bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of Bifidobacteria infantis and its antagonistic activity against ETEC 0157 and Salmonella typhimurium S‐285 in weaning foods
Authors: Yusof Rokiah Mohd , Haque Formuzul , Ismail Maznah , Hassan Zaiton
Published: March 2003

Probiotic organism Bifidobacteria was isolated from the faeces of breast‐fed infants at Universiti Putra Malaysia. Trypticase phytone peptone yeast extract agar (TPY) was used as a selective media for the isolation. Morphological examination of the isolates indicated that Bifidobacteria was Gram‐positive rods in nature, curved with characteristics of V and Y shapes. The organisms were non‐catalase producing, non‐nitrate reducing, non‐motile, had an absence of indole and were unable to liquify gelatin. The ratios of acetic and lactic acids were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Using carbohydrate fermentation profile test API‐CH‐50 kits, 20 Bifidobacteria strains had been identified: they were the species of Bifidobacteria infantis and two different sub‐species, mainly infantis and lacentis. Based on a wide zone of inhibition, three suitable strains of B. infantis, Bifi‐11, Bifi‐19 and Bifi‐20, were tested in weaning foods for antimicrobial activity towards two human pathogens: E. coli‐0157 (World Health Organization) and Salmonella typhimurium S‐285. The pH, titratable acidity of weaning foods and total colony count for Bifidobacteria, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and S. typhimurium were recorded at 3‐h intervals for 30 h. It was found that after 9 h of incubation of weaning foods, the pH declined to < 3.6 from pH 6.0, whereas titratable acidity increased from 0.026 to 0.08%. It was indicated that Bifidobacteria inhibited E. coli better than did S typhimurium due to low pH. After 24 h of incubation, approximately 98% of E. coli was inhibited by Bifidobacteria. It is suggested that the inhibitory effect of Bifidobacteria strains in weaning foods towards the growth of enteropathogenic E. coli and S. typhimurium was solely due to low pH and the production of volatile acid components by the organism.
Faecal bulking index: A physiological basis for dietary management of bulk in the distal colon
Authors: Monro John A
Published: March 2003

Bulk in the distal colon provides protection against a range of large bowel disorders, but a simple standardized measure of the relative bulking efficacy of foods, for use in dietary management of distal colonic bulk, has not been available. This paper describes a faecal bulking index (FBI) for standardized measurement of the relative colonic bulking efficacy of foods relative to a reference material. Faecal bulking index is defined as the mass of fully rehydrated faecal matter accumulated by the distal colon per gram of a food consumed, as a percentage of the matter accumulated from the same weight of a reference food. The FBI of foods was measured after feeding adult rats at moderate levels by partially or completely replacing sucrose in a baseline diet already containing mixed dietary fiber. Faeces were collected, dried, weighed, allowed to imbibe water until fully rehydrated, reweighed and their mass and water holding capacity measured. The FBI was calculated as the increase over baseline in rehydrated faecal mass induced by a test food as a percentage of the increase due to wheat bran (reference). The FBI values were measured for 69 diets including breakfast cereals, breads and other bakery products, fruits, vegetables, food ingredients and polysaccharides. Values for most foods ranged between almost zero for some starch‐based foods to about 50 for wheat bran‐enriched breakfast cereals, but laxatives based on fermentation‐resistant hydrated polysaccharide had FBI values well in excess of 100 (FBI for psyllium = 500). The FBI values allow foods to be ranked according to their faecal bulking efficacy on an equal edible weight basis. They can also be used to calculate the bulking action of any amount of food in terms of equivalents to a reference material such as wheat bran. Wheat bran equivalents allow the cumulative intake of potential distal colonic bulk to be monitored for single foods or mixed meals, and shortfalls to be quantified for dietary modification or supplementation. Measures such as FBI or wheat bran equivalents would prove more useful than dietary fiber in controlling ‘functional foods’ promoted as effective bulking agents.
Body fat distribution and lipids profile of elderly in southern Jakarta
Authors: Weta I Wayan , Sayogo Savitri , Lukito Widjaja , Lestiani Lanny , Kamso Sudiyanto , Hadisaputro Suharyo
Published: March 2003

A cross‐sectional study on 222 elderly subjects was carried out at Health Centers in 10 subdistricts in south Jakarta, Indonesia. The anthropometric data (body mass index (BMI), body fat distribution), fasting blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides were assessed. There was a positive correlation between body fat distribution and serum lipid concentration (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides). Body fat distribution appears to be a stronger determinant of serum lipids than BMI.
What makes a functional food functional?
Authors: MSc Peter Rc Howe
Published: March 2003

Functional foods are foods that, by nature or design, can deliver benefits beyond that of sustenance. They bridge the traditional gap between food and drugs, offering consumers greater opportunity to take their health care into their own hands. Rapidly increasing knowledge of the physiological effects of nutrients and their potential health benefits offers exciting prospects for the food industry and consumers alike. However, we must ensure that newly developed functional foods are indeed functional. The mere presence in a food of nutrients with well‐publicised health attributes can infer that the food will deliver health benefits. We need to be certain that it will be efficacious for the indication specified and the nature and extent of benefit will be clearly understood by consumers. With the introduction of health claims, the onus will be on food manufacturers to provide scientific substantiation based not only on the literature related to an active nutrient, but also on intervention trials that demonstrate bioavailability and efficacy of the nutrient when delivered in a specific type of food. Such an approach, while demanding in terms of research and development investment, offers significant opportunities for product innovation. We can extend the variety of foods through which consumers may source a particular health‐giving nutrient. Moreover, recognizing that a particular condition such as heart or bowel health may be influenced by more than one type of nutrient, manufacturers can design and evaluate unique foods with appropriate combinations of nutrients to optimise health status. Even though a new type of food may be shown to be efficacious in short‐term, controlled clinical trials, can we be certain that consumers will derive long‐term benefits free from adverse affects? Will food manufacturers undertake postmarketing surveillance or will this task be left to consumer watchdogs? The transition from traditional foods and herbal remedies of uncertain value to designer foods with guaranteed health benefits could be facilitated by adopting aspects of the pharmaceutical approach to substantiation and regulation.
Food security and sustainability: Are we selling ourselves short?
Authors: Coveney John
Published: March 2003

This paper deals with the question: do some food systems engender a more positive social environment than others, and does this matter? The pressure to generate financial capital from food production is enormous, especially for a country like Australia, and financial imperatives clearly drive choice of food production methods. Many have argued that environmental costs of food production are hardly ever factored into the profitability equation and the notion of sustainable development represents a position where consideration is given to environmental concerns while at the same time maximizing economic returns. While the importance of choice of food system in order to benefit the natural environment has been argued for, another environment — that of the social environment — remains relatively underexplored.
Recommended dietary intake levels for phytochemicals: Feasible or fanciful?
Authors: Dreosti Ivor E
Published: March 2003

Phytochemicals are biologically active compounds, found in plants in small amounts, which are not established nutrients but which nevertheless seem to contribute significantly to protection against degenerative disease. At present, most interest in phytochemicals is focused on the polyphenolic flavonoids and on the carotenoids, although allium compounds, glucosinolates, indoles and coumarins have also received attention, especially with respect to cancer. Mechanistically, phytochemicals are thought to act in many ways, which include their activity as anti‐oxidants, antibacterial/viral agents, phytoestrogens and as inducers or inhibitors of a variety of key enzymes. Recommended dietary intakes (RDI) are the levels of intakes of essential nutrients considered adequate to meet the known nutritional needs of practically all healthy persons. To be regarded as an essential nutrient, a dietary component must be a single identified compound or a close derivative. It should have a demonstrated key biological role and characteristic deficiency syndrome, both of which should respond to nutritional manipulation and are used as a basis for setting an RDI. In these terms, allocating RDI to phytochemicals is problematic, due in part to the large number of chemically different phytochemicals and the lack of a distinctive deficiency syndrome or inherent physiological role in almost all cases. Accordingly, allocation of a single RDI to a general class of phytochemicals would be impracticable, although for an individual phytochemical it may be feasible if acceptable justification for an RDI is extended to include optimum health and evidence is forthcoming of a key inherent role for that compound in maintaining optimum physiological function. However, a distinction will need to be drawn between phytochemicals that participate as integral components of an essential biological system and become recognized as nutrients and those that act as valuable non‐nutrient health‐promoting agents. Both classes of phytochemicals occur in foods and both could be incorporated into functional foods. Both could be addressed in recommendations such as dietary guidelines, but at present only established nutrient phytochemicals would be eligible for an RDI.
Your mother was right: Eat your vegetables
Authors: Potter John D
Published: March 2003

A lower risk of cancer at many different sites is seen in association with higher intakes of vegetables and fruit. There are many biologically plausible reasons for this potentially protective association. It is argued that increasing intake of plant foods to 400–800 g/day is a public health strategy of considerable importance for individuals and communities worldwide.
Whole grains, refined grains and fortified refined grains: What’s the difference?
Authors: Slavin Joanne L
Published: March 2003

Dietary guidance universally supports the importance of grains in the diet. The United States Department of Agriculture pyramid suggests that Americans consume from six to 11 servings of grains per day, with three of these servings being whole grain products. Whole grain contains the bran, germ and endosperm, while refined grain includes only endosperm. Both refined and whole grains can be fortified with nutrients to improve the nutrient profile of the product. Most grains consumed in developed countries are subjected to some type of processing to optimize flavor and provide shelf‐stable products. Grains provide important sources of dietary fibre, plant protein, phytochemicals and needed vitamins and minerals. Additionally, in the United States grains have been chosen as the best vehicle to fortify our diets with vitamins and minerals that are typically in short supply. These nutrients include iron, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin and, more recently, folic acid and calcium. Grains contain antioxidants, including vitamins, trace minerals and non‐nutrients such as phenolic acids, lignans and phytic acid, which are thought to protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer. Additionally, grains are our most dependable source of phytoestrogens, plant compounds known to protect against cancers such as breast and prostate. Grains are rich sources of oligosaccharides and resistant starch, carbohydrates that function like dietary fibre and enhance the intestinal environment and help improve immune function. Epidemiological studies find that whole grains are more protective than refined grains in the prevention of chronic disease, although instruments to define intake of refined, whole and fortified grains are limited. Nutritional guidance should support whole grain products over refined, with fortification of nutrients improving the nutrient profile of both refined and whole grain products.
Evolution of the diabetic diet: Fats and fallacies
Authors: Campbell Lesley V
Published: March 2003

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial and United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) trials have provided evidence for the pivotal importance of optimizing glycaemic control to prevent complications in type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. Both patients and diabetes professionals consider lifestyle change and appropriate medication as cornerstones for achieving good glycaemic control. The frequent reversals in the recommended diabetic diet in the past century warn that in the nutritional area the hypotheses are many, but the proofs are few. In type 1 diabetes, the patient is still advised to spread out carbohyrate foods during the day with three short‐acting insulin injections at meal times to minimize postprandial hyperglycaemia. In type 2 diabetes, weight loss is the major target, because 80% of patients are overweight or obese. However, it is salutory to note that in the UKPDS trial, no modality of treatment delayed the relentless deterioration of glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes, the extent of which was predicted by the insulin secretion. Controversy still exists regarding whether lowering the dietary fat enhances weight loss of itself and whether dietary carbohydrate, fat and fibre influence insulin sensitivity and glycaemia. The American Diabetes Association’s evidence‐based recommendations currently offer a choice between a high carbohyrate and modified fat diet, with monounsaturated fat replacing the saturated fat instead of carbohydrate. The role of omega‐3 fatty acids in man is not resolved. The reason for the surprising lack of definitive evidence lies in the limitations of nutritional research. Under‐reporting of diet is common and dietary assessment tools are often inaccurate. Sustained weight loss is unattainable by the majority of patients, perhaps because of the strongly genetic nature of obesity and the sedentary lifestyle. Compliance may be improved by suggesting small, sustained dietary changes, setting small weight loss targets and encouraging a permanent increase in total activity.
Nutritionally enhanced cereals: A sustainable foundation for a balanced diet
Authors: Graham Robin D , Humphries Julia M , Kitchen Julie L
Published: March 2003

Three nutrients, iron, zinc and pro‐vitamin A, are widely deficient in humans, especially among low socio‐economic groups in developing countries, but they remain significant concerns in industrialized countries as well. Cereals provide the majority of the intake of these nutrients in low‐income families. Moreover, these three nutrients may interact synergistically in absorption and function to such an extent that there are potentially huge advantages in providing all three together in the one staple food. Because of this, they may be more bioavailable to deficient individuals than current thinking allows. To do so would provide a sound basis on which to build a better balanced diet for nutritionally compromised individuals. Genetic variation in nutrient composition exists in cereals and can be exploited in conventional breeding programmes and through gene technology. Cultural techniques, including fertiliser technology and organic farming, have also impacted upon the nutrient composition of cereals. Human iron and zinc intake can be doubled at least, and essential carotenoid intakes can be increased dramatically. Preliminary feeding trials with nutrient‐dense grains have been encouraging. Moreover, nutrient‐dense seeds also produce more vigorous seedlings and higher grain yield in soils where these nutrients are poorly available, so that to a significant extent agronomic and health objectives coincide. New varieties are rapidly adopted, especially where there are yield advantages, ensuring maximum impact without new inputs. This approach is potentially more sustainable than fortification and supplementation programmes because intake is continuous, which is especially important for zinc because it is needed almost daily.
Nutrition of elderly people in China
Authors: Stookey Jodi Dunmeyer , Zhai Fengying , Zohoori Namvar , Popkin Barry Michael
Published: March 2003

Cross‐sectional data from the 1991 (n = 1657) and 1993 (n = 1773) China Health and Nutrition Surveys were used to describe patterns in the diets, activity levels and body mass index (BMI) of elderly Chinese (aged 60 or older). In 1991 and 1993, the prevalence of low BMI (BMI < 18.5 or BMI < 22.0) exceeded 15%, while the prevalence of high BMI (BMI > 25.0 or BMI > 27.0) ranged between 4% and 24%. The BMI was consistently, positively and significantly associated with urban residence. Urban residence and income were consistently and positively associated with energy from fat and protein intakes, and decreasing physical activity levels. The results suggest that under‐ and overnutrition coexist among Chinese elders and are differentially distributed across income and urban/rural strata.
Validation of a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire for estimation of intakes of energy, fats and cholesterol among Singaporeans
Authors: Deurenberg‐Yap Mabel , Li Teresa , Tan Wei Ling , Staveren Wija A van , Deurenberg Paul
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to assess the relative validity of a 159‐item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for use among adult Singaporeans. This FFQ should be able to classify intakes of energy, total fat, saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat and cholesterol into quintiles of intakes for purposes of epidemiological studies. A total of 126 subjects (84 women and 42 men) took part in the study which included an interview using the newly developed FFQ (assess past month’s intake) and three 24‐h (24 h) recalls (reference method, collected over a period of 1 month). Subjects also collected two 24 h urinary samples for urea from which total nitrogen excretion was assessed to validate protein intake. When compared to the reference method, the FFQ slighty overestimated the intakes of energy, total fat and types of fat as reflected by the difference in means and the ratio of FFQ to 24 h intakes. The overestimation ranged from 1 to 11% of the reference method. Dietary cholesterol was underestimated by 17% by the FFQ. These differences were however, not statistically significant. Pearson’s correlation coefficients (95% confidence intervals (CI)) between intakes assessed by FFQ and reference method varied from 0.58 (0.45, 0.69) for total fat to 0.39 (0.23, 0.53) for polyunsaturated fat. Cross‐classification into quintiles resulted in correct classification into the same or adjacent quintiles in 70% of subjects, with only one or two subjects being grossly misclassified. Nitrogen (N) intake from the 24 h recalls did not differ significantly from that estimated from the urinary nitrogen excretion. The mean (± SD) difference was 0.0 ± 0.4 g and the Pearson correlation coefficient (95% CI) was 0.55 (0.31, 0.72). It is concluded that the newly developed FFQ is an adequate tool for classifying individuals’ intakes into quintiles for epidemiological studies among Singaporean adults.
Plasma lipoprotein (a) concentrations and apolipoprotein (a) phenotypes in an Aboriginal population from Western Australia
Authors: Xiong Zuowei , Wahlqvist Mark L , Biegler Beryl , Balazs Nicholas DH , Buynder Paul Van , Wattanapenpaiboon Naiyana
Published: March 2003

Factors contributing to the variation in plasma lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) concentration were surveyed in an Aboriginal population (175 men and 219 women), aged 24–86 years, from Western Australia. The plasma Lp(a) levels were highly skewed towards low levels in this population, with a median of 84 mg/L and a mean of 166 mg/L. Approximately 20% had plasma Lp(a) above the threshold value of 300 mg/L, while 52% had Lp(a) levels below 100 mg/L. The most commonly occurring phenotype was apolipoprotien(a) S4. In this phenotype, Lp(a) concentrations ranged from not detectable to 468 mg/L. There was a positive relationship between cigarette smoking and plasma Lp(a) concentration in men. Apolipoprotein A1 and bilirubin were positively associated with Lp(a) in the 40–60 age group and a positive relationship between weight and Lp(a) concentrations was observed in those aged 60 years or over. Thus, although Lp(a) is mainly genetically determined, there are clearly other factors which contribute to variations in Lp(a) concentrations.
Breast‐feeding and weaning practices of an urban community of indigenous Australians
Authors: Hayman Noel , Kanhutu Jessie , Bond Samantha , Marks Geoffrey C.
Published: March 2003

The aim of this survey was aimed to determine current breast‐feeding and infant‐feeding practices among a community of urban indigenous Australians in Brisbane, the largest city of Queensland, in Australia. In mid‐1998, a questionnaire was administered to 61 mothers with infants up to the age of 2 years. Breast‐feeding had been initiated by 59% (95% CI: 46.7–71.3) of the mothers; however, by 4 months after birth only 24.6% (95% CI: 13.8–35.4) of the mothers were breast‐feeding. Only 19.7% (95% CI: 9.7–29.7) of the infants were solely breast‐fed during their first 4 months of life. Of the infants in the survey who were older than 6 months, only 25% (95% CI: 18.2–31.8) had been introduced to solid food after 6 months. The current diet of 80% (95% CI: 44.9–100) of infants aged 4–6 months and 37.5% (95% CI: 13.8–61.2) of infants aged 0–3 months included solids. This survey has indicated the need to appropriately promote breast‐feeding as the best source of nutrition for new babies. The initiation rate of breast‐feeding is low compared with other Australian rural indigenous and urban indigenous communities. Barriers to continued breast‐feeding should also be addressed, as well as appropriate weaning practices.
Risk science and communication issues and challenges for food: an Australian perspective
Authors: Sinclair Martha I , Savige Gayle S , Dalais Fabien S , Wahlqvist Mark L
Published: March 2003

From any perspective, whether it be Australia or other countries, the issue of risk and food is one that includes all sectors of the community. The expansion of information technology and globalisation is making society as a whole more knowledgeable and expectant of safer foods with minimal risk. There is risk in everything and the basis of risk science is one that involves a number of established steps such as risk assessment, management and communication. The evolution of food technology, production and dietary habits, together with changes in trade, will no doubt raise new safety issues and governments need to be abreast of risk science to assess such changes.
Poor nutritional status in older black South Africans
Authors: Charlton Karen E , Bourne Lesley T , Steyn Krisela , Laubscher Jacoba A
Published: March 2003

A cross‐sectional analytical study was undertaken to describe the nutritional status and dietary intake of the elderly black population of Cape Town. A stratified proportional sample of 148 men and women aged 60 years and older (mean = 68.9 ± 5.7) was selected from informal and formal peri‐urban settlements. The study population was predominantly urbanized, although most subjects had migrated from non‐urban areas. Trained fieldworkers conducted a 24‐h recall dietary assessment and performed anthropometrical measurements. Mean energy intakes fell below the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for both men and women; 27% and 36% of men and women, respectively, had energy intakes <67% RDA. Total fat intake was low and contributed 24–26% total energy. Mean dietary fibre intake was low at 11–16 g/day. Mean intakes fell below the RDA for vitamin D, calcium, zinc and vitamin B6. Less than two and a half servings per day were consumed from the vegetable and fruit group and less than one serving per day from the calcium‐rich food group. Over half (51.3%) of the women and 18% of the male were obese (body mass index ≥30). We concluded that older black subjects in Cape Town have energy profiles in line with prudent dietary guidelines and more favorable than other elderly groups in the country, with regard to atherogenic risk. However, micronutrient and dietary fiber intake is inadequate, largely due to low reported energy intakes, particularly in women.
Effects of a liquid diet supplement containing structured medium‐ and long‐chain triacylglycerols on bodyfat accumulation in healthy young subjects
Authors: Matsuo Tatsuhiro , Matsuo Masako , Kasai Michio , Takeuchi Hiroyuki
Published: March 2003

The effects of a liquid‐formula diet supplement containing structured medium‐ and long‐chain triacylglycerols (SMLCT) composed of medium‐ (10%) and long‐chain (90%) fatty acids were compared with those of long‐chain triacylglycerols (LCT) on bodyfat accumulation in 13 healthy male volunteers aged 18–20 years. The subjects were randomly assigned the SMLCT or LCT group. The subjects in each group received a liquid‐formula diet supplement of the SMLCT or LCT, which provided 1040 kJ plus daily energy intake for 12 weeks. Mean energy intake containing liquid diet throughout the 12‐week period did not differ between the SMLCT and LCT groups. Bodyweight of subjects in both groups increased slightly from the baseline throughout the 12‐week period, but the differences were not significant. Rates of variation of bodyfat percentage were significantly lower in the SMLCT group than in the LCT group throughout the 12‐week period. Comparisons between the SMLCT and LCT groups at baseline and 12 weeks showed no significant differences in any of the biochemical blood parameters. These results suggest that replacing LCT with SMLCT over long periods of time could produce bodyfat loss in the absence of reduced energy intake.
Study of biochemical prevalence indicators for the assessment of iodine deficiency disorders in adults at field conditions in Gujarat (India)
Authors: Brahmbhatt Sheela R , Fearnley Ron , Brahmbhatt Rajesh M , Eastman Creswell J , Boyages Steven C
Published: March 2003

The main objective of this study was to assess the severity of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) in the adult populations of the Baroda and Dang districts from Gujarat, western India using biochemical prevalence indicators of IDD. The other aim of this study was to establish a biochemical baseline for adequate iodine intake as a result of program evolution in the face of multiple confounding factors, like malnutrition and goitrogens responsible for goiter. A total of 959 adults (16–85 years) were studied from two districts (Baroda and Dang) and data was collected on dietary habits, anthropometric and biochemical parameters such as height, weight, urinary iodine (UI) and blood thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Drinking water and cooking salt were analyzed for iodine content. All subjects, irrespective of sex and district, showed median UI = 73 μg/L and mean blood TSH ± SD = 1.59 ± 2.4 mU/L. Seven per cent of the studied population had blood TSH values > 5 mU/L. Females in Baroda and males from Dang district were more affected by iodine deficiency as shown by a lower median UI. Mean TSH was significantly higher in women from both districts as compared to men (P = 0.001). The blood spots TSH values > 5 mU/L were seen in 20% of women from Dang. The normative accepted WHO values for UI and TSH for the severity of IDD as a significant health problem are not available for target population of adults. Urinary iodine normative limits and cut‐offs are established for school‐aged children. Blood spot TSH upper limit and cut‐off values are available for neonate populations. The IDD has not been eliminated so far, as more than 20% of both male and female subjects had UI < 50 μg/L. Males were more malnourished than females in both districts (P < 0.05). Pearl millet from Baroda contained flavonoids like apigenin, vitexin and glycosyl‐vitexin. Dang district water lacked in iodine content. Iodine deficiency disorder is a public health problem in Gujarat, with the Baroda district a new pocket of IDD. High amounts of dietary flavonoids in Baroda and Dang, malnutrition and an additional lack of iodine in Dang water account for IDD.
There are many Mediterranean diets
Authors: Noah Ann , Truswell Arthur Stewart
Published: March 2003

Interest in Mediterranean diet began 30 years ago, when Ancel Keys published the results of the famous Seven Countries Study. Since 1945, almost 1.3 million people have come to Australia from Mediterranean countries as new settlers. There are 18 countries with coasts on the Mediterranean sea: Spain, southern France, Italy, Malta, Croatia, Bosnia, Albania, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Libya, Malta, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. This study from which this report derives aims to investigate the influence of the food habits of immigrants from Mediterranean countries on Australian food intake. Here we look at the ‘traditional’ food habits of the above Mediterranean countries as told by 102 people we interviewed in Sydney, who came from 18 Mediterranean countries to Sydney. Most of the informants were women, their age ranged from 35 to 55 years. The interview was open‐ended and held in the informant’s home. It usually lasted around 1½ hours. The interview had three parts. Personal information was obtained, questions relating to the food habits of these people back in their original Mediterranean countries and how their food intake and habits have changed in Australia were also asked. From the interviews, we have obtained a broad picture of ‘traditional’ food habits in different Mediterranean countries. The interview data was checked with books of recipes for the different countries. While there were similarities between the countries, there are also important differences in the food habits of the Mediterranean countries. Neighbouring countries’ food habits are closer than those on opposite sides of the Mediterranean Sea. We suggest that these food habits can be put into four groups. The data here refer to food habits in Mediterranean countries 20 or 30 years ago, as they were recovering from the Second World War. There is no single ideal Mediterranean diet. Nutritionists who use the concept should qualify the individual country and the time in history of their model Mediterranean diet.
Contemporary Minangkabau food culture in West Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Lipoeto Nur I , Agus Zulkarnain , Oenzil Fadil , Masrul Mukhtar , Wattanapenpaiboon Naiyana , Wahlqvist Mark L
Published: March 2003

Diet has a strong relationship with food culture and changes in it are likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of newly emergent degenerative diseases. To obtain in‐depth opinions about the food culture of Minangkabau people, focus group discussions were conducted in a Minangkabau region, represented by four villages in West Sumatra, Indonesia, from January to March 1999. The members of the discussion groups were principally women aged from 35 to 82 years old. Minangkabau culture is matriarchal and matrilineal which accounts for female gender dominants in the discussions. Rice, fish, coconut and chilli are the basic ingredients of the Minangkabau meals. Meat, especially beef and chicken, is mainly prepared for special occasions; pork is not halal and therefore not eaten by Muslim Minangkabau people; and for reasons of taste preference and availability, lamb, goat and wild game are rarely eaten. However, rendang, a popular meat dish, has been identified as one of the Minangkabau food culture characteristic dishes. Vegetables are consumed daily. Fruit is mainly seasonal, although certain kinds of fruit, such as banana, papaya and citrus, can be found all year around. Coconut has an important role in Minangkabau food culture and is the main source of dietary fat. While almost all food items consumed by the Minangkabau can be cooked with coconut milk, fried food with coconut oil is considered to be a daily basic food. Desiccated coconut is also used as a food ingredient on about a weekly basis and in snack foods almost every day. Although there have been no changes in food preparation and there is a slight difference in taste preference between the young and the old generations, there has been a dramatic shift in food preferences, which is reflected in the changing percentage of energy consumed over the past 15 years. The traditional combination of rice, fish and coconut in Minangkabau culture goes back hundreds of years, long before the emergence of the degenerative diseases of the newer economies, and is likely to offer food security and health protection to the Minangkabau for as long as the lifestyle remains traditional. Whether or not a recent increase in energy intake from fat and the quality of fat may contribute to the shift of disease pattern is fundamentally important for the Minangkabau, it seems unlikely the traditional use of coconut and its products was a health issue. Moreover, it was clear from the focus group discussions that the use of coconut encouraged the consumption of fish and vegetables.
Can dietary factors explain differences in serum cholesterol profiles among different ethnic groups (Chinese, Malays and Indians) in Singapore?
Authors: Deurenberg‐Yap Mabel , Li Teresa , Tan Wei Ling , Staveren Wija A van , Chew Suok Kai , Deurenberg Paul
Published: March 2003

In Singapore, there exists differences in risk factors for coronary heart disease among the three main ethnic groups: Chinese, Malays and Indians. This study aimed to investigate if differences in dietary intakes of fat, types of fat, cholesterol, fruits, vegetables and grain foods could explain the differences in serum cholesterol levels between the ethnic groups. A total of 2408 adult subjects (61.0% Chinese, 21.4% Malays and 17.6% Indians) were selected systematically from the subjects who took part in the National Health Survey in 1998. The design of the study was based on a cross‐sectional study. A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess intakes of energy, total fat, saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat, cholesterol, fruits, vegetables and cereal‐based foods. The Hegsted score was calculated. Serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol were analysed and the ratio of total cholesterol to high density lipoprotein cholesterol was computed. The results showed that on a group level (six sex–ethnic groups), Hegsted score, dietary intakes of fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, vegetables and grain foods were found to be correlated to serum cholesterol levels. However, selected dietary factors did not explain the differences in serum cholesterol levels between ethnic groups when multivariate regression analysis was performed, with adjustment for age, body mass index, waist‐hip ratio, cigarette smoking, occupation, education level and physical activity level. This cross‐sectional study shows that while selected dietary factors are correlated to serum cholesterol at a group level, they do not explain the differences in serum cholesterol levels between ethnic groups independently of age, obesity, occupation, educational level and other lifestyle risk factors.
Indigenous mucuna tempe as functional food*
Authors: Handajani Sri
Published: March 2003

The aim of the present study was to obtain the nutritive and bioactive compounds of mucuna tempe and the consumer preference of its formulated snack. The tempe was made traditionally from mucuna prurience seeds using ‘ragi tempe’ as inoculants. Proximate, vitamin, mineral and dietary fibre analysis was done using the methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, isoflavone was analysed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with an RP‐18 column and a UV detector. The preference test was done using scoring methods by trained panelists. The study demonstrates that compared with soybean tempe, mucuna tempe had a higher dietary fibre level, but lower vitamin E content. The mucuna tempe contains 31.5% protein, 7.3% fat, 3.0% ash, 58.1% carbohydrate and 9.1% fibre. It contains 0.551 mg/L isoflavone aglucone; daidzin is the highest, followed by Factor II (6,7,4 trihydroxy isoflavone) that is much higher than that of soybeans tempe. These are much higher isoflavone aglucone contents than found in soybeans tempe. The preference score for a 20%mucuna tempe‐based snack was not significantly different compared with control or with the preference score for a 10% soybean tempe‐based snack. This preliminary study needs to be followed by both in vitro and in vivo studies.
Dietary patterns and risk factors of diabetes mellitus among urban indigenous women in Fiji
Authors: Lako Jimaima V , Nguyen Van Chuyen
Published: March 2003

The dietary patterns of indigenous Fijians are changing rapidly. Dietary relationships in regard to the prevalence of diabetes are poorly studied in Fiji. A survey was conducted to show the relationship of dietary patterns and other lifestyle factors for the development of diabetes among urban indigenous women in Fiji. A sample of 200 Fijian women aged 30–39 who agreed to participate were interviewed by the use of semiquantitative food frequency, 3 day‐24 h recall study. Physical activity and ceremonial dietary customs were also taken into consideration. Anthropometry included measurements of height, weight, waist and hip. Total percentage bodyfat measurements and glycosuria tests were also conducted. The results showed high rates of obesity manifested in high percentage bodyfat, high body mass index (BMI) and high waist and hip ratio (WHR). The mean 24 h dietary intake exhibited a moderate intake of protein, high intake of fat and a low intake of carbohydrate. The carbohydrate reduction was a result from the decline in consumption of traditional staples. Consumption of cereals and related products favored the high intake of butter and margarine and also encouraged the use of cooking oil in frying varieties of flour products. The daily intake of anti‐oxidant vitamins of β‐carotene and vitamin E were low, however there was a high intake of vitamin C. The food frequency study revealed cassava, bread and sugar were consumed daily as the main carbohydrate foods. Fish and meat were the most frequently consumed protein foods. The main beverage was sweet tea with whole‐cream milk. Butter, margarine, coconut cream, cheap lamb flaps and cooking oil provided the main sources of fat. Levels of physical activity included high sedentary lifestyles with a high rate of subjects being overweight and obese. Ceremonial dietary customs showed a high consumption of meat and fish. Fruits were rarely consumed. Glycosuria existed among the age group under study. The impact of dietary transition, coupled with dietary excesses and physical inactivity, seem to be potential risk factors of diabetes among the indigenous women in the urban area.
Evaluation of the significance of dietary folate from wild vegetables in Vietnam
Authors: Ogle Britta M , Johansson Madelene , Tuyet Ho Thi , Johannesson Lena
Published: March 2003

Data on the overall dietary folate intakes among high‐risk groups in poor countries is very limited. Vegetables are considered good sources but the evaluation of their contribution is hampered by the lack of data on folate concentrations in many traditional foods. Data on the analysis of folate concentrations in 16 wild vegetables used in the Mekong Delta and the Central Highlands in Vietnam and an evaluation of the relative importance of different foods in folate intakes of women is presented. Vegetable samples were collected in four study villages, blanched and frozen samples were transported to Sweden for analysis. Freeze‐dried samples were analysed for total folate quantification using a commercial radio protein binding assay. Daily folate intakes among women were estimated from 7‐day food frequency interviews with 213 women. The folate concentration in the vegetable samples ranged from 10 to 96 μg/100 g. The mean estimated daily folate intake among the 213 women in the study areas was 251 μg. Vegetables contributed approximately one‐third of the daily folate intake, of which 72% and 42%, respectively, in the two regions was from wild vegetables. A majority of the women (87%) got some dietary folate from wild vegetables and nearly one‐third had mean daily folate intakes of > 50 μg from such hidden food sources. The evaluation of dietary folate is complicated by data gaps in food composition tables, the unreliability of existing food data, variations between methods used for folate analysis and limited understanding of the bioavailability of food folate.
Comparison of selenium status between Japanese living in Tokyo and Japanese Brazilians in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Karita Kanae , Hamada Gerson S , Tsugane Shoichiro
Published: March 2003

Selenium (Se) concentrations were determined in human serum, rice and wheat flour sampled in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, and compared with those sampled in Tokyo, Japan. Serum levels of Se were significantly lower in Japanese Brazilians than Japanese living in Tokyo. The samples of rice consumed by Japanese Brazilians in São Paulo contained 22.7 ng Se/g on average, which was about half the selenium level in rice consumed in Tokyo. Rice commonly consumed in São Paulo might be one of the factors to lower the serum level of Se.
Temporary stability of urban food and nutrition security: The East Jakarta study
Authors: Wasito Erika , Pritasari  , Susilowati Dwi , Iswarawanti Dwi Nastiti , Schultink Werner , Gross Rainer
Published: March 2003

The food and nutrition situation in households of East Jakarta was assessed in 1993/1994 and 1998/1999 with the aim of identifying the determinants of potential problems and the dynamics of change. In 1993/1994, the nutritional status of approximately 73% of children under 5 years of age and 60% of mothers was within the normal range, although underweight and overweight were prevalent in almost all households. Between 1998 and 1999, there was a sharp increase in fathers reporting unemployment. The consumption of animal food sources decreased, whereas the consumption of food derivatives such as oils and sugar remained high. Approximately 90% of the population obtained drinking water from wells. By 1998, the public garbage collection system had almost completely collapsed in East Jakarta. Between 1993 and 1998, the prevalence of diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections in children aged under 5 years increased dramatically, from 8 and 44% to 24 and 70%, respectively. The urban environment has undergone significant changes. In Indonesia, as a whole, many achievements in the improvement of household food security and care have been lost due to the economic and political crisis. The statistical association between mothers’ and fathers’ education and the nutritional status of their children that was observed in 1993/94 did not appear in the 1998 survey. It seems that the education‐related coping mechanisms of the parents were inadequate to deal with the rapid deterioration in the economic and political situation.
Nutrition transition in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Kim Soowon , Moon Soojae , Popkin Barry M
Published: March 2003

Accelerating epidemiological transition and concurrent shifts in diet, activity and body composition are universal trends, especially in middle‐ and lower‐income countries. A unique nutrition transition has occurred in the Republic of Korea, a country that modernized earlier than most Asian countries. This analysis attempts to describe the nutrition transition in the Republic of Korea, focusing on specific features that other countries may follow to retain the healthy elements of their traditional diets. The analysis uses secondary data on economics, dietary intake, anthropometry and causes of death, including a series of comparable nationally representative dietary surveys (the National Nutrition Survey). The structure of the economy of the Republic of Korea, along with dietary and disease patterns, began an accelerated shift in the 1970s. Major dietary change included a large increase in the consumption of animal food products and a fall in total cereal intake. Uniquely, the amount and the rate of increase in fat intake have remained very low. The Republic of Korea also has a relatively low prevalence of obesity compared with other Asian countries with similar or much lower incomes. The nutrition transition in the Republic of Korea is unique. National efforts to retain elements of the traditional diet are thought to have shaped this unique transition in the Republic of Korea in the midst of rapid economic growth and introduction of western culture.
Food and nutrition security and the economic crisis in Indonesia
Authors: Soekirman
Published: March 2003

Indonesia has been afflicted by an economic crisis since July 1997. The economic crisis was preceded by a long drought associated with El Nino. The result has been a decline in food production, especially rice. In the eastern part of the country, especially in Irian Jaya, there was food insecurity during the early stages of the economic crisis. When the crisis escalated to become an economic, social and political crisis in 1998, food insecurity spread to other provinces, especially to urban areas in Java. The crisis led to increasingly high inflation, unemployment, poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition. The official figures indicate that poverty in Indonesia increased from 22.5 million (11.3%) in 1996 to 36.5 million (17.9%) in 1998. Food production decreased by 20–30% in some parts of the country. Compared with prices in January 1998, food prices had escalated 1.5‐ to threefold by August/November 1998 when acute food shortages occurred, especially in urban Java. Coupled with a drop in purchasing power, the higher food prices worsened health, nutritional status and education of children of urban poor and unemployed families. Despite social and political uncertainties, the Indonesian Government has taken prompt action to prevent a worsening of the situation by massive imports of rice, instituting food price subsidies for the poor and launching social safety net programmes to cope with food shortages and malnutrition. The present paper attempts to highlight the impact of the economic crisis on food insecurity and malnutrition in Indonesia.