bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Mother's Occupation and Education on Breast-Feeding and Weaning in Infants and Children in Makurdi, Nigeria
Authors: Igbedioh S.O.
Published: January 2012

The influence of Mother's Occupation and education on breastfeeding and weaning in infants and children in Makurdi was investigated. A pre-tested and validated standard questionnaire was used to collect data from 100 healthy randomly-selected mothers who regularly visited the post-natal health clinics in Makurdi. The result showed that occupation and education influenced the frequency and duration of breastfeeding, in addition to the nutritional quality and the type of weaning food fed.
A Formative Evaluation of the Welsh Heartbeat Award Scheme
Authors: Murphy Simon , Powell Colin , Smith Christopher
Published: January 2012

This paper presents findings from a study which examined the experiences of Environmental Health Officers and catering establishments with the Welsh Heartbeat Award Scheme, and their views on its future direction. Data were obtained via self-completion questionnaires from 26 Environmental Health Officers and 117 catering establishments across Wales between November 1991 and May 1992. The results show that the scheme is valued by both groups. Suggested improvements included leaflets to promote the scheme to caterers, and hygiene guidance notes and a healthy catering recipe book for caterers. One key problem highlighted by the study was effective monitoring of the scheme, a solution to which may lie with District Health Authority commissioners.
Sustaining Nutrition Security in Africa under Changing Socio-Economic
Authors: Igbedioh S.O.
Published: January 2012

The adoption and implementation of the structural adjustment programme (SAP) in the 1980's by many African countries as a strategy for economic recovery has increased the magnitude of hunger and protein-energy malnutrition, vitamin A deficiency and anaemia. In addition population growth rate has continued to outstrip the food supply at a time when real income value has fallen, thereby diminishing further the access of the poor to nutritious food. Even though Africa's present food supply situation is inadequate and in some cases unsustainable it is reassuring to note that Africa can feed itself provided the potential of doing so is mobilized and sustained.

This paper proposes and highlights strategies for the development of a nutrition strategy and nutrition education programmes with emphasis on nutrition programmes which benefit the vulnerables. The paper further proposes that specific policies should be targeted at the poor while instituting food subsidies schemes for those who are most at risk nutritionally.
Maternal Eating Patterns and Birth Weight of Mexican American Infants
Authors: Wolff Cindy Brattan , Wolff Howard K.
Published: January 2012

Eating patterns of 549 Mexican American mothers were identified using dietary data from the United States Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. These eating patterns were then used to investigate the relationship between maternal diet and infant birth weight. Principle components factor analysis was used to determine the structure of the maternal eating patterns. Seven distinct eating patterns were identified: nutrient dense, traditional, transitional, nutrient dilute, protein rich, high fat dairy, and mixed dishes. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to identify those eating patterns associated with birth weight. In addition to eating patterns, regression variables included body mass index, hemoglobin, gestational age at delivery, maternal age, infant gender, acculturation, marital status, income, education, and smoking during pregnancy. Regression results indicated that the nutrient dense (fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy, etc.) and protein rich (low fat meats, processed meats, and dairy desserts, etc.) eating patterns were associated with increased birth weight and that the transitional eating pattern (fats and oils, breads and cereals, high fat meats, sugar, etc.) was associated with decreased birth weight. Study findings suggest that the eating pattern methodology may be an appropriate tool for analyzing food frequency data in the investigation of diet and health relationships and for targeting dietary interventions.
Old, Poor & Malnourished
Authors: Stitt Sean , O'Connell Ciara , Grant Diane
Published: January 2012

Objective: To monitor the effects of low, fixed incomes on the dietaries and nutritional wellbeing of elderly people.

Methods: A questionnaire gathered data from a ‘high income’ sample (HIS) and a ‘low income’ sample (LIS) on income, eating and shopping patterns and nutritional awareness. A dietary diary provided the data required for a nutritional analysis of the foodstuffs consumed by the sample and inadequacies were identified by comparing nutrient intake to the Dept. of Health's (1991) Dietary Recommended Values (DRVs).

Results: The dietaries of the low income sample showed substantial shortfalls from those officially recommended and these are presented as the result, primarily, of income poverty and not the consequence of ignorance or mental decline. The older poor know what healthy eating entails; in most cases, they simply cannot afford and indeed, the dietaries are often inferior to the ‘general poor’, because of the idiosyncracies of their nutritional requirements.

Conclusion: The inability of the older poor to purchase a healthy dietary cannot be solved merely by health education or budgeting skills. Primarily, they need more money.
The Validation of a Test to Measure Knowledge about the Fat Content of Food Products
Authors: Steenhuis I.H.M. , Brug J. , Van Assema P. , Imbos Tj.
Published: January 2012

The objective of the study was to develop and validate a 2l-item nutrition knowledge test to measure people's knowledge of the fat content of food-products. After pretesting and provisional development, the test was administered twice to study test-retest reliability. Furthermore, various sub-populations with expected differences in nutrition knowledge completed the test in order to study the construct validity of the questionnaire. The subpopulations consisted of lay-people (N=81), students of human nutrition and dietetics (N=108), and professional experts (N=79) on human nutrition.

The internal consistency and uni-dimensionality of the test were determined by calculating the KR-20 statistic and the log-likelihood ratio statistic for the Rasch model. Pearson's correlation and gross misclassification between T1 and T2 were calculated to assess the test-retest reliability. Analysis of variance was used to test for differences in mean knowledge scores between subpopulations.

Test-retest reliability was found to be sufficient (R=.85). The internal consistency was moderate (KR20=.68). According to the Rasch model, two items had to be removed from the test before the log-likelihood ratio statistic of the Rasch model indicated that knowledge about the fat content of food products as assessed by the questionnaire is a uni-dimensional construct. The differences in mean knowledge scores between the subpopulations were significant (p < .01) and in the expected direction (experts > students > lay people).

It can be concluded that the test is a reliable and valid instrument to measure knowledge about total fat content in food products and that the Rasch model is a comprehensive method to indicate the reliability of nutritional knowledge tests.
Policy Considerations for a Realistic Approach to Hunger in Nigeria
Authors: Igbedioh S.O.
Published: January 2012

Hunger is usually caused by a break down in the food security mechanisms of a society and lack of purchasing power. In Nigeria, food shortages have become common since 1972, culminating in the food crises of the 1980s, made worse by the implementation of a macroeconomic economic adjustment policy in 1986.

The paper confirms the hunger situation and presents evidence to show that it is of wider significance than hitherto acknowledged. The paper proposes policy options to tackle the situation and these include the development of agriculture to attain self-sufficiency in staple food production which must be backed by political will using a widely accepted framework and well articulated set of programmes and strategies borne out of consensus.
Caring Capacity in the Management of the Nutrition Crisis in Infants, Young Children and Women in Nigeria
Authors: Igbedioh S.O.
Published: January 2012

Nigeria's nutrition crisis has been shown to have a considerable negative impact on infants, young children and women. Available evidence suggests that ‘caring capacity’ when properly planned and targeted at the most-at-risk can help. Strategies that can achieve this care are increasing women's income and control over income, increasing investment in women's education and improving access to credit facilities. Others are the aggressive promotion of gender-biased labour saving technology, increasing women's access to basic health and family planning services and implementing reforms in land ownership while instituting social security for women.
Food Habits of Mothers and Children in Two Regions of Oman
Authors: Musaiger Abdulrahman O.
Published: January 2012

Several rapid assessment surveys were carried out during the period 1988–1991 to determine the food habit of preschool children, adolescent girls and mothers in Muscat (the capital) and southern region in Oman. Data were collected from health centers, hospitals and households. There have been differences in dietary habits between the people in the two regions. These differences were more evident in breastfeeding practices, meal patterns of adolescent girls and food frequency intake of mothers. Geographical location, occupation of inhabitants, cultural and ethnic factors may be responsible for the variation in dietary habits between the two regions. Several unsound food practices during pregnancy and puerperium were reported in both regions. In general, dietary patterns of mothers and children have changed dramatically during the past two decades. Duration of breastfeeding has declined and infant formula as well as commercial weaning foods were introduced at an early time of infants' lives. The trend of consumption of food for infants, adolescent girls and mothers is in the direction of unhealthier eating habits, as foods rich in fat, cholesterol, refined sugar and salt are commonly consumed. This food pattern may contribute to diet-related chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and dental caries. A nutrition education programme to promote a healthy diet and to correct unsound food beliefs and habits is urgently needed.
Processes in Ranking Nutrients of Foods in a Food Data Base
Authors: Salam Khan Abdus
Published: January 2012

Depending on the type of user, it is possible that there are many purposes for retrieval of foods from a computerised nutrient data base. A Dietitian on one occasion may need to come up with a qualified assessment of foods in the process of diet construction so that the process of balancing nutrients for the diet takes less time. On another occasion the dietitian may want to recommend a food for a client which requires knowledge of the standing of that food with respect to one or more of its contents of nutrients. A dietitian is not able to memorise all the foods and their nutrient content. Moreover if the number of foods is many then the dietitian's ability to refer foods according to their standing may become impossible.

Ranking foods with respect to their nutrient contents within a reasonable number could be very useful for dietetic purposes. This paper discusses the processes of ranking of foods as high, medium and low only, and proposes guidelines which can be referred to for rejecting inappropriate ranking schemes of foods. The proposed guidelines are based on the results of experiments which are included in this paper.
Can Improved Diet Contribute to the Prevention of Cataract?
Authors: Wynn Margaret , Wynn Arthur
Published: January 2012

British adults who were disabled by defective vision were estimated to number 1.668 million in 1988. Cataract is a most important cause of disability and blindness. Cataract develops earlier in life in populations with low income and inferior education. Cataract was shown to be associated with riboflavin deficiency in animals in the 1930s and subsequently with deficiencies of amino acids, vitamins and some minerals. In Britain and the U.S.A. there is a substantial spread in the intake of these micronutrients, the antioxidants and B vitamins, which have been shown to have low intakes in patients at higher risk of cataract. But there is little reliable information on the comparative importance of different micronutrients in Britain and longitudinal surveys relating diet to progression of cataract are recommended, which should also include non-nutrient risk factors for cataract such as smoking, medication and industrial chemicals.
The Influence of Socioeconomic and Nutritional Status on Menarche in Nigerian School Girls
Authors: Abioye-Kuteyi E.A. , Ojofeitimi E.O. , Aina O.I. , Kio F. , Aluko Y. , Mosuro O.
Published: January 2012

A study of 352 randomly selected secondary school girls in an urban population in Southern Western Nigeria revealed a mean menarcheal age of 13.94 ± 1.31 years and that 76.8% of girls attained menarche between ages 13 and 15 years. Age-matched pre- and post-menarcheal girls did not differ significantly in biophysical measurements, however, nutritional status was strongly and positively associated with attainment of menarche. School girls from the upper socio-economic class reached menarche 11 months earlier than the lower socio-economic counterparts.

A significant finding of this study is that the declaration rate in age at menarche was slowest in girls from high socio-economic households. This deceleration was not influenced by body mass suggesting that socio-economic factors play a unique role in the secular trend widely reported in menarcheal age.
Dietary Assessment of Male Students: a Study of what they wasted while in Residence
Authors: Al-Othman Abdullah. A. , Hewedy Fawzy M.
Published: January 2012

The present study was conducted to provide the anthropometric measurements and energy intake of male university students. Edible plate waste was assessed. A total of 90 male students participated in the anthropometric study. Meal and edible plate waste were analyzed for their contents of moisture, crude protein, crude lipid, ash and fiber. Total carbohydrates were calculated by difference. Total served meals and edible plate waste were assessed quantitively using a weight technique. Total energy intake was 85% of the RDA. The students had higher intakes of protein and fat and lower intakes of carbohydrate than the recommended levels. The collected data showed that plate waste was influenced by the timing of the meal. Plate waste was higher for dinner (39.74%) and lower for lunch (22.67%).
Results of a Community-Based Campaign to Reduce Fat Intake
Authors: Van Wechem Sigrid N , Van Assema Patricia , Brug Johannes , Kistemaker Cor , Riedstra Marijke , Hardeman Wendy , Löwik Michiel R.H.
Published: January 2012

In 1992, a community-based ‘Fat Watch’ campaign was held in the city of Alkmaar in the Netherlands. The campaign was implemented within the framework of the nationwide mass-mediated ‘Fat Watch’ campaign (1991–1994), which aimed at a 10% reduction in fat intake among the general Dutch population. The intervention was carried out as a pilot project to study the effectiveness of strategies and activities, and to apply them subsequently in more cities. The campaign aimed primarily at the active involvement of intermediaries. Effects of the campaign were studied by telephone questionnaires among about 500 respondents, before and after the campaign in both the experimental and a control community. The questionnaire was based on the ‘attitude, social influence, self-efficacy’ (ASE) model. The results showed that 56% of the respondents were aware of a campaign in their community and that the campaign was positively evaluated by those familiar with it. After the campaign, self-rated fat consumption was significantly higher. No differences between the experimental and control community were found regarding attitude, social influence or self-efficacy expectations towards a reduction in fat consumption or intention to buy low-fat food products. However, as opposed to the control community, there was a significant decrease in actual fat consumption between pre- and post-test in Alkmaar. Furthermore, after the campaign, significantly more respondents in the experimental community intended to eat lower-fat food products and reported a behavioral change in the last six months. It was concluded that the campaign was quite successful as far as campaign awareness was concerned, but that it did not result in substantial change of behavior. The limited decrease in fat consumption observed should be interpreted with care.
Assessment of Lifetime Patterns of Dairy Food Intake and Physical Activity
Authors: Swan Pamela D. , Spitler Diane L. , Whiddon Sue , Evans Blanche W. , Fulton Wells Martha
Published: January 2012

Patterns of nutrition and exercise throughout the life span may account for differences in health problems of aging. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a simple life span history questionnaire of dairy food intake and to assess recalled levels of leisure time physical activity over the life span. Volunteers, 98 women and 49 men, completed two nutritional surveys (Criterion Questionnaire, {CRIQ} and Diary Food Index, {INDX}) and a physical activity questionnaire (P-ACTQ) in a test re-test design. The INDX and P-ACTQ consisted of a one to four scale (low to high intake). Dairy food intake averaged 1.4 to 2.3 servings per day with no significant differences in current dairy food intake between decade age categories. When compared to their own recalled 20's decade, dairy food intake declined slightly with age, except for the 80–89 age group which showed an increased intake. Test retest reliability for the INDX was r = 0.64. Validity of the INDX compared to the CRIQ was r = 0.64. All groups showed a decrease in physical activity levels across the life span. The Dairy Food Index holds promise as a simple “global” assessment of dairy food intake for the study of lifetime trends in advancing our understanding of the role of lifetime habits in chronic “lifestyle” diseases.
Compliance with the Australian Dietary Guidelines in the Early 1990's: Have Population-Based Health Promotion Programs Been Effective?
Authors: Turrell Gavin
Published: January 2012

In an attempt to change the dietary behaviours of the population (and reduce the incidence of diet-related disease), governments and health authorities in Australia have developed Dietary Guidelines. These guidelines have been communicated to the wider society through a range of channels, such as health promotion programs and education campaigns. Studies conducted during the 1980's suggested that up to 30 percent of the population were engaging in food-related behaviours consistent with dietary guideline recommendations, although the extent of compliance varied by population sub-group (eg women and high socioeconomic groups were more likely to comply). More recent research has suggested that compliance with some of the guideline recommendations has increased, although disparities between population sub-groups remain. The aim of this present study is to determine the extent of compliance with the Australian Dietary Guidelines in the early 1990's, and thereby (indirectly) assess the degree to which health promotion efforts have affected the dietary behaviours of the population. The study is based on a representative sample (n = 403, 80.6% response rate) of Brisbane city. Overall, it was estimated that between 40 and 60 percent of the population were regularly engaging in food behaviours consistent with guideline recommendations. This rate of compliance, however, differed markedly depending on the type of behaviour being examined, and it varied significantly (albeit modestly) across different population sub-groups. It is concluded that health promotion has influenced the population's dietary behaviours, although traditional beliefs and attitudes also inform our food behaviours to a considerable extent.
Supply and Demand: A Framework for Explaining Variability in Dietary Intake and its Impact on Data
Authors: Joachim Gloria
Published: January 2012

Nutrition has an important relationship with health and illness. One difficulty in measuring intake is related to variability. The purpose of this paper is to examine 1) the impact of supply and demand on variability in data collected for dietary studies and 2) the relationship between data and estimates of usual intake. The forces of supply and demand over time generate a consumption curve for each food. Two types of consumption curves are identified. One curve is horizontal and represents staples that are steadily consumed. The other curve exhibits peaks and dips and is unique for each food whose consumption varies with time.

The measurement of usual intake is discussed in. light of these two types of curves. Usual intake of foods whose consumption curve is horizontal could be read at any time since consumption does not vary with time. For all other foods, measuring usual consumption presents problems since the data vary with time. This examination indicates that foods whose consumption varies with time have unique properties that must be considered when attempting to calculate consumption. Suggestions are given to enhance measurement of consumption of these foods. Although excellent methodology currently exists for the calculation of intake, attention to the force of supply and demand with only serve to strengthen existing methods.
Are Bacterial Toxins Involved in the Aetiology of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies?
Authors: Stockdale T.
Published: January 2012

It is argued that the conditions for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Creutzfeld-Jacob disease epidemics necessitate, in addition to a diet that contains infected meat and bone meal, the presence of leaky membranes that enable bacterial toxins to circulate in the blood and enter the brain.
Prevalence of Malnutrition and Vitamin A Deficiency in Nigerian Preschool Children Subsisting on High Intakes of Carotenes
Authors: Adelekan D.A. , Fatusi A.O. , Fakunle J.B. , Olotu C.T. , Olukoga I.A. , Jinadu M.K. , Ojofeitimi E.O.
Published: January 2012

The prevalence of malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency was determined in 204 preschool children of both sexes aged 3–57 months. The children were recruited from 2 rural communities of Atakumosa Local Government Area of Osun State in South West Nigeria. Dietary vitamin A intake was estimated from frequency of consumption of locally available vitamin A containing food items. Vitamin A status of the children was assessed from concentration of retinol in plasma. Nutritional status was assessed from height and weight compared with international reference standards. The results indicate widespread malnutrition among the children. The prevalence of stunting (low height for age) was 60.8% while prevalence of wasting (low weight for height) was 7.4% and of underweight (low weight for age) 27.5%.

Dietary vitamin A intake appeared to be adequate in the children. Intake of vitamin A is predominantly from plant sources. At least 43% of the children consumed the carotene rich red palm oil 6 or more times per week in contrast to less than 1% who consumed eggs or milk for 6 or more times per week. Vitamin A deficiency was low in the children. Only 11.3% of the children had plasma retinol concentration <0.70µmol/L. The results indicate that childhood malnutrition of public health magnitude can coexist with adequate dietary vitamin A intakes or vitamin A status.
Nutrition Education Interventions in a Community Setting: 2 Dutch Examples
Authors: Van Assema Patricia , Brug Johannes , Kok Gerjo
Published: January 2012

This article presents the results of two studies among participants of two Dutch nutrition education interventions, Le. a self-help program and a living room group session. Both interventions aim to reduce fat intake in the general population and were developed as part of the Dutch community health project ‘Healthy Bergeyk’. The objectives of the studies were to assess number of participants, participant characteristics, use of the self-help program, participant satisfaction and self-reported effects. Telephone interviews and written questionnaires were completed by inhabitants after participating in the interventions. The results are encouraging and the interventions seem to be useful as part of community projects.
Effects of Smoking on Serum Levels of Lipid Peroxides and Essential Fat-Soluble Antioxidants
Authors: Al Senaidy Abdulrahman M. , Al Zahrany Y.A. , Al Faqeeh M.B.
Published: January 2012

The effect of smoking on serum levels of the fat-soluble essential antioxidants (β-carotene, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and retinol) and lipid peroxides was studied in 31 smokers and 38 nonsmokers. The study subjects were male student, at King Saud University, aged 18–26 years.

Smokers had significantly higher serum levels of lipid peroxides and significantly lower serum concentration of β-carotene than nonsmokers (P < 0.05). Mean serum concentrations of retinol, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and total vitamin E were lower among smokers than those of nonsmokers, but the differences were not statistically significant.

The lower level of β-carotene among smokers is probably brought about by the destruction of this antioxidant during neutralization of free radicals present in cigarette smoke. It seems possible that, during such oxidative stress, the interaction among antioxidants and their relative levels in serum are a crucial determinant of the concentration of a particular antioxidant. Therefore, the lower mean levels of α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol observed in smokers serum may also be related to cigarette smoking.

This study has given rise to some concern about the adequacy of dietary β-carotene, vitamin A and vitamin E of Saudis. The combination of cigarette smoking and low dietary intakes of essential antioxidants may provoke damage by oxidants present in cigarette smoke.
Probiotic Fermented Food Mixtures: Possible Applications in Clinical Anti-Diarrhoea Usage
Authors: Rani Binita , Khetarpaul N.
Published: January 2012

A probiotic fermented PCMT food mixture was developed by fermentation of an autoclaved and cooled slurry of pearl millet flour, chickpea flour, skim milk powder and fresh tomato pulp (PCMT 2:1:1:1, w/w) with Lactobacillus acidophilus (105 cells/ml), a probiotic organism at 37°C for 24 h. Such a fermented mixture inhibited the growth of pathogenic organisms, namely Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella typhosa and E. coli. A significant decline in pH with a corresponding increase in titratable acidity due to probiotic fermentation occurred in the developed food mixture. Feeding of the freshly developed fermented. mixture to mice suffering from E. coli induced diarrhoea, could help to arrest diarrhoea, reduce moisture, protein and ash contents in their faeces. The counts of lactobacilli increased whereas those of E. coli decreased remarkably in the faeces of mice from the 3rd day of the feeding trial till the end of experimental period. The beneficial effect of probiotic feeding may be due to antimicrobial substances produced by L. acidophilus, which might have neutralized the enterotoxins from E. coli. The cost of one 200 ml glass full of this probiotic drink is no more than one rupee.
Fat Watch: A Nationwide Campaign in the Netherlands to Reduce Fat Intake—Effect Evaluation
Authors: Van Wechem Sigrid N. , Brug Johannes , Van Assema Patricia , Kistemaker Cor , Riedstra Marijke , Löwik Michiel R.H.
Published: January 2012

In the Netherlands, the nationwide Fat Watch campaign aiming at a reduction in fat consumption was organized from 1991 onwards. This study describes the effects of the first three consecutive campaign years on attention to fat, diet and health, attitudes, self-efficacy expectations and intentions related to dietary fat reduction, and self-rated fat intake. Data were collected each year according to the Solomon design, by telephone interviews among about 1200 consumers responsible for household purchases. Campaign awareness was high in each campaign year, but a decrease in campaign awareness was found after the first campaign in 1991. The 1991 campaign was primarily aimed at getting the attention of the Dutch public for the fat-reduction message and indeed resulted in increased attention. The second campaign year resulted in small but statistically significant positive changes in attitudes, which was the specific target of the 1992 campaign. Intention to buy low-fat food products was also significantly increased. The 1993 campaign failed to realize the targeted increases in self-efficacy among the study population, but a significant campaign effect on intentions was found. The evaluation of all three campaigns indicated that the Dutch underestimate their personal fat intake and this has been identified as an important barrier to a further reduction in fat consumption. Making subjects aware of their personal fat consumption will be given priority in future campaigns.
A Discussion of the Relationship between Selenium, Thyroxine, and Indigestion
Authors: Stockdale T.
Published: January 2012

The manner in which wheat is grown affects its selenium content. When wheat which is low in seleno-methionine is poorly digested it is probable that a shortage of seleno-methionine will depress the activity of deiodinases and produce the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Fortification of Grain Productions with Folate: Should Britain Follow the American Example?
Authors: Wynn Margaret , Wynn Arthur
Published: January 2012

The fortification of all grain products with folate is mandatory in the USA from 1st January 1999. The decision has been prompted by research indicating that the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, nervous system disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, and neural tube defects may be reduced by daily intake of folate higher than is currently normal in the American population. There is a debate on the adequacy of the level of folate mandated and on the limiting of fortification to grain products. Furthermore, there have been representations to the limiting of fortification to grain products. Furthermore, there have been representations to the US Foood and Drug Administration to include B12 in the fortification rrequirement. Would British health also benefit from such fortification?
Sources of Variability in the Reproducibility of Food Frequency Questionnaires
Authors: Joachim Gloria
Published: January 2012

The reproducibility of food frequency questionnaires varies widely. Since reports of past intake are known to be biased toward the present and the forces of supply and demand affect what people eat at a given point in time, the questionnaire may capture an atypical snapshot of consumption rather than the intended view of usual consumption.

The consumption of regularly consumed foods is the same throughout the year. The consumption of these foods is likely to be highly reproducible at another point in time. The consumption of seasonally consumed foods, however, fluctuates throughout the year, and may have peaks in winter or summer or particular holidays. There may be no common denominator among these foods necessary for the purpose of assessing reproducibility. Therefore, questionnaires that contain a combination of regularly and seasonally consumed foods, will be likely to have problems with reproducibility, the variance depending upon the number of seasonally consumed foods in the questionnaire.

This explanation for variability in reproducing food frequency questionnaires raises a question about the importance of assessing reproducibility as a way of evaluating the worth of questionnaires. Perhaps an improved method of collecting data for seasonal foods is what is really needed to improve the quality of data collected.
Is a Vegetarian Diet Adequate for Children?
Authors: Hackett Allan , Nathan Indira
Published: January 2012

The number of people who avoid eating meat is growing, especially among young people. Benefits to health from a vegetarian diet have been reported in adults but it is not clear to what extent these benefits are due to diet or to other aspects of lifestyle. In children concern has been expressed concerning the adequacy of vegetarian diets especially with regard to growth. The risks/benefits seem to be related to the degree of restriction of the diet; anaemia is probably both the main and the most serious risk but this also applies to omnivores. Vegan diets are more likely to be associated with malnutrition, especially if the diets are the result of authoritarian dogma. Overall, lacto-ovo-vegetarian children consume diets closer to recommendations than omnivores and their pre-pubertal growth is at least as good. The simplest strategy when becoming vegetarian may involve reliance on vegetarian convenience foods which are not necessarily superior in nutritional composition. The vegetarian sector of the food industry could do more to produce foods closer to recommendations. Vegetarian diets can be, but are not necessarily, adequate for children, providing vigilance is maintained, particularly to ensure variety. Identical comments apply to omnivorous diets. Three threats to the diet of children are too much reliance on convenience foods, lack of variety and lack of exercise.
The Danger of B12 Deficiency in the Elderly
Authors: Wynn Margaret , Wynn Arthur
Published: January 2012

Vitamin B12 deficiency damages nerve cells and aggravates nervous system disorders even in the absence of evidence of anaemia. Prevalence of B12 deficiency increases with age especially over 65 and is frequently associated with Alzheimer's disease. Recent American surveys record a higher prevalence of B12 deficiency and of undiagnosed and untreated pernicious anaemia in the elderly than reported earlier. B12 deficiency is also reported to be a risk factor for heart disease, stroke and accelerated ageing.
Sociocultural Factors of Malnutrition among Under-Fives in Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Madusolumuo M.A. , Akogun O.B.
Published: January 2012

Sociocultural factors affecting malnutrition in over one thousand under fives living in villages and towns located in northeastern Nigeria were examined. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and through examination of the children. The study showed that about a third of the children were malnourished. The observed malnutrition was higher among females. The age group most affected was 25–36 months. Poor weaning and food supplementation exerted the strongest influence on the nutritional status of the children whose diet consisted mainly of cereals. It is suggested that local but largely ignored protein sources should be given more attention. Adequate health education to mothers is essential especially in providing information on appropriate nutrition for the child that has just been weaned.
The Significance of Dietary Boron, with Particular Reference to Athletes
Authors: Naghii M.R.
Published: January 2012

Ergogenic substances and synthetic steroids have a wide spread use, particularly among nonprofessional athletes. To avoid the side-effect of drug abuse, it is suggested that the key to success is a proper athletic nutrition. It is a balanced intake of nutritional wholesome foods that contain a proper blend of essential nutrients. Knowledge of human physiology and nutrition has increased greatly, and so has application of dietary alterations and supplementation with specific nutrients. Modulation of dietary composition and/or supplementation with specific nutrients with the intent of improving human physical performance is a working definition of nutritional ergogenic aids.

Boron is a trace element nutrient, and recently its supplements have been shown to increase the concentration of plasma steroid hormones. In a single blind cross-over trial, it resulted in a significant increase in plasma 17-B estradiol (E2) concentration (P<0.004) and there was a trend for plasma testosterone (T) levels to be increased. The ratio of E2/T increased significantly. However, there was no perturbation in plasma lipids. Furthermore, the effect of boron on steroidogenesis and its mechanism was also investigated in two more studies conducted on adult male rats.

The elevation of endogenous steroid hormones as a result of boron supplementation suggest that boron may be used as an ergogenic safe substance for athletes which should be further investigated.
Food Coping Strategies: A Century on from Rowntree
Authors: Grant Diane K. , Maxwell Sheila
Published: January 2012

The objectives of this study were to update Rowntree's food estimates to bring them into line with contemporary food habits and changing lifestyles; to determine whether food budgeting/coping strategies of low income households observed by Rowntree at the turn of the century were still prevalent in low income groups today: and to evaluate whether expenditure by low income households on food was sufficient to meet minimum dietary recommendations.

Two hundred questionnaires were completed face to face with the interviewer within the Merseyside boundary and included only those households who were in the Post code area.

Many low income households are unable to access a healthier diet due to income limitations. Many used a variety of coping strategies to stretch their incomes and were also found to rely on help from outside the immediate family such as extended family and friends and voluntary agencies. Households with children were found to be spending slightly more on food than the reconstructed Rowntree minimum dietary. There are thus two issues; firstly that there are households spending slightly more than the minimum yet that are unable to achieve a healthy diet. Secondly all the low income households are spending much less per person than the average person in the United Kingdom.

It is concluded that whilst sterling work is being achieved within health promotion departments and within community health settings there is still a great deal to be undertaken. The value of Home Economics teaching in schools should be better recognised, and Home Economics should be reinstated in the National Curriculum. Secondly it is recommended that a standard approach be adopted to inform both welfare benefit payments and in-work top up payments, thus allowing households on low incomes to make informed choices within a budget that will accommodate healthier eating strategies.
Dietary and Lifestyle Patterns in the Aetiology of Cataracts in Nigerian Patients
Authors: Ojofeitimi E.O. , Adelekan D.A. , Adeoye A. , Ogungbe T.G. , Imoru A.O. , Oduah E.C.
Published: January 2012

The objective of the study was to assess the dietary and lifestyle habits of patients with cataracts. A food frequency questionnaire was used to collect information on the consumption of a wide variety of food items especially fruits, vegetables and animal and dairy products. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on smoking and alcohol consumption habits. The study was conducted on 62 subjects made up of 31 patients with cataracts attending the Ophthalmology clinic of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and 31 control subjects without cataracts. There were 20 males and 11 females in each group.

The study showed that higher percentages of controls than patients had adequate intakes of fruits and vegetables. Vitamin supplement usage was also higher in controls than patients. There was a strong negative association between past history of smoking, alcohol consumption and cataract. We could not demonstrate a relationship between body mass index (BMI) and cataract in the present study.
Is Organic Food Production Feasible?
Authors: Leckie Joe
Published: January 2012

The problems of modem agriculture and whether organic methods of food production offer a practical solution in modem society are reviewed and discussed, with frank admission of drawbacks in organic methods.
A Study on the Effects of Urbanization on the Nutritional Status of Primary School Children in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Abidoye R.O. , Soroh K.W.
Published: January 2012

A study on the effects of urbanization on the nutritional status of primary school children aged 5–10 years was carried out in Lagos. A total of 328 children and their parents were studied with the aid of a questionnaire, anthropometric measurements of weights and heights and stool microscopy.

The study revealed a prevalence of protein energy malnutrition (PEM) among the children to be 37.9%. 125 (38.2%) of them were found to have weight-for-height below −2SD (standard deviation) signifying wasting, while another 133 (40.5%) had a height-for-age below −2SD, indicating the level of stunting among the children.

Most of the malnourished children 125 (60.7%) were found to belong to mothers with a maximum of primary school education and 73 (52.5%) were from mothers who were skilled workers. There was a preponderance of malnourished children from single parents. All the children (100%) from single parents were found to be clinically malnourished. And 280 (84.9%) of all children examined had ova and cyst of intestinal parasites (Ascaris, Tricuris, Amoeba, etc.) in their stools. And finally, most children 223 (67.7%) spent less than 6 hours contact time with their parents per day.
Some Varieties of Food Intolerance in Psychiatric Patients: An Overview
Authors: Rippere Vicky
Published: January 2012

Foods may cause mental and behavioural symptoms by means of a variety of mechanisms. Food allergy is only one of many of these. The paper presents a brief overview of evidence, as of early 1982, concerning cerebral allergy, food addiction, the hypoglycaemias, caffeinism, hypersensitivity to chemical food additives, reactions to vasoactive amines in foods, and reactions attributed to neuropeptides formed from foods as causes of mental symptoms, with particular reference to psychiatric patients. It is concluded that although much work in this field remains to be done, enough is already known to benefit patients now if available knowledge is applied. An individual-centred environmental approach, extending beyond dietary factors if necessary, is recommended as more likely to help than a group-centred paradigm-based approach to treatment.
Membranes, Methylation and Lithium Responsive Psychoses
Authors: Hitzemann R. , Hirschowitz J. , Panini A. , Mark C. , Garver D.
Published: January 2012

Data are presented showing that the erythrocyte ghost membranes of lithium-responsive and non-responsive schizophrenic-like patients are different from control membranes. In both groups of patients there was a significant decrement of phosphatidylcholine (PC) which was largely compenstated for by an increase in sphingomyelin. The decrement in PC may in part be associated with a decrease in phospholipid methylation which converts phosphatidylethanolmine (PE) to PC. Interestingly, in the lithium-responsive but not the non-responsive patients, lithium stimulates methylation activity. This stimulation may affect a variety of membrane functions, e.g. adenyl cyclase activity, which would be involved in lithium's therapeutic actions.
Tyrosine for the Treatment of Depression
Authors: Gelenberg Alan J. , Gibson Candace J.
Published: January 2012

The two most widely held biochemical models of depression—the catecholamine (CA) and indoleamine (IA) hypotheses—explain depression as a result of deficient transmission of the CA norepinephrine (NE) or the IA serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) respectively. Until recently, all drugs used to treat depression appeared to enhance neurotransmission in one or both of these systems, which was used to explain their antidepressant actions (Gelenberg and Klerman, 1978). In fact, it was this action of antidepressants that gave rise to the models of depression. Another way to increase brain levels of NE and 5-HT, and potentially to increase presynaptic activity, would be the systemic administration of the precursors of the neurotransmitters, an approach something like organic gardening in the brain. For this purpose, the 5-HT precursors tryptophan and 5-hydroxtryptophan (5-HTP), and the NE precursors tyrosine and dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), have been administered to depressed patients. This paper reviews some of the theoretical background and clinical experience with the precursor strategy, focusing primarily on work with L-tyrosine. All four precursors as possible antidepressants have been recently reviewed (Gelenberg, 1982).
CNS Dopamine Receptors: Effect of Prolyl-Leucyl-Glycinamide and Solubilization
Authors: Mishra Ram K.
Published: January 2012

In order to elucidate the mechanism of interaction of a peptide L-prolylleucyl-glycinamide (PLC) with dopamine receptors, we have studied the action of PLC on dopamine receptors in various brain regions. The results support the hypothesis that specific PLC binding sites exist in the central nervous system and these binding sites (receptors) have a modulatory effect on the sensitivity of dopamine receptors. It is also suggested that PLC and its active analogues warrant further vigorous and systematic clinical trials to establish their therapeutic efficacy in Parkinson's disease, neuroleptic drug induced tardive dyskinesia and related estrapyramidal motor disorders. Studies carried out on solubilized dopamine receptors and adenylate cyclase suggest that dopamine receptors sites coupled to neurolic drug action and adenylate cyclase linked receptor sites might be closely interrelated. The preliminary results on lymphocyte dopamine binding sites suggest an increase in binding in schizophrenic patients, however, receptor criteria (stereospecific binding, saturation, etc.) could not be met for these binding sites (see Rotstein et al., 1983, for details).
A Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial of Ascorbic Acid in Obesity
Authors: Naylor G. J. , Grant L. , Smith C.
Published: January 2012

A double blind placebo controlled trial of ascorbic acid was carried out in 41 severely obese subjects. 38 patients completed the 6 week trial. 19 received 3g of ascorbic acid per day, 19 received placebo. The weight loss during the trial was small in both groups but was significantly greater in the ascorbic acid treated group.
Metacognitive Ability and Cognitive Strategies to Solve Maths and Transformation Problems
Authors: Benito Yolanda
Published: January 2012

The higher extraordinary processes which regulate task analysis and the self-control of each one's behaviour for solving problems, are considered an important component to identify the gifted among average students.

Some of the gifted children's most important features are metacognition, information processing, specially with regard to automatic processing. Besides, the gifted start to use spontaneously effective strategies from an early age. Furthermore, gifted children know not only which kind of processing they use to solve problems, but they also are capable of verbalising the strategies they use.

This paper deals with the study of solving complicated problems, for which the famous Hanoi's tower problem has been used. Hanoi's Tower involves perceptive operations, complicated strategies to make the movements sequential and the memory operative.