Journal of Nutrition and Food Security

The Effect of Fermented Food Containing Aspergillus Oryzae (Amazake or Raw-SHIOKOJI) Consumption on Abdominal Symptoms Associated with Premenstrual Syndrome in Japanese Women

Noriaki Wakana — 2024-11-02

Background: Psychological and physical symptoms such as irritability, headache, abdominal pain, difficulty with bowel movements, and drowsiness that occur because of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle refer to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The study examined whether the intake of fermented food containing Aspergillus oryza (Amazake and Raw-SHIOKOJI), a traditional Japanese food, improved the abdominal symptoms associated with PMS. Method: Eleven healthy Japanese collegiate women in their 20s participated in this interventional study. The study period was set to 28 days per phase, and the participants were examined over three separate phases: before, during, and after the intake of Amazake or Raw-SHIOKOJI. The participants were instructed to maintain a daily record of their food intake, bowel movements and menstruation throughout the study period. Results: The intake of fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrate among 11 participants were similar, with no significant difference between the two groups. Menstrual abdominal discomfort in women in their 20s was noted during the luteal and menstrual phases. Eight participants (72.7%) experienced abdominal discomfort during the luteal phase and all participants experienced abdominal discomfort during the menstrual phase. Consuming fermented food containing Aspergillus oryzae may reduce PMS abdominal symptoms by 72.7%. Conclusion: This study showed that consumption of food containing Aspergillus oryzae reduced abdominal discomfort associated with the luteal phase and may improve menstruating women's health and quality of life.

The Effect of Aerial Part of Melissa Officinalis L. Hydro-Alcoholic Extract on Pituitary- Gonadal Axis Function in Diabetic Male Mice

Majid Arab — 2024-11-02

Background: Melissa officinalis L. ( lemon balm) is one of the more widely cultivated medicinal and aromatic plants that has long been used in traditional medicine to treat many disorders. The present study investigates Melissa officinalis L. hydro-alcoholic extract regarding pituitary-gonadal axis in diabetic mice. Methods: 45 NMRI mice with a mean weight of 35.6±4.5 g were divided into five groups: control group (0.2 ml of physiological serum intraperitoneally injection), diabetic mice (without treatment), and three experiment groups (diabetic groups receiving 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of Melissa officinalis extract intraperitoneally injection). Melissa officinalis extract was injected intraperitoneally for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken to determine the biochemical indicators level (glucose, LH, FSH, and testosterone), and the left testicle was weighed and examined histologically. Results: The results showed that the lowest amount of glucose and the highest level of LH were observed in the treatment group at a dose of 100 mg/kg of Melissa officinalis extract. The highest level of FSH was observed at a dose of 200 mg/kg. Histological study of the testis showed a more favorable condition in the experimental group of 200 mg/kg of lemon balm extract (P<0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the use of Melissa officinalis extract is efficient in reducing glucose, improving the levels of LH, FSH, and testosterone in diabetic mice, affecting testicular weight, and improving testicular tissue indices and reproductive function of rats.

A Study on Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Fortified Processed Products: Formulation and Quality Evaluation

Aradhita Barmanray — 2024-11-02

Background: The aims of study to investigate physico-chemical properties do a proximate analysis of black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa L.) of AN-1 variety and development of value-added products by incorporating black cumin paste and powder in various proportions. Methods: The sensory evaluation of incorporating black cumin to have value-added products was performed using hedonic scale method. Physico-chemical properties of black cumin seeds were determined in the initial stage of study. Then, the proximate analysis was performed. In the second phase, Total Soluble Solids (TSS), pH, acidity, and antioxidant activity of the developed products were determined. The antioxidant activity of prepared products was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The antioxidant activity of coriander chutney was increased from 55.75 to 57.07 by increasing the fortification of black cumin paste, and in bottle gourd, Ready To Serve (RTS) was increased from 40.73 to 42.08 as by increasing the fortification of black cumin powder. Results: It was observed that level 1% incorporation of black cumin paste and RTS was found best by judges after sensory evaluation of chutney when compared to level 2 and 3% black cumin fortified paste. However, in biscuits, black cumin powder supplemented level up to 2% was found acceptable on the basis of spread factor and hardness as compared to 3 and 4% fortification powder. It was concluded that 1% black cumin paste supplemented in coriander chutney, 1% black cumin powder supplemented in bottle gourd RTS and 2% black cumin powder supplemented in biscuits, were the best selected value- added products. Conclusion: This study revealed that black cumin seeds are a potentially rich source of phytochemicals, and regular consumption of black cumin incorporated products with added value may reduce the risk of numerous diseases.

The Adherence Mediterranean Diet and the Quality of Sperm Parameters in Men with Infertility: A Cross-Sectional Study

Sara Beigrezaei — 2024-11-02

Background: It is well known that dietary factors can affect male fertility. The aim of this study was investigating the effect of Mediterranean diet on sperm quality. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 218 men with infertility aged 20-50. A 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to evaluate dietary intakes. Mediterranean diet scores were calculated based on the participant’s dietary intake. The evaluation of anthropometric and biochemical variables was performed through standard methods. To evaluate the relationship between Mediterranean dietary patterns and sperm parameters, the multivariate logistic regression controlled for potential confounders was used. Results: The prevalence of sperm’s low concentration in people with low, moderate, and high adherence to the Mediterranean diet was 43.4%, 34% and 25.9%, respectively. Participants in the highest tertile of adherence to the Mediterranean diet had lower odds of sperm low concentration (odds ratio: 0.37; 95% confidence interval: 0.15–0.91 P=0.02) compared with those in the lowest tertile after adjusting for potential confounders including energy intake, body mass index (BMI), smoking, age, level of education and physical activity. This association was observed between increasing trend adherence to the Mediterranean diet and decreasing the odds of sperm low concentration after full adjustments (odds ratio: 0.60; 95%, confidence interval: 0.98–0.94, P_trend=0.02). Conclusion: In the present study, the authors observed a protective relation between Mediterranean diet and sperm’s low concentration. However, the association between adherence to this diet and other sperm parameters is unexplored. In future, more investigations are needed in this era.

Validation of Nutrition Literacy Questionnaire for High School Students

Elnaz Ashrafi — 2024-11-02

Background: Nutrition literacy is the individuals' motivation and ability to obtain, process, and understand nutrition information and the skills needed in order to make appropriate nutrition decisions. The present study was conducted to determine the validity and reliability of the Chongqing Middle School Nutrition Literacy Scale (CM-NLS). Methods: The CM-NLS questionnaire was translated into Farsi and then back-translated, and its face validity and quantitative and qualitative content validity were investigated in a descriptive-cross-sectional study. This review was conducted using the opinions of expert faculty members. Besides, the Persian version was tested in a sample of 400 students of the first grade of high school in Bandar Anzali city. For this purpose, two schools were randomly selected and sampled using census method. Cronbach's alpha test method was used to examine reliability, and confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate construct validity (RMSEA=0.062). Results: In checking face validity, changes were made in the questionnaire, and some items were removed in content validity evaluation by calculating content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI). In reliability analysis, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated as 0.74 for functional literacy, 0.82 for interactive literacy, and 0.84 for critical literacy. The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit to measure the construct validity. Conclusions: Based on the results obtained, the CM-NLS questionnaire with 33 items, is a valid and reliable tool and can be used to measure the nutrition literacy of high school students.

Empirically Derived Dietary Patterns in Association with Asthma Symptoms in Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Samaneh Pishdad — 2024-11-02

Background: Limited data exists regarding the association between dietary patterns and asthma. This study aims to determine the relationship between empirically derived dietary patterns and the likelihood of asthma among a large population of children and adolescents living in central Iran. Methods: A total of 7667 of male and female students aged 6-14 from 48 public and private schools in YAZD urban areas entered the current cross-sectional study. Data on dietary intakes, as well as asthma symptoms and other possible confounders, were collected using a self-administered questionnaire filled by parents. Factor analysis was applied to find major dietary patterns. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for asthma development across quintiles of dietary patterns. Results: Two main dietary patterns were established. A “traditional diet” was determined by meat, fish, fruits, cooked vegetable, raw vegetable, legumes, cereals, bread, macaroni, rice, margarine, butter, olive oil, milk, yogurt, egg, nuts, potato, and a “western-like diet” was characterized by high intakes of simple sugars, fast food(hamburger), fast food (pizza), soft drinks, jelly, chocolate and biscuits of cocoa, ice cream, and sauce. After adjusting for potential confounders, individuals in the top quintile of traditional diet were 0.31 times less likely to have asthma than those in the lowest quintile (OR=0.69; 95% CI: 0.47-1.00). Moreover, individuals in the top quintile of traditional diet were 0.43 times less likely to have wheezing compared with those in the lowest quintile (OR=0.57, 95% CI: 0.46-0.70). However, individuals in the top quintile of the western diet were 0.35 times more likely to have wheezing than those in the lowest quintile (OR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.10-1.66). Conclusions: According to the results, a traditional diet might be associated with lower odds of asthma; however, a western-like diet might be adversely associated with asthma symptoms.

Bacillus Cereus Control Using Lactoferrin and/or Propolis Incorporated Carboxymethyl Cellulose Edible Coating in Chilled Beef Fillets

Rasha Elsabagh — 2024-11-02

Background: Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) is a major food poisoning bacterium that resists high cooking temperatures. The aim of this study was to prepare Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) edible coats incorporated with lactoferrin, propolis and mixtures of them and evaluate their effects on B. cereu) experimentally inoculated in beef fillets stored in the refrigerator till spoilage. Methods: Prepare Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) edible coats incorporated with lactoferrin, propolis and mixtures of them and evaluate their effects on bacillus cereus that experimentally inoculated in beef fillets stored refrigerated till spoilage. Results: The results revealed a significant and gradual increase in B. cereus count from ~8 log CFU/g. In first day the count reached a population of 9.69±0.12 and 9.27±0.02 log CFU/gm. at 9^th day of storage in un-coated group (BF/BC) and blank coated group (CMC/BF/BC), respectively. While coated groups showed a significant decrease in B. cereus count from ~8 log CFU/gm. in first day of inoculation to 5.80±0.1, 5.41±0.06, 5.11±0.02 in CMC/BF/BC/LF, CMC/BF/BC/PR and CMC/BF/BC/LF/PR groups, respectively. The groups with coated beef showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in B. cereus count from approximately 8 log CFU/g. On the first day of inoculation to 5.80, 5.41, and 5.11 in the Lactoferrin fortified CMC edible coating beef fillet, propolis fortified CMC edible coating beef fillet, and Lactoferrin/propolis fortified CMC edible coating beef fillet groups, respectively, on the 21^st day of refrigerated storage. A synergistic antimicrobial effect between Lactoferrin and propolis was shown against B. cereus. Conclusion: It was revealed that CMC fortified with LF/PR plus its anti-B. cereus effect increased the shelf life and enhanced sensory profile of beef fillets during the 21 days of storage.

Improvement of Gluten-Free Sponge Cake with A Combination of Chia Seed Flour and Millet Flour

Armaghan Saberi — 2024-11-02

Background: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the patient is permanently intolerant to proteins containing gluten, and the only treatment is to use a gluten-free diet. The present study is designed to investigate physicochemical, antioxidant activity, textural, and sensory properties attributes of developed gluten-free sponge cake containing chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) flour (CHF) along with millet (Panicum miliaceum) and corn flour. Methods: The cake was produced using CHF (4, 8, 12, 16%; w/w) with the replacement of millet flour (MF), and 50% corn flour (CF) was used equally in all the samples. Results: Applied CHF significantly increased moisture, ash, protein, and fat content of gluten-free cakes (P<0.05). Replacement of CHF with MF reduced specific volume (using colza grains) and porosity (using image processing method) by 64% and 76%, respectively. Texture analysis showed an increase in hardness in all the three-storage times with the addition of CHF. Color measurement indicated that CHF significantly reduced the amount of a*, and L* values of the crusts. Radical scavenging activity by DPPH was improved in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). The lowest amount of CHF in cake formula had the highest score in sensory evaluation with verbal hedonic scale. Conclusion: Based on the results, the samples containing 4% CHF, 46% MF, and 50% CF had the most desirable texture and palatability with reasonable radical scavenging activity among developed gluten-free sponge cakes.

The Efficacy and Safety of Green-Lipped Mussel Extract Plus Ginkgo Biloba on Anti-Inflammatory Status in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Shukur Wasman Smail — 2024-11-03

Background: Clinical research on the efficacy of nutraceutical compounds recommended for the relief of osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms has been largely disputed. In addition, no link has been established between its safety and efficacy in Kurdish population. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of New Zealand green-lipped mussel extract + Ginkgo biloba (GLME+) in patients with OA, and analyze the effect of GLME+ on inflammation. Methods: In an open-label, single-group allocation study, 40 patients diagnosed with knee OA were administrated 1000 mg/day of New Zealand green-lipped mussel extract and 100 mg/day of Ginkgo biloba for eight weeks. The outcome measure was scored using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities arthritis index (WOMAC). The serum concentration of inflammatory chemokine (CCL3) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured. An intention-to-treat analysis was employed and subject data at T₀ and T₈ weeks. Results: Results showed a significant improvement in WOMAC score in post-treated OA patients with GLME+ (P<0.001). In addition, CCL3 serum levels were significantly decreased after an 8-week intervention (P<0.001). Moreover, no statistical significance was observed within groups in MPO serum levels (P> 0.05). Conclusions: GLME+ improved knee joint pain, stiffness, and mobility in OA patients. Two of GLME+'s chondroprotective properties were the reduction of oxidative damage and the inhibition of inflammation, both of which have been linked to the etiology of OA cartilage destruction. The findings indicated that GLME+ may be useful in the treatment of OA patients.

Food Security Achievement through Women Empowerment: A Study of Informal Sector in Lahore

Haifa Asif — 2024-11-03

Background: Women empowerment (WE) in food security is one of the global issues faced by women in all the countries of the world. Achievement of zero-hunger goal of Sustainable Development Goals in 2030 (SDG) still seems to be unachievable because of this food insecurity. This research aims to study the achievement of food security by enhancing WE in the informal sector in Lahore, Pakistan. Moreover, the analysis goals are to determine the contribution of microcredit facilities and management skills in the enhancement of WE which improves food security. Method: This study was quantitative and descriptive. Using a primary survey questionnaire on cross-sectional data source by simple random sampling, 495 women borrowers in the informal sector of Lahore, Pakistan were investigated. Data analysis was done using SMART PLS3. Results: The results of the study revealed a positive relationship between WE and food security through the active participation of women in production decisions. The utilization of resources within the households is strengthened by familial rights, social support, and the removal of gender disparity. Conclusion: Women's capacity to contribute more to the daily household expenditure is increased by the higher income, and eventually, it increases their empowerment and food security.

The Impact of Combined Cranberry Supplementation and Weight Loss Diet on Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Apoptosis Biomarkers in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Clinical Trial

Razie Hormoznejad — 2024-11-03

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent chronic liver disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of combined weight loss diet and cranberry supplementation on anthropometric measurements, inflammation and antioxidant biomarkers in patients with NAFLD. Methods: In this randomized, double-blinded, and controlled clinical trial, 41 NAFLD patients were supplemented with either cranberry or placebo tablets for 12 weeks. Both groups followed a diet of 500-1000 calories less than the estimated energy requirements. Serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), cytokeratin 18 M30 (CK-18 M30), chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were measured at both baseline and the end of the study. Results: Significant improvements in TAC were observed in the cranberry group and between the two groups (P=0.006 and P=0.011, respectively), but the changes in the placebo group were not significant (P=0.325). There were no statistically significant differences in the serum levels of MDA, CK-18 M30, CCL2 and TNF-α between the cranberry and the placebo groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: It seems that daily consumption of cranberry supplement would be beneficial in increasing serum levels of TAC. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of cranberry on NAFLD.

Relationship between Diet-Related Inflammation and Hospitalization Risk and Disease Severity in Patients with COVID-19

Zahra Yari — 2024-11-03

Background: Increased serum concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers in patients indicate a strong association between COVID-19 and inflammation. However, the association between diet-related inflammation and COVID-19 has been less investigated. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the inflammatory scores of the diet are associated with the severity of COVID-19 disease and the probability of hospitalization of patients. Methods: The authors conducted a cross-sectional study involving 141 patients with COVID-19. The empirical dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP) and dietary inflammation scores (DIS) were calculated based on a 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The association between serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers and diet-related inflammation was also investigated. Results: 74 inpatients and 87 outpatients participated in this study. Higher DIS scores were significantly associated with an increased risk of COVID-related hospitalization (Tertile3 vs. tertile1: OR = 3·62; 95 % CI 1·43 to 9·14, P=0·008 after fully adjustment). This association with EDIP was also observed, but it was not significant. Conclusion: The data from this provide evidence that a pro-inflammatory diet was associated with higher risk of hospitalization due to high severity of COVID-19.

Investigating the Prevalence of Malnutrition and Its Relationship with the Educational Status of Elementary School Students in Zahedan, Iran

Hadi Eslahi — 2024-11-03

Background: Malnutrition and improper nutrition may lead to physical and mental growth disorder and cognitive function. This study aims to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and its relationship with educational status among primary school children in Zahedan, Iran. Methods: During a
cross-sectional study with a multi-stage random sampling method of 780 boy and girl students, first, second, and third grades of elementary school were included to study. Demographic and anthropometric of students were collected based on the sample size. Malnutrition was assessed according to World Health Organization indicators for the relevant age group. This assessment was based on body mass index (BMI) for age, height for age, and weight for age. Results: The prevalence of malnutrition was severe wasting, wasting, overweight, and obesity which were 0.8, 4.6, 6.4, and 5%, and severe underweight and underweight which were 0.9 and 4.7%, respectively. Severe stunting and stunting were observed in 0.3 and 2.8%, respectively. A statistically significant relationship was found between BMI for age, height for age and weight for age and educational status (P<0.05). Moreover, the educational status of students showed a statistically significant relationship with first and second-grade gender, birth rank, and Parent’s job and education (P<0.0001). Conclusion: Different forms of malnutrition among the students can negatively affect their performance, especially their educational status. Therefore, proper nutrition and increasing nutritional knowledge of primary school children and parents may help to prevent the problem.

Antioxidant Properties of Freeze Dried Mix Fruits and Vegetables Product ‘Miss Freezy’ Using Lyophilization Method

Wahyu Widowati — 2024-11-03

Background: The proper processing of fruits and vegetable-based food products will improve appearance, taste, bioactivities, and preservation. Freeze-dried (FD) or lyophilization of foods extends shelf life and preserves food's nutritional value and bioactivities. The objective of this study is to compare the antioxidant properties, nutritional value, and vitamins of fresh fruit-vegetables and the combined FD product. Methods: A combination of fruits (mango, papaya, star-fruit, guava, banana, bengkuang), and vegetables (cucumber), called “Miss Freezy” were cleaned with an ozonizer and processed using the lyophilization method. The antioxidant activities measured included 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) assay. While the proximate analysis measured was the determination of water content, ash content, fat content, protein and carbohydrate content, and vitamin C. Results: The value of antioxidant activity in fruit-vegetable combination FD products was higher than in fresh fruit. The median inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) of DPPH, ABTS, and H₂O₂ scavenging activities were guava 48.74 µg/ml, guava 128.39 µg/ml, and banana 155.55 µg/ml, respectively. The results showed that the water content of fresh fruits, and vegetables was greater than FD products and inversely proportional to the level of ash, fat, protein, carbohydrates, and vitamin C lower than FD products. Conclusions: Based on the results of antioxidant activities, proximate analysis and vitamin C of the FD product was higher than fresh fruits and vegetables. The FD fruit-vegetable combination product can be used as an alternative snack product that is practical and healthy.

Food Insecurity and Its Relationship with Food Intake and Demographic Factors in Pregnant Women in Tehran

Mina Haji hosein — 2024-11-03

Background: Food security is described as physical and economic access for all people at all times to sufficient food for an active and healthy life. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of food insecurity and its relationship with the health status of pregnant women referred to North Tehran Health Center. Methods: The current study is a cross-sectional study conducted on 160 pregnant women in the third trimester covered by North Tehran Health Center in 2017-2018. Food security status, and dietary intake were assessed using general demographic and socioeconomic questionnaires, USDA 18-item household food security, and semi-quantitative food frequency recall, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and nutritionist IV software. Significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The study showed that 21.8% of mothers suffered insecure nutritional status and 78.2% of them were in safe nutritional status. There was a significant difference (P=0.013) between the two category of food groups (P=0.013). The mean consumption of legumes in people with insecure nutrition status (65.72±42.40 g) was more than nutrition secure group (50.08±29.77 g). Other food items showed no significant difference between the two groups of safe and unsafe nutrition status. In terms of economic status, there was a significant difference between safe and unsafe groups (P=0.001). Conclusion: In this study, food insecurity rate and prevalence of pregnant women was much less than that other studies. Given the role of the economic situation in the ability to purchase and supply food, probably one of the main reasons of more consumption of legumes in insecure groups would be low-income level and lower purchasing power of other food groups, such as meat.

Overweight and Obesity and Associated Factors among Adolescent Students in Public Day Secondary Schools in Machakos County, Kenya

Mary Ndanu Kyalo — 2024-11-03

Background: Overweight and obesity have increased significantly worldwide, placing major economic problems on health systems. This study aims to determine socio-economic characteristics, dietary practices, physical activity levels, nutrition status, predictors of overweight and obesity, and their relationships among adolescents. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional analytical study design. 401 adolescents were randomly selected from five secondary day schools using a proportionate-to-size sampling method. Results: Based on the findings, one third (36.3%) of the adolescents were between ages 17-18, with more girls (55.9%) than boys. The number of meals consumed per day among adolescents was 3.34±1.24. Individual dietary diversity score among adolescents was 4.21±1.61. Based on Body Mass Index (BMI), the prevalence of overweight and obesity among boys was 5.2% and 1.8%, respectively, and for girls, it was 7.3% and 3.6%, respectively. Using bioelectrical impedance analysis, the prevalence rates for males were 8.8% and 4.1%, respectively, while for females the rates were 10.1% and 5.1%. Regression analysis revealed that the most significant predictors were energy intake and physical activity, with P˂0.05 based on BMI and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between nutritional status and energy intake, the number of meals, dietary diversity score, and physical activity. Physical activity and dietary practices were the most important predictors of overweight and obesity among adolescents. The study recommends nutrition education and public health interventions in schools’ curricula.

Investigating Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects regarding Ethanol Extract of Allium Porrum L. in Rats with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Nahid Najafi — 2024-11-03

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder worldwide. Meanwhile, Allium Porrum L. (AP) has been recognized as one of the most eminent traditional herbal medicines with substantial health benefits. The aim of the present study is to evaluate anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extract of AP in rats with T2D. Methods: 70 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 7 groups of 10 animals each. The study groups were as follows: The study groups were as follows: healthy control (HC); healthy control rats receiving 100 mg/kg of AP extract (HC.AP.100); diabetic control (DC); diabetic rats receiving 10 mg/kg metformin (DT.M.10); diabetic animals receiving 50 mg/kg of AP extract (DT.AP.50); diabetic rats receiving 100 mg/kg of AP extract (DT.AP.100); and diabetic animals receiving 200 mg/kg of AP extract (DT.AP.200). Results: After 6 weeks of intervention, the level of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were significantly increased (P=0.02) and (P=0.002), respectively; while superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration was notably reduced (P=0.04) in DC.M.10 in comparison with that of the HC.AP.100 group. Also, compared to DC.M.10 group, all rats treated with metformin and AP showed a significant decrease in the level of MDA and TNF-α, along with an enhancement of SOD concentration (All P<0.001). Moreover, in comparison with DT.M.10, DT.AP.50, and DT.AP.100 treatments, the DT.AP.200 group revealed a significantly higher improvement in serum TNF-α concentration (P=0.04, P=0.003 and P=0.003, respectively). Conclusion: The findings revealed that the use of AP extract for 6 weeks may have beneficial effects on oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in T2D-induced rat models.

Food Security Challenges for Hospital Sustainability

Maria Ulfa — 2024-11-03

Background: Food security and safety are becoming major concerns worldwide. Providing food security and safety in hospitals is particularly challenging since their populations are diverse in dietary and nutritional requirements and more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses. The aim of this research is to promote hospital sustainability by addressing food security and food safety. Method: This study uses a quantitative method with a bibliometric study approach. This research has 212 articles from the Scopus database. All the documents were collected simultaneously in August 2022. The selected article encompassed the years from 2017 to 2021, including document type, publication stage, source type, language, and subject area. The data was analyzed using VOSviewer and NVivo analytical tools. Results: The results of the studies on food security and safety increased from 2017-2022 with current trends in hospital sustainability, food waste, and waste management in food. Our study has identified four clusters: hospital food services, hospital sustainability, nutrition, and food safety. Food security is positively correlated with assessment, challenges, measurement, status, and sustainability (Pearson correlation score is 1). Disease control, proper waste management, and environmental health are all associated with food safety (Pearson correlation score ±0.79-0.64). Conclusion: Food safety and security are critical to achieve hospital sustainability, therefore awareness-raising efforts must continue. It is recommended that hospital stakeholders, food service providers; public and private sectors adopt policies and guidelines to disseminate information on food safety and security concerning hospital sustainability.

Mapping the Past Two Decades of Nutrition and Food Security in Iran: A Co-Word Network Analysis

Parisa Keshani — 2024-11-03

Background: Food security in communities can prevent health complications, so investigators have made efforts to find its related factors through various fields. This study aims to draw a road map for nutrition and food security research in Iran. Methods: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Islamic World Citation Center were searched for eligible publications in nutrition and food security related to Iran for the two decades from 2001 to 2020. Content analysis was done by a co-word network technique using VOSviewer software. Results: Finally, 28,995 scientific publications among 50,444 search results were eligible to include in this study. The research map was drawn using 403,262 keywords obtained from the title and abstract of the papers. A 23.53% growth rate of publications was seen. Iranian articles were mainly published in scientific journals under 10 subject categories. The highly repeated keywords of "treatment", "plant", "age", "risk", and "consumption" were in publications. Moreover, the articles were categorized into thematic clusters of "environmental and climate change", "health ", "food industry and food safety", and "agriculture and water resources management" which were related to nutrition and food security. An increasing trend was observed in the number of publications during the past two decades in Iran. Conclusion: The relation of clinical nutrition, malnutrition, diet, and in recent years, food production and climate change with food security have been extensively studied by Iranian researchers. However, they have neglected studies on public health and policy in food and nutrition security, which reveals their dominant clinical or agricultural approach.

The Effects of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Body Composition Indices: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials

Masoud Khorshidi — 2024-11-03

Background: Beta-alanine is an important oral supplement for improving athletes’ performance, followed by probable effects on body composition. Current meta-analysis was performed to investigate the role of beta-alanine supplementation on body weight, fat mass, free fat mass, and body fat percentage in adults. Methods: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane library databases, and EMBASE were searched between January 1990 and May 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing beta-alanine supplementation with a placebo assessing anthropometric indices were included. Meta‐analysis was performed using the random‐effects model. Publication bias was evaluated using standard methods, and subgroup analysis and meta‐regression were carried out. Results: A total of 875 articles were identified through database searching, of which 12 RCTs with 15 datasets were included in the study. This study showed that beta-alanine supplementation did not have any significant effect on body weight [SMD, 0.08; 95% CI (−0.17, 0.33); P=0.517], fat percentage [SMD, 0.09; 95% CI (−0.18, 0.37); P=0.504], fat mass [SMD, 0.10; 95% CI (−0.29, 0.50); P=0.612], and fat free mass [SMD, 0.16; 95% CI (−0.18, 0.49); P=0.517]. Conclusions: Results showed that beta-alanine supplementation does not change body composition significantly.