bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethical consequences for professionals from the globalization of food, nutrition and health
Authors: Solomons Noel W
Published: March 2003

Globalization is the process of increasing interconnections and linkages, within societies and across geography, due to improved communication and expanded world trade. It limits the differentiation wrought by human cultural evolution, and homogenizes health practices, diet and lifestyle. There are both beneficial and adverse consequences of the globalization process. Globalization also presents a challenge to the development of ethics for practice and advocacy by food and nutrition professionals. Among the related terms, ‘morals’, ‘values’ and ‘ethics’, the latter connotes the basic rules of conduct for interactions within society and with the inanimate environment; rules based on recognized principles (ethical principles). The application of these principles is to resolve ethical dilemmas that arise when more than one interest is at play. Recognized ethical principles include autonomy, beneficence, non‐maleficence, justice, utility and stewardship. These can be framed in the context of issues that arise during advocacy for material and behavioural changes to improve the nutritional health of populations. Clearly, at the global level, codes of good conduct and the construction of good food governance can be useful in institutionalizing ethical principles in matters of human diets and eating practices. Ethical dilemmas arise in the context of innate diversity among populations (some individuals benefit, whereas others suffer from the same exposures), and due to the polarity of human physiology and metabolism (practices that prevent some diseases will provoke other maladies). Moreover, the autonomy of one individual to exercise independent will in addressing personal health or treatment of the environment may compromise the health of the individual's neighbours. The challenges for the professional in pursuit of ethical advocacy in a globalized era are to learn the fundamentals of ethical principles; to bear in mind a respect for difference and differentiation that continues to exist, and which should exist, among individuals and societies; and to avoid a total homogenization of agriculture and food supplies.
Nutrition: the new world map
Authors: Cannon Geoffrey
Published: March 2003

The map of nutrition, evident in the structure of any course or textbook, derives from theses that framed a science begun in the 1840s, developed until the 1940s, and consolidated until now. Nutritionists now are as perplexed as the explorers of half a millennium ago, who continued to use maps that did not fit the wider world they found. Until the 1600s, alternatives to Ptolemaic cosmology remained unthinkable despite its obvious inadequacy, because it was of a universe with the earth, and man made in the divine image, at its centre. Nutritionists now are inhibited for similar reasons. Two determining principles of nutrition science, the identification of health with growth and the belief that animal food is superior to plant food, have a deep origin; they derive from the materialist ideology that asserts a manifest destiny of humans to exploit and consume the living and natural world. In response, a new nutrition is emerging, with a global perspective, whose ideology places humans within nature, and whose theses make a wider frame, able to fit the world as we can discern it now. The new nutrition gives equal value to personal, population and planetary health, with all that implies, including the concept that the world is best perceived as a whole. The Copernican revolution changed the meaning of movement on earth. The new nutrition can change the meaning of life on earth. Now is the time to draw its map.
An innovative program for changing health behaviours
Authors: Burke V , Mori Trevor A , Giangiulio N , Gillam Helen F , Beilin Lawrie J , Houghton S , Cutt Hayley E , Mansour Jacqueline , Wilson Amy
Published: March 2003

Health‐related behaviours affecting diet, weight control and physical activity are important for long‐term cardiovascular health but behaviour change is difficult to initiate and even more difficult to maintain. We have developed a health promotion program, in which social support has a key role, to encourage a prudent diet, weight control and physical activity. Behaviour change is based on evaluating initial behaviour, weighing up costs and benefits, assessing barriers to change and goal‐setting. We first evaluated the program in couples beginning to live together, a group chosen because of the risk of weight gain and decreased physical activity after marriage, readiness to change behaviour at that time in the life course and the opportunity to use partner's support in achieving behaviour change. In an initial short‐term study with 39 couples, intake of fat and take‐away foods decreased and consumption of fruit, vegetables and reduced fat foods increased. Physical activity increased and there was a 6% fall in blood cholesterol. Further evaluation in 137 couples included assessment after 12 months. A decrease in fat intake and increase in physical activity and fitness seen at the end of the program persisted 1 year later. Lower cholesterol and a trend to lower weight gain and lower blood pressure were also maintained after 12 months. We have modified the program aiming for weight loss, improved dietary habits and increased physical activity in overweight treated hypertensives, supported by their partners. Decreased intake of energy, total and saturated fat, and weight loss seen at the end of the 16 week program was significantly greater in the intervention group than with usual care. Blood pressure fell in the program group at the end of intervention and, in men, withdrawal of antihypertensive drugs was significantly associated with the intervention. Weight loss and a decrease in waist circumference were maintained in the program group up to 16 months after entering the study. This program has the potential for wider application in other at‐risk groups.
Child and adolescent obesity in the 21st century: an Australian perspective
Authors: Baur Louise A
Published: March 2003

The early 21st century has seen the development of a global epidemic of obesity in both developed and developing countries. In Australia at least one in five children and adolescents are overweight or obese, with rapid rises in prevalence apparently continuing. Similar trends are seen in other countries. Child and adolescent obesity is associated with both immediate and long‐term medical and psychosocial problems, including a clustering of risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Thus, obesity poses a major health problem for the paediatric population. Major environmental and societal changes have led to a decrease in physical activity, a rise in sedentary behaviour and the consumption of high fat and high‐energy foods, all in turn influencing the development of obesity. Effective management involves a multimodal approach with a developmentally aware approach, involvement of the family, a focus on healthy food choices, incorporation of physical activity and a decrease in sedentary behaviour all being important. Ultimately, however, the obesity epidemic requires a major focus on primary prevention. Australia has a national strategy for the prevention of overweight and obesity that depends upon intersectoral and intergovernmental cooperation, supported by adequate resourcing and significant community ownership.
The National Survey on the Constitution and Health of Chinese Students in 1995: Nutritional status of school students aged 10–17 years in Shaanxi, China*
Authors: Yan Hong , Dibley Michael J , D’este Kate , Hou Rulan
Published: March 2003

There are 200 million Chinese adolescents and they represent a significant proportion of the world adolescent population. Their health, growth and nutritional status is of vital importance to China but also to the health of adolescents globally. Previous assessments of nutritional status of adolescents in China have been undertaken without using World Health Organization (WHO) recommended anthropometric methods or reference data. Using data from the National Survey on the Constitution and Health of Chinese Students in 1995 (NSCHCS‐95), this study aimed to assess the current nutritional status of Shaanxi school students using WHO recommended methods of nutritional assessment. Data for 6284 (3142 females and 3142 males) Shaanxi school students aged 10–17 years was abstracted from the Shaanxi portion of the NSCHCS‐95. This national cross‐sectional survey gathered anthropometric measurements using standard methods, maturity indicators, and basic social and demographic data. The calculation of anthropometric indicators was based on the National Centre for Health Statistics/WHO reference data and the prevalence of nutritional status indicators was estimated using standard WHO recommended cut‐offs and methods of maturity adjustment. The median age of menarche and spermarche was delayed for Shaanxi rural female and male students in comparison with the reference data by 0.81 and 0.39 years, respectively. The prevalence of stunting and thinness in students in almost all ages was higher than in the reference population. For all age groups combined, the adjusted prevalence of stunting was 8.0% for urban students, and 11.0% for rural students. For students under 14 years of age, the adjusted prevalence of thinness was 18.3% for urban students, and 15.1% for rural students. The prevalence of ‘at risk of overweight’ and obesity among urban male students aged 10–11.99 (for overweight) and 10–12.99 years (for obesity) were similar to the reference population. Undernutrition (stunting and thinness) continues to be a public health problem in the Shaanxi school population and may be related to the less developed rural economy in the province. Young Shaanxi urban male students showed a tendency towards an excess prevalence of ‘at risk of overweight’ and obesity, which may be related to improved economic conditions in urban areas. It is necessary to develop national anthropometric reference data, cut‐off points and median ages of attainment of WHO recommended maturational indicators for Chinese adolescents.
Prediction of extracellular water and total body water by multifrequency bio‐electrical impedance in a Southeast Asian population
Authors: Guricci Syafri , Hartriyanti Yayuk , Hautvast Joseph , Deurenberg Paul
Published: March 2003

Three different adult Indonesian population groups living on Sumatra (Palembang), Java (Depok) and Sulawesi (Makale) participated in a study on body composition. Body weight, body height and multifrequency bioelectrical impedance (1, 5, 50 and 100 kHz) were measured and in addition total body water (TBW) and extracellular water (ECW) were determined by dilution techniques, using deuterium oxide and sodium bromide, respectively, as tracers. In total 318 subjects, 159 males and 159 females, participated in the study. Predicting ECW and TBW from bio‐electrical impedance, using existing prediction formulas from the literature, did not result in valid estimates of these parameters. Therefore new prediction equations for ECW and TBW were developed in this group and the prediction equations were validated in several subgroups. Extracellular water (kg) could be predicted with the formula 0.262 × height2/Z1+ 2.7 (SEE = 0.9 kg) and TBW with the formula 0.516 × height2/Z100+ 3.5 (SEE = 1.6 kg), where Z1and Z100are impedances at frequency 1 and 100 kHz, and SEE is the standard error of estimate. The prediction formulas showed good validity in the three geographical subgroups, in males and females separately and in two randomly selected subgroups. The absolute prediction error (kg) of the newly developed prediction equations is lower compared with values normally reported in the literature, but when expressed as coefficient of variation the errors are comparable with values from the literature. Addition of weight age and sex (for TBW only) improves the prediction equation. The prediction equations were compared with prediction equations developed in Dutch subjects. In the Indonesian subjects the slopes of the regression equations were not different from the Dutch equations but the intercepts were lower. This means that for the same body water compartment and for the same height Indonesians have lower impedance values. This could be explained by a slightly higher ECW/TBW ratio and a more slender body build among Indonesians. A higher environmental temperature and skin temperature of the subjects in this study could have added to the effect. The formulas should preferably be validated before applying them to other Asian populations.
The Tonga Healthy Weight Loss Program 1995–97
Authors: Englberger L , Halavatau V , Yasuda Y , Yamazaki R
Published: March 2003

A health and weight awareness program was initiated in 1995 by the Tonga National Food and Nutrition Committee to combat a high prevalence of obesity and its associated non‐communicable diseases. The strategy of the program was to provide a fun activity in which people wanted to join, and at the same time gain health benefits. Three successive weight loss competitions were organized, of 4 to 6 months in length, in which radio, television, and newspaper media were major elements. A Tongan version of the 1993 South Pacific Commission weight for height chart was produced, allowing identification of overweight/obesity using body mass index. Participants were registered and given individual encouragement on diet/exercise. Prizes donated by local businesses added to the campaign, as well as the involvement of His Majesty King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV. Aerobic exercise, public walks, weigh station manager training, and weight watcher group meetings were special activities. An unexpected element was the interest by the international press, which proclaimed the Tonga national weight loss competitions to be the first in the world. A total of 3429 participants registered in the three competitions, with 1617 competing to the end. First place winners lost from 25.5 to 28.4 kg in the competitions. Difficulties encountered included problems of coordination, funds, scales, newness of the healthy weight concept, and weight gain at the close of the competition. The activity was received positively by the community, with requests for the competitions and exercise activities to continue, and much awareness on health issues relating to overweight was achieved.
Report of a seminar and workshop on Food‐based Dietary Guidelines and Nutrition Education: Bridging Science and Communication
Authors: Florentino Rodolfo , Tee E‐Siong , Poh Bee‐Koon
Published: March 2003

The 3‐day seminar‐workshop on ‘Food‐based Dietary Guidelines and Nutrition Education’ was held from 22–24 July 1998 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to present the latest scientific information on nutrition and health and to discuss its impact on the rationale and process for the development of food‐based dietary guidelines (FBDG). The first two sessions were devoted to a review of the current information on the relation between lifestyle factors and chronic diseases, particularly obesity; the present health status and food consumption patterns in Malaysia; the current consensus on carbohydrates and fats and oils and the importance of considering the glycemic index of foods; and the importance of micronutrients in health and disease. The third and fourth sessions dealt with the rationale of FBDG and the process of their development, drawing from the 1990 FAO/WHO Consultation on Development of FBDG and the experience in the Philippines and in Europe. The importance of effective dissemination of nutrition messages to the public was thoroughhly discussed. The workshop sessions arrived at recommendations on important issues in the development of FBDG in the region, including main research and information needs, the steps in the development of FBDG, and strategies for their dissemination.
Estimation of glycemic and insulinemic responses to short‐grain rice (Japonica) and a short‐grain rice‐mixed meal in healthy young subjects
Authors: Matsuo* Tatsuhiro , Mizushima Yasuhiro , Komuro Maki , Sugeta Akiko , Suzuki Masashige
Published: March 2003

We estimated glycemic and insulinemic responses to short‐grain rice (Japonica) and a short‐grain rice‐mixed meal (i.e. short‐grain rice and other ingredients) in three healthy male, and five healthy female subjects aged 22–31 years. A 50 g carbohydrate portion of dry rice was used in this study to estimate the glycemic index (GI) of short‐grain rice (Experiment 1). The GI of short‐grain rice was 68 (white bread = 100). In Eperiment 2, the subjects took three mixed meals (rice‐, bread‐ and cornflakes‐mixed) containing 60 g available carbohydrate, 25–29 g fat, 18–22 g protein, 2331–2486 kJ energy, and 67–123 meal GI in order to detemine whether both the amount and source of carbohydrate consumed determined postprandial glycemic and insulinemic responses of mixed meals. Glycemic response after the rice‐mixed meal was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that after the cereal‐mixed meal. The predicted glycemic and insulinemic responses, based on GI and the amount of carbohydrate, were related to the observed mean plasma glucose responses. These results suggest that short‐grain rice (Japonica) grown in Japan should not be classified as a high GI food and that, in a mixed meal, it is a lower glycemic and insulinemic responder compared with bread or cereal mixed meals. Moreover, both the amount and source of carbohydrate consumed determine the glycemic and insulinemic responses after different mixed meals with variable GI.
Effect of vitamin C supplementation on concentrations of vitamins C and E in fasting plasma
Authors: Benzie Iris , Strain Jj
Published: March 2003

Vitamin C may ‘spare’ vitamin E, but this has not to date been confirmed as occurring in vivo. The aim of this study was to test the effect of dietary supplementation with vitamin C on total and lipid standardised vitamin E concentrations in fasting plasma, the hypothesis being that increased vitamin C intake leads to improved vitamin E levels. In this single‐blinded study, 12 apparently healthy adults (seven men, five women) took 1 g/day vitamin C for 28 days, with a 28‐day placebo‐controlled run‐in cycle and a 28‐day placebo‐controlled washout cycle. Concentrations of ascorbic acid, total vitamin E (as total tocopherols) and lipid standardised vitamin E (Vit ELS, expressed as μmol vitamin E/mmol total cholesterol plus triglycerides) were measured in fasting plasma after each cycle. Results showed that vitamin C supplementation led to significant increases in ascorbic acid, total vitamin E and Vit ELS. These findings indicate that, by a combination of a vitamin E ‘sparing’ effect — perhaps via improved redox recycling of vitamin E in vivo— and a lipid lowering effect, increased intake of vitamin C could increase plasma vitamin E levels, and possibly vitamin E status. Further study of possible in vivo interrelationships between vitamins C and E, and the role of vitamin C in lipid metabolism, is needed.
Eating your way to a successful old age, with special reference to older women
Authors: Horwath Caroline , Kouris‐Blazos Antigone , Savige Gayle S , Wahlqvist Mark L
Published: March 2003

A comprehensive definition of successful ageing would combine the elements of survival (longevity), health (lack of disability), and life satisfaction (happiness). Predictors of longevity include being female, being physically active, not smoking, having good cognitive functioning, higher socio‐economic status and greater life satisfaction. Predictors of life satisfaction include being healthy (which is in part influenced by nutrition and physical activity), being socially active, having work satisfaction, having a high happiness rating and enjoying sexual activity. To age successfully is therefore the ultimate challenge. This paper cannot address all variables in the equation to successful ageing, but will focus on the value of food and physical activity in later life.
Food intake and eating patterns of Indonesian elderly before the 1998 economic crisis
Authors: Purba Martalena br , Lukito Widjaja , Wahlqvist Mark L , Kouris‐Blazos Antigone , Hadisaputro Suharyo , Lestiani Lanny , Wattanapenpaiboon Naiyana , Kamso Sudiyanto
Published: March 2003

The Nutrient and Metabolic Study of Indonesian Elderly (NUMSIE) was conducted in part to identify differences in eating patterns and in food and energy intakes between elderly people residing in urban metropolitan Jakarta (JAK) and in urban non‐metropolitan Semarang (SEM) in order to investigate the prevalence of food and energy deficiencies. Data on food intake were collected from 212 JAK elderly and 238 SEM elderly aged 60 years and over using a quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Although most of the elderly lived with their families or extended families, a large proportion of the subjects were eating alone, especially in the SEM sample. Jakartan elderly had significantly higher intakes of most food groups, except for added sugar and cow’s milk. Total food intake of JAK subjects was also significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than that of SEM subjects. The ratio of plant to animal food was lower among SEM elderly due principally to their higher intake of milk. Thirty percent of both JAK and SEM elderly consumed less than the recommended amounts of cereals, followed by vegetables and fruits (10%, 47% JAK; 22%, 75% SEM, respectively). Finally, it was found that the range of daily energy intakes was higher in JAK (1251–2079 kcal) than in SEM (939–1579 kcal). This suggests that SEM elderly were more likely to be energy deficient than were JAK elderly. While the results of this study indicate that food and energy intakes may be inadequate in Indonesian elderly, especially in non‐metropolitan areas, more analyses are required to ascertain the true prevalence of malnutrition in this age group using anthropometric and blood measurements.
Dietary habits, food consumption and nutrient intake among the Sugali, a tribal population of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Reddy Pandilla Palli Yadu Bhushana , Msc Alahari Papa Rao
Published: March 2003

In this study an attempt has been made to know the food consumption and dietary intake of Sugalis, the largest tribal population of Andhra Pradesh, India. The sample consisted of 492 males and 474 females (drawn from 200 families) in the age group of 1–60 years. The 24‐h recall diet survey revealed that the mean consumption of different foodstuffs by different age groups compared to the RDA was grossly inadequate. During preschool ages, Sugali boys and girls showed larger deficiencies in their nutrient intakes. Inadequacy in protein and calories (P‐C) is high both among males (47.0%) and females (41.6%). Caloric deficiency (C‐) is higher in Sugali males (66.9%) and females (59.3%) than is protein deficiency (P‐), which is 48.2% in males and 43.5% in females.
Selected micronutrient intake and status in men with differing meat intakes, vegetarians and vegans
Authors: Li Duo , Sinclair Andrew J , Mann Neil J , Turner Alan , Ball Madeleine J
Published: March 2003

Dietary factors play a critical role in human health. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to examine micronutrient intake and status of subjects who were habitual meat eaters eating different quantities of meat with those who were habitual vegetarians or vegans. One hundred and thirty‐nine healthy male subjects (vegan, n = 18; ovolacto‐vegetarian, n = 46; moderate meat‐eater, n = 65; and high meat‐eater, n = 18) aged 20–55 years were recruited in metropolitan Melbourne. Each volunteer completed a semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and gave a fasting venous blood sample. Dietary sodium/potassium ratio was significantly lower and vitamin C, fibre and iron intakes were higher in vegetarians than in meat‐eaters. High meat‐eaters had a significantly higher calcium, retinol and zinc intake than did the other three dietary groups; moderate meat‐eaters had the lowest mean intake of fibre, vitamin C and β‐carotene. Vegans had a significantly higher β‐carotene intake than did the other groups. Serum ferritin and vitamin B12 levels, and haemoglobin concentration were significantly lower in vegetarians than in meat‐eaters. Vegans had a significantly higher serum folate concentration than did ovolacto‐vegetarian and moderate meat‐eater groups. There was no significant difference in serum α‐tocopherol concentration. There are differences between the four diet groups that have potential to affect the subjects’ health and susceptibility to chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Based on the present data, high meat‐eaters may particularly benefit from altering their dietary pattern to reduce their sodium and saturated fat intake, and moderate meat‐eaters from increasing their fibre and antioxidant consumption. Vegetarians, especially vegans, may need to increase their vitamin B12 and zinc intakes.
Consumers’ concerns about food and health in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Worsley Anthony , Scott Victoria
Published: March 2003

Three studies were conducted in Australia and New Zealand to examine consumers’ ratings of food and health concerns, the influence of sociodemographic factors on them, and the interrelationships between perceived concerns. Similar results were found in both countries. Principal‐components analyses yielded several factors that suggested consumers in both countries perceived food and health issues along several key dimensions. These were related to concerns about food safety, food system issues, health, the environment and animal and human welfare. Generally, women expressed more concern than did men about most issues, while young people and highly educated people expressed least concern. These differences suggest that familiarity, perceived control and personal resources may have some influence on expressed concerns. However, other psychological influences remain to be identified since only small amounts of variance in the key dimensions were explained by the demographic variables. Comparisons of the rankings of the issues in the two New Zealand studies, administered 2 years apart, showed that they were very similar (ρ = 0.91, P < 0.0001) despite the use of different response scale wording. This supports the view that the population’s evaluation of food issues may be enduring and suggests they are relatively independent of differences in elicitation questions.
Implications of diet and nutrition for growth and prevalence of anaemia in rural preschool‐aged children in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Wang Zaimin , Patterson Carla M , Oldenburg Brian
Published: March 2003

A nutrition surveillance and nutritional improvement programme through nutrition field worker training, nutrition education and encouraging the utilization of home gardens was undertaken among rural preschool‐aged children in the four counties of Linshu, Caoxin, Zoucheng and Yucheng in Shandong Province in China from 1990 to 1995. A baseline survey was conducted in 1990. This included physical and biochemical measurements being taken on 3474 children aged 0–5 years and dietary household surveys being taken on a random subsample of 312 children. The baseline survey showed that the average height and weight of the subjects was lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) standard with the prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting being 24.2, 12.5 and 2.1%, respectively (using the Z scores ≤–2 as the cut‐off point). The prevalence of anaemia was 61.9% (using haemoglobin (HB) ≤ 110 g/L as the cut‐off point). The range of mean intakes of protein and energy was, respectively, 54.0–67.2% and 56.4–68.4% of the Chinese recommended dietary allowance (RDA) depending on the age group. Mean calcium intake was less than 30% of the RDA for all age groups and the mean intakes of ascorbic acid, niacin, retinol and riboflavin were between 30.6 and 96.1% of the RDA. Nutrition education and nutrition field worker training were the key components of the intervention phase that followed the baseline survey. Over 5 years, 531 nutrition field workers were trained, 1200 parents joined in nutrition classes and approximately 8000 villagers received basic nutrition information. The latter included promotion of breast‐feeding, identification of sources of appropriate foods for weaning, and also for the prevention and treatment of common nutritional deficiencies. Home gardens for fruit, vegetable and livestock were also encouraged. The evaluation survey of the project was conducted in 1995 among 2728 0–5‐year‐old children. The results indicated that the nutritional status of preschool‐aged children had improved greatly. The prevalence of stunting and underweight was reduced by 37.8 and 21.3%, respectively, while there was no significant change in the prevalence of wasting. The average rate of anaemia decreased by 79.6% in 1995.
Serum fatty acids, lipoprotein(a) and apolipoprotein composition of rural, suburban and urban populations in North Vietnam
Authors: Kieu Nguyen Thi Minh , Yasugi Etsuko , Lien Do Thi Kim , Anh Nguyen Thi Lan , Do Tran Thanh , Khoi Ha Huy , Kido Toshimi , Kondo Kazuo , Itakura Hiroshige , Chuyen Nguyen Van , Yamamoto Shigeru , Oshima Mieko
Published: March 2003

This study was conducted to investigate the concentrations of serum fatty acids, lipoprotein(a) and apolipoprotein of three populations in North Vietnam: rural area with low income (n = 101), suburban with average income (n = 97), and urban with high income (n = 95). The results showed the suburban and urban populations had higher fat intake than the rural. The fat intake in quality was different in these three populations. The suburban had the highest consumption of fatty foods rich in n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). The rural consumed more fatty foods rich in monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), but less fatty foods rich in n‐3 PUFA than the two other populations. The high index of thrombogenicity (IT) of the Vietnamese diet may result from their low intake of fish and vegetable oils. Risk factors for premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) assessed by serum lipoprotein(a) and apolipoprotein levels were not observed in all three populations. However, coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke are problems that should be monitored because the increase of CVD morbidity has been reported in Vietnamese people. From a nutritional point of view, the increase of fish and vegetable oils consumption is necessary for the prevention of CVD and CHD in these Vietnamese populations.
Garlic exerts hepatoprotective effects during 4‐nitroquinoline 1‐oxide‐induced oral carcinogenesis in rats
Authors: Balasenthil Seetharaman , Nagini Siddavaram
Published: March 2003

The modifying effects of garlic (Allium sativum Linn.) on hepatic lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status during 4‐nitroquinoline 1‐oxide (4NQO)‐induced oral carcinogenesis were investigated in male Wistar rats. Enhanced lipid peroxidation in the liver of tumour‐bearing animals was accompanied by significant decreases in the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S‐transferase (GST) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Administration of aqueous garlic extract significantly lowered lipid peroxidation and enhanced the levels of hepatic antioxidants and detoxifying enzymes. The results of the present study suggest that garlic exerts its hepatoprotective effects by influencing hepatic biotransformation enzymes and antioxidants.
Effect of iodized oil supplementation on thyroid hormone levels and mental performance among Orang Asli schoolchildren and pregnant mothers in an endemic goitre area in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Isa Zaleha MD. , Alias Iskandar Zulkarnain , Kadir Khalid Abdul , Ali Osman
Published: March 2003

Although endemic goitre is no longer a major public health problem in Malaysia, iodine deficiency still remains a significant problem in a few remote settlements. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of iodized oil intervention in the prevention of endemic goitre among the indigenous people in Malaysia. A pretest and post‐test controlled trial was conducted among primary schoolchildren and pregnant mothers in Lasah, Sungai Siput and Perak. Legap Post and Yum Post were selected as the intervention areas, while Perwor Post and Poi Post were taken as controls. The variables studied included thyroid hormone concentrations, thyroid volume, urinary iodine excretions and mental performance. A baseline and two follow‐up visits were conducted in both intervention and control areas. Intervention subjects were given iodized oil in the form of capsules which were taken orally (Laboratoire Guerbet, Paris, France). There was a significant increase in serum thyroxine hormone (T4) concentrations (P < 0.0001) and a significant decrease in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations (P < 0.05) in the schoolchildren following the intervention, however, pregnant mothers did not show any significant changes in T4 and TSH concentrations. Thyroid size was significantly reduced in both groups (P < 0.05). Urinary iodine excretions showed a significant increase in both groups following the intervention (P < 0.01). However, mental performance in schoolchildren was not affected. In conclusion, iodized oil (oral) is effective in reducing thyroid size, as well as improving the supply of iodine among schoolchildren and pregnant mothers in endemic goitre areas; however, its long‐term effects need to be monitored closely. This method can be considered as an alternative while awaiting national coverage for the salt iodization program.
Protective effects of quercetin during influenza virus‐induced oxidative stress
Authors: Raju Telugu Akula Narasa , Lakshmi Ayyagari Naga Vijaya , Anand Tamatam , Rao Linga Venkateshwar , Sharma Gita
Published: March 2003

Oxidative stress was found to have a role in many viral diseases including AIDS, hepatitis and influenza. In the present study the pathology of influenza viral infection in the lungs, which may lead to oxidative stress, was investigated and an attempt was made to study the efficacy of anti‐oxidants as therapeutic agents. Adult male mice of Swiss albino type were infected with influenza virus (A/Hong Kong/8/68) and studied for the anti‐oxidant status in the lungs by evaluating the lung enzymatic anti‐oxidant system including superoxide dismutase and catalase. Superoxide radical generation, which might increase by the activated alveolar macrophages, was estimated by nitroblue‐tetrazolium reduction assay. We have also estimated lipid peroxidation levels in lung through thiobarbutiric acid reactive substances assay. We also examined the ability of flavonoid quercetin in protecting from influenza virus‐induced oxidative stress. The influenza‐infected group showed decreased levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase; however, anti‐oxidant supplemented groups showed these activities to be the same as in the control group. The lipid peroxide levels were increased in virus‐infected mice. Administration of quercetin lowered the lipid peroxide levels significantly. Formazan positive cells were increased by 80% in the virus‐infected group and supplementation with quercetin reduced their number to 44%.
Food and consumers: Where are we heading?
Authors: Worsley Anthony
Published: March 2003

The translation of recent advances in nutrition sciences into enhanced population health and well‐being depends on the development of a deeper understanding of human food consumption patterns and the factors which influence them. Food consumption patterns are dynamic and are influenced by complex, interrelated biological, social, cultural and psychological processes. These are evident in recent attempts to discriminate nutrition and health‐related dietary patterns in terms of consumer lifestyles and belief systems. Consumers’ pursuit of health and well‐being through food consumption will be illustrated through reference to recent Australian studies. Some of the effects of societal changes associated with globalization: gender, work and family roles; materialism; information technology; and increasing longevity, on food consumption trends will be explored. Finally, the implications of these developments for the activities of health professionals, food companies and other agencies will be raised.
Clinicians changing individual food habits
Authors: Wahlqvist Mark L
Published: March 2003

There is ample evidence from repeat food surveys that people are actually and passively changing their food habits. Understanding the reasons for this are vital to any efforts by clinicians to enable individuals to move in an increasing healthful direction with their food intake, and to dispel the pessimism that often prevails about the ability to make a useful contribution to nutritional status by changing food intake. Current success and failure rates are predicated on inadequate methods and inappropriate outcome measures, rather than an inability to achieve outcomes. Factors that allow for or encourage change are food availability, exposure to new food experiences, food memory, pleasure, eating with peers or companions, health interest and changing constructs and beliefs about food. It is possible to change the health impact of food by non‐food means like physical activity, stress management, recreational activities, improved relationships, changing the work environment and through adequate sleep (including siesta). Yet another consideration is that the full consequences of food choice are not appreciated with more and more food–health relationships being defined (e.g. with cataract, macular degeneration, in depression and cognitive function). These various approaches require a management strategy that underpins the field of behavioural therapy. In this approach it is possible to make progress through small but consequential changes, like climbing the stairs, or increasing intake of particular foods like fish or drinking more water; and exploring and contracting ways to do these things.
Food and health economics in the 21st century
Authors: Ruthven Phillip K
Published: March 2003

People are living longer and with more pain‐free and comfortable lives as we begin the 21st century in 2001. Life expectancy was just 53 years (for males) in the beginning of the 20th century and is now 78 years. One in four children born in 2000 are expected to live beyond 100 years. There are many reasons for such advancement: fewer accidents, particularly work and travel related; better diets; and more and better health care. Australia’s health spending is around 8.4% of gross domestic product, ranking eighth in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and has arguably one of the best value‐for‐money programs in the world. However, the make‐up of the $50 billion expenditure in 2000 is reflecting changes from the past. We are moving away from institutional health care, embracing preventative care and ‘alternative’ approaches via fitness, diets, well‐being programs and more natural remedies. Few, however, would suggest that pharmacology and surgery (including less invasive) are not important; they are. Food continues to play a vital role in our healthy lives. In 2000 we will expend approximately $90 billion on food and liquor prepared and consumed at home, or prepared and/or eaten out of the home. The latter is increasing as we outsource more and more of our meals (currently one in five). Our diet is changing. We are consuming more poultry, seafood, fruit and fruit products (including juices), vegetables, grain products and wine. We are consuming less red meat and meat products, eggs, oils and fats, sugars and beer. Our lifestyles are changing dramatically as we leave the Industrial Age further and further behind. The New Age began around 1965 (and should itself be displaced around 2040). Included in these changes are working wives, outsourcing of more and more household chores, embracing the Internet and electronic ‘guardian angels’ and much more. It promises to be an exciting, healthier and longer living new century.
Colorectal disorders: A dietary management perspective
Authors: Young Graeme P
Published: March 2003

Dietary lifestyle is relevant for prevention and treatment of various colorectal conditions. Colorectal disorders have significant morbidity and mortality in a western‐style community, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colorectal cancer, haemorrhoids, constipation and diverticular disease. This review addresses how bowel health can be maintained, what foods and dietary lifestyles are associated with risk for disease and what foods are of real value in management. Bowel health is that state where the individual is satisfied with defaecation, the diet does not create undue risk for disease and lumenal contents maintain an intact and functional mucosa. Bowel health depends on a healthy dietary lifestyle, but in particular on an adequate intake of non‐digestable dietary polysaccharide. Diet influences biology in part by altering the lumenal environment. Effects such as high butyrate levels, lowered pH, a predominance of ‘healthy’over ‘unhealthy’ bacteria, rapid intestinal transit, high faecal bulk, a non‐leaky epithelial barrier, adsorption of dietary carcinogens by fibre, low bile salt concentrations, reduced generation of toxic bile salts or protein derivatives and provision of certain bioactive substances are seen as beneficial. Diet influences future risk for colorectal cancer (vegetables, animal fats, polysaccharides amongst others) and for diverticular disease (fibre). Adequate fibre and resistant starch can improve constipation and anorectal conditions such as fissure and haemorrhoids. The role of diet in managing patients with IBS is complex. Fibre may worsen symptoms in severe cases of IBS, diverticular disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Certain carbohydrates of limited digestibility/absorbability, such as lactose, fructose and sorbitol, can precipitate IBS symptoms. Low fat, high fibre diets may reduce recurrence of colorectal adenomas. Diet has a significant role to play in colorectal disorders.
Optimizing the plant‐based diet
Authors: Mann Jim I
Published: March 2003

Any attempt to optimize a plant‐based diet necessitates an identification of the features of the diet which confer benefit as well as any which may be associated with detrimental effects. The former task is more difficult than might be assumed as there is no doubt that some of the apparent health benefits observed amongst vegetarians are a consequence of environmental determinants of health which characterize groups of people who choose vegetarian diets, rather than dietary practices. This review will consider the major health benefits of plant‐based diets, the specific foods or nutrients which confer the benefits as far as can be ascertained from present knowledge, potential nutrient deficiencies associated with a plant‐based diet and nutritional strategies that can be employed to prevent any such deficiencies.
Nut consumption, lipids, and risk of a coronary event
Authors: Fraser Gary E
Published: March 2003

In the past many have avoided nuts because of their high fat content. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet, however, recommends regular consumption of this food along with seeds and dried beans (4–5 servings per week) as part of a diet to control hypertension. Nuts are nutrient‐dense and most of their fat is unsaturated. They are also perhaps the best natural source of vitamin E and are relatively concentrated repositories of dietary fibre, magnesium, potassium and arginine, which is the dietary precursor of nitric oxide. Human feeding studies have demonstrated reductions of 8–12% in low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol when almonds and walnuts are substituted for more traditional fats. Other studies show that macadamias and hazelnuts appear at least as beneficial as fats in commonly recommended diets. Whether the daily consumption of modest quantities of nuts may promote obesity is not known with certainty, but preliminary data suggest that this is unlikely. Four of the best and largest cohort studies in nutritional epidemiology have now reported that eating nuts frequently is associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease in the order of 30–50%. The findings are very consistent in subgroup analyses and unlikely to be due to confounding. Possible mechanisms include reduction in LDL cholesterol, the antioxidant actions of vitamin E, and the effects on the endothelium and platelet function of higher levels of nitric oxide. Although nuts may account for a relatively small percentage of dietary kilojules, the potential interacting effects of these factors on disease risk may be considerable.
Food for prevention of coronary heart disease: Beyond the low fat, low cholesterol diet
Authors: Colquhoun David M
Published: March 2003

The single major cause of death throughout the world is coronary heart disease. Prevalence is stable or decreasing in North America, Australasia and most of Europe, while rapidly increasing in eastern Europe, Asia and Africa. Atherosclerosis is the underlying pathology. This is one of the classic lifestyle diseases on the background of genetic susceptibility. Diet plays a key role in the initiation and progression of coronary heart disease. A low total fat diet is almost universally recommended throughout the world. However, the most successful secondary prevention diet trials have used modification of fat, rather than decrease in total fat per se. Successful diet trials suggest that diet modification is as effective as accepted drug therapy to prevent recurrent coronary events, and importantly is very cost effective. Marine lipid supplementation has been demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt to decrease total mortality and in particular sudden death in patients who have survived their first myocardial infarction. Large‐scale diet intervention trials are indicated to improve the scientific basis for dietary recommendations to prevent initial and recurrrent coronary heart disease.
Gene technology and future foods
Authors: Robinson Simon , Scott Nigel , Gackle Angela
Published: March 2003

Molecular biology is revolutionizing biology, agriculture and medicine. It is now possible to isolate and sequence the basic genetic material (DNA) from any organism and techniques have been developed to copy and ‘cut and paste’ DNA molecules to produce new combinations. This has led to the development of genetically modified (GM) plants by the targeted introduction of a small number of well‐defined genes directly into the cells of an existing plant variety to improve its quality or performance. Early efforts concentrated on major field crops, such as corn, soybeans and canola. Products from these plants, such as oil and flour, are components of many processed foods, so the rapid adoption of GM commodity crops in the United States has led to widespread appearance of GM plant material in foods. The initial traits targeted, such as herbicide tolerance and pest resistance, provide improved production efficiency with benefits for agrochemical and seed producers, farmers and the environment, but little obvious benefit to consumers. The second generation of GM plants will provide consumer benefits and will extend beyond bulk commodity crops. Genetically modified plants with improved flavour, nutritional composition and shelf life are currently being developed in a range of grains, fruits and vegetables. Genetically modified plants pose no risks for human health beyond those that we readily accept in other foods. In most developed countries, GM plants undergo thorough testing and evaluation, well beyond that required for a conventionally bred new variety, and this should ensure that the current high safety and quality of foods is maintained.