Body mass composition: a predictor of admission outcomes among hospitalized Nigerian under 5 children
Author:Felix Olukayode Akinbami FWACP, Tal-Hatu Kolapo Ha
Keywords:anthropometry, body mass, malnutrition, death, children
Abstract:BACKGROUND: Malnutrition remains a public health problem and a significant contributor to morbidity and
mortality among children less than 5 years, in spite of global efforts at improving nutrition. OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of nutritional status, by measured anthropometric indices and derived body composition, on
disease outcomes in under-5 children hospitalised in an emergency unit. METHODS: All (n=164) consecutive
children aged 12–59 months admitted into the Children Emergency Ward of the University College Hospital,
Ibadan over a 3 month period (May to July, 2007) had weight, length/height, mid upper arm circumference
(MUAC) and skin fold thicknesses recorded. The BMI, Rohrer index, z-scores for weight-for-height and weightfor-age were calculated. Malnutrition was defined as z scores < –2. Other derived parameters included Arm-FatArea (AFA), Arm-Muscle-Area (AMA), Upper-Arm-Muscle-Estimate (UME), and Total-Upper-Arm-Area
(TUA). Relative risk was calculated and logistic regression was used to determine which variables independently
predict death. RESULTS: There were 153 survivors and 11 deaths giving an overall death rate of 6.7%. The
mean age of survivors (26.7 ± 12.5 months) compared with those who died (23.1 ± 12.1 months) were similar
(p>0.05). The risk of death was significantly higher among the malnourished compared with the well nourished.
The TUA, AMA and UME of those who died were significantly lower than survivors’ (p<0.05). MUAC remained an independent predictor of death among other measured and derived anthropometric indices. CONCLUSIONS: MUAC remains a useful anthropometric measurement for nutritional assessment and an independent predictor of survival among hospitalised under-5 children in Nigeria.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(3):295-300.doi:
>>Abstract
>> Download PDF
Neonatal hypernatremia and dehydration in infants receiving inadequate breastfeeding
Author:Hassan Boskabadi MD, Gholamali Maamouri MD, Mansou
Keywords:hypernatremia, dehydration, neonates, risk factor, breastfeeding
Abstract:Introduction: Neonatal hypernatermic dehydration (NHD) is a potentially very serious condition, which has been
reported to occur in infants who have breast feeding problems in the first weekof the life. This study looked at
the incidence, risk factors, clinical symptoms and complications of NHD in healthy breastfed term neonates.
Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted on 53 neonates withserum sodium concentrations of
≥150 mmol/L (as the case group) who were recruited between June 2006 and June 2007 from the Ghaem hospital (Mashhad, Iran) to investigate the relationship between NHD and breastfeeding. Fifty-three healthy breastfed
full-term neonates (serum sodium <150 mmol/L) from the same hospital were also recruited as the control group.
Result: The results showed an average weight loss of 1.6%in the healthy neonates vs. 16.2% in infants with
NHD (p<0.001). The frequency of feeds received per day was 10.2 for the healthy neonates vs. 7.6 in the NHD
group (p<0.001). The NHD group had mothers who had a higher frequency of breast problems (23 vs. 7,
p<0.001). Mean serum sodium concentration was significantly lower in the control group compared with the
cases (137.80 vs.160.06 mmol/L, p<0.001). The main presenting features ofthe infants with NHD were fever,
lethargy and jaundice. Conclusion: Breastfeeding problems are associated with the presence of NHD. Therefore,
more breast examination during prenatal and postnatal periods and careful neonatal weight watch during the first
week of life could decrease the incidence of NHD.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(3):301-307.doi:
>>Abstract
>> Download PDF
Effect of extrusion cooking and amylase addition to gruels to increase energy density and nutrient intakes by Vietnamese infants
Author:Nguyen Van Hoan PhD, Claire Mouquet-Rivier PhD, Sa
Keywords: instant flour, ready-to-cook flour, α-amylase, energy density, energy intake
Abstract:Extrusion cooking and amylase addition are two processing methods used for the preparation of high energy
dense (ED) gruels of suitable consistency. A quantitative study of energy and nutrient intakes of 67 infants aged
6 to 10 months in rural areas in Vietnam was carried out to compare the effects of these processes used alone or
in combination. Twice a day, for a period of four days each, infants successively ate four gruels prepared from
different flours based on a blend of rice, sesame and soybean: an instant flour obtained by extrusion cooking
(gruel A), a ready-to-cook flour obtained by extrusion cooking plus α-amylase addition (gruel B), a flour produced by milling crude rice, sesame and roasted soybean plus α-amylase addition (gruel C) and without amylase
(control gruel D). Gruels A, B and C had a high ED ofrespectively 94, 122 and 124 kcal/100 g while the control
gruel D had a low ED (59 kcal/100 g). The intakes of the four gruels were inversely linked to their ED. However,
despite the fact that gruels B and C had similar ED, larger intakes were obtained with gruel B, which was attributed to better acceptability. The average energy intakes ofhigh ED gruels A, B and C, respectively 112, 134 and
117 kcal/meal, were significantly higher than that of gruel D (81 kcal/meal). Of the three processing methods,
the one combining extrusion cooking and amylase addition gave the best results in terms of gruel acceptability
and energy intake.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(3):308-315.doi:
>>Abstract
>> Download PDF
Infant and toddlers’ feeding practices and obesity amongst low-income families in Mexico
Author:Arturo Jimenez-Cruz PhD, Montserrat Bacardi-Gascon
Keywords: infant obesity, feeding practices, breastfeeding, weaning, migration
Abstract:The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors of childhood obesity among infants and toddlers from
low-income families from three cities in México. This isa cross-sectional study of mothers and their infants and
toddlers attending a vaccination centre at three primary care clinics in Tijuana, Tuxtla, and Reynosa. Anthropometric measurements of the mothers and children wereconducted at the clinic and a questionnaire was administered to the mother. Eight-hundred and ten mothers and their 5 to 24 months old infants participated in the
study. Average age for the mothers was 24 (21-28) years, and 57% of them were either overweight or obese. The
children’s average age was 12.7 (5-24) months. Overall overweight prevalence in this sample was 11% and obesity 8%, these increased with age, from 3% for overweight and 6 % for obesity before 6 months, to 13 and 10%
between 12 to 24 months respectively. Thirty-five percent of infants were breastfed ≥6 month and 92% were introduced to other solid foods before 6 months. Introduction of high-fat content snacks (HFS) and carbonated and
non-carbonated sweetened (CSD) drinks starts before 6 months and more than sixty percent of the children between 12 to 24 months of age were eating HFS and CSD sweetened drinks at least once a week. Consumption of
snacks and CSD sweetened drinks (≥1 week) was associated with being overweight and obese (crude), OR, 1.82;
95% CI=1.24-2.65 (p=0.002). These results suggest that preventive programs should be initiated during pregnancy and continued.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(3):316-323.doi:
>>Abstract
>> Download PDF
A study of calcium intake and sources of calcium in adolescent boys and girls from two socioeconomic strata, in Pune, India
Author:Neha J Sanwalka MSc, Anuradha V Khadilkar MD, M Zu
Keywords:calcium, adolescent, sources, FFQ, Indian
Abstract:Adequate intake of calcium is important for skeletalgrowth. Low calcium intake during childhood and adolescence may lead to decreased bone mass accrual thereby increasing the risk of osteoporotic fractures. Our aim
was to study dietary calcium intake and sources of calcium in adolescents from lower and upper economic strata
in Pune, India. We hypothesized that children from lower economic strata would have lower intakes of calcium,
which would predominantly be derived from non-dairy sources. Two hundred male and female adolescents, from
lower and upper economic stratum werestudied. Semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to
evaluate intakes of calcium, phosphorus, oxalic acid, phytin, energy and protein. The median calcium intake was
significantly different in all four groups, with maximum intake in the upper economic strata boys (893 mg, 689-1295) and lowest intake in lower economic strata girls (506 mg, 380-674). The median calcium intake in lower
economic strata boys was 767 mg (585-1043) and that inupper economic strata girls was 764 mg (541-959). The
main source of calcium was dairy products in upper economic strata adolescents whileit was dark green leafy
vegetables in lower economic strata adolescents. The median calcium intakewas much lower in lower economic
strata than in the upper economic strata both in boys and girls. Girls from both groupshad less access to dairy
products as compared to boys. Measures need to be taken to rectify low calcium intake in lower economic strata
adolescents and to address gender inequality in distribution of dairy products in India.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(3):324-329.doi:
>>Abstract
>> Download PDF
Towards the discovery of novel phytochemicals for disease prevention from native Australian plants: an ethnobotanical approach
Author:Aaron C Tan BSc(Med)Hons, Izabela Konczak PhD, Dan
Keywords:chronic disease, drug discovery, functional foods, oceanic ancestry group, traditional medicine
Abstract:Investigation into phytochemicals from foods for disease prevention has increased substantially in the last few
decades. However, a clear strategy on the selection of the most promising foods for research has been lacking.
An ethnobotanical approach represents an effective method which may improve the outcomes of phytochemical
research. Research on the health properties of native Australian plants is limited. The vast number of edible
plants used as foods and medicines by the Australian Aboriginal population creates opportunities for the discovery of novel physiologically active compounds. Within this review, we propose an ethnobotanical approach to
accelerate research towards the utilisation of native Australian plants for foods with health-enhancing properties.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(3):330-334.doi:
>>Abstract
>> Download PDF
Vitamin B12and folic acid supplementation and plasma total homocysteine concentrations in pregnant Indian women with low B12and high folate status
Author:Prachi Katre MSc, Dattatray Bhat MSc, Himangi Lubr
Keywords:vitamin B12 , folate, homocysteine, pregnancy, Indian
Abstract:Maternal vitamin B12deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia predict poor pregnancy outcome, foetal adiposity
and insulin resistance. In India amongst practicing clinicians and policy makers there is little appreciation of
widespread vitamin B12deficiency. We investigated 163 (86 rural,77 urban) pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in a rural health centre and a referral hospital in the city of Pune, at 17, 28, and 34 weeks gestation for
vitamin supplements, and circulating concentrations of vitamin B12
, folate, and total homocysteine. At enrolment
80% rural and 65% urban women had low vitamin B12
but only two rural women had low folate concentrations.
During pregnancy 85% rural and 95% of urban women received folic acid; 12% rural and 84% urban women
also received vitamin B12. In women receiving no supplementation (n=17) plasma vitamin B
12and folate did not
change from 17 to 34 weeks gestation, but homocysteine increased (p<0.05). Homocysteine concentrations at 34
weeks gestation in women receiving only folic acid (n=71,mean 8.4 (95% CI 7.8, 9.1) µmol/L) were comparable to the unsupplemented group (9.7 (7.3, 12.7), p=0.15), but women who received a total dose of > 1000 µg of
vitamin B12
up to 34 weeks (n=42, all with folic acid) had lower concentrations (6.7 (6.0, 7.4), p<0.001). Increasing dose of vitamin B12
(r
s
=-0.31, p=0.006) but not folic acid (rs
=-0.19, p=0.11) was associated with lower
plasma total homocysteine concentration. In vitamin B12
insufficient, folate replete pregnant women, vitamin B12
supplementation is associated with a reduction of plasma total homocysteine concentration in late pregnancy.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(3):335-343.doi:
>>Abstract
>> Download PDF
Amino acid composition of lactating mothers’ milk and confinement diet in rural North China
Author:Ming Ding MS, Wei Li MS, Yumei Zhang PhD, Xiaoli W
Keywords:amino acids, human milk, confinement diet, Chinese mothers, rural north China
Abstract:This study was designed to investigate the amino acids composition of lactating mothers’ milk and their confinement diet in a town in Northern China, as well as toassess the relation of amino acids content in human milk
and diet. Forty lactating mothers age 19 to 35 years participatedin the study. They were 4 to 180 days postpartum. A 24-hour dietary recall was done and amino acids content of maternal milk was analyzed. The main findings are as follows: (1) The protein content of human milk is 1.58 g/dL and the ratio of EAA to NEAA is about
1:2. The most abundant amino acids in human milk are GLU (16.0%), PRO (10.2%), LEU (8.67%) and the lowest two are MET (1.76%) and TRP (0.91%). (2) The diet contains enough energy and protein, but lacks vitamins
A, B and C, indicating that it is a characteristic confinement diet. Grain and eggs are the main source of protein,
and soy and fish were consumed less frequently. (3) Amino acids composition in diet and milk are similar; and
the correlation of the amino acids patterns between diet and milk is 0.989, demonstrating that the amino acid
composition of diet is the foundation of that in human milk. However, almost no relation is found between the
amino acids concentration in maternal diet and milk, suggesting that the amino acids content of the diet does not
have a direct relation with that of human milk.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(3):344-349.doi:
>>Abstract
>> Download PDF
Validity and reliability of skinfold measurement in assessing body fatness of Chinese children
Author:Daniel Chi-shing Yeung MPhil and Stanley Sai-chuen
Keywords:childhood obesity, body composition, pediatric measurement, overweight, growth and development
Abstract:Background: Validity and reliability of skinfold equationsin estimating body fat in Chinese Children has not
been documented. Objective: Using Air Displacement Plethysmography (ADP) as a criterion, the validity and reliability of skinfold (SKF) measurement in predicting percent body fat (%fat) of Chinese children in Hong Kong
were evaluated. Design: 230 Chinese children in Hong Kong were recruited to participate in measurements of
ADP, body height and weight, waist and arm circumferences, and skinfold (SKF) from different body sites. A
sub-sample of 41 participants was asked to take an additional measurement of DualEnergy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). %fat was measured from ADP, DXA, and estimated from SlaughterSKF equations. Results: internal
consistency of SKF and ADP measurements were very high (r≥0.988). Significant difference was found between
%fatSlaughterand %fatADP(p<0.05). The Slaughter equations slightly underestimate %fat (boys: 1.52%; girls:
1.84%). The slope of the regression line for boys and both the slope and intercept of regression line for prepubescent girls were significantly different from the line of identity. Subsequent stepwise regression found the best
model for boys includes predictors of height, and ∑3SKF (triceps, calf, and suprailiac) (R
2
=0.88, SE=3.70), and
that for girls includes height, ∑2SKF (triceps and calf), and waist circumference (R
2
=0.71, SE=3.38). The most
convenient model for both genders required only triceps and age (boys: R
2
=0.81, SE=4.67; girls: R
2
=0.63,
SE=3.77). Conclusions: Skinfold measurements provide valid and reliable %fat estimation in Chinese children.
However, the application of Slaughter equations in Chinese children is questionable. Alternative skinfold models
are proposed.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(3):350-357.doi:
>>Abstract
>> Download PDF
Behavioral control is an important predictor of soy intake in adults in the USA concerned about diabetes
Author:Suyun Li BS, Shirley Camp RD, Jananne Finck RD, Ma
Keywords:soy, theory of planned behavior, taste, health, diabetes
Abstract:The primary objective of this study was to determine the variables associated with intention to consume soy
products and identify key variables that could be used as targets in soy nutrition education and consumption
promotion. A pre/post-test survey was used during a three session class focused on diabetes that discussed and
introduced soy foods. The Theory of Planned Behavior framed the questions and variables examined. Subjective
norms and behavioral control were most important in predicting intention to consume soy foods. Specifically,
health experts and providers were important subjective norms; accessibility and ability to prepare were key behavioural control determinants. While most participants tried soy during the program, taste and texture perceptions did not impact intention to buy soy in adults concerned about diabetes.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(3):358-364.doi:
>>Abstract
>> Download PDF
Changes in body mass index among Tongan adults in urban and rural areas between the 1970s and 2000s
Author:Nobuko Murayama PhD, Taeko Yamamoto PhD, Midori Is
Keywords:: Tonga, body mass index, urban, rural, trend
Abstract:The purpose of this study was to determine trends inbody physique among Tongan adults, between the late
1970s and the 2000s. Two areas were studied: Kolofo’ou town (as an urban area) and ‘Uiha village (as a rural
area). Measurements of body weight and height were taken 4 times for all residents in both areas in 1977/79,
1983, 1990, and 2001. The number of the subjects in 1977/1979, 1983, 1990, 2001 were 130, 138, 102, 71 in the
urban area and 92, 89, 90, 66 in the rural area respectively. The mean body mass index (BMI, kg/m
2
) values of
males in the rural area increased significantly, from 28.0 kg/m
2
in 1977 to 31.0 kg/m
2
in 2001 (p= 0.001); in females, mean BMI values were 30.6 kg/m
2
in 1977 and 33.3 kg/m
2
in 2001, this change was not statistically significant. However, the BMI values did not significantly change in males or females in the urban area. The proportion of rural males with a BMI ≥30 kg/m
2
had increased from 24.5% in 1977 to 55.5% in 2001 (p= 0.012).
Although the mean BMI values for males and females were higher in the urban area than in the rural area until
1990, the differences between the two areas were not observed in 2001, due to an increase of BMI in the rural
area. Changes of the mean BMI valuesin the rural and urban areas studied, between the late 1970s and 2000s,
were 10% and 4%, respectively.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(3):365-371.doi:
>>Abstract
>> Download PDF
Breakfast skipping as a risk correlate of overweight and obesity in school-going ethnic Fijian adolescent girls
Author:Jonas J Thompson-McCormick BM, Jennifer J Thomas P
Keywords:overweight, obesity, Fiji, breakfast skipping, adolescents
Abstract:The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased globally, and population data suggest that it is also increasing among ethnic Fijian youth. Among numerous behavioural changes contributing to overweight in youth
residing in nations undergoing rapid economic and social change, meal skipping has not been examined as a potential risk factor. The study objectives were to assess the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and breakfast skipping and examine their cross-sectional association in a community sample of school-going ethnic Fijian adolescent girls (n=523). We measured height and weight, and assessed dietary patterns, eating pathology, dimensions
of acculturation, and other socio-demographic and cultural data by self-report.We observed a high prevalence of
both overweight (41%, including 15% who were obese) and breakfast skipping (68%). In addition, in multivariable analyses unadjusted for eating pathology, we found that more frequent breakfast skipping was associated
with greater odds of overweight (odds ratio (OR)=1.15, confidence interval (CI)=1.06, 1.26, p<0.01) and obesity
(OR=1.18, CI=1.05, 1.33, p<0.01). Regression models adjusting for eating pathology attenuated this relation so
that it was non-significant, but demonstrated that greater eating pathology was associated with greater odds of
both overweight and obesity. Future research is necessary to clarify the relation among breakfast skipping, eating
pathology, and overweight in ethnic Fijian girls, and to identify whether breakfast skipping may be a modifiable
risk factor for overweight in this population.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(3):372-382.doi:
>>Abstract
>> Download PDF
The association of carbohydrate intake, glycemic load, glycemic index, and selected rice foods with breast cancer risk: a case-control study in South Korea
Author:Sung Ha Yun MS, Kirang Kim PhD, Seok Jin NamPhD, G
Keywords: carbohydrate, glycemic load, glycemic index, rice, breast cancer
Abstract:Despite carbohydrate hypothesis related to breast cancer development, the inter-relationships of carbohydrate
measures with risk of breast cancer are unclear. We evaluated the association between the risk of breast cancer
and total carbohydrate intake, glycemicload, and glycemic index, and types of rice in a hospital-based casecontrol study. Cases were 362 women aged 30-65 years old who were histologically confirmed to have breast
cancer. Controls visiting the same hospital were matched to cases according to their age (±2 years) and menopausal status. Food intake was estimated by a quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with 121 items.
Conditional and unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to obtain the odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. There were no associations between risk of breast cancer and carbohydrate
intake and glycemic load. A positive association withwhite rice (OR=1.19 per 100 g/d increment, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.01-1.40), no association with mixed white rice (OR=0.95 per 100 g/d increment, 95%
CI=0.80-1.13), and an inverse association with mixed brown rice (OR=0.76 per 100 g/d increment of mixed
brown rice, 95% CI=0.61-0.95) was found. Additional analysis showed a positive association for white rice and
an inverse association for mixed brown rice with breast cancer risk among overweight, postmenopausal women.
These results do not support an association between breast cancer and diets high in carbohydrate, glycemic index,
or glycemic load. However, a higher consumption of mixed brown rice may beassociated with a decreased risk
of breast cancer, especially in overweight, postmenopausal women.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(3):383-392.doi:
>>Abstract
>> Download PDF
Comparison of plasma and intake levels of antioxidant nutrients in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and healthy people in Taiwan: a case-control study
Author:Yi-Chin Lin PhD, Tzu-Chin Wu PhD, Pei-Ying Chen MS
Keywords:COPD, antioxidants, Taiwan, fruit, vegetable
Abstract:The imbalance of oxidant/antioxidant plays an importantrole in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is increasing evidence that individuals with high antioxidative nutrient levels in the
diet or in blood tend to maintain better lung function. This study was conducted to determine whether COPD patients in Taiwan have lower plasma concentrations of antioxidative nutrientsthan do healthy people, and whether
the dietary habits of COPD patients in Taiwan affect their intake of vitamin C and carotenoids. Thirty-four
COPD patients and 43 healthypersons (with normal lung function) aged 50 years or older were recruited. Fasting venous blood was collected to measure concentrationsof vitamins A, C, and E and carotenoids. Endogenous
and H2O2-induced additional DNA damage (markers of oxidative stress) in white blood cells were assayed. Dietary intakes of vitamin C and carotenoids were assessed bya food-frequency questionnaire. Compare to the
healthy controls, COPD patients had significantly lower plasma concentrations of vitamins A, C, and E; α- and
β-carotene; and total carotenoids butsignificantly higher endogenous and H2O2-induced white blood cell DNA
damage. Intakes of vitamin C and several carotenoids were lower in the COPD group, and COPD patients consumed significantly fewer vegetables and fruits than did the healthy controls. In conclusion, COPD patients in
Taiwan have lower levels of antioxidative nutrients in their plasma and diet than do healthy people. Intakes of
vitamin C and carotenoids are correlated with dietary habits.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(3):393-401.doi:
>>Abstract
>> Download PDF
A recycling index for food and health security: urban Taipei
Author:Susana Tzy-Ying Huang HBSc
Keywords:food system recycling index (FRI), foodsecurity, econutrition, food waste, recyclability
Abstract:The modern food system has evolved into one with highly inefficient activities, producing waste at each step of
the food pathway from growing to consumption and disposal. The present challenge is to improve recyclability
in the food system as a fundamental need for food and health security. This paper develops a methodological approach for a Food Recycling Index (FRI) as a tool to assess recyclability in the food system, to identify opportunities to reduce waste production and environmental contamination, and to provide a self-assessment tool for
participants in the food system. The urban Taipei framework was used to evaluate resource and nutrient flow
within the food consumption and waste management processes of the food system. A stepwise approach for a
FRI is described: (1) identification of the major inputs and outputs in the food chain; (2) classification of inputs
and outputs into modules (energy, water, nutrients, and contaminants); (3) assignment of semi-quantitative
scores for each module and food system process using a matrix; (4) assessment for recycling status and recyclability potential; (5) conversion of scores into sub-indices; (6) derivation of an aggregate FRI. A FRI of 1.24
was obtained on the basis of data for kitchen waste management in Taipei, a score which encompasses absolute
and relative values for a comprehensive interpretation. It is apparent that a FRI could evolve into a broader ecosystem concept with health relevance.Community end-users and policy planners can adopt this approach to improve food and health security.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(3):402-411.doi:
>>Abstract
>> Download PDF
Secular trends in growth and nutritional status of Vietnamese adults in rural Red river delta after 30 years (1976-2006)
Author:Nguyen Cong Khan PhD, Ha Huy Tue MSc, Le Bach Mai
Keywords: BMI, growth, dietary intakes, adults, Vietnam
Abstract:In order to assess secular trends in growth of the Vietnamese population following a period of rapid economic
growth, a follow-up study on physical growth and nutritional status of adults was carried out in a rural section of
the Red River delta, Vietnam 30 years after the originalstudy. The initial study in 1976 found that average
height and weight of Vietnamese adults was similar to data collected by French experts Huard and Bigot in 1938.
Hence, no noticeable secular trends were observed in almost 40 years. However, the 2006 follow-up study revealed a positive secular trend in growth of adults, aged16-60 years. The average increased rate in height of
males was up to 1.1 cm/decade in the age group 26-40 years and up to 2.7 cm/decade in the age group 16-25
years. Nutritional status, as indicated by body mass index, increased in both sexes and in all age groups between
1976 and 2006.were observed. In 2006, average dietary intakeof fat and animal protein was higher than that
found in 1976. The percentage of energy from fat in the diet increased from 6% in 1976 to 16% in 2006. This
study shows that Vietnam is entering the nutrition transition period.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(3):412-416.doi:
>>Abstract
>> Download PDF
Contribution of selected wild and cultivated leafy vegetables from South India to lutein and β-carotene intake
Author:Julie Bélanger PhD, Mungara Balakrishna MSc, Putta
Keywords:lutein, β-carotene, India, wild vegetables, cataract
Abstract:Carotenoids, especially lutein and β-carotene, offer benefits to human health in general and to eye health in
particular. However, more data on the contribution of plant foods to carotenoid intake is of importance for
developing strategies for promoting eye health in regions where cataract is highly prevalent such as in South
India. The most frequently consumed5 uncultivated and 5 commerciallygrown South Andhra Pradesh leafy
vegetables were selected based on interviews with 100 local women. The lutein and β-carotene contents of fresh
and cooked samples were determinedusing reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Lutein
values ranged from 53 to 143 μg/g and 58 to 175 μg/g in fresh and cooked samples, respectively. β-carotene
contents were found to range from 45 to 119 μg/g in fresh samples and from 40 to 159 μg/g in cooked samples.
No significant difference was observed between the carotenoid contents of wild and commercially grown species.
According to their reported frequency of consumption, the 10 species considered in this study contribute 40% of
the daily recommended intake of β-carotene. This is the first report of lutein content in fresh samples of Celosia
argenteaL., Rumex vesicariusL., Digera muricata (L.) Mart., and Amaranthus cruentusL. as well as in cooked
samples of all species included in this study.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(3):417-424.doi:
>>Abstract
>> Download PDF
Relationships between body size and percent body fat among Melanesians in Vanuatu
Author:Kelsey Needham Dancause PhD , Miguel Vilar PhD, Ch
Keywords:obesity, body weights and measures, body mass index (BMI), adiposity, chronic disease
Abstract:Obesity is a global epidemic, and measures to define itmust be appropriate for diverse populations for accurate
assessment of worldwide risk. Obesity refers to excess body fatness, but is more commonly defined by body
mass index (BMI). Body composition varies among populations: Asians have higher percent body fat (%BF),
and Pacific Islanders lower %BF at a given BMI comparedto Europeans. Many researchers thus propose higher
BMI cut-off points for obesity among Pacific Islanders and lower cut-offsfor Asians. Because of the great genetic diversity in the Asia-Pacific region, more studies analyzing associations between BMI and %BF among diverse populations remain necessary. We measured height; weight; tricep, subscapular, and suprailiac skinfolds;
waist and hip circumference; and %BF by bioelectrical impedance among 546 adult Melanesians from Vanuatu
in the South Pacific. We analyzed relationships among anthropometric measurements and compared them to
measurements from other populations in the Asia-Pacific region. BMI was a relatively good predictor of %BF
among our sample. Based on regression analyses, the BMI value associated with obesity defined by %BF (>25%
for men, >35% for women) at age 40 was 27.9 for men and 27.8 for women. This indicates a need for a more
nuanced definition of obesity than provided by the common BMI cut-off value of 30. Rather than using population-specific cut-offs for Pacific Islanders, we suggest the World Health Organization’s public health action cutoff points (23, 27.5, 32.5, 37.5), which enhance the precision of assessments of population-wide obesity burdens
while still allowing for international comparison.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(3):425-431.doi:
>>Abstract
>> Download PDF
Intake of dairy products and bone ultrasound measurement in late adolescents: a nationwide crosssectional study in Japan
Author:Kazuhiro Uenishi PhD, Kazutoshi Nakamura MD
Keywords:adolescent, bone density, calcium, dairy products, quantitative ultrasound measurement
Abstract:Introduction: There is littleevidence regarding the effects of dairy product intake on bone mineralization among
late adolescents, especially in Asians. The aim of thisstudy was to determine the association between dairy
product intake and bone strength as measured by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in a large Japanese population.
Methods: Subjects were 38,719 high schoolstudents (14,996 males and 23,723 females) across 33 prefectures in
Japan. Bone stiffness of the calcaneus was measured by QUS densitometry (AOS-100, Aloka). Subjects were
given a self-administered questionnaire, which included questions on gender, age, height, weight, consumption
of dairy products, and levels of physical activity. Intakeof milk and yogurt were classified as none, 1-99, 100-199, 200-399, and ≥400 ml/day. Results: The proportion of subjects who consumed milk 400 ml/day or more
was 21% in males and 7.3% in females, while 24% of males and 41.1% of females did not consume milk. After
adjusting for physical activity, weight, gender, age, and area of residence, milk intake (R
2
=2.8%, p<0.001) and
yogurt intake (R
2
=0.1%, p<0.001) were independently associated with the QUS measurement. Similar associations were found in males and females when a gender-stratified analysis was conducted. Conclusion: We found a
positive dose-effect relationship between milk intake and bone strength in late adolescents, to whom we recommend milk intake of 400 ml/day or more to obtain greater bone mass.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(3):432-439.doi:
>>Abstract
>> Download PDF
Nutritional screening in community-dwelling older adults: a systematic literature review
Author:Megan B Phillips BNutrDiet(Hons), Amanda L Foley P
Keywords:malnutrition, under-nutrition, screening tools, validity, reliability
Abstract:Nutrition screening is a process used to quickly identify those who may be at risk of malnutrition so that a full
nutrition assessment and appropriate nutrition intervention can be provided. While many nutrition screening
tools have been developed, few have been evaluated for use in older adults in the community setting. The aim of
this paper is to determine the most appropriate nutrition screening tool/s, in terms of validity and reliability, for
identifying malnutrition risk in older adults living inthe community. Electronic databases MEDLINE, PUBMED,
CINAHL and the Cochrane Library were searched for nutrition screening tools to identify malnutrition or undernutrition for adults greater than 65 years living in the community. Ten screening tools were found for use in
community-dwelling older adults and subjected to validity and/or reliability testing: Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), Nutrition Screening Initiative
(NSI), which includes the DETERMINE Checklist and Level I and II Screen, Australian Nutritional Screening
Initiative (ANSI), Seniors in the Community: Risk Evaluation for Eating and Nutrition (SCREEN I and
SCREEN II), Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire (SNAQ
©)
, Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ), and two unnamed tools. MNA-SF appears to be the most appropriate nutrition screening tool for
use in community-dwelling older adults although MUST and SCREEN II also have evidence to support their use.
Further research into the acceptability of screening tools focusing on the outcomes of nutrition screening and appropriate nutrition intervention are required.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(3):440-449.doi:
>>Abstract
>> Download PDF
Book Review and Future Events
Author:
Keywords:
Abstract:
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(3):450.doi:
>>Abstract
>> Download PDF
