MJN 2024 Issues

Malaysian Journal of Nutrition (Mal J Nutr)

Volume 30 No.2, 2024



Table of Content


Factors affecting stunting in children aged 6-23 months in South Sumatra Province, Indonesia
Ria Andreinie, Rini Sekartini, Dian Novita Chandra & Ninik Mudjihartini

doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2023-0101

ABSTRACT

Introduction: South Sumatra Province in Indonesia has a relatively high prevalence of stunting and there is limited research about this phenomenon in this area. The study aimed to identify what factors affected stunting in children aged 6-23 months in the province.
Methods: Using a comparative cross-sectional design involving 139 mothers with children aged 6-23 months, the study collected data from September to December 2022 via anthropometric measurements and interviews using a questionnaire. Data on parental, child, socioeconomic, and environmental factors were analysed using chi-square test and logistic regression analysis.
Results: Overall, there were significant relationships among the following variables: child’s age (p=0.031), birth length (p=0.017), and weight-for-age (WAZ) status (p<0.001) with stunting. Children in the underweight and severely underweight categories were 28.7 times at risk of stunting compared to those in the normal category of WAZ status; children aged 12-23 months had a 2.8 times risk of stunting compared to children aged 6-11 months, while stunted birth length showed a 4.6 times risk of stunting compared to that of normal birth length.
Conclusion: This research found that child age, birth length, and WAZ status were significant factors affecting stunting in the South Sumatra Province. Given these results, this study offers recommendations for the provincial government to focus on intervention programmes that provide additional food for pregnant women with chronic energy deficiency, monitor the growth of toddlers, and manage toddlers with nutritional problems in this province.
Key words: birth length, child age, stunting, WAZ status

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Plasma amino acid profiles in thalassaemia major with iron overload
Ina Susianti Timan, Pustika Amalia Wahidiyat, Damayanti Rusli Sjarif, Merci Monica br Pasaribu, Fransisca Putri & Lukito Widjaja

doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2023-0085

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Iron overload in thalassaemia major patients mainly occurs due to periodic transfusions. When iron exceeds transferrin capacity, non-transferrin bound iron accumulates and causes tissue damage, including in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in impaired enterocyte function and amino acid absorption. The aim of this study was to evaluate amino acid profiles in patients with thalassaemia major after repeated transfusions and chelation.
Methods: Whole blood amino acids were analysed from dried blood spots using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. This study consisted of two parts: a cross-sectional and a cohort study in thalassaemia-β-major patients. In the cross-sectional study, amino acid profiles were analysed in 219 thalassaemia patients who received routine transfusion and chelation therapy, and 60 healthy control subjects. The cohort study included 21 subjects, from whom blood samples were taken at pre-transfusion, 1-day posttransfusion, one and three months post-chelation to evaluate changes in amino acid levels.
Results: There were significant differences between amino acid levels in thalassaemia subjects and controls. Positive correlations were found between serum iron and transferrin with age, also between transferrin with proline, valine, phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and glutamic. Phenylalanine and aspartic acid were significantly lower in subjects with transferrin lower than 180 μg/dL. Significant correlations were found between haemoglobin with essential and non-essential amino acid groups. From the cohort study, significant changes were observed in glycine, alanine, leucine, and aspartic acid.
Conclusion: Amino acid profiles in thalassaemia patients differed compared to healthy controls, even after transfusion and chelation. Phenylalanine and aspartic acid were significantly lower in subjects with low transferrin levels.
Key words: amino acid, chelation, iron overload, thalassaemia, transfusion

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Infant feeding practices and associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from an online crosssectional study in Indonesia
Judhiastuty Februhartanty, Cahya Ayu Agustin & Athiya Fadlina

doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2023-0097

ABSTRACT

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic presents a challenge to ensuring optimal infant feeding practices. This study aimed to assess infant feeding practices and investigate potential factors associated with exclusive and continued breastfeeding practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia.
Methods: An online survey was conducted during December 2020 – August 2021. A total of 817 Indonesian mothers aged ≥18 years old with infants aged <18 months were obtained through convenience sampling. Exclusive breastfeeding was the practice at the time of the survey among infants <6 months old; continued breastfeeding was considered when infants aged >6 months received any type of breastfeeding in the previous day.
Results: Most subjects were aged 25-34 years old (81.3%), had a high education level (85.7%), with middle household income level (40.5%), and lived in Java Island (81.6%). Infants’ age and sex were comparable between younger vs. older infants and boys vs. girls, respectively. Exclusive breastfeeding was 81.3%. Continued breastfeeding was 93.4%, with 74.3% meeting the minimum acceptable diet. Breastfeeding intention (92.9%) and husband’s support for infant feeding (67.2%) were reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multivariate analyses showed that breastfeeding intention was one of the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding [aOR=12.6; 95%CI (4.1-39.1)] and continued breastfeeding [10.9 (4.4-27.0)].
Conclusion: The study suggested that mothers’ intention to breastfeed during the COVID-19 pandemic provided affirmation of good breastfeeding experiences by allowing mothers to have more time for childcare activities and more opportunities to develop meaningful coparenting practices while staying at home.
Key words: breastfeeding intention, COVID-19 pandemic, continued breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, minimum acceptable diet

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Predictors for 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in early pregnancy
Erni Yusnita Lalusu, Ratna Djuwita Hatma, Mondastri Korib Sudaryo, Dwiana Ocviyanti & Rimbawan

doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2023-0015

ABSTRACT

Introduction: There are very few studies of vitamin D deficiency in Indonesia. Since vitamin D deficiency is indicated by the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) in blood, the present study aimed to analyse the predictive factors of 25(OH) D concentration in early pregnancy.
Methods: The present study was a crosssectional observational study. The sample consisted of 67 pregnant women in their 1st trimester of pregnancy. Parameters assessed included levels of 25(OH)D, glucose, and haemoglobin in the blood. Demographic information such as parity, family history of diabetes mellitus (DM), exposure to cigarette smoke, physical activity level, dietary intake, and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Linear regression analysis was employed.
Results: Mean concentration of 25(OH)D was 16.5 (6.6-34.1) ng/ml. Majority of the participants (77.6%) were deficient in vitamin D (25(OH)D <20ng/mL); only 1.5% had normal vitamin D levels (25(OH)D >30 ng/ mL). Bivariate analysis performed revealed that vitamin D intake (p=0.002) and family history of DM (p=0.043) played a significant role in determining 25(OH)D concentration. Additionally, dietary vitamin D intake, blood glucose level, exposure to cigarette smoke, and parental DM history served as predictors of 25(OH)D concentration in 54.5% of cases.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that vitamin D deficiency was high in the target population. Thus, it is critical to ensure that for pregnant women to take vitamin D supplements, since nearly 80% of pregnant mothers are vit D deficient. Vitamin D supplementation can be included in national pregnancy programmes
Key words: cigarette, diabetes mellitus, pregnant women, vitamin D concentration, vitamin D intake.

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Effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum 25(OH) D levels and blood pressure among the elderly in a nursing house: A double-blind, randomised placebocontrolled trial
Ferawaty, Diana Sunardi, Noto Dwimartutie, Dian Novita Chandra, Ninik Mudjihartini & Nurul Ratna Mutu Manikam

doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2023-0136

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease, especially in the elderly. Previous studies have reported that vitamin D plays a role in blood pressure. This study aimed to analyse the effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum 25(OH)D levels and blood pressure.
Methods: This was a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial (RCT) on elderly subjects. Serum 25(OH)D levels were examined using chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) method, while blood pressure was checked using a digital sphygmomanometer. Supplementation was given once per day for eight weeks; the control group was given a placebo, while the treatment group was given 2,000 IU vitamin D3 for subjects with insufficiency and 4,000 IU for subjects with deficiency.
Results: A total of 62 subjects aged 60-89 years participated and were randomised into 30 control and 32 treatment group subjects. Data analysis showed that vitamin D supplementation significantly increased 25(OH)D levels in treatment group (D=18.2±5.2 ng/mL) compared to control group (D=4.2±2.5 ng/mL) (p<0.001). However, vitamin D supplementation did not cause significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (D=-4.6(-25 - -0.5) mmHg for control group and D=-9.2(-20 - -27) mmHg for treatment group; p=0.109), and diastolic blood pressure (D=-7.2(-16 - -2) mmHg for control group and D=-8.4(-14.5 - -8.5) mmHg for treatment group; p=0.559).
Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation significantly increased serum 25(OH)D levels, but did not significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the elderly. Elderly people need to regularly check their vitamin D levels so that the provision of supplementation can be timely and their quality of life can be improved.
Key words: blood pressure, elderly, serum 25(OH)D level, vitamin D supplementation

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Effect of apple peel flour addition on physicochemical characteristics and fatty acid profile of reduced-fat mayonnaise
Herly Evanuarini & Agus Susilo

doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2023-0020

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Mayonnaise is popular throughout the world and contains various types of processed products. While reduced-fat mayonnaise (RFM) contains less than 50% oil, the drawback is the potential to reduce the physical quality of mayonnaise. The use of apple peel in the form of flour added to mayonnaise is predicted to enhance its physicochemical quality.
Methods: The research comprised laboratory experiments using randomised design with four treatments and six repetitions. Apple peel flour was added to the treatments in the following proportions: 0% (RFA0), 1% (RFA1), 2% (RFA2), and 3% (RFA3). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to obtain average values and standard deviations.
Results: Addition of 3% apple peel flour to RFM showed highly significant effect (p≤0.01) on droplet size (2.15–9.49µm), viscosity (3965.00cP), colours L (71.93), a* (15.75), and b* (50.65), protein content (1.44%), and fat content (50.93%). It also produced an organoleptic quality that was acceptable to semi-trained panellists and fatty acid profiles containing various types of fatty acids.
Conclusion: The use of 3% apple peel flour in RFM represented the best treatment, with potential for further improvement.
Key words: apple peel flour, reduced-fat mayonnaise, stabiliser

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Factors related to complementary feeding practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia
Herwinda Kusuma Rahayu, Yhona Paratmanitya, Herni Dwi Herawati, Eka Nurhayati & Rindi Nuryani

doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2023-0135

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Complementary feeding practice is critical for adequate growth and development in children. Appropriate practices should be maintained, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to analyse complementary feeding practices and their related factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on household economic aspects. Data were collected via online questionnaires involving 574 mothers of children aged 6–23 months in Indonesia from April to May 2022.
Results: In total, 63.6%, 64.6%, 86.6%, and 57.7% of children met the criteria for timely introduction of complementary feeding (INTRO), minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD), respectively. Households that had no impact on their ability to provide food during the pandemic had higher odds of meeting MDD and MAD. Having a high household income level, high maternal education, and being a housewife increased the odds of INTRO. The odds of MDD increased in children who lived in Java, had older age, and whose mother had high education level. Older children had higher odds of having appropriate MMF. MAD was associated with mother’s high education level and being a housewife.
Conclusion: Several factors during the pandemic, including economic aspects, influenced complementary feeding practices. To prevent child malnutrition, besides ensuring household food security, other strategies to increase complementary feeding quality are also needed.
Key words: complementary feeding, COVID-19, minimum acceptable diet, minimum dietary diversity, minimum meal frequency

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Relationship between macro- and micronutrient intakes with undernutrition among toddlers aged 12-23 months in Aceh, Indonesia
Suryana, Sri Anna Marliyati, Ali Khomsan & Cesilia Meti Dwiriani

doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2023-0118

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Foods consumed contain macro- and micronutrients necessary for the growth and development of children. This study aimed to analyse the relationship between macronutrient and micronutrient intakes with undernutrition in toddlers aged 12-23 months.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 18 Integrated Healthcare Centres (Posyandu) in Simpang Tiga, Aceh Besar Regency. A total of 138 toddlers were selected using simple random sampling technique. Data collected included family demographics, characteristics, nutritional status of children, and food consumption for macro- and micronutrient intake analyses.
Results: Prevalence of malnutrition in toddlers was relatively high – severe underweight and underweight totaled 23.2%, severe wasting and wasting 18.1%, and severe stunting and stunting 27.5%. Significant associations (p<0.05) were found between underweight and intakes of energy, protein, carbohydrates, fat, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, thiamin, and niacin. Wasting was significantly associated (p<0.05) with intakes of energy, protein, and vitamin A. Stunting was significantly associated (p<0.05) with intakes of energy, protein, carbohydrates, fat, calcium, phosphorus, iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C.
Conclusion: Certain macro- and micronutrient intakes were correlated with undernutrition in toddlers. The results of this study can be used as a reference for planning the development of supplementary feeding programmes for children aged 12-23 months, considering that the critical period of child growth and development is in the first 1000 days of life.
Key words: macronutrient intake, micronutrients, toddlers, undernutrition

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Implementation of nutrition care process in Indonesian athletes and its effect on nutritional status and aerobic capacity performance
Mirza Hapsari Sakti Titis Penggalih, Zaenal Mutaqqien Sofro, Laksono Trisnantoro, Edi Nurinda Susila, Ernawaty, Bayu Rahadian, Margono, Dadi Sujadi, Raden Isnanta, Kurnia Mar’atus Solichah, Rahadyana Muslichah, Naila Alfi Syarifah & Veronika Dewi Pratanjani Prasasta

doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2023-0096

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Despite the critical function of a nutritionist, only a few sports training centres for students in Indonesia have one. This study aimed to determine the effect of the nutrition care process (NCP) on athletes’ nutritional status and aerobic capacity performance.
Methods: This cohort study was conducted in 2022 (May–August) in four training centres (TC) in Indonesia. Subjects were athletes who have been dwelling in TC for at least three months, excluding those absent for >14 days due to a competition or other commitments during the data collection period. NCP included the assistance of trained sports nutritionists. In total, 114 athletes participated in this study: 90 strength athletes and 24 endurance athletes. The participants were aged 14-19 years old with approximately (mean+SD) 6+2.5 years of experience in specific sports.
Results: After three months of NCP, knowledge of nutrition (p=0.013), body fat composition (p<0.001), skinfold thickness scores (p<0.001), and performance (p<0.001) of athletes significantly improved. In spite of good intakes of protein and fat, none of the intakes showed significant changes (p>0.05). Furthermore, improved knowledge of sports nutrition and exercise science had a positive impact on dormitory meal choices.
Conclusion: Overall, three months of NCP had a significant effect on athletes’ knowledge of nutrition, body fat composition, skinfold thickness, and also VO2Max.
Key words: athlete, nutrition care process, sports

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Therapeutic diet plate waste and satisfaction among adult patients
Jaysrina Mahalinga Moorthy, Raudhatul Syahirah binti Ruzalee, Dewiana Malisa Putri binti Hafizon & Nurul Huda binti Razalli

doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2023-0128

ABSTRACT

Introduction: There are limited studies on plate waste and satisfaction levels among adult patients receiving therapeutic diets in hospitals, particularly in the local context. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the percentage of plate waste and the level of satisfaction among adult patients receiving therapeutic diets, as well as the contributing factors.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a university hospital during lunch and dinner hours on eleven types of therapeutic diets. Food weighing and photography-assisted visual estimation by the Comstock scale were used to measure plate waste. Interviews were conducted with patients using the Acute Care Hospital Foodservice Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (ACHFPSQ) to collect information about their satisfaction towards food quality and service.
Results: Mean overall plate waste rate for 96 patients receiving therapeutic diets was 43.6% (40.0% for lunch, 47.3% for dinner), with the highest rate of wastage in a combined diet low in fat and salt. Overall score for patient satisfaction was 3.7 out of 5. Patients had higher satisfaction levels with staff and food service (4.0) compared to food quality (3.4). Food quality negatively contributed to the rate of plate waste in terms of taste (r=-0.107, p=0.035), presentation (r=-0.078, p=0.043), and texture (r=-0.052, p=0.020).
Conclusion: Therapeutic diet plate waste among adult patients in this study was high and primarily attributable to food quality. Efforts to minimise therapeutic diet plate waste should be made by improving food quality for the best possible outcomes for patients.
Key words: food service, hospital, plate waste, satisfaction level, therapeutic diet

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Effects of LED treatments on the growth and nutritional content of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in a hydroponic vertical farming system
Mei Xin Koh & Ajit Singh

doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2023-0107

ABSTRACT

Introduction: LED-integrated hydroponic vertical farming system (HVFS) may address food security challenges arising from urbanisation, while antioxidants in vegetables may prevent cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to explore the LED effects on yield, antioxidant properties, and vitamin C content in Butterhead lettuce (BL) and Italian lettuce (IL).
Methods: Three LED combinations were used: 77% red, 14% green, and 9% blue lights (77R:14G:9B); 7% red, 41% green, and 52% blue lights (7R:41G:52B); and 25% red, 67% green, and 8% blue lights (25R:67G:8B). The concentration and pH of nutrient solution in HVFS ranged from 0.878-2.061ppm and 6.0-6.6, respectively, with a 12:12 light-dark cycle. Chlorophyll and anthocyanin contents were measured using chlorophyll and anthocyanin meters, respectively. Total phenolic and vitamin C content were measured using Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric assay. Total flavonoid and antioxidant activity were determined through aluminium chloride colorimetric assay and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) colorimetric assay, respectively. Completely randomised design was adapted with three replications.
Results: BL exhibited greater yield, anthocyanin and chlorophyll contents, while IL had higher vitamin C content. Significantly (p<0.001) higher yields were produced under 77R:14G:9B and 25R:67G:8B. Significantly higher phenolic (p<0.001) and flavonoid (p=0.003) contents were produced under 25R:67G:8B. Vitamin C was significantly (p=0.037) higher under 25R:67G:8B than 7R:41G:52B.
Conclusion: LED treatment with higher proportion of red light generated greater yield, whereas higher proportion of green light gave higher phenolic, flavonoids, and vitamin C accumulation. This study provided preliminary data on boosting crop yield and phytochemical contents, which may improve food self-production and population health.
Key words: antioxidant, butterhead, food security, phytochemicals, yield

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Effect of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) on Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, FGF21 gene expression, and liver histopathology in mice with low-protein diet
Rimonta Febby Gunanegara, Agung Dewanto & Sunarti

doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2024-0012

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The number of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in the intestine is influenced by diet. Gut microbiota and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) form a liver-gut axis that mediates the body’s response to protein restriction. Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea), which contains high levels of amino acids, has the potential to be a source of protein. This study aimed to determine the effect of Bambara groundnut on the number of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, FGF21 gene expression, and liver histopathology in mice fed with a low-protein diet.
Methods: A total of 25 mice were divided into five groups: normal protein diet (N), lowprotein diet (LP), and low-protein diet with supplementation of 100 g (LPLB), 200 g (LPMB), and 300 g (LPHB) of Bambara groundnut, respectively. After 2 months of intervention, mice were sacrificed, the number of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in the intestines and faeces, as well as FGF21 gene expression were analysed, while liver histopathology was visualised.
Results: Results showed that Bambara groundnut supplementation increased the growth of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, decreased FGF21 gene expression, and reduced liver inflammation caused by a lowprotein diet.
Conclusion: Bambara groundnut supplementation has the potential to increase the amount of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, decrease the expression of adaptive stress gene FGF21, and improve the degree of liver inflammation in a lowprotein diet.
Key words: Bacteroidetes, bambara groundnut, FGF21, Firmicutes, low-protein diet

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