bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entry of Peptides of Dietary Origin into the Circulation
Authors: Gardner Michael L. G.
Published: January 2012

Current theories of protein digestion and absorption state that free amino acids are the only significant form in which amino-N crosses the intestine and enters the systemic circulation. Nevertheless, there is now abundant evidence that intact peptides escaping digestion (or undergoing only partial digestion) and even whole protein molecules can enter the circulation in health and disease. Since peptides are now believed to play a major role in neural and endocrine regulation and in view of the fact that intestinal digestive activity can be reduced and intestinal ‘permeability’ increased in a variety of pathological conditions, the possibility that absorbed intact peptides can exert biological activities in peripheral tissues and can elicit symptoms in susceptible individuals now requires critical evaluation. These considerations may provide a physiological rationale for changing the source(s) of dietary protein in cases where food allergies/dietary sensitivities are suspected.
Diet and Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Seely Stephen
Published: January 2012

Atherosclerosis appears to be the disease of a single type of cell: intimal smooth muscle cells. These are individual cells capable of secreting fibres, their normal function is the repair of injuries. They regulate their intake of low density lipoprotein (LDL) from the plasma by varying the number of LDL receptors appearing on their surface. A control mechanism apparently monitors the quantity of free cholesterol in an intracellular pool and promotes or retards LDL receptor synthesis according to its size. It is assumed that the regulatory mechanism may malfunction under certain conditions in the sense that an adequate store of free cholesterol fails to suppress receptor synthesis. Consequently the cell continues to draw LDL from the plasma regardless of its needs, until it is overloaded with lipids and ultimately dies.

The two main forms of atherosclerosis: coronary and cerebrovascular disease appear to be diet-related, but associated with different diets. Coronary disease is correlated with the consumption of foods of animal origin, particularly milk, cerebrovascular disease with the consumption of plant proteins. A possible reason is that the diet contains more than one item with atherogenic properties, some of which are able to pass through the blood/brain barrier, while others are unable to do so. It is suggested that these pathogens are oestrogens and oestrogen mimics in the diet.
Dietary Approaches to the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects
Authors: Laurence K. M.
Published: January 2012

Two dietary studies are reported on women resident in Glamorgan and Gwent who had had a child with a neural tube defect (NTD).

In the first study the contemporaneous inter-pregnancy and pregnancy diets of 415 women were recorded. Blood samples were taken and analysed for folates and vitamin B12. The quality of the diets correlated with the serum and red cell folate concentrations. The diets during the subsequent pregnancy were worse than the inter-pregnancy diet. Half of the women, selected on a geographical basis were advised to improve their diet before and during the next pregnancy.

Of these women 174 reported 186 pregnancies in time for a further diet study. Of the women counselled to improve their diet 75% had done so, compared to 10% of those not counselled. There were 8 recurrences of NTD in 186 pregnancies, all the 8 mothers receiving a poor diet during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

In the second study the interpregnancy diets of 244 women who had had a child with a NTD were compared to the diets of their own sisters and a group of professional women. The diet of the index cases was worse than that of either control group. 5 mothers who had poor diets during the first 3 months of the pregnancy had a child with a NTD.

It is concluded that women on a better diet during the first trimester have a lower risk of NTD recurrence. Dietary counselling can be effective in improving the diet in women at increased risk for NTD. Improvement in the diet of prospective mothers by dietary education at school should not be neglected. The relationship between improvements in diet, folic acid and vitamin supplementation, in the prevention of recurrence of NTD is discussed.
Contamination of Human Milk by Drugs and Chemicals
Authors: Wilson John T.
Published: January 2012

Three major areas are emphasized for a study of drug excretion in breast milk: maternal drug disposition, breast milk pharmacokinetics and neonatal drug elimination. The first two impact on drug dose to infant whereas the last area is crucial to drug accumulation in the infant. Pitfalls in assessment of the drug concentration in milk to plasma (M/P) ratio are illustrated to expose errors in drug dose in milk estimates. Predictions about drug dose in milk must be confirmed by sampling of both milk and infant plasma for drug concentration. Principles for drug excretion in breast milk can be used as guidelines for excretion of a growing number of toxic agents.
Nutritional Approaches to the Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome
Authors: Brush M. G.
Published: January 2012

The use of non-drug approaches to the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is reviewed. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) in doses of 40–100 mg twice daily is now widely used, especially in less severe cases. Current views on the mechanisms involved are described. Recent work on the use of the essential fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid, (2–3 g oil of evening primrose per day) has shown encouraging preliminary responses, and a double-blind placebo controlled study is in progress. Other nutritional approaches can be supportive, especially in milder cases but are unlikely to provide complete relief. Preliminary evidence suggests that certain allergies may deteriorate premenstrually, therefore some premenstrual benefits may be gained by identifying and avoiding the relevant substances.
Nutrition and Behavior: Complex Interdisciplinary Research
Authors: Schauss Alexander G.
Published: January 2012

Nutrition and behavior research presents a particularly challenging field of study for scientists. An overview is provided of research on nutrition and behavior of adequately nourished populations in industrialized countries. Discussions and findings from research presented include: refined carbohydrate consumption, maladaptive behavior, behavior disorders and learning; a history of the ‘Feingold diet’ and the basis for its controversy; an examination of recent critiques of research on artificial food dyes and hyperkinesis; indications for dietary intervention of hyperactive preschoolers; the role of iron in behavior disorders; effects of sub-clinical vitamin deficiencies on behavior; trace element analysis studies and violent behavior; and, suggested guidelines for further research into this complex and challenging field. Studies cited are from Canada, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Disturbed Children: The Role of Food and Chemical Sensitivities
Authors: Menzies Ian C.
Published: January 2012

A wide range of longlasting patterns of symptoms may result from individual sensitivity to substances in the environment such as foods, chemicals, dusts and pollens.

Behaviourally disturbed and learning disordered children are common. Their numbers may be increasing and certainly they make great demands on parental understanding and courage as well as on professional judgement and time.

A number of case studies are presented which suggest that the difficulties encountered by a significant number of these children have much to do with idiosyncratic responses to foods and additives.

This hypothesis requires careful research study at an early date for if validated it will have far reaching implications for the assessment and management of disturbed, delinquent and learning disordered children. Perhaps not enough attention has been paid to the role of biological and environmental factors in the development of children's problems. Certainly recent research has begun to provide support for the concept of environmental (ecologic) illness.
Do Nutrient Supplements and Dietary Changes Affect Learning and Emotional Reactions of Children with Learning Difficulties?: A Controlled Series of 16 Cases
Authors: Colgan Michael , Colgan Lesley
Published: January 2012

Detailed dietary and biochemical analyses were done on 16 consecutive cases of children aged 5–15 years referred for a combined remedial reading/behaviour modification program. Each child was given an individually designed vitamin and mineral supplement. Diets were also changed to reduce sugars and refined foods and toxic metals contamination. Cases were matched in pairs with 16 other cases on the program who were given no dietary changes but who received a one-a-day vitamin/mineral capsule as part of standard procedure at the clinic. Over 22 weeks on the program, the experimental group showed significantly greater improvements than the control group in behaviour assessed at school, at home and in the clinic. The experimental group also made significantly greater gains in reading skills. Routine Stanford-Binet intelligence tests given at week 2 and week 20 or 21 showed increased IQ scores of 5 to 35 points (X = 17.9) for the experimental group. Increases for the control group were 0–21 points (X = 8.4). Results suggest that subtle nutritional variables exert a substantial influence on learning and behaviour.
Malnutrition in the Third World
Authors: Aubert Claude
Published: January 2012

The causes of malnutrition are discussed -lack of money for food; and insufficiency of food production. It is stressed that much agricultural land is employed for purposes other than the production of food. Other causes of malnutrition include changes in local food habits and in food technology.

Remedies discussed include increasing yields by organic manuring and mixed cropping; devoting more land to staple food production; changes in food habits and in food technology.

Until these problems are addressed in Western societies there is little prospect of suitable solutions amongst the peoples of the Third World.

Before discussing remedies, I would like briefly to discuss the causes of malnutrition.
Agricultural Strategies, Food and Nutrition: Issues and Opportunities
Authors: Longhurst Richard
Published: January 2012

Agricultural development in developing countries has not lead to significant improvements in the consumption and nutrition of poor people. One reason is that, in the design of policy and projects, consumption objectives have not been incorporated explicitly. Far greater understanding is required of the way rural people plan their strategies for obtaining household food; external assistance should build on these activities rather than undermine them. This has often occurred in the past. Five aspects of agricultural policy are considered which, if incorporated into planning and implemented, should lead to improvements in food consumption and nutrition. These are: first, a review of the way in which export crops should be introduced and promoted so that food security is not adversely affected; second, a discussion of the need to give greater attention to what are known as “minor” crops; third, a discussion of the importance of incorporating seasonality into planning; fourth, a review of the importance of women; and fifth, an examination of the ways in which crop breeding research should involve nutritional concerns. The paper concludes with some observations from Kenya whereby agricultural sector planning could incorporate nutritional objectives.
Feeding Children: in the Beginning — Nutrition and Pregnancy
Authors: Pickard Barbara M.
Published: January 2012

The health and well-being of every child is affected by both the quality and quantity of food, but when does nutrition first begin to be important? Is it after the birth or from the moment of conception, or perhaps even before this? This paper will focus on the nutritional status of the mother, before as well as during pregnancy, and its relationship to the birth weight and subsequent health of the child. Pre-pregnant weight is a major factor affecting birth weight; underweight women may be at increased risk of delivering a low birth weight infant and of complications of pregnancy, whilst those who are excessively obese are at greater risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension. Animal studies have demonstrated that severe vitamin and mineral deficiencies have dramatic effects on reproductive outcome, and there is now growing evidence that even marginal deficiencies in women may have deleterious effects on pregnancy outcome. Nutrition interventions which involve low-risk women appear to have little effect but beneficial effects have been demonstrated in interventions directed at high-risk women. Information about nutrition should be the mainstay of any advice given to prospective parents.
What Causes Allergy?
Authors: Smith Fabienne
Published: January 2012

Allergy is a generalised phenomenon which must have a basic general ca use. Many causative factors and different kinds of reaction may be involved in this condition; but any theory as to its underlying causation must be capable of applying to every form of allergy. Only deficient immune system function satisfies this requirement. Immunologists' definition of allergy is distorted, and their classification of immunological reactions is unduly restrictive and in one of its types not soundly based.
Technical Developments in the Provision of School Meals
Authors: Glew George
Published: January 2012

This paper first describes traditional methods of providing school meals and the difficulties associated with those methods. Newer methods including convenience products, cook-freeze and cook-chill systems are described together with their effects on microbial growth, nutrient retention and food sensory properties.
Metabolic Changes Induced by Sugar in Relation to Coronary Heart Disease and Diabetes
Authors: Yudkin John
Published: January 2012

The effects on the biochemistry and physiology of the human body of diets differing only in the ratio of the two major carbohydrates, starch and sugars are discussed and related to the epidemiology of coronary heart disease and diabetes. Much of the evidence for causes of disease comes originally from epidemiology, where comparison is made between groups of people where the disease is common and groups where the disease is uncommon. But final determination of cause almost always depends on the result of experiment, with animals in the laboratory or with human volunteers.
Effect of Cooking on the Nitrate Levels in Vegetables
Authors: Fletcher John R. , Law Sylvia J. , Walters A. H.
Published: January 2012

The effects on the nitrate content of vegetables exposed to boiling in water for various lengths of time is described. Whilst certain cultivars show a steady decrease in nitrate levels, other varieties show an initial rise. The nitrate content of the cooking water used shows a sustained increase as the cooking time is extended.
Feeding the Handicapped Child—A Review of Intervention Strategies
Authors: Crane Sue
Published: January 2012

Feeding the handicapped child occurs three or four times per day, every day of the year, despite the child's feeding problems and, in the vast majority of cases, without life threatening consequences. Yet the need for adequate feeding therapy for these children is becoming increasingly recognised. This paper seeks to explore why intervention is so important. The complex causes of feeding problems will be reviewed briefly followed by a discussion of the reasons for intervention. Feeding therapy techniques, strategies and approaches will be reviewed with the need for parent involvement, early intervention and a ‘feeding-team’ being stressed throughout. This paper highlights the need for intervention in feeding problems, whether or not they are life threatening, particularly in view of their effect upon quality of life of both the child and his family.
Food Intolerance: Our Practice
Authors: Littlewood J.M. , MacDonald Anita
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the clinical presentation of food allergy and/or intolerance (F.A.I.). The role of a diagnostic dietary trial is reviewed. Finally dietary management is discussed.
Does it Matter how we feed Premature Babies?
Authors: Lucas Alan
Published: January 2012

The multiplicity of dietary regimes available for low birthweight infants is a measure of clinical uncertainty in this field. The reasons for this persisting uncertainty are analysed: few studies have examined whether early diet matters in terms of clinical outcome; instead, management decisions have been based on short-term ‘physiological’ studies on nutrient accretion, growth and metabolism. Data from this Unit's multicentre outcome trials on nearly 1000 preterm infants, randomly assigned to early diet, are used to demonstrate that whilst diet influences many aspects of the infants ‘physiology’ in the short term, such physiological responses have limited value in predicting clinical outcome. Preliminary data from the early follow-up of this cohort to 18 months post-term suggest that the diet used in the neonatal period may have persisting consequences in terms of motor and mental development and growth. The longer-term significance of these findings is being investigated.
Nutrition in the 1980s
Authors: Wharton Brian
Published: January 2012

The 1970s were a decade of achievement in child nutrition in Britain. Substantial changes in infant feeding practices occurred and they were followed by measurable improvements in child health. The 1980s have not maintained this momentum. Infant nutrition is often still seen solely in terms of the breast/bottle debate. Doubtful practices, such as the use of skimmed milk and goats’ milk early in life, have become more common. Many weanlings still experience frank nutritional deficiencies. For the 1990s there are 3 priorities: effective continuing measurements of the state of nutritional health in British children are required; among the many methods for promoting nutritional wellbeing health education is vital but professionally we need to deliver the same not conflicting messages; mechanisms for applying any method must acknowledge that nutrition is only one aspect of child health to be promoted and that other agencies such as the food industry and central government can make a valuable contribution when we all act in concert.
From Healthy Soil to Healthy Food: An Analysis of the Quality of Food Produced under Contrasting Agricultural Systems
Authors: Vogtmann H.
Published: January 2012

Studies under controlled experimental conditions show a clear advantage for staple food grown under biological/ecological farming conditions as compared to those from conventional farming methods. This is especially true for the vegetative parts of plant products, where lower undesirable (e.g. nitrates) and higher desirable (e.g. vit.C, trace elements) components are present. A better storage quality of plant products (e.g. cabbage, carrots) is also frequently the consequence of biological/ecological farming practices. An overall significantly lower level of residues of agrochemicals has been demonstrated in such products. It is increasingly noticeable, that especially in Central Western Europe, consumers are not exclusively interested in “healthier” food for themselves but also in an healthy environment. This is one of the important reasons, why they are interested in buying food from biological/ecological farming systems and why they are prepared to pay higher prices for such products.
Chemical Children
Authors: Mansfield Peter
Published: January 2012

Following the Industrial Revolution technology has led to the identification and employment of a vast variety of chemicals. This has affected both agriculture and nutrition. The body's capacity to cope with chemicals is limited. Many, obviously, are toxic. What is safe is what is serviceable. Children, long before immune defences have been properly organised, are particularly vulnerable. Body changes are apt to result—food intolerance and asthma are becoming increasingly common and behaviour has been shown to be affected. Means of dealing with the results are discussed.
Magnesium and Other Nutrient Deficiencies as Possible Causes of Hypertension and Low Birthweight
Authors: Wynn Arthur , Wynn Margaret
Published: January 2012

7.2 per cent of babies born in England and Wales in 1986 had birthweights below 2,500 g. Low birthweight and hypertension are associated. European trials have reported that oral supplementation with physiological amounts of magnesium during pregnancy reduces pregnancy hypertension and also miscarriage, preterm birth and fetal growth retardation. Magnesium deficiency causes hypertension and low birthweight in animals. In humans deficiency of thiamin and other B vitamins has also been reported to cause pregnancy hypertension and low birthweight. Magnesium and B vitamins are essential for the same biochemical reactions in energy metabolism. There is evidence that magnesium consumption of substantial numbers of women in Europe and North America is too low to support a healthy pregnancy. Magnesium and thiamin are lost in processing many foods. British trials of magnesium supplementation are advocated. It is suggested that more attention should be given to magnesium in nutritional advice.
Organic Food in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Bishop Beata
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the principles of dietary therapy for malignant disease, as developed by a few medical pioneers since the 1920s, in particular by the late Dr Max Gerson, M.D. (1881–1959), who insisted on the exclusive use of organic produce in the treatment of cancer patients. Dr Gerson's claims for the therapeutic value of organic fruits and vegetables are reviewed in the light of current research.
The State of Food Production and Nutrition in the Developing Countries
Authors: Ghebremeskel K.
Published: January 2012

The genesis of the problem of food production and nutrition of African, Asian and Central and South American countries can be traced back to the beginning of ‘inter-continental trade’ and the emergence of colonialism. Indigenous food patterns and social and economic orders that had evolved to befit the inhabitants and the environment were destroyed. A nutritional framework and an agricultural and economic policy designed to benefit the colonising nations were fostered.

At present, millions of people in the developing countries suffer from endemic undernutrition and associated diseases. Famine is always present under the surface claiming families and individual hamlets and breaks through when the semblance of equilibrium between minimal food requirement for survival and supply is disturbed by natural or man-made disaster. Landlessness, an uneven distribution of wealth, overemphasis on cash-crop production, neglect of peasant agriculture in favour of unnecessary expenditure on military hardware and other misguided projects, and crop specialisation are some of the factors responsible for food shortage and undernutrition. Moreover, most of the staple foods of the developing countries are of low energy density and deficient in some essential nutrients.

The cycle of undernutrition, hunger, disease and death can only be broken by instituting a well planned, peasant-orientated, integrated development programme based on self-reliance and self-sufficiency.
The WHO Strategy and Community Nutrition in the UK
Authors: Scott-Samuel Alex
Published: January 2012

The World Health Organisation (WHO), in its global and European strategies for health for all, has provided an excellent framework for the promotion of community nutrition. Sadly, the UK government has not responded adequately in terms of health-promoting public policy. However, regional and local initiatives in the public sector give much cause for hope. Major areas for action include the creation of political commitment and the development of a new social epidemiology of food and nutrition.
Food Sensitivities and Psychological Disturbance: a Review
Authors: Gettis Alan
Published: January 2012

The literature dealing with the relationship between food sensitivities and psychological disturbance is reviewed. Numerous theorists and researchers believe the problems of persons presenting with adverse reactions to foods are psychological when immunological techniques fail to confirm an allergic basis. However, there is mounting evidence that adverse reactions to foods can most likely be caused by a variety of mechanisms, and that food sensitivities may indeed cause or exacerbate symptoms of a psychological nature.
Hypoglycemia and Endurance Exercise: Dietary Considerations
Authors: Rutherford William J.
Published: January 2012

Until recently, common dietary prescription for chronic hypoglycemia has been a high-protein, low-carbohydrate regimen (Airola, 1977; Danowski, 1978). Increasing evidence suggests, however, that a diet rich in complex carbohydrates may be more suitable for those involved in endurance exercise (Costill & Miller,. 1980; Sherman & Costill, 1984). Although little original research has been undertaken which deals with the effects of performance-enhancing nutritional techniques on the hypoglycemic exerciser, such practices need to be examined in order to understand the mechanisms involved. Specificially, carbohydrate loading would seem to be as important, if not more so, to the hypoglycemic individual as a means of supercompensating glycogen stores prior to endurance performance. The roles of pre-exercise supplements and carbohydrate feedings during exercise in this context are less clear. Although results are mixed, ‘increasing evidence (Snyder et al., 1983; Okano et al., 1988) suggests that carbohydrates may be consumed before exercise with beneficial effects on performance. Because of rapid gastric emptying characteristic of reactive hypoglycemia, it would appear that pre-exercise supplementation may be of particular value to the hypoglycemic exerciser. Further, recent studies (Bergstrom & Hultman, 1967; Coyle et al., 1983; Foster et al., 1986; Leatt & Jacobs, 1986; Horton, 1988) indicate that carbohydrate solutions taken during exercise are effective in maintaining serum glucose levels and improving endurance performance. Careful monitoring of nutritional factors would appear to be critical in creating a suitable dietary environment for the hypoglycemic endurance exerciser.
Changes in Food Consumption Patterns in Bahrain
Authors: Musaiger Abdulrahman O.
Published: January 2012

Changes in food consumption in Bahrain can be identified particularly in the second half of seventies with the wake of oil boom. The consumption of traditional foods such as fish and dates have declined, while that of processed foods, fat, eggs, meat, poultry and milk products have risen. The daily per capita intake of animal protein and fat have increased at the expense of carbohydrates. Some factors responsible for this change are increasing income and literacy, food price fluctuations, food subsidy policy, the influence of immigrant food habits, influence of mass media and the changing structure of households. The change in dietary intake has associated with change in health and nutritional problems in the country.
Causes of Schizophrenia
Authors: Hemmings Gwynneth
Published: January 2012

The causes of schizophrenia are discussed in a speculative review in which the disease is considered as a whole body one which is not confined in its pathology or symptomology to the brain. Both the genetic background and the possible effect of dietary factors are reviewed.
Beef and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy: the Risk Persists
Authors: Dealler Stephen , Lacey Richard
Published: January 2012

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is one of the transmissable spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) that are currently known to the authors to affect only mammals, including man. The diseases are progressive, fatal paralyses and dementias, for which there are no methods of certain diagnosis and no treatment. In this review the disease in cattle, the mode of transfer of these TSEs between animals by mouth, the possible presence of infective agents in the food that we eat, the resistance of BSE to cooking, and the likelihood that humans may become infected are discussed. The origins of BSE, whether from sheep, from cows, or as a mutation are considered. Whatever the origin of BSE, a substantial danger for man exists. Creutzfeld-Jakob disease (CJD), a TSE of man, may have been derived from eating infected animal tissue in the past. The possibility that this was of bovine origin and the implications that this would have for BSE infected meat in human food are discussed.
Nabali Olive Oil Ripening and Oil Properties
Authors: Humeid Muhammad A. , Takruri Hamed R.H. , Daqqaq Rafat F.
Published: January 2012

The effect of ripening of “Nabali” olives on the yield and some properties of the extracted oil was examined. Seven samples were harvested every 2 weeks and analyzed for moisture and oil content. The extracted oil was subjected to chemical analysis. Oil content increased and there were some significant changes in the proportions of fatty acids. Nabali olive oil is relatively high in arachidic, stearic and linoleic acids.
Tribute to Cleave—Forgotten Prophet
Authors: Yellowlees W.W.
Published: January 2012

The late Surgeon Captain T.L. Cleave (1906–1983) completed his life-long R N professional service by promotion to the post of Director of Medical Research to the Royal Navy.

His voyaging as a medical officer gave him unique understanding of patterns of disease throughout the world. He concluded that many of the degenerative illnesses which during this century have become so common in advanced countries have a simple basic dietary cause—the consumption of ever increasing quantities of refined carbohydrates; human beings were not, in Cleave's opinion, adapted to the use of these artificially concentrated foods.

He suggested the term “Saccharine Disease” to denote many diverse manifestations, including dental decay, obesity, diabetes and coronary thrombosis, of one master disease having one simple cause. The neglect of this concept by most authorities today repeats the attitudes of the ‘medical establishment’ towards one of Cleave's distinguished eighteenth century naval predecessors, James Lind, whose advocacy of citrus fruit juice for the prevention of scurvy was greeted with derision.
Use, Problems and Prospects of Soybean in Infant Weaning Practices in Africa
Authors: Igbedioh S.O.
Published: January 2012

Access to nutritious food by poor people is being increasingly hindered by the failure of the food security system, and diminishing real income value, in most African countries undergoing Structural Adjustment Programme. Hence, nutritional disorders such as protein energy malnutrition, xerophthalmia, anaemia, low birth weight, stunting and wasting are on in the increase.

Although soybean is used in quite a number of African countries as a weaning food, there are still problems such as lack of technical know-how for its processing into infant foods, cultural practices which favour the use of cereal rather than legumes for weaning infants and the long cooking time. In spite of this, the prospects for the crop as infant food is becoming brighter, and some ways of achieving this are discussed.
A New Threat to Public Health: Organochlorines and Food
Authors: Hall Ross Hume
Published: January 2012

Ambient levels of persistent toxic chemicals, chemicals that persist for decades in the environment, have reached levels high enough to affect the health of children. The organochlorines (PCBs, DDT and the dioxin family) accumulate in human adipose tissue. Pregnant women pass the contamination to their fetuses. The developing nervous system is the most vulnerable. Neurobehavioral deficits, including short-term memory loss, are detected in children born to mothers at the high end of the distribution curve of organochlorines. Humans are not alone in their susceptibility to these subtle effects. Wildlife exposed to the same spectrum of organochlorines as humans suffer a variety of behavioral changes. Rats and Rhesus monkeys fed diets containing the organochlorines under laboratory conditions exhibit behavioral changes that persist into adulthood. For humans, food provides 80 percent of organochlorine contamination. Meat, fish, dairy and commercial fruit are the main sources. A vegetarian diet including unsprayed fruit minimizes contamination. The ultimate solution to this public health problem is elimination of the organochlorines from the environment.
Nutritional Improvement, Cardiovascular Diseases and Longevity in Japan
Authors: Mizushima Shunsaku , Yamori Yukio
Published: January 2012

Nutritional conditions have improved remarkably for the past 40 years in Japan; major improvements are increases in protein intake (69.7 in 1955 to 79. 2g/day per capita in ‘88), and fat intake (20.3 in ‘55 to 58.3 g/day per capita in ‘88), both of which are significantly related statistically to the gradual reduction of stroke mortality (r = –0.74, not significant; r = –0.78, p .05) and to a remarkable extension of average life span (r = 0.91, p 0.01; r = 0.98, p 0.001) in the Japanese. Average heights of 12-year old male and female children, correlating significantly with these nutritional improvements, are significantly positively correlated with average life spans (men and women respectively; r = 0.97, p 0.001). Thus, general nutritional improvements among the Japanese are regarded as the major contributory factor to the recent achievement of top-ranked position for longevity in the world.
Nutritional Factors and Cellular Immune Responses
Authors: Kishino Yasuo , Moriguchi Satoru
Published: January 2012

Nutritional factors affect the immune response to infection and cancer in the elderly as well as young children. We studied the effects of lower and higher intake of food or nutrients on the immune cells of macrophage-lymphocyte series in the lung of rats. In rats of all ages taking voluntary exercise, a well balanced diet that contains adequate protein (20–40%) is crucial for maintenance of high levels of immune response. In addition, extra amounts of vitamins A and E activated the function of alveolar macrophages, which are probably stimulated by fat soluble vitamins coming into the lung via the lymphatic route from the intestine, and will be especially important in preventing pulmonary infection and cancer.
Nutrition for the Young-Its Current Problems
Authors: Murata Mitsunori
Published: January 2012

The prevailing life style in Japan has been westernized and highly industrialised. This inevitably has bad effects on nutrition and the eating pattern of youth. These ill effects may be summarized as follows, 1) lack of daily physical activities, 2) an increasing number of working mothers, 3) irregular timing of food intake, 4) an increasing intake of energy in the form of fat, 5) increasing consumption of processed foods ready for eating, 6) lack of integrated management systems such as health education programs against atherogenic risk factors. These changes have resulted in increasing atherogenic risk factors among young people. It is necessary to study the present risk factors and their relation to prevailing life styles and to organize a follow-up system for surveillance of risk factors.
Achievement of School Lunch System for the Promotion of Health of Children in Japan
Authors: Fukuba Hiroyasu
Published: January 2012

In Japan, the modern school lunch system was improved after the establishment of the school lunch law in 1954, and now over 98% of boys and girls in primary schools and over 85% of junior high school pupils have lunch at their schools. In this report, the beneficial effect of this system is pointed out. This system contributes to an improvement of the physical condition of these children and it is very effective for improving the relationship between teachers and children. Knowledge concerning food, nutrition and food hygiene has also improved.
Nutritional Factors for Longevity in Okinawa—Present and Future
Authors: Mimura G. , Murakami K. , Gushiken M.
Published: January 2012

Several factors, such as environment and heredity, are presumed to be related to longevity. Of these nutrition is believed to function as a regulatory factor. Okinawa prefecture is well known as the leading area for longevity in the world. We therefore examined present and past nutrition records together with the background of all the 88 centenarians (18 male, 70 female) who are living in Okinawa in 1991.

Their leading occupation was agriculture, and they were in work until the 8th decade. They took rice or potato as carbohydrate with abundant vegetables and vegetable protein or fish protein. Although they did not take a rich diet it was well balanced, and was assumed to be related to longevity because of the decreased incidence of atherosclerosis; together with a good genetic background, suggested by the accumulation of longevity in their siblings.
Nutrition for the Japanese Elderly
Authors: Shibata H. , Nagai H. , Haga H. , Yasumura S. , Suzuki T. , Suyama Y.
Published: January 2012

The present paper examines the relationship of nutritional status to further life expectancy and health status in the Japanese elderly based on 3 epidemiological studies.

Nutrient intakes in 94 Japanese centenarians investigated between 1972 and 1973 showed a higher proportion of animal protein to total proteins than in contemporary average Japanese. High intakes of milk and fats and oils had favorable effects on 10-year (1976–1986) survivorship in 422 urban residents aged 69–71. The survivors revealed a longitudinal increase in intakes of animal foods such as eggs, milk, fish and meat over the 10 years. Nutrient intakes were compared, based on 24-hour dietary records, between a sample from Okinawa Prefecture where life expectancies at birth and 65 were the longest in Japan, and a sample from Akita Prefecture where the life expectancies were much shorter. Intakes of Ca, Fe, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, and the proportion of energy from proteins and fats were significantly higher in the former than in the latter. Intakes of carbohydrates and NaCl were lower.
Food Policy for Health in Japan
Authors: Fukuba Hiroyasu
Published: January 2012

In this half century, dietary habits in Japan have greatly changed and there is some confusion about what is healthy. In this report the causes of the confusion are analysed. To establish a healthy and normal dietary life, the recommendations for the public were considered from the various standpoints.

There have been great changes in economic and social factors, and in supply and availability. Consumers rate convenience, diversity, good taste, healthiness, and “fashionableness” as important.

To create a new food culture, the following three points would become the base; 1. It is necessary for each of us to have a sense of responsibility for our eating habits and our health. 2. We must cooperate with family and friends to work for the creation of an abundant and enjoyable dining table. 3. We have reached the stage in our dining culture where we must think not about what to eat, but how to eat, what conduct we should use when eating, and about our awareness of eating and what we are eating.
Undernutrition in Nigeria: Dimension, Causes and Remedies for Alleviation in a Changing Socio-Economic Environment
Authors: Igbedioh S.O.
Published: January 2012

Undernutrition in Nigeria is a long standing problem which has persisted since the 1960s and whose magnitude is on the increase. This is because food consumption, both in quality and quantity, has decreased appreciably, especially with the commencement of the structural adjustment programme (SAP) in 1986. Available studies from limited data have indicated that the introduction of economic reforms more than anything else has contributed to reduced food intake and the near collapse of nutrition oriented health delivery services. Since the economic reforms may continue into the next decade and beyond, sustainable remedies for alleviation of the problem are urgently needed. Suggested remedial programmes include increased support for the rural farmers, strengthening of the rural credit schemes that are specifically targeted at the poor, distribution of vitamin A and iron supplements in rural health centres, encouraging production of low cost weaning diets and integrating nutrition education in primary health care schemes and in educational curricula.
The Diet of Girls and Young Women at the Beginning of the Century
Authors: Ariouat J. Fellague , Barker D.J.P.
Published: January 2012

Recent research has shown that retarded growth during fetal life and infancy is linked to the development of cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease and stroke) in adult life. Maternal nutrition has an important effect on early growth and the diets of young women may therefore influence cardiovascular disease in the next generation. Samples of women aged 80 years and over were interviewed in six areas of England and Wales with different cardiovascular death rates. The women, 281 in total, were asked about their diets when they were aged 10 to 15 years. Those who grew up in areas which now have low cardiovascular mortality tended to eat four meals a day rather than three, to live in households which had gardens, kept hens or livestock, and to go into domestic service, where diets were generally good. Those who grew up in areas which now have high cardiovascular mortality tended to eat less red meat, to live in houses without gardens, to enter industrial occupations and have higher fertility rates.
Obesity Among Secondary School Students in Bahrain
Authors: Musaiger Abdulrahman O. , Matter Ahmed M. , Alekri Sadiq A. , Mahdi Abdul-Rassol E.
Published: January 2012

The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of obesity and factors associated with it in Bahraini secondary school students. A cross-sectional study involving a sample of 825 students (417 boys and 408 girls) aged 15 to 21 years was obtained from secondary schools. Obesity was determined using body mass index (BMI = Wt/Ht2). The findings revealed that 15.6% of boys and 17.4% of girls were either overweight or obese (BMI ≥25). Family size, parents education, and family history of obesity were significantly associated with obesity among boys, while family history was the only socio-economic factors statistically associated with obesity among girls. Meal patterns such as eating between meals, number of meals per day, and method of eating were not associated with obesity in students. Boys who ate alone were 3 times more likely to be obese than those who ate with family members (odd ratio = 3.4). Measures to prevent and control obesity among children are suggested.
Maternal Nutrition and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Barker D.J.P.
Published: January 2012

This paper presents evidence that restraint of growth and development during critical periods of fetal life and infancy have an important effect on the development of cardiovascular disease.
Nutrition-Related Diseases and Dietary Change among Third World Immigrants in Northern Europe
Authors: Wandel Margareta
Published: January 2012

Immigrants from the third world are more prone to acquire nutritional deficiency diseases, such as rickets, osteomalacia and iron deficiency anemia than the rest of the population in the recipient countries. Lately, evidence is also emerging that some immigrant groups are particularly susceptible to diseases related to overputrition, such as coronary heart disease and non-insulin dependent diabetes.

The purpose of this review article is to give a holistic view of the nutrition related diseases and disorders among immigrants. It deals with the prevalence of these diseases among immigrants in Northern European countries, and looks into some of the hypotheses, which have been put forward to explain why immigrant groups are more prone to acquire these diseases than the rest of the population. The focus of this part of the paper is the process of dietary change after migration. The practical implications of the findings from the literature review are then discussed.
Aquatic Versus Savanna: Comparative and Paled-Environmental Evidence
Authors: Verhaegen Marc
Published: January 2012

This paper begins by comparing anatomical and physiological features of humans and other groups of mammals (apes and arboreal mammals, open-country dwellers, fully aquatic mammals, and semi-aquatics), in order to establish the nature of the environment where Homo originated. It concludes that the evidence completely invalidates the savanna theory and strongly favours the semi-aquatic hypothesis.

The second part points out that nothing in the fossil record disproves this conclusion, and quotes paleo-environmental evidence concerning the milieu where the ancient hominids fossilised.
Wetlands or Aquatic Ape? Availability of Food Resources
Authors: Ellis Derek V.
Published: January 2012

A human evolutionary scenario including an ape inhabiting marine wetlands is rational in a number of contexts. The concept is viable ecologically due to the availability of abundant animal foods in a variety of habitats ranging from mangrove forests to coral reefs. The food resources include mollusks, crustacea and fish abundant in wet zones and pools between high and low tide levels. There is seasonal abundance of swarming marsh insects, turtles, eggs and chicks of colonial birds, and occasional beached and dying marine mammals. Some of these foods would provide an enriched source of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids needed for brain development, and thus allow a spiral of increasing brain development, tool utilisation for better food gathering, and vocal communication for group action. The concept is viable also in terms of availability of the ape-human stock in the African Rift Valley, isolated from montane forests during the late Pliocene, and as an adaptive explanation for many of the species-specific human characters not found in other ground living primates.
Homeless & Hungry: The Evidence from Liverpool
Authors: Stitt Sean , Griffiths Glenys , Grant Diane
Published: January 2012

Much research has established the link between low incomes and poor nutritional standards. A research team from the Centre for Consumer Education & Research at Liverpool John Moores' University recently found that 30% of all families with children in Britain today are spending less on food than what is required to achieve a dietary which adheres, at minimum cost, to the Department of Health's Dietary Recommended Values (DRVs). But very little, if any, research has investigated the nutritional implications of a particularly extreme form of material deprivation—homelessness. This pilot study therefore sets out to study the dietaries of a number of homeless families in Liverpool—homeless as defined by living in Bed & Breakfast accommodation. Not only do such families have to contend with dependency upon welfare benefits when purchasing their foodstuffs; they also have to labour under inadequate cooking facilities. The study has involved these families keeping a dietary diary of all food and drink consumed. This information has then been analysed for its nutrient composition, using the Microdiet computer programme at Liverpool JMU. The results will show that, in every single case, the dietaries of these homeless families fall substantially short of the government's own nutritional guidelines and are, without doubt, unhealthy in the extreme. This paper is thus an examination of the nature and extent of the problem, using the science of nutrition and dietetics: not a policy prescription (although this is obvious) not a policy analysis. A study of the dietary implications of homelessness for 100 individuals (the largest ever undertaken) on Merseyside will be undertaken between September 1993 and June 1994.