Introduction: Medicinal herbs Acorus calamus, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, and Piper betle have been traditionally used for treating stomach-related conditions such as irregular bowel movement, bloating, and gastric ulcers. The present study aimed to explore current status, research trends, and future directions of these herbs as functional herbal teas in prevention and treatment of gastritis. Methods: A total of 80 articles from Scopus database were retrieved and reviewed. Research trends were quantitatively analysed using VOSviewer software, focusing on the keywords, authors, countries, journals, and documents. A narrative review was integrated to provide comprehensive insights into the study. Results: Analysis revealed China and India as driving forces of this specific area of research, with the Journal of Ethnopharmacology emerging as a prominent source for publications in this field. “Curcumin”, “ginger”, and “Helicobacter pylori” were the main keywords of the study. Several gastroprotective mechanisms, including stimulation of mucosal proliferation, regulation of gastric acid production, reduction of inflammation in the gastric mucosa, protection of the gastric mucosa from oxidative damage, and inhibition of the growth of H. pylori, were associated with these herbs. Active compounds, such as α-asarone, curcumin, gingerol, and piperbetol, were found to be responsible for these effects. Conclusion: This study highlights various gastroprotective properties of A. calamus, C. longa, Z. officinale, and P. betle, providing researchers with a deeper understanding of the subject matter and opening new avenues for potential development into a functional herbal tea formulation known as “Lega Tea” (Relief Tea).

Introduction: Accurate weight measurement is critical for assessing growth and nutritional status in children, yet errors due to equipment can affect reliability. This study evaluated reliability of weight measurements obtained by community health workers using four weighing tools: SECA model 878, NutriScale Digital, Tanita model HD-662, and mechanical hanging infant weighing scale. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two municipalities in Laguna, Philippines, where three pairs of end-users measured weight of 80 children aged 0-59 months in house-to-house and stationary setups across rural and urban areas. Inter- and intra-measurer reliability were assessed using correlation coefficients (CC), technical error of measurement (TEM), and coefficient of variation (CV). Benchmark values included TEM <0.1 kg and acceptable %TEM thresholds (≤1.5% intra-measurer; ≤2% inter-measurer). Results: All four tools demonstrated acceptable reliability. NutriScale and Tanita consistently recorded the lowest TEM and %TEM values across settings, followed by SECA, which also met acceptable standards. Variability in measurements, however, was observed between house-to-house and stationary setups, particularly in rural areas. Differences in tool performance appeared influenced not only by the device characteristics but also by contextual factors such as measurer consistency, child’s age, and environmental conditions. Conclusion: Although NutriScale and Tanita showed higher consistency, measurement accuracy cannot be attributed to the scale alone. Field variability, proper calibration, and adequate measurer training remain critical for reliable assessments. Future research with larger samples and age stratification is recommended to better evaluate scale performance and inform tool selection for community-based programmes such as Operation Timbang (OPT).

Introduction: The government of Indonesia runs a food supplementation programme in the form of biscuits for undernourished pregnant mothers. However, a home-delivered cooked foods programme using catering services has not been explored in Indonesia. This study aimed to determine the effect of home-delivered cooked foods and nutrition education on pregnant women’s gestational weight gain. Methods: This study employed a non-randomised controlled, open-label, parallel design. It enrolled 66 women consecutively assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received home-delivered cooked foods and nutrition education, while control group received usual care at Public Health Centres (PHCs). Results: After two months of intervention, the average increase in body weight of women in intervention group was 4.7±3.0 kg, which was significantly higher than that observed in control group (3.3±1.8 kg). After adjusting for maternal nutritional status, weight before pregnancy, height, gestational age, and age, mothers who received home-delivered cooked foods and nutrition education gained 1.50 kg (95% CI 0.31, 2.70, p=0.015) more weight than those who did not. Conclusion: Home-delivered cooked foods combined with nutrition education improved body weight of pregnant women at nutritional risk. Further studies are recommended to determine impact of home-delivered cooked foods on pregnancy outcomes. These study findings advocate and support Indonesian and local governments in potentially implementing a programme that offers home-delivered cooked foods through cateringservices to pregnant women at nutritional risk.

Introduction: Residential settlement is seen as a contributing factor to the diet of children. This study aimed to investigate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices between coastal and inland communities of Camarines Sur, Philippines. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 628 caregivers of infants and young children aged 0-23.9 months. Socio-demographic data were gathered. IYCF practices were assessed through face-to-face interviews using a list of indicators from World Health Organization guidelines. Descriptive and inferential statistics using chi-square test of association were done. Results: The majority of children were breastfed (coastal=97.1%; inland=96.8%; p=0.83), with most breastfed within 1 hour after birth (coastal areas 85.3%; inland areas 86.7%). However, the practice of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months was low for both areas (57.0% and 47.0%, respectively, p=0.58). Minimum meal frequency, continued breastfeeding until 23.9 months, and appropriate complementary feeding for children 6-8 months were also low in both areas. Meanwhile, unhealthy food consumption (inland: 85.4%; coastal: 79.8%) and zero consumption of vegetables or fruits were higher in inland areas. Consumption of meat products and sweet beverages was observed to be higher in coastal areas (coastal: 26.8%; inland: 16.9%). Conclusion: Minimal differences were seen in IYCF practices of caregivers between coastal and inland communities. However, the study found a notable difference in the consumption of sweet beverages, where coastal areas had significantly higher rates. This suggests that interventions must be made to educate caregivers to improve the diets of infants and young children

Introduction: Teenage pregnancy is a persistent global health challenge, with an estimated 13% of females below 18 years having given birth in 2022 (UNICEF, 2024). In the Philippines, approximately 5% of females aged 15–19 years have experienced pregnancy or childbirth (PSA, 2022). This study evaluated the nutritional and health status, nutrient intake, health-seeking behaviours, and participation in government programmes among pregnant adolescents (PAs) aged 10-19 years in selected municipalities in Batangas, Laguna, and Quezon Provinces. Methods: A crosssectional design was employed in 2022, involving 165 PAs and 28 key informants (KIs) interviewed via mobile or video calls during the COVID-19 pandemic. Energy and nutrient intake were assessed using a 24-hour food recall. Results: Among participants (mean age 17.7 years), 50% were nutritionally at risk, 70% had normal blood pressure, 24% were pre-hypertensive, and 6% were hypertensive. Mean energy intake ranged from 2,267 kcal (16–18 years) to 2,791 kcal (13–15 years), with only one-third to one-half meeting recommended intake levels (p=0.087). Protein adequacy ranged from 59 to 70%, while calcium (28–39%) and iron (5–10%) intakes were markedly deficient. Niacin adequacy differed significantly across age groups (p=0.036). These findings align with national data, where only 14.9% of PAs meet energy intake, and 23% are anaemic (DOST-FNRI, 2023). Cultural beliefs (67.3%) and food fallacies (53.3%) were common, while 64% said needed programmes and services were available. Conclusion: The findings highlighted significant nutritional deficiencies, underscoring the need for intensified monitoring, targeted nutritional interventions, and comprehensive educational strategies to support adolescent maternal health.

Introduction: Sports nutrition is critical for optimising athletes’ performance, recovery, and health. Despite its importance, significant gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among athletes often lead to suboptimal dietary habits and impaired energy balance. Sports nutrition education interventions have emerged as a promising strategy to address these deficiencies. This scoping review examined effectiveness of sports nutrition education programmes on KAP, eating behaviours, and energy availability among athletes from 2015 to 2024. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus was conducted using relevant keywords. Out of 394 studies initially screened, 12 met inclusion criteria, comprising intervention-based study designs, including randomised-controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and pre-post studies. Studies were considered eligible if they involved athletes, incorporated a nutrition education component, and assessed at least one outcome related to KAP, eating behaviour, or energy availability. Results: Most studies reported significant improvements in nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices, accompanied by positive changes in dietary behaviours. Interventions delivered via classroom instruction, digital platforms, or blended methods demonstrated varying levels of effectiveness. Key findings included increased energy availability, better dietary adherence, and favourable changes in body composition. Variations in duration of intervention programme delivery and participant characteristics led to the wide range of outcomes observed. Conclusion: Sports nutrition education can improve athletes’ nutrition knowledge and encourage healthier dietary practices. These interventions may contribute to better energy management, improved health, and enhanced sports performance, although further research is needed to evaluate their long-term effectiveness across different athlete populations.

Introduction: Anaemia remains a significant public health issue among schoolaged children in the Philippines, with multifactorial rural–urban disparities and limited evidence on their determinants. To address this gap, this study examined prevalence of anaemia and identified its key determinants among Filipino schoolaged children in rural and urban communities. Methods: A secondary analysis of 5,173 school-aged children from 2018–2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) examined data on biochemical, socioeconomic, anthropometric, food security, and participation in government programmes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted separately by place of residence to identify the determinants of anaemia. Results: National prevalence of anaemia was 16.6%, classified as a mild public health concern according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, with significantly higher prevalence in rural areas (18.5%) compared with urban areas (13.7%). Overweight and obesity were consistently associated with lower odds of anaemia across settings (national, rural, and urban). At the national level, key determinants included education of household head, sanitation, and non-participation in dietary supplementation programmes. In rural areas, limited education among household heads and poor sanitation were dominant predictors. In contrast, in urban areas, male sex, stunting, underweight, and non-participation in dietary supplementation programmes were influential factors. Conclusion: Anaemia among Filipino school-aged children reflects complex interplay of nutritional, socioeconomic, environmental, and programme-related factors, with distinct determinants observed between rural and urban settings, highlighting the need for setting-specific interventions.

Introduction: The growing population of international students in Malaysia has underscored the need to better understand their food preferences. Despite this, local studies addressing this topic have remained scarce. This study aimed to determine relationships between nutrition knowledge and food environment and their respective contributions to food preferences among international students at a Malaysian public university. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 619 international students. A structured questionnaire was used to assess general nutrition knowledge and food environment. Students were asked to rate their preferences for 77 food items using a five-point Likert scale, ranging from “dislike a lot” (1) to “like a lot” (5). The food items were categorised into six groups, namely animal foods (14 items), starches (12 items), dairy products (8 items), fruits (15 items), vegetables (20 items), and snacks (8 items). Results: A significant negative relationship was observed between dairy preference and affordability (r=-0.115, p=0.005). Students who lived off campus reported significantly greater preference for vegetables (M=75.49) than those who lived on campus (M=72.84). Nutrition knowledge related to diet, disease, and weight management emerged as the strongest predictor of fruit preference (β=0.257, p<0.001). Conclusion: General nutrition knowledge and food accessibility emerged as significant predictors of food preferences. Nutrition intervention programmes and efforts to improve access to fresh food options on campus may help encourage healthier food preferences among international students.

Introduction: Food security, defined as consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food, remains a significant challenge in Malaysia, especially among lowincome households. This study examined associations between food expenditure, food consumption, food adequacy, and food security among lower-ranking prison officers in the B40 income group. Methods: Multistage sampling was used to select study locations and prisons in Malaysia. Purposive sampling was used to select 420 officers, who completed a self-administered, validated questionnaire. Data were analysed descriptively and through multiple linear regression to identify key predictors of food security. Results: All respondents (100%) had acceptable Food Consumption Scores (FCS), with 97.1% showing high food adequacy. However, the vast majority (89.5%) were classified as at risk of food insecurity. Food spending was predominantly directed towards staple cereals and animal proteins, such as chicken and meat, while expenditure on fruits, vegetables, and dairy products was much lower. Food expenditure was strongly linked to food insecurity (β =-0.588, p<0.001). Similarly, food consumption score (β =-0.087, p=0.038) and food adequacy (β =-0.127, p=0.003) were both negatively associated with food insecurity. Conclusion: Although Malaysian prison officers generally had adequate diets, a substantial proportion of households remained food insecure, particularly in terms of dietary diversity and micronutrient intake. Household food expenditure, consumption scores, and food adequacy were all linked to lower food insecurity.

Introduction: The prevalence of wasting in the Philippines has not significantly declined in recent years, from 5.7% in 2018-2019 to 5.5% in 2021. This study examined agerelated patterns of wasting and stunting across socio-demographic groups and identified socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with wasting among Filipino children under five years. Methods: The study utilised cross-sectional population-based surveys conducted in 2018 and 2019. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to analyse data from 26,416 under-five children. Results: Wasting was highest at birth (8.2%) and peaked at 12-17 months (8.4%) before declining to 5.1% by age two. In contrast, stunting was lower at birth (10.2%), increasing sharply to 29.4% at 12-17 months and 38.3% at 18–23 months before slightly decreasing to 32.4% at two years old. Boys, children in rural areas, and those from poor households were more affected by wasting and stunting. Multivariate analysis showed increased odds of wasting in children whose mothers were thin (BMI <18.5 kg/m2) (AOR=1.4, p=0.013), short (<150 cm) (AOR=1.3, p=0.013), and less educated (AOR=1.5, p<0.001); for children over two, only mothers who were thin (AOR=1.6, p=0.006). Rural-urban differences were observed, with maternal and child factors strongly associated with wasting in rural areas, and maternal and household factors in urban areas. Conclusion: The findings underscore importance of strengthening interventions during the first 1,000 days of life. Context-specific strategies addressing maternal nutrition, education, and household conditions, while accounting for rural–urban disparities, are essential to prevent wasting and stunting among Filipino children.