Nutrition and the extremes of life: dilemmas and enigmas of advanced old age
Author:Noel W Solomons MD
Keywords:ageing, chronic disease, diet, evolution, lifestyle
Abstract:
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(4):247-250.doi:
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Longitudinal study of diet and iron deficiency anaemia in infants during the first two years of life
Author:Anne-Louise M Heath BA(Hons),BSc(Hons),PhD, Cynthi
Keywords:dietary iron, infant, iron deficiency anaemia, iron deficiency, longitudinal study
Abstract:The objectives of this study were: (i) to investigate the energy, iron, zinc, calcium and vitamin C intakes of a
group of healthy term Caucasian infants resident in Dunedin, New Zealand, prospectively from age 9 months to
2 years; and (ii) to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia among these infants. A self-selected
sample of 74 Caucasian mothers and their infants born in Dunedin, New Zealand, between October 1995 and
May 1996 were recruited. Dietary intake was determined using estimated diet records at 9, 12, 18 and 24 months
of age. Haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume and zinc protoporphyrin concentration were
determined at the same ages. The infants’ zinc, calcium and vitamin C intakes appeared adequate. Their median
iron intakes ranged from 4.3 mg (at 12 months) to 7.0 mg (at 9 months) per day and were below estimated
requirements at all ages. At 9, 12 and 18 months of age, 7% (n= 4) of the infants had iron deficiency anaemia.
None of the infants had iron deficiency anaemia at 24 months. The iron intakes of this group of Caucasian
infants and young children appeared inadequate. However, their rate of iron deficiency anaemia was lower than
has been reported in previous New Zealand studies.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(4):251-257.doi:
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Nutrition problems of hospitalised children in a developing country: Thailand
Author:Prasong Tienboon MD, FRCPedT, MCN, FICN, PhD
Keywords:body mass index, children, developing country, hospital, nutrition problem, Thailand
Abstract:Nutritional assessment reveals the nutritional status of a patient. It thereby helps identify each patient’s need for
specific nutritional care and facilitates early intervention. Generally, the common nutrition and nutrition-related
problems in hospitalised paediatric patients are: protein energy malnutrition in various degrees; vitamin
deficiencies such as A, B
1, B
2
, niacin, folic acid, K and E; mineral deficiencies such as Zn, Fe, Ca, Mg, P, K and
Na; essential fatty acid deficiencies; carbohydrate intolerance; maldigestion and malabsorption; and overweight
and obesity. However, there is limited information about nutritional status of hospitalised patients in some
countries, especially in developing countries. In Thailand, it was found that the prevalence of hospital
malnutrition in children aged 1–15 years in the paediatric ward was similar (50–60%) to that of a study
conducted 10 years earlier. In another study of micronutrients in 45 paediatric AIDS patients (aged
3–46 months), high prevalences of malnutrition, anaemia and mineral deficiencies were found. For convenience
in clinical practice, body mass index (BMI) values for use as an indicator in the assessment of undernutrition in
children whose heights are less than 145 cm have been published. These BMI values have been tested and
retested using normal children and patients with various degrees of undernutrition and were found to be reliable
and valid. Therefore, nutritional status must be assessed in all hospitalised patients. At the very least, weight and
height (length) should be obtained.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(4):258-262.doi:
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Effect of low-dosage vitamin A and riboflavin on iron-folate supplementation in anaemic pregnant women
Author:Bambang Suprapto, MD, MMedicalSci, RNutr, Widardo,
Keywords:anaemic pregnant women, iron-folate, low-dosage vitamin A, riboflavin
Abstract:A double-blind, placebo, controlled trial was conducted in Banyudono subdistrict, Boyolali regency, Central
Java province, Indonesia. The aim of the study was to determine whether adding low-dosage vitamin A and
riboflavin can enhance the effect of iron-folate supplementation in anaemic pregnant women. From July to
November 2000, 202 pregnant women were screened for anaemia (haemoglobin <11.0 g/dL). One hundred and
three pregnant women (51%) were found to be anaemic and were then allocated alternately into four groups.
Over a period of 60 days, group IF (n= 29) received iron-folate tablets (200 mg FeSO4
and 250 µg folic
acid) + 5 mg glucose; group IFR (n= 22) received iron-folate tablets + 5 mg riboflavin; group IFA (n= 29)
received iron-folate tablets + 2.75 mg retinyl palmitate (equal to 5000 IU vitamin A); and group IFRA (n= 23)
received iron-folate tablets + 5 mg riboflavin + 2.75 mg retinyl palmitate. At the end of the study 19 pregnant
women (18.4%) were excluded from the analysis because of various reasons. Statistical analysis was based on
84 women (81.5%): group IF, n= 25; group IFR, n= 22; group IFA, n= 18; and group IFRA, n= 19.
Haemoglobin measurements were carried out using the Technicon H1* (cyanmethaemoglobin method). All
groups showed a significant increase in haemoglobin concentration (P< 0.05), except group IFA (P> 0.05),
with the highest increment being in group IFR. Multiple comparisons only showed significant differences
between group IFR and group IFA (P< 0.05). It can be concluded that iron-folate supplementation can increase
haemoglobin concentrations in anaemic pregnant women. Adding riboflavin tends to enhance the effect of ironfolate supplementation, but this is not the case with adding vitamin A.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(4):263-267.doi:
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Impact of supplementary high calcium milk with additional magnesium on parathyroid hormone and biochemical markers of bone turnover in postmenopausal women
Author:J Hilary Green PhD, Chris Booth BScand Richard Bun
Keywords:apple, bone turnover, calcium, magnesium, milk, parathyroid hormone, postmenopausal women
Abstract:The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of magnesium-enriched, high-calcium milk on serum
parathyroid hormone (PTH) and biochemical markers of bone turnover in postmenopausal women. We recruited
50 healthy postmenopausal women to take part in this randomised controlled study. Half of the women
consumed two serves of high-calcium skim milk enriched with magnesium (milk group) and half consumed two
serves apple drink per day (apple group), each for 4 weeks. The milk provided 1200 mg calcium and an
additional 106 mg magnesium. We investigated the responses of serum PTH, as well as the serum and urinary
calcium, magnesium and biochemical markers of bone turnover. There was no effect of time or drink on the
clinical biochemistry, serum PTH or urine markers of bone resorption (free deoxypyridinoline and
N-telopeptides). Serum C-telopeptides (CTX), another marker of bone resorption, did not change with time in
the apple group. However, in the milk group, serum CTX decreased significantly from 0.43 ±0.04 ng/mL to
0.32 ±0.02 at 2 weeks (p < 0.0001) and 0.28 ±0.02 at 4 weeks (p < 0.0001). In the milk group, urinary calcium
and magnesium each increased during the night but not during the day. Overall, these data suggest that milk has
an antiresorptive effect on bone, but that this is not accompanied by measurable changes in serum PTH.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(4):268-273.doi:
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Dietary fibre content and nutrient claims relative to the faecal bulking efficacy of breakfast cereals
Author:John A Monro BSc (Hons),PhD
Keywords:breakfast cereals, dietary fibre, faecal bulk, wheat bran equivalents
Abstract:The correspondence between the dietary fibre contents of 28 breakfast cereals and their faecal bulking efficacies
was measured and used to assess criterion values controlling nutrient claims for dietary fibre. A valid,
standardised rat assay was used to measure faecal bulking efficacy as the content of wheat bran equivalents for
faecal bulk (WBE
fb) in the cereals. Regression analysis of WBE
fb
content against dietary fibre content allowed
the adequacy of criterion fibre values for claims of ‘source of fibre,’ ‘high in fibre’ and ‘very high in fibre’ to be
assessed relative to a daily reference requirement of 63 WBE
fb
, based on human data. Faecal bulking by
breakfast cereals was much lower than implied by the dietary fibre claims associated with them. Many more
were claimed to be ‘high’ or ‘very high’ in dietary fibre (n= 13) than were ‘high’ or ‘very high’ in faecal bulking
efficacy (n= 4). Conversely, dietary fibre requirements per serving predicted from WBEfb
requirements, as
necessary to maintain adequate faecal bulk in the current Australian diet, were much higher (4.4 g) than the
criterion fibre content (1.5 g) for the most modest claim, ‘source of fibre’. After removing four high-bran cereals
(>15% dietary fibre) from the analysis, a modest correlation of r= 0.62 between dietary fibre content and faecal
bulk was obtained. It is concluded that, with respect to breakfast cereals, fibre values specified for nutrient
claims are too low, dietary fibre content is not a reliable guide to faecal bulking efficacy and direct measures of
faecal bulking capacity would be more useful than dietary fibre content in describing faecal bulking efficacy for
evidence-based food choice.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(4):274-284.doi:
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Bread enriched with microencapsulated tuna oil increases plasma docosahexaenoic acid and total omega-3 fatty acids in humans
Author:Yolande L Yep MAppSci, Duo Li PhD, Neil J Mann Ph
Keywords:microcapsule, n-3 fatty acid, tuna oil
Abstract:The aim of this study was to determine the acute and chronic effects of low doses of long chain (LC) n-3
polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (<100 mg per day) on plasma LC n-3 PUFA levels using a novel delivery
form; bread containing microencapsulated tuna oil (MTO). Six omnivores (three men and three women)
participated in the acute study, which involved ingesting a prototype MTO bread containing approximately
80 mg of LC n-3 PUFA/four slices. Plasma triacylglycerol fatty acid compositions were measured after an
overnight fast and postprandially at 2 and 4 h. In the chronic study, 10 vegetarian subjects (nine men and one
woman) consumed MTO bread at six to eight slices/day (comprising 60 mg of LC n-3 PUFA) as the only dietary
source of these PUFA for three weeks. Fasting plasma total and phospholipid fatty acid compositions were
measured at baseline and endpoint. In the acute study, the proportions of 22:6 n-3 and total n-3 PUFA in plasma
triacylglycerol were significantly increased (P< 0.05). In the chronic study, the proportions of 20:5 n-3, 22:5
n-3, 22:6 n-3, total n-3 PUFA in plasma, and 22:6 n-3 and total n-3 PUFA in plasma phospholipid fractions were
significantly increased (P< 0.05) at the endpoint compared with the baseline. This study showed that a low dose
of LC n-3 PUFA, consumed as MTO-enriched bread, was bioavailable, as measured by an increase in LC n-3
PUFA levels in the plasma of human subjects.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(4):285-291.doi:
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Effect of green tea catechin on arachidonic acid cascade in chronic cadmium-poisoned rats
Author:Jeong-Hwa Choi PhD, Hyeun-Wook Chang PhD and Soon
Keywords:cadmium, cyclooxygenase, green tea catechin, lipoxygenase, prostaglandin
Abstract:The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of green tea catechin on the cyclooxygenase and
lipoxygenase pathways in chronic cadmium-poisoned rats. Sprague–Dawley male rats weighing 100 ±10 g were
randomly assigned to one normal and three cadmium-poisoned groups. The cadmium groups were classified as
catechin-free diet group (Cd-0C), 0.25% catechin diet group (Cd-0.25C) and 0.5% catechin diet group
(Cd-0.5C), in accordance with the level of catechin supplement. The phospholipase A
2
activity was remarkably
increased 117% in the Cd-0C group and 60% in the Cd-0.25C group compared with the normal group, and the
level in the Cd-0.5C group was the same as the normal group. Activity of platelet cyclooxygenase increased
284% in the Cd-0C group, 147% in the Cd-0.25C group and 193% in the Cd-0.5C group. The synthesis of
platelet thromboxane A
2 (TXA
2
) increased 157% in the Cd-0C group and 105% in the Cd-0.25C group,
compared with the normal group. The Cd-0.5C group showed the same level as the normal group. Prostacyclin
(PGI
2
) formation in the aorta decreased 24% in the Cd-0C group and 18% in the Cd-0.25C group. The ratio of
PGI2/TXA
2, the thrombocyte synthesis index, decreased 70% in the Cd-0C group and 59% in the Cd-0.25C
group. The activity of 5′-lipoxygenase in the polymorphonuclear leukocyte was increased 40% in the Cd-0C
group as compared with the normal group. Catechin-supplemented Cd-0.25C and Cd-0.5C groups showed the
level of the normal group. In this study, the observed content of leukotriene B
4
, which induces the inflammatory
process, increased 54% in the Cd-0C group, and in catechin-supplemented groups, showed the same level as in
the normal group. The serum peroxide value increased 60% in the Cd-0C group compared with the normal
group; but in the Cd-0.5C group, it showed the level of the normal group. These results indicate that chronic
cadmium poisoning in rats accelerates arachidonic acid metabolism. Inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism
due to catechin supplementation, however, decreases platelet aggregation and inflammatory action. In conclusion, it would appear that green tea catechin supplementation in chronic cadmium-poisoned rats inhibits the
arachidonic acid cascade by regulating the activity of phospholipase A
2
.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(4):292-297.doi:
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Oxalate content and calcium binding capacity of tea and herbal teas
Author:Marina JS Charrier , Geoffrey P Savage PhD, FNZIF
Keywords:black tea, calcium binding capacity, green tea, oolong tea, soluble oxalate
Abstract:Thirty-two commercially available teas consisting of green, oolong and black teas were bought from
supermarkets in Christchurch, New Zealand in June 2001. Fifteen herbal teas were also purchased at the same
time. The soluble oxalate content of the infusate made from each of the teas was determined using high pressure
liquid chromatography. The mean soluble oxalate contents of black tea in tea bags and loose tea leaves were 4.68
and 5.11 mg/g tea, respectively, while green teas and oolong tea had lower oxalate contents, ranging from 0.23
to 1.15 mg/g tea. The soluble oxalate content of the herbal teas ranged from not detected to 3.00 mg/g tea. A
regular tea drinker consuming six cups of tea/day would have an intake of between 26.46 and 98.58 mg soluble
oxalate/day from loose black tea, 17.88 and 93.66 mg soluble oxalate/day from black tea in tea bags and a
maximum of 18.0 mg/day from herbal teas. The oxalate intake from the regular daily consumption of black teas
is modest when compared to the amounts of soluble oxalate that can be found in common foods. However,
oxalate in black teas has the potential to bind to a significant proportion of calcium in the milk, which is
commonly consumed with the black teas.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(4):298-301.doi:
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Body fat accumulation is greater in rats fed a beef tallow diet than in rats fed a safflower or soybean oil diet
Author:Tatsuhiro Matsuo PhD, Hiroyuki Takeuchi PhD, Hiroo
Keywords:body fat, high-fat diet, metabolisable energy, rat, uncoupling protein
Abstract:The effects of dietary fats, consisting of different fatty acids, on body fat accumulation and uncoupling protein
(UCP) in interscapular brown adipose tissue were studied in rats. Metabolisable energy in experimental diets
based on safflower oil, soybean oil or beef tallow was measured strictly (experiment 1). Male Wistar rats were
then meal-fed an isoenergetic diet for 8 weeks (experiment 2). Each group of rats showed the same weight gain
during the 8-week experimental period. Carcass fat content was greater in rats fed the beef tallow diet than in
those fed the with the safflower or soybean oil diets, whereas the weight of abdominal adipose tissue was the
same for all three dietary groups. Gene expression of UCP1and the UCP content of the interscapular brown
adipose tissue was lower in the beef tallow diet group than in the other dietary groups. A negative correlation
was observed between carcass fat content and n-6 unsaturated fatty acid content in dietary fats. These results
suggest that the greater body fat accumulation in rats fed the beef tallow diet results from lower expression of
UCP1mRNA and lower UCP content in brown adipose tissue. n-6 Polyunsaturated fatty acids may be the most
effective fatty acids in limiting body fat.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(4):302-308.doi:
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Comparative effects of a tocotrienol-rich fraction and tocopherol in aspirin-induced gastric lesions in rats
Author:MI Nafeeza MBBS, PhD, AM Fauzee BSc, J Kamsiah MD
Keywords:aspirin, gastric lesions, tocopherol, tocotrienol
Abstract:This study examined the effects of a tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) obtained from palm oil on the healing of
aspirin-induced gastric mucosal lesions. Thirty-six male Sprague–Dawley rats (200–250 g) were randomly
divided into three groups. Group I was fed a vitamin E-deficient diet (control), Group II was fed a vitamin
E-deficient diet supplemented with tocopherol (300 mg/kg food) and Group III was fed a vitamin E-deficient
diet supplemented with TRF (300 mg/kg food). After eight weeks, the control and treated groups received a
single intragastric dose of 400 mg/kg body weight aspirin. The rats were killed 24 h after exposure to aspirin.
Assessment of gastric lesions showed a lower gastric lesion index in the TRF (P= 0.0005) and tocopherol
groups (P= 0.0008) compared to the control. The gastric malondialdehyde (MDA) content was also lower in the
TRF (P= 0.025) and tocopherol groups (P= 0.025) compared to control. There were, however, no significant
differences in the gastric lesion index and gastric MDA content between the TRF and tocopherol-fed groups.
There were no significant differences in the adherent gastric mucous concentration and gastric acid concentration among all groups. We conclude that the TRF and tocopherol are equally effective in preventing aspirininduced gastric lesions. The most probable mechanism is through their ability to limit lipid peroxidation, which
is involved in aspirin-induced gastric lesions.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(4):309-313.doi:
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Effect of different curcumin dosages on human gall bladder
Author:Abdul Rasyid PhD, Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman PhD, K
Keywords:curcumin, dosages, gall bladder, Malaysia
Abstract:Our previous study demonstrated that curcumin, an active compound of Curcuma xanthorrhiza and
C. domestica, produces a positive cholekinetic effect. A 20 mg amount of curcumin is capable of contracting the
gall bladder by up to 29% within an observation time of 2 h. The aim of the current study was to define the
dosage of curcumin capable of producing a 50% contraction of the gall bladder, and to determine if there is a
linear relationship between doubling the curcumin dosage and the doubling of gall bladder contraction. A
randomised, single-blind, three-phase, crossover-designed examination was carried out on 12 healthy volunteers.
Ultrasonography was carried out serially to measure the gall bladder volume. The data obtained was analysed by
analysis of variance (ANOVA). The fasting volumes of gall bladders were similar (P> 0.50), with
17.28 ±5.47 mL for 20 mg curcumin, 18.34 ±3.75 mL for 40 mg and 18.24 ±3.72 mL for 80 mg. The
percentage decrease in gall bladder volume 2 h after administration of 20, 40 and 80 mg was 34.10 ±10.16,
51.15 ±8.08 and 72.25 ±8.22, respectively, which was significantly different (P< 0.01). On the basis of the
present findings, it appears that the dosage of curcumin capable of producing a 50% contraction of the gall
bladder was 40 mg. This study did not show any linear relationship between doubling curcumin dosage and the
doubling of gall bladder contraction.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(4):314-318.doi:
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Metformin improves liver antioxidant potential in rats fed a high-fructose diet
Author:Srinivasan Srividhya MScand Carani Venkatraman Anu
Keywords:antioxidants, high-fructose diet, insulin, lipid peroxidation, metformin
Abstract:Increased lipid peroxidation plays a role in the pathology associated with fructose feeding. The present study
reports the effects of metformin on the liver lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defence system of rats fed a highfructose diet. The experimental animals were divided into two batches of 12 animals each. The control batch
received a control diet containing 60% starch; the second batch was given a high-fructose diet containing 60%
fructose as the sole source of carbohydrate. At the end of second week these were each subdivided into two
groups. One was given metformin (50 mg/kg body weight/day in water) by intragastric intubation and the other
group was left untreated. The rats were continued on the same dietary regimen for the next two weeks. After the
experimental period of four weeks, liver lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status were quantified. Enhanced
thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance reactivity and lipid hydroperoxides were observed in high-fructose-fed
rats. However, the activities of enzymic antioxidants were lower in this group. Administration of metformin
attenuated the rise in lipid peroxidation and improved the antioxidant potential in high-fructose-fed rats.
Metformin did not have any effect on the antioxidant status of control rats. Attenuation of lipid peroxidation by
metformin could be related to its insulin sensitising action.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(4):319-322.doi:
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