Journal of Nutrition and Food Security

Women’s Perception and Readiness regarding Adoption of A Healthy and Sustainable Diet: A Cross-Sectional Study in Enugu City, Nigeria

Daniel Ogbuabor — 2024-05-01

Background: There is little knowledge about healthy and sustainable diets (HSDs) in Africa. This study assesses women’s readiness to adopt HSDs and its associated factors in Enugu, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional household survey in 2021, which assessed women’s (n =450) food choice motives, perceived benefit, and readiness to adopt HSDs. The diets were categorised as pre-contemplation and contemplation (PC/C), preparation and relapse (P/R), and action and maintenance (A/M) stages. Odds ratios (OR) were generated using multinomial logistic regression. Results: Almost 57% of the women perceived HSD to be of high benefit. About 19%, 21%, and 60% of the women were in the PC/C, P/R and A/M, respectively. Low perceived benefit (OR=4.30, 95%CI:
2.30-8.05, P<0.001), low health concern (OR=6.35, 95%CI: 2.53-15.93,
P<0.001), low education (OR=2.75, 95%CI: 1.39-5.44, P=0.004), and age <35 years (OR=2.48, 95%CI: 1.02-6.07, P=0.046) predicted being in the PC/C stage. Low perceived benefit (OR=2.75, 95%CI: 1.63-4.63, P<0.001), low health concern (OR=5.35, 95% CI: 2.40-11.92, P<0.001), low level of education (OR=1.90, 95%CI: 1.05-3.42, P=0.033), and being poor (OR=2.90, 95%CI: 1.05-7.97, P=0.039) predicted being in the P/R stage. Being <35 (OR=0.50, 95%CI: 0.28-0.87, P=0.014) and having low taste consideration (OR=0.29, 95%CI: 0.12-0.72, P=0.008) predicted being in the A/M stage. Conclusions: Readiness to adopt HSDs needs to be improved in Enugu, Nigeria. For this purpose, respective nutrition education interventions might be implemented regarding progress in HSDs.

The Study of Food Pathogens in Yazd Traditional Confectionary Products

Mitra Kimiaee — 2024-05-01

Background: Food poisoning could be caused by eating the sweets contaminated with microorganisms, which has always been considered as one of the major problems of people in developing countries, including Iran. The aim of this study is to investigate microbial variety and fungal load in the traditional sweets offered in confectionery stores in Yazd province in 2020. Methods: In this study, 170 samples of traditional sweets, referred by confectioneries in Yazd province, were randomly selected and tested for microorganisms contamination such as Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, molds, and yeasts according to Iranian national standards. Results: The highest rate of microbial contamination in samples was related to "Pistachio Loz" (52.94%) and the lowest rate was related to "Hajibadam" (11.76%). The infection rates of Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, molds, and yeasts were 17.06%, 8.83%, 20.59%, 3.53%, respectively. No infection was observed with Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella in the samples. Conclusions: Due to the high level of microbial contamination of traditional sweets, especially "Pistachio Loz" offered in Yazd, more control measures are needed in preparation and distribution of such sweets.

Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus and Antibiotic Residue in Pasteurized and Raw Farm Milk in Tehran

Mohammad Mehdi Soltan Dallal — 2024-05-01

Background: There is a global threat of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus or MRSA), which has been regarded as a priority pathogen by the world health organization (WHO). Livestock and its products are the sources of MRSA which can often occur in poor breeding conditions. The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of MRSA and the rate of antibiotic residue in pasteurized and raw farm milk. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from April to July 2020. 250 samples (200 samples of raw milk in farms around Tehran and 50 samples of pasteurized milk) were cultured to evaluate the occurrence of S. aureus and its antimicrobial susceptibility profile to 7 antimicrobial panels. Hansen Kit was used to monitor antibiotic residue in milk. Results: 63 S. aureus isolates (25.2%) were detected from 250 milk samples. Among 200 raw milk samples, 48 (24%) S. aureus isolates were detected and no strain of S. aureus was isolated from pasteurized milk. The highest rates of resistance belonged to ampicillin (95.8%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (87.5%), tetracycline (50%), and cefoxitin (45.8%). Moreover, 43 (17.2%) out of 250 milk samples had antibiotic residue in the antibiotic residue test using Danish Hansen kit. Conclusion: The present study indicates a high prevalence of subclinical S. aureus in dairy herds in Tehran, Iran. The milk contaminated with S. aureus and MRSA, posed a risk to public health owing to the presence of a phenotype resistant to very common antibiotics.

Association between Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and the Risk of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Case-Control Study

Esmaeil Yousefi Rad — 2024-05-01

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an inflammation-related condition and a common metabolic disorder in women at fertility ages. The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) is a validated nutritional tool for estimating the inflammatory potential of the diet. It is assumed that a high DII score (indicating a predominantly inflammatory diet) has an association with higher odds of PCOS. The current study aimed to investigate the association between DII and PCOS risk in women. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in 2019-2020 on 120 newly-diagnosed PCOS cases and 120 healthy controls aged 18-45 years in Khorramabad, Iran. DII was estimated based on a validated 168-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Results: The mean±SD of DII in PCOS patients was 0.40±2.09, while it was 0.45±1.92 in the control group (P<0.001). There was a positive association between increasing DII score and the risk of PCOS (odds ratio= 2.41; 95%CI: 1.15-5.02, P for trend =0.006) in the crude model as the fourth quartile was compared with the lowest one. This association was still significant in several models after adjusting for age and energy intake (P for trend <0.001), in the model adjusted for the physical activity level, education status, and family history of PCOS (P for trend=0.003), and also after additional adjustment for BMI (P for trend= 0.003). Conclusions: The present study revealed that consuming more pro-inflammatory diets with higher DII scores is related to an increased risk of PCOS.

Assessment of Indigenous Hill People of Meghalaya, India regarding Household Food Access

Deepak Bhagat — 2024-05-01

Background: While the broad issue of food security has generally received attention of the researchers, the particularities in hills and mountains has remained neglected. Thus, to provide some insights on food insecurity regarding mountain specificities, the current study aims to evaluate household food access of indigenous hill people in Meghalaya, India. Methods: Food access is a measure of household’s ability to acquire available food over a given period. In the current study, a sample of 900 people from indigenous population were randomly selected from rural Khasi, Garo and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. Household food access was explored with the following indicators: household wealth and income; household dietary diversity score (HDDS), and food consumption score (FCS). Data collection was done during December, 2019 to September, 2020. Results: The sample households are characterised by the predominance of marginal farmers (93% to 97%). Most of them were in the category of borderline food security with the FCS of between 21.5 to 35.0. Starchy staples were considered the main component of their diet. Their dietary diversity was significantly correlated with income (correlation coefficient=0.22) and wealth (correlation coefficient=0.38) at 0.01 level of significance. Conclusion: As dietary diversity at household is related to income and wealth, scarcity of income and wealth regarding indigenous hill population was an obvious reason for poor dietary diversity and the resultant poor dietary quality at the household level. To increase local food production and improve dietary diversity of indigenous hill people, revitalizing and strengthening local food systems is of great significance.

The Effect of Endurance Training with Garlic and Stevia Supplementation on AgRP and α-MSH in Brain Tissue of Obese Wistar Rats

Mahsa Taleshi — 2024-05-01

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of endurance training with garlic and stevia supplementation on AgRP and α-MSH in the brain tissue of obese Wistar rats. Methods: 36 obese male Wistar rats fed with a high-fat diet (24 g fat, 24 g protein, and 41 g carbohydrate/100 g) were divided into six groups, including: 1) sham; 2) stevia supplementation; 3) garlic supplementation; 4) endurance training; 5) stevia supplementation plus endurance training, and 6) garlic supplementation plus endurance training. Moreover, 6 rats were included in the healthy control group to investigate the effects of obesity on the research variable. Training groups performed incremental endurance training for 15-50 minutes at a speed of 15-25 m/min, for eight weeks. Garlic and stevia supplements were added to the diet of the supplementation groups at a dose of 250 mg/kg. Results: Levels of AgRP in stevia supplementation group were significantly higher than endurance training (P=0.019) and endurance training plus stevia supplementation (P=0.018) groups. Levels of α-MSH in the garlic supplementation (P=0.001), endurance training (P=0.002), stevia supplementation plus endurance training (P=0.001), and garlic supplementation plus endurance training (P=0.001) groups were significantly higher than the sham group. In addition, in the endurance training plus stevia supplementation group, the levels were significantly higher than the stevia supplementation group (P=0.002). Conclusion: Endurance training plus garlic supplementation as well as endurance training plus stevia supplementation seem to play a synergistic role in appetite control protein; however, more studies on AgRP changes, following training and garlic and stevia supplementation are needed.

The Association between Dietary Acid Load and Non-Communicable Diseases: A Cohort Study in Shahrekord

Mozhgan Ghorbani — 2024-05-01

Background and aim: It has recently been suggested that acid-base imbalances may play a role in some types of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between dietary acid load and common non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1800 participants were enrolled in a cohort study in Shahrekord. Data were collected using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The potential renal acid load (PRAL) was calculated using the intestinal absorption of five nutrients including protein, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium. The association of dietary acid load with NCDs was investigated in two models. Then, the raw model was adjusted by including calorie intake and age; after adjusting the effect of the two variables, the association between dietary acid load and the studied NCDs was not statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was 51.49±9.27 years, and 941 (52.27%) of them were female. Mean±SD acid load score was -6.88±23.23. The results showed that there was a significant association between dietary acid load and age (P=0.005), weight (P=0.0001), waist circumference (P=0.016), hip circumference (P=0.0001), waist-to-hip ratio (P=0.01), body mass index (P=0.004), and triglyceride (P=0.012). In the raw model, a significant association was observed between dietary acid load and hypertension (OR=0.57, 0.39-0.8). Conclusion: In this study, no significant association was observed between dietary acid load and NCDs, but the variable was associated with weight and body mass index as the most important risk factors for NCDs.

Comparing of Metabolic Syndrome Components, Inflammation, Cortisol Level, and Psychological Distress in Obese/Overweight and Normal Weight Women

Golazin Hoseini — 2024-05-01

Background: High levels of stress in obese people, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis disorder, and social pressures can increase cortisol level and lead to psychological disorders. The aim of this study is to compare psychological distress, biochemical parameters, and metabolic syndrome components between normal-weight and overweight (OW)/obese women. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted on 75 women aged 18 to 60; they were divided into three groups: obese and OW on diet (obese/OW on diet), obese and OW without diet (obese/OW without diet), and normal-weight. The components of metabolic syndrome, serum cortisol, and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were measured. General health questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was also completed to assess psychological distress. Result: The results revealed that there was a significant difference between normal weight and the other two groups regarding metabolic syndrome components, which included waist circumference (WC), fasting blood sugar (FBS), systolic blood-pressure (SBP), and hs-CRP (P<0.05). Serum cortisol level was significantly higher in obese/OW on diet compared with the other two groups (P<0.001). Moreover, the total-GHQ score was significantly lower in normal weight compared with the group of obese/OW on diet and the group without diet (P=0.001). Conclusion: Being on a diet may expose a person to stress and increase the serum cortisol level. Elevated psychological distress, metabolic syndrome components, and inflammation were apparent in obese and OW women compared to normal-weight ones.

The Effect of Sodium Nitrite Replacement with Lycopene Pigment in German Sausage and Evaluation of Its Physicochemical, Antimicrobial and Sensory Properties

Leila Nateghi — 2024-05-01

Background: Meat products contain sodium nitrite. Consumer demand for natural preservatives instead of synthetic ones in foods has been growing in recent years because of their safety. Today, good quality meat products are produced worldwide, and in addition to desirable sensory properties, they are cheaper than fresh meat. Sausage with 40% red meat is one of these products which can partially meet the need for animal proteins. Methods: In this study, sodium nitrite was replaced by lycopene pigment at concentrations of 200, 400 and 600 ppm in 40% meat sausage. Physicochemical properties of sausage samples including moisture, protein, ash contents and pH value were measured according to National Standard. Microbial tests (Clostridium, mold, yeast and Clostridium perfringens count) were performed according to National Standards. The colorimetric lightness index (L*) of the sausage samples was measured. Sensory properties (smell and taste) were compared with control sample (40% meat sausage contain 120 ppm sodium nitrite) after 30 days of storage. Data were analyzed using Duncan's one-way analysis of variance at 95% confidence level through Minitab 16 software. Results: After 30 days of storage, no significant (P>0.05) difference was found in physicochemical properties, microbial tests, lightness index (L*), and sensory properties among the samples. Conclusions: Since no significant difference was observed in microbial load and sensory scores between sausage sample containing 600 ppm lycopene pigment and control sample, 600 ppm lycopene pigment can be used in sausage formulation.

Assessment of Some of the Feeding Practices and Local Infant Flours' Consumption by 6 to 23 Months Children in the City of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Bougma Sanogo — 2024-05-01

Background: From birth to 6 months, children must be exclusively breastfed, and from 6 months, food diversification starts to supplement breast milk. This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate some of the feeding practices regarding children aged 6 to 23 months in the city of Ouagadougou. Methods: First, data were food consumption data as well as recalling meals over the past 24 hours were collected. Then, technological and labeling data regarding infant flours produced locally and sold in Ouagadougou were obtained. For analysis, data were entered into Sphinx V5 and IBM SPSS Statistics 20 software, and means were compared using XLSTAT 2016 software. Results: In total, 33 local infant flours were evaluated, and all the formulations contained cereals. Fruits and legumes (30.30%), milk (30.30%), and eggs (0,00%) were the least used materials. Instant type flours were rarely encountered (9.09%), and packaging in plastic bags was consumed the most (57.57%). Regarding labeling information, batch number (28%) and the method of preservation (32%) were the least identified. With respect to food consumption, 94.84% of the children were breastfed and 98.33% aged 6 to 8 months consumed solid foods. At least 85.28% of women considered the age of 6 months for introduction of solid foods. Concerning consumption of infant porridges, imported infant porridges were preferred the most (37.44%). Conclusion: Concerning local infant flour, some of them did not meet WHO guidelines. With regard to food practice indicators in Ouagadougou, some of them are relatively satisfactory; however, there is still a need to raise awareness regarding feeding practices.

The Nephroprotective Effects of Pomegranate Juice against Lithium-Induced Kidney Damage in Rats

Masoud Sedighi — 2024-05-01

Background: This study aims to investigate the effect of pomegranate juice on kidney damage caused by lithium in rats. Methods: Six groups of animals were studied, group one received neither lithium nor pomegranate juice, group two received only lithium, group three received only pomegranate juice, and groups four to six received both lithium and pomegranate juice at different doses. Kidney biomarkers were investigated as indicators of acute kidney failure. Results: Comparison between the studied groups regarding the amount of creatinine in the serum of rats showed a significant relationship between serum creatinine levels of rats in the group receiving lithium and the control group, and the group receiving lithium and those receiving pomegranate juice at a dose of 100 mg/kg. A significant relationship was observed in the study of serum urea amount in rats between the control group and the group receiving lithium, and the lithium group and the group receiving pomegranate juice at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Conclusions There was no significant difference between the groups when the amount of cystatin C in the serum of rats was compared. Pomegranate juice at 100 mg/kg and lithium (25mg/kg) led to a significant decrease in serum creatinine levels, which reduced kidney damage induced by lithium. Serum urea also decreased significantly, suggesting that pomegranate has anti-toxic effects on kidneys from lithium toxicity

Cognitive Determinants of Functional Fiber Food Consumption among the Students in Birjand University of Medical Sciences in 2018

Ensiyeh Norozi — 2024-05-01

Background: This study aims to investigate cognitive determinants of functional foods (FF) consumption which contain fiber among Iranian students based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between March and May 2018 on the students of Birjand University of Medical Sciences (BUMS). A structured questionnaire was used which was validated with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.78. Results: 515 questionnaires were completed, and the majority of the respondents were females. 20% of the participants were the primary household food purchasers, and familiarity with functional foods was the only effective factor regarding consumption. Subjective norms could predict the students’ consumption of the macaroni which contained fiber. In addition, monthly income of the family had a major effect on having the macaroni containing fiber. The parents’ education also impacted the consumption of these foods. Conclusion: Attitudes and perceived control had a poorer effect on choosing the food containing fiber rather than subjective norms.

Investigating Food Allergen Labeling in Commercially Packaged Food Products

Fatma Hazan Gul — 2024-05-01

Background: In 2017, Turkey introduced Turkish Food Codex Regulation on labeling and providing food information to customers, which has been revised on a regular basis ever since. The purpose of this study was to survey food allergen information regarding foods and beverages sold in Turkey and the extent to which food allergens and precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) are emphasized in the products. Method: Thirteen food and drink categories were reviewed in five physical food stores and three online stores. A total of 1,010 foods and beverages were checked for allergens according to their labels. Results: 1,116 allergenic foods were identified in 59.7% of foods and beverages,. Gluten-containing cereals were clearly labelled in every food category, and milk received the highest number of declarations (30.55%), followed by gluten (27.42%), and tree nuts (9.67%). Snacks contained the most number of allergens (14.8%), followed by dairy products (13.8%), and baked products (12.4%). Conclusions: Accurate and understandable food allergy labeling is essential in avoiding food allergies. Food allergy labeling legislation especially The EU Regulation No. 1169/2011 establishes uniform rules for allergen labeling, which is one of the most stringent food regulations in the world. Current allergen labeling restrictions and policies need to be improved to reduce the risk of food hypersensitivity.

Physicochemical, Nutritional, and Antioxidant Properties of Two Iranian Lentil Cultivars: A Comparative Study of Cooking and Germination Effects

Mohammad Yaghtini — 2024-05-01

Background: Lentils are one of the most important rainfed legumes in the world. They are an excellent source of minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. Methods: Proximate composition (moisture, total ash, total fat, protein, fiber, and carbohydrate), mineral content, antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀), and total phenolic compounds (TPC) were determined in the raw, germinated, and cooked samples of two cultivars of Iranian lentils. Results: Cooking and germination showed a significant effect on TPC, antioxidant activity, and minerals. The highest amount of phenolic compounds was obtained in raw black lentil, followed by raw green and germinated lentils. The black cultivar showed a higher quantity of K, Cu, Ca, and Zn and treatments decreased the concentrations of mineral elements in the investigated samples. Moreover, losses of the minerals in the cooked samples were higher than the germinated ones. Conclusions: Cooking and germination brought about a significant reduction in the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Meaningful reductions were also recognized in the mineral content during cooking and germination.

The Effectiveness of Garlic Consumption on Improving Anosmia and Dysgeusia in Patients with COVID-19

Baha’a Mohammed Abu Salma — 2024-05-01

Background: Anosmia and dysgeusia are symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection following the announcement of the disease as a pandemic. Moreover, there is no effective treatment for the disease. Garlic is a well-known herb with antimicrobial and antiviral properties. This study evaluates the potential therapeutic effect of garlic consumption on reducing the recovery time from anosmia and dysgeusia symptoms among participants with COVID-19. Methods: 388 Jordanian participants with COVID-19 infection were enrolled in an online computer-assisted web survey during the period from 20^th September 2021 to 20^th January 2022. The survey consisted of three constructs; socio-demographic profile, symptoms associated with COVID-19, and frequency of garlic and onion consumption used during the infection. Results: The results of this study showed that almost half of the participants were between 20-40 (193, 49.7%); most of them complained about fever, fatigue, anosmia, and dysgeusia and used onion (20, 93%) and garlic (29, 23%) to alleviate symptoms of the disease. In total, 40.7% of garlic-using participants recovered from anosmia within the first 11-15 days, whereas 35.3% recovered between 6-10 days. Results also revealed that there was no correlation between garlic consumption and recovery from dysgeusia. Hence, there was a weak inverse association between garlic consumption and recovery time from anosmia. Conclusion: The authors concluded that consumption of garlic will enhance immune system during the fight against COVID-19. There is need for further study to identify the proper amount of garlic consumption to relieve anosmia symptoms during COVID-19.

The Prevalence of Food Insecurity among Postgraduate Students and Its Impact on Their Academic Performance: Evidence from Jordan

Ali Alsharafat — 2024-05-01

Background: Food insecurity (FI) is a public health issue which is receiving increasing attention in many countries. In responding to sustainable development goals, achieving food security is of essential importance. This study aims to demonstrate the level of food insecurity among postgraduate students at Jerash University/Jordan, discuss the most important factors associated with it, and show its relation to the student's academic performance. Methods: A random sample of 126 postgraduate students has been interviewed in this cross-sectional study. The level of FI for the study sample was determined using the 10-item US Adult Household Food Security Scale Module (HFSSM). The association between students’ characteristics and their food security (FS) level was analyzed through chi-square test and a multivariate regression method. Results: The results of the study revealed that 67% had marginal or fragile food security level, 25% were highly food secure, and 8% of the sample suffered from food insecurity. The results showed that the association between food security and students' gender and age was insignificant (P > 0.05). As for the rest of the associated characteristics, there was a significant relationship between the students' food security and their marital status, family size, stable-income work, and their monthly income. Conclusion: A percentage of postgraduate students suffer from food insecurity, which is an important obstacle to their academic progress. Moreover, the level of food security is related to the student's marital status, family size, job with stable income, and the amount of monthly income.

The Ecological Risk Assessment of Foodborne Disease Outbreaks in Yazd Province, Iran

Mohammad Mehdi Soltan Dallal — 2024-05-01

Background: Ecological conditions can change infection routes and increase the risks of outbreaks. The aim of this study is risk assessment of foodborne disease outbreaks based on dispersed regional climatic and demographic variables in Yazd Province, Iran.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data of temporal climatic parameters and regional demographic factors linked to bacterial foodborne diseases were addressed. A multi-level regression analysis model was used to detect associations between the risk of outbreaks and ecological risk factors; the relationships were verified using (P<0.05).

Results: Significant associations were observed between the outbreaks and age )P<0.001(, community type (P<0.001), temperature (P=0.04), rainfall (P=0.03) and dust pollution (P<0.001) in scattered parts of the province. The maximum rate of outbreaks was seen in spring, while the frequency of the outbreaks increased during April and October, compared to other months of the year (2012–2016).

Conclusion: Consequences have revealed interventions of the environmental exposures in transmissions of microbial agents by complex ecological processes that caused the outbreaks.

The Status of Young Children's Nutrition Security in Rural Area of Northwest Ethiopia

Fentaw Teshome — 2024-05-01

Background: Nutrition security is a vital component of growth and development in a nation. However, dietary diversity and availability of healthy food are serious challenges to many local communities in Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to identify status and determinants of nutrition security of school-age children in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: Primary data were collected and analyzed using a binary logistic regression model to determine the significance of nutrition security odds ratio of 12 variables. Results: The results revealed that around 55.4% of school-age children were nutritionally insecure and underweight, and 44.6% were stunted. The significant determinants of nutrition security in the study area were milk consumption, healthy eating habit, fruits and vegetables consumption, educational status of the guardian, meat consumption, and the child’s place of residence. Conclusion: The findings of the study showed the need for nutrition education of the children and their guardians, and the need for accessibility of diverse and nutritious food products to help the school-age children with acute wasting and stunting problems they are facing.

The Association between Dietary Polyphenol and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Risk in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Mahboobe Hosseinikia — 2024-05-01

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is regarded as a global health issue with increasing prevalence worldwide. Polyphenols play a pivotal role in alleviating inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways associated with the pathogenesis of NAFLD, however the literature are still scarce. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to investigate the association between dietary polyphenols and the risk of NAFLD with a meta-analysis approach. All observational studies in the online databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and Google Scholar up to June 2021 were searched, determining appropriate keywords, to identify relevant articles. Data were summarized using risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Of the total number of 4144 articles identified in the first phase of the literature search, 6 studies covering 21 arms on polyphenol intake and NAFLD risk containing 9436 participants in the case groups and 19996 participants in the control groups were included in study. The summary effect size (ES) for the risk of NAFLD, comparing the highest with lowest intakes of polyphenol, was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.77-0.83, P<0.0001, I² = 0.0%;), indicating a significant inverse association. Conclusions: Our results proved that higher dietary intake of polyphenols can reduce the risk of NAFLD. However, due to small number of determined studies, these findings require further investigations to confirm recommendations for intensifying polyphenol intake in the general population.

Food Insecurity regarding the Diabetes Mellitus in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Mona Maddahi — 2024-05-01

Background: Food insecurity is an important global challenge associated with various health problems such as diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic diseases and is considered priority in Iran’s health system. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between food insecurity and type 2 dibetes mellitus (T2DM) in Iran. Methods: The authors searched English databases including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar and also Iranian databasesof SID and Magiran for the words food insecurity, Iran, and diabetes up to November 2021. Results: 8 articles, including 2853 participants, ranging from 148 to 440 were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) of the cross-sectional and case-control studies revealed that household food insecurity was significantly associated with the odds of diabetes (OR=2.04; 95% CI: 1.34- 3.09) and there was no evidence for publication bias (Egger’s test, P = 0.59); however, heterogeneity between studies (I²=85.9%) was observed. Similarly, according to subgroup analyses based on age, there was a significant association between household food insecurity and diabetes among the people under 50 years (OR= 2.9; 95% CI: 2.13-3.93; I² = 56.4%, P=0.057), but not among people over 50 years (OR=1.32; 95% CI: 0.69-2.52; I² = 78.3%, P=0.032) or between 30 and 65 years (OR=0.85; 95% CI: 0.49-1.48). Conclusion: This study shows that food insecurity affects the progression of type 2 DM. However, more longitudinal studies are needed for better identification of the link between food insecurity and T2DM.