Online First
SPECIAL INVITED REVIEW: Review of recommended energy and nutrient intake
values in Southeast Asian countries
E Siong Tee, Rodolfo F Florentino, Nalinee Chongviriyaphan, Hardinsyah
Ridwan, Mahenderan Appukutty & Truong Tuyet Mai
doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2023-29-2-rni-rda-sea-review
ABSTRACT
This review summarises the officially published recommended energy and nutrient intake values in five Southeast Asia (SEA) countries namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The background information, general approaches and references used for setting up recommendations and the recommended intakes levels for energy, protein, fat and carbohydrate, dietary fibre, sugars,14 vitamins and 15 minerals of these countries were tabulated and compared. The recommended intake values show remarkable similarities in terms of approaches and principles taken, as well as references used as the basis for the recommendations development and the application of the recommendations in respective country. There are nevertheless some differences in age groupings, reference height and weight used, as well as the final recommendations of the intake levels for some nutrients, after adjustment to suit local situations. All five countries had provided recommendations in terms of recommended nutrient intakes (RNI) or recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for almost all the nutrients. Due to the limited availability of local data and resources, countries in the region have referred to several references, including those from Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) consultation report and recommendations from research organisations in United States and Europe and adapted the values for local uses. Opportunities should be created to enable closer dialogue and collaboration regarding future developments in nutrient recommendations for populations in the region. These could include consideration of establishing more appropriate nutrient recommendations and the call for setting up harmonised approaches to establishing recommended nutrient intake values for the region.
Key words: nutrients, recommended energy intake, recommended nutrient intakes, Southeast Asia
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This review summarises the officially published recommended energy and nutrient intake values in five Southeast Asia (SEA) countries namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The background information, general approaches and references used for setting up recommendations and the recommended intakes levels for energy, protein, fat and carbohydrate, dietary fibre, sugars,14 vitamins and 15 minerals of these countries were tabulated and compared. The recommended intake values show remarkable similarities in terms of approaches and principles taken, as well as references used as the basis for the recommendations development and the application of the recommendations in respective country. There are nevertheless some differences in age groupings, reference height and weight used, as well as the final recommendations of the intake levels for some nutrients, after adjustment to suit local situations. All five countries had provided recommendations in terms of recommended nutrient intakes (RNI) or recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for almost all the nutrients. Due to the limited availability of local data and resources, countries in the region have referred to several references, including those from Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) consultation report and recommendations from research organisations in United States and Europe and adapted the values for local uses. Opportunities should be created to enable closer dialogue and collaboration regarding future developments in nutrient recommendations for populations in the region. These could include consideration of establishing more appropriate nutrient recommendations and the call for setting up harmonised approaches to establishing recommended nutrient intake values for the region.
Key words: nutrients, recommended energy intake, recommended nutrient intakes, Southeast Asia
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A bibliometric analysis of coconut sap research
Anis Fadhlina, Hassan I. Sheikh, Maryana Mohamad Nor, Noor Hafizoh
Saidan & Nurul Amira Zainurin
doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2022-0079
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Coconut sap is a sweet, fragrant liquid obtained from the inflorescence of coconut tree. In this study, a literature search was conducted using the Scopus database to study the trends of coconut sap research.
Methods: Data extracted from the Scopus database were analysed and visualised using VOSviewer to determine top authors, papers, countries, collaborations, and research areas. A total of 76 publications up to year 2021 were identified and refined using keywords of “coconut sap”, “coconut sugar”, “coconut inflorescence”, “coconut inflorescence sap”, “coconut neera”, and “Cocos nucifera”.
Results: Based on the analysis, research on coconut sap started in 1984, with a total of 53 authors, nine countries, and 12 sources that had published more than two documents. The analysis of countries and sources revealed that India and IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (EES) were the most prolific country and sources, respectively. The most influential document was on the chemical compositions and bacteriology of coconut sap. The results also showed that research on coconut sap was in the field of food processing during the early years, followed by fermentation, agriculture, and bacteriology of coconut sap. Research on coconut sap’s bacteriology started in 1986 and became a major interest, especially among high impact journals.
Conclusion: Overall, coconut sap is a potential target for the development of nutraceutical products, especially in the food and beverage industry.
Key words: bibliometric, coconut sap, nutraceutical
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Introduction: Coconut sap is a sweet, fragrant liquid obtained from the inflorescence of coconut tree. In this study, a literature search was conducted using the Scopus database to study the trends of coconut sap research.
Methods: Data extracted from the Scopus database were analysed and visualised using VOSviewer to determine top authors, papers, countries, collaborations, and research areas. A total of 76 publications up to year 2021 were identified and refined using keywords of “coconut sap”, “coconut sugar”, “coconut inflorescence”, “coconut inflorescence sap”, “coconut neera”, and “Cocos nucifera”.
Results: Based on the analysis, research on coconut sap started in 1984, with a total of 53 authors, nine countries, and 12 sources that had published more than two documents. The analysis of countries and sources revealed that India and IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (EES) were the most prolific country and sources, respectively. The most influential document was on the chemical compositions and bacteriology of coconut sap. The results also showed that research on coconut sap was in the field of food processing during the early years, followed by fermentation, agriculture, and bacteriology of coconut sap. Research on coconut sap’s bacteriology started in 1986 and became a major interest, especially among high impact journals.
Conclusion: Overall, coconut sap is a potential target for the development of nutraceutical products, especially in the food and beverage industry.
Key words: bibliometric, coconut sap, nutraceutical
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SHORT COMMUNICATION: Sugar craving and stress levels during different phases
of menstrual cycle among university students
Nor Azwani Mohd Shukri, Riyadhina Husniyati Syafie & Wan Fathin Fariza
Wan Mahmood
doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2022-0094
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The menstrual cycle in women is often associated with appetite control, mood, and behavioural changes due to hormonal imbalance. However, levels of sugar craving and stress during pre- and post-menstrual periods have not been thoroughly studied. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare levels of stress and sugar cravings during different phases of menstrual cycle among university students.
Methods: Participants aged 19–25 years were assessed for sugar craving and stress during pre- and post-menstrual periods. They were requested to fill out the Sugar Craving Assessment Tool (SCAT) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaires on the first day of menses (the pre-menses phase) by recalling how they felt throughout the past seven days. The participants completed the same set of questionnaires again two days after their menses ended (post-menses phase) by recalling how they felt within the previous two days.
Results: Ninety-three students participated in the study. Pre-menstrual SCAT score (40.0±19.6) was higher than post-menstrual SCAT score (32.1±19.4), t(91)=4.82, p<0.001. Mean PSS-10 score was also higher before menstruation (22.8±6.2) than after menstruation (17.5±6.1), t(91)=6.26, p<0.001. There was no significant difference in mean sugar craving scores of different stress categories, either during pre-menses [F(2,90)=1.39, p=0.256] or post-menses [F(2,90)=0.89, p=0.415].
Conclusion: The findings indicate that levels of sugar craving and stress were higher during pre-menstrual phase compared to post-menstrual phase in young adults. However, whether sugar cravings are linked to stress during the menstrual cycle is inconclusive and requires further investigation.
Key words: menstrual cycle, post-menses, pre-menses, stress, sugar cravings
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Introduction: The menstrual cycle in women is often associated with appetite control, mood, and behavioural changes due to hormonal imbalance. However, levels of sugar craving and stress during pre- and post-menstrual periods have not been thoroughly studied. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare levels of stress and sugar cravings during different phases of menstrual cycle among university students.
Methods: Participants aged 19–25 years were assessed for sugar craving and stress during pre- and post-menstrual periods. They were requested to fill out the Sugar Craving Assessment Tool (SCAT) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaires on the first day of menses (the pre-menses phase) by recalling how they felt throughout the past seven days. The participants completed the same set of questionnaires again two days after their menses ended (post-menses phase) by recalling how they felt within the previous two days.
Results: Ninety-three students participated in the study. Pre-menstrual SCAT score (40.0±19.6) was higher than post-menstrual SCAT score (32.1±19.4), t(91)=4.82, p<0.001. Mean PSS-10 score was also higher before menstruation (22.8±6.2) than after menstruation (17.5±6.1), t(91)=6.26, p<0.001. There was no significant difference in mean sugar craving scores of different stress categories, either during pre-menses [F(2,90)=1.39, p=0.256] or post-menses [F(2,90)=0.89, p=0.415].
Conclusion: The findings indicate that levels of sugar craving and stress were higher during pre-menstrual phase compared to post-menstrual phase in young adults. However, whether sugar cravings are linked to stress during the menstrual cycle is inconclusive and requires further investigation.
Key words: menstrual cycle, post-menses, pre-menses, stress, sugar cravings
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Access to and use of health information technology
among obese and non-obese Americans: Analysis of the
Health Information National Trends Survey data
Jacksaint Saintila, Cristian Ramos-Vera, Yaquelin E. Calizaya-Milla,
Veronica Ileana Hidalgo Villarreal, Antonio Serpa-Barrientos & Wilter C.
Morales-García
doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2022-0058
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Health information technology (HIT) is essential in the prevention, management, and treatment of obesity due to the medical data and information available to health care providers and patients. However, exploration of HIT access and use among obese individuals remains limited. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare access to and use of HIT among obese and non-obese Americans.
Methods: We considered cross-sectional secondary data from 3,865 United States adults that were collected through the Health Information National Trends Survey in 2020. Contingency tables were performed stratifying between men and women to assess whether they differed according to body mass index (BMI) levels with respect to HIT categories.
Results: Elevated BMI in women was associated with the use of a computer, smartphone, or other electronic device to e-mail or use the Internet to communicate with a doctor or a doctor’s office. In addition, elevated BMI in both genders was associated with sharing information from a smartphone/electronic device with a health professional. Finally, the use of an electronic device to monitor or track health or activity was found to be more prevalent among women with elevated BMI compared to those with normal BMI.
Conclusion: Future studies should expand research in terms of interventions linked to health information technology in adults with obesity by considering the gender factor. Moreover, the expansion of research into electronic health (eHealth) interventions is particularly important because it would favour the prevention, management, control, and treatment of obesity.
Key words: BMI, eHealth, obesity, smartphone, telemedicine
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Introduction: Health information technology (HIT) is essential in the prevention, management, and treatment of obesity due to the medical data and information available to health care providers and patients. However, exploration of HIT access and use among obese individuals remains limited. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare access to and use of HIT among obese and non-obese Americans.
Methods: We considered cross-sectional secondary data from 3,865 United States adults that were collected through the Health Information National Trends Survey in 2020. Contingency tables were performed stratifying between men and women to assess whether they differed according to body mass index (BMI) levels with respect to HIT categories.
Results: Elevated BMI in women was associated with the use of a computer, smartphone, or other electronic device to e-mail or use the Internet to communicate with a doctor or a doctor’s office. In addition, elevated BMI in both genders was associated with sharing information from a smartphone/electronic device with a health professional. Finally, the use of an electronic device to monitor or track health or activity was found to be more prevalent among women with elevated BMI compared to those with normal BMI.
Conclusion: Future studies should expand research in terms of interventions linked to health information technology in adults with obesity by considering the gender factor. Moreover, the expansion of research into electronic health (eHealth) interventions is particularly important because it would favour the prevention, management, control, and treatment of obesity.
Key words: BMI, eHealth, obesity, smartphone, telemedicine
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Malaysian Healthy Diet Online Survey (MHDOS): Study
rationale and methodology
Jyh Eiin Wong, Fui Chee Woon, Yit Siew Chin, Wai Siew Teh, Rusidah
Selamat, Ahmad Ali Zainuddin, Gilly A Hendrie & E Siong Tee
doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2022-0101
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Access to accurate and timely dietary information is of paramount importance in evaluating and developing well-targeted public health nutrition interventions. However, nationwide nutrition surveys are conducted infrequently because they are very costly to design, conduct and analyse. Dietary assessment tools, which are quick and cost- effective, are needed for population research and regular monitoring of Malaysians’ dietary habits. This paper describes the rationale and methodology of the Malaysian Healthy Diet Online Survey (MHDOS) project, which aims to bridge this knowledge gap on dietary intake of Malaysian adults. The main objective of the two-year project is to develop MHDOS as a valid tool to measure compliance with the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines 2020.
Methods: The MHDOS project has three study phases, namely (i) adaptation of an online survey and established diet quality scoring system for Malaysia, (ii) usability, validity and reliability testing of the online survey; and (iii) online survey administration in a nationwide study. The survey will be administered to approximately 10,000 Malaysian adults aged 18-59 years.
Discussion: MHDOS consists of 38 questions that measures the quantity, quality and variety of foods consumed. Individuals will receive a diet quality score that reflects their overall compliance with the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines and feedback on how to improve their scores. The findings of the online survey, which serve to complement information between larger surveys, will be useful to measure compliance of Malaysians to national dietary guidelines and inform public health interventions.
Key words: diet quality, dietary guidelines, online survey
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Introduction: Access to accurate and timely dietary information is of paramount importance in evaluating and developing well-targeted public health nutrition interventions. However, nationwide nutrition surveys are conducted infrequently because they are very costly to design, conduct and analyse. Dietary assessment tools, which are quick and cost- effective, are needed for population research and regular monitoring of Malaysians’ dietary habits. This paper describes the rationale and methodology of the Malaysian Healthy Diet Online Survey (MHDOS) project, which aims to bridge this knowledge gap on dietary intake of Malaysian adults. The main objective of the two-year project is to develop MHDOS as a valid tool to measure compliance with the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines 2020.
Methods: The MHDOS project has three study phases, namely (i) adaptation of an online survey and established diet quality scoring system for Malaysia, (ii) usability, validity and reliability testing of the online survey; and (iii) online survey administration in a nationwide study. The survey will be administered to approximately 10,000 Malaysian adults aged 18-59 years.
Discussion: MHDOS consists of 38 questions that measures the quantity, quality and variety of foods consumed. Individuals will receive a diet quality score that reflects their overall compliance with the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines and feedback on how to improve their scores. The findings of the online survey, which serve to complement information between larger surveys, will be useful to measure compliance of Malaysians to national dietary guidelines and inform public health interventions.
Key words: diet quality, dietary guidelines, online survey
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The influence of PROP taster status on habitual sweet
food consumption and dietary intake amongst obese
and non-obese adults
Ahmad Riduan Bahauddin, Zalilah Mohd Shariff, Nazamid Shaari & Roselina
Karim
doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2022-0103
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Ability to taste 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) predicts both taste sensitivity and food preferences, with PROP tasters being more sensitive to sweet taste in foods, which may lead to less intake of sugary foods. However, when obesity progresses, the individual’s sense of taste and eating patterns may change. The aim of this study was to evaluate if PROP taster status affected habitual sweet food consumption and nutritional intake in obese and non-obese people.
Methods: A total of 88 obese and 92 non-obese Malay male and female participants aged 20-45 years were classified into PROP non-tasters, medium tasters, or supertasters by using PROP filter paper screening procedure. Sweet food consumption was assessed using food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), while dietary intake was measured by using 3-day food diary. Data were analysed using General Linear Model (GLM) Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) to compare for differences and associations among variables.
Results: Overall, there was no significant association between body mass index groups and PROP taster status (p>0.05). No significant differences were found on any habitual sweet food intake and dietary intake according to PROP taster status in both obese and non-obese participants (p>0.05). However, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in fruit intake according to PROP taster status among obese participants.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that PROP taster status does not play a role in nutrient intakes among obese and non-obese individuals.
Key words: dietary intake, obesity, PROP taster status, sweet food consumption
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Introduction: Ability to taste 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) predicts both taste sensitivity and food preferences, with PROP tasters being more sensitive to sweet taste in foods, which may lead to less intake of sugary foods. However, when obesity progresses, the individual’s sense of taste and eating patterns may change. The aim of this study was to evaluate if PROP taster status affected habitual sweet food consumption and nutritional intake in obese and non-obese people.
Methods: A total of 88 obese and 92 non-obese Malay male and female participants aged 20-45 years were classified into PROP non-tasters, medium tasters, or supertasters by using PROP filter paper screening procedure. Sweet food consumption was assessed using food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), while dietary intake was measured by using 3-day food diary. Data were analysed using General Linear Model (GLM) Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) to compare for differences and associations among variables.
Results: Overall, there was no significant association between body mass index groups and PROP taster status (p>0.05). No significant differences were found on any habitual sweet food intake and dietary intake according to PROP taster status in both obese and non-obese participants (p>0.05). However, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in fruit intake according to PROP taster status among obese participants.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that PROP taster status does not play a role in nutrient intakes among obese and non-obese individuals.
Key words: dietary intake, obesity, PROP taster status, sweet food consumption
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Dietary supplement intakes among adults living in
Kota Kinabalu during the COVID-19 pandemic: A crosssectional
study
Fredrica Li Ling Vun, Yasmin Beng Houi Ooi & Ban-Hock Khor
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2022-0096
ABSTRACT
Introduction: During the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the public may seek a non-pharmacological approach, such as dietary supplements, to prevent or manage COVID-19. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the use of dietary supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic among adults in Kota Kinabalu.
Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 213 adults living in Kota Kinabalu through convenient sampling from October 2021 to March 2022. A validated questionnaire was used to evaluate their perception on the use of dietary supplements, and the types of dietary supplements consumed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results: One-hundred sixty-one (75.6%) adults reported that they were told to consume dietary supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily from close family members (64.0%) and social media (58.4%). One-hundred and thirty-two (62%) adults were consuming dietary supplements and 46 (34.8%) of them only started taking them during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reasons for taking dietary supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic included enhancing the immune system (83.6%) and for prevention of COVID-19 infection (64.4%). The most common dietary supplements consumed during the COVID-19 pandemic were vitamin C (90.2%), followed by multi-vitamin and mineral (32.6%), and fish oil (25.8%). After adjusting for age, sex, education level, and income level, Kadazan- Dusun adults were most likely to consume dietary supplements (adjusted odds ratio = 2.369, 95% CI: 1.070 - 5.248, p=0.034).
Conclusion: There was an increase in the number of adults consuming dietary supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was likely driven by information sharing via family members and social media.
Key words: COVID-19, dietary supplement, minerals, vitamins
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Introduction: During the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the public may seek a non-pharmacological approach, such as dietary supplements, to prevent or manage COVID-19. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the use of dietary supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic among adults in Kota Kinabalu.
Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 213 adults living in Kota Kinabalu through convenient sampling from October 2021 to March 2022. A validated questionnaire was used to evaluate their perception on the use of dietary supplements, and the types of dietary supplements consumed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results: One-hundred sixty-one (75.6%) adults reported that they were told to consume dietary supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily from close family members (64.0%) and social media (58.4%). One-hundred and thirty-two (62%) adults were consuming dietary supplements and 46 (34.8%) of them only started taking them during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reasons for taking dietary supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic included enhancing the immune system (83.6%) and for prevention of COVID-19 infection (64.4%). The most common dietary supplements consumed during the COVID-19 pandemic were vitamin C (90.2%), followed by multi-vitamin and mineral (32.6%), and fish oil (25.8%). After adjusting for age, sex, education level, and income level, Kadazan- Dusun adults were most likely to consume dietary supplements (adjusted odds ratio = 2.369, 95% CI: 1.070 - 5.248, p=0.034).
Conclusion: There was an increase in the number of adults consuming dietary supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was likely driven by information sharing via family members and social media.
Key words: COVID-19, dietary supplement, minerals, vitamins
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Binge eating disorder and food addiction occurrences
among adult Jordanian women with obesity
Zainab Zueter & Rima Hussein Mashal
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2022-0073
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The aim of the study was to estimate the occurrences of binge eating disorder (BED) and food addiction (FA) in Jordanian women with obesity and to explore their relationships with selected potential risk factors for obesity.
Methods: A descriptive case series design that involved a total of 842 women with obesity was conducted. The occurrences of BED and FA were evaluated using the Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns-5 (QEWP-5) and Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0).
Results: The overlapping of BED and FA (BED+FA) was the most frequent category constituting 53.7%. The second highest category was BED comprising 25.0%, followed by FA comprising 9.0%. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were significantly higher in the BED+FA group as compared to all other groups. The FA group (41.3%) had significantly the lowest level of sleeping hours. BED (58.0%) and BED+FA (66.1%) groups were significantly higher in consuming more than three snacks per day. BED and/or FA-free group had significantly higher level of water intake of >5 cups/day.
Conclusion: The frequencies of BED and FA were relatively high among obese Jordanian women. The study demonstrated an overlap between BED and FA, highlighting its associations with increased BMI and WC in a selected sample of obese women. The study suggested that BED, FA, and the overlapping of both conditions were associated with greater tendencies towards an unhealthy pattern of eating practices, fluid intake, and sleeping habits.
Key words: binge eating disorder, food addiction, obesity, women
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Introduction: The aim of the study was to estimate the occurrences of binge eating disorder (BED) and food addiction (FA) in Jordanian women with obesity and to explore their relationships with selected potential risk factors for obesity.
Methods: A descriptive case series design that involved a total of 842 women with obesity was conducted. The occurrences of BED and FA were evaluated using the Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns-5 (QEWP-5) and Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0).
Results: The overlapping of BED and FA (BED+FA) was the most frequent category constituting 53.7%. The second highest category was BED comprising 25.0%, followed by FA comprising 9.0%. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were significantly higher in the BED+FA group as compared to all other groups. The FA group (41.3%) had significantly the lowest level of sleeping hours. BED (58.0%) and BED+FA (66.1%) groups were significantly higher in consuming more than three snacks per day. BED and/or FA-free group had significantly higher level of water intake of >5 cups/day.
Conclusion: The frequencies of BED and FA were relatively high among obese Jordanian women. The study demonstrated an overlap between BED and FA, highlighting its associations with increased BMI and WC in a selected sample of obese women. The study suggested that BED, FA, and the overlapping of both conditions were associated with greater tendencies towards an unhealthy pattern of eating practices, fluid intake, and sleeping habits.
Key words: binge eating disorder, food addiction, obesity, women
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The influence of perceived value and gender on local
food consumption intentions in the northeastern
cluster of Thailand
Meesubthong Chatcharawan, Meesuptong Jaruporn & Udomsamuthirun
Pongkaew
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2022-0051
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Local food, which represents a country’s culture, can be gradually forgotten due to various factors. This study investigated the perceived value of local food and the influence of gender on consumer behaviour regarding the intention to eat local food.
Methods: A quantitative survey was conducted using random systematic sampling at a fixed periodic interval. A sample of 2,000 consumers from Thailand’s upper northeastern region was chosen. Structural equation modelling was used to assess the relationships between perceived value, attitude towards eating, and intention to eat.
Results: The relevant parameters identified the positive influence of perceived value and attitude towards eating behaviour on the intention to eat local food. The factor loading of attitude towards eating behaviour moderated the effect of the perceived value of local food on the intention to eat local food. Females had less perceived value for their intention to eat local food than males did.
Conclusion: The perceived value of local food had the greatest positive impact on attitude towards eating behaviour. Moreover, the difference in gender in the eating behaviour of local food showed that females were more likely to control their food consumption than males were. To increase the intention to eat local food, local food vendors should focus on factors that influence attitudes and use food storytelling to increase consumers’ awareness on the benefits of local food.
Key words: food consumption, gender, intention, local food, perceived value
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Introduction: Local food, which represents a country’s culture, can be gradually forgotten due to various factors. This study investigated the perceived value of local food and the influence of gender on consumer behaviour regarding the intention to eat local food.
Methods: A quantitative survey was conducted using random systematic sampling at a fixed periodic interval. A sample of 2,000 consumers from Thailand’s upper northeastern region was chosen. Structural equation modelling was used to assess the relationships between perceived value, attitude towards eating, and intention to eat.
Results: The relevant parameters identified the positive influence of perceived value and attitude towards eating behaviour on the intention to eat local food. The factor loading of attitude towards eating behaviour moderated the effect of the perceived value of local food on the intention to eat local food. Females had less perceived value for their intention to eat local food than males did.
Conclusion: The perceived value of local food had the greatest positive impact on attitude towards eating behaviour. Moreover, the difference in gender in the eating behaviour of local food showed that females were more likely to control their food consumption than males were. To increase the intention to eat local food, local food vendors should focus on factors that influence attitudes and use food storytelling to increase consumers’ awareness on the benefits of local food.
Key words: food consumption, gender, intention, local food, perceived value
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Effect of zinc and probiotics supplementation on IL-6
and tissue neutrophil levels in rats exposed to cigarette
smoke
Putu Gita Andryani, Endang Mahati, Kusmiyati Tjahjono, Yan Wisnu
Prajoko, Neni Susilaningsih & Hermawan Istiadi
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2022-0116
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Cigarette smoke exposure can cause inflammation, inducing the release of acute phase cytokines, such as IL-6, that will then trigger the recruitment of neutrophils, which are mostly phagocytic cells. Zinc and probiotics are known to have beneficial effects against inflammation. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of zinc and probiotics supplementation on IL-6 and tissue neutrophil levels in rats exposed to cigarette smoke.
Methods: In a randomised, experimental study with post-test control group design, thirty 2 to 3-month-old male Wistar rats, each weighing 180-220 g, were divided into five groups: control group without treatment (C); exposed to cigarette smoke [C (-)]; exposed to cigarette smoke and received zinc (Z); exposed to cigarette smoke and received probiotics (P); and exposed to cigarette smoke and received a combination of zinc and probiotics (ZP).
Results: Mean tissue neutrophil levels in Z, P, and ZP groups were 43.43±2.01, 34.67±1.32, and 29.77±5.05 cells, respectively. There were significant differences between supplementation intake and tissue neutrophil levels in each group compared to C (-) group (p<0.05). Meanwhile, only IL-6 level in the ZP group (6.02 pg/mL) decreased significantly compared to C (-) group (10.61 pg/mL).
Conclusion: These results suggest that a combination of zinc and probiotics have an anti-inflammatory effect as measured by IL-6 and neutrophil levels.
Key words: cigarette smoke, IL-6, neutrophils, probiotics, zinc
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Introduction: Cigarette smoke exposure can cause inflammation, inducing the release of acute phase cytokines, such as IL-6, that will then trigger the recruitment of neutrophils, which are mostly phagocytic cells. Zinc and probiotics are known to have beneficial effects against inflammation. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of zinc and probiotics supplementation on IL-6 and tissue neutrophil levels in rats exposed to cigarette smoke.
Methods: In a randomised, experimental study with post-test control group design, thirty 2 to 3-month-old male Wistar rats, each weighing 180-220 g, were divided into five groups: control group without treatment (C); exposed to cigarette smoke [C (-)]; exposed to cigarette smoke and received zinc (Z); exposed to cigarette smoke and received probiotics (P); and exposed to cigarette smoke and received a combination of zinc and probiotics (ZP).
Results: Mean tissue neutrophil levels in Z, P, and ZP groups were 43.43±2.01, 34.67±1.32, and 29.77±5.05 cells, respectively. There were significant differences between supplementation intake and tissue neutrophil levels in each group compared to C (-) group (p<0.05). Meanwhile, only IL-6 level in the ZP group (6.02 pg/mL) decreased significantly compared to C (-) group (10.61 pg/mL).
Conclusion: These results suggest that a combination of zinc and probiotics have an anti-inflammatory effect as measured by IL-6 and neutrophil levels.
Key words: cigarette smoke, IL-6, neutrophils, probiotics, zinc
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Assessment of skipping breakfast at home among
adolescent school students in Badia Region, Jordan
Amani Masalha, Mohammad S ALBashtawy, Mohammad N Alshloul, Nisren
Abu Baker, Shereen Hamadneh, Abdullah Alkhawaldeh, Mohammed S
Alyahya, Ma’en Aljezawi, Asem Abdalrahim, Mohammad Suliman & Doha M
Alshloul
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2022-0121
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Healthy meals play an essential role in the healthy physical and mental development of adolescents. Breakfast at home is associated with improved nutritional choices, and skipping breakfast is detrimental. This study assessed prevalence of skipping breakfast at home among adolescent students in the Badia Region of Jordan, identifying the reasons and characteristics associated with such behavioural choice.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey among adolescent students (aged 13-16 years, in 8th-9th grades) from six public schools in Badia Region, Mafraq Governorate, Jordan, was conducted through self-administered questionnaire from February to March 2022.
Results: Results showed that 68.1% of 552 student participants regularly skipped breakfast at home (72.4% boys vs. 61.3% girls; p=0.007). Among those who regularly skipped breakfast, three main rationales for this choice were not feeling hungry (5.3%), lack of time (2.7%), and lack of appetite (3.5%).
Conclusion: The prevalence of skipping breakfast at home among adolescents in Badia Region was high for various reasons, including lack of time, not feeling hungry, seeking to manage weight, and insufficient knowledge on the importance of healthy breakfast. Therefore, understanding the reasons and factors that contribute towards breakfast skipping may help in solving the problem, underscoring that positive beliefs should be reinforced in schools, with parents encouraging adolescents to eat healthy breakfast.
Key words: adolescence, Badia region, breakfast consumption, Jordan, skipping breakfast
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Introduction: Healthy meals play an essential role in the healthy physical and mental development of adolescents. Breakfast at home is associated with improved nutritional choices, and skipping breakfast is detrimental. This study assessed prevalence of skipping breakfast at home among adolescent students in the Badia Region of Jordan, identifying the reasons and characteristics associated with such behavioural choice.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey among adolescent students (aged 13-16 years, in 8th-9th grades) from six public schools in Badia Region, Mafraq Governorate, Jordan, was conducted through self-administered questionnaire from February to March 2022.
Results: Results showed that 68.1% of 552 student participants regularly skipped breakfast at home (72.4% boys vs. 61.3% girls; p=0.007). Among those who regularly skipped breakfast, three main rationales for this choice were not feeling hungry (5.3%), lack of time (2.7%), and lack of appetite (3.5%).
Conclusion: The prevalence of skipping breakfast at home among adolescents in Badia Region was high for various reasons, including lack of time, not feeling hungry, seeking to manage weight, and insufficient knowledge on the importance of healthy breakfast. Therefore, understanding the reasons and factors that contribute towards breakfast skipping may help in solving the problem, underscoring that positive beliefs should be reinforced in schools, with parents encouraging adolescents to eat healthy breakfast.
Key words: adolescence, Badia region, breakfast consumption, Jordan, skipping breakfast
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Acceptance and effectiveness of the Healthier Choice
Logo (HCL) among food industries in Malaysia
Fatimah Sulong, Nazli Suhardi Ibrahim, Nursyukrina Muhamad Norrahim,
Laila Hawariy Abd Aziz, Nur Izzati Aina Ahmad Zawawi & Norazmir Md Nor
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2022-0137
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The Healthier Choice Logo (HCL) was introduced in 2017 by the Ministry of Health Malaysia. This paper analysed acceptance of HCL, effectiveness of HCL in encouraging healthier product reformulation, and factors affecting reformulation among food industries.
Methods: An online self-administered questionnaire consisting of four sections utilising multiple choice and 5-point Likert scale questions was distributed to food industries in Malaysia. Sample size calculation yielded 100 respondents. R
Results: Food industries had a higher acceptance of the processes and requirements involved in HCL implementation. HCL was highly effective in encouraging product reformulation among food industries in Malaysia. Meeting consumer demand, improving brand image, public health, more awareness around nutrition labelling, logo and national nutrition target, more technical knowledge and budget were found to motivate healthier product reformulation. However, product suitability, consumer acceptability, difficulties maintaining taste and shelf life, and limited budget were the challenges faced in product reformulation. There was no correlation between HCL acceptance and factors encouraging or inhibiting reformulation.
Conclusion: These findings are expected to help relevant authorities or stakeholders make changes, if necessary, towards processes and requirements involved in HCL application to ensure wider HCL implementation. Future research should identify the relationship between HCL implementation and public health improvement among the Malaysian population.
Key words: consumer, food industries, food label, healthier choice logo
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Introduction: The Healthier Choice Logo (HCL) was introduced in 2017 by the Ministry of Health Malaysia. This paper analysed acceptance of HCL, effectiveness of HCL in encouraging healthier product reformulation, and factors affecting reformulation among food industries.
Methods: An online self-administered questionnaire consisting of four sections utilising multiple choice and 5-point Likert scale questions was distributed to food industries in Malaysia. Sample size calculation yielded 100 respondents. R
Results: Food industries had a higher acceptance of the processes and requirements involved in HCL implementation. HCL was highly effective in encouraging product reformulation among food industries in Malaysia. Meeting consumer demand, improving brand image, public health, more awareness around nutrition labelling, logo and national nutrition target, more technical knowledge and budget were found to motivate healthier product reformulation. However, product suitability, consumer acceptability, difficulties maintaining taste and shelf life, and limited budget were the challenges faced in product reformulation. There was no correlation between HCL acceptance and factors encouraging or inhibiting reformulation.
Conclusion: These findings are expected to help relevant authorities or stakeholders make changes, if necessary, towards processes and requirements involved in HCL application to ensure wider HCL implementation. Future research should identify the relationship between HCL implementation and public health improvement among the Malaysian population.
Key words: consumer, food industries, food label, healthier choice logo
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