Lead exposure, interactions and toxicity: food for thought
Author:Caroline Ros B Nut & Diet, APD 1 and Lillian M
Keywords:lead, toxicity, nutrition, interactions, Port Pirie, Australia
Abstract:The recognition that nutritional status plays a role in altering susceptibility to lead absorption and toxicity has
triggered the development of this review. There has been a significant increase worldwide in awareness and
concern about the effects of lead on human health and the environment over the last two decades. Both
occupational and environmental exposures to lead remain a serious problem in many developing and
industrialising countries, as well as in some developed countries. Port Pirie (South Australia) has the world’s
largest lead smelter and the surrounding population continues to be exposed to environmental lead. The
increased awareness of the detrimental impacts of 100 years of smelting at Port Pirie led in 1984 to the
development of the Lead Implementation Program, run by the Environmental Health Centre (EHC),
Department of Human Services (DHS). The major focus of the program is to reduce household lead exposure
for pregnant women and children below the age of five years. Despite intervention efforts by all stakeholders
in Port Pirie, 55% of children less than 4 years old have blood lead levels above the National Health and
Medical Research Council (NH&MRC) goal of 10µg/dl. The Port Pirie Lead Implementation Program
includes components on nutrition education aimed at reducing lead absorption and toxicity. However,
nutritional intake and nutritional status of Port Pirie residents, in particular children under five years, has not
been evaluated. This review focuses on nutrition as a component of intervention in lead toxicity and it
discusses the nutritional concerns in relation to lead exposure. Fortunately most food patterns that reduce
susceptibility to lead toxicity are consistent with recommendations for a healthy diet. The relationship between
nutritional status and lead uptake and toxicity is most clearly established for irregular food intake (i.e. periods
of fasting), marginal calcium ingestion and (subtle) iron deficiency.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12(4):388-395.doi:
>>Abstract
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Low-carbohydrate diets: what are the potential short- and long-term health implications?
Author:Shane A BilsboroughMSc (Nutrition)and Timothy C Cr
Keywords:low-carbohydrate diets, health risk, diets, weight loss, cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease
Abstract:Low-carbohydrate diets for weight loss are receiving a lot of attention of late. Reasons for this interest include a
plethora of low-carbohydrate diet books, the over-sensationalism of these diets in the media and by celebrities, and
the promotion of these diets in fitness centres and health clubs. The re-emergence of low-carbohydrate diets into
the spotlight has lead many people in the general public to question whether carbohydrates are inherently ‘bad’
and should be limited in the diet. Although low-carbohydrate diets were popular in the 1970s they have resurged
again yet little scientific fact into the true nature of how these diets work or, more importantly, any potential for
serious long-term health risks in adopting this dieting practice appear to have reached the mainstream literature.
Evidence abounds that low-carbohydrate diets present no significant advantage over more traditional energyrestricted, nutritionally balanced diets both in terms of weight loss and weight maintenance. Studies examining
the efficacy of using low-carbohydrate diets for long-term weight loss are few in number, however few positive
benefits exist to promote the adoption of carbohydrate restriction as a realistic, and more importantly, safe means
of dieting. While short-term carbohydrate restriction over a period of a week can result in a significant loss of
weight (albeit mostly from water and glycogen stores), of serious concern is what potential exists for the following
of this type of eating plan for longer periods of months to years. Complications such as heart arrhythmias, cardiac
contractile function impairment, sudden death, osteoporosis, kidney damage, increased cancer risk, impairment of
physical activity and lipid abnormalities can all be linked to long-term restriction of carbohydrates in the diet. The
need to further explore and communicate the untoward side-effects of low-carbohydrate diets should be an
important public health message from nutrition professionals.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12(4):396-404.doi:
>>Abstract
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In an era of economic growth, is inequity holding back reductions in child malnutrition in Vietnam?
Author:Nguyen Minh Thang PhD and Barry M Popkin PhD
Keywords:economic growth, child malnutrition, stunting, poverty, Vietnam
Abstract:In the past decade of economic growth, Vietnam has achieved an impressive rate of socioeconomic development.
However, the rate of improvement in child malnutrition lags far behind that of most other health indicators. This
study examines factors other than income that might affect this inability to reduce rapidly child malnutrition by
exploring the socioeconomic factors that explain the high rates of stunting and underweight status of many
Vietnamese children. A nationally representative survey of Vietnamese households, the 1997-98 Vietnam Living
Standards Survey (VLSS) is used. Multivariate logit is used for regression analysis. The key parameters are
household poverty status, total expenditure level, rural residence, and minority status with controls for many key
socio-demographic measures. Children from rural households, poor households, and ethnic minority backgrounds
are significantly more likely to be malnourished (with a 17.6%, 10.9%, and 14.1%, respectively, greater
prevalence of malnutrition) than are urban residents, non-poor households, and the majority Kinh population.
These results suggest that economic improvements in Vietnam have, for the most part, bypassed the rural poor and
minorities and that targeting economic resources towards these groups will be most critical for reducing
undernutrition in Vietnam.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12(4):405-410.doi:
>>Abstract
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Obesity, abdominal obesity, and clustering of cardiovascular risk factors in South Korea
Author:Hye Soon Park MD, PhD, Yeong Sook Yun MD, Jung Yul
Keywords:obesity, abdominal obesity, BMI, waist circumference, clustering, CVD risk factors, Korea
Abstract:The aim of this study was first, to investigate the prevalence of obesity, abdominal obesity, and clustering of
cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors, and secondly, to identify the BMI or waist circumference (WC) level at which
clustering increases in South Koreans. A population-based, cross-sectional National Health Examination Survey
was carried out in 1998. A total of 8,816 subjects (4,029 men and 4,787 women) aged 15-79y were selected by
stratified multistage probability sampling design. The measurements taken of the subjects included: height,
weight, waist and hip circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and lipids. The prevalence of BMI ≥25
kg/m
2
was 25.3% for men and 28.3% for women. The prevalence of WC >90 cm in men, and >80 cm in women
was 18.5%, and 38.5%, respectively. Clustering of 3 or more CVD risk factors was 22.7% in men ad 21.7% in
women. Using <21 kg/m
2
as a referent, subjects with BMI of 23 kg/m
2
and 27 kg/m
2
had an odds ratio of 3.5 and
10.2 in men, and 3.1 and 6.7 in women, respectively for clustering of CVD risk factors. Using <65 cm as a
referent, subjects with a WC of ≥90 cm in men and ≥85 cmin women had an odds ratio of 13.4, and 13.6,
respectively for clustering of CVD risk factors. Considering the significant associations between clustering of
CVD risk factors and BMI or WC, the present study suggests that high prevalence of overweight may have
important implications for the health care system, even at a lower level of BMI or WC.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12(4):411-418.doi:
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A new approach to design and implement a lifestyle intervention programme to prevent type 2 diabetes in New Zealand Maori
Author:Eleanor Murphy, Kirsten A McAuley MBCHB, PhD, Damo
Keywords:indigenous people, type 2 diabetes, diabetes prevention, lifestyle intervention, New Zealand Maori
Abstract:Lifestyle programmes provide the greatest opportunity to stem the developing epidemic of type 2 diabetes. This
is especially relevant to indigenous people worldwide, and to Maori in New Zealand. The shift from traditional
diets and activities to a westernised energy dense diet and a sedentary lifestyle has precipitated the rapid increase
in Maori developing type 2 diabetes in New Zealand. Attendance of Maori to mainstream health clinics or
programmes has been poor, and a unique approach developed specifically for Maori is required if Maori are
going to attend and benefit from lifestyle programmes. We describe the process involved in developing a
successful community programme for Maori and outline the novel aspects of the programme which contribute to
its acceptability and success in the local community.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12(4):419-422.doi:
>>Abstract
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Implementation of a successful lifestyle intervention programme for New Zealand Maori to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease
Author:Kirsten A McAuley MBCHB, PhD, Eleanor Murphy, Rebe
Keywords:diabetes prevention, lifestyle intervention, 2 diabetes, New Zealand Maori, prevention programmes
Abstract:Lifestyle programmes have been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in European populations. The
participation of Maori in many mainstream health programmes is poor. This study evaluates a lifestyle
intervention programme which is acceptable to Maori and which has objective outcome measures to determine
the effectiveness of the programme. Thirty six Maori men and women were recruited for a 4 month programme
involving modification of diet and exercise. Insulin sensitivity was measured using a euglycaemic insulin clamp,
body composition using dual-energy-absorptiometry and fitness using a submaximal exercise test. Secondary
outcome measures included anthropometry, blood pressure, fasting glucose and insulin levels, and lipid profiles.
There was a 24% improvement in insulin sensitivity (from 5.1 to 6.3 G/mIU/L, P=0.03, N=29). This was
associated with a reduction of 3.1 kg in weight (95%CI -4 to -2) and a reduction of 7mmHg in systolic blood
pressure (95%CI -13, -1). This approach successfully reduced risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease
in New Zealand Maori in the short term.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12(4):423-426.doi:
>>Abstract
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Dual forms of malnutrition in the same households in Malaysia – a case study among Malay rural households
Author:Geok Lin Khor PhD and Zalilah Mohd Sharif PhD
Keywords:underweight child/overweight mother, food intake, energy balance, malnutrition, Malaysia
Abstract:This report is a part of a multi-centre study in Asia on the problem of dual forms of malnutrition in the same
households. In Malaysia, the prevalence of underweight and stunting persist among young children from poor
rural areas. Overweight in adults, especially women from poor rural areas has been reported in recent years.
Thus, this study was undertaken in order to assess the presence of the dual burden of underweight childoverweight mother pairs in a poor rural community. Out of 140 Malay households identified to have at least one
child aged 1-6 years and mother aged above 20 years, 52.1% of the mothers were overweight, 15.7% of the
children were underweight, 27.1% stunted and 5% wasted. Socio-economic background and food intake
frequency data were collected from 54 underweight child/overweight mother pairs (UW/OW) and 41 normal
weight child/normal weight mother pairs (NW/NW). Compared with the overweight mothers, a higher percentage
of the normal weight mothers had received secondary education, were employed and with a higher household
monthly income, although these differences were not significant. Patterns of food intake of the mothers and
children appeared to have more similarities than differences between the UW/OW and NW/NW groups.
Quantitative dietary intakes for 2 days using 24-hr recall and physical activity energy expenditure over the same
period were assessed in a sub-group of UW/OW and NW/NW mothers and children. The NW/NW children
showed significantly higher intake of total calories, fat and riboflavin than the UW/OW counterparts. Mean
energy and nutrient intake of mothers from both groups were not significantly different, although the NW/NW
mothers showed higher intake adequacy for total calories and most nutrients. While most of the mothers from
both groups reported having no chronic illnesses, about half of the children in both groups had infections,
especially gastrointestinal infections, over a 2-week period. Energy expenditure from physical activity for both
UW/OW and NW/NW mothers and children did not differ significantly. This study confirmed inadequate intake
of total energy and nutrients as the major factor for underweight in Malay children from rural aras. However,
assessing intake and physical activity by interview methods were not sensitive enough to overcome perceived
problems of under-reporting of energy intake and over-estimation of energy expenditure, especially by overweight
subjects. Further investigations on a larger sample are necessary to understand the family dynamics leading to the
double burden of malnutrition within the same household.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12(4):427-438.doi:
>>Abstract
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A case study on dual forms of malnutrition among selected households in District 1, Tondo, Manila
Author:Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa PhD, Ruby D Lana MStat and
Keywords:dual malnutrition, underweight child/overweight mother, Philippines
Abstract:The co-existence of under-and overnutrition in developing countries might be the resultant factor of a marked shift
in dietary and lifestyle practices of people, especially in urban areas. The eating of high fat, high caloric diets, the
presence of inactive entertainment devices and mechanized labour influence patterns of food demand and physical
activity. This study identified factors associated with the occurrence of under/overweight or normal/normal
nutritional status of child-mother pairs in one household. This study was conducted in two phases. The first phase
was a survey of 376 child-mother pairs. The children aged 33-83 months were attending classes in government
day care centres. Anthropometric indices: weight-for-age Z score (WAZ) <-2SD was used to classify underweight
in children. WAZ+1 to -1SD was used to indicate normal nutritional status in children, specifically for this study,
in order to establish a more homogenous group. Body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m
2
was used to measure
overweight among mothers. Results showed that about 59% of the child-mother pairs were suffering from two
different types of malnutrition. From this, 31 (8.2%) child-mother pairs in the same household were experiencing
underweight/overweight: the child was underweight and the mother was overweight. The second phase of the
study was an in-depth study of these 31 under/overweight child-mother pairs and 30 randomly selected
normal/normal pairs. Pre-tested questionnaires were used to gather socio-economic-demographic data;
3 day 24-h food recall for dietary intake and 24-h activity recall for physical activity. Results showed that the
different factors associated with the existence of underweight child/overweight mother (UC/OM) or normal
child/normal mother (NC/NM) in this study were: mother’s educational level, mother’s occupation, and number of
children in the household; energy intake, the preference of meats, sweets and sugars among children or meats and
fried foods among mothers; and mother’s perception on body size. Physical activity of both mothers and children
was higher in the UC/OM than in the NC/NM group. The problem of undernutrition and overnutrition in one
household poses enormous challenges. Although this study cannot make an inference to the whole population, the
results indicate that there is a need to consider whether public health programs should focus on healthy diet and
lifestyle patterns that will lead to optimal health outcomes at both ends of the spectrum of nutritional status.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12(4):438-446.doi:
>>Abstract
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Retrospective study of preventive effect of maize on mortality from Parkinson’s disease in Japan
Author:Tetsuhito Fukushima MD, PhD, Keiko Tanaka PhD , Ka
Keywords:maize, corn, parkinson's disease, Japan
Abstract:The findings of a negative association between past maize (Zea mays) production and current Parkinson’s
disease mortality by each prefecture in Japan tends to support the hypothesis that the nutritional condition that
causes niacin deficiency might protect people from Parkinson’s disease. Specifically, the negative association
between both the area planted for dried corn in 1960, 1970 or 1977 and the area planted for sweet corn in 1960
and age-adjusted death rates for Parkinson’s disease is ecological evidence supporting the hypothesis.
Extending the analysis to other cultivated crops, even stronger negative associations of age-adjusted death rates
for Parkinson’s disease and cultivation of rice and soybeans were found, but associations were not significant
for a large variety of vegetables. The findings for soybean and rice are attributed to the correspondence (colinearity) of cultivation of these other two seed-crops with maize. Hence, further testing of the theory of niacin
deprivation and prevention of Parkinson’s disease finds some circumstantial support in the cultivation patterns
of a grain of poor niacin and tryptophan availability.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12(4):447-450.doi:
>>Abstract
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Haemoglobin status of adult women of two ethnic groups living in a peri-urban area of Kolkata city, India: a micro-level study
Author:Rohini Ghosh PhD and Premananda Bharati PhD
Keywords:Munda and Pod women, anaemia, body mass index, peri-urban, nutrient intake, India
Abstract:A micro level study on the haemoglobin status of 127 Munda (a tribe) and 174 Poundrakshatriya (Pod) (caste)
women were conducted in the peri-urban area of Kolkata City, India. The two ethnic groups were selected in
order to find out whether populations residing in the same habitat, with similar medical and health care facilities
have similar haemoglobin status. Results indicate that there exists very high percentage of anaemia in both the
ethnic groups and 100 percent anaemia was observed among the Munda. Mean haemoglobin level was higher
among the women of both the ethnic groups, consuming calorie, protein, iron and folic acid, above the
recommended value (Indian Council of Medical Research, 2000).
25
Women below the age of 30 years were
found to be more anaemic. Education (P <0.001), height (P <0.001) and weight (P<0.005) were significantly
associated with the haemoglobin status of the Pod women. Haemoglobin level of both ethnic groups was found
to increase with increase in Body Mass Index. Low socioeconomic condition, very low literacy rates, poverty
and higher live births may have lowered the haemoglobin level of the women of the Munda population.
However, women of both the ethnic groups were found to be anaemic in higher percentage than the state of West
Bengal and all India (NFHS, 2000).
26
Linear regression analysis indicated that expenditure on food had
positive effect on the haemoglobin level (P <0.05) of the Munda adult women, possibly due to better buying
capacity. However, negative effect of food expenditure on the haemoglobin level was noticed among the Pod
women (P <0.05), which may be due to disparity in food sharing within the households. Thus populations
residing with similar medical and health care facilities revealed differences in the haemoglobin level.
Differential expenditure pattern and food sharing practice seems to be the major factors responsible for the
differences in haemoglobin status among the adult women in this present study. Very low intake of iron and
heavy workload may be the reasons for this high percentage of anaemia. Moreover, hookworm infections need to
be analyzed, as its prevalence is very high in India and South Asia. One hundred percent anaemia among Munda
women is also very alarming. The results suggest that government policies should be intensified further at
problem specific areas for the more vulnerable populations and literacy and antenatal care (especially iron
supplementation) at various growing periods among the women should be intensified to eradicate anaemia.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12(4):451-459.doi:
>>Abstract
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Anaemia and vitamin A deficiency in poor urban pregnant women of Bangladesh
Author:Faruk Ahmed PhD, Ismat Mahmuda MSc, Abeda Sattar M
Keywords:vitamin A deficiency, anaemia, pregnant women, serum retinol, haemoglobin, urban poor, Bangladesh
Abstract:This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of anaemia and vitamin A deficiency (VAD) among pregnant
women in a poor urban population of Bangladesh. It also examined the association of various socio-economic and
dietary factors with anaemia and vitamin A status. A maternal and child health clinic in Dhaka city, Bangladesh
was used to obtain the sample. Three hundred and eighty three pregnant women, aged 20-30 years, of 20-30 weeks
gestation were randomly selected from women on their first presentation for antenatal care. Socio-economic,
pregnancy related information, usual dietary pattern and anthropometric data were collected. Blood haemoglobin
and serum retinol (vitamin A) concentrations were determined. About 40% of the pregnant women were anaemic
(haemoglobin <11.0 g/dl) and 45% had low serum vitamin A levels (<30 µg/dl); with 8.6% having sub-clinical
VAD (serum retinol <20 µg/dl). The women with low serum vitamin A levels had 1.8 times greater risk of being
anaemic than did the women with normal vitamin A status. Food frequency data revealed that a large proportion of
these women did not consume egg (49%), milk (25%), meat (31%), liver (83%), large fish (32%), small fish (39%)
and sweet pumpkin (52%) at all; while about 25% of the women reported consuming dark green leafy vegetables
(DGLV) and 64% reported an intake of fruit at least four servings a week. The pregnant women who were either
illiterate or received only informal education (up to grade ten) had significantly lower haemoglobin and serum
vitamin A levels compared to those who completed at least a secondary school certificate. The women whose
husbands were illiterate or received only informal education had significantly (P=0.01) lower serum vitamin A
levels than those whose husbands had received at least a secondary school certificate. The women who came from
families with a per-capita income below the poverty line had significantly lower haemoglobin and serum vitamin A
levels compared to those who came from families with a per-capita income above the poverty line. The women who
consumed three servings or less of DGLV and fruit per week had significantly lower haemoglobin and serum
vitamin A levels than those who consumed four or more servings a week. The women who never consumed large
fish had significantly lower haemoglobin compared to those who reported at least one serving a week. Furthermore,
the women who never consumed sweet pumpkin had significantly lower serum vitamin A than the women who ate
at least one serving a week. By multiple regression analysis, intake of meat, DGLV and fruit, and serum vitamin A
levels were found to have a significant independent relationship with haemoglobin. The overall F-ratio (9.9) was
highly significant (P=0.000), the adjusted R-square was 0.086 (multiple R =0.309). Multiple regression analysis for
serum vitamin A also revealed a significant independent relationship with per capita income, haemoglobin levels,
intakes of DGLV and sweet pumpkin. The overall F-ratio (10.2) was highly significant (P=0.000), the adjusted Rsquare was 0.10 (multiple R =0.312). In conclusion, anaemia and vitamin A deficiency were highly prevalent
among poor urban pregnant women in Bangladesh. Various socio-economic and dietary factors may influence the
anaemia and vitamin A status of these women. The present study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive
intervention strategy, which include both nutritional and environmental factors, to improve the nutritional status of
this population.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12(4):460-466.doi:
>>Abstract
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Dietary carotenoid intake as a predictor of bone mineral density
Author:Naiyana WattanapenpaiboonPhD, Widjaja Lukito PhD,
Keywords:bone mineral density, bone, diet, carotenoids, lycopene, β-carotene, fruit, vegetables, phytonutrients
Abstract:Our understanding of the influence of nutrition on bone health is limited because most studies concentrate
on the role of calcium and protein, while other nutrients receive less attention. Recent evidence shows a
positive link between fruit and vegetable consumption and bone health. In the present study, the
relationships of dietary intakes of preformed retinol and carotenoids, one group of phytonutrients abundant
in fruit and vegetables, were examined in an Anglo-Celtic Australian population of 68 men and 137 women.
Bone mass of total body and lumbar spine were positively related to lycopene intake in men, and to lycopene
and lutein/zeaxanthin intake in premenopausal women. In addition, a positive association of lumbar spine
bone mass with dietary β-carotene intake was observed in postmenopausal women. No relationship was
found between dietary retinol intake and bone mineral status. The finding of the present study suggests a
beneficial effect of fruit and vegetable consumption, as indicated by dietary carotenoid intake, on bone
health, possibly via an antioxidant mechanism.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12(4):467-473.doi:
>>Abstract
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Inhibitory effects of aqueous crude extract of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on chemical-induced genotoxicity in mice
Author:Kumpati Premkumar PhD, Suresh K Abraham PhD, Sathi
Keywords:saffron, inhibitory effects, micronucleus test, cisplatin, mitomycin-C, urethane
Abstract:Saffron (dried stigmas of Crocus sativusL.), was evaluated in the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test for its
possible protective effects against chromosomal damage induced by cisplatin (CIS), mitomycin-C (MMC) and
urethane (URE). Three doses of saffron (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight) were orally administered to mice
for five consecutive days prior to administration of genotoxins under investigation. From the results obtained, it
was evident that the administration of 50 and 100 mg saffron/kg body weight could significantly inhibit the in
vivogenotoxicity of these genotoxins. However, all the three doses of saffron were effective in exerting a
protective effect against urethane.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12(4):474-476.doi:
>>Abstract
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Whole cereal and legume seeds increase faecal short chain fatty acids compared to ground seeds
Author:Amynta L HoveyBSc(Hons) MHN, Gwyn P JonesBSc(Hons)
Keywords:bacteria, colon function, electron microscopy, faecal composition, fermentation, short chain fatty acids, wholegrain, whole seeds
Abstract:We set out to compare the effect of diets containing intact seeds as food ingredients on colon function
and fermentation-dependent events. Using a randomized cross over design, twelve healthy adults were
recruited and required to consume an experimental diet containing intact or ground seeds for 7-days then
after returning to their usual diet for 21-days to consume the second experimental diet for 7-days. All
foods consumed during the experimental dietary periods were supplied by the researchers. Stools passed
on three consecutive days on the usual diet prior to commencement and on days 5, 6 and 7 during each
experimental diet, were collected. Outcome measures were whole gut transit time, 24 h stool output,
faecal pH, particle size, and short chain fatty acid content. Seeds recovered from stools were examined
by scanning electron microscopy. Nine of the twelve subjects completed all aspects of the study.
Consumption of intact seeds compared to ground seeds increased 24 h faecal wet weight (mean 258g ±
123g and 170g ±63g, respectively; P=0.005) and dry weight (78g ±34g and 46g ±28g, respectively;
P=0.003). Whole gut transit times and moisture content of stools were not different. There was a trend for
stools from the whole seed diet to be more acidic than those from the ground seed diet (pH 6.2 ±0.3 and
pH 6.6 ±0.3, respectively; P= 0.06) and they contained more short chain fatty acids (35 ±5.2 and 30 ±
10.5 mmol/kg, respectively; P=0.05). Large amounts of apparently whole seeds were recovered from
stools, but internally the endosperm was often eroded and coated with bacteria. Intact seeds as food
ingredients bring about changes to the colonic environment and to faecal composition that may reduce
the risk of colon cancer.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12(4):477-482.doi:
>>Abstract
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Serum leptin and insulin levels during chronic diurnal fasting
Author:Salah Kassab MD, PhD, Tarik Abdul-Ghaffar PhD, Das
Keywords:leptin, insulin, Ramadan fasting, obesity, Bahrain
Abstract:Ramadan fasting is a unique model that is associated with restriction of the timing of food and fluid intake food
from dawn to sunset and reduction in meal frequency and sleep duration. Leptin levels are thought to play a role
in long-term regulation of caloric intake and fat deposition. However, the long-term changes in leptin levels
during this pattern of fasting are not known. The study was conducted on lean (N=26, BMI = 22.5 ± 0.4) and
obese (N=18, BMI=33.1±1.0) healthy female volunteers. Fasting serum levels of leptin, insulin and glucose were
estimated at baseline (day 1), days 14 and 28 of the month of Ramadan and 2 weeks after Ramadan. Baseline
serum levels of leptin were significantly higher in obese (13.5 ± 1.96μg/L, P<0.05) compared with lean subjects
(9.60 ± 0.80 μg/L) and correlated positively with body fat (r = 0.82, P= 0.0004). Serum leptin levels exhibited a
significant and comparable increase by 39% and 37% throughout the month in lean and obese subjects,
respectively. In addition, a significant correlation (r = 0.52, P= 0.003)) was found between changes in serum
leptin and serum insulin levels. We conclude that chronic diurnal fasting is associated with significant elevations
in serum leptin. These elevations appear to be mediated by changes in serum levels of insulin. These data
support the role of insulin in the long-term regulation of leptin secretion during chronic diurnal fasting followed
by nocturnal eating during the month of Ramadan.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12(4):483-487.doi:
>>Abstract
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Effect of S-allylcysteine on oxidant-antioxidant status during N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and saturated sodium chloride-induced gastric carcinogenesis in Wistar rats
Author:Balaiya Velmurugan MPhil, Vaidhyanathan Bhuvaneswa
Keywords:gastric carcinogenesis, N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, chemoprevention, garlic, S-allylcysteine, lipid peroxidation, antioxidants
Abstract:We investigated the chemopreventive effect of S-allylcysteine (SAC), a water-soluble garlic constituent against
gastric carcinogenesis induced in male Wistar rats by N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and
saturated sodium chloride (S-NaCl). The animals were divided into four groups of six animals. Rats in groups 1
and 2 were administered MNNG (200 mg/kg body weight) on days 0 and 14 as well as S-NaCl (1mL/rat) three
days during weeks 0 to 3, and thereafter placed on basal diet until the end of the experiment. Rats in group 2 in
addition received SAC (200 mg/kg body weight) three times per week starting on the day following the first
exposure to MNNG and continued until the end of the experimental period. Group 3 animals were given SAC
alone as in group 2. Group 4 animals received basal diet and tap water throughout the experiment and served as
the untreated control. The animals were sacrificed after an experimental period of 21 weeks. Measurement of
lipid peroxidation and antioxidants of the glutathione redox cycle in the stomach tissue, liver and venous blood
was used to monitor the chemopreventive potential of SAC. All animals that received MNNG and S-NaCl
alone, developed tumours, identified histologically as squamous cell carcinomas. In the tumour tissue,
diminished lipid peroxidation was accompanied by increase in reduced glutathione (GSH) and GSH-dependent
enzymes, whereas in the liver and circulation, enhanced lipid peroxidation was associated with antioxidant
depletion. Administration of SAC suppressed the incidence of MNNG+S-NaCl-induced gastric tumours as
revealed by the absence of carcinomas. SAC ameliorated MNNG-induced decreased susceptibility of the gastric
mucosa to lipid peroxidation, whilst simultaneously increasing the antioxidant status. In the liver and blood,
SAC reduced the extent of lipid peroxidation and significantly enhanced antioxidant activities. We suggest that
SAC exerts its chemopreventive effects by modulating lipid peroxidation and enhancing GSH-dependent
antioxidants in the target organ as well as in the liver and blood.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12(4):488-494.doi:
>>Abstract
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