MJN 2012 Issues
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
Volume 18 No.1, 2012
Table of Content
Original Articles
Dietary Diversity Is Associated with Nutritional Status of Orang Asli Children in Krau Wildlife Reserve, Pahang
Chua EY, Zalilah MS, Chin YS & Norhasmah S
ABSTRACT
Introduction: It is known that dietary diversity improves diet quality and nutritional status of young children. This study aimed to determine the relationship between dietary diversity and nutritional status of Orang Asli children in Krau Wildlife Reserve.
Methods: A total of 216 children from three Orang Asli sub-tribes (Jah Hut, Temuan and Che Wong) aged 1 to 6 years from 162 households in 16 villages participated in this cross-sectional study. Children and mothers were measured for body weight and height. Mothers were interviewed for household socio-demographic information and diet diversity of children in the last 7 days. Diet diversity score (DDS) was calculated based on 15 food groups.
Results: There was a high prevalence of underweight (50.9%) and stunting (61.6%) in Orang Asli children. For mothers, 11.1%, 27.8% and 7.4% were underweight, overweight and obese, respectively. Mean DDS of children was 6.38 [95% CI-6.10, 6.65] of the possible 15. Higher DDS of children was significantly related to older age (p<0.05), the non Jahut sub-tribe (p<0.01) and longer maternal years of schooling (p<0.05). DDS was also positively related to weight-for-age z-scores (p<0.001) and height-for-age z-scores (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Undernutrition remains a major nutrition problem among Orang Asli children living within the forest reserve. Efforts to promote dietary diversity should emphasise traditional and nutritious foods that could improve health and nutritional status of the Orang Asli children.
Key words: Dietary diversity, growth, Krau Wildlife Reserve Orang Asli, preschoolers
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Introduction: It is known that dietary diversity improves diet quality and nutritional status of young children. This study aimed to determine the relationship between dietary diversity and nutritional status of Orang Asli children in Krau Wildlife Reserve.
Methods: A total of 216 children from three Orang Asli sub-tribes (Jah Hut, Temuan and Che Wong) aged 1 to 6 years from 162 households in 16 villages participated in this cross-sectional study. Children and mothers were measured for body weight and height. Mothers were interviewed for household socio-demographic information and diet diversity of children in the last 7 days. Diet diversity score (DDS) was calculated based on 15 food groups.
Results: There was a high prevalence of underweight (50.9%) and stunting (61.6%) in Orang Asli children. For mothers, 11.1%, 27.8% and 7.4% were underweight, overweight and obese, respectively. Mean DDS of children was 6.38 [95% CI-6.10, 6.65] of the possible 15. Higher DDS of children was significantly related to older age (p<0.05), the non Jahut sub-tribe (p<0.01) and longer maternal years of schooling (p<0.05). DDS was also positively related to weight-for-age z-scores (p<0.001) and height-for-age z-scores (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Undernutrition remains a major nutrition problem among Orang Asli children living within the forest reserve. Efforts to promote dietary diversity should emphasise traditional and nutritious foods that could improve health and nutritional status of the Orang Asli children.
Key words: Dietary diversity, growth, Krau Wildlife Reserve Orang Asli, preschoolers
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Perceptions and Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Malay Women in Kelantan, Malaysia: A Qualitative Approach
Tengku Alina TI, Wan Abdul Manan WM, Zaharah S, Rohana AJ & Nik Normanieza NM
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Despite evidence from various studies on exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) being bestfor infants, many women do not or are unable to practise EBF. This study aimed to examine perceptions on EBF and its influencing factors among a sample of Malay women in rural and urban areas in Kelantan, Malaysia.
Methods: A qualitative study using in-depth interviews was conducted to examine respondents’ views about EBF including their beliefs, experiences and feelings. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, followed by discussion and identification of emergent concepts.
Results: Data saturation was achieved after interviewing a total of 30 women. The mean age of the women was about 30 years with most having at least secondary level schooling; the majority were working women. Thirteen of the 30 women practised EBF. They believed breastfeeding allowed them to fulfill their reproductive role and regarded it as a gift from God. The practice required sacrifice, and was therefore associated with a combination of positive and negative feelings. Differing opinions surfaced with regard to belief in the superiority of breastfeeding and feasibility of practice. Many women accepted breastfeeding practice but found it challenging to practise EBF especially when confronted with low milk production, perceived low nutritional quality breast milk, and work commitments.
Conclusion: Women should be educated on the importance of EBF with regard to the nutritional adequacy of breast milk and long term benefits for mother and children.
Key words: Exclusive breastfeeding, formula milk, perceptions on breastfeeding
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Introduction: Despite evidence from various studies on exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) being bestfor infants, many women do not or are unable to practise EBF. This study aimed to examine perceptions on EBF and its influencing factors among a sample of Malay women in rural and urban areas in Kelantan, Malaysia.
Methods: A qualitative study using in-depth interviews was conducted to examine respondents’ views about EBF including their beliefs, experiences and feelings. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, followed by discussion and identification of emergent concepts.
Results: Data saturation was achieved after interviewing a total of 30 women. The mean age of the women was about 30 years with most having at least secondary level schooling; the majority were working women. Thirteen of the 30 women practised EBF. They believed breastfeeding allowed them to fulfill their reproductive role and regarded it as a gift from God. The practice required sacrifice, and was therefore associated with a combination of positive and negative feelings. Differing opinions surfaced with regard to belief in the superiority of breastfeeding and feasibility of practice. Many women accepted breastfeeding practice but found it challenging to practise EBF especially when confronted with low milk production, perceived low nutritional quality breast milk, and work commitments.
Conclusion: Women should be educated on the importance of EBF with regard to the nutritional adequacy of breast milk and long term benefits for mother and children.
Key words: Exclusive breastfeeding, formula milk, perceptions on breastfeeding
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Overweight and Obesity among Malay Primary School Children in Kota Bharu, Kelantan: Parental Beliefs, Attitudes and Child Feeding Practices
Wan Abdul Manan WM, Norazawati AK & Lee YY
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among children has become a major public health problem in Malaysia. Parents play an important role in child feeding especially among younger children.
Methods: A study was conducted to evaluate the beliefs, attitudes and practices in child feeding among parents of normal weight, as well as overweight and obese primary school children in Kelantan using the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ). This cross-sectional study was carried out on 175 Malay children from three schools in Kota Bharu district in Kelantan.
Results: This study showed that 13.1% of the children were overweight and obese. Scores for perceived parent weight (p<0.05) and perceived child weight (p<0.001) were significantly higher among parents of overweight and obese children compared to parents of children with normal body weight. However, the score for pressure to eat among parents of overweight and obese children was significantly lower (p<0.05) than parents of normal weight children. The perceived child weight (r=0.468, p<0.01), perceived parental weight (r=0.190, p<0.05) and food restriction (r=0.179, p<0.05) factors were found to be positively correlated with children’s body mass index (BMI), whereas pressure to eat factor (r=-0.355, p<0.01) was negatively correlated with children’s body mass index (BMI).
Conclusion: The findings showed that parental feeding practices were linked to children’s weight status and childhood obesity. Therefore parents should be given education and guidance on appropriate child feeding practices to maintain their child’s nutritional status on a healthy weight range.
Key words: Child feeding practices, obesity, school children
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Introduction: The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among children has become a major public health problem in Malaysia. Parents play an important role in child feeding especially among younger children.
Methods: A study was conducted to evaluate the beliefs, attitudes and practices in child feeding among parents of normal weight, as well as overweight and obese primary school children in Kelantan using the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ). This cross-sectional study was carried out on 175 Malay children from three schools in Kota Bharu district in Kelantan.
Results: This study showed that 13.1% of the children were overweight and obese. Scores for perceived parent weight (p<0.05) and perceived child weight (p<0.001) were significantly higher among parents of overweight and obese children compared to parents of children with normal body weight. However, the score for pressure to eat among parents of overweight and obese children was significantly lower (p<0.05) than parents of normal weight children. The perceived child weight (r=0.468, p<0.01), perceived parental weight (r=0.190, p<0.05) and food restriction (r=0.179, p<0.05) factors were found to be positively correlated with children’s body mass index (BMI), whereas pressure to eat factor (r=-0.355, p<0.01) was negatively correlated with children’s body mass index (BMI).
Conclusion: The findings showed that parental feeding practices were linked to children’s weight status and childhood obesity. Therefore parents should be given education and guidance on appropriate child feeding practices to maintain their child’s nutritional status on a healthy weight range.
Key words: Child feeding practices, obesity, school children
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Evaluation of Shellfish Consumption in Nha Trang City, Southern Coastal Vietnam
Nguyen TA, Picot C, Tran TL, Carpentier F-G, Roudot A-C & Parent-Massin D
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Shellfish consumption may be a significant pathway to food contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides and phycotoxins. Currently, little information exists about consumption of shellfish in Vietnam. Such data could be of interest in terms of nutritional value or risk assessment.
Methods: Consumption of shellfish was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and validated by a 7-day recall method. Approximately 1% of the city population of Nha Trang was selected yielding a final sample of 440 participants. The participants were above 18 years of age, in apparently good health and were shellfish consumers.
Results: In South coastal Vietnam, the types of shellfish most consumed are green mussel, squid, crab and shrimp. The mean consumption rates of the bivalves, crustaceans, gastropods, cephalopods, echinoderms and all shellfish combined were 39.3, 20.9, 16.4, 11.2, 0.3 and 88.1 g/person/day, respectively. The consumption rate was slightly higher in the age group of 30-54 years, than in the younger (18-29 years) and older (55 years and above) age groups. Shellfish is essentially purchased in the markets and temporary markets, and mostly consumed during the dry season.
Conclusion: Shellfish consumption in the Southern coastal region of Vietnam is high compared to consumption levels in other countries; it is also high compared to consumption levels of Vietnamese emigrants. Such data may be useful for further investigation on nutrition perspectives and in term of risk assessment of shellfish contaminants.
Key words: Food frequency questionnaire, shellfish consumption, Vietnam
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Introduction: Shellfish consumption may be a significant pathway to food contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides and phycotoxins. Currently, little information exists about consumption of shellfish in Vietnam. Such data could be of interest in terms of nutritional value or risk assessment.
Methods: Consumption of shellfish was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and validated by a 7-day recall method. Approximately 1% of the city population of Nha Trang was selected yielding a final sample of 440 participants. The participants were above 18 years of age, in apparently good health and were shellfish consumers.
Results: In South coastal Vietnam, the types of shellfish most consumed are green mussel, squid, crab and shrimp. The mean consumption rates of the bivalves, crustaceans, gastropods, cephalopods, echinoderms and all shellfish combined were 39.3, 20.9, 16.4, 11.2, 0.3 and 88.1 g/person/day, respectively. The consumption rate was slightly higher in the age group of 30-54 years, than in the younger (18-29 years) and older (55 years and above) age groups. Shellfish is essentially purchased in the markets and temporary markets, and mostly consumed during the dry season.
Conclusion: Shellfish consumption in the Southern coastal region of Vietnam is high compared to consumption levels in other countries; it is also high compared to consumption levels of Vietnamese emigrants. Such data may be useful for further investigation on nutrition perspectives and in term of risk assessment of shellfish contaminants.
Key words: Food frequency questionnaire, shellfish consumption, Vietnam
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Parental Concerns and Control in Feeding of 9 to 12-Year-Old Children in a Primary School in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Noor Azimah M, Leelavathi M, Shamsul Azhar S, Hizlinda T, Khairani O & Fatimah A
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Body weight of children is affected by many factors including food habits which are influenced by their parents. Studies in the West have shown that parents tend to control child feeding in response to their child’s weight status. The aim of this study was to assess Malaysian parental concerns about child weight and the control they exert on child feeding.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on parents and their children aged 9 to 12 years from a primary school in Kuala Lumpur. The weight status of the children was classified according to the body mass index-for-age growth chart. Parental concerns about child weight and control in child feeding was assessed using the adapted Malay version of Child Feeding Questionnaire.
Results: A total of 204 parents participated in this study. The study found that being a female served as a protective factor against becoming overweight (OR:0.28, CI:0.13-0.62). Parents with overweight children were significantly older (OR:1.08, CI:1.01-1.15), concerned about their child’s weight (OR:2.77, CI:1.49-5.12) and controlled their child’s feeding by restricting food intake(OR:2.70, CI:1.30-5.60). They were less likely to pressure their children to eat (OR:0.32, CI:0.19-0.56). Parents from the low income group were more likely to have underweight children (OR: 4.15, CI:1.28-13.47).
Conclusion: There was significant difference in level of parental concern across differing child weight status. Parents with overweight children were likely to be more concerned about their child’s weight, tending to control their feeding. In contrast, parents with underweight children did not exert control on their feeding.
Key words: Body weight, child, food habit, nutrition, parents
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Introduction: Body weight of children is affected by many factors including food habits which are influenced by their parents. Studies in the West have shown that parents tend to control child feeding in response to their child’s weight status. The aim of this study was to assess Malaysian parental concerns about child weight and the control they exert on child feeding.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on parents and their children aged 9 to 12 years from a primary school in Kuala Lumpur. The weight status of the children was classified according to the body mass index-for-age growth chart. Parental concerns about child weight and control in child feeding was assessed using the adapted Malay version of Child Feeding Questionnaire.
Results: A total of 204 parents participated in this study. The study found that being a female served as a protective factor against becoming overweight (OR:0.28, CI:0.13-0.62). Parents with overweight children were significantly older (OR:1.08, CI:1.01-1.15), concerned about their child’s weight (OR:2.77, CI:1.49-5.12) and controlled their child’s feeding by restricting food intake(OR:2.70, CI:1.30-5.60). They were less likely to pressure their children to eat (OR:0.32, CI:0.19-0.56). Parents from the low income group were more likely to have underweight children (OR: 4.15, CI:1.28-13.47).
Conclusion: There was significant difference in level of parental concern across differing child weight status. Parents with overweight children were likely to be more concerned about their child’s weight, tending to control their feeding. In contrast, parents with underweight children did not exert control on their feeding.
Key words: Body weight, child, food habit, nutrition, parents
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Accelerometer-Determined Physical Activity Level among Government Employees in Penang, Malaysia
Hazizi AS, Aina Mardiah B, Mohd Nasir MT, Zaitun Y, Hamid Jan JM & Tabata I
ABSTRACT
Introduction: A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate accelerometer-determined physical activity level of 233 Malay government employees (104 men, 129 women) working in the Federal Government Building Penang,Malaysia.
Methods: Body weight, height, waist and hip circumference, body fat percentage and blood pressure were measured for each respondent. All the respondents were asked to wear an accelerometer for 3 days. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) were calculated using a standard formulas. Fasting blood sample was obtained to determine the lipid profile and glucose levels of the respondents.
Results: Based on the accelerometer-determined physical activity level, almost 65% of the respondents were categorised as sedentary. Approximately 50.2% of the respondents were overweight or obese. There were negative but significant relationships between body mass index (BMI) (r=-0.353, p<0.05), body fat percentage (r=-0.394, p<0.05), waist circumference (WC) (r=-0.198, p<0.05) and physical activity level. Sedentary individuals had a higher risk than moderate to active individuals of having a BMI more than or equal to 25 kg/m2 (OR= 2.80, 95% CI 1.55-5.05), an-risk classified WC (OR= 1.79, 95% CI 1.01-3.20), and a body fat percentage classified as unhealthy (OR= 3.01, 95% CI 1.41-6.44).
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that accelerometer-determined physical activity level is a significant factor associated with obesity in this study. The high prevalence of physical inactivity and obesity found among respondents of this study indicate a need for implementing intervention programmes among this population.
Key words: Accelerometer, Malaysian adults, obesity, physical activity level
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Introduction: A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate accelerometer-determined physical activity level of 233 Malay government employees (104 men, 129 women) working in the Federal Government Building Penang,Malaysia.
Methods: Body weight, height, waist and hip circumference, body fat percentage and blood pressure were measured for each respondent. All the respondents were asked to wear an accelerometer for 3 days. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) were calculated using a standard formulas. Fasting blood sample was obtained to determine the lipid profile and glucose levels of the respondents.
Results: Based on the accelerometer-determined physical activity level, almost 65% of the respondents were categorised as sedentary. Approximately 50.2% of the respondents were overweight or obese. There were negative but significant relationships between body mass index (BMI) (r=-0.353, p<0.05), body fat percentage (r=-0.394, p<0.05), waist circumference (WC) (r=-0.198, p<0.05) and physical activity level. Sedentary individuals had a higher risk than moderate to active individuals of having a BMI more than or equal to 25 kg/m2 (OR= 2.80, 95% CI 1.55-5.05), an-risk classified WC (OR= 1.79, 95% CI 1.01-3.20), and a body fat percentage classified as unhealthy (OR= 3.01, 95% CI 1.41-6.44).
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that accelerometer-determined physical activity level is a significant factor associated with obesity in this study. The high prevalence of physical inactivity and obesity found among respondents of this study indicate a need for implementing intervention programmes among this population.
Key words: Accelerometer, Malaysian adults, obesity, physical activity level
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Acceptance of a Test Vegetable after Repeated Exposures among Preschoolers
Noradilah MJ & Zahara AM
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Low vegetable consumption in children is always a matter of concern. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of multiple exposures on acceptance of a test vegetable among preschoolers aged 6 years.
Methods: This study was conducted in two phases. The first phase was a cross-sectional study among 68 Malay children (37 boys; 31 girls) from 6 kindergartens in Muar, Johor. This phase was aimed at determining the selection of the most suitable vegetable as the test vegetable. Data on demographics, usual preparation methods of vegetables, frequency of vegetables served and consumed by the children at home and parents’ perception of the children’s liking towards vegetables were obtained through the questionnaire. In phase 2, 42 preschoolers (20 boys; 22 girls) from 3 kindergartens from phase 1 were randomly selected. Meals consisting of the test vegetable,that is, round cabbage were provided to the children during lunch time at the kindergartens for 3 days consecutively. Thirty-six grams of stir-fried cabbage was served each time and the leftover was weighed.
Results: There was a significant increase in intake of the test vegetable from first day (21.58±9.55 g) to the third day of exposure (28.26±8.35 g), z = -3.317, p=0.002. Based on feedback from the parents, the level of liking towards the test vegetable was significantly increased after the intervention (p=0.038).
Conclusion: It is suggested that multiple exposures to vegetables could be a strategy to increase consumption of vegetables among preschoolers.
Key words: Intervention, multiple exposure, preference, preschoolers, vegetables
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Introduction: Low vegetable consumption in children is always a matter of concern. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of multiple exposures on acceptance of a test vegetable among preschoolers aged 6 years.
Methods: This study was conducted in two phases. The first phase was a cross-sectional study among 68 Malay children (37 boys; 31 girls) from 6 kindergartens in Muar, Johor. This phase was aimed at determining the selection of the most suitable vegetable as the test vegetable. Data on demographics, usual preparation methods of vegetables, frequency of vegetables served and consumed by the children at home and parents’ perception of the children’s liking towards vegetables were obtained through the questionnaire. In phase 2, 42 preschoolers (20 boys; 22 girls) from 3 kindergartens from phase 1 were randomly selected. Meals consisting of the test vegetable,that is, round cabbage were provided to the children during lunch time at the kindergartens for 3 days consecutively. Thirty-six grams of stir-fried cabbage was served each time and the leftover was weighed.
Results: There was a significant increase in intake of the test vegetable from first day (21.58±9.55 g) to the third day of exposure (28.26±8.35 g), z = -3.317, p=0.002. Based on feedback from the parents, the level of liking towards the test vegetable was significantly increased after the intervention (p=0.038).
Conclusion: It is suggested that multiple exposures to vegetables could be a strategy to increase consumption of vegetables among preschoolers.
Key words: Intervention, multiple exposure, preference, preschoolers, vegetables
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Non-Cereal Food Consumption, Food Insecurity and Nutritional Status of Children and Mothers: A Case Study in Bangladesh
Rabiul Islam GM, Jahangir Alam M & Buysse J
ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of food insecurity derived from non-cereal food consumption on nutritional status of children and mothers in a poverty-prone region in Bangladesh.
Methods: Data from the Bangladesh Nutritional Surveillance Project, 2005 of Helen Keller International were used to relate non-cereal food consumption and household food insecurity to nutritional status of children and their mothers. Multiple regressions were used to determine the association between the nutritional outcomes and the explanatory variables. In the case of binary and multi-level outcomes, logistic regressions were used as well.
Results: Non-cereal dietary diversity was found to have little predictive power on BMI and MUAC of mothers and on the nutritional status of the children. Maternal education is strongly associated with mothers’ and children’s nutritional status.
Conclusion: Dietary diversity based on non-cereal food consumption can be a useful tool to investigate the nutritional status of poor households, but more studies are needed to verify these findings.
Key words: Bangladesh, children and mothers, food insecurity, non-cereal food consumption, nutritional status
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Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of food insecurity derived from non-cereal food consumption on nutritional status of children and mothers in a poverty-prone region in Bangladesh.
Methods: Data from the Bangladesh Nutritional Surveillance Project, 2005 of Helen Keller International were used to relate non-cereal food consumption and household food insecurity to nutritional status of children and their mothers. Multiple regressions were used to determine the association between the nutritional outcomes and the explanatory variables. In the case of binary and multi-level outcomes, logistic regressions were used as well.
Results: Non-cereal dietary diversity was found to have little predictive power on BMI and MUAC of mothers and on the nutritional status of the children. Maternal education is strongly associated with mothers’ and children’s nutritional status.
Conclusion: Dietary diversity based on non-cereal food consumption can be a useful tool to investigate the nutritional status of poor households, but more studies are needed to verify these findings.
Key words: Bangladesh, children and mothers, food insecurity, non-cereal food consumption, nutritional status
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Evaluation of Composite Millet Breads for Sensory and Nutritional Qualities and Glycemic Response
Chhavi A & Sarita S
ABSTRACT
Introduction: This study was undertaken with the objectives of formulating composite bread by utilising finger millet flour and foxtail millet flour and further to evaluate these breads for sensory, nutritional qualities, and glycemic response.
Methods: Two genotypes of finger millet VL-146 and PRM-601 and one local cultivar of foxtail millet were studied. The finger millet flour (FMF) and foxtail millet flour (FTF) were individually blended in various proportions (30 to 60%) into refined wheat flour (RWF). These blends were then used in the preparation of composite breads. The refined wheat flour bread (RWF) served as the control. One bread from each millet flour blend was selected finally for further investigation on the basis of sensory scores.
Results: As the 30% millet flour substitution was most preferred among the three millet samples, it was selected for further evaluation. Nutrient composition of the selected breads showed that composite bread formulated using FTF showed significantly higher crude protein, crude fat, total ash, phosphorus and insoluble dietary fibre. The composite bread formulated using FMF contained significantly higher calcium, soluble dietary fibre, tannin and phytic acid. However, the control (RWF) bread contained significantly higher carbohydrate, physiological energy and starch. The lowest value for glycemic index among the breads was observed for bread containing FMF from genotype VL- 146 (41.43), followed by bread containing FMF from the genotype PRM- 601 (43.10), bread containing FTF (49.53) and control bread (67.82).
Conclusion: Millet flour incorporated breads had low glycemic indices and were acceptable and nutritious.
Key words: Composite bread, glycemic index, millet
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Introduction: This study was undertaken with the objectives of formulating composite bread by utilising finger millet flour and foxtail millet flour and further to evaluate these breads for sensory, nutritional qualities, and glycemic response.
Methods: Two genotypes of finger millet VL-146 and PRM-601 and one local cultivar of foxtail millet were studied. The finger millet flour (FMF) and foxtail millet flour (FTF) were individually blended in various proportions (30 to 60%) into refined wheat flour (RWF). These blends were then used in the preparation of composite breads. The refined wheat flour bread (RWF) served as the control. One bread from each millet flour blend was selected finally for further investigation on the basis of sensory scores.
Results: As the 30% millet flour substitution was most preferred among the three millet samples, it was selected for further evaluation. Nutrient composition of the selected breads showed that composite bread formulated using FTF showed significantly higher crude protein, crude fat, total ash, phosphorus and insoluble dietary fibre. The composite bread formulated using FMF contained significantly higher calcium, soluble dietary fibre, tannin and phytic acid. However, the control (RWF) bread contained significantly higher carbohydrate, physiological energy and starch. The lowest value for glycemic index among the breads was observed for bread containing FMF from genotype VL- 146 (41.43), followed by bread containing FMF from the genotype PRM- 601 (43.10), bread containing FTF (49.53) and control bread (67.82).
Conclusion: Millet flour incorporated breads had low glycemic indices and were acceptable and nutritious.
Key words: Composite bread, glycemic index, millet
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Review
The Importance of Breastfeeding in Rotaviral Diarrhoeas
Prameela KK & Vijaya LR
ABSTRACT
Globally, rotaviral vaccines in use today have contributed to the reduction of the incidence of rotaviral diarrhoeas. Despite the substantial protection conferred by the current vaccines against the rotaviral strains, it is only prudent to recognise that other protective factors, like breastfeeding, also provide some degree of protection against this disease. This article has attempted to review some important mechanisms of protection in breast milk against the rotaviruses and highlight the oft forgotten non-immunoglobulin fraction in breast milk as an additional tool of protection against rotavirus disease. The adaptive capacity of breast milk to environment is another compelling reason to continue breastfeeding as it can usefully complement and be significant in the use of many vaccines. Vital immunoprotective constituents in breast milk beneficially protect the infant by initiating and strengthening many immune responses and should be borne in mind as essential tools of defence even in an era where vaccines play a pivotal role in the combat against certain diseases. It is impressive that besides nutritive advantages, the suckling infant enjoys appreciable immunoprotection via exclusive breastfeeding.
Key words: Breastfeeding, rotavirus, vaccines, immunoprotection
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Globally, rotaviral vaccines in use today have contributed to the reduction of the incidence of rotaviral diarrhoeas. Despite the substantial protection conferred by the current vaccines against the rotaviral strains, it is only prudent to recognise that other protective factors, like breastfeeding, also provide some degree of protection against this disease. This article has attempted to review some important mechanisms of protection in breast milk against the rotaviruses and highlight the oft forgotten non-immunoglobulin fraction in breast milk as an additional tool of protection against rotavirus disease. The adaptive capacity of breast milk to environment is another compelling reason to continue breastfeeding as it can usefully complement and be significant in the use of many vaccines. Vital immunoprotective constituents in breast milk beneficially protect the infant by initiating and strengthening many immune responses and should be borne in mind as essential tools of defence even in an era where vaccines play a pivotal role in the combat against certain diseases. It is impressive that besides nutritive advantages, the suckling infant enjoys appreciable immunoprotection via exclusive breastfeeding.
Key words: Breastfeeding, rotavirus, vaccines, immunoprotection
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Nutrient Intake of Pregnant Women in Indonesia: A Review
Yayuk Hartriyanti, Perdana ST Suyoto, Harry FL Muhammad & Ika R Palupi
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Pregnant women are encouraged to comply with dietary recommendations to meet their own nutritional needs as well as their child. Deficiency of certain nutrients may lead to morbidity of both the mother and child. In this review, information on nutrients intake of pregnant women from studies conducted in Indonesia will be analysed.
Methods: A literature search of all possible sources of information was conducted. These included (i) electronic databases of PubMed, Elsevier, Science Direct, EBSCO, and Google Scholar; (ii) archives and records of the Ministry of Health; (iii) library collection in institutions such as health polytechnics, local health offices, non-government organisations and universities in Yogyakarta, Central Java, East Java Province; and (iv) articles on pregnant women’s nutrient intake conducted in Indonesia in 2000 – 2010. The results were analysed descriptively by comparing them with the Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) value.
Results: Two of four studies showed mean energy intake below EAR. Protein intake was lower than EAR only in two studies, while four are in contrary to the EAR. No study showed low fat and carbohydrate intake. A large number of studies reported low average intake of calcium and iron.
Conclusion: The reviewed studies suggest that intake of several nutrients by pregnant women in Indonesia is below the EAR.
Key words: Indonesia, pregnant women, nutrient intake
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Introduction: Pregnant women are encouraged to comply with dietary recommendations to meet their own nutritional needs as well as their child. Deficiency of certain nutrients may lead to morbidity of both the mother and child. In this review, information on nutrients intake of pregnant women from studies conducted in Indonesia will be analysed.
Methods: A literature search of all possible sources of information was conducted. These included (i) electronic databases of PubMed, Elsevier, Science Direct, EBSCO, and Google Scholar; (ii) archives and records of the Ministry of Health; (iii) library collection in institutions such as health polytechnics, local health offices, non-government organisations and universities in Yogyakarta, Central Java, East Java Province; and (iv) articles on pregnant women’s nutrient intake conducted in Indonesia in 2000 – 2010. The results were analysed descriptively by comparing them with the Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) value.
Results: Two of four studies showed mean energy intake below EAR. Protein intake was lower than EAR only in two studies, while four are in contrary to the EAR. No study showed low fat and carbohydrate intake. A large number of studies reported low average intake of calcium and iron.
Conclusion: The reviewed studies suggest that intake of several nutrients by pregnant women in Indonesia is below the EAR.
Key words: Indonesia, pregnant women, nutrient intake
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Therapeutic Potential of the Haruan (Channa striatus): From Food to Medicinal Uses
Mohd Shafri MA & Abdul Manan MJ
ABSTRACT
The haruan (Channa striatus) is an indigenous, predatory freshwater fish of Malaysia. It is a common food fish among the local populace with traditionally identified pharmacological benefits in treating wound and pain and in boosting energy of the sick. Channa striatus is also a subject of renewed interest in Malaysian folk medicine in the search for a better cure for diseases and ailments. Amino acids and fatty acids, found in high concentrations in the fish, might have contributed to its pharmacological properties. Important amino acids of the fish include glycine, lysine and arginine, while its fatty acids are arachidonic acid, palmitic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. They appear to effect their influence through the formation of several types of bioactive molecules. Extracts of the fish are produced from whole fish, roe, mucus and skin of the fish. This review updates research findings on potential uses of Channa striatus, beyond the traditional prescription as a wound healer, pain reliever and energy booster to include its properties as a ACE-inhibitor, anti-depressant and neuroregenerative agent. The fish appears to have wide-ranging medical uses and should be studied more intensively to unearth its other properties and mechanisms of action.
Key words: Functional food, haruan, Channa striatus, traditional medicine, zoo therapeutics
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The haruan (Channa striatus) is an indigenous, predatory freshwater fish of Malaysia. It is a common food fish among the local populace with traditionally identified pharmacological benefits in treating wound and pain and in boosting energy of the sick. Channa striatus is also a subject of renewed interest in Malaysian folk medicine in the search for a better cure for diseases and ailments. Amino acids and fatty acids, found in high concentrations in the fish, might have contributed to its pharmacological properties. Important amino acids of the fish include glycine, lysine and arginine, while its fatty acids are arachidonic acid, palmitic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. They appear to effect their influence through the formation of several types of bioactive molecules. Extracts of the fish are produced from whole fish, roe, mucus and skin of the fish. This review updates research findings on potential uses of Channa striatus, beyond the traditional prescription as a wound healer, pain reliever and energy booster to include its properties as a ACE-inhibitor, anti-depressant and neuroregenerative agent. The fish appears to have wide-ranging medical uses and should be studied more intensively to unearth its other properties and mechanisms of action.
Key words: Functional food, haruan, Channa striatus, traditional medicine, zoo therapeutics
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Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
Volume 18 No.2, 2012
Table of Content
Editorial
Development of a Local Malnutrition Risk Screening Tool-Hospital (MRST-H) for Hospitalised Elderly Patients
Sakinah H, Suzana S, Noor Aini MY, Philip Poi JH & Shahrul Bahyah K
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Hospitalised elderly patients are at high risk of malnutrition due to the presence of chronic diseases and inadequate food intake. It was on this premise that a Malnutrition Risk Screening Tool–Hospital (MRST-H) was developed for identifying the risk of malnutrition among Malaysian elderly patients.
Methods: A total of 181 respondents aged 65 years and above who had been admitted to the Geriatric Ward of the University Malaya Medical Centre were recruited. The respondents’ nutritional assessment was assessed using the Global Indicator of Malnutrition (GIM), a reference gold standard of malnutrition consisting of anthropometric measurements, biochemical indicators and the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). Important predictive factors of malnutrition were determined by logistic regression analysis.
Results: Five out of 18 predictive factors were significantly associated with malnutrition (p<0.05) in the final multivariate logistic regression model. These five factors were used to develop the MRST-H. Its validity was tested among 100 elderly inpatients in the Kuala Lumpur Hospital. The MRST-H was found to have 66.7% sensitivity, 96.2% specificity and 82.4% positive predictive value to GIM. The MRST-H was tested for reliability among 40 patients involving three raters (a dietitian and two nurses). The Kappa index of agreement was excellent between the dietitian with nurse A (81.3%, Kappa=0.84) and nurse B (87.5%, Kappa=0.89) respectively.
Conclusion: The MRST-H developed showed high validity and reliability as a screening tool for identifying hospitalised elderly patients with high risk of malnutrition.
Key words: Hospital malnutrition, MRST-H, screening tool, validation, reliability
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Introduction: Hospitalised elderly patients are at high risk of malnutrition due to the presence of chronic diseases and inadequate food intake. It was on this premise that a Malnutrition Risk Screening Tool–Hospital (MRST-H) was developed for identifying the risk of malnutrition among Malaysian elderly patients.
Methods: A total of 181 respondents aged 65 years and above who had been admitted to the Geriatric Ward of the University Malaya Medical Centre were recruited. The respondents’ nutritional assessment was assessed using the Global Indicator of Malnutrition (GIM), a reference gold standard of malnutrition consisting of anthropometric measurements, biochemical indicators and the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). Important predictive factors of malnutrition were determined by logistic regression analysis.
Results: Five out of 18 predictive factors were significantly associated with malnutrition (p<0.05) in the final multivariate logistic regression model. These five factors were used to develop the MRST-H. Its validity was tested among 100 elderly inpatients in the Kuala Lumpur Hospital. The MRST-H was found to have 66.7% sensitivity, 96.2% specificity and 82.4% positive predictive value to GIM. The MRST-H was tested for reliability among 40 patients involving three raters (a dietitian and two nurses). The Kappa index of agreement was excellent between the dietitian with nurse A (81.3%, Kappa=0.84) and nurse B (87.5%, Kappa=0.89) respectively.
Conclusion: The MRST-H developed showed high validity and reliability as a screening tool for identifying hospitalised elderly patients with high risk of malnutrition.
Key words: Hospital malnutrition, MRST-H, screening tool, validation, reliability
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Development of Demi-span Equations for Predicting Height among the Malaysian Elderly
Ngoh HJ, Sakinah H & Harsa Amylia MS
ABSTRACT
Introduction: This study aimed to develop demi-span equations for predicting height in the Malaysian elderly and to explore the applicability of previous published demi-span equations derived from adult populations to the elderly.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on Malaysian elderly aged 60 years and older. Subjects were residents of eight shelter homes in Peninsular Malaysia; 204 men and 124 women of Malay, Chinese and Indian ethnicity were included. Measurements of weight, height and demi-span were obtained using standard procedures. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 18.0.
Results: The demi-span equations obtained were as follows: Men: Height (cm) = 67.51 + (1.29 x demi-span) – (0.12 x age) + 4.13; Women: Height (cm) = 67.51 + (1.29 x demi-span) – (0.12 x age). Height predicted from these new equations demonstrated good agreement with measured height and no significant differences were found between the mean values of predicted and measured heights in either gender (p>0.05). However, the heights predicted from previous published adult-derived demi-span equations failed to yield good agreement with the measured height of the elderly; significant over-estimation and under-estimation of heights tended to occur (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The new demi-span equations allow prediction of height with sufficient accuracy in the Malaysian elderly. However, further validation on other elderly samples is needed. Also, we recommend caution when using adult-derived demi-span equations to predict height in elderly people.
Key words: Aged, body height, demi-span, Malaysia
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Introduction: This study aimed to develop demi-span equations for predicting height in the Malaysian elderly and to explore the applicability of previous published demi-span equations derived from adult populations to the elderly.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on Malaysian elderly aged 60 years and older. Subjects were residents of eight shelter homes in Peninsular Malaysia; 204 men and 124 women of Malay, Chinese and Indian ethnicity were included. Measurements of weight, height and demi-span were obtained using standard procedures. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 18.0.
Results: The demi-span equations obtained were as follows: Men: Height (cm) = 67.51 + (1.29 x demi-span) – (0.12 x age) + 4.13; Women: Height (cm) = 67.51 + (1.29 x demi-span) – (0.12 x age). Height predicted from these new equations demonstrated good agreement with measured height and no significant differences were found between the mean values of predicted and measured heights in either gender (p>0.05). However, the heights predicted from previous published adult-derived demi-span equations failed to yield good agreement with the measured height of the elderly; significant over-estimation and under-estimation of heights tended to occur (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The new demi-span equations allow prediction of height with sufficient accuracy in the Malaysian elderly. However, further validation on other elderly samples is needed. Also, we recommend caution when using adult-derived demi-span equations to predict height in elderly people.
Key words: Aged, body height, demi-span, Malaysia
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Bone Health Status and Lipid Profile among Post-menopausal Malay Women in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Hasnah H, Amin I & Suzana S
ABSTRACT
Introduction: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine bone health status and nutrient intakes among post-menopausal women residing in low cost houses in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
Methods: A total of 125 subjects aged 60 ± 4 years who had attained menopause at age 50 ± 5 years participated in this study. Subjects’ weight and height were measured and calculated for body mass index (BMI). They were also assessed for bone health status using the Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS). Nutrient intake was assessed using a dietary history Questionnaire. Fasting serum lipid and blood pressure measurements were also taken.
Results: The majority of the subjects were overweight and obese (80%) based on BMI status. Calcaneal measurements using the QUS indicated that while 57% or the subjects had normal bone mineral density, 37% were osteopenic and 6% osteoporotic. Calcium intake of the subjects was 505 ± 263mg /day, which is only 50% of the Malaysian Recommended Nutrient Intake for calcium (1000 mg/d). About 74% of the subjects were hypercholesterolemic and 58% were hypertriglyceridemic. Two-thirds reported that they were taking medication for hypertension, diabetes mellitus and heart disease.
Conclusion: The results showed low health and nutritional status among post-menopausal women living in low-cost flats in Kuala Lumpur. They have low bone mass which may be due to their predominantly non-milk based diets which places them at high risk of hip fractures. Apart from milk, other food sources of calcium, including soya bean products such as ‘tempeh’ and healthy ways of cooking should be recommended to older people.
Key words: Bone health, post-menopausal, Malay, osteoporosis, lipid profile.
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Introduction: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine bone health status and nutrient intakes among post-menopausal women residing in low cost houses in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
Methods: A total of 125 subjects aged 60 ± 4 years who had attained menopause at age 50 ± 5 years participated in this study. Subjects’ weight and height were measured and calculated for body mass index (BMI). They were also assessed for bone health status using the Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS). Nutrient intake was assessed using a dietary history Questionnaire. Fasting serum lipid and blood pressure measurements were also taken.
Results: The majority of the subjects were overweight and obese (80%) based on BMI status. Calcaneal measurements using the QUS indicated that while 57% or the subjects had normal bone mineral density, 37% were osteopenic and 6% osteoporotic. Calcium intake of the subjects was 505 ± 263mg /day, which is only 50% of the Malaysian Recommended Nutrient Intake for calcium (1000 mg/d). About 74% of the subjects were hypercholesterolemic and 58% were hypertriglyceridemic. Two-thirds reported that they were taking medication for hypertension, diabetes mellitus and heart disease.
Conclusion: The results showed low health and nutritional status among post-menopausal women living in low-cost flats in Kuala Lumpur. They have low bone mass which may be due to their predominantly non-milk based diets which places them at high risk of hip fractures. Apart from milk, other food sources of calcium, including soya bean products such as ‘tempeh’ and healthy ways of cooking should be recommended to older people.
Key words: Bone health, post-menopausal, Malay, osteoporosis, lipid profile.
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Nutritional Status and Health-Related Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients on Chemotherapy
Lua PL, Salihah NZ & Mazlan N
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Nutritional decline is typically accepted as a consequent of the course of treatment for cancer. This study aimed to (1) assess body weight status and dietary intake of breast cancer patients on chemotherapy and (2) to correlate Body Mass Index (BMI), energy and protein intake with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) profile.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two government hospitals in the East coast of Peninsular Malaysia using convenience sampling. Women aged >18 years, who were diagnosed with breast cancer and receiving chemotherapy were invited to participate. The following aspects were evaluated: body weight status, usual dietary intake (diet history) and HRQoL (EORTC QLQ-C30). Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were employed (SPSS 16).
Results: Of the respondents, 41 were 49 ± 9.6 years of age; 92.7% were Malay; 97.6% (response rate = 91%) were on moderately emetogenic chemotherapy. Over half of the patients were overweight or obese (mean BMI = 25.3 ± 1.1 kg/m2). The majority self-reported weight reduction (46.3%) but positive energy balance was detected with the current energy and protein intakes recorded at 1792.6 ± 304.9kcal/day (range = 1200-2500) and 74.5g/day (IqR = 37.7) respectively. Dietary intakes were, however, not correlated with HRQoL, but greater BMI was associated with better emotional and cognitive functioning and less fatigue.
Conclusion: Although most patients declared losing weight, obesity and excess dietary intake were noted. Additionally, body weight status has been shown to be important in HRQoL profile, underlining the necessity for effective nutritional assessments and support to the cancer population.
Key words: Breast cancer, nutritional status, health-related quality of life
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Introduction: Nutritional decline is typically accepted as a consequent of the course of treatment for cancer. This study aimed to (1) assess body weight status and dietary intake of breast cancer patients on chemotherapy and (2) to correlate Body Mass Index (BMI), energy and protein intake with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) profile.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two government hospitals in the East coast of Peninsular Malaysia using convenience sampling. Women aged >18 years, who were diagnosed with breast cancer and receiving chemotherapy were invited to participate. The following aspects were evaluated: body weight status, usual dietary intake (diet history) and HRQoL (EORTC QLQ-C30). Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were employed (SPSS 16).
Results: Of the respondents, 41 were 49 ± 9.6 years of age; 92.7% were Malay; 97.6% (response rate = 91%) were on moderately emetogenic chemotherapy. Over half of the patients were overweight or obese (mean BMI = 25.3 ± 1.1 kg/m2). The majority self-reported weight reduction (46.3%) but positive energy balance was detected with the current energy and protein intakes recorded at 1792.6 ± 304.9kcal/day (range = 1200-2500) and 74.5g/day (IqR = 37.7) respectively. Dietary intakes were, however, not correlated with HRQoL, but greater BMI was associated with better emotional and cognitive functioning and less fatigue.
Conclusion: Although most patients declared losing weight, obesity and excess dietary intake were noted. Additionally, body weight status has been shown to be important in HRQoL profile, underlining the necessity for effective nutritional assessments and support to the cancer population.
Key words: Breast cancer, nutritional status, health-related quality of life
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Nutrition Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Teachers in Rehabilitation Centres in Northern Malaysia
Chen ST, Soo KL, Azriani AR, Van Rostenberghe H & Sakinah H
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Persons with disabilities (PWD) are susceptible to malnutrition. Caregivers or teachers in rehabilitation centres may not be adequately trained in nutrition management of PWD. The aims of this study were (i) to assess the nutrition knowledge, attitude and practice among teachers in community-based rehabilitation centres for PWD; and (ii) to evaluate changes in the nutrition knowledge and attitude of the teachers before and after exposure to a training workshop on nutrition management for PWD.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a guided self-administered Nutrition Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Questionnaire on Persons with Disabilities (KAP-nOKU), among a convenience sample of 210 teachers. Forty-five of them further participated in a nutrition training workshop and completed the post-test evaluation on knowledge and attitude of the same measures.
Results: At baseline, the teachers’ average knowledge, attitude and practice scores were 13.80 ± 3.73 for knowledge (below 50th percentile); 51.49 ± 4.08 for attitude (above 75th percentile); and 48.08 ± 3.61 for practice (between 50th and 75th percentile). There was significant positive correlations between knowledge and attitude (r=0.343, p<0.05), as well as between attitude and practice (r=0.147, p<0.05). After exposure to a 3-day nutrition workshop, significant improvements in the teachers’ knowledge and attitude were observed, whereby teachers’ knowledge score increased from 14.20 ± 3.80 to 25.38 ± 2.36 and from 51.16±3.97 to 55.20±4.41 for attitude (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Nutrition intervention was associated with improvement in short term knowledge and attitude of the teachers. Sustainable interventional strategies are needed to enhance the nutrition knowledge and skills of teachers of PWD.
Key words: Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP), nutrition, persons with disabilities, teachers
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Introduction: Persons with disabilities (PWD) are susceptible to malnutrition. Caregivers or teachers in rehabilitation centres may not be adequately trained in nutrition management of PWD. The aims of this study were (i) to assess the nutrition knowledge, attitude and practice among teachers in community-based rehabilitation centres for PWD; and (ii) to evaluate changes in the nutrition knowledge and attitude of the teachers before and after exposure to a training workshop on nutrition management for PWD.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a guided self-administered Nutrition Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Questionnaire on Persons with Disabilities (KAP-nOKU), among a convenience sample of 210 teachers. Forty-five of them further participated in a nutrition training workshop and completed the post-test evaluation on knowledge and attitude of the same measures.
Results: At baseline, the teachers’ average knowledge, attitude and practice scores were 13.80 ± 3.73 for knowledge (below 50th percentile); 51.49 ± 4.08 for attitude (above 75th percentile); and 48.08 ± 3.61 for practice (between 50th and 75th percentile). There was significant positive correlations between knowledge and attitude (r=0.343, p<0.05), as well as between attitude and practice (r=0.147, p<0.05). After exposure to a 3-day nutrition workshop, significant improvements in the teachers’ knowledge and attitude were observed, whereby teachers’ knowledge score increased from 14.20 ± 3.80 to 25.38 ± 2.36 and from 51.16±3.97 to 55.20±4.41 for attitude (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Nutrition intervention was associated with improvement in short term knowledge and attitude of the teachers. Sustainable interventional strategies are needed to enhance the nutrition knowledge and skills of teachers of PWD.
Key words: Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP), nutrition, persons with disabilities, teachers
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Childhood Obesity, Self-Esteem and Health-Related Quality of Life among Urban Primary Schools Children in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Lee PY, Cheah WL, Chang CT & Siti Raudzah G
ABSTRACT
Introduction: There is limited data on childhood obesity and its impact on children from diverse cultural backgrounds. This study is aimed at determining the association between obesity, self-esteem and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among Malaysian urban primary school children of different ethnicity.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 311 children aged 11-13 years from primary schools in Kuching, Sarawak. Self-esteem and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were measured using the Lawrence Self-esteem Questionnaire (LAWSEQ) questionnaire and the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), respectively. Body weight and height were taken and body mass index for age calculated.
Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the children were 18.2% and 15.2% respectively. Parent-proxy and child self-reported PedsQL scores were higher for normal weight children compared to thin and obese children, but lower than overweight children. At the subscale level, only parent-proxy PedsQL scores in psychosocial health and emotional component were significantly different between overweight and obese children (p=0.019, p=0.02). The Self-esteem score was significantly correlated with parent and child PedsQL scores. Although obesity was associated with lower HRQOL among children, both parent and child PedsQL scores among the overweight group were higher than that for the normal weight group. Overweight and obesity did affect quality of life and self-esteem of children in this study, particularly in the areas of psychosocial and emotional health.
Conclusion: Policy makers and programme managers should take into consideration the impact of obesity on children and parents in designing intervention programmes.
Key words: Overweight/obesity, self-esteem, Health-Related Quality of Life, school children
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Introduction: There is limited data on childhood obesity and its impact on children from diverse cultural backgrounds. This study is aimed at determining the association between obesity, self-esteem and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among Malaysian urban primary school children of different ethnicity.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 311 children aged 11-13 years from primary schools in Kuching, Sarawak. Self-esteem and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were measured using the Lawrence Self-esteem Questionnaire (LAWSEQ) questionnaire and the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), respectively. Body weight and height were taken and body mass index for age calculated.
Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the children were 18.2% and 15.2% respectively. Parent-proxy and child self-reported PedsQL scores were higher for normal weight children compared to thin and obese children, but lower than overweight children. At the subscale level, only parent-proxy PedsQL scores in psychosocial health and emotional component were significantly different between overweight and obese children (p=0.019, p=0.02). The Self-esteem score was significantly correlated with parent and child PedsQL scores. Although obesity was associated with lower HRQOL among children, both parent and child PedsQL scores among the overweight group were higher than that for the normal weight group. Overweight and obesity did affect quality of life and self-esteem of children in this study, particularly in the areas of psychosocial and emotional health.
Conclusion: Policy makers and programme managers should take into consideration the impact of obesity on children and parents in designing intervention programmes.
Key words: Overweight/obesity, self-esteem, Health-Related Quality of Life, school children
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Meal Patterns of Malaysian Adults: Findings from the Malaysian Adults Nutrition Survey (MANS)
Wan Abdul Manan WM, Nur Firdaus I, Safiah MY, Siti Haslinda MD, Poh BK, Norimah AK, Azmi MY, Tahir A, Mirnalini K, Zalilah MS, Fatimah S, Siti Norazlin MN & Fasiah W
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Meal patterns have received little attention in nutrition studies. The aim of this study is to present the findings on general meal patterns of Malaysian adults.
Methods: The Malaysian Adults Nutrition Survey (MANS), carried out in 2002 and 2003, involved 6,928 adults selected by stratified random sampling from all households by zone in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
Results: In general, the results showed that most respondents (74.16%) ate three meals per day; 89.20% of the respondents consumed breakfast, while 88.57% consumed lunch and 91.97% consumed dinner with no significant difference in terms of sex. In Peninsular Malaysia, the Northern Zone had the highest number of people consuming breakfast compared to other zones. Meanwhile, the population in Sarawak had the largest proportion of people consuming lunch and dinner, but the smallest proportion of people consuming breakfast. A significantly higher number of the rural population consumed breakfast and lunch than urbanites; however there was no significant difference in dinner consumption. Generally, breakfast consumption increased with age whereby significant difference existed between the 18 to 19 years age group and the age group of 30 years and older. Lunch intake among the age groups showed no significant difference. In contrast, dinner consumption was significantly lower among the 18 to 19 years age group compared to all other age groups. Comparison among the ethnic groups showed that the Indian population had the lowest percentage of having breakfast and lunch while the Orang Asli had the lowest percentage of consuming dinner. However, the Orang Asli recorded the highest percentage for taking breakfast and lunch while the Chinese had the highest percentage of taking dinner.
Conclusion: Considering that Malaysian adults consumed their conventional breakfast, lunch and dinner, these findings indicatethat Malaysians are maintaining their traditional meal patterns.
Key words: Meal pattern, Malaysian adults, MANS
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Introduction: Meal patterns have received little attention in nutrition studies. The aim of this study is to present the findings on general meal patterns of Malaysian adults.
Methods: The Malaysian Adults Nutrition Survey (MANS), carried out in 2002 and 2003, involved 6,928 adults selected by stratified random sampling from all households by zone in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
Results: In general, the results showed that most respondents (74.16%) ate three meals per day; 89.20% of the respondents consumed breakfast, while 88.57% consumed lunch and 91.97% consumed dinner with no significant difference in terms of sex. In Peninsular Malaysia, the Northern Zone had the highest number of people consuming breakfast compared to other zones. Meanwhile, the population in Sarawak had the largest proportion of people consuming lunch and dinner, but the smallest proportion of people consuming breakfast. A significantly higher number of the rural population consumed breakfast and lunch than urbanites; however there was no significant difference in dinner consumption. Generally, breakfast consumption increased with age whereby significant difference existed between the 18 to 19 years age group and the age group of 30 years and older. Lunch intake among the age groups showed no significant difference. In contrast, dinner consumption was significantly lower among the 18 to 19 years age group compared to all other age groups. Comparison among the ethnic groups showed that the Indian population had the lowest percentage of having breakfast and lunch while the Orang Asli had the lowest percentage of consuming dinner. However, the Orang Asli recorded the highest percentage for taking breakfast and lunch while the Chinese had the highest percentage of taking dinner.
Conclusion: Considering that Malaysian adults consumed their conventional breakfast, lunch and dinner, these findings indicatethat Malaysians are maintaining their traditional meal patterns.
Key words: Meal pattern, Malaysian adults, MANS
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Nutritional Status, Dietary Intake Patterns and Nutrition Knowledge of Children Aged 5-6 Years Attending Kindergartens in the Klang Valley, Malaysia
Poh BK, Kathryn Tham BL, Wong SN, Winnie Chee SS & Tee ES
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Early childhood is a period during which many factors influence the development of lifelong eating habits. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of young children and to determine factors related to eating habits.
Methods: A total of 992 children aged 5-6 years attending kindergartens that participated in the Bright Start Nutrition programme in the Klang Valley were included in the study. Anthropometric measurements were taken and body mass index (BMI) calculated. A questionnaire to assess the children’s nutrition knowledge was administered through interviews, while their mothers self-administered another set of questionnaires regarding knowledge, attitude and practice on nutrition.
Results: The mean BMI was 15.7 ± 2.7kg/m² in boys and 15.4±2.4kg/m² in girls. Based on the WHO 2007 growth reference, the prevalence of overweight and obesity were 9.1% and 9.3%, respectively; while the prevalence of thinness and stunting were 5.8% and 3.9%, respectively. Most of the children consumed breakfast (86.4%), lunch (94.1%) and dinner (93.4%) daily. The majority liked fruits (95.1%), snacks (93.8%), Western fast food (93.3%) and milk (90.8%), while less than two-thirds (65.1%) liked vegetables. The mean nutrition knowledge scores for the children and mothers were 73.2 ± 9.8% and 60.2 ± 18.8%, respectively. Maternal nutrition knowledge was correlated positively with children’s vegetable intake (r=0.111, p<0.05) and negatively with snack intake (r=-0.134, p<0.05).
Conclusion: These results showed a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity than underweight and thinness among the urban young children studied. As mother’s nutrition knowledge was found to exert a positive influence on children’s eating habits, it is important to provide nutrition education to both mothers and children when conducting intervention programmes.
Key words: Childhood nutrition, food habits, preschoolers, nutrition knowledge, maternal influence
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Introduction: Early childhood is a period during which many factors influence the development of lifelong eating habits. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of young children and to determine factors related to eating habits.
Methods: A total of 992 children aged 5-6 years attending kindergartens that participated in the Bright Start Nutrition programme in the Klang Valley were included in the study. Anthropometric measurements were taken and body mass index (BMI) calculated. A questionnaire to assess the children’s nutrition knowledge was administered through interviews, while their mothers self-administered another set of questionnaires regarding knowledge, attitude and practice on nutrition.
Results: The mean BMI was 15.7 ± 2.7kg/m² in boys and 15.4±2.4kg/m² in girls. Based on the WHO 2007 growth reference, the prevalence of overweight and obesity were 9.1% and 9.3%, respectively; while the prevalence of thinness and stunting were 5.8% and 3.9%, respectively. Most of the children consumed breakfast (86.4%), lunch (94.1%) and dinner (93.4%) daily. The majority liked fruits (95.1%), snacks (93.8%), Western fast food (93.3%) and milk (90.8%), while less than two-thirds (65.1%) liked vegetables. The mean nutrition knowledge scores for the children and mothers were 73.2 ± 9.8% and 60.2 ± 18.8%, respectively. Maternal nutrition knowledge was correlated positively with children’s vegetable intake (r=0.111, p<0.05) and negatively with snack intake (r=-0.134, p<0.05).
Conclusion: These results showed a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity than underweight and thinness among the urban young children studied. As mother’s nutrition knowledge was found to exert a positive influence on children’s eating habits, it is important to provide nutrition education to both mothers and children when conducting intervention programmes.
Key words: Childhood nutrition, food habits, preschoolers, nutrition knowledge, maternal influence
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Food Restrictions during Pregnancy among Indigenous Temiar Women in Peninsular Malaysia
Sharifah Zahhura SA, Nilan P & Germov J
ABSTRACT
Introduction: A qualitative comparative case study was conducted to compare and contrast food taboos and avoidance practices during pregnancy among Orang Asli or indigenous Temiar women in four distinct locations that represent different lifestyle experiences and cultural practices.
Methods: Through snowballing sampling, a total of 38 participants took part in five focus groups: one group each in Pos Simpor and Pos Tohoi in Kelantan state, one group in Batu 12, Gombak in Selangor state, and two groups in a regroupment scheme (RPSOA) in Kuala Betis, Kelantan. All the transcripts were coded, categorised and ‘thematised’ using the software package for handling qualitative data, NVivo 8.
Results: Variant food prohibitions were recorded among the Temiar women residing in different locations, which differ in food sources and ways of obtaining food. Consumption of seventeen types of food items was prohibited for a pregnant Temiar woman and her husband during the prenatal period. Fear of difficulties during labour and delivery, convulsions or sawan, harming the baby (such as foetal malformation), and twin pregnancy seemed to trigger many food proscriptions for the pregnant Temiar women, most of which have been passed on from generation to generation.
Conclusion: The findings of this study confirm that beliefs about food restrictions are strong among those Temiar living a traditional lifestyle. However, those who have adopted a more modern lifestyle also preserve them to some extent.
Key words: Orang Asli Temiar, pregnant women, pregnancy food taboos, restrictions, focus group discussion
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Introduction: A qualitative comparative case study was conducted to compare and contrast food taboos and avoidance practices during pregnancy among Orang Asli or indigenous Temiar women in four distinct locations that represent different lifestyle experiences and cultural practices.
Methods: Through snowballing sampling, a total of 38 participants took part in five focus groups: one group each in Pos Simpor and Pos Tohoi in Kelantan state, one group in Batu 12, Gombak in Selangor state, and two groups in a regroupment scheme (RPSOA) in Kuala Betis, Kelantan. All the transcripts were coded, categorised and ‘thematised’ using the software package for handling qualitative data, NVivo 8.
Results: Variant food prohibitions were recorded among the Temiar women residing in different locations, which differ in food sources and ways of obtaining food. Consumption of seventeen types of food items was prohibited for a pregnant Temiar woman and her husband during the prenatal period. Fear of difficulties during labour and delivery, convulsions or sawan, harming the baby (such as foetal malformation), and twin pregnancy seemed to trigger many food proscriptions for the pregnant Temiar women, most of which have been passed on from generation to generation.
Conclusion: The findings of this study confirm that beliefs about food restrictions are strong among those Temiar living a traditional lifestyle. However, those who have adopted a more modern lifestyle also preserve them to some extent.
Key words: Orang Asli Temiar, pregnant women, pregnancy food taboos, restrictions, focus group discussion
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Relationship between Nutritional Status, Physical Activity and Quality of Life among Gastrointestinal Cancer Survivors
Zalina AZ, Lee VC & Kandiah M
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between nutritional status, physical activity and quality of life among gastrointestinal cancer survivors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among gastrointestinal cancer survivors attending the oncology outpatient clinic in Hospital Selayang, Malaysia.
Results: A total of 70 gastrointestinal cancer survivors with a mean age of 52.54 ± 14.59 years (95% CI: 47.48 – 57.60) were included in this study. Results showed that 40% of the patients were classified as having low physical activity. The mean Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PGSGA) score was 10.27 ± 7.36 (95% CI: 8.23 – 12.31) and nearly half the patients (48.6%) were identified as severely malnourished (Stage C). Mean Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GQLFI) score was 103.57 ± 23.85 (95% CI: 92.94-114.20), and about 24.3% of the patients were classified as having a low quality of life. Pearson’s correlation test showed a highly significant negative relationship between nutritional status and quality of life (r=-0.661, p<0.001) indicating the better the nutritional status (low total mean score of PGSGA), the better the quality of life of the survivors (high total mean score of GQLFI). There was a significant negative relationship between physical activity level and nutritional status score (r=-0.309, p<0.01), indicating the higher the physical activity level of the patients (high MET-min/week), the better their nutritional status (low total mean score of PGSGA).
Conclusion: This study shows a significant relationship between nutritional status, physical activity and quality of life among gastrointestinal cancer survivors. Those low in nutritional status have a low quality of life while survivors with higher nutritional status have a better quality of life.
Key words: Physical activity, quality of life, nutritional status, gastrointestinal cancer survivors
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Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between nutritional status, physical activity and quality of life among gastrointestinal cancer survivors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among gastrointestinal cancer survivors attending the oncology outpatient clinic in Hospital Selayang, Malaysia.
Results: A total of 70 gastrointestinal cancer survivors with a mean age of 52.54 ± 14.59 years (95% CI: 47.48 – 57.60) were included in this study. Results showed that 40% of the patients were classified as having low physical activity. The mean Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PGSGA) score was 10.27 ± 7.36 (95% CI: 8.23 – 12.31) and nearly half the patients (48.6%) were identified as severely malnourished (Stage C). Mean Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GQLFI) score was 103.57 ± 23.85 (95% CI: 92.94-114.20), and about 24.3% of the patients were classified as having a low quality of life. Pearson’s correlation test showed a highly significant negative relationship between nutritional status and quality of life (r=-0.661, p<0.001) indicating the better the nutritional status (low total mean score of PGSGA), the better the quality of life of the survivors (high total mean score of GQLFI). There was a significant negative relationship between physical activity level and nutritional status score (r=-0.309, p<0.01), indicating the higher the physical activity level of the patients (high MET-min/week), the better their nutritional status (low total mean score of PGSGA).
Conclusion: This study shows a significant relationship between nutritional status, physical activity and quality of life among gastrointestinal cancer survivors. Those low in nutritional status have a low quality of life while survivors with higher nutritional status have a better quality of life.
Key words: Physical activity, quality of life, nutritional status, gastrointestinal cancer survivors
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In vitro Antioxidant Activities of Extract and Oil from Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Seed against Sunflower Oil Autoxidation
Nyam KL, Teh YN, Tan CP & Kamariah L
ABSTRACT
Introduction: In order to overcome the stability problems of oils and fats, synthetic antioxidants such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) have widespread use as food additives in many countries. Recent reports reveal that these compounds may be implicated in many health risks, including cancer and carcinogenesis. Hence, there is a move towards the use of natural antioxidants of plant origin to replace these synthetic antioxidants.
Methods: In this study, roselle seed oil (RSO) and extract (RSE) were mixed with sunflower oil, respectively to monitor degradation rate and investigate antioxidant activity during accelerated storage.
Results: The antioxidant activity was found to stabilise sunflower oil of various samples and in the order of RSE>RSO>tocopherol>sunflower oil. The total percentage increased after 5 days of storage period in free fatty acid (FFA), peroxide value (PV) and anisidine value (AV). Total oxidation value (TOx) of sunflower oil supplemented with 1500 ppm RSE was 33.3%, 47.7%, 14.5%, and 45.5%, respectively. While the total percentage increased under different analysis methods, sunflower oil supplemented with 5% RSO was 17.2%, 60.4%, 36.2% and 59.0% in the order of FFA, PV, AV and TOTOX. Both RSO and RSE were found to be more effective in stabilisation of sunflower oil compared to tocopherol. Total phenolic content of RSE was 46.40 ± 1.51 mg GAE/100g of oil while RSO was 12.51 ± 0.15 mg GAE/100g of oil.
Conclusion: The data indicates that roselle seed oil and seed extract are rich in phenolics and antioxidant activities and may be a potential source of natural antioxidants.
Key words: Antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), roselle seed oil and extract
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Introduction: In order to overcome the stability problems of oils and fats, synthetic antioxidants such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) have widespread use as food additives in many countries. Recent reports reveal that these compounds may be implicated in many health risks, including cancer and carcinogenesis. Hence, there is a move towards the use of natural antioxidants of plant origin to replace these synthetic antioxidants.
Methods: In this study, roselle seed oil (RSO) and extract (RSE) were mixed with sunflower oil, respectively to monitor degradation rate and investigate antioxidant activity during accelerated storage.
Results: The antioxidant activity was found to stabilise sunflower oil of various samples and in the order of RSE>RSO>tocopherol>sunflower oil. The total percentage increased after 5 days of storage period in free fatty acid (FFA), peroxide value (PV) and anisidine value (AV). Total oxidation value (TOx) of sunflower oil supplemented with 1500 ppm RSE was 33.3%, 47.7%, 14.5%, and 45.5%, respectively. While the total percentage increased under different analysis methods, sunflower oil supplemented with 5% RSO was 17.2%, 60.4%, 36.2% and 59.0% in the order of FFA, PV, AV and TOTOX. Both RSO and RSE were found to be more effective in stabilisation of sunflower oil compared to tocopherol. Total phenolic content of RSE was 46.40 ± 1.51 mg GAE/100g of oil while RSO was 12.51 ± 0.15 mg GAE/100g of oil.
Conclusion: The data indicates that roselle seed oil and seed extract are rich in phenolics and antioxidant activities and may be a potential source of natural antioxidants.
Key words: Antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), roselle seed oil and extract
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Growth Performance and Nutrient Composition of Juvenile Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fed Spirulina Flakes, Rice Bran and Mustard Oil Cake
Sultana N, Noor P, Abdullah ATM, Hasan MR, Ahmed KM & Naser MN
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is an important cultured fish that is widely distributed in Bangladesh. This study was conducted to improve the growth performance and nutrient contents of the fish using five different types of feeds.
Methods: Tilapia fingerlings were fed two types of commercial fish feeds (Feed-1 and Feed-2), Spirulina flakes (Feed-3), Feed-2 mixed with Spirulina flakes (Feed-4) and manually mixed feed made from a mixture of mustard oil cake and rice bran (Feed-5). After 4 weeks of being fed with the diets, growth parameters and meat nutrient composition of the tilapia fingerlings were recorded.
Results: Significant growth in length and weight as observed in juvenile tilapia fish fed with commercial Feed-1 only, while growth performance varied significantly among fingerlings fed other types of feeds. Body tissue calcium (92.8 mg/100g), iron (1.29mg/100g) was higher in fishes fed with dry Spirulina flakes (Feed 3), while the highest amount of zinc (2.09 mg/100g) was recorded in fishes fed Feed-5. Protein (13.32%) content was highest in fish fed Feed-2 mixed with Spirulina flakes (Feed-4).
Conclusion: Meat nutritional quality of tilapia can be improved by combining commercial feeds with Spirulina flakes, compared with feeding commercial feeds in isolation.
Key words: Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Spirulina flakes, nutrient value of fish
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Introduction: Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is an important cultured fish that is widely distributed in Bangladesh. This study was conducted to improve the growth performance and nutrient contents of the fish using five different types of feeds.
Methods: Tilapia fingerlings were fed two types of commercial fish feeds (Feed-1 and Feed-2), Spirulina flakes (Feed-3), Feed-2 mixed with Spirulina flakes (Feed-4) and manually mixed feed made from a mixture of mustard oil cake and rice bran (Feed-5). After 4 weeks of being fed with the diets, growth parameters and meat nutrient composition of the tilapia fingerlings were recorded.
Results: Significant growth in length and weight as observed in juvenile tilapia fish fed with commercial Feed-1 only, while growth performance varied significantly among fingerlings fed other types of feeds. Body tissue calcium (92.8 mg/100g), iron (1.29mg/100g) was higher in fishes fed with dry Spirulina flakes (Feed 3), while the highest amount of zinc (2.09 mg/100g) was recorded in fishes fed Feed-5. Protein (13.32%) content was highest in fish fed Feed-2 mixed with Spirulina flakes (Feed-4).
Conclusion: Meat nutritional quality of tilapia can be improved by combining commercial feeds with Spirulina flakes, compared with feeding commercial feeds in isolation.
Key words: Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Spirulina flakes, nutrient value of fish
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Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
Volume 18 No.3, 2012
Table of Content
Editorial
Development and Validation of a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) for Assessing Sugar Consumption among Adults in Klang Valley, Malaysia
Nik Shanita S, Norimah A K & Abu Hanifah S
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for assessing habitual added sugar consumption of adults in the Klang Valley.
Methods: In the development phase, a 24-hour dietary recall (24-hr DR) was used to determine food items to be included into the FFQ among adults from three major ethnicities (n=51). In the validation phase, the FFQ was further validated against a reference method which was a multiple-pass 24-hr DR among 125 adults in Klang Valley. The response rate for the latter phase was 96.1%.
Results: The semi-quantitative FFQ consisting of 64 food items was categorised into 10 food groups. The mean added sugar intake determined by the reference method was 44.2 ± 20.2 g/day while that from the FFQ was 49.4 ± 21.4 g/day. The difference in mean intake between the two methods was 5.2 g (95% CI = 2.6-7.9; SD = 14.9, p<0.05) or 11.8%. Pearson correlation was r=0.74 (p<0.001) for the two methods while Spearman rank correlations for the various food groups ranged between 0.11 (cake and related foods) to 0.61 (self-prepared drinks), with most groups correlating significantly (p<0.05). Cross-classification of subjects into quintiles of intake showed 47.2% of the subjects correctly classifying into the same quintile, 34.4% into adjacent quintiles while none were grossly misclassified. The Bland-Altman plot was concentrated in the y-axis range (-24.14 g to 34.8 g) with a mean of 5.22 g.
Conclusion: This semi-quantitative FFQ provides a validated tool for estimating habitual intake of added sugar in the adult population of the Klang Valley.
Key words: Food frequency questionnaire, added sugar, habitual intake
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Introduction: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for assessing habitual added sugar consumption of adults in the Klang Valley.
Methods: In the development phase, a 24-hour dietary recall (24-hr DR) was used to determine food items to be included into the FFQ among adults from three major ethnicities (n=51). In the validation phase, the FFQ was further validated against a reference method which was a multiple-pass 24-hr DR among 125 adults in Klang Valley. The response rate for the latter phase was 96.1%.
Results: The semi-quantitative FFQ consisting of 64 food items was categorised into 10 food groups. The mean added sugar intake determined by the reference method was 44.2 ± 20.2 g/day while that from the FFQ was 49.4 ± 21.4 g/day. The difference in mean intake between the two methods was 5.2 g (95% CI = 2.6-7.9; SD = 14.9, p<0.05) or 11.8%. Pearson correlation was r=0.74 (p<0.001) for the two methods while Spearman rank correlations for the various food groups ranged between 0.11 (cake and related foods) to 0.61 (self-prepared drinks), with most groups correlating significantly (p<0.05). Cross-classification of subjects into quintiles of intake showed 47.2% of the subjects correctly classifying into the same quintile, 34.4% into adjacent quintiles while none were grossly misclassified. The Bland-Altman plot was concentrated in the y-axis range (-24.14 g to 34.8 g) with a mean of 5.22 g.
Conclusion: This semi-quantitative FFQ provides a validated tool for estimating habitual intake of added sugar in the adult population of the Klang Valley.
Key words: Food frequency questionnaire, added sugar, habitual intake
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Validity and Reliability of the Multidimensional Body Image Scale in Malaysian University Students
Gan WY, Mohd Nasir MT, Siti Aishah H & Zalilah MS
ABSTRACT
Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Multidimensional Body Image Scale (MBIS), a seven-factor, 62-item scale developed for Malaysian female adolescents. This scale was evaluated among male and female Malaysian university students.
Methods: A total of 671 university students (52.2% women and 47.8% men) completed a self-administered questionnaire on MBIS, Eating Attitude Test-26, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Their height and weight were measured.
Results: Results in confirmatory factor analysis showed that the 62-item MBIS reported poor fit to the data, X²/df = 4.126, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.808, SRMR = 0.070, RMSEA = 0.068 (90% CI = 0.067, 0.070). After re-specification of the model, the model fit was improved with 46 items remaining, X²/df = 3.346, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.903, SRMR = 0.053, RMSEA = 0.059 (90% CI = 0.057, 0.061), and the model showed good fit to the data for men and women separately. This 46-item MBIS had good internal consistency in both men (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.88) and women (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.92). In terms of construct validity, it showed positive correlations with disordered eating and body weight status, but negative correlation with self-esteem. Also, this scale discriminated well between participants with and without disordered eating.
Conclusion: The MBIS-46 demonstrated good reliability and validity for the evaluation of body image among university students. Further studies need to be conducted to confirm the validation results of the 46-item MBIS.
Key words: Body image, construct validity, reliability, university students
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Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Multidimensional Body Image Scale (MBIS), a seven-factor, 62-item scale developed for Malaysian female adolescents. This scale was evaluated among male and female Malaysian university students.
Methods: A total of 671 university students (52.2% women and 47.8% men) completed a self-administered questionnaire on MBIS, Eating Attitude Test-26, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Their height and weight were measured.
Results: Results in confirmatory factor analysis showed that the 62-item MBIS reported poor fit to the data, X²/df = 4.126, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.808, SRMR = 0.070, RMSEA = 0.068 (90% CI = 0.067, 0.070). After re-specification of the model, the model fit was improved with 46 items remaining, X²/df = 3.346, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.903, SRMR = 0.053, RMSEA = 0.059 (90% CI = 0.057, 0.061), and the model showed good fit to the data for men and women separately. This 46-item MBIS had good internal consistency in both men (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.88) and women (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.92). In terms of construct validity, it showed positive correlations with disordered eating and body weight status, but negative correlation with self-esteem. Also, this scale discriminated well between participants with and without disordered eating.
Conclusion: The MBIS-46 demonstrated good reliability and validity for the evaluation of body image among university students. Further studies need to be conducted to confirm the validation results of the 46-item MBIS.
Key words: Body image, construct validity, reliability, university students
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Association and Interaction Effect between VEGF Receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) Gene Polymorphisms and Dietary Pattern on Blood Uric Acid in Malays and Indians
Roseline Yap WK, Shidoji Y, Hon WM & Masaki M
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Gout and hyperuricaemia attributed to genetic and lifestyle factors have been associated with several chronic diseases. This study aimed to determine the association and interaction effects between vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) gene polymorphisms (rs1870377 and rs2071559) and dietary patterns on blood uric acid in Malay and Indian adults.
Methods: Dietary intakes of 153 Malays and 177 Indians were obtained using a food frequency questionnaire for the construction of dietary patterns using factor analysis. Genotyping of rs1870377 and rs2071559 was performed by real-time PCR using TaqMan probes. Anthropometric measurements, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure and biomarkers, uric acid, glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and blood lipids were determined.
Results: There were significant differences in the mean values for HbA1c (41±-12 vs 45±-8 mmol/mol, p<0.001) and blood lipids levels (p<0.05) between Malays and Indians. Significant correlations were obtained between uric acid with selected blood lipids (p<0.05) and BMI in Malays (r=0.362, p<0.001) and Indians (r=0.212,p<0.01). Four dietary patterns were extracted from dietary intakes of all subjects: ‘Vegetables diet’; ‘Fruits diet’ (FD); ‘Animal protein and rice diet’; and ‘Fast foods and preserved foods diet’. There were no significant associations between dietary patterns (p=0.054-0.609) and VEGFR-2 gene polymorphisms ( p=0.348-0.778) with uric acid. In Malay subjects, the interaction of rs2071559 and FD had a borderline effect (p=0.05) on blood uric acid after adjusting for potential confounders.
Conclusion: The associations and gene-diet interactions involving VEGFR-2 gene polymorphisms and FD on uric acid provide new information on gout and hyperuricaemia risks in Malays.
Key words: Gene-diet interaction, VEGFR-2 gene polymorphisms, dietary pattern, uric acid, Malaysians
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Introduction: Gout and hyperuricaemia attributed to genetic and lifestyle factors have been associated with several chronic diseases. This study aimed to determine the association and interaction effects between vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) gene polymorphisms (rs1870377 and rs2071559) and dietary patterns on blood uric acid in Malay and Indian adults.
Methods: Dietary intakes of 153 Malays and 177 Indians were obtained using a food frequency questionnaire for the construction of dietary patterns using factor analysis. Genotyping of rs1870377 and rs2071559 was performed by real-time PCR using TaqMan probes. Anthropometric measurements, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure and biomarkers, uric acid, glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and blood lipids were determined.
Results: There were significant differences in the mean values for HbA1c (41±-12 vs 45±-8 mmol/mol, p<0.001) and blood lipids levels (p<0.05) between Malays and Indians. Significant correlations were obtained between uric acid with selected blood lipids (p<0.05) and BMI in Malays (r=0.362, p<0.001) and Indians (r=0.212,p<0.01). Four dietary patterns were extracted from dietary intakes of all subjects: ‘Vegetables diet’; ‘Fruits diet’ (FD); ‘Animal protein and rice diet’; and ‘Fast foods and preserved foods diet’. There were no significant associations between dietary patterns (p=0.054-0.609) and VEGFR-2 gene polymorphisms ( p=0.348-0.778) with uric acid. In Malay subjects, the interaction of rs2071559 and FD had a borderline effect (p=0.05) on blood uric acid after adjusting for potential confounders.
Conclusion: The associations and gene-diet interactions involving VEGFR-2 gene polymorphisms and FD on uric acid provide new information on gout and hyperuricaemia risks in Malays.
Key words: Gene-diet interaction, VEGFR-2 gene polymorphisms, dietary pattern, uric acid, Malaysians
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Comparison of Body Adiposity Indices in Predicting Blood Pressure and Hypertension among Slum-Dwelling Men in Kolkata, India
Chakraborty R & Bose K
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Recent findings show a high incidence of stroke among slum dwellers in Kolkata, India. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the association of different adiposity indices to blood pressure (BP) and hypertension (HT) among slum-dwelling Bengalee men in Kolkata.
Methods: Measurements of height, weight, waist and hip-circumferences, biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) of 470 men aged 18-60 years were taken. Body mass index (BMI), body adiposity index (BAI), percent body fat, waist-height (WHtR) and waist-hip ratios (WHR) were computed. The effect of adiposity values on HT was estimated by logistic regressions, while partial correlations and linear regressions analyses of SBP and DBP with each index were performed.
Results: BMI had the strongest correlation with blood pressure. The newly proposed index, BAI, had significant but considerably lower correlations with both BP compared to BMI and central adiposity. Both BMI and WHtR explained DBP with equal efficacy. Abdominal obesity, measured by WC, showed the strongest association with risk of HT, independent of age and BMI. The predictive effect of abdominal adiposity on blood pressure (SBP and DBP) appeared to be modified by age-BMI interaction.
Conclusion: BAI showed no advantage over other adiposity measures in the prediction of hypertension among the men in this study. Waist circumference was the best obesity measure to predict hypertension and may be preferred to BMI considering its simplicity of measurement. The simple measure of WC might help in easy screening of hypertension among the poor people in resource constrained settings such as those in urban slums.
Key words: Central obesity, blood pressure, hypertension, India
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Introduction: Recent findings show a high incidence of stroke among slum dwellers in Kolkata, India. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the association of different adiposity indices to blood pressure (BP) and hypertension (HT) among slum-dwelling Bengalee men in Kolkata.
Methods: Measurements of height, weight, waist and hip-circumferences, biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) of 470 men aged 18-60 years were taken. Body mass index (BMI), body adiposity index (BAI), percent body fat, waist-height (WHtR) and waist-hip ratios (WHR) were computed. The effect of adiposity values on HT was estimated by logistic regressions, while partial correlations and linear regressions analyses of SBP and DBP with each index were performed.
Results: BMI had the strongest correlation with blood pressure. The newly proposed index, BAI, had significant but considerably lower correlations with both BP compared to BMI and central adiposity. Both BMI and WHtR explained DBP with equal efficacy. Abdominal obesity, measured by WC, showed the strongest association with risk of HT, independent of age and BMI. The predictive effect of abdominal adiposity on blood pressure (SBP and DBP) appeared to be modified by age-BMI interaction.
Conclusion: BAI showed no advantage over other adiposity measures in the prediction of hypertension among the men in this study. Waist circumference was the best obesity measure to predict hypertension and may be preferred to BMI considering its simplicity of measurement. The simple measure of WC might help in easy screening of hypertension among the poor people in resource constrained settings such as those in urban slums.
Key words: Central obesity, blood pressure, hypertension, India
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Effect of n-3 Supplementation on Hyperactivity, Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Mediators in Children with Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder
Hariri M, Djazayery A, Djalali M, Saedisomeolia A, Rahimi A & Abdolahian E
ABSTRACT
Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with difficulties in learning, behaviour and psychosocial adjustment that persist into adulthood. Decreased omega-3 fatty acids and increased inflammation or oxidative stress may contribute to neuro-developmental and psychiatric disorders such as ADHD. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of n-3 supplementation on hyperactivity, oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators in children with ADHD.
Methods: In this double blind study, 103 children (6-12 years) with ADHD receiving maintenance therapy were assigned randomly into two groups. The n-3 group received n-3 fatty acids (635 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 195 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)), and the placebo group received olive oil capsules which were visually similar to the n-3 capsules. The duration of supplementation was 8 weeks. Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the activity of glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined before and after the intervention. Likewise the Conners’ Abbreviated Questionnaires (ASQ-P) was applied.
Results: After 8-week intervention, a significant reduction was observed in the levels of CRP ( P<0.05, 95% CI = 0.72-2.02) and IL-6 (P<0.001, 95% CI = 1.93-24.33) in the n-3 group. There was also a significant increase in activity of SOD and GR (P<0.001). A significant improvement was seen in the ASQ-P scores in the n-3 group (P<005).
Conclusion: Eight weeks of EPA and DHA supplementation decreased plasma inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in the children with ADHD. These results suggest that n-3 fatty acid supplementation may offer a safe and efficacious treatment for children with ADHD.
Key words: Eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder, oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators
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Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with difficulties in learning, behaviour and psychosocial adjustment that persist into adulthood. Decreased omega-3 fatty acids and increased inflammation or oxidative stress may contribute to neuro-developmental and psychiatric disorders such as ADHD. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of n-3 supplementation on hyperactivity, oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators in children with ADHD.
Methods: In this double blind study, 103 children (6-12 years) with ADHD receiving maintenance therapy were assigned randomly into two groups. The n-3 group received n-3 fatty acids (635 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 195 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)), and the placebo group received olive oil capsules which were visually similar to the n-3 capsules. The duration of supplementation was 8 weeks. Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the activity of glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined before and after the intervention. Likewise the Conners’ Abbreviated Questionnaires (ASQ-P) was applied.
Results: After 8-week intervention, a significant reduction was observed in the levels of CRP ( P<0.05, 95% CI = 0.72-2.02) and IL-6 (P<0.001, 95% CI = 1.93-24.33) in the n-3 group. There was also a significant increase in activity of SOD and GR (P<0.001). A significant improvement was seen in the ASQ-P scores in the n-3 group (P<005).
Conclusion: Eight weeks of EPA and DHA supplementation decreased plasma inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in the children with ADHD. These results suggest that n-3 fatty acid supplementation may offer a safe and efficacious treatment for children with ADHD.
Key words: Eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder, oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators
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Comparison of Changes in Postprandial Serum Leptin Between Healthy and Type 2 Diabetic Individuals
Karandish M, Amrullah Sharifi A & Latifi SM
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Leptin resistance may be intensified by insulin resistance. This vicious cycle between insulin resistance and leptin resistance may increase feelings of hunger and reduce energy expenditure and ultimately increase obesity. In this study, postprandial changes in leptin, insulin and glucose were compared between healthy subjects and patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).
Methods: Six men with Type 2 DM and seven healthy men (matched for age and body mass index), after 12 hours of fasting, ate the same Iranian meal (chelo kebab kobibeh ) consisting of 46% carbohydrate, 21% protein, 33% fat and 743 kcal energy. Blood samples were obtained before and 1, 2 and 4 hours after the meal, and serum leptin, insulin and glucose levels were measured. The area under incremental curve (AUIC) computed using the Trapezoidal method with fasting values was deducted from each time point, yielding net postprandial changes.
Results: Leptin levels at the first hour were significantly reduced in both groups and then increased at the second and fourth hours after the meal, although not reaching fasting values in the diabetic group at the 4th hour. AUIC for leptin was significantly lower in the diabetic group (p=0.023). Despite high levels before the meal, the early increase in insulin in the diabetic group was lower and declined more slowly than in the healthy group. The incremental area under the insulin curve was significantly lower in the control group than in the diabetic group (p=0.006).
Conclusion: It appears that an increased leptin level two hours after the meal is due to increased serum insulin and glucose levels. Leptin AUIC after meals in people with Type 2 DM is lower than in healthy people and may be due to decreased responsiveness to insulin in adipocytes because of insulin resistance.
Key words: Leptin, insulin, glucose, postprandial, type 2 diabetes mellitus
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Introduction: Leptin resistance may be intensified by insulin resistance. This vicious cycle between insulin resistance and leptin resistance may increase feelings of hunger and reduce energy expenditure and ultimately increase obesity. In this study, postprandial changes in leptin, insulin and glucose were compared between healthy subjects and patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).
Methods: Six men with Type 2 DM and seven healthy men (matched for age and body mass index), after 12 hours of fasting, ate the same Iranian meal (chelo kebab kobibeh ) consisting of 46% carbohydrate, 21% protein, 33% fat and 743 kcal energy. Blood samples were obtained before and 1, 2 and 4 hours after the meal, and serum leptin, insulin and glucose levels were measured. The area under incremental curve (AUIC) computed using the Trapezoidal method with fasting values was deducted from each time point, yielding net postprandial changes.
Results: Leptin levels at the first hour were significantly reduced in both groups and then increased at the second and fourth hours after the meal, although not reaching fasting values in the diabetic group at the 4th hour. AUIC for leptin was significantly lower in the diabetic group (p=0.023). Despite high levels before the meal, the early increase in insulin in the diabetic group was lower and declined more slowly than in the healthy group. The incremental area under the insulin curve was significantly lower in the control group than in the diabetic group (p=0.006).
Conclusion: It appears that an increased leptin level two hours after the meal is due to increased serum insulin and glucose levels. Leptin AUIC after meals in people with Type 2 DM is lower than in healthy people and may be due to decreased responsiveness to insulin in adipocytes because of insulin resistance.
Key words: Leptin, insulin, glucose, postprandial, type 2 diabetes mellitus
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Hydrophilic Antioxidant Capacities and Total PhenolContent of Seasonal Fruits of Bangladesh
Mamun S, Shaheen N, Basak Tukun A, Md Mohiduzzaman, Banu CP & Takano-Ishikawa Y
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Consumption of fruits and vegetables helps to scavenge free radicals owing to the presence of antioxidant nutrients and secondary metabolites, especially polyphenolic compounds. This may lead to a reduction in the risk of diet-related chronic diseases. The purpose of the study was to determine the antioxidant capacity (AC) and total phenolic content (TPC) of selected seasonal fruits of Bangladesh.
Methods: Hydrophilic extracts from edible portions of fifteen fruits available in the summer season were analysed. Total phenol content was determined spectrophotometrically according to the Folin-Ciocalteau method while antioxidant capacity was determined by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH-RSA).
Results: TPC ranged from 0.6 ± 0.01 to 0.01 ± 0 mg Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g of fresh weight (FW). Antioxidant capacity varied from 4.882 ± 0 to 0.113 ± 0.03 μmol Torolox equivalents (TE)/g of FW. Carissa carandas showed the highest AC (4.882 ± 0 μmol TE/g), while the lowest (0.113 ± 0.3 μmol TE/g) was seen in Baccaura ramiflora. A positive and significant correlation (R2 = 0.957) between antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of the analysed samples was identified. A significant and positive correlation (p<0.05) between AC and TPC was found in Manikara zapota, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Litchi chinensis and Articarpus lakoocha.
Conclusion: The data indicates that some indigenous seasonal fruits of Bangladesh contain high polyphenols that may serve as a potential source of dietary antioxidants.
Key words: Anti-oxidant capacity, DPPH radical scavenging activity, total phenol, seasonal fruits
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Introduction: Consumption of fruits and vegetables helps to scavenge free radicals owing to the presence of antioxidant nutrients and secondary metabolites, especially polyphenolic compounds. This may lead to a reduction in the risk of diet-related chronic diseases. The purpose of the study was to determine the antioxidant capacity (AC) and total phenolic content (TPC) of selected seasonal fruits of Bangladesh.
Methods: Hydrophilic extracts from edible portions of fifteen fruits available in the summer season were analysed. Total phenol content was determined spectrophotometrically according to the Folin-Ciocalteau method while antioxidant capacity was determined by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH-RSA).
Results: TPC ranged from 0.6 ± 0.01 to 0.01 ± 0 mg Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g of fresh weight (FW). Antioxidant capacity varied from 4.882 ± 0 to 0.113 ± 0.03 μmol Torolox equivalents (TE)/g of FW. Carissa carandas showed the highest AC (4.882 ± 0 μmol TE/g), while the lowest (0.113 ± 0.3 μmol TE/g) was seen in Baccaura ramiflora. A positive and significant correlation (R2 = 0.957) between antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of the analysed samples was identified. A significant and positive correlation (p<0.05) between AC and TPC was found in Manikara zapota, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Litchi chinensis and Articarpus lakoocha.
Conclusion: The data indicates that some indigenous seasonal fruits of Bangladesh contain high polyphenols that may serve as a potential source of dietary antioxidants.
Key words: Anti-oxidant capacity, DPPH radical scavenging activity, total phenol, seasonal fruits
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Nutritional Content and in vitro Antioxidant Potential of Garcinia atroviridis (Asam gelugor) Leaves and Fruits
Nursakinah I, Zulkhairi HA, Norhafizah M, Hasnah B, Zamree Md S, Farrah Shafeera, Razif D & Hamzah Fansuri H
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine antioxidant potential of Garcinia atroviridis leaves and fruits extracts in vitro.
Methods: Antioxidant activity was assessed using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Total phenolic content (TPC) of the extracts was estimated as gallic acid equivalent by Folin-Ciocalteau method. Proximate analysis was determined based on the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) procedures.
Results: Garcinia atroviridis leaves extracted at 100°C/15 min demonstrated the highest TPC value (21.21 ± 0.28 mg GAE/mg) and was significantly different (p<0.05) from that of leaves extracted at 60°C/6 h and 40°C/12 h. On the other hand, the fruit extracted at 60°C/6 h showed the highest TPC value (16.23 ± 0.18 mg GAE/mg) (p<0.05) compared to the fruit extracted at 40°C/12 h and 100°C/15 h respectively. The antioxidant activities of both samples were positively correlated with the TPC values based on DPPH-radical-scavenging activity and ferric reducing power estimation. Garcinia atroviridis leaf extract contained significantly higher proteins, carbohydrate and ash contents (2.16% ± 0.08; 15.98% ± 0.12 and 0.72% ± 0.07 respectively) than its fruit extract (0.46% ± 0.08, 8.64% ± 0.06 and 0.15% ± 0.06) respectively). The energy content was also found to be higher in the leaf (73.64% ± 2.15) compared to the fruit (38.38% ± 1.72) (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that G.atroviridis leaves and fruits have potential for use as a source of natural antioxidants and nutrients for therapeutic purposes against free radical mediated health conditions.
Key words: Garcinia atroviridis, antioxidants, nutrient content, total phenolics
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Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine antioxidant potential of Garcinia atroviridis leaves and fruits extracts in vitro.
Methods: Antioxidant activity was assessed using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Total phenolic content (TPC) of the extracts was estimated as gallic acid equivalent by Folin-Ciocalteau method. Proximate analysis was determined based on the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) procedures.
Results: Garcinia atroviridis leaves extracted at 100°C/15 min demonstrated the highest TPC value (21.21 ± 0.28 mg GAE/mg) and was significantly different (p<0.05) from that of leaves extracted at 60°C/6 h and 40°C/12 h. On the other hand, the fruit extracted at 60°C/6 h showed the highest TPC value (16.23 ± 0.18 mg GAE/mg) (p<0.05) compared to the fruit extracted at 40°C/12 h and 100°C/15 h respectively. The antioxidant activities of both samples were positively correlated with the TPC values based on DPPH-radical-scavenging activity and ferric reducing power estimation. Garcinia atroviridis leaf extract contained significantly higher proteins, carbohydrate and ash contents (2.16% ± 0.08; 15.98% ± 0.12 and 0.72% ± 0.07 respectively) than its fruit extract (0.46% ± 0.08, 8.64% ± 0.06 and 0.15% ± 0.06) respectively). The energy content was also found to be higher in the leaf (73.64% ± 2.15) compared to the fruit (38.38% ± 1.72) (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that G.atroviridis leaves and fruits have potential for use as a source of natural antioxidants and nutrients for therapeutic purposes against free radical mediated health conditions.
Key words: Garcinia atroviridis, antioxidants, nutrient content, total phenolics
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Plasma Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) in Obese Malaysian Subjects
Lim SH, Fan SH & Say YH
ABSTRACT
Introduction: There is a pressing need to better understand the complex biochemical pathways that lead to the pathogenesis of obesity. Increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacity have been identified to be associated with obesity. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels of Malaysian subjects and to evaluate its potential association with obesity and related anthropometric measurements.
Methods: Plasma TAC of 362 multi-ethnic Malaysian subjects from the Kampar Health Clinic (138 males, 224 females; 124 ethnic Malays, 152 Chinese, 86 Indians; 192 non-obese, 170 obese) was measured using Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) 96-well plate assay.
Results: Plasma TAC was significantly lower in obese subjects (M ± SE = 292 ± 10.4 Umol/L) compared to non-obese subjects (397 ± 8.58 Umol/L), whereas it was significantly higher in males and those in the 21-30 age group. Those with salty food preference and practising a strict vegetarian diet also had significantly higher plasma TAC. However, no association was found for other dietary habits (coffee intake) and lifestyle factors (physical activity, smoking). Plasma TAC was also significantly negatively correlated with diastolic blood pressure, waist and hip circumferences, weight, body mass index, total body fat, % subcutaneous fat, visceral fat level, resting metabolism and % skeletal muscle.
Conclusion: Plasma TAC was found to be associated with obesity, strict vegetarian practice, salty food preference and all obesity anthropometric indicators, except systolic blood pressure and pulse rate. Obese people have decreased plasma TAC indicating a compromised systemic antioxidant defence and increased oxidative stress.
Key words: Plasma total antioxidant capacity, Trolox equivalent antioxidant potential, oxidative stress, obesity, Malaysia
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Introduction: There is a pressing need to better understand the complex biochemical pathways that lead to the pathogenesis of obesity. Increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacity have been identified to be associated with obesity. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels of Malaysian subjects and to evaluate its potential association with obesity and related anthropometric measurements.
Methods: Plasma TAC of 362 multi-ethnic Malaysian subjects from the Kampar Health Clinic (138 males, 224 females; 124 ethnic Malays, 152 Chinese, 86 Indians; 192 non-obese, 170 obese) was measured using Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) 96-well plate assay.
Results: Plasma TAC was significantly lower in obese subjects (M ± SE = 292 ± 10.4 Umol/L) compared to non-obese subjects (397 ± 8.58 Umol/L), whereas it was significantly higher in males and those in the 21-30 age group. Those with salty food preference and practising a strict vegetarian diet also had significantly higher plasma TAC. However, no association was found for other dietary habits (coffee intake) and lifestyle factors (physical activity, smoking). Plasma TAC was also significantly negatively correlated with diastolic blood pressure, waist and hip circumferences, weight, body mass index, total body fat, % subcutaneous fat, visceral fat level, resting metabolism and % skeletal muscle.
Conclusion: Plasma TAC was found to be associated with obesity, strict vegetarian practice, salty food preference and all obesity anthropometric indicators, except systolic blood pressure and pulse rate. Obese people have decreased plasma TAC indicating a compromised systemic antioxidant defence and increased oxidative stress.
Key words: Plasma total antioxidant capacity, Trolox equivalent antioxidant potential, oxidative stress, obesity, Malaysia
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Comparison of Nutritional Qualities and Antioxidant Properties of Ready–to-Eat Fruit-Enriched Corn Based Breakfast Cereals
Bhavya SN & Prakash J
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The study aimed to analyse the nutritional quality, antioxidant components and activity of three varieties of corn based ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast cereals (BFC) enriched with strawberry, banana and mango.
Methods: Fruit-enriched corn based breakfast cereals manufactured in India were purchased and ground to obtain homogeneous samples for analysis. The contents of moisture, protein, total fat, dietary fibre, iron, phosphorous, calcium, vitamin C, total carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, in vitro digestible protein, bioaccessible calcium and iron, and digestible starch fractions were determined. The antioxidant components namely, polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity in different extracts were also determined using total antioxidant, free radical scavenging (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and reducing power assays.
Results: The protein and dietary fibre contents in all samples ranged between 4.0-4.6 and 6.4-7.6 g/100g respectively. Total iron and vitamin C ranged between 10.7-13.3 mg and 33.2-43.6 mg/100g respectively. Cereals with mango had high total carotene in comparison with other samples. In vitro digestible protein of the processed cereals was low, while bioaccessible calcium (50.2-59.5%) and iron (8.5-15.1%) levels were high due to low oxalates and phytic acid contents. The starch profiles of the breakfast cereals showed high rapidly available glucose and starch digestibility index. Fruit-enriched breakfast cereals showed high polyphenol content in methanol extract (48.6-71.3 mg/100g) and high total antioxidant activity in aqueous extracts. Free radical scavenging and reducing power assay showed high activity in 80% methanol extract.
Conclusion: Fruit-enriched breakfast cereals have the potential to be a good source of iron, dietary fibre, vitamin C and total carotene. The fruit-enriched cereals also had high bioaccessible iron and antioxidant activity.
Key words: Nutrient composition, anti-nutrients, starch digestibility, mineral bioaccessibility, antioxidants components
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Introduction: The study aimed to analyse the nutritional quality, antioxidant components and activity of three varieties of corn based ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast cereals (BFC) enriched with strawberry, banana and mango.
Methods: Fruit-enriched corn based breakfast cereals manufactured in India were purchased and ground to obtain homogeneous samples for analysis. The contents of moisture, protein, total fat, dietary fibre, iron, phosphorous, calcium, vitamin C, total carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, in vitro digestible protein, bioaccessible calcium and iron, and digestible starch fractions were determined. The antioxidant components namely, polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity in different extracts were also determined using total antioxidant, free radical scavenging (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and reducing power assays.
Results: The protein and dietary fibre contents in all samples ranged between 4.0-4.6 and 6.4-7.6 g/100g respectively. Total iron and vitamin C ranged between 10.7-13.3 mg and 33.2-43.6 mg/100g respectively. Cereals with mango had high total carotene in comparison with other samples. In vitro digestible protein of the processed cereals was low, while bioaccessible calcium (50.2-59.5%) and iron (8.5-15.1%) levels were high due to low oxalates and phytic acid contents. The starch profiles of the breakfast cereals showed high rapidly available glucose and starch digestibility index. Fruit-enriched breakfast cereals showed high polyphenol content in methanol extract (48.6-71.3 mg/100g) and high total antioxidant activity in aqueous extracts. Free radical scavenging and reducing power assay showed high activity in 80% methanol extract.
Conclusion: Fruit-enriched breakfast cereals have the potential to be a good source of iron, dietary fibre, vitamin C and total carotene. The fruit-enriched cereals also had high bioaccessible iron and antioxidant activity.
Key words: Nutrient composition, anti-nutrients, starch digestibility, mineral bioaccessibility, antioxidants components
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Folate Content and Availability in Malaysian Cooked Foods
Chew SC, Khor GL & Loh SP
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Data on folate availability of Malaysian cooked foods would be useful for estimation of dietary folate intake; however such information is scarce.
Methods: A total of 53 samples of frequently consumed foods in Malaysia were selected from the Nutrient Composition of Malaysian Foods. Folate content was determined using HPLC method hyphenated with a stainless steel C18 column and ultraviolet detector (? = 280 nm). The index of folate availability was defined as the proportion of folate identified as monoglutamyl derivatives from the total folate content.
Results: Total folate content of different food samples varied from 30-95 μg/100g fresh weight. Among rice-based dishes, the highest and the lowest total folate was in coconut milk rice (nasi lemak) and ghee rice (nasi minyak), respectively. In noodle dishes, fried rice noodle (kuey teow goreng) and curry noodle (mee kari) had the highest folate contents. The highest index of folate availability was in a flat rice noodle dish (kuey teow bandung) (12.13%), while the lowest was in a festival cake (kuih bakul) (0.13%). Folate content was found to be negatively related to its availability.
Conclusion: This study determined folate content and folate availability in commonly consumed cooked foods in Malaysia. The uptake of folate from foods with high folate content may not be necessarily high as folate absorption also depends on the capacity of intestinal deconjugation and the presence of high fibre in the foods.
Key words: Folate content, availability, HPLC
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Introduction: Data on folate availability of Malaysian cooked foods would be useful for estimation of dietary folate intake; however such information is scarce.
Methods: A total of 53 samples of frequently consumed foods in Malaysia were selected from the Nutrient Composition of Malaysian Foods. Folate content was determined using HPLC method hyphenated with a stainless steel C18 column and ultraviolet detector (? = 280 nm). The index of folate availability was defined as the proportion of folate identified as monoglutamyl derivatives from the total folate content.
Results: Total folate content of different food samples varied from 30-95 μg/100g fresh weight. Among rice-based dishes, the highest and the lowest total folate was in coconut milk rice (nasi lemak) and ghee rice (nasi minyak), respectively. In noodle dishes, fried rice noodle (kuey teow goreng) and curry noodle (mee kari) had the highest folate contents. The highest index of folate availability was in a flat rice noodle dish (kuey teow bandung) (12.13%), while the lowest was in a festival cake (kuih bakul) (0.13%). Folate content was found to be negatively related to its availability.
Conclusion: This study determined folate content and folate availability in commonly consumed cooked foods in Malaysia. The uptake of folate from foods with high folate content may not be necessarily high as folate absorption also depends on the capacity of intestinal deconjugation and the presence of high fibre in the foods.
Key words: Folate content, availability, HPLC
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Use of Red Palm Oil in Local Snacks Can Increase Intake of Provitamin A Carotenoids in Young Aborigines Children: A Malaysian Experience
Ng TKW, Low CX, Kong JP & Cho YL
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Carotenoid-rich red palm oil (RPO)-based snacks have been provided to children in impoverished communities to improve their vitamin A status. The non-availabilty of information on the acceptability of RPO-based snacks by Malaysian aborigines (Orang Asli) children forms the basis of this study.
Methods: Twenty-one Orang Asli children, majority of whom had normal body mass index for age (BMI-for-age) and aged 4.73 ± 0.92 years in Sungai Tekir, Negeri Sembilan were provided with three freshly-prepared snacks (springroll, curry puff or doughnut) each containing one teaspoon or 5 ml of RPO per serving, on separate mornings. On the fourth morning, one serving each of all 3 different snacks was provided together on a plate to every child for consumption and preference for the snacks recorded. The children’s habitual vitamin A intakes were assessed by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and carotenoid retention tests for the prepared snacks were performed by column chromatography.
Results: Fifty-four percent of the children did not meet their RNI for vitamin A. Based on acceptance criterion of consuming at least one-half serving of the snacks provided, springroll and curry puff recorded 100% acceptability while doughnut had 82% acceptability. Preference of snack was in the order, springroll (47%)> doughtnut (35%)> curry puff (18%), but a Z-test test for proportions showed no statistical significance. Carotenoid retention tests showed great variation between snacks namely, doughnut (100%) >springroll (84%)>curry puff (45%).
Conclusion: The overall findings indicate that the RPO-based snacks are highly acceptable and can be used to improve the dietary intake of provitamin A carotenoids of Malaysian Orang Asli children.
Key words: Red palm oil snacks, carotenoids, acceptability, Orang Asli children
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Introduction: Carotenoid-rich red palm oil (RPO)-based snacks have been provided to children in impoverished communities to improve their vitamin A status. The non-availabilty of information on the acceptability of RPO-based snacks by Malaysian aborigines (Orang Asli) children forms the basis of this study.
Methods: Twenty-one Orang Asli children, majority of whom had normal body mass index for age (BMI-for-age) and aged 4.73 ± 0.92 years in Sungai Tekir, Negeri Sembilan were provided with three freshly-prepared snacks (springroll, curry puff or doughnut) each containing one teaspoon or 5 ml of RPO per serving, on separate mornings. On the fourth morning, one serving each of all 3 different snacks was provided together on a plate to every child for consumption and preference for the snacks recorded. The children’s habitual vitamin A intakes were assessed by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and carotenoid retention tests for the prepared snacks were performed by column chromatography.
Results: Fifty-four percent of the children did not meet their RNI for vitamin A. Based on acceptance criterion of consuming at least one-half serving of the snacks provided, springroll and curry puff recorded 100% acceptability while doughnut had 82% acceptability. Preference of snack was in the order, springroll (47%)> doughtnut (35%)> curry puff (18%), but a Z-test test for proportions showed no statistical significance. Carotenoid retention tests showed great variation between snacks namely, doughnut (100%) >springroll (84%)>curry puff (45%).
Conclusion: The overall findings indicate that the RPO-based snacks are highly acceptable and can be used to improve the dietary intake of provitamin A carotenoids of Malaysian Orang Asli children.
Key words: Red palm oil snacks, carotenoids, acceptability, Orang Asli children
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Acknowledgements
Appreciation is recorded to the following referees for their contributions towards the publication of Volume 18 (Numbers 1, 2, & 3), 2012 of the Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
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