qualitative approaches in DKI Jakarta Province between September and October 2005, this paper reports the risk factors of exclusive breastfeeding and potential roles of fathers in supporting exclusive breastfeeding practice. The subjects were mothers who have infants aged between 1.5 and 8.5 months. Data collected include exclusive breastfeeding practice, maternal characteristics, infant’s characteristics, family characteristics, exposure to various sources of information, and potential roles of fathers in providing emotional and physical supports for the mothers. Logistic regression was employed to identify determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practice. Coding of themes that emerged fromin-depth interviews was used to explain some phenomena found in the quantitative part of the study. Exclusive breastfeeding practice was 17.5%. Around 85% of the mothers ever experienced at least one lactation-related problem and had a 2.1 risk (95% CI: 1.1-3.8) of not practising exclusive breastfeeding. The lactation problems experienced may be mostly managed by non-medical professionals. As reported in the in-depth interviews, father’s roles included involvement during antenatal visits, in child caring and household works, as well as provision of comfort to the nursing mother when she is breastfeeding or feeling tired by massage. Although further confirmation is needed on the roles of Indonesian fathers to help manage lactation problems, the data from this study show that fathers do have the potential to do so.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Potential Sources in the Malaysian Diet with the Goal Towards Achieving Recommended Nutrient Intakes
Ng TKW
ABSTRACT
Omega-3 fatty acid nutrition is widely recognised as essential to health and general well-being. However, health professionals and the general public in Malaysia may lack knowledge on the sources or the amounts of these essential fat components in foods. This paper attempts to correct this scenario by identifying the potential sources of omega-3 fatty acids [a-linolenic acid (ALA), or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] in the Malaysian diet and calculating the amounts of these “nutrients” provided per serving of a wide variety of foods. The information generated provides Malaysian health professionals and consumers with options in food choices or meal planning with the goal towards achieving the recommended nutrient intakes for omega- 3 fatty acids. The findings in the present study revealed that the potential sources of omega-3 fatty acids in the Malaysian diet in decreasing order are: edible oils (ALA), fish and fish products (EPA+DHA), vegetables (ALA), meat and eggs (EPA+DHA), and milk/milk products (EPA+DHA). Edible oils which are exceptionally high in ALA such as flaxseed oil and perilla oil are presently unavailable at local retail outlets and supermarkets. However, consumers can still meet the recommended nutrient intakes (RNIs) for omega-3 fatty acids of 0.3 to 1.2% energy (equivalent to 0.67g-2.67g) by choosing a wellbalanced diet prepared preferably with a cooking oil blend containing ALA, and one or more servings daily from at least three of the following food groups: (i) fish (“jelawat”, “siakap”, sardines, tuna, mackerel, salmon)/ seafoods (shrimps, crab)/meat, (ii) vegetables/soybean/ soybean-based products/ beans and peas, (iii) omega-3 enriched/fortified foods (eg. “omega-3 eggs”), and (iv) ready-to-drink omega-3 milk preparations/soybean milk.
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Omega-3 fatty acid nutrition is widely recognised as essential to health and general well-being. However, health professionals and the general public in Malaysia may lack knowledge on the sources or the amounts of these essential fat components in foods. This paper attempts to correct this scenario by identifying the potential sources of omega-3 fatty acids [a-linolenic acid (ALA), or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] in the Malaysian diet and calculating the amounts of these “nutrients” provided per serving of a wide variety of foods. The information generated provides Malaysian health professionals and consumers with options in food choices or meal planning with the goal towards achieving the recommended nutrient intakes for omega- 3 fatty acids. The findings in the present study revealed that the potential sources of omega-3 fatty acids in the Malaysian diet in decreasing order are: edible oils (ALA), fish and fish products (EPA+DHA), vegetables (ALA), meat and eggs (EPA+DHA), and milk/milk products (EPA+DHA). Edible oils which are exceptionally high in ALA such as flaxseed oil and perilla oil are presently unavailable at local retail outlets and supermarkets. However, consumers can still meet the recommended nutrient intakes (RNIs) for omega-3 fatty acids of 0.3 to 1.2% energy (equivalent to 0.67g-2.67g) by choosing a wellbalanced diet prepared preferably with a cooking oil blend containing ALA, and one or more servings daily from at least three of the following food groups: (i) fish (“jelawat”, “siakap”, sardines, tuna, mackerel, salmon)/ seafoods (shrimps, crab)/meat, (ii) vegetables/soybean/ soybean-based products/ beans and peas, (iii) omega-3 enriched/fortified foods (eg. “omega-3 eggs”), and (iv) ready-to-drink omega-3 milk preparations/soybean milk.
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Effect of Processed Beverages on Dialysable Iron From Rice Based Meals in Comparison with Fresh Fruits
Jyothi Lakshmi A, Sheetal Gupta & Jamuna Prakash
ABSTRACT
The investigation is aimed at analysing the effect of fruits and processed beverages on the dialysable iron content of a rice based meal with four different green leafy vegetables (GLV). Rice (150g), red gram (30g) and a GLV (150g) forming the meal components were pressure-cooked and homogenised. To each of the meal, one of the following was added at 400 g or ml/meal level - fresh fruit pulp or juice (four varieties), reconstituted juice powders (RJP), fruit squashes, ready to drink fruit beverage (RTD) and carbonated beverages (CB). Two brands of each processed beverages were used. Dialysable iron content of diets increased by 16-104% on addition of fruit pulp and by 45-263% on addition of fruit juices over the respective control diets. Among the processed juices, RJP enhanced the dialysable iron by 30-81%, fruit squashes by 20-138%, RTD by 33-96% and carbonated beverages by 1-131% with different brands. Differences observed in the two brands of processed beverages could be attributed to their ascorbic acid and citric acid contents. Hence, it can be concluded that addition of fruit/fruit juice, either in natural or synthetic forms containing organic acids i.e., citric, ascorbic or maleic acids will definitely increase the iron dialysability of cereal meal indicating enhanced iron bioavailability.
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The investigation is aimed at analysing the effect of fruits and processed beverages on the dialysable iron content of a rice based meal with four different green leafy vegetables (GLV). Rice (150g), red gram (30g) and a GLV (150g) forming the meal components were pressure-cooked and homogenised. To each of the meal, one of the following was added at 400 g or ml/meal level - fresh fruit pulp or juice (four varieties), reconstituted juice powders (RJP), fruit squashes, ready to drink fruit beverage (RTD) and carbonated beverages (CB). Two brands of each processed beverages were used. Dialysable iron content of diets increased by 16-104% on addition of fruit pulp and by 45-263% on addition of fruit juices over the respective control diets. Among the processed juices, RJP enhanced the dialysable iron by 30-81%, fruit squashes by 20-138%, RTD by 33-96% and carbonated beverages by 1-131% with different brands. Differences observed in the two brands of processed beverages could be attributed to their ascorbic acid and citric acid contents. Hence, it can be concluded that addition of fruit/fruit juice, either in natural or synthetic forms containing organic acids i.e., citric, ascorbic or maleic acids will definitely increase the iron dialysability of cereal meal indicating enhanced iron bioavailability.
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Effects of L-Arginine on the Reproductive System of Male Rabbits
Sukardi S, Yaakub H, Ganabadi S & Cheng LH
ABSTRACT
L-arginine is an amino acid, which serves as the sole substrate for nitric oxide (NO) synthesis with the concomitant formation of L-citrulline in biologic system. NO has been demonstrated to be involved in smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation, immune regulation and neurotransmission. It also has an important function as both intercellular and intracellular signals in many physiological systems, including the reproductive system where NO mediates penis erection. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of L-arginine on sperm motility, sperm count, and the nitric oxide level in the seminal plasma. Twelve sexually matured male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were randomly divided into four groups with three rabbits each, which were control, low, medium, and high concentration groups. The treatment groups were force-fed with 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, and 300mg/kg body weight of L-arginine for four weeks, whereas the control group was force-fed with water. Semen samples were collected every three days alternatively for a week before starting treatment and then after four weeks of treatment. Pre-treatment and post-treatment results were compared. Semen samples were collected using artificial vaginas from each group for sperm analysis such as sperm motility, sperm count and NO level in seminal plasma. Sperm motility and sperm count were analysed manually under microscope (twenty power objective), using a Makler counting chamber. NO levels in the seminal plasma were determined using Griess reaction. The results obtained from this study showed that oral consumption of L-arginine exerted a significant (p<0.05) effect in decreasing sperm motility in all treatment groups but showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in sperm count (25.5%) in group 3 (200 mg/kg of L-arginine). This experiment also showed that there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in NO concentration with L-arginine consumption. The levels of NO concentration were significantly correlated (r = 0.624) to L-arginine consumption. Besides, there was a significant (p<0.05) positive correlation (r = 0.584) between NO concentrations with sperm count. However, there was a significant negative correlation (r = -0.775) between NO concentrations with sperm motility. Thus, data suggests that oral consumption of L-arginine can increase NO level, which in turn increases sperm count but exerts a reduction in sperm motility.
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L-arginine is an amino acid, which serves as the sole substrate for nitric oxide (NO) synthesis with the concomitant formation of L-citrulline in biologic system. NO has been demonstrated to be involved in smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation, immune regulation and neurotransmission. It also has an important function as both intercellular and intracellular signals in many physiological systems, including the reproductive system where NO mediates penis erection. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of L-arginine on sperm motility, sperm count, and the nitric oxide level in the seminal plasma. Twelve sexually matured male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were randomly divided into four groups with three rabbits each, which were control, low, medium, and high concentration groups. The treatment groups were force-fed with 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, and 300mg/kg body weight of L-arginine for four weeks, whereas the control group was force-fed with water. Semen samples were collected every three days alternatively for a week before starting treatment and then after four weeks of treatment. Pre-treatment and post-treatment results were compared. Semen samples were collected using artificial vaginas from each group for sperm analysis such as sperm motility, sperm count and NO level in seminal plasma. Sperm motility and sperm count were analysed manually under microscope (twenty power objective), using a Makler counting chamber. NO levels in the seminal plasma were determined using Griess reaction. The results obtained from this study showed that oral consumption of L-arginine exerted a significant (p<0.05) effect in decreasing sperm motility in all treatment groups but showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in sperm count (25.5%) in group 3 (200 mg/kg of L-arginine). This experiment also showed that there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in NO concentration with L-arginine consumption. The levels of NO concentration were significantly correlated (r = 0.624) to L-arginine consumption. Besides, there was a significant (p<0.05) positive correlation (r = 0.584) between NO concentrations with sperm count. However, there was a significant negative correlation (r = -0.775) between NO concentrations with sperm motility. Thus, data suggests that oral consumption of L-arginine can increase NO level, which in turn increases sperm count but exerts a reduction in sperm motility.
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Atheromatous Plaque Formation in Rabbit Aorta Fed with High Cholesterol Diet
Zulkhairi A, Hasnah B, Zaiton Z, Jamaludin M, Zanariyah A, Khairul KAK & Taufik HM
ABSTRACT
Atherosclerosis, the cholesterol deposition in and around cells of the intimal layer of the aorta, has been recognized as one of the main causative factors for cardiovascular diseases. Intensive research has been carried out throughout the world but the precise atherogenesis has yet to be fully understood, though hypercholesterolaemia is considered to be the prime risk factor. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of high cholesterol diet consumption on the formation of atherosclerosis in vivo. Three groups of adultWhite New Zealand male rabbits (six animals per group) were used in this study. Except for one group which acted as a control (K), the other two groups were given 1% and 2% high cholesterol diet respectively for 10 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken from the marginal ear vein for plasma cholesterol estimation. The animals were sacrificed and the aorta was excised for histomorphometric analysis. The result shows that despite no significant differences in plasma cholesterol levels being observed between the groups treated with 1% and 2% cholesterol, high cholesterol consumption was able to induce hypercholesterolaemia significantly (p<0.01) compared to the control group. The atheromatous plaque formation in the group given 2% cholesterol diet was significantly higher than the group given 1% cholesterol (p<0.05), indicated by increased thickness of the intimal layer of the aorta. There was disruption of the intima-media junction in hypercholesterolaemic groups but no atheromatous plaque formation was observed in the control group.
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Atherosclerosis, the cholesterol deposition in and around cells of the intimal layer of the aorta, has been recognized as one of the main causative factors for cardiovascular diseases. Intensive research has been carried out throughout the world but the precise atherogenesis has yet to be fully understood, though hypercholesterolaemia is considered to be the prime risk factor. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of high cholesterol diet consumption on the formation of atherosclerosis in vivo. Three groups of adultWhite New Zealand male rabbits (six animals per group) were used in this study. Except for one group which acted as a control (K), the other two groups were given 1% and 2% high cholesterol diet respectively for 10 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken from the marginal ear vein for plasma cholesterol estimation. The animals were sacrificed and the aorta was excised for histomorphometric analysis. The result shows that despite no significant differences in plasma cholesterol levels being observed between the groups treated with 1% and 2% cholesterol, high cholesterol consumption was able to induce hypercholesterolaemia significantly (p<0.01) compared to the control group. The atheromatous plaque formation in the group given 2% cholesterol diet was significantly higher than the group given 1% cholesterol (p<0.05), indicated by increased thickness of the intimal layer of the aorta. There was disruption of the intima-media junction in hypercholesterolaemic groups but no atheromatous plaque formation was observed in the control group.
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Supplement
Abstracts of the 21st Scientific Conference of the Nutrition Society of Malaysia, 2006
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Volume 12 No.3, 2006
Table of Content
REVIEW
SHORT COMMUNICATIONS