Journal of Nutrition and Food Security

Effect of Zinc Gluconate Supplementation on C-Reactive Protein and Malondialdehyde in Patients with Behcet's Disease: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Amir Hossein Faghfouri — 2025-04-30

Background: Behçet's disease (BD) with autoimmune and auto-inflammatory nature is more prevalent in Silk Road countries. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of zinc gluconate supplementation on C-reactive protein (CRP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in BD patients. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 50 Iranian BD patients. Participants were randomly assigned into either placebo or zinc gluconate (30 mg/day) groups for 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention, serum MDA and CRP levels were measured. Results: Zinc supplementation led to a significant increase in serum zinc levels compared to the placebo group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in MDA serum levels between the groups after adjusting for the baseline values and confounding factors (P>0.05). Zinc supplementation led to a significant improvement in CRP serum levels compared to the placebo group following adjustment for the effect of baseline values and confounding factors (P=0.012 and 0.04, respectively). Conclusion: Zinc supplementation in an elemental dose of 30 mg per day has an anti-inflammatory effect in BD patients by reducing CRP levels. The beneficial effect of zinc on lipid peroxidation in BD patients was not shown in the study.

Dietary Acid Load and Risk of Gastric Cancer: A Case-Control Study in Iran

Farimah Dehghani — 2025-04-30

Background: Dietary Acid Load (DAL) is the balance between acid-producing and base-producing food. Previous studies have assessed the association between DAL and the risk of several cancers. However, few studies have investigated the association between DAL and Gastric Cancer (GC) risk. The current study was carried out to evaluate the association between DAL and GC risk in Iran. Methods: The current case-control study was conducted on 184 patients newly diagnosed with GC and 276 healthy controls. A validated diet history questionnaire (DHQ) was applied to assess dietary intake. DAL was calculated by computing amounts of protein intake into potassium contents through net endogenous acid production (NEAP) method. Multi-adjusted logistic regression was used to define the association between DAL and GC risk. Results: The mean age of participants was 56.26 years. Intakes of energy, dietary fiber, zinc, selenium, grain, fruits, and vegetables were significantly lower, and protein intake was significantly higher in the case group compared to the control group. A direct association was observed between DAL and GC risk (OR=4.59; 95% CI:2.61-8.07; P-trend<0.001, for T2 versus T3). In the fully adjusted model, DAL was positively associated with the risk of GC (OR=3.55; 95% CI:1.89-6.99; P-trend<0.001). Conclusion: Higher DAL scores were directly associated with greater GC odds which supports the current recommendations for decreasing the risk of cancer incidence.

Perceptions of Body Weight, Anthropometric Characteristics, and Risk of Eating Disorders in Girl Students in Zanjan, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

Sara Mohiti — 2025-04-30

Background: The perception of body weight seems to have an impact on weight-control behaviors and is associated with an increased risk of eating disorders EDs). The study aims to examine the perceptions of body weight, anthropometric characteristics, and the risk of EDs in female students in Zanjan, Iran. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, the data of 359 students aged 16-19 year attending secondary high schools in Zanjan, during the school year 2017-2018 were collected and analyzed. Results: The results revealed a significant association between being overweight and having obese body shape, high levels of stress, and the odds of EDs. Additionally, there was a significant inverse relationship between being overweight and obese body mass index (BMI), overweight and obese body shape, and the odds of oral control subscale of EDs. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated a relationship between BMI, stress level, body shape, and an elevated risk of EDs. Further prospective studies are needed to validate and expand upon these findings

Effect of Eight Weeks of Lycopene Supplementation on Oxidative Stress and Adiponectin Gene Expression in Rats with Fatty Liver Disease

Nastaran Amini — 2025-04-30

Background: Increased consumption of fat and sugar has been linked to obesity and diseases like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Lycopene (LYC), an antioxidant, has been studied for its potential in protecting against fatty liver damage. This study aims to investigate how lycopene affects the antioxidant system and the expression of the adiponectin gene in rats with fatty liver disease. Methods: Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control, n=8), high fat diet (HFD, n=8), and lycopene (HFD+LYC, n=8). The lycopene group received a solution containing 100 mg/kg of lycopene three days a week, while the other groups received standard food for eight weeks via gavage. The levels of adiponectin gene expression in the liver were assessed using the real time PCR method. Additionally, the levels of antioxidant enzymes in the serum were measured using ELISA. Results: Although lycopene did not have a significant therapeutic effect on malondialdehyde (MDA) compared HFD group (P=0.6103), it improved the levels of the SOD enzyme and the expression of the adiponectin gene compared with HFD group (P=0.0002, P=0.0001). This was a significant decrease in collagen deposition in liver tissue of HFD+LYC group compared to HFD group (P<0.0001). Conclusion: Lycopene demonstrates the potential as a therapeutic option for NAFLD. However, more trials are needed to support this idea.

Hazards of Food Additives in Primary Schools’ Street Foods in Semarang City

Gemala Anjani — 2025-04-30

Background: Snacks mainly from street food, provide 20–31.1 percent of the energy that students need per day. Street food refers to ready-to-eat food and beverages prepared and served in public areas. In contrast, street food vendors frequently add hazardous substances such as formalin and borax, as well as cyclamate, rhodamine B, and methanyl yellow, which can be harmful to students' health. This study aimed to observing the current condition of street food vendors surrounding the schools in Semarang city. Methods: This was an observational study selected by consecutive sampling. Street food samples were collected from 37 schools in Semarang city, Indonesia. The hazardous substances such as formalin, borax, methanyl yellow, and cyclamate were qualitatively tested using easy testing kits. Result: This study showed that 78.3% of the street food samples had formalin, 19.1% contained rhodamin B, 3.3% included methanyl yellow, and 4.0% contained cyclamate. Conclusion: Street food has a high ratio of preservatives (formalin). Therefore, it is necessary to regulate the sale of street food, especially those containing hazardous food additives.

Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Children Aged 6-12 Years in Yazd, Iran in 2022

Naser Ali Mirhosseini — 2025-04-30

Background: Obesity is a major public health problem among children and has emerged as a significant public health challenge in the 21^st century. It is associated with the risk of complications in childhood and increased morbidity and mortality in adulthood. This study investigated the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children aged 6-12 years in Yazd, Iran in 2022. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined 6353 children using cluster sampling to determine the prevalence of obesity among 6-12 years students. Results: A total of 654 (9.86%) and 350 (5.50%) of children were obes and overweight, respectively. From 3098 boys, 113 (3.64%) were overweight and 331 (10.68%) were obese. Among 3255 girls, 237 (7.28%) of them were overweight and 323 (9.92%) were obese. Girls were almost twice as likely to be overweight, while there was no significant difference in obesity between boys and girls. Conclusion: A significant increase in obesity among primary school students in recent years was observed.

The Effect of High-Intensity Functional Training with Thylakoid Supplementation on Anti-Inflammatory Indicators in Obese Men

Heidar EbadiAsl — 2025-04-30

Background: Obesity is associated with a chronic low-grade inflammatory state related with vascular dysfunction, thrombotic disorders, multiple organ damages, and metabolic dysfunction. To date, no study has examined the effects of different exercise protocols on the profile of inflammatory factors in the body and the use of dietary supplements. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) with and without thylakoid supplementation on IL-10 and semaphorin-3E levels in obese people. Methods: 44 obese men were randomly assigned to one of four groups: control (C), thylakoid supplementation (T), high-intensity functional training (H), and a combination of supplementation and exercise (HT). The exercise program was performed according to the HIFT protocol for 12 weeks. The thylakoid supplement was extracted from spinach leaves and administered to individuals in the supplement groups. Body mass index (BMI) and biomarkers related to inflammation were measured in the participants' blood samples at the before and after the intervention. Results: In these three groups, H, T, and HT, the levels of the inflammatory factors IL-10, and Semaphorin-3E were compared. In all the three groups, the levels of the anti-inflammatory factor Semaphorin-3E and IL-10 changed significantly (P<0.001 vs. C). The level of Semaphorin-3E exhibited a statistically significant decline in the blood of the H and HT groups who underwent exercise in comparison to the C group (P<0.01) and a significant difference was observed between the exercise training groups, H and HT, and T group (P<0.001). Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrated that HIFT exercise protocol and the use of thylakoid supplements can reduce systemic inflammatory indicators in obese men. This reduction was observed through a synergistic effect. Consequently, the combination of HIFT exercise and thylakoid supplements represents an effective approach to reducing inflammation in individuals with obesity.

The Effect of Crocin on Oxidative Stress Compared to Saffron Aqueous Extract, Glycerol and Myoinositol in Diabetic Rats

Matin Mohyadini — 2025-04-30

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent and intricate disease globally. Despite various available treatments, there is no cure for it, and it is still associated with significant socioeconomic challenges. Small molecules with antioxidant activity and stabilizing effect on protein structure piqued our interest as potential antiglycating agents to decrease diabetes complications. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate and compare the antioxidant potential of Crocin with saffron aqueous extract (SAE) and two polyols (Glycerol and Myoinositol) in T2DM rats. Method: Neonatal male Wister rats were randomly divided into two groups. Diabetic groups at 3-5 days of birth received streptozotocin (STZ) (90 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal injection. After eight weeks, both groups were divided into subgroups and treated with SAE, Crocin, Glycerol, or Myoinositol. After five months, rats were sacrificed and their serum oxidative parameters and liver antioxidant enzymes were evaluated. Result: Crocin (100 mg/kg) significantly decreased advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and increased ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) in serum of diabetic rats. Moreover, the reduction in liver catalase and superoxide dismutase specific activities, as well as glutathione (GSH) concentration in diabetic rats’ liver significantly increased after treatment with the same amount of Crocin. There were no significant changes in advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and Nitric Oxide (NO). Conclusion: Among the mentioned treatments, Crocin at 100 mg/kg was more effective than SAE, Glycerol, and Myoinositol in decreasing AGEs, increasing serum antioxidant capacity, and increasing the activity of hepatic antioxidant enzymes and GSH.

Efficacy of Bitter Melon Powder on Type 2 Diabetes

Maria Khalid — 2025-04-30

Background: Momordica charantia (bitter melon) is commonly used in traditional medicine for the management of diabetes, due to its insulin-like properties. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of bitter melon powder in managing Type 2 diabetes by evaluating its impact on Random Blood Glucose (RBG), Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), and Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Methods: The study was carried out over five months at the Diabetic Clinic of Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi, involving 60 patients (30 males and 30 females) aged 35 to 60 years, selected through convenience sampling based on inclusion criteria. Patients were given 1/2 teaspoon of bitter melon powder daily before breakfast. The patients followed a sugar-free, low-fat diet, and blood glucose levels were measured through biochemical tests before and after the intervention. Data analysis and statistical validation were conducted using ANOVA. Results: The treatment group showed a significant reduction in RBG (244.43 to 201.20 mg/dl, P=0.001) compared to an increase in the control group (246.63 to 275.10 mg/dl, P=0.005). FBG decreased in the treatment group (11.21 to 10.43 mg/dl, P=0.02), while the control group slightly increased (11.21 to 11.26 mg/dl, P=0.10). HbA1c levels also dropped in the treatment group (8.09 to 7.62%, P=0.01) versus a rise in the control group (8.02 to 8.14%, P=0.09). Conclusions: The findings indicate that bitter melon supplementation can significantly lower blood glucose levels and provide a safe alternative to conventional diabetes treatments

Characterization of Microbial and Chemical Properties of Wheat Flour Samples in Hamadan, Iran: A Screening and Investigation Study

Mehdi Ahmadi — 2025-04-30

Background: The production and use of any food must be done according to existing national and international standards. This study aims to investigate the chemical and microbiological properties of flour samples in Hamadan province of Iran. Methods: The results of microbial and chemical tests of 432 flour samples were collected in one of the partner Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran in Hamadan city, and after sorting the data, it was entered into the relevant statistical software and analyzed with appropriate statistical tests. The results were compared with the existing national standards to determine their quality. The evaluated parameters include chemical parameters such as pH, protein, gluten, moisture, and ash) and microbial (mold and total viable count (TVC)). All of the parameters were assessed by the AOAC method. Results: The samples had a higher total count of microorganisms than the standard limit set by the Iran National Standards Organization (INSO). The mean value of chemical parameters (pH, protein, gluten, moisture, and ash) were in the national standard ranges. The results of the present study showed that the level of contamination of the samples was according to the national standards, which could pose no risk to consumers' health. Conclusions: The results of the microbial and chemical tests were within the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran. The results of the present study can be used by health authorities to evaluate flour quality across Iran and design further investigations on food products.

Effectiveness of Calcium-Fortified Thai Traditional Cracker Using Cricket Protein on Biochemical Marker of Bone Health and Bone Mineral Density

Sasithorn Kosrisuwan — 2025-04-30

Background: Thailand is one of the countries facing a high prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) due to inadequate calcium (Ca) intake. Using crickets as alternative protein sources is fascinating for nutritionists because of their high biological value and cost-efficient production. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of Ca-fortified Thai traditional crackers using cricket protein. Methods: Four formulas of Ca-fortified crackers were prepared with different amounts of Ca based on the percentage of recommended Ca in adults for one portion (15%, 25%, and 50% per 250 mg of cracker dough) before conducting a sensory evaluation with 30 participants. The selected acceptable Ca-fortified cracker formula (50% of Ca by RDA per portion) was further used in an intervention study with another group of 40 participants (intervention group=20 and control group=20). The participants in the intervention group were asked to consume 250 g of crackers/day of 50% of RDA per portion formula for 12 weeks to compare bone health parameters with the control group. Results: Results revealed that BMD values of wrist and ankle bones in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P=0.004 and P<0.001, respectively), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P=0.04) at endpoint. The results also found a positive correlation between Ca intake and BMD parameters among all participants (P<0.001). Conclusion: The developed Ca-fortified Thai traditional crackers using cricket protein is preliminarily effective in improving bone health conditions among the participants.

Influence of Some Cooking Procedures on Quality Criteria and Some Veterinary Drugs Residues in Chicken Wings Meals

Marwa A. Sheir — 2025-04-30

Background: Veterinary drug residues in poultry products pose significant public health hazards such as cancer, mutagenicity, reproduction challenges and hypersensitivity reactions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence of some antibiotics and zeranol hormone residues in fresh chicken wings, and also study the effect of heat treatmentes on the concentration of these residues. Methods: Sixty samples of chicken wings were collected from different local markets in Cairo and Giza governorates, Egypt, and were divided into two groups (30 samples for each group) for antibiotics and hormonal residues investigations by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Enzyme-linked Immune Sorbent Assay (ELISA), respectively. The study was extended to include some cooking methods (boiling, deep frying, and grilling) as types of heat treatments for the reduction of these residues in chicken wings meals and their effects on cooking characteristics, pH, and texture profile. Results: The results revealed that 13.3% of samples were contaminated with ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and amoxicillin antibiotics residues; however, zeranol hormone was detected in 73.7% of samples. Furthermore, boiling was the most effective method in the reduction of all residues concentrations. Cooking loss, hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and resilience in the examined samples significantly decreased by boiling compared to other two methods. Conclusion: Cooking methods can successfully reduce the concentration of veterinary drugs in chicken wings meals and boiling method was more effective in reducing their concentration.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Effects of Elettaria Cardamomum Supplementation on Glycemic Indices and Anthropometric Measurements

Omid Nikpayam — 2025-04-30

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is considered a problem for public health worldwide and cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) as a spice which contains polyphenolic components may have a beneficial effect on the status of diabetes patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to update the efficacy of cardamom intake on weight reduction and glycemic control. Methods: Electronic databases were searched up to December 2023 to identify eligible articles. Mean differences were pooled using a fixed effects model, and standard methods were used for the assessment of heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias. Results: Totally, eight studies were included in the final analysis. Analysis showed that cardamom intake attenuated serum level of insulin [standard mean difference (SMD): -0.64, 95% CI: -0.86 to -0.43, P<0.001], whereas changes of fasting blood glucose (SMD: -0.13, 95% CI: -0.33 to 0.06), weight (SMD: -0.01, 95% CI: -0.23 to 0.20) and body mass index (SMD: -0.05, 95% CI: -0.02 to 0.11) were not significant. Conclusion: According to the findings of the present meta-analysis, cardamom intake significantly declined serum insulin level but did not have any significant effect on fasting blood glucose, weight, and body mass index

The Association between Dietary Polyphenols Intake and Risk of Liver Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Arezoo sadat Emrani — 2025-04-30

Background: The current data on the association between dietary polyphenols intake and liver cancer are not conclusive. Therefore, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies on the association between dietary polyphenol intake and liver cancer. Methods: A systematic search of online databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, was conducted until August 2024. Observational studies that investigated the association between dietary intake of polyphenols and the risk of liver cancer were included. The overall effects were assessed using the random effects model. Results: Totally, four studies were eligible to be included in the systematic review, and for meta-analysis, 3 studies with 4 effect sizes were included. The overall association between dietary intake of isoflavones and the risk of liver cancer was not significant (P=0.35, 95% CI: 0.58-1.21). Conclusion: No significant association was found between dietary polyphenols intake and liver cancer risk. Further observational studies are suggested to confirm these findings