Showing papers in "Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2004"

Inhibitory effects of rosmarinic acid extracts on porcine pancreatic amylase in vitro.

Abstract: Porcine pancreatic alpha-amylase (PPA) was allowed to react with herbal extracts containing rosmarinic acid (RA) and purified RA. The derivatized enzyme-phytochemical mixtures obtained were characterized for residual amylase activity. These in vitro experiments showed that the amylase activity was inhibited in the presence of these phytochemicals. The extent of amylase inhibition correlated with increased concentration of RA. RA-containing oregano extracts yielded higher than expected amylase inhibition than similar amount of purified RA, suggesting that other phenolic compounds or phenolic synergies may contribute to additional amylase inhibitory activity. The significance of food-grade, plant-based amylase inhibitors for modulation of diabetes mellitus and other oxidation-linked diseases is hypothesized and discussed.

Phenolics, their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in dark germinated fenugreek sprouts in response to peptide and phytochemical elicitors.

Abstract: The phenylpropanoid pathway (PPP) was stimulated in fenugreek sprouts through the pentose phosphate and shikimate pathway, by natural elicitors such as Fish Protein Hydrolysates (FPH), Lactoferrin (LF) and Oregano Extract (OE). Among treatments 0.5 ml/L FPH elicited fenugreek sprouts had the highest phenolic content of 0.75 mg/g FW on day 3 of germination which was approximately 25 % higher than control on the same day. The antioxidant activity estimated by beta-carotene assay was highest for LF and OE elicited sprouts on day 2 and 4, respectively with an antioxidant protection factor (APF) of 1.47 for both. In all treatments and control, higher antioxidant activity was observed during early germination, which correlates to higher phenolic content, suggesting that initially phenolics are antioxidant in nature. This increased activity also correlates with high guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activity indicating that the polymerized phenolics required for lignification with growth have antioxidant function. The antioxidant activity as estimated by beta-carotene and 1,1,-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assays indicate that fenugreek sprout extract can quench the superoxide free radical and also possibly scavenge the hydrogen peroxide generated in the reaction mix. OE elicited the highest levo dihydroxy phenylalanine (L-DOPA) synthesis of 1.59 mg/g FW, followed by FPH with 1.56 mg/g FW and LF 1.5 mg/g FW all on day 2 which was 24.5%, 23 % and 20 % higher than control, respectively. Higher L-DOPA content was observed in the elicited fenugreek sprouts during early germination, correlating to high phenolics and antioxidant activity, suggesting that L-DOPA also contributes to the high antioxidant activity. The glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activity was higher during early germination (day 1-4) and gradually decreased during later stages (day 5-8) for all treatments and control. The early increase is possibly due to the carbohydrate mobilization from the cotyledons directed towards the high nutrient requirements of the growing sprout. As mobilization occurred, an allosteric feedback inhibition by sugar-phosphates is suggested, as lower G6PDH activity was observed on days 6-8. The elevated levels of GPX during early germination coincide with the higher phenolic synthesis; SOD activity and antioxidant activity suggests the elevated production and quenching of reactive oxygen species by elicitation. High antimicrobial activity against peptic ulcer-linked Helicobacter pylori was observed in the fenugreek sprout extract from control and LF treatments only. We hypothesized that in fenugreek sprouts, simple free phenolics that are less polymerized have more antimicrobial function.

Obesity among pre-adolescent and adolescents of a developing country (India).

Abstract: There are very few reports from the developing world on the prevalence of obesity among children even though in developed countries it has reached epidemic proportions The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity in pre-adolescent and adolescent children in a developing country (India) using WHO guidelines for defining obesity and overweight This cross-sectional study was carried out on 2008 school-children aged 9-15 years Approximately half the subjects belonged to a school attended by children of well to do families while the rest belonged to two schools from middle and lower socio-economic background Weight and height were taken for all children and the body mass index (BMI) calculated Children whose BMI was >85th percentile for age and sex were defined as overweight Triceps skin fold thickness (TSFT) was measured for all overweight children and those with TSFT >90th percentile for age and sex were defined as obese The overall prevalence of obesity and overweight was 111% and 142% respectively The prevalence of obesity as well as overweight was higher in boys as compared to girls (124% vs 99%, 157% vs 129%) Prevalence of obesity decreased significantly with age, from 185% at 9 years to 76% at 14 years, rising at 15 years to 121% Significantly more children from higher socio-economic status were obese and overweight than those from lower socio-economic status groups No significant gender difference for obesity prevalence was seen among children from a less privileged background, however, amongst children from affluent families, significantly more boys were obese as compared to girls Pediatric obesity is an emerging problem in developing countries, especially among higher socio-economic status groups Significant gender disparity is seen, with boys of affluent background having a higher prevalence

Dietary diversity score in adolescents - a good indicator of the nutritional adequacy of diets: Tehran lipid and glucose study

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine dietary diversity and its relation to dietary adequacy in 10-18 year-old adolescents of district 13 of Tehran during the period 1999-2001. After excluding for over and under reporters, dietary intake assessment was conducted on 304, 10-18 year old individuals, participants of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. A dietary diversity score was calculated as part of the pyramid serving database that is categorized into 23 broad food groups. Each of the 5 broad food categories received a maximum diversity score of 2 of the 10 possible score points. To be counted as a "consumer " for any of the food groups categories, a respondent needed to consume one-half serving, as defined by Food Guide Pyramid quantity criteria, at any time during a 2-day survey period. The nutrient adequacy ratio for a given nutrient is the ratio of a subject's intake to the current recommended allowance for the subject's sex and age category. Weight and height were measured and BMI was calculated. Student's t-test was used to compare the means. Those variables which had normal distribution were tested by Pearson correlation coefficient and the others were tested by the Spearman correlation coefficient. Mean +/-SD of dietary diversity score (DDS) was 6.25 +/- 1.08 (range 0-10). The maximum and minimum scores of dietary diversity were related to the fruit (1.46+/-0.61) and bread-grain (0.95+/-0.27) groups, respectively. Significant positive correlation was observed between DDS and the mean adequacy ratio (MAR) (r =0.42, P or = 6. In people with a DDS of six or over, BMI was higher (19.81 +/- 4.08vs18.95+/- 3.30 Kg/m(2), P<0.01) than others. There was a significant and positive correlation between DDS and most of the nutrient adequacy ratios (NARs). It is concluded that DDS is an appropriate method to evaluate nutrient intake adequacy in this group of adolescents.

A model for the role of the proline-linked pentose-phosphate pathway in phenolic phytochemical bio-synthesis and mechanism of action for human health and environmental applications.

Abstract: The combination of immunodeficiency, inflammatory process and nutritional status that is characteristic of infective and food-borne illness is more evident in chronic diet- and environment-influenced chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, arthritis and neuro-degeneration diseases. These chronic diseases tend to be oxidation-linked and may manifest in communities around the world, irrespective of income. In addressing the challenges of the above diseases, a significant role for dietary phytochemicals is emerging. Phytochemicals are required from a spectrum of food for at least their antioxidant role, if not for other properties, to protect tissues from activities that manifest themselves into what we call chronic disease. Among the diverse groups of phytochemicals, phenolic antioxidants and antimicrobials from food plants are being targeted for designed dietary intervention to manage major oxidation-linked diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, cognition diseases and cancer. Foods containing phenolic phytochemicals are also being targeted to manage bacterial infections associated with chronic diseases such as peptic ulcer, urinary tract infections, dental caries and food-borne bacterial infections. Plants produce phenolic metabolites as a part of growth, developmental and stress adaptation response. These stress and developmental responses are being harnessed to design consistent phytochemical profiles for safety and clinical relevancy using novel tissue culture and bioprocessing technologies. The biochemical strategy for harnessing phenolic phytochemicals for human health and wellness is based on the hypothesis that phenolic metabolites in plants are efficiently produced through an alternative mode of metabolism linking proline synthesis with pentose-phosphate pathway. In this model, stress-induced proline biosynthesis is coupled to pentose-phosphate pathway, driving the synthesis of NADPH(2) and sugar phosphates for anabolic pathways, including phenolic and antioxidant response pathways, while simultaneously providing reducing equivalents needed for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in the form of proline as an alternative to NADH from Krebs/TCA cycle. Based on this model, tissue culture techniques and elicitation concepts have been used to stimulate phenolic metabolites with an antioxidant response in germinating seeds, sprouts and clonal lines of dietary plants. From our initial investigations, a model has been proposed in which the proline-linked pentose-phosphate pathway is suggested to be critical for modulating protective antioxidant response pathways in diverse biological systems, including biochemical and cellular pathways important for human health. The proposed proline-linked pentose-phosphate pathway model provides a mechanism for understanding the mode of action of phenolic phytochemicals in modulating antioxidant pathways and provides avenues by which dietary approaches may manage oxidation-linked chronic and infectious diseases. The model also has implications for the development of antimicrobial phenolic phytochemicals against bacterial pathogens in an era of increasing antibiotic resistance. Further, this model also has relevance for improving fungal and yeast-based food bioprocessing for designing functional foods and for environmental bioremediation using plant and microbial systems, as well as for improving agricultural and food systems in harsh environments.

Legumes: the most important dietary predictor of survival in older people of different ethnicities.

Abstract: To identify protective dietary predictors amongst long-lived elderly people (N= 785), the "Food Habits in Later Life "(FHILL) study was undertaken among five cohorts in Japan, Sweden, Greece and Australia. Between 1988 and 1991, baseline data on food intakes were collected. There were 785 participants aged 70 and over that were followed up to seven years. Based on an alternative Cox Proportional Hazard model adjusted to age at enrollment (in 5-year intervals), gender and smoking, the legume food group showed 7-8% reduction in mortality hazard ratio for every 20g increase in daily intake with or without controlling for ethnicity (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.85-0.99 and RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.87-0.99, respectively). Other food groups were not found to be consistently significant in predicting survival amongst the FHILL cohorts.

Traditional Chinese food technology and cuisine.

Abstract: From ancient wisdom to modern science and technology, Chinese cuisine has been established from a long history of the country and gained a global reputation of its sophistication. Traditional Chinese foods and cuisine that exhibit Chinese culture, art and reality play an essential role in Chinese people’s everyday lives. Recently, traditional Chinese foods have drawn a great degree of attention from food scientists and technologists, the food industry, and health promotion institutions worldwide due to the extensive values they offer beyond being merely another ethnic food. These traditional foods comprise a wide variety of products, such as pickled vegetables, salted fish and jellyfish, tofu and tofu derived products, rice and rice snack foods, fermented sauces, fish balls and thousand-year-old eggs. An overview of selected popular traditional Chinese foods and their processing techniques are included in this paper. Further development of the traditional techniques for formulation and production of these foods is expected to produce economic, social and health benefits.

Inhibitory effect of clonal oregano extracts against porcine pancreatic amylase in vitro.

Abstract: Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a rich source of natural phenolic antioxidants and has potential to be a source of nutritional ingredients for functional foods. Herbs such as oregano have long been used in food preservation and in traditional medicine in the treatment of common ailments and have potential for positive modulation of oxidation-linked diseases such as diabetes. One of the potentially important components of anti-diabetic activity by oregano extract is mild amylase inhibition by phenolic antioxidants to help contribute towards management of hyperglycemia. Previously, we reported the ability of rosmarinic acid, one of the principal phenolic components of oregano, to inhibit porcine pancreatic amylase (PPA) activity. Here, we investigated the effect of 50% ethanol extracts of eleven phenolic antioxidant-rich oregano clonal lines on the activity of PPA in vitro. To this end, we analyzed extract total soluble phenolic content by the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method, rosmarinic acid (RA), protochatechuic acid (PA), quercetin, and p-coumaric acid (pCA) contents by HPLC, antioxidant activity as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, and PPA-inhibitory activity by incubation of the enzyme with clonal oregano extracts and characterization of the activity of the phenolic-bound enzyme. Clonal oregano extracts inhibited the activity of PPA in vitro by 9-57%. Amylase inhibition by oregano extract was associated with extract total phenolic content and RA, quercetin, PA, and pCA content, as well as extract antioxidant activity and protein content. Our finding that clonal oregano extracts can inhibit PPA supports a potential new functionality for oregano as an anti-hyperglycemic agent. This provides an opportunity for a food-based strategy for modulation of starch breakdown to glucose, which could contribute to the management of hyperglycemia and diabetes complications in the long term.

Vitamin D status among postmenopausal Malaysian women.

Abstract: Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D) were determined in 276 (103 Malays and 173 Chinese) postmenopausal women, aged 50 to 65 years. The level of 25 (OH) D was significantly lower in the postmenopausal Malay women (44.4 +/-10.6 nmol/L) compared to the Chinese women (68.8 +/- 15.7 nmol/L) (P<0.05). There were 27% Malay women with serum 25 (OH) D in the range of 50 - 100 nmol/L (defined as lowered vitamin D status, or hypovitaminosis D) and 71% with levels in the range of 25 - 50 nmol/L (defined as vitamin D insufficiency) compared to 87% and 11% Chinese women respectively. Serum 25 (OH) D was found to significantly correlate with BMI, fat mass and PTH level. Multivariate analyses showed that race has a strong association with vitamin D status. The high prevalence of inadequate levels of serum vitamin D found in our study may have important public health consequences and warrants the development of a strategy to correct this problem in the older adult Malaysian population.

High prevalence of low dietary calcium and low vitamin D status in healthy south Indians.

Abstract: Calcium and vitamin D under nutrition can adversely affect the bone mineral metabolism. There is no population-based study from India documenting dietary habits, serum calcium and vitamin D levels. Our study investigated the dietary habits of rural and urban societies in and around Tirupati and their relationship with serum calcium, phosphorous and vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. Four hundred and seven subjects from 5 villages around Tirupati, (rural population) and 125 asymptomatic staff of our hospital (urban population) were studied. Dietary intakes of calcium, phosphorous and phytates were documented by diet history. Serum calcium, phosphorus and 25 (OH) D levels were estimated in 191 rural subjects and 125 urban subjects. Compared to urban subjects, rural subjects had a significantly lower intake of dietary calcium (P <0.0001) and a significantly higher dietary phytate/calcium ratio and serum calcium and 25 (OH) D levels (P <0.0001). Dietary calcium intake was inadequate in both rural and urban subjects compared to the recommended daily allowances (RDA) for our country. About 31% of the population had normal vitamin D levels, 54% had vitamin D insufficiency and 15% vitamin D deficiency. About two-thirds of the population had low levels of vitamin D. Inadequate dietary calcium intake associated with high phytate/calcium ratio reduces the bioavailable calcium in the gut. Hence, there is a need to fortify food with calcium and to propose new guidelines for 25 (OH) D in Indian subjects. Multicentric studies with large sample populations are required to generate normal standards and nationally relevant guidelines.

Food fears: a national survey on the attitudes of Australian adults about the safety and quality of food

Abstract: A national telephone survey of a representative sample of 1200 Australian adults was conducted in March 2002 in order to identify the factors of greatest concern to consumers in relation to the safety and quality of food, to measure recent trends in views about hazards in the food supply, to explore beliefs about the safety of additives and to discover whether consumers use food labels to check for ingredients of concern. Forty five percent of Australians responded that they were more concerned about the safety and quality of food than they were five years previously, while only 5% were less concerned. The most common potential hazards volunteered were additives and chemical residues (28%), followed by food processing/handling/freshness (21%), food hygiene or contamination (14%), and also genetic modification (14%). More than half of the respondents believe that additives and preservatives are harmful to your health and that many foods contain high levels of pesticides. A greater proportion of consumers claimed to be conscious of checking for additives, either general or specific, on food labels than for information on the salt or sugar content of products. Food regulators, journalists, the food industry and health professionals need to work together to correct misconceptions about the risks to health posed by common food additives and pesticide residues.

Dietary intake and the risk of coronary heart disease among the coconut-consuming Minangkabau in West Sumatra, Indonesia.

Abstract: Several nutrition and non-nutritional pathways are recognised in the development and occurrence of cardiovascular disease. In many populations, high intakes of saturated fat are associated with elevated serum cholesterol concentrations and increased coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality. However, several studies report that hyperlipidaemia and heart diseases are not common among populations who consume coconut, a source of saturated fat. A case-control study was conducted among the Minangkabau known to be high coconut consumers to examine the difference in food patterns and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) between the coronary cases and their gender- and age-matched apparently healthy counterparts serving as controls. Eligible subjects with CHD were identified through the co-operation of five participating hospitals located in Padang and Bukittinggi in West Sumatra, Indonesia. A total of 93 eligible cases (62 men and 31 women) in the Case group and 189 subjects (113 men and 76 women) in the Control group were recruited. Information on the intakes of individual foods and dishes over the preceding 12 months was obtained using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The Case groups had significantly higher intakes of meats, eggs, sugar, tea, coffee and fruits, but lower intakes of soy products, rice and cereals compared to the controls. Coconut consumption as flesh or milk was not different between cases and controls. The cases had significantly higher intakes of protein and cholesterol, but lower intake of carbohydrate. Similar intakes of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids between the cases and controls indicated that the consumption of total fat or saturated fat, including that from coconut, was not a predictor for CHD in this food culture. However, the intakes of animal foods, total protein, dietary cholesterol and less plant derived carbohydrates were predictors of CHD.

Can a food frequency questionnaire be used to capture dietary intake data in a 4 week clinical intervention trial

Abstract: Collecting dietary data in the clinical research setting is labour intensive and can be burdensome for study participants. The aim of this study was to assess the agreement between data obtained from 2 different dietary assessment methods, a 74-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and 3-day weighed food records (WFR) used to estimate dietary intake over the preceding month. One hundred and fifty nine subjects, aged between 31 and 74 years (53 males, 65 females), enrolled in a clinical trial at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Division of Health Sciences and Nutrition, (CSIRO HSN) Adelaide, Australia. Group mean intakes and individual mean intakes estimated by the two measures were compared. One hundred and eighteen (91%) three-day WFR and their corresponding FFQ were analysed. Pearson correlation coefficients ranged from 0.22 for cholesterol to 0.78 for alcohol (median 0.41). Mean energy and nutrient intakes were within +/- 20% difference. The FFQ gave lower carbohydrate intake estimates, percentage energy from carbohydrate (P <0.001) and dietary fibre (P <0.05) and gave higher percentage energy from saturated fat estimates, poly-unsaturated fatty acids (P <0.001) and mono-unsaturated fatty acids (P <0.05). Subjects were also ranked into quintiles and the quintiles cross-tabulated. The FFQ classified more than two thirds of the subjects within +/-1 quintile difference for all nutrients. We conclude that this FFQ can capture similar information as WFR and may be used for estimation of dietary intakes over a relatively short time in clinical intervention trials.

Iron status and dietary iron intake of adolescents from a rural community in Sabah, Malaysia.

Abstract: Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency in the world affecting the general health and wellbeing of millions. In Malaysia, moderately high prevalences of anaemia have been reported amongst infants, young children and women of childbearing age. Data is scant for the adolescents. This study was undertaken to assess the iron status and dietary intake of 165 adolescents, comprising 74 male and 91 female subjects, aged 12 to 19 years, from the rural communities in Tuaran District of Sabah, Malaysia. Convenience sampling was used for the selection of study subjects. Multiple iron status indicators namely, serum ferritin (SF), transferrin saturation (TS), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and haemoglobin (Hb) were determined for the study. The mean age of the subjects was 15.2 +/-2.1 years. While the majority of the subjects (77.6%) had normal body mass index (BMI) values, 17.6% were underweight and 4.8% overweight. About 35% to 40% of the subjects showed deficient values for haematocrit, serum ferritin, serum iron, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and transferrin saturation (TS), and 20% were anaemic (Hb <12 g/L). Using the multiple criteria of iron status indicators, the prevalence of iron depletion, iron deficiency and IDA in the male and female adolescents were 5.4% vs. 6.6%, 18.9% vs. 26.4% and 5.4% vs. 26.4%, respectively. Iron deficiency anaemia (85.0%) contributed largely to the prevalence of anaemia. The dietary iron intake of the adolescents was unsatisfactory, with approximately 98% of subjects failing to meet the Malaysian RDA level. Almost all the female subjects (91%) had dietary iron intake below two-thirds of the RDA level compared with a much smaller proportion for the male adolescents (68%). The prevalence of IDA in the present study population, especially in the female adolescents, appears to be a significant public health problem. Priority should therefore be given to the eradication of iron deficiency in adolescents from low-income areas by dietary modification and micronutrient supplementation amongst female adolescents.

Body mass status of school children and adolescents in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Abstract: Lifestyle and disease patterns in Malaysia have changed following rapid economic development. It is important to find out how these changes have affected the nutritional status and health behaviour of the population, especially school children and adolescents. Therefore a survey on school children's and adolescents' health behaviours and perception in Kuala Lumpur was initiated. This paper only reports the observed body mass status of the school children. A total of 3620 school children were selected in this survey using the method of multi-stage sampling. The students were surveyed using pre-tested questionnaires while weight and height were measured by the research team in the field. Using the cut-off of BMI-for-age >or= 95th percentile and <5th percentile for overweight and underweight respectively, there were a total of 7.3% of overweight students and 14.8% of underweight students. When analysed by gender; 7.5% of boys and 7.1% girls were overweight, while 16.2% of the boys and 13.3% of the girls were underweight. The youngest age group (11 years old) had the highest prevalence of underweight as well as overweight. With increasing age, the prevalence of underweight and overweight decreased and more children were in the normal weight range. The overall prevalence of overweight among the three ethnic groups was similar. However the prevalence of underweight was highest among the Indian students (24.9%), followed by Malays (18.9%) and Chinese (9.5%) (P <0.001). The results showed that both the problems of under- and over-nutrition co-exist in the capital city of Malaysia. The promotion of healthy eating and physical activities is required to address the problems of under- and over-nutrition in order to build up a strong and healthy nation in the future.

Nutritional analysis of blenderized enteral diets in the Philippines.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to analyze the nutritional quality and viscosity of blenderized enteral tube feedings (BTFs) from four hospitals in the Philippines. Samples of two different BTFs (one standard and one modified) were collected from each hospital on three separate occasions and analyzed for macronutrients, micronutrients, and viscosity. There was considerable variation among the BTFs for the concentrations of most nutrients measured. For standard BTF samples, the caloric density ranged from 66-123 kcal/100g and the percentages of total weight for protein, carbohydrate, and fat ranged from 1.5-4.0%, 8.6-21.4%, and 0.27-3.40%, respectively. Levels of specific vitamins were undetectable in 10 standard and 15 modified BTF samples. In samples where vitamin levels were detectable, results were: vitamin A, 625-8850 IU/kg; riboflavin, 0.40-5.00 mg/kg; and pyridoxine, 0.14-3.00 mg/kg. Mineral concentrations also varied greatly (eg calcium, 64-524 mg/kg; sodium, 148-886 mg/kg; iron, 3.0-13.7 mg/kg; and zinc, 1.8- 11.5 mg/kg). Correlation coefficients were statistically significant only for carbohydrate (r = 0.48, P = 0.017). Measured values tended to be lower than expected values for all nutrients, although the difference was statistically significant only for calories (P = 0.023). The viscosity of BTF samples ranged from 2.3-45,060 centipoise, excluding three samples that were too viscous for analysis. This study demonstrates that hospital prepared blenderized enteral tube feedings render unpredictable levels of micronutrients and macronutrients and appear likely to deliver less than the desired amounts of nutrients. Additionally, the viscosity of these feedings may be unsuitable for infusion through feeding tubes.

Potential anticancer effect of red spinach (Amaranthus gangeticus) extract.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the anti cancer effects of red spinach (Amaranthus gangeticus Linn) in vitro and in vivo. For in vitro study, microtitration cytotoxic assay was done using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-il)-2,5-diphenil tetrazolium bromide (MTT) kit assay. Results showed that aqueous extract of A gangeticus inhibited the proliferation of liver cancer cell line (HepG2) and breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The IC(50) values were 93.8 mu g/ml and 98.8 mu g/ml for HepG2 and MCF-7, respectively. The inhibitory effect was also observed in colon cancer cell line (Caco-2), but a lower percentage compared to HepG2 and MCF-7. For normal cell line (Chang Liver), there was no inhibitory effect. In the in vivo study, hepatocarcinogenesis was monitored in rats according to Solt and Farber (1976) without partial hepatectomy. Assay of tumour marker enzymes such as glutathione S-transferase (GST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), uridyl diphosphoglucuronyl transferase (UDPGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were carried out to determine the severity of hepatocarcinogenesis. The result found that supplementation of 5%, 7.5% and 10% of A. gangeticus aqueous extract to normal rats did not show any significant difference towards normal control (P <0.05). The exposure of the rats to chemical carcinogens diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) showed a significant increase in specific enzyme activity of GGT, GST, UDPGT and ALP compared to normal control (P <0.05). However, it was found that the supplementation of A. gangeticus aqueous extract in 5%, 7.5% and 10% to cancer-induced rats could inhibit the activity of all tumour marker enzymes especially at 10% (P <0.05). Supplementation of anti cancer drug glycyrrhizin at suggested dose (0.005%) did not show any suppressive effect towards cancer control (P <0.05). In conclusion, A. gangeticus showed anticancer potential in in vitro and in vivo studies.

Glutamine: metabolism and application in nutrition support.

Abstract: Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body. It is avidly consumed by rapidly dividing cells, such as those lining the gut, because its 5-carbon skeleton can provide energy whilst the nitrogen molecules support the synthesis of nucleic acids. Patients who are maintained using conventional solutions of parenteral nutrients become depleted in glutamine, which has led to the reclassification of glutamine as a conditionally essential nutrient. Unfortunately, glutamine is unstable in solution and produces toxic byproducts on decomposition. This means that solutions of nutrients containing glutamine have a relatively short half-life, which has led to the commercialisation of stable dipeptides containing glutamine. Although it is evident that glutamine enhances nitrogen metabolism, there is a lack of consistent evidence from the initial clinical trials demonstrating that supplementation with glutamine has specific clinical advantages. The next few years will witness the performance of larger scale clinical trials and the results of these studies should define a more certain role for glutamine in routine clinical practice.

Intuitive eating and the nutrition transition in Asia.

Abstract: Current models of the nutrition transition focus on demographic changes and economic development. A further influence may be the adoption of western-based perceptions of beauty that lead to potentially harmful eating behaviours which contribute to overweight, obesity, and eating disorders. This paper proposes a comprehensive model of the nutrition transition that includes western influences on perceived attractiveness and subsequent eating styles. An exploratory test of this model for Asian countries explores differences in intuitive eating as a function of economic development and the adoption of western standards of beauty. The intuitive eating scale (IES), a measure of food consumption that is primarily characterized by the satisfaction of physical hunger, was used to evaluate agreement with intuitive eating principles in the US and four Asian countries (Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, and China). Although intuitive eating scores in the US and Thailand failed to follow predicted patterns on two of the four IES subscales, scores for the other two IES subscales and the total IES score followed predicted patterns for Asian countries. Intuitive eating appears to be a valid, measurable concept that is correlated with economic development and levels of western influence in Asian countries. The tentative findings of this exploratory study support further evaluation of cultural influences as an important component of the nutrition transition.

Evidence for a prospective anti-osteoporosis effect of black tea (Camellia Sinensis) extract in a bilaterally ovariectomized rat model.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine whether whole aqueous black tea extract (BTE) prevents bone loss induced by ovarian hormone deficiency. Eighteen 95-100 days old female albino rats were randomly assigned to three treatment groups [sham -operated control (sham); bilaterally ovariectomized (ovx) and ovx + aqueous black tea extract (BTE) ] and sacrificed after 28 days. All animals were fed a standard laboratory diet with free access to deionized water except on days of urinary parameter studies when animals were given only calcium free deionized water during the entire 24 h period of urine collection. Body weight study revealed that rats in the ovx group had significantly higher final body weight than rats in the sham group. This higher final body weight was not observed in animals receiving BTE. The ovx group also had significantly higher abdominal fat mass and liver weight and significantly lower uterus, right kidney and left kidney weights than in other two groups. All these organ weight changes in ovx group also were not observed in animals receiving BTE. Results of urinary studies revealed that rats in the ovx group had significantly higher urinary excretion of calcium (Ca), phosphate, creatinine (Cr), calcium to creatinine (Ca:Cr) ratio (P< 0.001) and hydroxyproline (HPr) (P< 0.01) than rats in the sham group. Significant recovery of all these parameters were observed in animals receiving BTE. The ovx group also had significantly higher (P< 0.001) serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity than rats in the other two groups. These changes could not be seen in animals receiving BTE. Also, identical changes were seen in bone density experiments. Rats in the ovx group had significantly lower densities of the right femur (P<0.001), eighth thoracic rib (P< 0.001), eighth thoracic vertebra (P< 0.05), and fourth lumbar vertebra (P< 0.01) than rats in the sham group; and significant improvement in densities of these bones were seen in animals supplemented with BTE. Animals of ovx group also showed significant decrease in calcium and phosphate level in all these bones which could be regained significantly when these animals were supplemented with BTE. Our findings suggest that aqueous BTE may be effective in preventing bone loss due to ovarian hormone deficiency. Because serum activity of AP, TRAP and urinary loss of bone minerals (Ca and Phosphate) and also the organic components of bone (Cr and HPr) were significantly greater in the ovx group, compared to sham animals and ovx + BTE group. This confirms that ovariectomy enhances and BTE suppresses the rate of bone turnover. The density results of ovx + BTE group are significantly greater than rats in the ovx group, suggesting further that formation exceeded resorption. Detailed studies are underway to clarify the mechanism of this protective effect of BTE on hypogonadal bone loss.

Intake of soy foods and soy isoflavones by rural adult women in China.

Abstract: This study evaluated the intake of soy foods and soy isoflavones by rural adult women and potential determinant factors. Soy food consumption and information on age, education and medical history were collected on 1,188 subjects in Gansu Province and Hebei Province, China using a food frequency questionnaire to gather data on food intake over the past year. Weight and height were simultaneously measured. The results showed that 1139 (95.9%) rural women consumed soy foods in the past year. The average intake of soy foods and isoflavones was 38.7 +/- 58.2 (median = 23.5) g/d and 17.7 +/- 26.6 (median= 8.9) mg/d, respectively. Tofu accounted for the most contribution to their intake. The soy isoflavone intake ranged between 0-35 mg/day in 89.2% of subjects. Gansu women had higher intakes of soy foods and isoflavones than Henbei women (P< 0.05). Women aged 41-50 years consumed less soy foods and isoflavones than the 20-30-year olds and 31-40 year olds(P < 0.05). The intake of soy foods (P< 0.01) and isoflavones (P< 0.01) by women who experienced secondary education or above was significantly higher than illiterate women. Women without a medical history had a higher soy isoflavone intake than women with a medical history, but the difference was not statistically significant. These results suggest that the intake of soy isoflavones by Chinese rural adult women was much higher than women in Western countries. The distribution of intake was skewed to the right and varied among women in regard to region, age group and education level.

Body mass index and factors related to overweight among women workers in electronic factories in Peninsular Malaysia.

Abstract: Factors related to overweight were examined in a cross-sectional survey that included 1612 women workers from 10 large electronics assembly factories in Peninsular Malaysia. Respondents were Malaysian citizens, direct production workers below the supervisory level, and had worked at least a year in the factory where they were presently employed. Heights and weights were taken to calculate the body mass index (BMI). Weights and BMI increased with increasing age. After adjusting for age, odds ratios for overweight were significantly raised for married women in relation to not married women (OR 1.5, 95% CI=1.15-2.02), lower secondary education in relation to higher than upper secondary education (OR 1.8, 95% CI=1.06-3.14), monthly income RM800-999 (OR 1.7, 95% CI=1.21-2.45) and ≥RM1,000 (OR 1.8, 95% CI=1.23-2.72) in relation to

Comparison of serum levels of iron, zinc and copper in anaemic and non-anaemic pregnant women in China.

Abstract: Zinc and copper deficiency is associated with anaemia or iron deficiency and affects fetus growth and pregnant women during pregnancy. To examine iron, zinc and copper status of Chinese pregnant women with and without anaemia in the third trimester, 1185 subjects were enrolled for measurements of Hb, ferritin, transferrin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and serum iron, zinc and copper. The results showed that there were lower levels of ferritin (14.1 microg/L) and transferrin (3.33 g/L) in subjects with Hb or=101 g/L. sTfR levels in subjects with Hb or=120 g/L (38.5 nmol/L vs. 25.04 nmol/L, P or=120 g/L (871 microg/L vs. 990 microg/L, P or=110 g/L). Frequencies of marginal deficiencies in serum iron and zinc were 41.58% and 51.05% respectively higher in anaemic than in non-anaemic subjects. Distribution of serum zinc and iron showed a decreasing trend as Hb decreased. Few anaemic as well as non-anaemic subjects had copper deficiency although copper and Hb levels were found inversely correlated and the ratio of copper/iron was higher in anaemic than in non-anaemic group. In conclusion, a lower level of serum zinc in anaemic pregnant women might be related to anaemia and iron deficiency during pregnancy. Therefore, combined zinc and iron supplementation should be recommended to Chinese pregnant women, especially those with anaemia.

Comparison of the dietary cobalt intake in three different Australian diets.

Abstract: Differences in the dietary intake of cobalt were assessed for vegans, lacto-ovo-vegetarian and non-vegetarian Australians using food intake logs, and daily or average trend recall over three months. A significant decrease in cobalt intake was observed for the lacto-ovo-vegetarian population compared with the intake in vegans and omnivores. There is no RDI for cobalt, however, the cobalt intake of Australians was similar to that reported in other countries. Microflora above the terminal ileum have been shown to produce significant amounts of biologically available vitamin B12. This study was unable to demonstrate a correlation between elemental cobalt intake and serum vitamin B12 concentrations in humans, as has been shown in vitro.

Interactive effects of saffron with garlic and curcumin against cyclophosphamide induced genotoxicity in mice.

Abstract: Saffron is a well-known spice and food colorant commonly consumed in different parts of the world. Recently, much attention has been focused on the biological and medicinal properties of saffron. In the present study the interactive effects of saffron with two commonly consumed dietary agents, garlic and curcumin was evaluated for anti-genotoxic effects against cyclophosphamide (CPH) in the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test. Experimental animals were orally pretreated with saffron (100 mg/kg body weight), garlic (250 mg/kg body weight) and curcumin (10 mg/kg body weight), either alone or in combination for five consecutive days, 2h prior to the administration of CPH. Maximum reduction in the frequencies of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (Mn PCEs) induced by CPH was observed when all the three test compounds were administered together. Furthermore, the protective effects were more pronounced in the garlic-administered groups compared to curcumin and/or saffron administered groups.

The effects of a high calcium dairy food on bone health in pre-pubertal children in New Zealand.

Abstract: Childhood and adolescence is the period of most rapid skeletal growth in an individual's lifetime. A greater peak bone mass achieved in the first 2-3 decades of life, may protect against the risk of osteoporotic fracture in later life. The aim of this randomized, controlled study was to assess in pre-pubertal boys and girls (aged 8-10 years) the effect of 18 months of a calcium enriched, cocoa flavoured product on bone density, bone growth and bone size in New Zealand children. One hundred and fifty four pre-pubertal boys and girls (aged 8-10 years) were randomized to receive a high calcium dairy drink or a control drink reconstituted with water for 18 months. They were assessed at baseline and then every 6 months for the first 18 months, while they were having the supplement; they were then followed up 12 months after supplementation had finished. Bone mineral density and bone mineral content were assessed at the total body, hip and spine. Indicators of bone size (vertebral width and height) were also measured at the spine. Anthropometric data was collected, medical history questionnaires were administered (including the Tanner or pubertal stage questionnaire), dietary calcium intake was assessed with a calcium food frequency questionnaire and calcium supplement compliance was determined. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups for bone mineral density or bone mineral content at any time point. There was no difference in vertebral height or width at any stage of the study, indicating no additional influence on bone size at the lumbar vertebrae. There were no significant differences between height, weight, lean mass or fat mass at any time point. Both groups had higher habitual calcium intakes than recommended for this age group going into the study and throughout the study. In this 2(1/2) year study (18 months supplementation, 1 year follow-up) we did not observe a difference in bone mineral density in pre-pubertal children. This was probably due to their high habitual dietary calcium intake whereby minimal addition of calcium to the diet reached the threshold level where no further benefit was seen. There were no significant differences between the two groups in body composition. Growth and the mean height and weight remained between the 50th and 75th percentile for their age. We have shown calcium supplementation in children with high habitual dietary calcium intake appears not to have additional effects on bone mass. Calcium supplementation needs to be targeted in those children with low habitual dietary calcium intake.

Nutrition transition in west Sumatra, Indonesia.

Abstract: Indonesia, like many developing countries, is experiencing a rapid urbanisation characterised by double burden of disease in which non communicable diseases become more prevalent while infectious diseases remain undefeated. This report describes the nutrition transition which occurred to Indonesia after economic transformation in 1966, based on information gathered from published reports. The major sources of information used in this paper were: a) a series of Indonesian National Socio-Economic Surveys (SUSENAS) conducted regularly by Central Bureau of Statistics (which provided a coherent picture of the nutrition transition in Indonesia) and b) data collected from two relatively smaller surveys conducted in West Sumatra (which demonstrated the changes in food and nutrient intakes over the period 1983-1999). It was found that while Indonesia had a rapid economic growth since 1970s, major dietary changes included an increase in expenditure for meat, eggs, milk and prepared food, and a fall in expenditure in cereal products. Nutrient proportions had changed from carbohydrate to fat and protein but the proportions remained close to the ideal ratio. There was also a dramatic shift in causes of death from infectious to chronic diseases. It is concluded that the nutrition transition in Indonesia is similar to patterns in other developing countries. Although fat consumption increased slightly, there is movement to maintain the traditional diet.

Food consumption patterns in the economic transition in Vietnam.

Abstract: This paper investigated Vietnamese food consumption patterns, in terms of food quantity and total energy intake, and examined how these food patterns differ by demography and socio-economic status for the Vietnamese. Data used in this paper were from the Vietnam Living Standards Survey national cross-sectional study in 1997-1998. Descriptive and regression analyses identified different food consumption patterns among 5,999 participating households. Results showed that the traditional diet in Vietnam is high in carbohydrates and low in fat; together with unaccounted eating-out foods, these dietary patterns may contribute to the population's low energy intake. The regression models identified place of residence, family income, household size, education of the head of household, ethnicity, and ecological region to be significantly associated with energy intake. Socio-economic and demographic status must be considered in developing national strategies and implementing plans of action to improve nutrition.

Nutritional status of women in Bangladesh: comparison of energy intake and nutritional status of a low income rural group with a high income urban group.

Abstract: This study evaluated the influence of socio-economic status on energy intake (EI), anthropometric characteristics and body composition (BC) of premenopausal Bangladeshi women in two socio-economic groups. This cross-sectional study measured height, weight, biceps and triceps skinfolds by standard procedures. A three-day dietary record was used to estimate EI. The biceps and triceps skinfolds were used to calculate total body fat (TBF), fat-free mass (FFM) and body fat percentage (BF%) according to Durnin and Womersley. FAO/WHO/UNU equations were used to calculate basal metabolic rates (BMR). Two locations in Bangladesh were studied; the Dhaka city area and the west region of the subdistrict Nandail (Betagair Union) in the district of Mymensingh. Study subjects were premenopausal women (N =191) aged 16(40 years. The high socio-economic group (group H, N =90) consisted of women with high income and educational level. The low socio-economic group (group L, N =101) consisted of rural, low income, illiterate women. Both groups contained three subgroups (non-pregnant, non-lactating =1, pregnant =2, lactating =3). Socio-economic status had a significant effect on body weight, height, biceps and triceps skinfolds, BMI, TBF, FFM and BF% (P<0.001). These variables were significantly higher (P<0.001) in all subgroups of group H than in the corresponding subgroups of group L. The influence of physiological status on most of these variables was not significant. EI was, however, influenced by both socio-economic (P<0.001) and physiological(P<0.05) status. The mean EI was significantly lower (P<0.001) in all subgroups of group L than in the corresponding subgroups of group H. The contributory sources were different in high and low income groups. In both groups, EI was lower than the recommended level. Based on the dietary and anthropometric results, we conclude that malnutrition is a common feature among low income rural women. This contradicts findings in western countries, where obesity is prevalent in low income groups.

Analysis of the cobalt content in Australian foods.

Abstract: The cobalt content of Australian foods is unknown, and as this content is, at least in part, related to the respective concentrations in the Australian soil, data collected previously in other countries may not reflect the levels in Australian produce. To compare reported food cobalt levels to that found in Australian foods, one hundred and fifty different food and beverage items from each of the major food groups were selected for analysis, based on annual sales figures in Australia. Food digests were analysed for cobalt content using a Finnigan High Resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer. While some variation in cobalt content was seen in a small selection of foods from different States, in general terms, the cobalt content of Australian foods is similar to that seen in data from other countries.