Validation of skinfold thickness and hand-held impedance measurements for estimation of body fat percentage among Singaporean Chinese, Malay and Indian subjects
Author:Paul Deurenberg PhD and Mabel Deurenberg-Yap MD, P
Keywords:body composition, Chinese, ethnic groups, impedance, Indians, Malays, Singapore, skinfolds, validation
Abstract:Body fat percentage (BF%) was measured in 298 Singaporean Chinese, Malay and Indian men and women
using a chemical four-compartment model consisting of fat, water, protein and mineral (BF%
4C
). In addition,
weight, height, skinfold thickness and segmental impedance (from hand to hand) was measured. Body fat
percentage was predicted using prediction equations from the literature (for skinfolds BF%SKFD
) and using the
manufacturer’s software for the hand-held impedance analyser (BF%IMP). The subjects ranged in age from
18–70 years and in body mass index from 16.0 to 40.2 kg/m
2
. Body fat ranged from 6.5 to 53.3%. The biases for
skinfold prediction (BF%
4C–BF%SKFD, mean ± SD) were –0.4 ± 3.9, 2.3 ± 4.1 and 3.1 ± 4.2 in Chinese, Malay
and Indian women, respectively, the Chinese being different from the Malays and Indians. The differences were
significant from zero (P< 0.05) in the Malays and Indians. For the men, the biases were 0.5 ± 3.8, 0.0 ± 4.8 and
0.9 ± 4.0 in Chinese, Malays and Indians, respectively. These biases were not significantly different from zero
and not different among the ethnic groups. The biases for hand-held impedance BF% were –0.7 ± 4.5, 1.5 ± 4.4
and 0.4 ± 3.8 in Chinese, Malay and Indian women. These biases were not significantly different from zero but
the bias in the Chinese was significantly different from the biases in the Malays and Indians. In the Chinese,
Malay and Indian men, the biases of BF%IMP
were 0.7 ± 4.6, 1.9 ± 4.8 and 2.0 ± 4.4, respectively. These biases
in Malay and Indian men were significantly different from zero and significantly different from the bias in
Chinese men. The biases were correlated with level of body fat and age, and also with relative arm span (arm
span/height) for impedance. After correction, the differences in bias among the ethnic groups disappeared. The
study shows that the biases in predicted BF% differ between ethnic groups, differences that can be explained by
differences in body composition and differences in body build. This information is important and should be
taken into account when comparing body composition across ethnic groups using predictive methods.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(1):1-7.doi:
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Dietary patterns and risk factors for Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Fijian, Japanese and Vietnamese populations
Author:Kazue Tomisaka MSc, Jimaima Lako MSc, Chizuko Mar
Keywords:body fatness, diabetes mellitus, dietary patterns, Fijian, impedance, Japanese, obesity, Vietnamese, women
Abstract:Diabetes mellitus is now a serious and increasing problem in Asian countries, where dietary patterns have
shifted toward Westernized foods and people are becoming more sedentary. In order to elucidate the relationship
of dietary habits to the development of diabetic risk factors, the dietary patterns of 200 Fijian, 171 Japanese and
181 Vietnamese women of 30–39 years of age were investigated using 3 day–24 h recall or dietary records.
Anthropometric measurements and glycosuria tests were also conducted. The dietary trends of Fijians and
Japanese have changed drastically in the past 50 years, while Vietnamese have been minimally influenced by
Western dietary habits. The mean 24 h dietary intake showed that Fijians had the highest energy intake. Energy
intake from fat was only 13% for Vietnamese, but over 30% for Japanese and Fijians. Percentage of body fat
was higher in Vietnamese than in Japanese, though there were no significant differences in body mass index
(BMI). In the overweight and obese women, Vietnamese had higher abdominal obesity than Japanese. The
prevalence of obesity (BMI>=30 kg/m
2
) was 63.0% for Fijians, 1.8% for Japanese and 1.1% for Vietnamese.
Glycosuria testing yielded the most positive cases among Fijians. Dietary transition and dietary excess appear to
be potential risk factors for diabetes in Fijian women.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(1):8-12.doi:
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Dietary patterns and nutrient intake of adult women in south-east China: a nutrition study in Zhejiang province
Author:Min Zhang MD, Colin W Binns MPHand Andy H Lee PhD
Keywords:Chinese women, cross-sectional study, dietary patterns, food consumption, nutrient intake, rural, urban, Zhejiang province
Abstract:This study documents the dietary patterns and nutrient intake of 652 adult women living in south-east China.
Compared with data from previous national surveys and other nutrition studies in China, the results show
different dietary patterns. The major differences include a greater consumption of vegetables, fruits and animal
foods, but a lower consumption of cereal and tuber foods. The mean daily nutrient intakes of the urban women
met the Chinese recommended dietary allowances. However, the situation was different in rural areas, where
women had lower mean intakes of vitamins and minerals. There were also significant differences in dietary
pattern and food consumption between these two groups of women. Further improvements in dietary intake for
those residing in the south-east rural areas of China are needed.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(1):13-21.doi:
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Serum concentrations of micronutrient antioxidants in an adult Arab population
Author:Clifford Abiaka PhD,MSc, FIBMS, Samuel Olusi PhD,
Keywords: Arabs, β-carotene, cholesterol, Kuwait, lycopene, micronutrient antioxidants, retinol, α-tocopherol
Abstract:Serum concentrations of retinol, α-tocopherol, β-carotene and lycopene were measured by reversed-phase
high-performance liquid chromatography (r-PHPLC) in 260 randomly selected healthy adult Kuwaitis
(159 men and 101 women) aged 18–63 years (mean 33.3 years) to established reference ranges of the
micronutrient antioxidants. Total cholesterol concentrations were assayed by an enzymatic method to determine
α-tocopherol : cholesterol ratios. The mean± SEM (µmol/L) for retinol, α-tocopherol, β-carotene and lycopene
were 1.76 ± 0.02, 20.0 ± 0.5, 0.52 ± 0.03, 0.95 ± 0.05, respectively. Compared to other populations, these data
showed, on the whole, ordinary concentrations of β-carotene, comparatively low concentrations of retinol and
α-tocopherol and high concentrations of lycopene. Retinol concentrations were similar for both sexes, whereas
α-tocopherol concentration was significantly (P< 0.0001) lower and the carotenoid levels (β-carotene and
lycopene) significantly higher (P< 0.0001) in women. Of the micronutrient antioxidants, α-tocopherol was
most correlated with cholesterol (r= 0.492; P< 0.0001). β-Carotene and lycopene were highly correlated with
each other (r= 0.744, P< 0.0001). Age was positively associated with β-carotene (r= 0.214, P= 0.001) and
lycopene (r= 239, P< 0.0001). Our data enabled us to establish a gender non-specific reference range for
retinol and gender-specific reference ranges for α-tocopherol, β-carotene and lycopene.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(1):22-27.doi:
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Physicochemical properties and nutritional traits of millet-based weaning food suitable for infants of the Kumaon hills, Northern India
Author:Anju Thathola MScand Sarita Srivastava PhD
Keywords:barnyard millet, foxtail millet, India, Kumaon hills, malting, soybean, Uttaranchal, weaning food
Abstract:A weaning food based on malted foxtail millet flour (30%), malted barnyard millet flour (30%), roasted soybean
flour (25%) and skim milk powder (15%) was prepared. The mix contained 18.37 g protein and 398 kcal energy
per 100 g. The nutrient composition of this unfortified weaning (UW) mix met the Prevention of Food
Adulteration (PFA) standards, except in total ash. In order to meet the minor constituent requirements, the UW
mix was fortified. The fortified weaning (FW) mix met PFA standards for various nutrients. The protein
efficiency ratio of the UW mix was 2.25 against a casein control, for which a value of 2.50 was recorded. The
nutrient composition, viscosity and sensory quality of the UW mix was compared with the marketed weaning
mix, commercial infant formula. The viscosity of UW gruel was much lower (20 centipoise (cps)) than that of
marketed weaning mix (7400 cps). The high α-amylase activity of 661 units in the UW mix was responsible for
its low viscosity. The sensory quality of UW mix and marketed weaning mix did not differ significantly
(P= 0.05). Both of the gruels were liked moderately on the Hedonic Scale. The UW gruel met the acceptability
criteria for weaning food. It could be stored in plastic airtight containers at room temperature for 4 months
without any changes in sensory quality.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(1):28-32.doi:
>>Abstract
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Assessment of iodine deficiency in Kottayam district, Kerala State: a pilot study
Author:Umesh Kapil MD, PR Jayakumar MBBS, Preeti Singh
Keywords:iodine deficiency disorders, goitre, India, iodised salt, Kerala, urinary iodine excretion levels
Abstract:Iodine is one of the essential micro-elements required for normal human growth and development. Iodine
Deficiency Disorders (IDD) are an important public health problem in India. There has been no data on the
prevalence of IDD from the Kottayam district, India and hence, the present pilot study was conducted in the
year 1999 to assess whether iodine deficiency existed in the district or not and to estimate the iodine content of
salt consumed by the population. A total of 1872 children in the age group of 6–12 years were included in the
study and were clinically examined. On the spot urine samples were collected from 251 children. A total of 420
salt samples were collected randomly from the families of the children. The total goitre prevalence was found to
be 7.05% in the subjects studied. It was found that the percentage of children with urinary iodine excretions of
< 2, 2– < 5, 5–9 and 10 µg/dL and above were 6.4%, 6.0%, 20.7%, and 66.9%, respectively. Assessment of the
iodine content of salt by the iodometric titration method revealed that 60.6% of the children were consuming
salt with an iodine content of 15 p.p.m. and more, which was the stipulated level of salt iodisation. The
findings of the present study indicated that the population is in a transitional phase from iodine deficient, as
revealed by total goitre rate, to iodine sufficient nutriture, as revealed by the median urinary iodine excretion
level of 17.5 µg/dL.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(1):33-35.doi:
>>Abstract
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Will iron supplementation given during menstruation improve iron status better than weekly supplementation?
Author:Judhiastuty FebruhartantyMSc, Drupadi DillonMD, MS
Keywords:adolescents, anaemia, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, iron supplementation, Kupang, menstruation
Abstract:To investigate the efficacy of two different iron supplements administered either on a weekly basis or during
menstruation, a 16-week community experimental study was carried out among postmenarcheal female
adolescent students in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Forty eight students received a placebo tablet
weekly, 48 other students got an iron tablet weekly and 41 students took an iron tablet for four consecutive days
during their menstruation cycle. All subjects were given deworming tablets before supplementation.
Haemoglobin, serum ferritin, height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference and dietary intake were assessed
before and after intervention. The supplementation contributed to a significant improvement in the iron status of
the intervention groups compared to the placebo group (P< 0.05). In the menstruation group, the haemoglobin
concentrations of the anaemic subjects improved significantly (P< 0.05) while for the non-anaemic subjects,
serum ferritin concentrations also increased significantly (P< 0.05). In the weekly group for anaemic and nonanaemic subjects, there was a significant increase in both haemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations
(P< 0.05). This study revealed that weekly supplementation of iron tablets continued for 16 weeks contributed
a higher improvement to haemoglobin concentration, compared with supplementing iron tablets for four
consecutive days during menstruation for four menstrual cycles. This suggests that weekly iron supplementation
is preferable.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(1):36-41.doi:
>>Abstract
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A prospective study of weight and height going from infancy to adolescence
Author:Prasong TienboonMD, FRCPedT, MCN, FICN, PhDand Mar
Keywords:Australia, body mass index (BMI), children, Geelong, socioeconomic status
Abstract:Weight and height from infancy to age 15 years was studied in the Geelong population (n= 1200 in infancy;
n= 213 at adolescence), Victoria, Australia. Body mass index (BMI) increased from 3 months to 12 months and
then decreased again until 80 months after which it increased to 20.5 kg/m
2
at the age of 15 years. The extent
of tracking of BMI in infants classified as overweight or underweight was similar and differed from that of
subjects of normal weight. Only one in four of the infants classified as overweight or underweight in infancy
were still in the same category in adolescence, compared with three in four of those classified as of normal
weight. Socioeconomic status has an effect on weight and height status in adolescence but not on the tracking of
BMI. The age at 6–7 years is a critical age for weight and height status in adolescence. It appears that weight
and height in infancy have a significant relationship with body size in adolescence but only in boys.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(1):42-47.doi:
>>Abstract
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Role of plant metabolites in toxic liver injury
Author:Mukul K Gole PhD, DSc(Hons)and S Dasgupta PhD
Keywords: antihepatotoxic activity, Aphanamixis polystachya, carbon tetrachloride, hepatoprotective, India, medicinal plants, Meliaceae plant family, phytotherapy
Abstract:Aphanamixis polystachyais a traditional medicinal plant of the Meliaceae family in India. A crude ethanolic
extract of the leaf of this plant shows a beneficial effect on toxic liver injury. Its antihepatotoxic activity
was evaluated on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4
)-induced liver injury in a rat model. The assessment of
hepatoprotective activity was evaluated by measuring the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT),
alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum total bilirubin and albumin and histology of the liver. The crude leaf extract significantly
inhibits the enhanced ASAT, ALAT, ALP, ACP and LDH activities released from the CCl
4
-intoxicated animals.
It also ameliorated the depressed value of serum albumin and the enhanced value of total bilirubin in plasma
caused by CCl
4
intoxication. The study showed that the crude ethanolic extract from A. polystachyaleaves
provided protection against acute carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(1):48-50.doi:
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Characteristics of soy bread users and their beliefs about soy products
Author:Anthony Worsley BSc(Hons), PhD, Mark L Wahlqvist
Keywords:Australia, dietary supplements, personal values, soy bread, survey, symptoms
Abstract:A two-stage random telephone/mail survey was conducted during the last quarter of 1998 among Adelaide
residents to determine consumers’ use of soy bread and other soy products and their health expectations of
soy products. One in five (21%) of 1477 telephone subscribers usually consumed soy bread and related soy
products. Comparisons of soy bread consumers and non-consumers, based on the mail survey sample, showed
that more soy bread consumers used dietary supplements and ate low fat and vegetarian diets, though their
experiences of ill health were similar. Soy bread consumers held stronger universalism (pro-nature) values than
non-consumers. They also held more positive expectations about the benefits of soy consumption, including
reductions in menstrual and menopausal symptoms, increased bowel regularity and reductions in the risk of
heart disease and cancer. The findings are discussed in relation to the psychology of dietary supplementation,
values orientations and physiological plausibility. Further investigations are suggested.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(1):51-55.doi:
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A valid food frequency questionnaire for measuring dietary fish intake
Author:Rosalie K Woods BSc, Grad Dip Diet, MPH, PhD, Rach
Keywords: fatty acid patterns, fish intake, food frequency questionnaire, n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, percentage fatty acids, plasma phospholipid, validation
Abstract:There is considerable interest in the potentially protective effects of high fish consumption on many chronic
diseases. Many epidemiological studies use food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) to quantify usual dietary fish
intake, so it is important to validate this assessment against objective markers. The objective of this study was to
determine the relationship between plasma percentage fatty acids and dietary fish intake as assessed by a FFQ.
A semiquantitative FFQ was completed by 174 adults from the community (aged 26–49 years) who also had
venous blood analysed for plasma percentage fatty acids. Following linear regression modelling, total non-fried
fish intake was a significant predictor of n-3 (regression coefficient, B = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.60–1.28),
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; B = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.47–0.99) and the ratio of n-6 : n-3 fatty acids (B = –1.0; 95%
CI = – 1.35– – 0.65). Steamed, grilled or baked fish was a small but significant predictor of eicosapentaenoic
acid (EPA) levels (B = 0.13; 95% CI = 0.05–0.21) while total fish intake was a predictor of n-6 fatty acids
(B = – 0.88; 95% CI = – 1.41– – 0.36). This semiquantitative FFQ could be useful for ranking subjects
according to their likely plasma n-3, DHA, and n-6 fatty acid intake and the ratio of n-6 : n-3 fatty acids, when
the available resources may simply not permit biological markers to be used.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(1):56-61.doi:
>>Abstract
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Deficient dietary vitamin K intake among elderly nursing home residents in Hong Kong
Author:Samuel LS Tse MBBS, Thomas YK Chan MBChB,PhD, Dap
Keywords:Chinese, elderly, green leaf, Hong Kong, nursing home, osteoporosis, vegetables, vitamin K
Abstract:There is strong evidence supporting the importance of vitamin K in bone health and the aetiological role of
vitamin K deficiency in osteoporosis. In view of the common occurrence of osteoporosis among older subjects
in Hong Kong, we have studied the dietary vitamin K intakes in 100 residents of a nursing home (43 men,
57 women; median age 81.0 years) and 88 free-living subjects attending a day care centre (13 men, 75 women;
median age 71.5 years). The subjects were interviewed and the average vitamin K intake in the preceding week
was estimated, using a diet recall questionnaire modified from our previous surveys of dietary patterns in local
Chinese people. The median vitamin K intake was much lower in nursing home residents than in free-living
subjects (4.50 vs 488.09 µg/day or 0.13 vs 8.74 µg/kg/day, P< 0.001). An intake that was below the
recommended daily intake was far more common among nursing home residents (86.0 vs11.4%, P< 0.001).
Among nursing home residents, there was a negative correlation between age and vitamin K intake (r= –0.217,
P= 0.030), but there was a positive correlation between body weight and vitamin K intake (r= 0.244,
P= 0.015). No such relationship was seen among free-living subjects. Elderly nursing home residents in this
study generally had a poor dietary vitamin K intake and might therefore be predisposed to osteoporosis. The
importance of green leafy vegetables as a rich source of vitamin K should be emphasised.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(1):62-65.doi:
>>Abstract
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Association of overall and abdominal obesity with coronary heart disease risk factors: comparison between urban and rural Indian men
Author:Palla Venkatramana PhDand Palakuru C Reddy PhD
Keywords:abdominal obesity, Andhra Pradesh, blood pressure, coronary heart disease risk, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, India, obesity, Tirupati, total cholesterol
Abstract:The relationship of body mass index (BMI), conicity index (CI) and waist circumference to four coronary heart
disease (CHD) risk factors (systolic and diastolic blood pressures, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein
(HDL) cholesterol levels) was examined in urban (n= 110) and rural (n= 102) men aged ≥20 years, drawn
from the ‘Reddy’ population of Southern Andhra Pradesh, India. Using ANCOVAwe found significant difference
(< 0.01) for systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol between the urban and rural samples.
The Pearson’s correlation coefficients suggest that BMI and waist circumference had significant relationships
with most of the risk factors in both the populations. The CI did not significantly influence any of the risk
factors in the urban population; however, in the rural population, CI did show a significant positive relationship
with both of the blood pressures and with TC. Even after controlling for age, smoking and physical activity
(partial correlations), the relations remained constant. In multiple linear regression, BMI showed significant
positive association with systolic and diastolic blood pressures (< 0.01) and HDL cholesterol (< 0.05) in the
rural population only. However, the CI showed a significant association with HDL cholesterol, and waist
circumference with total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol in the rural population. The results of the present
study revealed that BMI and waist circumference had a greater influence on the CHD risk factors, and that the
influence was more conspicuous in the rural sample. Comparing the association of abdominal obesity measures
(CI and waist circumference) with CHD risk factors, waist circumference better correlated with most of the risk
factors. Hence the present study suggests that BMI and waist circumference are better indicators of CHD risk
factors. However, the importance of CI has to be further studied in South Asian populations.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(1):66-71.doi:
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Cholesterol oxides: their occurrence and methods to prevent their generation in foods
Author:Geoffrey P Savage PhD, FNZIFST, MRSNZ, Paresh C Du
Keywords: cholesterol oxides, dairy foods, eggs, egg products, food processing, food storage, meat, meat products, sea food
Abstract:Eight cholesterol oxides are commonly found in foods with high cholesterol content, such as meat, egg yolk and
full fat dairy products. Factors known to increase the production of cholesterol oxides in foods are heat, light,
radiation, oxygen, moisture, low pH, certain pro-oxidising agents and the storage of food at room temperature.
Processes, such as pre-cooking, freeze-drying, dehydration and irradiation, have all been reported to result in
increased production of cholesterol oxides in meats. As prepared consumer foods are becoming increasingly
popular, the consumption of higher levels of cholesterol oxides in foods is inevitable. An understanding of the
mechanisms involved in the generation of cholesterol oxides may assist in their reduction in foods and possibly
reduce the impact of these compounds on human health.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(1):72-78.doi:
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Anticancer and health protective properties of citrus fruit components
Author:Jansen Silalahi MAppSc, PhD
Keywords:anticancer activity, antioxidant activity, bioactive components, citrus fruit, limonoids
Abstract:Accumulated evidence from experimental and epidemiological studies indicates that there is a low risk of
degenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cataract, stroke and, in particular, cancers in people
with a high intake of fruit and vegetables. This protective effect is assumed to be associated mainly with the
antioxidant activities of either individual or interacting bioactive components present in the fruits and
vegetables, and with other biochemical and physical characteristics of the identified and unknown bioactive
components. The implicated bioactive components present in citrus fruits include vitamin C, β-carotene,
flavonoids, limonoids, folic acid, and dietary fibre. A high intake of citrus fruits may reduce the risk of
degenerative diseases.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(1):79-84.doi:
>>Abstract
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