bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrition and health (1948) of Aborigines in settlements in Arnhem Land, northern Australia
Authors: McArthur Margaret , Billington Brian P. , Hodges Kelvin J.
Published: March 2003

During the American–Australian Scientific Expedition to Arnhem Land in 1948, a nutritionist (Margaret McArthur), a medical officer (Brian Billington), a biochemist (Kelvin Hodges) and also the ‘flying dentist’ (John Moody) observed the nutrition and health of Aborigines in the settlements on Groote Eylandt, at Yirrkala and at Oenpelli, Northern Territory. The results of their research were published in the Records of the American–Australian Scientific Expedition to Arnhem Land Volume 2 Anthropology and Nutrition. (Melbourne University Press, 1960).

Although seasonal and regional variations in food supply were a constant problem for nomadic Aborigines living on ‘bush tucker’ gathered from marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems, the variety of food provided a well‐balanced diet according to the international recommendations of 1948.

In contrast, improvements in the 1948 diet of Aborigines in the settlements were strongly recommended.

1 An increase in the quantity of food given to older children and adolescents.

2 Regular distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the year from settlement gardens.

3 Regular supplies of fish, meat and other animal products, particularly for children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating mothers.

4 Increased production of milk and greater care in its handling.

5 Greater use of whole grain cereals in preference to refined products.
Significance of wild vegetables in micronutrient intakes of women in Vietnam: an analysis of food variety
Authors: Ogle Britta M , Hung Pham Huang , Tuyet Ho Thi
Published: March 2003

The association between food variety and nutrient intake/health status among rural women was tested in two agro‐ecological settings in Vietnam. Special emphasis was placed on the significance of wild vegetables ‘Rau Dai’ in micronutrient supply and on the usefulness of food variety analysis in determining their current role. Data from 7‐day food frequency interviews and a nutrition/health survey with 93 and 103 rural women in the Mekong Delta and the Central Highlands, respectively, were used in the analysis. Energy and nutrient intakes in the groups with the highest food variety score (FVS) (high = ≥ 21) in the two regions were compared to those with the lowest food variety score (low = ≤15). The high FVS groups in both regions also had a more diversified diet in terms of food categories. With the exception of low iron and riboflavin intakes in all groups, the high FVS groups had relatively adequate diets. A large variety of vegetables was used and only approximately half of the vegetable species were cultivated. In both regions the high FVS groups used a significantly greater variety of vegetables than the low FVS groups. Wild vegetables contributed significantly to the overall micronutrient intakes, mostly carotene, vitamin C and calcium intakes, but only the contribution to carotene intake was significantly higher in the high FVS group. Overall, we conclude that a food variety analysis is a useful tool in capturing the dietary role of wild vegetables.
Lack of awareness of public health promotion messages among a group of adult New Zealanders who meet national guidelines for food intake and physical activity
Authors: Green J Hilary , Boyle Fiona E
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to assess the awareness of national health promotion messages in a group of self‐selected New Zealanders. This study involved 104 self‐selected New Zealanders (41 men and 63 women) over the age of 40. Awareness of national health promotion messages was assessed using a mailed out questionnaire, and 69 of these were returned. Basic anthropometric measurements were made (height, weight, hip and waist circumference) and habitual physical activity was defined using a questionnaire. Food intake was estimated by 24‐h dietary recall. Overall, this group of people met the New Zealand national guidelines for exercise, physical activity and food intake. There was good awareness of the public health organisations in New Zealand, but only half the people that we sampled had a general idea about the content of the health messages of these organisations. This group of New Zealand adults had a healthy lifestyle that was not associated with a high awareness of public health messages, suggesting that other sources of health information are used.
Serum vitamin A concentrations and growth in children and adolescents in Gansu Province, China
Authors: Hu Wenbiao , Tong Shilu , Oldenburg Brian , Feng Xingchan
Published: March 2003

The association between serum vitamin A concentration and growth was assessed in a random sample of 650 children aged 0–14 years and 143 adolescents aged 15–19 years from the four prefectures of Jiayuguan, Linxia, Lanzhou and Tianshui in Gansu Province, China. Serum vitamin A concentrations were measured using a high performance liquid chromatograph. Height and weight were measured with standard methods. The results show that serum vitamin A concentration appeared to be the lowest in the age group 5–9 years which was only 0.28 mg/mL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.27–0.30) in males and 0.30 mg/mL (95% CI: 0.28–0.32) in females; and then it gradually increased with age. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females in any of the age groups. There were statistically significant correlations between vitamin A and weight (r = 0.37; P < 0.001) and body mass index (r = 0.26; P < 0.001). This study suggests that serum vitamin A concentrations in children and adolescents may affect child growth. Concerted efforts to improve vitamin A status from a very early age become increasingly important if vitamin A has a genuine impact on child growth.
Wheat bran equivalents based on faecal bulking indices for dietary management of faecal bulk
Authors: Monro John A
Published: March 2003

Wheat bran equivalents for faecal bulking (WBEfb) are defined as the gram quantity of wheat bran that would augment faecal bulk to the same extent as a given quantity of a specified food, and its development as a food datum for the dietary management of distal colonic bulk is discussed in this paper. The WBEfb content of a food is derived from the faecal bulking index (FBI), which is a standardised physiological measure of the relative faecal bulking efficacy of foods on an equal edible weight basis. The FBI is defined as the increment in hydrated faecal matter per gram of a food consumed as a percentage of the increment due to the same weight of reference food (1 mm hard red wheat bran; FBI = 100). The FBI values allow the contribution of hydrated solids to the distal colon to be related to that of any reference of known FBI such as wheat bran, the suitability of which as a reference material is discussed. By expressing the increment in bulk as WBEfb, the relative impact of any quantity of an individual food on faecal bulk may be determined, and the effect of foods in mixed diets approximated by summation. Examples are given of the dietary management of distal colonic bulk using WBEfb, with one cup of wheat bran containing 27.5 g of dietary fibre – about the mean recommended daily fibre intake for adults ‐ used as theoretical adequate daily intake of potential faecal bulk. The FBI and WBEfb are proposed as examples of the types of evidence‐based data sets that may complement food composition data in selecting foods for physiological function.
Dietary trend and diabetes: its association among indigenous Fijians 1952 to 1994
Authors: Lako Jimaima V
Published: March 2003

The dietary trends of indigenous Fijians have changed drastically in the past 50 years. Deviating from the traditional food consumption pattern and traditional lifestyle may have increased the incidence and prevalence of non‐communicable diseases. The aim of this study is to examine the dietary trends of the indigenous Fijians in relation to the prevalence of diabetes from 1952 to 1994. The data used were obtained from the Naduri Nutrition Survey reports of 1952 to 1994, the Fiji National Nutrition Survey reports of 1983 and 1993, and the two diabetes survey reports of 1965 and 1980. Results indicated an increased consumption of introduced foods, which may be associated with an increased prevalence of diabetes. The total energy derived from cereals and sugar increased dramatically with a reduction in consumption of traditional foods. The prevalence of diabetes among the urban indigenous population in 1965 was very low compared to the 1980 figure, while the National Nutrition Survey of the same ethnic group showed a 433% increase of urban diabetes from 1965 to 1993. The hospital diabetes admission cases of 1952 to 1982 also showed an increased trend.
Achieving household nutrition security in societies in transition: An overview
Authors: Gopalan C
Published: March 2003

The achievement of nutrition security at the household level involves adequacy of food supply at the national level and equitable distribution of food among the population in accordance with their physiological needs. The emergence of globalization and market liberalization and the increasing power of some transnational corporations that are advocating pharmaceutical shortcuts have raised concerns in many developing countries. In order to achieve adequacy of food production, earlier mistakes (such as a reliance on unsustainable new technologies) need to be corrected and the resultant imbalances with respect to food production need to be reversed. Emerging new technologies, including genetic modifications, need to be effectively harnessed and adapted with due consideration to safety and sustainability. There is a need to collect convincing evidence of the efficacy and safety of genetically modified foods before they can gain general public acceptance. Information technology will play an important role in future programmes of food production and developing countries must strive to achieve access to this technology. There is considerable scope and need for the expansion of agro‐based industries in villages and townships. This could create job opportunities and could also lead to better production and more effective utilization of local food resources by the community and reduce the present considerable loss of perishable food items. Household nutrition security means more than avoidance of chronic starvation. Policy makers of developing countries should set, as their target in the next century, the achievement of adequate nutrition rather than mere survival.
Promoting household food and nutrition security in Myanmar
Authors: Thwin Aye
Published: March 2003

Myanmar has a policy of promoting food and nutrition security and, at the national level, food production is more than that required to meet the country’s needs. Nevertheless, food and nutrition surveillance has revealed that malnutrition still exists in the country, despite economic growth and national food self‐sufficiency. The National Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition, formulated in 1994 and adopted in 1995, accorded priority to household food and nutrition security. Accordingly, in 1996, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Nutrition Centre embarked on a study of household food and nutrition security in Myanmar. A preliminary situation analysis revealed that transitional changes in the economic, demographic and social sectors have driven dramatic changes in people’s lifestyles, behaviour and practices and that these changes affect food and nutrition security. The present paper explores household and intrahousehold determinants of nutrition problems in Myanmar.
Nutrition trends in Japan
Authors: Matsumura Yasuhiro
Published: March 2003

The National Nutrition Survey (NNS) in Japan has been undertaken annually since 1946. It was originally intended to provide information on the food and nutrient intake of the Japanese people, with a view to acquiring emergency food supplies from other countries when food shortages caused malnutrition in many Japanese. The food balance sheet (FBS) has been drawn up since 1949 to show the food supply available to the Japanese people. The trends and figures shown by both approaches were similar until the mid‐1970s. Since then, however, the disparity between the food supply and the intake of foods and nutrients has been getting larger. National food security means that a country has enough food for everyone. This does not mean, however, that every family has enough food, because the food may not be evenly distributed. In fact, marginal deficiencies in iron and calcium are thought to still exist and there is considerable variation among households in energy intake. In Japan, nutrition and diet are now considered to play important roles in the emerging problems of obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension etc., because of excessive energy intake and deficiency or excessive intake of certain nutrients.
Validation of skinfold thickness and hand‐held impedance measurements for estimation of body fat percentage among Singaporean Chinese, Malay and Indian subjects
Authors: Deurenberg Paul , Deurenberg‐Yap Mabel
Published: March 2003

Body fat percentage (BF%) was measured in 298 Singaporean Chinese, Malay and Indian men and women using a chemical four‐compartment model consisting of fat, water, protein and mineral (BF%4C). In addition, weight, height, skinfold thickness and segmental impedance (from hand to hand) was measured. Body fat percentage was predicted using prediction equations from the literature (for skinfolds BF%SKFD) and using the manufacturer’s software for the hand‐held impedance analyser (BF%IMP). The subjects ranged in age from 18–70 years and in body mass index from 16.0 to 40.2 kg/m2. Body fat ranged from 6.5 to 53.3%. The biases for skinfold prediction (BF%4C–BF%SKFD, mean ± SD) were –0.4 ± 3.9, 2.3 ± 4.1 and 3.1 ± 4.2 in Chinese, Malay and Indian women, respectively, the Chinese being different from the Malays and Indians. The differences were significant from zero (P< 0.05) in the Malays and Indians. For the men, the biases were 0.5 ± 3.8, 0.0 ± 4.8 and 0.9 ± 4.0 in Chinese, Malays and Indians, respectively. These biases were not significantly different from zero and not different among the ethnic groups. The biases for hand‐held impedance BF% were –0.7 ± 4.5, 1.5 ± 4.4 and 0.4 ± 3.8 in Chinese, Malay and Indian women. These biases were not significantly different from zero but the bias in the Chinese was significantly different from the biases in the Malays and Indians. In the Chinese, Malay and Indian men, the biases of BF%IMPwere 0.7 ± 4.6, 1.9 ± 4.8 and 2.0 ± 4.4, respectively. These biases in Malay and Indian men were significantly different from zero and significantly different from the bias in Chinese men. The biases were correlated with level of body fat and age, and also with relative arm span (arm span/height) for impedance. After correction, the differences in bias among the ethnic groups disappeared. The study shows that the biases in predicted BF% differ between ethnic groups, differences that can be explained by differences in body composition and differences in body build. This information is important and should be taken into account when comparing body composition across ethnic groups using predictive methods.
Dietary patterns and nutrient intake of adult women in south‐east China: a nutrition study in Zhejiang province
Authors: Zhang Min , Binns Colin W , Lee Andy H
Published: March 2003

This study documents the dietary patterns and nutrient intake of 652 adult women living in south‐east China. Compared with data from previous national surveys and other nutrition studies in China, the results show different dietary patterns. The major differences include a greater consumption of vegetables, fruits and animal foods, but a lower consumption of cereal and tuber foods. The mean daily nutrient intakes of the urban women met the Chinese recommended dietary allowances. However, the situation was different in rural areas, where women had lower mean intakes of vitamins and minerals. There were also significant differences in dietary pattern and food consumption between these two groups of women. Further improvements in dietary intake for those residing in the south‐east rural areas of China are needed.
Will iron supplementation given during menstruation improve iron status better than weekly supplementation?
Authors: Februhartanty Judhiastuty , Dillon Drupadi , Khusun Helda
Published: March 2003

To investigate the efficacy of two different iron supplements administered either on a weekly basis or during menstruation, a 16‐week community experimental study was carried out among postmenarcheal female adolescent students in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Forty eight students received a placebo tablet weekly, 48 other students got an iron tablet weekly and 41 students took an iron tablet for four consecutive days during their menstruation cycle. All subjects were given deworming tablets before supplementation. Haemoglobin, serum ferritin, height, weight, mid‐upper arm circumference and dietary intake were assessed before and after intervention. The supplementation contributed to a significant improvement in the iron status of the intervention groups compared to the placebo group (P < 0.05). In the menstruation group, the haemoglobin concentrations of the anaemic subjects improved significantly (P < 0.05) while for the non‐anaemic subjects, serum ferritin concentrations also increased significantly (P < 0.05). In the weekly group for anaemic and non‐anaemic subjects, there was a significant increase in both haemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations (P < 0.05). This study revealed that weekly supplementation of iron tablets continued for 16 weeks contributed a higher improvement to haemoglobin concentration, compared with supplementing iron tablets for four consecutive days during menstruation for four menstrual cycles. This suggests that weekly iron supplementation is preferable.
Deficient dietary vitamin K intake among elderly nursing home residents in Hong Kong
Authors: Tse Samuel LS , Chan Thomas YK , Wu Daphne MY , Cheung Albert YK , Kwok Timothy CY
Published: March 2003

There is strong evidence supporting the importance of vitamin K in bone health and the aetiological role of vitamin K deficiency in osteoporosis. In view of the common occurrence of osteoporosis among older subjects in Hong Kong, we have studied the dietary vitamin K intakes in 100 residents of a nursing home (43 men, 57 women; median age 81.0 years) and 88 free‐living subjects attending a day care centre (13 men, 75 women; median age 71.5 years). The subjects were interviewed and the average vitamin K intake in the preceding week was estimated, using a diet recall questionnaire modified from our previous surveys of dietary patterns in local Chinese people. The median vitamin K intake was much lower in nursing home residents than in free‐living subjects (4.50vs488.09 μg/day or 0.13vs8.74 μg/kg/day,P< 0.001). An intake that was below the recommended daily intake was far more common among nursing home residents (86.0vs11.4%,P< 0.001). Among nursing home residents, there was a negative correlation between age and vitamin K intake (r= –0.217,P= 0.030), but there was a positive correlation between body weight and vitamin K intake (r= 0.244,P= 0.015). No such relationship was seen among free‐living subjects. Elderly nursing home residents in this study generally had a poor dietary vitamin K intake and might therefore be predisposed to osteoporosis. The importance of green leafy vegetables as a rich source of vitamin K should be emphasised.
Ocular manifestation of vitamin A deficiency among Orang Asli (Aborigine) children in Malaysia
Authors: Ngah Nor F , Moktar Norhayati , Isa Noor HM , Selvaraj S , Yusof Md Shahrom , Sani Halimah A , Hasan Zainal AA , Kadir Rohani A
Published: March 2003

This study determined the prevalence of ocular manifestation of vitamin A deficiency in Orang Asli (Aborigine) children. Night blindness was found in 16.0% of the children, conjunctiva xerosis in 57.3%, Bitot’s spot in 2.8%, corneal xerosis in 0.5% and corneal scars in 5.6%. These findings show that history of night blindness had sensitivity, specificity and predictive value (positive) of 47.2, 98.1 and 96.2%, respectively, compared with the standard diagnosis procedure using luxometer readings.
Anticancer and health protective properties of citrus fruit components
Authors: Silalahi Jansen
Published: March 2003

Accumulated evidence from experimental and epidemiological studies indicates that there is a low risk of degenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cataract, stroke and, in particular, cancers in people with a high intake of fruit and vegetables. This protective effect is assumed to be associated mainly with the antioxidant activities of either individual or interacting bioactive components present in the fruits and vegetables, and with other biochemical and physical characteristics of the identified and unknown bioactive components. The implicated bioactive components present in citrus fruits include vitamin C, β‐carotene, flavonoids, limonoids, folic acid, and dietary fibre. A high intake of citrus fruits may reduce the risk of degenerative diseases.
A valid food frequency questionnaire for measuring dietary fish intake
Authors: Woods Rosalie K , Stoney Rachel M , Ireland Paul D , Bailey Michael J , Raven Joan M , Thien Frank CK , Walters E Haydn , Abramson Michael J
Published: March 2003

There is considerable interest in the potentially protective effects of high fish consumption on many chronic diseases. Many epidemiological studies use food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) to quantify usual dietary fish intake, so it is important to validate this assessment against objective markers. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between plasma percentage fatty acids and dietary fish intake as assessed by a FFQ. A semiquantitative FFQ was completed by 174 adults from the community (aged 26–49 years) who also had venous blood analysed for plasma percentage fatty acids. Following linear regression modelling, total non‐fried fish intake was a significant predictor of n‐3 (regression coefficient, B = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.60–1.28), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; B = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.47–0.99) and the ratio of n‐6 : n‐3 fatty acids (B = –1.0; 95% CI = – 1.35–– 0.65). Steamed, grilled or baked fish was a small but significant predictor of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels (B = 0.13; 95% CI = 0.05–0.21) while total fish intake was a predictor of n‐6 fatty acids (B = – 0.88; 95% CI = – 1.41–– 0.36). This semiquantitative FFQ could be useful for ranking subjects according to their likely plasma n‐3, DHA, and n‐6 fatty acid intake and the ratio of n‐6 : n‐3 fatty acids, when the available resources may simply not permit biological markers to be used.
Iron status and dietary intake of Chinese pregnant women with anaemia in the third trimester
Authors: Ma Aiguo , Chen Xuecun , Zheng Mingci , Wang Yu , Xu Rongxian , Li Juesheng
Published: March 2003

Anaemia in pregnancy is a major public health problem in China. Anaemia in pregnant women may be related to dietary intake of nutrients. To examine the relationship between iron status and dietary nutrients, a cross‐sectional study in pregnant women was carried out. The intake of foods and food ingredients were surveyed by using 24‐h dietary recall. Blood haemoglobin, haematocrit, serum iron, serum ferritin, transferrin and soluble transferrin receptor were measured in 1189 clinically normal pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy. The results showed that the average daily intake of rice and wheat was 504.2 g in the anaemia group and 468.6 g in the normal group. Carbohydrates accounted for 63.69% and 63.09% of energy in the anaemia and normal groups, respectively. Intake of fat was very low; 18.38% of energy in anaemia group and 19.23% of energy in normal group. Soybean intake was 109.4 g/day and 63.6 g/day in the anaemia and normal groups, respectively (P < 0.001). There were lower intakes of green vegetables (172.1 g/day) and fruits (154.9 g/day) in the anaemia group than in the normal group (246.2 g/day green vegetables (P < 0.001) and 196.4 g/day fruit (P < 0.001)). Intakes of retinol and ascorbic acid were much lower in the anaemia than in the normal group (P < 0.001). In the anaemia group, vitamin A intake was only 54.76% of the Chinese recommended daily allowance (RDA) and ascorbic acid intake was 53.35% of the Chinese RDA. Intake of total vitamin E was 14.55 mg/day in the anaemia group compared with 17.35 mg/day in the normal group (P < 0.016). Moreover, intake of iron in pregnant women with anaemia was slightly lower than that in the normal group. Comparison of iron status between the anaemia and normal groups found serum iron in women with anaemia at 0.89 µg/L, which was significantly lower than 1.09 µg/L in the normal group (P < 0.001). There were lower average values of ferritin (14.70 µg/L) and transferrin (3.34 g/L) in the anaemia group than in the normal group (20.40 µg/L ferritin (P < 0.001) and 3.44 g/L transferrin (P < 0.001)). Soluble transferrin receptor was significantly higher (32.90 nmol/L) in the anaemia than in the normal group (23.58 nmol/L; P < 0.001). The results of this study indicate that anaemia might be attributed to a low iron intake, a low intake of enhancers of iron absorption and a high intake of inhibitors of iron absorption from a traditional Chinese diet rich in grains.
Socioeconomic profile and nutritional status of children in rubber smallholdings
Authors: Marjan Zamaliah Mohd , Kandiah Mirnalini , Lin Khor Geok , Siong Tee E
Published: March 2003

This paper will present the socioeconomic profile and nutritional status of children aged 1–6 years in the rubber smallholdings of Peninsula Malaysia. A total of 323 households were involved in this study. The sociodemographic data were obtained through interviews with heads of households using a set of questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements were taken from 506 children aged 1–6 years from these households. The weight and height of the children were compared with the reference values of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and the nutritional status was classified based on the recommendations of WHO. The average age of the fathers was 39.9 ± 8.6 years and 34.4 ± 7.0 years for the mothers. The mean household size was 6.67 ± 2.27. The majority (49.7%) of the heads of households received 4–6 years of formal education and 7.9% received no formal education. Based on the monthly per capita income, 24.0% were found to be in the hardcore poor category, 38.3% fall into the poor category and 37.7% in the above poverty income group. The prevalence of stunting and underweight among children between the ages of 1–6 years were highest among children from the hardcore poor, followed by the poor category and above the poverty line income group. Wasting was present in all income groups, with a prevalence of 4.2% found among the hardcore poor, 9.4% among the poor group and 8.4% in the above poverty income group. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation showed significant relationships between household total income and height‐for‐age (r = 0.131, P = 0.05) and weight‐for‐age (r = 0.127, P = 0.05). There were also significant correlations between monthly per capita income with height‐for‐age (r = 0.16, P < 0.01) and weight‐for‐age (r = 0.13, P < 0.05). The acreage of land utilised was correlated with height‐for‐age (r = 0.11, P < 0.05), weight‐for‐age (r = 0.17, P < 0.05) and weight‐for‐height (r = 0.16, P < 0.05). However, stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that the predictor of height‐for‐age was monthly per capita income (R2 = 0.03, P < 0.01) and acreage of land utilised was a predictor for weight‐for‐age (R2 = 0.03, P < 0.01) and weight‐for‐height (R2 = 0.01, P < 0.01). Because income and acreage of land utilised have been shown to be associated with nutritional status, it is recommended that intervention programs that focus on generation of income and diversification of land utilisation should be undertaken. A multidiscipline approach involving the family, community and government agencies should be applied to any type of intervention program.
Assessment of a rapid method for assessing adequacy of calcium intake
Authors: Green J Hilary , Booth Chris L , Bunning Richard LW
Published: March 2003

The purpose of this study was to assess the agreement between the 24 h diet recall and a short 17‐item 24 h food intake recall in assessing calcium intake. The calcium intakes of 21 women over the age of 50 were assessed by both methods on four occasions. The mean calcium intakes were similar using both methods, being 1034 ± 398 mg/day by 24 h diet recall and 822 ± 412 mg/day (SD) by 17‐item 24 h food intake recall. The 17‐item 24 h food intake recall tended to underestimate calcium intake compared with the 24 h diet recall, with the limits of agreement being between –1197 and –727 below and 370 and 682 mg/day above 24 h diet recall values over the four assessments. The 17‐item 24 h food intake recall identified 8% more women with inadequate calcium intakes than the 24 h diet recall method did. Although there is poor agreement in calcium intake between the 24 h diet recall method and the 17‐item 24 h food intake recall, the latter provides a quick and simple means for assessing extremes of calcium intake and whether day to day calcium intake is adequate.
Faecal bulking efficacy of Australasian breakfast cereals
Authors: Monro John A
Published: March 2003

Faecal bulk may play an important role in preventing a range of disorders of the large bowel, but as yet there is little information available on the relative faecal bulking capacities of various foods. Breakfast cereals are often promoted as a good source of potential bulk for ‘inner health’ because they provide dietary fibre, but their relative abilities to provide faecal bulk per se have not been described. The faecal bulking efficacy of 28 representative Australasian breakfast cereals was therefore measured. A rat model developed for the purpose, and shown to give similar responses as humans to cereal fibres, was used to measure faecal bulking efficacy as increases in fully hydrated faecal weight/100 g diet, based on precise measurements of food intake, faecal dry matter output and faecal water‐holding capacity (g water held without stress/g faecal dry matter). Compared to a baseline diet containing 50% sucrose, increments in hydrated faecal weight due to 50% breakfast cereal ranged from slightly negative (Cornflakes, –2 g/100 g diet) to about 80 g/100 g diet (San Bran). Most breakfast cereals increased hydrated faecal weight by between 10 and 20 g/100 g diet from a baseline of 21 ± 1.5 g/100 g diet, but four products containing high levels of wheat bran had an exceptionally large impact on hydrated faecal weight (increment >20 g/100 g diet), and the changes resulted more from relative changes in dry matter output than in faecal water retention/gram. However, as faecal water retention was about 2.5 g water/g faecal dry matter on average, increases in dry matter represented large increases in faecal water load. Faecal bulking indices (FBI) for most of the breakfast cereals were less than 20 (wheat bran = 100). The content of wheat bran equivalents for faecal bulk (WBEfb)) in the breakfast cereals was calculated from FBI. Most breakfast cereals contributed, per serve, less than 10% of a theoretical daily reference value for faecal bulk (DRVfb = 63 WBEfb/day), which was based on data from human clinical trials and dietary fibre recommendations. Based on the WBEfb contribution/serving that would be required to meet the DRVfb from the number of servings of dietary fibre sources in the CSIRO 12345+ food and nutrition plan, the results suggest that although some high bran breakfast cereals may contribute substantially to, and many are reasonable sources of, faecal bulk, for most of them, one or two servings at breakfast cannot be relied on to effectively redress shortfalls in faecal bulk elsewhere in the diet.
Serum fatty acids, lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein profiles of middle‐aged men and women in South Vietnam
Authors: Kieu Nguyen Thi Minh , Yasugi Etsuko , Hung Nguyen Thi Kim , Kido Toshimi , Kondo Kazuo , Yamamoto Shigeru , Chuyen Nguyen Van , Oshima Mieko
Published: March 2003

In Vietnam, increasing fat consumption is a trend recognized recently in urban areas. To obtain a reasonable nutrition status and prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD), it is necessary to obtain information on habitual fat intake and biochemical parameters as risk factors for CVD in Vietnamese populations. Therefore, from the analysis of serum fatty acid composition, fat consumption patterns in Vietnamese populations in South Vietnam, with different incomes, are discussed in this study. In addition, some risk factors for premature CVD, serum lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein concentrations are also assessed in these Vietnamese populations. The study was carried out in men and women aged 40–59 in three different districts: urban (n
= 100), suburban (n = 98) and rural (n = 98). The results of serum fatty acid composition analysis reflected differences in quality fat intake among the three populations. The urban population was estimated to consume more vegetable oil but less fish than their rural counterparts. Although serum lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein B levels were below the ranges associated with atherogenesis, ongoing attention to dietary fat intake for the prevention of CVD in Vietnamese populations is required.
Kiwifruit promotes laxation in the elderly
Authors: Rush Elaine C , Patel Meena , Plank Lindsay D , Ferguson Lynnette R
Published: March 2003

Numerous anecdotal reports have suggested that kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) has laxative effects. This could be an acceptable dietary supplement, especially for elderly people who often present with constipation. We wished to obtain objective evidence as to whether or not kiwifruit eaten regularly could promote laxation in elderly people. Thirty‐eight healthy adults of age > 60 years consumed their normal diet, with or without one kiwifruit per 30 kg bodyweight for three weeks, followed by a 3‐week crossover period. Daily records were taken on frequency of defecation and characteristics of the stools. Kiwifruit significantly enhanced all tested measures of laxation in these adults. The regular use of kiwifruit appeared to lead to a bulkier and softer stool, as well as more frequent stool production. Kiwifruit as a natural remedy appears palatable to most of the population and provides improved laxation for elderly individuals who are otherwise healthy. It is likely that a number of factors in the whole fruit are involved, but the nature of the stools suggest fibre is important. This study provides evidence of the potential for improvement in bowel function, health and well‐being through changes in diet.
Selective feeding centres in refugee settings: evaluation framework protocol
Authors: Renzaho Andre MN
Published: March 2003

Selective feeding programs are centres for the treatment of persons suffering from acute malnutrition. Unlike chronic malnutrition, acute malnutrition reflects recent problems. In a crisis situation, wasting is preferred above other indicators because it is sensitive to rapid change, indicates present change, can be used to monitor the impact of interventions and is a good predictor of immediate mortality risk. This paper reviews the current approach being used in the field to evaluate the effectiveness of feeding programs. There is no comprehensive evaluation framework in place to assess the impact of feeding programs on mortality due to malnutrition. Some loose outcome measures, such as the number of children enrolled in a feeding centre, are being used to determine if a feeding centre should continue. In addition, malnutrition prevalence and crude mortality rates determined through nutritional and mortality surveys are used to assess the impact of feeding programs. This procedure does not take into account potential confounding factors that impact on malnutrition prevalence, including access to non‐relief foods and the general food ration. Therefore, one could not confidently say that the reduction of malnutrition prevalence is a result of feeding programs. This paper presents an alternative approach to evaluating feeding centres.
Tocotrienols are needed for normal bone calcification in growing female rats
Authors: Norazlina Mohamed , Ima‐Nirwana Soelaiman , Gapor Mohd. Top Abdul , Khalid B. Abdul Kadir
Published: March 2003

In this study the effects of vitamin E deficiency and supplementation on bone calcification were determined using 4‐month‐old female Sprague‐Dawley rats. The rats weighed between 180 and 200 g. The study was divided in three parts. In experiment 1 the rats were given normal rat chow (RC, control group), a vitamin E deficient (VED) diet or a 50% vitamin E deficient (50%VED) diet. In experiment 2 the rats were given VED supplemented with 30 mg/kg palm vitamin E (PVE30), 60 mg/kg palm vitamin E (PVE60) or 30 mg/kg pure α‐tocopherol (ATF). In experiment 3 the rats were fed RC and given the same supplements as in experiment 2. The treatment lasted 8 months. Vitamin E derived from palm oil contained a mixture of ATF and tocotrienols. Rats on the VED and 50%VED diets had lower bone calcium content in the left femur compared to the RC group (91.6 ± 13.3 mg and 118.3 ± 26.0 mg cf. 165.7 ± 15.2 mg; P < 0.05) and L5 vertebra (28.3 ± 4.0 mg and 39.5 ± 6.2 mg compared with 51.4 ± 5.8 mg; P < 0.05). Supplementing the VED group with PVE60 improved bone calcification in the left femur (133.6 ± 5.0 mg compared with 91.6 ± 13.3 mg; P < 0.05) and L5 vertebra (41.3 ± 3.3 mg compared with 28.3 ± 4.0 mg; P < 0.05) while supplementation with PVE30 improved bone calcium content in the L5 vertebra (35.6 ± 3.1 mg compared with 28.3 ± 4.0 mg; P < 0.05). However, supplementation with ATF did not change the lumbar and femoral bone calcium content compared to the VED group. Supplementing the RC group with PVE30, PVE60 or ATF did not cause any significant changes in bone calcium content. In conclusion, vitamin E deficiency impaired bone calcification. Supplementation with the higher dose of palm vitamin E improved bone calcium content, but supplementation with pure ATF alone did not. This effect may be attributed to the tocotrienol content of palm vitamin E. Therefore, tocotrienols play an important role in bone calcification.
Cross‐sectional study of diet and risk factors for metabolic diseases in a Ghanaian population in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Saleh Ashraf , Amanatidis Soumela , Samman Samir
Published: March 2003

Ethnic groups in affluent environments experience higher rates of metabolic diseases than their native counterparts. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of metabolic risk factors in Ghanaians in Sydney, and to investigate the relationship with dietary and lifestyle factors. Cross‐sectional design with anthropometry, blood pressure, plasma lipids, glucose and insulin concentrations were measured on two occasions on each subject. Dietary information was obtained by three 24‐h dietary recalls. Adults (45 male, 35 female) were recruited from a local association in Sydney, Australia. Overweight was observed in a large proportion of subjects (71% and 66% of men and women, respectively), with 18% of men and 26% of women classified as obese. Abdominal overweight was seen in 63% and 74% of men and women, respectively. Abdominal obesity was seen in 20% of men and 49% of women. Hypertension was detected in 40% of men and 17% of women, 16% of men and 6% of women were diagnosed with definite hypertension. Seventy‐one per cent of men and 29% of women were classified as hypercholesterolaemic and 67% of men and 23% of women had elevated low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. In men, low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and hypertriacylglycerolaemia affected 18% and 13%, respectively. Fasting hyperinsulinaemia was observed in 14% and 9% of men and women, respectively. The majority of subjects (73%) sustained one or more metabolic risk factors. Dietary fat contributed 33% and 35% of total energy intake in men and women, respectively, saturated fat contributing 11% in both sexes. A high prevalence of overweight, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia exists in this population, particularly in men, highlighting the need for intervention.
Dietary fibre content and nutrient claims relative to the faecal bulking efficacy of breakfast cereals
Authors: Monro John A
Published: March 2003

The correspondence between the dietary fibre contents of 28 breakfast cereals and their faecal bulking efficacies was measured and used to assess criterion values controlling nutrient claims for dietary fibre. A valid, standardised rat assay was used to measure faecal bulking efficacy as the content of wheat bran equivalents for faecal bulk (WBEfb) in the cereals. Regression analysis of WBEfb content against dietary fibre content allowed the adequacy of criterion fibre values for claims of ‘source of fibre,’‘high in fibre’ and ‘very high in fibre’ to be assessed relative to a daily reference requirement of 63 WBEfb, based on human data. Faecal bulking by breakfast cereals was much lower than implied by the dietary fibre claims associated with them. Many more were claimed to be ‘high’ or ‘very high’ in dietary fibre (n = 13) than were ‘high’ or ‘very high’ in faecal bulking efficacy (n = 4). Conversely, dietary fibre requirements per serving predicted from WBEfb requirements, as necessary to maintain adequate faecal bulk in the current Australian diet, were much higher (4.4 g) than the criterion fibre content (1.5 g) for the most modest claim, ‘source of fibre’. After removing four high‐bran cereals (>15% dietary fibre) from the analysis, a modest correlation of r = 0.62 between dietary fibre content and faecal bulk was obtained. It is concluded that, with respect to breakfast cereals, fibre values specified for nutrient claims are too low, dietary fibre content is not a reliable guide to faecal bulking efficacy and direct measures of faecal bulking capacity would be more useful than dietary fibre content in describing faecal bulking efficacy for evidence‐based food choice.
Metformin improves liver antioxidant potential in rats fed a high‐fructose diet
Authors: Srividhya Srinivasan , Anuradha Carani Venkatraman
Published: March 2003

Increased lipid peroxidation plays a role in the pathology associated with fructose feeding. The present study reports the effects of metformin on the liver lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defence system of rats fed a high‐fructose diet. The experimental animals were divided into two batches of 12 animals each. The control batch received a control diet containing 60% starch; the second batch was given a high‐fructose diet containing 60% fructose as the sole source of carbohydrate. At the end of second week these were each subdivided into two groups. One was given metformin (50 mg/kg body weight/day in water) by intragastric intubation and the other group was left untreated. The rats were continued on the same dietary regimen for the next two weeks. After the experimental period of four weeks, liver lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status were quantified. Enhanced thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance reactivity and lipid hydroperoxides were observed in high‐fructose‐fed rats. However, the activities of enzymic antioxidants were lower in this group. Administration of metformin attenuated the rise in lipid peroxidation and improved the antioxidant potential in high‐fructose‐fed rats. Metformin did not have any effect on the antioxidant status of control rats. Attenuation of lipid peroxidation by metformin could be related to its insulin sensitising action.
Nutrition problems of hospitalised children in a developing country: Thailand
Authors: Tienboon Prasong
Published: March 2003

Nutritional assessment reveals the nutritional status of a patient. It thereby helps identify each patient's need for specific nutritional care and facilitates early intervention. Generally, the common nutrition and nutrition‐related problems in hospitalised paediatric patients are: protein energy malnutrition in various degrees; vitamin deficiencies such as A, B1, B2, niacin, folic acid, K and E; mineral deficiencies such as Zn, Fe, Ca, Mg, P, K and Na; essential fatty acid deficiencies; carbohydrate intolerance; maldigestion and malabsorption; and overweight and obesity. However, there is limited information about nutritional status of hospitalised patients in some countries, especially in developing countries. In Thailand, it was found that the prevalence of hospital malnutrition in children aged 1−15 years in the paediatric ward was similar (50−60%) to that of a study conducted 10 years earlier. In another study of micronutrients in 45 paediatric AIDS patients (aged 3−46 months), high prevalences of malnutrition, anaemia and mineral deficiencies were found. For convenience in clinical practice, body mass index (BMI) values for use as an indicator in the assessment of undernutrition in children whose heights are less than 145 cm have been published. These BMI values have been tested and retested using normal children and patients with various degrees of undernutrition and were found to be reliable and valid. Therefore, nutritional status must be assessed in all hospitalised patients. At the very least, weight and height (length) should be obtained.
Effect of low‐dosage vitamin A and riboflavin on iron‐folate supplementation in anaemic pregnant women
Authors: Suprapto Bambang , Widardo  , Suhanantyo
Published: March 2003

A double‐blind, placebo, controlled trial was conducted in Banyudono subdistrict, Boyolali regency, Central Java province, Indonesia. The aim of the study was to determine whether adding low‐dosage vitamin A and riboflavin can enhance the effect of iron‐folate supplementation in anaemic pregnant women. From July to November 2000, 202 pregnant women were screened for anaemia (haemoglobin <11.0 g/dL). One hundred and three pregnant women (51%) were found to be anaemic and were then allocated alternately into four groups. Over a period of 60 days, group IF (n = 29) received iron‐folate tablets (200 mg FeSO4 and 250 µg folic acid) + 5 mg glucose; group IFR (n = 22) received iron‐folate tablets + 5 mg riboflavin; group IFA (n = 29) received iron‐folate tablets + 2.75 mg retinyl palmitate (equal to 5000 IU vitamin A); and group IFRA (n = 23) received iron‐folate tablets + 5 mg riboflavin + 2.75 mg retinyl palmitate. At the end of the study 19 pregnant women (18.4%) were excluded from the analysis because of various reasons. Statistical analysis was based on 84 women (81.5%): group IF, n = 25; group IFR, n = 22; group IFA, n = 18; and group IFRA, n = 19. Haemoglobin measurements were carried out using the Technicon H1* (cyanmethaemoglobin method). All groups showed a significant increase in haemoglobin concentration (P < 0.05), except group IFA (P > 0.05), with the highest increment being in group IFR. Multiple comparisons only showed significant differences between group IFR and group IFA (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that iron‐folate supplementation can increase haemoglobin concentrations in anaemic pregnant women. Adding riboflavin tends to enhance the effect of iron‐folate supplementation, but this is not the case with adding vitamin A.