bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of palm olein oil in a moderate‐fat diet on low‐density lipoprotein composition in non‐human primates
Authors: Van Jaarsveld Paul J , Benadé AJ Spinnler
Published: March 2003

Plasma low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) concentrations in vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) can be modulated by the type and amount of fat in the diet. There is, however, a paucity of information on the effect of different types and quantity of dietary fat on the plasma LDL composition in vervets. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different sources of dietary fat on the concentrations and composition of circulating plasma LDL in vervets consuming moderate‐fat diets containing either animal fat, sunflower oil or palm olein. Fifty adult male vervets, never exposed to a Western‐type atherogenic diet, were randomly assigned to two groups. For 6 weeks 30 vervets were fed a moderate‐fat (28%E) moderate‐cholesterol (26 mg cholesterol/1000 kJ) diet (MFD) with a polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio (P/S) of 0.4; 20 vervets were fed a high‐fat (34%E) high‐cholesterol (98 mg cholesterol/1000 kJ) diet (HFD) with a P/S ratio of 0.6. Fasting blood samples were collected from all 50 vervets for plasma lipid measurements. The 30 vervets receiving the MFD were stratified into three comparable experimental groups of 10 each according to their LDL‐C and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) concentrations and bodyweight. One group continued with the MFD, in which 11%E was derived from lard (MFD‐AF); in the other two groups the lard was substituted isocalorically with either sunflower oil (SO) (MFD‐SO) or palm olein oil (PO) (MFD‐PO). The three groups were fed the respective experimental diets for 24 months and LDL component concentrations and composition were assessed at 6‐monthly intervals. In the long‐term study the MFD‐AF, MFD‐SO and MFD‐PO groups showed no significant time‐specific group differences at 6, 12, 18 or 24 months with regard to the LDL component concentrations, composition, as well as the LDL molecular weight. As expected, after 6 weeks of dietary exposure the HFD group had significantly higher plasma and lipoprotein total cholesterol, LDL component and apolipoprotein AI concentrations, as well as a higher LDL‐C : HDL‐C ratio compared to the MFD group (P  0.0005). LDL particle size was not significantly different between the HFD and MFD groups, but the HFD group had significantly fewer triacylglycerol and significantly more unesterified cholesterol molecules per LDL particle compared to the MFD group (P  0.0018). PO in a MFD is no different from AF or SO in its effect on LDL component concentrations, composition or particle size. The increased LDL‐C concentration seen with the HFD could be accounted for by a more than two‐fold increase in the number of circulating LDL particles and not as a result of enrichment of particles with cholesterol.
Potential of palm oil utilisation in aquaculture feeds
Authors: Ng Wing‐Keong
Published: March 2003

One key ingredient used in the formulation of aquafeed is fish oil, which is produced from small marine pelagic fish and represents a finite fishery resource. At the present time, global fish oil production has reached a plateau and is not expected to increase beyond current levels. Recent estimates suggest that fish oils may be unable to meet demands from the rapidly growing aquaculture industry by as early as 2005. Therefore, there is currently great interest within the aquafeed industry in evaluating alternatives to fish oils. The ever‐expanding oil palm cultivation in Malaysia and other tropical countries offers the possibility of an increased and constant availability of palm oil products for aquafeed formulation. Research into the use of palm oil in aquafeed begun around the mid‐1990s and this review examines some of the findings from these studies. The use of palm oil in fish diets has generally shown encouraging results. Improved growth, feed efficiency, protein utilisation, reproductive performance and higher concentrations of α‐tocopherol in fish fillets have been reported. Recent evidence for the ability of palm oil to substitute for fish oil in catfish diets is reviewed. The potential of palm oil use in aquafeed and future experimental directions are suggested. The aquaculture feed industry offers a great avenue to increase and diversify the use of palm oil‐based products.
Effect of palm olein oil in a moderate‐fat diet on plasma lipoprotein profile and aortic atherosclerosis in non‐human primates
Authors: Van Jaarsveld Paul J , Smuts Cornelius M , Benadé AJ Spinnler
Published: March 2003

Several studies have reported on the effect of palm olein oil (PO; palmitic acid content ∼38%) incorporation into the diet on blood cholesterol concentration. Information on the effect of PO on atherosclerosis is, however, lacking. In vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) concen­trations can be modulated by the type and amount of fat in the diet. The vervet is a proven model for both the type and composition of human atherosclerotic lesions. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of PO in a moderate‐fat moderate‐cholesterol diet (MFD) on plasma lipoproteins and the progression of atherosclerosis in a non‐human primate model after 25.5 months of dietary exposure. Thirty adult male vervets, never exposed to a Western‐type atherogenic diet, were stabilised on a MFD (28%E fat; 26 mg cholesterol/1000 kJ) with a polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acid (P/S) ratio of 0.4 for six weeks. Baseline LDL‐C, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐C and bodyweight were used to stratify the vervets into three comparable groups of 10 each. One group continued with the MFD in which 11.0%E was derived from lard (AF). In the other two groups, the AF was substituted isocalorically with either sunflower oil (SO) or PO. Plasma lipids were measured at 6‐monthly intervals and atherosclerosis was assessed in the aorta and in five peripheral arteries after 25.5 months of dietary exposure. The frequency of atherosclerosis in peripheral arteries and aortas was low. PO, relative to SO and AF, significantly reduced the risk for developing early lesions in peripheral arteries (P = 0.0277 and P = 0.0038, respectively) and, relative to AF, in aortas (P = 0.0335). The cholesterolaemic effect of MFD‐PO was not significantly different from MFD‐SO and MFD‐AF. However, at 24 months the plasma total cholesterol concentration with MFD‐AF was significantly higher than with MFD‐SO (P = 0.0256). It is confirmed that a MFD with PO is no different from AF or SO in its cholesterolaemic effect. The anti‐atherogenic efficacy of a MFD with PO, relative to SO and AF, was demonstrated in a non‐human primate model of atherogenesis.
Role of GTP‐binding proteins in reversing the antiproliferative effects of tocotrienols in preneoplastic mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Sylvester Paul W , Nachnani Anil , Shah Sumit , Briski Karen P
Published: March 2003

Tocotrienols are a subclass of vitamin E compounds that display potent anticancer activity. Determining the anticancer mechanism of action of tocotrienols will provide essential information necessary for understanding the potential health benefits of these compounds in reducing the risk of breast cancer in women. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a potent mitogen for normal and neoplastic mammary epithelial cells. Initial events in EGF‐receptor (EGF‐R) mitogenic‐signalling are G‐protein activation, stimulation of adenylyl cyclase and cyclic AMP (cAMP) production. Studies were conducted to determine if the antiproliferative effects of tocotrienols are associated with reduced EGF‐induced G‐protein and cAMP‐dependent mitogenic signalling. Preneoplastic CL‐S1 mouse mammary epithelial cells were grown in culture and maintained on serum‐free media containing 0−25 µmol/L tocotrienol‐rich fraction of palm oil and/or different doses of pharmacological agents that alter intracellular cAMP levels. Tocotrienol‐induced effects on EGF‐receptor levels of tyrosine kinase activity, as well as EGF‐dependent mitogen‐activated pathway kinase (MAPK) and Akt activation, were determined by western blot analysis. Results demonstrate that the antiproliferative effects of tocotrienols in preneoplastic mammary epithelial cells do not reflect a reduction in EGF‐receptor mitogenic responsiveness, but rather, result from an inhibition in early post‐receptor events involved in cAMP production upstream from EGF‐dependent MAPK and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt mitogenic signalling. In summary, these data further characterise the mechanism of action of tocotrienols in suppressing preneoplastic mammary epithelial cell proliferation, and advance the current understanding of the potential health benefits of these compounds in reducing the risk of breast cancer in women.
Micronutrient deficiency and its alleviation: The case of Malaysia
Authors: Khor Geok Lin
Published: March 2003

Since attaining independence in 1957, Malaysia has achieved marked socio‐economic development including advances made in the health care delivery system. Vital statistics over the decades showed much improvement in the health status of Malaysians in general. For example, the infant, toddler and maternal mortality rates have declined to levels reflective of developed countries namely, 9.5, 0.7 and 0.2 per 1,000 live births respectively in 1997. The nutritional status of Malaysians mirrors a society that is undergoing nutrition transition. Consequences of the dual burden of under‐ and over‐nutrition are evident in various age groups in rural and urban areas. Nutrition problems which persist include underweight and stunting in children, anaemia in young children, women and the elderly, iodine deficiency disorders in interior population groups in Sarawak and Sabah, folic acid deficiency among pregnant women, and subclinical retinol deficiency in young children. The Ministry of Health has played a pivotal role in implementing various nutrition intervention programmes towards the alleviation of these problems. These programmes will be elaborated.
Food component safety: Risk benefit analysis in developing countries
Authors: Mahoney Deon
Published: March 2003

Novel foods and novel food ingredients are making a rapid appearance in countries such as Vietnam. They are likely to gain acceptance by the consumers because medicinal and health properties of food are traditionally sought by people in the region. Although these foods offer potential benefits to the population in terms of increasing the nutritional adequacy of the diet, they also pose potential problems. Inadequate laws and enforcement as well as a underdeveloped capacity to deal with the safety, nutritional impact and provision of information to the population have the potential for undesirable consequences for the introduction of novel foods. The solutions are to build technical capacity, to develop the legal and enforcement government infrastructure and to adequately inform the consumer about the risk and potential benefits of novel foods.
Traditional food formulation and its future: Examples from South Asia
Authors: Ramachandran Uma
Published: March 2003

Globally, three major problems faced by humanity are population explosion; insufficient production of food (especially so in the South Asian countries); and underdevelopment. These problems are interdependent and need to be tackled soon. Among various factors that limit the world's population, it is undoubtedly the scarcity of food that is most obvious even to a lay person because food is essential for survival. The scarcity of food also brings about recognizably disastrous effects, some of which have already been witnessed. This means that agricultural output, especially those of the waning food crops, must increase enormously over a brief period if the world food situation is to improve. This is a challenge that will confront humanity on the threshold of the centuries to come. In the aforementioned context it would be apt and important to consider innovation of region‐specific traditional food crops and exploration of novel foods that will strengthen feeding systems in the present changing times, and contribute to food security and better nutritional values. The present paper has attempted to illustrate some examples from South Asia.
Healthy lifestyles . . . healthy people − The Mega Country Health Promotion Network
Authors: Kennedy Eileen
Published: March 2003

In December 2001, the World Health Organization launched the Mega Country Health Promotion Network. This network includes the countries with populations of 100 million or more. The 11 countries that are part of this network account for more than 60% of the world's population. The overall goal of this network is to promote healthy lifestyles; much of the focus of activities will be on promoting a healthy diet, based on food‐based dietary guidelines and increased physical activity. Data will be presented that illustrate the ‘double burden’ of disease in the low income populations in these 11 countries. The network is attempting to identify new paradigms for health promotion, including the innovative use of public/private partnerships. Examples of these innovations will be presented.
Epidemiology of obesity and public health strategies for its control in Japan
Authors: Yoshiike Nobuo , Kaneda Fumi , Takimoto Hidemi
Published: March 2003

Obesity has become a public health problem in Japan. The National Nutrition Survey (2000) showed prevalence of preobese (body mass index: 25−29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (≥ 30 kg/m2) was 24.5% and 2.3%, respectively, in males, and 17.8% and 3.4%, respectively, in females aged 20 years and over. Trends in prevalence of overweight in the last 25 years differed among age‐sex groups and across residential areas. The most significant increase in overweight was observed in men in small towns, whilst there was a remarkable decrease in women in metropolitan areas. In the 10 year national plan for health promotion named ‘Health Japan 21’, maintaining appropriate body weight (obesity control and prevention of thinness brought about by dieting in young women) is a core component of the prioritized issues. Increasing the number of people who know their healthy body weight and practice weight control is also listed as an important objective. The proportion of people engaged in regular exercise for health and following the recommended average number of steps in daily life is a major indicator for evaluation of the program. We conclude that when formulating effective public health strategies for obesity control, it is important to consider each country's own situation related to obesity issues including the proper BMI cutoff point, which might be much different from that in western societies.
Criteria and classification of obesity in Japan and Asia‐Oceania
Authors: Kanazawa Masao , Yoshiike Nobuo , Osaka Toshimasa , Numba Yoshio , Zimmet Paul , Inoue Shuji
Published: March 2003

In 1997 when WHO initiated the formation of the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), the Task Force proposed the cut‐offs for overweight and obesity as BMI 25 and BMI 30, respectively. If we accept the criteria of BMI ≥ 30 to indicate obesity, it would appear that the prevalence of obesity in Japan of less than 3% has changed little during the last 40 years, and we cannot explain the rapid increase in incidence of obesity‐associated chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Thus, JASSO decided to define BMI ≥ 25 as obesity. This cut‐off has been proposed for use in the Asia‐Oceania Region, and WHO Western Pacific Region noted this proposal. According to this criterion the prevalence of obesity in Japan would average 20%, with a high of 30% in men over 30 years old, and women over 40 years old. Thus the rates would have increased four times in men and three times in women during these last 40 years. What has caused the increased prevalence of obesity in Japan? Several causes of obesity have been advanced: (i) overeating (ii) errors of eating pattern (iii) inactivity (iv) heredity, and (v) disturbance in thermogenesis. Hyperphagia and inactivity are two major risk factors for obesity. Hyperphagia may be an important factor in individuals. However, the average energy intake in adult people in Japan has not increased; in fact it has declined (2104 kcal/day to 1967 kcal/day) during these 40 years. During this period, the prevalence of obesity has increased three or more times as mentioned above. This indicates that inactivity may be the main cause for the increased incidence of obesity in Japan. Errors of eating pattern (irregular eating, night eating, etc.), including a high proportion of fat to total energy intake (8.7% increased to 26.5%), and a high incidence of β 3‐adrenergic polymorphism, might also have contributed to the increased incidence of obesity in Japan.
Asian migration to Australia: food and health consequences
Authors: Wahlqvist Mark L
Published: March 2003

Australia's food and health patterns are inextricably and increasingly linked with Asia. Indigenous Australians arrived in the continent via Asia and have linguistic connections with people who settled in south India; there was interaction and food trade between both South‐East Asia and China and northern indigenous Australians over thousands of years. After European settlement in 1788, there have been several and increasing (apart from the period of the infamous White Australian Policy following the Colonial period and Independence, with Federation, in 1901) waves of Asian migration, notably during the gold rush (Chinese), the building of the overland Telegraph (Afghans), the Colombo Plan and Asian student education in Australia from the 1950s onwards (South‐Eeast Asians), and with refugees (Vietnamese and mainland Chinese), and business (late twentieth century) and progressive family reunion. Each wave has injected additional food cultural elements and caused a measure of health change for migrants and host citizens. Of principal advantage to Australia has been the progressive diversification of the food supply and associated health protection. This has increased food security and sustainability. The process of Australian eating patterns becoming Asianized is evident through market garden development (and the introduction of new foods), fresh food markets and groceries, restaurants and the development of household cooking skills (often taught by student boarders). Most of the diversification has been with grain (rice), legumes (soy), greens, root vegetables, and various ‘exotic fruits’. Food acculturation with migration is generally bi‐directional. Thus, for Asians in Australia, there has been a decrease in energy expenditure (and a lower plane of energy throughput), an increase in food energy density (through increased fat and sugary drink intakes), and a decrease in certain health protective foods (lentils, soy, greens) and beverages (tea). This sets the stage for ‘eco‐diseases’. In a population probably genetically programmed (but modifiably) in utero to abdominal obesity, diabetes (type II and gestational) and cardiovascular disease, these conditions may be rapidly acquired on migration, along with certain cancers (breast, colo‐rectal and prostate). Thus, whilst Asian migration to Australia has provided health opportunities for host citizens, there have been threats to migrant citizens in regard to nutrition‐related health.
Nutrition before birth, programming and the perpetuation of social inequalities in health
Authors: Moore Vivienne , Davies Michael
Published: March 2003

The need to explain social inequalities in health has led to the theory that chronic disease is due, in part, to a legacy of adverse experiences in early life. Epidemiological studies show consistently that individuals who are small at birth have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. There is growing consensus that this association reflects a causal relationship and is not simply the product of bias or confounding. The concept of programming is invoked as the biological mechanism; birth size is thus a proxy for fetal programming. Recent findings suggest that fetal programming interacts with the post‐birth environment. The adverse exposures that are thought to underlie and potentiate programming cluster in socially patterned ways, thus creating substantial inequalities in health. Experiments in animals demonstrate that nutritional interventions before or during pregnancy can produce programming phenomena in the offspring, sometimes without an impact on birth size. However, the extent to which maternal nutrition contributes to programming in contemporary developed countries is uncertain.
Benefits of exercise and dietary measures to optimize shifts in body composition with age
Authors: Fiatarone Singh Maria A
Published: March 2003

Ageing is associated with changes in body composition, including an increase and redistribution of adipose tissue and a decrease in muscle and bone mass, beginning as early as the fourth decade of life. These changes have significant implications for the health and functioning of the individual because of their associations with chronic disease expression and severity, as well as geriatric syndromes such as mobility impairment, falls, frailty and functional decline. Therefore, understanding the preventive and therapeutic options for optimizing body composition in old age is central to the care of patients in mid‐life and beyond. Pharmacological interventions are currently available for maintaining or improving bone mass, and much current interest is focused on anabolic agents that will preserve or restore muscle mass, as well as those that can potentially limit adipose tissue deposition. However, in this brief review, non‐pharmacological modulation of body composition through appropriate dietary intake and physical activity patterns, will be discussed. There is sufficient evidence currently to suggest that a substantial portion of what have been considered ‘age‐related’ changes in muscle, fat and bone are in fact related either to excess energy consumption, decreased energy expenditure in physical activity, or both factors in combination. In addition, selective underconsumption of certain macro‐ or micronutrients contributes to losses of muscle and bone mass. Each of the three compartments will be considered in turn, with recommendations for optimizing the size of these body tissue stores in early adulthood, and minimizing undesirable changes typically seen in middle and old age.
Morbidity mortality paradox of 1st generation Greek Australians
Authors: Kouris‐Blazos Antigone
Published: March 2003

There is evidence in Australia that 1st generation Greek Australians (GA), despite their high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors (e.g. obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, smoking, hypertension, sedentary lifestyles) continue to display more than 35% lower mortality from CVD and overall mortality compared with the Australian‐born after at least 30 years in Australia. This has been called a ‘morbidity mortality paradox’ or ‘Greek‐migrant paradox’. Retrospective data from elderly Greek migrants participating in the International Union of Nutrition Sciences Food Habits in Later Life (FHILL) study suggests that diets changed on migration due to the: (i) lack of familiar foods in the new environment; (ii) abundant and cheap animal foods (iii) memories of hunger before migration; and (iv) status ascribed to energy dense foods (animal foods, white bread and sweets) and ‘plumpness’ as a sign of affluence and plant foods (legumes, vegetable dishes, grainy bread) and ‘thinness’ as a sign of poverty. This apparently resulted in traditional foods (e.g. olive oil) being replaced with ‘new’ foods (e.g. butter), ‘traditional’ plant dishes being made more energy dense, larger serves of animal foods, sweets and fats being consumed, and increased frequency of celebratory feasts. This shift in food pattern contributed to significant weight gain in GA. Despite these potentially adverse changes, data from Greece in the 1960s (seven countries study) and from Australia in the 1990s (FHILL study) has shown that Greek migrants have continued to eat large serves of putatively protective foods (leafy vegetables, onions, garlic, tomatoes, capsicum, lemon juice, herbs, legumes, fish) prepared according to Greek cuisine (e.g. vegetables stewed in oil). Furthermore, GA were found to return to the traditional Greek food pattern with advancing years. We suspect that these factors may explain why GA have recently been found to have over double the circulating concentrations of antioxidant carotenoids, especially lutein, compared with Australians of Anglo‐Celtic ancestry. This in turn may have helped to make the CVD risk factors ‘benign’ and reduce the risk of death. This raises the question whether specific dietary guidelines need to be developed for recent migrants to Australia, encouraging them to retain the best of their traditional cultures and include the best of the mainstream culture.
Nutrition knowledge and food consumption: can nutrition knowledge change food behaviour?
Authors: Worsley Anthony
Published: March 2003

The status and explanatory role of nutrition knowledge is uncertain in public health nutrition. Much of the uncertainty about this area has been generated by conceptual confusion about the nature of knowledge and behaviours, and, nutrition knowledge and food behaviours in particular. So the paper describes several key concepts in some detail. The main argument is that ‘nutrition knowledge’ is a necessary but not sufficient factor for changes in consumers’ food behaviours. Several classes of food behaviours and their causation are discussed. They are influenced by a number of environmental and intra‐individual factors, including motivations. The interplay between motivational factors and information processing is important for nutrition promoters as is the distinction between declarative and procedural knowledge. Consideration of the domains of nutrition knowledge shows that their utility is likely to be related to consumers’ and nutritionists’ particular goals and viewpoints. A brief survey of the recent literature shows that the evidence for the influence of nutrition knowledge on food behaviours is mixed. Nevertheless, recent work suggests that nutrition knowledge may play a small but pivotal role in the adoption of healthier food habits. The implications of this overview for public health nutrition are: (i) We need to pay greater attention to the development of children's and adults’ knowledge frameworks (schema building); (ii) There is a need for a renewed proactive role for the education sector; (iii) We need to take account of consumers’ personal food goals and their acquisition of procedural knowledge which will enable them to attain their goals; (iv) Finally, much more research into the ways people learn and use food‐related knowledge is required in the form of experimental interventions and longitudinal studies.
Effects of consumption of edible oils for a period of 4 months on the ultrastructure of the aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Faizah O , Merican Z , Hassan MF , Khalid BAK , Mohamed J , Radzi M
Published: March 2003

Edible oils have different effects on lipid profiles and on the propensity for producing lipid peroxidation products. These two properties of edible oils can affect arterial structure, ultimately leading to atherosclerosis. Hypertension is said to be a predisposing factor for atherosclerosis and can accelerate its process. This paper investigates the effects of three edible oils, namely soya bean oil, palm oil and ghee, on the ultrastructure of the aortas of spontaneously hypertensive rats at the end of a 4 month feeding period. It was found that ghee produced significant structural changes to the aortic wall when compared with palm oil or soya bean oil, and that no noticeable structural differences were seen to occur on the aortas of the palm oil‐fed and soya bean oil‐fed groups of rats. This study suggests that the consumption of ghee, rather than palm or soya bean oil, is more likely to lead to the development of atherosclerosis.
Prevention of H2O2‐induced red blood cell lipid peroxidation and hemolysis by aqueous extracted turmeric
Authors: Lalitha S , Selvam R
Published: March 2003

The protective effect of the aqueous extracted turmeric antioxidant protein on H2O2‐induced red blood cell lipid peroxidation and hemolysis was investigated. Turmeric antioxidant protein inhibited lipid peroxidation and hemolysis by 70% and 80%, respectively, and was found to be more effective as an antioxidant than were α‐tocopherol and curcumin.
Effects of a high intake of unsaturated and saturated oils on intestinal transference of calcium and calcium mobilization from bone in an ovariectomized rat model of osteoporosis
Authors: Chanda Srabani , Islam Nazrul , Ghosh< Tapan Kumar , Mitra Chandan
Published: March 2003

Intestinal transference of calcium and rate of bone turnover were evaluated in ovariectomized rats fed for 15 days with a high amount (30%) of lipid enriched with monounsaturated (groundnut oil), polyunsaturated (sunflower oil) and saturated (coconut oil) fatty acids. The results were compared with those for sham‐operated control and ovariectomized groups fed a normal diet (7% groundnut oil). Irrespective of the saturation and unsaturation characteristics, all lipids (edible oils) used in our study considerably decreased the rate of in situ intestinal transference of calcium. Likewise, the activities of intestinal mucosal enzymes, alkaline phosphatase (AP) and calcium ATPase (Ca2+‐ATPase) were decreased significantly in all the segments of the small intestine in a descending gradient. Significant changes in bone turnover and bone calcium (Ca) mobilization were confirmed in these animals by marked alterations in plasma AP activity, urinary calcium and phosphate excretion and calcium to creatinine (Ca:creatinine) ratio. Lipid supplementation (30%) in such ovariectomized rats using groundnut oil (monounsaturated), sunflower oil (polyunsaturated) or coconut oil (saturated) for 15 days further enhanced all of the above observed parameters. These results suggest that the intake of high amounts of lipids with different unsaturation and saturation characteristics may be an important factor in determining bone loss in ovariectomized rats.
Santalbic acid from quandong kernels and oil fed to rats affects kidney and liver P450
Authors: Jones Gwyn P , Watson Thomas G , Sinclair Andrew J , Birkett Anne , Dunt Nicole , Nair Sudheera Sd , Tonkin Susan Y
Published: March 2003

Kernels of the plant Santalum acuminatum (quandong) are eaten as Australian ‘bush foods’. They are rich in oil and contain relatively large amounts of the acetylenic fatty acid, santalbic acid (trans‐11‐octadecen‐9‐ynoic acid), whose chemical structure is unlike that of normal dietary fatty acids. When rats were fed high fat diets in which oil from quandong kernels supplied 50% of dietary energy, the proportion of santalbic acid absorbed was more than 90%. Feeding quandong oil elevated not only total hepatic cytochrome P450 but also the cytochrome P450 4A subgroup of enzymes as shown by a specific immunoblotting technique. A purified methyl santalbate preparation isolated from quandong oil was fed to rats at 9% of dietary energy for 4 days and this also elevated cytochrome P450 4A in both kidney and liver microsomes in comparison with methyl esters from canola oil. Santalbic acid appears to be metabolized differently from the usual dietary fatty acids and the consumption of oil from quandong kernels may cause perturbations in normal fatty acid biochemistry.
The role of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid‐enriched diets in the prevention of ventricular fibrillation
Authors: Charnock John S
Published: March 2003

In a number of epidemiological surveys and in two recent intervention trials in cardiac patients, diets rich in marine omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which include both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been found to be beneficial in reducing the susceptibility of developing serious ventricular fibrillation (VF) or malignant cardiac dysrhythmia and mortality from sudden cardiac death (SCD). In addition to this information from human studies, there is strong supporting evidence from laboratory experiments utilizing the small non‐human primate marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus). For example, a diet enriched with tuna fish oil that is high in both DHA and EPA has been found to increase the electrical threshold current necessary for inducing VF and to reduce mortality to zero in marmoset monkeys with experimentally induced ischaemic cardiac dysrhythmia (ICH). From these and earlier studies in other animals there is also some evidence which suggests that it may be the DHA rather than the EPA component of fish oils which is the biologically active fatty acid responsible for the reduction in susceptibility of developing VF and ICH. If this possibility could be determined with confidence, it would greatly assist in the design of future intervention trials, which are required in order to determine both the nature and amount of dietary omega‐3 PUFA that is necessary to achieve these beneficial effects. Any simple dietary strategy that could lead to a substantial decrease in VF and mortality from SCD would be of great medical, social and economic benefit.
Food Basket Foundation International: Profile, mission statement and activities
Authors: Akinyele Isaac O
Published: March 2003

The Food Basket Foundation International (FBFI) is an indigenous non‐governmental organization (NGO) which was set up to assist low income families, especially those from vulnerable groups, achieve nutrition security on a sustainable basis.

The Foundation was formed in 1988 by a group of professionals in nutrition, communication, medicine, the social sciences (economics, sociology, psychology), law and agriculture, based on the recognition that governments’ efforts at providing basic needs to the poor and guaranteeing them opportunities to adequately feed themselves and their families contained a missing link between program planning and implementation. Food Basket Foundation International was registered in March 1989 under the Land Perpectual Succession Act CAP 98.

The fundamental objective of the FBFI is to create appropriate awareness among members of the public in an effort to influence government policies and programs to sustain the development of the grassroots. In addition, the Foundation initiates, and cooperates with, community‐based organizations to bring about social and economic changes based on improvement in the traditional systems with which people are familiar for the attainment of food and nutrition security within a sustainable livelihood system.
Iodine status of pregnant women in Lae
Authors: Amoa Betty , Rubiang Lydia
Published: March 2003

Many areas in Papua New Guinea are regarded as endemic for iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). Salt iodization to combat IDD has been a policy of the government since 1973. Its effectiveness in many areas of the country has, however, not been assessed. The iodine status of pregnant women is an indicator of the iodine status of the community. This study was conducted in order to assess the effectiveness of the salt iodization program in Lae. Urine samples from a total of 120 pregnant mothers attending antenatal clinics in different areas in Lae were analysed for iodine content. It was found that 15% of the mothers had urinary iodine values below 10 μg/dL, 11.7% between 5 and 9.9 μg/dL, 0.83% between 2 and 4.9 μg/dL and 2.5% below 2 μg/dL. This indicates that IDD is still a problem in Lae and most certainly in other parts of the country. There is a need for proper monitoring of the iodine content of salt sold in the country and also for strengthening the whole IDD intervention program.
Urban and rural differences in dietary intake, weight status and nutrition knowledge of black female students
Authors: Steyn Nelia P , Senekal Marjanne , Brtis Sanet , Nel Johanna
Published: March 2003

The objective of this study was to examine dietary intake, weight status and nutrition knowledge of young black South African women in order to identify urban–rural differences. A group of 115 black female students attending a first‐year pre‐registration program at the University of the North participated in the study. A quantified food frequency questionnaire was used to gather data on each student’s diet prior to entering the university. Height, weight, waist and hip measurements were taken, and body mass index (BMI) and waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) were calculated for each participant. Each student also completed a nutrition knowledge test (NKT). Mean dietary intakes were generally comparable to the recommended dietary allowances (RDA), with the exception of calcium, zinc and iron, which were lower. Urban women consumed significantly more sugar (65.8 vs 52.2 g) and confectionery (290.4 vs 183.7 g), and significantly less legumes (6.3 vs 18.9 g), than did rural women. The prevalence of overweight (BM1 ≥ 25) was high in urban (22.7%) and rural (22.9%) women and WHR was significantly greater (P = 0.0003) in rural women (0.76) compared with urban ones (0.73). Nutrition knowledge test scores were poor (mean = 40.7%) and no urban–rural differences were found. There was a positive correlation between NKT and energy, protein, carbohydrate, fibre, calcium, zinc, thiamin, niacin, and folate intakes.
Historical perspectives on indigenous health in Australia
Authors: Hetzel Basil S
Published: March 2003

In spite of much effort over the past 25 years, the life expectancy of the indigenous people remains nearly 20 years behind the non‐Aboriginal white population of Australia. These figures compare unfavourably with the improved life expectancy over the past 25 years of other indigenous peoples, such as the New Zealand Maori and the American Indian populations. By 1990–94, the average Australian indigenous all‐cause mortality rate was 1.9 times the Maori rate, 2.4 times the US indigenous rate and 3.15 times the all‐Australian rate. The persistence of this discrepancy in Australia is obviously a matter of great concern. There is clearly a gap between available knowledge and its application. Some indication of the possibility of reversal of the current situation is given by a recent report of the beneficial impact of the Homelands Movement on Health Outcomes in Central Australian Aborigines. The study compared the prevalence of obesity, hypertension and diabetes in two groups of Aboriginal adults: those living in homelands versus those living in centralized communities in Central Australia. Baseline studies revealed a lower prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and obesity in the homelands group, compared with those living in centralized communities. They were also less likely to die and less likely to be hospitalized for any cause, particularly infections, injury involving alcohol and other injury. Mean age at death was 58 and 48 years for the residents of homelands and centralized communities, respectively. The benefits were most marked in young adults. It is suggested that the homelands communities have a greater degree of control of their own lives than those living in the centralized communities and this may be an important factor in their improved health status. Improvement in indigenous health should be one of the key issues of reconciliation. Priorities include community control of Aboriginal Health Services under the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), throughout Australia, a greater priority for prevention and public health services (housing, water supply and environmental services) education and economic issues, improved training of indigenous health professionals and increased funding. A national professional organization including NACCHO needs to be established to bridge the big gap between available knowledge and its application for the benefit of the indigenous people of Australia.
Overview: Dietary fat and atherosclerosis
Authors: Kritchevsky David
Published: March 2003

Research on the effects of dietary fat on cholesterolemia and coronary risk began with comparisons of the amount and type of fat (saturated vs unsaturated). It then became clear that not all fatty acids had similar cholesterolemic effects and equations were derived which gave different weights to saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. We now find that the triglyceride structure also plays a role in cholesterolemia as suggested by the studies of Kritchevsky and Tepper in rabbits and McGandy et al. in human subjects.
Bedside monitoring of nutritional metabolism in the persistent vegetative state
Authors: Kudoh Kazuhiko , Yamada Hideo , Ishikawa Shigeru , Nishimura Yumi
Published: March 2003

The basal metabolism and daily energy consumption of eight cases of the persistent vegetative state were low. Some received excessive energy and inappropriate essential nutrient infusions.
Evaluation of nutritional status among a group of young Chinese adults in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Karim Norimah , Leong SW
Published: March 2003

A nutritional status study was carried out among a group of young Chinese adults, aged between 19 and 25, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Subjects comprised 108 young adults (55 women, 53 men) who were students at two institutes of higher learning. Physical characteristics were evaluated by anthropometric measurements while food intake was determined with a 3‐day food record. Blood cholesterol and triglyceride were assessed using the Reflotron analyser. Birthweight was obtained from birth certificates or by proxy. The results showed that the mean body mass index (BMI) for men and women was 21.4 ± 3.3 and 20.0 ± 2.0, respectively, indicating normal weight. Further analysis of BMI classification demonstrated that 28% of men and 39% of women were underweight, 11% of men and 2% of women were overweight while 2% of men were obese. Mean waist‐to‐hip ratio showed that the subjects had a low risk of developing cardiovascular disease (0.72 ± 0.03 women; 0.81 ± 0.05 men). Mean energy intake was 8841 ± 1756 kJ per day for men and 6426 ± 1567 kJ per day for women. Closer analysis of energy intake of the subjects showed that 86% of men and 91% of women were consuming below the Malaysian recommendation for energy. Nutrients found to be deficient in at least one third of women were calcium, vitamin A, niacin and iron. Mean cholesterol intake in the diet was 278.7 ± 108.7 mg in men and 207.0 ± 82.5 mg in women and there was a significant difference between genders. Blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels were 3.88 ± 0.76 mmol/L and 1.08 ± 0.33 mmol/L, respectively in men, while these levels were lower in women, 3.87 ± 0.80 mmol/L for cholesterol and 0.99 ± 0.29 mmol/L for triglyceride. A general trend of higher mean blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels was shown in adults who were born with lower birthweights.
Food intakes and habits of rural elderly Malays
Authors: Shahar Suzana , Earland Jane , Rahman Suriah A
Published: March 2003

A cross‐sectional nutritional survey was carried out on 350 elderly Malays aged 60 and above from 11 randomly selected villages in a rural area on the east coast of Malaysia. The findings indicated that the mean intakes of energy and of all of the nutrients investigated were below the Malaysian Recommended Dietary Allowances, except for protein and vitamin C. With respect to dietary habits, almost all of the subjects reported that they had breakfast (99.3%), lunch (97.9%) and dinner (90.4%) daily or almost daily (5–6 times/week). However, approximately half of the subjects, especially women, had particular beliefs and prohibitions about specific foods. Most of the subjects usually ate their meals at home, particularly dinner, with 99.3% always having dinner in their own home. Thus, although the rural elderly Malays studied had regular meal intakes, the dietary intake was inadequate. There is a need to plan community‐based intervention programmes in order to prevent the subsequent consequences of malnutrition that lead to increased morbidity and mortality.
Assessment of iodine deficiency disorders in Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Kapil Umesh , Singh Jai Vir , Tandon Monica , Pathak Priyali , Singh Charan , Yadav Rakesh
Published: March 2003

Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) are an important public health problem in India. Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh, is a known IDD endemic area. A study conducted in 1986 reported a total goitre rate of 24.9% in the entire population of Meerut district. During 1990–97 intensive efforts were taken by the Uttar Pradesh Government to ensure universal availability of iodized salt to the population. No survey has been conducted since 1997 on the status of iodine deficiency in the Meerut district. Hence, the present study was conducted in order to assess the prevalence of IDD and to estimate the iodine content of salt consumed in the households of Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh. The 30 cluster sampling methodology and indicators for assessment of IDD as recommended by the joint WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD (World Health Organization/United Nations Children’s Fund/International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders) Consultation in full was utilized for the survey. A confidence level of 95%, relative precision of 10% and design effect of three were considered in the calculation of the sample size. The prevalence of goitre at the time of survey was estimated to be 15%. A total of 6485 school children in the 6–10 years age group were selected using probability proportionate to size cluster sampling methodology. A total goitre prevalence rate of 11.6% was found in the district. It was observed that 5.4, 2.9 and 19.9% of the children had urinary excretion levels of < 2.0, 2.0–4.9, and 5.0–9.9 μg/dL, respectively. The median urinary iodine excretion of the children studied was found to be 15.0 μg/dL. Fifty‐three percent of the children studied consumed salt with an iodine content of less than 15 p.p.m., which was below the stipulated level (15 p.p.m.). The study showed that the population is in a transition phase from iodine deficient (as revealed by total goitre rate) to iodine sufficient (as revealed by median urinary iodine excretion of 15.0 μg/dL). There is a need to further strengthen the existing monitoring system for the quality of iodized salt in the district in order to achieve the elimination of IDD.
Lipids and immunology
Authors: Sugano Michihiro , Koga Tamiho , Yamada Kogi
Published: March 2003

Dietary fat plays an important regulatory role in the pathogenesis of a range of immune reactions. In food allergies, especially in type I allergic reactions, dietary fat can modulate the development of clinical symptoms through influencing the production of immunoglobulins (Ig), cytokines and chemical mediators. In general, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of the n‐3 family in relation to those of the n‐6 family reduce the production of eicosanoids and hence, mitigate hypersensitivity. In this context, it is interesting that conjugated derivatives of linoleic acid (CLA) reduce the production of eicosanoids and regulate the production of Ig in a manner favourable to the prevention of allergic reactions. Trans monoene fatty acid (that is, elaidic acid), in relation to cis monoenoic fatty acid (that is, oleic acid), also behaves as an anti‐allergic agent through interfering with the desaturation of linoleic acid. The information available indicates that different dietary fats influence differently the immune indices related to food allergic reaction. The effects appeared to be readily modified by the combination of food components, including dietary fats. Thus, an appropriate combination of a specific fat or fatty acid may be one approach to the regulation of allergic reaction.