Online First
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition (Mal J Nutr)
Volume 31 No.1, 2025
Demographic status, eating behaviour, and fruit and
vegetable intake in children aged 4 to 6 years
Nurfarhana Diana Mohd Nor & Che Nur Hasniza Che Rahim
doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2023-0142
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Fruits and vegetables (FV) are packed with nutrients; high consumption of FV offers various health benefits. However, consumption is reported to be below recommendation among children worldwide. Current evidence related to environmental and personal factors on FV intake in Malaysia is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine environmental and personal factors associated with FV intake among children aged 4 to 6 years in Malaysia.
Methods: 278 children participated and questionnaires were distributed to seven preschools in Setiu, Terengganu. Parents were asked to complete the questionnaire to assess demographic data, children’s eating behaviour, FV intake and liking.
Results: Girls consumed more vegetables than boys (p=0.041). Parental education was significantly associated with vegetable intake. Frequency of purchasing FV had a significant association with fruit (p=0.014) and vegetable (p<0.001) intakes among children. Meanwhile, frequency of family mealtimes was associated with vegetable intake. Furthermore, children’s eating behaviour was found to be related to FV intake. Three eating behaviour characteristics, namely food responsiveness, satiety responsiveness, and food fussiness, were significantly associated with vegetable intake, while enjoyment of food, food responsiveness, and emotional overeating had significant associations with fruit intake. Additional robust regression analyses demonstrated that only frequency of purchasing FV was a significant predictor of both FV intakes (p=0.018; p=0.001), while gender was a predictor of vegetable intake (p=0.011), but not fruit intake.
Conclusion: Demographic status and children’s eating behaviour were among the factors involved in determining FV intake among children.
Key words: children, child eating behaviour, fruit intake, predictors, vegetable intake
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Introduction: Fruits and vegetables (FV) are packed with nutrients; high consumption of FV offers various health benefits. However, consumption is reported to be below recommendation among children worldwide. Current evidence related to environmental and personal factors on FV intake in Malaysia is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine environmental and personal factors associated with FV intake among children aged 4 to 6 years in Malaysia.
Methods: 278 children participated and questionnaires were distributed to seven preschools in Setiu, Terengganu. Parents were asked to complete the questionnaire to assess demographic data, children’s eating behaviour, FV intake and liking.
Results: Girls consumed more vegetables than boys (p=0.041). Parental education was significantly associated with vegetable intake. Frequency of purchasing FV had a significant association with fruit (p=0.014) and vegetable (p<0.001) intakes among children. Meanwhile, frequency of family mealtimes was associated with vegetable intake. Furthermore, children’s eating behaviour was found to be related to FV intake. Three eating behaviour characteristics, namely food responsiveness, satiety responsiveness, and food fussiness, were significantly associated with vegetable intake, while enjoyment of food, food responsiveness, and emotional overeating had significant associations with fruit intake. Additional robust regression analyses demonstrated that only frequency of purchasing FV was a significant predictor of both FV intakes (p=0.018; p=0.001), while gender was a predictor of vegetable intake (p=0.011), but not fruit intake.
Conclusion: Demographic status and children’s eating behaviour were among the factors involved in determining FV intake among children.
Key words: children, child eating behaviour, fruit intake, predictors, vegetable intake
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Evaluation of commercial probiotic supplements in
Malaysia for registration status, labelling compliance,
and probiotic contents
Shin Yuh Lee, Siok Koon Yeo & Caroline Lin Lin Chua
doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2024-0030
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The global probiotics market is growing rapidly due to increasing consumer demands for functional foods and increased awareness of the importance of gut health. However, previous studies have raised concerns about the labelling, quality, and safety of commercial probiotic products available worldwide. There are limited studies focusing on probiotic supplements sold in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine if these probiotic supplements are registered and labelled according to the guidelines by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), Ministry of Health Malaysia, and to identify common probiotic strains found in these products.
Methods: A total of 103 probiotic products sold at pharmacies in Klang Valley, Malaysia and online shopping platforms were included in this study. Product labels were examined for the presence of holographic security labels and other labelling requirements set by NPRA. Data were collected between January and March 2022.
Results: 81.6% of probiotic supplements sold in Malaysia were registered with NPRA; 70% were fully labelled according to NPRA guidelines, while the rest lacked one or more standard labelling criteria. Mislabelling of probiotic contents was found in 44.7% of probiotic supplements sold in Malaysia, whereby errors were detected in the probiotic nomenclature. The most common probiotic species in these supplements were Lactobacillus acidophilus (61.2%), followed by Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (50.5%), and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (46.6%).
Conclusion: While most probiotic supplements sold in Malaysia were registered under NPRA and properly labelled, the availability of unregistered products warrants consumers to make more informed choices about the selection of their purchases.
Key words: labelling compliance, National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), probiotics, probiotic supplements, registration
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Introduction: The global probiotics market is growing rapidly due to increasing consumer demands for functional foods and increased awareness of the importance of gut health. However, previous studies have raised concerns about the labelling, quality, and safety of commercial probiotic products available worldwide. There are limited studies focusing on probiotic supplements sold in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine if these probiotic supplements are registered and labelled according to the guidelines by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), Ministry of Health Malaysia, and to identify common probiotic strains found in these products.
Methods: A total of 103 probiotic products sold at pharmacies in Klang Valley, Malaysia and online shopping platforms were included in this study. Product labels were examined for the presence of holographic security labels and other labelling requirements set by NPRA. Data were collected between January and March 2022.
Results: 81.6% of probiotic supplements sold in Malaysia were registered with NPRA; 70% were fully labelled according to NPRA guidelines, while the rest lacked one or more standard labelling criteria. Mislabelling of probiotic contents was found in 44.7% of probiotic supplements sold in Malaysia, whereby errors were detected in the probiotic nomenclature. The most common probiotic species in these supplements were Lactobacillus acidophilus (61.2%), followed by Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (50.5%), and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (46.6%).
Conclusion: While most probiotic supplements sold in Malaysia were registered under NPRA and properly labelled, the availability of unregistered products warrants consumers to make more informed choices about the selection of their purchases.
Key words: labelling compliance, National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), probiotics, probiotic supplements, registration
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Diet quality and its correlation with blood cholesterol
levels in young adults in Indonesia
Hesti Permata Sari, Apoina Kartini, Yudhi Dharmawan, Nurjazuli
Nurjazuli, Afina Rachma Sulistyaning, Elok Widyaningtyas
doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2023-0144
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia is increasing, especially in young adults. Poor diet quality can lead to increased blood cholesterol levels. This study aimed to describe diet quality and investigate the correlation of its components with blood cholesterol levels.
Methods: gate the correlation of its components with blood cholesterol levels. Methods: The design of this study was cross-sectional, involving 100 young adults (males and females) aged 19-22 years, chosen using purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria. Diet quality data were collected using a 3x24-hour food record and assessed using the USAadapted Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) comprising 11 components. Data of AHEI’s components were analysed using Pearson’s Product Moment, Spearman’s rank test, and multiple linear regression.
Results: All young adults’ diet quality (100%) had a score in the ‘needed improvement’ category (<76.2). There were no significant correlations between fruits (r=-0.129, p=0.200), tubers and cereals (r=- 0.071, p=0.482), nuts and legumes (r=0.169, p=0.093), red processed meat (r=- 0.043, p=0.670), omega-3 (r=0.022, p=0.831), polyunsaturated fatty acids (r=-0.056, p=0.581), sodium (r=-0.061, p=0.544), and alcohol with blood cholesterol levels. However, there was a significant correlation between vegetables (r=-0.226, p=0.024), sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) (r=0.388, p<0.001), and trans fat (r=0.237, p=0.018) with blood cholesterol levels.
Conclusion: Consumption of vegetables was associated with decreased blood cholesterol levels, while SSB and trans fat consumption were associated with increased blood cholesterol levels.
Key words: AHEI, cholesterol, diet quality, young adult
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Introduction: The prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia is increasing, especially in young adults. Poor diet quality can lead to increased blood cholesterol levels. This study aimed to describe diet quality and investigate the correlation of its components with blood cholesterol levels.
Methods: gate the correlation of its components with blood cholesterol levels. Methods: The design of this study was cross-sectional, involving 100 young adults (males and females) aged 19-22 years, chosen using purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria. Diet quality data were collected using a 3x24-hour food record and assessed using the USAadapted Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) comprising 11 components. Data of AHEI’s components were analysed using Pearson’s Product Moment, Spearman’s rank test, and multiple linear regression.
Results: All young adults’ diet quality (100%) had a score in the ‘needed improvement’ category (<76.2). There were no significant correlations between fruits (r=-0.129, p=0.200), tubers and cereals (r=- 0.071, p=0.482), nuts and legumes (r=0.169, p=0.093), red processed meat (r=- 0.043, p=0.670), omega-3 (r=0.022, p=0.831), polyunsaturated fatty acids (r=-0.056, p=0.581), sodium (r=-0.061, p=0.544), and alcohol with blood cholesterol levels. However, there was a significant correlation between vegetables (r=-0.226, p=0.024), sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) (r=0.388, p<0.001), and trans fat (r=0.237, p=0.018) with blood cholesterol levels.
Conclusion: Consumption of vegetables was associated with decreased blood cholesterol levels, while SSB and trans fat consumption were associated with increased blood cholesterol levels.
Key words: AHEI, cholesterol, diet quality, young adult
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Female athlete triad syndrome: A bibliometric analysis
Maria Ulfa, Meiky Fredianto, Roslee Rajikan, Merve Ilhan-Esgin & Esti
Widiasih
doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2024-0016
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Menstrual disruption, lack of energy availability (with or without an eating disorder), and decreased bone mineral density are collectively known as the female athlete triad. It is common among young women who engage in athletic activities. This study aimed to identify the female athlete triad patterns and provide nutritional recommendations for female athletes to prevent triad syndrome.
Methods: This study used a quantitative method with a bibliometric study approach. The inclusion criteria were document type ‘Article,’ publication stage ‘Fully published articles,’ source type ‘Journal,’ and language ‘English,’ from 2018-2024. Data were analysed using Scopus, VOSviewer, Nvivo 12 Plus, and Rstudio.
Results: Research on female athlete triad syndrome showed a notable increase in 2014 and 2022. The United States (52 papers), Canada (ten papers), and Japan (nine papers) were the leading contributors. Five key clusters were identified: energy and metabolism, bone mineral density, menstrual disorders, sports injuries, and athlete performance. To effectively address the nutritional needs of female athletes and mitigate the risk of triad syndrome, it is essential to consider these five key clusters. The development of the triad in female athletes is primarily due to insufficient nutrition and calorie intakes, leading to a negative energy balance.
Conclusion: There is still much to learn, but recent research has focused on minimising risks and maximising benefits for young female athletes by addressing the key clusters identified in this study. Healthcare professionals should educate patients, parents, and coaches about female athletes’ potential challenges and the best strategies to support them.
Key words: female athletes, nutrition, triad syndrome
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Introduction: Menstrual disruption, lack of energy availability (with or without an eating disorder), and decreased bone mineral density are collectively known as the female athlete triad. It is common among young women who engage in athletic activities. This study aimed to identify the female athlete triad patterns and provide nutritional recommendations for female athletes to prevent triad syndrome.
Methods: This study used a quantitative method with a bibliometric study approach. The inclusion criteria were document type ‘Article,’ publication stage ‘Fully published articles,’ source type ‘Journal,’ and language ‘English,’ from 2018-2024. Data were analysed using Scopus, VOSviewer, Nvivo 12 Plus, and Rstudio.
Results: Research on female athlete triad syndrome showed a notable increase in 2014 and 2022. The United States (52 papers), Canada (ten papers), and Japan (nine papers) were the leading contributors. Five key clusters were identified: energy and metabolism, bone mineral density, menstrual disorders, sports injuries, and athlete performance. To effectively address the nutritional needs of female athletes and mitigate the risk of triad syndrome, it is essential to consider these five key clusters. The development of the triad in female athletes is primarily due to insufficient nutrition and calorie intakes, leading to a negative energy balance.
Conclusion: There is still much to learn, but recent research has focused on minimising risks and maximising benefits for young female athletes by addressing the key clusters identified in this study. Healthcare professionals should educate patients, parents, and coaches about female athletes’ potential challenges and the best strategies to support them.
Key words: female athletes, nutrition, triad syndrome
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Development of value-added ragi barfi by incorporating
mudakathan (Cardiospermum halicacabum) and
evaluation of its sensory, shelf life and nutrient
analysis
Saraswathi Srinivasan, Hema Thirvangam Henry & Hemamalini Arambakkam
Janardhanam
doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2024-0053
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Insufficient dietary calcium intake has resulted in calcium deficiency affecting half of the population, which has implications for bone strength and an increased risk of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Barfi made from ragi flour and mudakathan leaves powder provides various benefits, including antioxidants, anti-arthritic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. The present research aimed to develop ragi barfi incorporating mudakathan (Cardiospermum halicacabum) and to evaluate its sensory acceptability, as well as to analyse the micronutrient (calcium and vitamin D) and macronutrient contents of the developed products.
Methods: Barfis were prepared using standard procedures, with one group made without mudakathan leaves powder (T0 Control) and three variations (T1, T2, and T3) made with mudakathan leaves powder in proportions of 5 grams, 10 grams, and 15 grams. These barfis were then evaluated by thirty panellists using a nine-point hedonic scale. The accepted product underwent nutrient analysis, microbial analysis for shelf life, and cost analysis. The samples were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: In the sensory evaluation, three variations (T1, T2, T3) were considered; T3 was ultimately selected based on sensory and nutritional analysis. The barfi prepared with 15 grams of mudakathan was found to be highly acceptable in all quality attributes and demonstrated good storage ability with a shelf life of one month.
Conclusion: This indicated that the efficient combination of mudakathan and “poor man’s millet” can be utilised to reach households and address public health by promoting bone strength.
Key words: barfi, calcium, finger millet, mudakathan (Cardiospermum halicacabum), sensory evaluation
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Introduction: Insufficient dietary calcium intake has resulted in calcium deficiency affecting half of the population, which has implications for bone strength and an increased risk of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Barfi made from ragi flour and mudakathan leaves powder provides various benefits, including antioxidants, anti-arthritic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. The present research aimed to develop ragi barfi incorporating mudakathan (Cardiospermum halicacabum) and to evaluate its sensory acceptability, as well as to analyse the micronutrient (calcium and vitamin D) and macronutrient contents of the developed products.
Methods: Barfis were prepared using standard procedures, with one group made without mudakathan leaves powder (T0 Control) and three variations (T1, T2, and T3) made with mudakathan leaves powder in proportions of 5 grams, 10 grams, and 15 grams. These barfis were then evaluated by thirty panellists using a nine-point hedonic scale. The accepted product underwent nutrient analysis, microbial analysis for shelf life, and cost analysis. The samples were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: In the sensory evaluation, three variations (T1, T2, T3) were considered; T3 was ultimately selected based on sensory and nutritional analysis. The barfi prepared with 15 grams of mudakathan was found to be highly acceptable in all quality attributes and demonstrated good storage ability with a shelf life of one month.
Conclusion: This indicated that the efficient combination of mudakathan and “poor man’s millet” can be utilised to reach households and address public health by promoting bone strength.
Key words: barfi, calcium, finger millet, mudakathan (Cardiospermum halicacabum), sensory evaluation
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