The development of a global program for the elimination of brain damage due to iodine deficiency
Author:Basil S Hetzel AC MD FRACP FTSE
Keywords:brain, ICCIDD, IDD, iodine deficiencydisorders, monitoring, salt iodization, USI
Abstract:Iodine deficiency is the most common preventable causeof brain damage with more than 2 billion people from
130 countries at risk. The global problem of iodine deficiency has been redefined by a readily transmitted population concept, with an easy acronym – the concept of the iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) – referring to all the effects of iodine deficiency in a population, that can be totally prevented by correction of iodine deficiency with
special emphasis on brain damage and not just to goitre and cretinism (1983). This was followed by the creation
of the International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (ICCIDD) supported by WHO and UNICEF with 700 multidisciplinary professionals from more than 100 countries, committed to providing technical assistance to national programs for the elimination of IDD (1986). The WHO policy of Universal Salt Iodization
(USI) has been widely adopted which requires iodization of all food for human and animal consumption by the
use of iodized salt (25-40 mg I/kilo). Simple practical methods for monitoring – by the measurement of salt iodine and urine iodine were developed and promoted on a large scale with the technical assistance of the ICCIDD.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(2):164-170.doi:
>>Abstract
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Anemia in Cambodia: prevalence, etiology and research needs
Author:Christopher V Charles PhD, Alastair JS Summerlee P
Keywords:anemia, Cambodia, etiology, prevalence, hemoglobin
Abstract:Anemia is a severe global public health problem with serious consequences for both the human and socioeconomic health. This paper presents a situation analysis of the burden ofanemia in Cambodia, including a discussion of the country-specific etiologies and future research needs. All available literature on the prevalence and
etiology of anemia in Cambodia was collected using standard search protocols. Prevalence datawas readily identified for pre-school aged children and women of reproductiveage, but there is a dearth of information for schoolaged children, men and the elderly. Despite progress in nation-wide programming over the past decade, anemia
remains a significant public health problem in Cambodia, especially for women and children. Anemia is a multifaceted disease and both nutritional and non-nutritional etiologies were identified, with iron deficiency accounting for the majority of the burden of disease. The current study highlights the need for a national nutrition survey,
including collection of data on the iron status and prevalence of anemia in all population groups. It is impossible
to develop effective intervention programs without a clear picture of the burden and cause of disease in the country.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(2):171-181.doi:
>>Abstract
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A digital Calliper for training and study purposes
Author:Maria T Restivo PhD, Teresa F Amaral PhD, Maria F
Keywords:body fat percentage, digital skinfold calliper, training system, wireless data communication, automated process
Abstract:A quick and valid method for evaluatingpercentage body fat is based on the use of skinfold callipers. However,
limitations associated to their use and characteristics led the authors to improve a traditional calliper (Harpenden)
and to integrate it with a software application. Such a measuring system, LipoTool, is meant to have better accuracy and reliability, including data processing and digital recording at a very low cost. At first, a sample of 49
older adults was used to evaluate the performance of LipoTool by comparing its results to those obtained with the
traditional Harpenden calliper. A strong positive association in %BF was achieved. This digital sensing system
was later improved by incorporating wireless communication between the calliper and the software application,
adding other functionalities. The softwareapplication works in any computer and is flexible to incorporate new
coming models, linear regressions or new algorithms. This new system was validated against the standard DualEnergy X-Ray Absorptiometry system, using a sample of 40 adults with positive results. This solution is a valid
and reliable alternative to traditional reference callipers, simplifying the percentage of body fat evaluation and
providing a more effective use in daily practice with less expenditure of time and resources. Its implemented
guided procedure turns it into a precious training tool based on a non-invasive, portable device, and not requiring
special individual preparation. Ongoing activities are focused on the design of a new mechanical structure, with
novel functionalities and for exploring other studies.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(2):182-190.doi:
>>Abstract
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Validity and correspondence of non-invasively determined hemoglobin concentrations by two trans-cutaneous digital measuring devices
Author:Caitlin Crowley MPH, Gabriela Montenegro-Bethancou
Keywords:hemoglobin, anemia, non-invasive technology, diagnostic screening, Guatemala
Abstract:Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration is the central diagnostic indicator for anemia, including nutritional anemia. The
objective of this study was to compare the Hb values determined by two portable, non-invasive devices across a
wide Hb spectrum against formal laboratory measurements, and with each other. Eighty Guatemalan adults (40
highland men, 40 lowland pregnant women) provided venous blood for formal Hb colorimetric determination.
Hb was also registered sequentially on the Rad-87
TM
pulse CO-Oximeter with Rainbow Set technology (Masimo)
and Haemospect
®
(MBR Optical Systems) by non-invasive skin-probe contact procedures as per manufacturers’
instructions. Whole blood Hb concentrations ranged from 7.8 to 18.5 g/dL (mean, 12.9±2.3 g/dL and median,
13.3 g/dL). Corresponding descriptive statistics were: range, 9.6 to 16.2 g/dL; mean, 12.1±1.5 g/dL; and median,
11.9 g/L, respectively, with the Rad-87
TM
(nail bed). They were: range, 8.7 to 15.8 g/dL; mean, 12.7±1.8 g/dL;
and median, 13.0 g/dL for the Hemospect
®
for forearm contact. They were: range, 9.1 to 17.5 g/dL; mean,
13.2±2.1 g/dL; and median, 13.4 g/dL for palm contact. The Pearson correlation coefficient of venous blood Hb
with the former device’s Hb values was r=0.59 (p<0.001), and r=0.94 (p<0.001) and r=0.90 (p<0.001) with those
of the latter device at the palm and forearm, respectively. The inter-site Lin coefficient was r=0.84. Sensitivity
and specificity were variable across devices, depending on Hb cut-off and measurement procedures. With Hb cutoff values of <12.0 g/dL for adult, non-pregnant women and <13.0 g/dL for adult men, the Haemospect
®
device’s
performance here would provide adequate potential for screening purposes.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(2):191-200.doi:
>>Abstract
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Adding glycaemic index and glycaemic load functionality to DietPLUS, a Malaysian food composition database and diet intake calculator
Author:Sangeetha Shyam MSc, Tony Ng Kock Wai PhD, Fatimah
Keywords:glycaemic index, glycaemic load, diet, dietary carbohydrate, Malaysia
Abstract:This paper outlines the methodology to add glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic load (GL) functionality to food
DietPLUS, a Microsoft Excel-based Malaysian food composition database and diet intake calculator. Locally determined GI values and published international GI databases were used as the source of GI values. Previously
published methodology for GI value assignment was modifiedto add GI and GL calculators to the database. Two
popular local low GI foods were added to the DietPLUS database, bringing up the total number of foods in the
database to 838 foods. Overall, in relation to the 539 major carbohydrate foods in the Malaysian Food Composition Database, 243 (45%) food items had local Malaysian values or were directly matched to International GI database and another 180 (33%) of the foods were linked toclosely-related foods in the GI databases used. The
mean ±SD dietary GI and GL of the dietary intake of 63 women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus, calculated using DietPLUS version3 were, 62 ±6 and 142 ±45, respectively. These values were comparable to those
reported from other local studies. DietPLUS version3, a simple Microsoft Excel-based programme aids calculation of diet GI and GL for Malaysian diets based on food records.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(2):201-208.doi:
>>Abstract
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Chicken-based formula is better tolerated than extensively hydrolyzed casein formula for the management of cow milk protein allergy in infants
Author:Pipop Jirapinyo MD, Narumon Densupsoontorn MD, Cha
Keywords:chicken-based formula, cow milk allergy, extensively hydrolyzed protein formula, infant, Thailand
Abstract:The effective treatment of cow milk allergy in infants consists of elimination of cow milk protein and the introduction of formulas based on an extensively hydrolyzed protein formula or an amino acid-based formula. However, about 10% of these infants are still allergic to anextensively hydrolyzed protein formula and an amino acidbased formula is very expensive. We conducted a study to verify whether the new chicken-based formula will be
better tolerated than an extensively hydrolyzed protein formula for the treatment of cow milk allergy in infants.
One hundred infants, diagnosed with cow milk allergy by double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge tests,
were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over study to compare a response to an extensively hydrolyzed protein formula and the chicken-based formula. Subjects were randomly given one of the two formulas for
2 weeks. There was a 2-week washout period of taking anamino acid-based formula before being switched to the
other formula for another 2 weeks. If the subjects showed allergic symptoms during the 2 weeks of test formula,
they would be announced as intolerance or allergic to that formula. Sixty seven of 80 confirmed subjects agreed
to enroll their infants. Fifty-eight subjects completed the study. Twenty and 33 infants were tolerant whereas and
38 and 25 infants were intolerant to an extensively hydrolyzed protein formula and the chicken-based formula,
respectively. The chicken-based formula showed significantly better tolerance than an extensively hydrolyzed
protein formula in the management of cow milk allergy in infants.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(2):209-214.doi:
>>Abstract
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Weight-related behaviors among non-overweight adolescents: results from the Korean national survey from 2005 to 2007
Author:Kayoung Lee MD, PhD
Keywords:weight-related behavior, non-overweight adolescents, misperceptions about being overweight, diet, sex
Abstract:This study aimed to assess the prevalence ofoverweight misperception, unhealthy diet practices, and factors associated with these weight-related behaviors amongKorean adolescents. The subjects were a nationally representative sample of non-overweight students (52,515 in2005, 64,084 in 2006, and 67,113 in 2007) in middle and
high schools who completed the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey. The prevalence of weightrelated behaviors and factors associated with these behaviors were assessed using a complex sampling design. Of
non-overweight students, 14.9% of boys and 22.2% of girls reported their weight as overweight/obese. Dieting
within the last year was reported by 19.8% of boys and 41.8% of girls. Of those who attempted dieting, 17.1% of
boys and 24.6% of girls indicated practicing at least oneunhealthy diet behavior within the last month. Overweight misperceptions were independently associated with diet attemptsand unhealthy diets after adjustment for
weight status, and demographic, social, and psychological factors. Additionally, these weight-related behaviors
were also associated with psychosocial factors such as low school achievement, sadness, suicidal ideation, increased stress perception, and cigarette or alcohol use. In conclusion, the high prevalence of inappropriate
weight-related behaviors suggests a need for comprehensive approaches to improve weight-related behaviors in
non-overweight Korean adolescents.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(2):215-219.doi:
>>Abstract
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Diagnostic value of anthropometric indices for initial stage of atherosclerosis in adult women
Author:Motahar Heidari-Beni MSc, Masoud Hajimaghsood MD,
Keywords:anthropometric indices, atherosclerosis,carotid arteries, cut-off values, ROC analysis
Abstract:Excess body weight is a cardiovascular risk factor. The relationship between anthropometric indices and cardiovascular health is not completely understood. Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) is a subclinical marker of
atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the bestanthropometric obesity indicator for diagnosis of initial
stage of atherosclerosis by CIMT. This cross-sectional study included 100 adult women, aged 18-50 years. Anthropometric indices were measured with standard protocol and CIMT was measured by non-invasive ultrasound.
Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was carried out to determine the optimal cut-off values
of anthropometric indices, and the best indices for atherosclerosis diagnosis. On ROC curve analysis the suggested appropriate cut-offs of waist circumference (WC), waist to hip ratio (WHR), waist to height ratio (WHtR),
body mass index (BMI) and percentage body fat (%BF) were 96 cm, 0.86, 0.64, 31.29 kg/m
2
and 30.42%, respectively. The area under the ROC curve of BMI (AUC=0.74, 95%CI=0.62-0.86) and WHtR (AUC=0.74,
95%CI=0.63-0.85) were greater than other anthropometric indices. The AUC for WHR was the lowest among the
studied obesity indices AUC=0.68 (95% CI=0.54-0.81). Inour study, WHtR and BMI were the best diagnostic
parameters of initial stage of atherosclerosis while WHR was the worst based on AUC.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(2):220-226.doi:
>>Abstract
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Prevalence of metabolically healthy obesity and its impacts on incidences of hypertension, diabetes and the metabolic syndrome in Taiwan
Author:Lee-Ching Hwang MD PhD, Chyi-Huey Bai PhD, Chien-A
Keywords:metabolically healthy obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, the metabolic syndrome, incidence
Abstract:Obesity is an epidemic health problem related to morbidity and mortality of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known regarding the development of cardiometabolic diseases in an obese subgroup with
a healthy metabolic risk profile. This study examined the prevalence of baseline metabolically healthy obese subjects and its impacts on the incidences of cardiometabolic diseases using a nation-wide population cohort. Metabolically healthy obese were prevalent in 8.2% of the baseline population and 28.5% of the obese subjects. Subjects included were 1,547 men and women (age range, 18–59 years), who werefree of components of the metabolic syndrome except waist criteria. During an average 5.4-year follow-up, the cumulative incidences of hypertension, type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome were 7.8%, 1.2% and 5.6%, respectively. The hazard ratios
(95% CIs) for the metabolic syndrome incidence were significantly higher at BMI levels of ≥23.0 kg/m
2
[4.68
(2.22-9.86)] for BMI of 23-24.9 kg/m
2
; 8.82 (4.01-19.4) for BMI of 25-26.9 kg/m
2
; and 24.4 (12.3-48.4) for BMI
of ≥27 kg/m
2
). The hazard ratios for diabetes or hypertension incidence were significantly higher at BMI levels of
≥25.0 kg/m
2
. Each kg/m
2
of BMI gained was associated with an 18% increase in the risk of developing hypertension and a 26% increase in risk for the metabolic syndrome. We conclude that metabolically healthy obese individuals are at higher risk to develop hypertension, type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome than their nonobese counterparts. Our data provide further evidence that opposes the notion of metabolically healthy obese as
harmless conditions.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(2):227-233.doi:
>>Abstract
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Relationship between child feeding practices and malnutrition in 7 remote and poor counties, P R China
Author:Hong Zhou PhD, Xiao-Li Wang PhD, Fang Ye BSc , Xia
Keywords:malnutrition, stunting, feeding practice, breast milk, complementary food
Abstract:The World Health Organization reported that inappropriate feeding in children is responsible for one-third of the
cases of malnutrition. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and identify
the relationship between feeding practices and malnutrition in children below 5 years, in 7 remote and poor counties of China. A sample of 2201 children and 1978 caregivers were obtained with multistage cluster random sampling. A survey about feeding practices among the caregivers was implemented using a structured questionnaire,
and the health status of children was evaluated using anthropometric measurements. We found 5 problems: first,
high prevalence of stunting, underweightand wasting in children below 5 years old (19.3%, 13.1% and 5.5%);
second, short duration of breastfeeding for children below 36 months; third, low prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among children below 6 months ofage and continued breastfeeding to 1 year (17.5% and 32.2%). Fourth,
although most of the infants (81.1%) between 6 and 8 months of age were given complementary foods, some of
the 6- to 8-month-old infants did not receive any complementary foods. Last, a higher prevalence of stunting
among Chinese children who had never beenbreastfed, who had been breastfed for less than 1 year, or had been
fed with semi-solid foods of poor quality. Therefore, we suggest that more programs toincrease caregivers' feeding knowledge and practicesbe conducted, to improve the health of children in remote and poor areas in China.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(2):234-240.doi:
>>Abstract
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Greater length-for-age increases the odds of attaining motor milestones in Vietnamese children aged 5-18 months
Author:Shibani Kulkarni MPH, MSc, Usha Ramakrishnan PhD,
Keywords:development, growth, Viet Nam, preschool children, motor milestones
Abstract:Early childhood malnutrition has been associated with delayed development. Limited data exist however about
the timing of developmental delay early in life. We assessed motor milestone (MM) achievement using the World
Health Organization’s windows of achievement for gross motor milestones. Weperformed secondary analysis of
baseline data of 158 Vietnamese children aged 5-18 months from a randomized community intervention trial.
Median age of motor milestone achievement was comparedto WHO reported medians. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify socioeconomic, anthropometric and dietary factors associated with motor milestone
achievement during the windows of achievement. Thirty fourper cent of the children were stunted. Median age of
MM achievement of Vietnamese children lagged by 2.4-3.7 months, compared to the WHO median for all MMs.
Greater length-for-age increased the odds for walking withassistance, standing alone and walking alone by more
than 3 times. Greater weight-for-age increased the odds by 3.6 for hand-and-knees crawling. Likewise, frequency
of daily complementary feeding raised the odds by 3.6 for standing with assistance. In this first application of
WHO windows of achievement in VietNam, pre-schoolers achieved motor milestones later than WHO reported
median age. High prevalence of stunting and association of length-for-age with motor milestone achievement underscore the importance of addressing chronic malnutrition to optimize children’s growth and development.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(2):241-246.doi:
>>Abstract
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Intrauterine nutrition and carotid intimal media thickness in young Thai adults
Author:Kittipan Rerkasem MD, PhD, Antika Wongthanee MS, A
Keywords:intrauterine nutrition, carotid intimal medial thickness, maternal diet, vascular disease, atherosclerosis
Abstract:Several studies show that intrauterine nutrition restriction is associated with vascular disease. Animal studies
have shown that atherosclerosis can be affected by a constrained intrauterine diet, but this relationship in humans
is controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between maternal intake during
pregnancy and carotid intimal media thickness (CIMT). We measured CIMT in 565 twenty year old young adults
whose mothers, while pregnant, participated in a nutritional study during 1989-1990 at two hospitals in Chiang
Mai, Thailand. Maternal diet during pregnancy was assessed by two methods in each trimester, namely, the 24
hours food recall method and the food frequency method. Carotid intimal media thickness was greater in males
and participants who showed higher blood glucose, higher body mass index and higher systolic blood pressure.
Maternal protein intake during the first trimester was negative correlated with thickness of CIMT (p=0.02). The
mean CIMT of participants whose mothers were in the lowest quarter of the distribution of protein intake in the
first trimester was 0.45 mm (95% confidence interval (CI):0.44-0.46) more than that of those whose mothers
were in the highest quarter of the distribution (0.43 mm 95% CI: 0.42-0.44). In conclusion, lower maternal protein intake during early pregnancy may increase CIMT in adolescents.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(2):247-252.doi:
>>Abstract
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Trends in Chinese snacking behaviors and patterns and the social-demographic role between 1991and 2009
Author:Zhihong Wang MS, Fengying Zhai MD, Bing Zhang PhD,
Keywords:snacking behaviors, snacking patterns, Chinese, social-demographic factors, trend
Abstract:This study investigates the dynamic shifts in snacking behaviors and patterns in China. Using four waves (1991,
2004, 2006, and 2009) from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), with full socioeconomic and demographic data and 3-day, 24-hour dietary recall data, 45,402individuals age two and older were studied. Multiple
logistic regressions were performed to examine the association of social-demographic factors on snacking behaviors. Results show that snacking prevalence, frequency of daily snacking occasions, and percentage of total daily
energy intake (EI) from snacks increased significantly across all ages between 1991 and 2009, with a dramatic increase after 2004. Snacking was much more prevalent among children and higher-income, urban, and educated
populations over time. Evening was the preferred snacking occasion, and the proportion of total daily EI from
snacks varied between 4.1% and 12.3% for all snackers.Fruits, grains, and beverages were the most popular
snacks and the highest contributors to snacking EI over all age groups. A marked transition from a tradition of
two or three meals per day toward meals combined with snacks is underway. Further research is needed to develop a better understanding of the nutritional implications of Chinese snacking behaviors.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(2):253-262.doi:
>>Abstract
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Relationship between dietary patterns and serum uric acid concentrations among ethnic Chinese adults in Taiwan
Author:Yi-Tsen Tsai MS, Jen-Pei Liu PhD, Yu-Kang TuPhD, M
Keywords:uric acid, dietary pattern, exploratory factor analysis, food frequency questionnaire, validation study
Abstract:The evidence for a relationship between dietary patterns and uric acid concentrations is scanty. Here, we used a
validated food frequency questionnaire for an ethnic Chinese population in Taiwan to investigate the relationship
between dietary patterns and uric acid concentrations. A cross-sectional study on 266 adults, who were interviewed with a 38-item food frequency questionnaire, was conducted and serum uric acid levels were measured.
Three dietary patterns were derived from the questionnaire by exploratory factor analysis. Participants in the
higher vegetable and fruit pattern quartiles were more likely to have a lower uric acid concentration (6.5 for the
first, 5.7 for the second, 6.0 for the third, and 6.0 mg/dL for the fourth quartile, p= 0.030). For uric acid-prone
patterns, as the quartiles increased, the adjusted mean uric acid concentrations increased significantly (5.88, 5.93,
5.99 and 6.38 mg/dL for each quartile, respectively, p= 0.04). However, the significance level was attenuated after adjusting for additional confounding factors. In conclusion, three dietary patterns were identified for ethnic
Chinese in Taiwan, and the relationship between these dietary patterns and uric acid was not significant after adjustment.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(2):263-270.doi:
>>Abstract
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Cluster analysis reveals important determinants of cardiometabolic risk patterns in Filipino women
Author:Niha Zubair BS, Chris W Kuzawa PhD,Thomas W McDade
Keywords: cluster analysis, the metabolic syndrome,cardiovascular disease, waist circumference, Asia
Abstract:With modernization, the Philippines has experienced increasing rates ofobesity and related cardiometabolic diseases. Studying how risk factors cluster in individuals may offer insight intocardiometabolic disease etiology.
We used cluster analysis to group women who share the following cardiometabolic biomarkers: fasting triglycerides, HDL-C and LDL-C, C-reactive protein, systolic and diastolic bloodpressure, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and fasting glucose. Participants included 1,768 women (36-69 years) in the Cebu
Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey. We identified fivedistinct clusters characterized by: 1) low levels of
all risk factors (except HDL-C and LDL-C) or “healthy”; 2)low HDL-C in the absence of other risk factors; 3)
elevated blood pressure; 4) insulin resistance; and 5) high C-reactive protein. We identified predictors of cluster
membership using multinomial logistic regression. Clusters differed by age, menopausal status, socioeconomic
status, saturated fat intake, and combinations of overweight (BMI >23) and high waist circumference (>80 cm).
In comparison to the healthy cluster, overweight women without high waist circumference were more likely to be
in the high CRP cluster (OR=2.26, 95% CI=1.24-4.11), while women with high waist circumference and not
overweight were more likely to be in the elevated blood pressure (OR=2.56, 95% CI=1.20-5.46) or insulin resistant clusters (OR=4.05, 95% CI=1.39-11.8). In addition, a diet lower in saturated fat uniquely increased the likelihood of membership to the low HDL-Ccluster. Cluster analysis identified biologically meaningful groups, predicted by modifiable risk factors; this may have implications for the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(2):271-281.doi:
>>Abstract
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Pacific parents’ rationale for purchased school lunches and implications for obesity prevention
Author:Tasileta Teevale PhD, Robert Scragg PhD, Gavin Fae
Keywords:Polynesian, adolescent, obesity, diet, New Zealand
Abstract:Pacific children and adolescents are burdened with higher prevalences of obesity compared to other groups in
New Zealand. Previous research shows Pacific young people purchase their lunch food items significantly more
than other groups. The aim of this study is to describeschool lunch food consumption patterns and the influences
on these among low-income Pacific adolescents and their parents. Using mixed-methodology design; a selfcompletion questionnaire was administered to 4216 students who participatedin the New Zealand arm of the
Obesity Prevention In Communities (OPIC) project. ThirtyPacific households (33 adolescents and 35 parents)
were interviewed in the qualitative phase of the study. Results found a greater proportion of Pacific students purchased school food items compared to other ethnic groups. Purchasing school food was related to having higher
amounts of daily food money (≥NZD 6-15) and this was associated withincreased quantities of soft drink consumption and after-school food purchasing of high-fat, high-sugar snack foods. There were no differences in
school food purchasing behaviour by Pacific weight status (n=2485), with both Healthy weight (67.6%) and
Obese students (66.9%) sourcing lunch from school canteens or shops outside of school rather than from home.
Time-constrained parents confirmed convenience, poverty compensation and valuing students’ independence as
three reasons for choosing to make money available for students to purchase lunch food items. The social effects
of poverty affect the health-promoting behaviours of Pacific communities in New Zealand. Social policies that
decrease social inequities should be the intervention priority.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(2):282-190.doi:
>>Abstract
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Serum folate, total homocysteine levels and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677C>T polymorphism in young healthy female Japanese
Author:Takashi Taguchi PhD, Hideki Mori BA, Atsumi Hamada
Keywords:MTHFR, polymorphism, folate, homocysteine, young female
Abstract:Environmental and genetic factors influence serum total homocysteine (tHcy), a risk factor for vascular diseases.
The gene polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is reported to be a genetic factor for
influencing tHcy. However, it is not clear whether MTHFRpolymorphism influences tHcy in the younger generation. To investigate the influence of MTHFRpolymorphism on vascular disease risks in young Japanese females, we determined dietary intakes, serum folate and tHcy, and examined the influence of MTHFR677C>T
polymorphism in healthy junior and high school students (n=192, 12-18y). The relationships between MTHFR
polymorphism and folate intake, serum folate or tHcy were investigated by dividing participants into CC, CT
and TT types. Among individuals withthe TT genotype, folate and tHcy levels were significantly lower (p<0.05)
or higher (p<0.0001), respectively, than in those with the other genotypes; although there were no significant differences in the intake of folate among genotypes. In addition, a significant inverse correlation between folate and
tHcy (p<0.05) was noted in all genotypes, even in young females, so far not examined in Asian populations.
Therefore, MTHFRgenotypes were proven to be a significant determinant for folate and tHcy concentrations.
However, the association of increased folate intake with lower tHcy concentration, even in cases of the mutation
TT type, indicates the importance of folate intake in young Japanese females for early detection of risk, as well
as the prevention of vascular diseases.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(2):291-295.doi:
>>Abstract
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Association of the adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) +45 T > G polymorphism with the metabolic syndrome among Han Chinese in Sichuan province of China
Author:Xiaotong Li MS, Daying Wei MD, Huijing He MS, Jian
Keywords:the metabolic syndrome, ADIPOQ,polymorphism, case-control study, China
Abstract:The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of abnormalities characterized by obesity, impaired glucose metabolism, hypertension or elevated blood pressure, and dyslipidemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the association
of the adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) +45 T > G polymorphism with the metabolic syndrome among Han Chinese
in Sichuan province of China. A case-control design was used including 116 patients with the metabolic syndrome and 108 unrelated controls, matched on age and gender. The ADIPOQ+45G allele (TG+GG) had a significant association with risk of the metabolic syndrome (odds ratio=1.88, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-3.44,
p=0.039) adjusted for education, physical activity, familyhistory of related diseases, smoking and drinking, compared with subjects with TT genotype. The association between the ADIPOQ+45 T>G polymorphism and the
metabolic syndrome was independent of multiple confounders.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(2):296-301.doi:
>>Abstract
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Association and interaction between dietary pattern and VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR2) gene polymorphisms on blood lipids in Chinese Malaysian and Japanese adults
Author:Roseline Wai Kuan Yap MS, Yoshihiro Shidoji PhD, W
Keywords:dietary pattern, VEGFR2gene polymorphisms, blood lipids, Chinese Malaysian, Japanese
Abstract:Background/Aims: Dietary pattern and genetic predisposition of each population have different impacts on lifestyle-related chronic diseases. This study was conducted toevaluate the association and interaction between dietary patterns and VEGFR2or KDRgene polymorphisms on physical and biochemical risk factors of cardiovascular disease in two Asian populations (179 Chinese Malaysian and 136 Japaneseadults). Methods: Dietary patterns
were constructed from food frequency questionnaire using factor analysis. Genotyping of rs1870377 and
rs2071559 was performed by real-time PCR using TaqMan probes. Physical measurements: body mass index,
systolic and diastolic blood pressures and biochemical parameters: glycated hemoglobin A1c and blood lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio) were measured. Results: Two dietary patterns were extracted for: Japanese (‘Japanese diet’ and ‘Western diet’) and Chinese
Malaysians (‘Balanced diet’ and ‘Meat, rice and noodles diet’). In Japanese, ‘Western Diet’ and rs2071559 were
associated with LDL-C and HDL-C, respectively. In Chinese Malaysians, ‘Meat, rice and noodles diet’ was associated with triglycerides, HDL-C and total cholesterol/HDL ratio while rs1870377 and rs2071559 were associated
with total cholesterol and/or LDL-C. The interaction between ‘Western Diet’ and rs2071559 in Japanese and
‘Meat, rice and noodles diet’ and rs1870377 in Malaysians had significant effects on blood lipids after adjusting
for confounders. Conclusions: The association and interaction of dietary patterns and VEGFR2gene polymorphisms on blood lipids differ between Chinese Malaysian and Japanese subjects by either decreasing or increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(2):302-311.doi:
>>Abstract
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