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Selenium: More than just a micronutrient mineral.

Malaysian Journal of Nutrition.2007;13(1):101-107.

Selenium is a micronutrient mineral found mainly in soils. Studies on selenium have increased rapidly worldwide especially after it has been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer in humans and animals. The exact mechanism of action on how selenium inhibits diseases, in particular cancer, is still unknown. To date, the use of selenium in preventing or treating diseases is limited. However, many aspects about the biochemistry of selenium have been identified. This article reviews a number of key clinical, experimental and epidemiological studies on selenium as an anti-carcinogenic agent for some types of cancers. Some nutritional information on selenium and its recommended intake are also included. More clinical and experimental studies are needed to confirm previous findings on the role of selenium as an anticarcinogenic agent.
Selenium ; Selenium measurement ; Minerals ; experiment ; Clinical

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Sex and ethnic differentials in physical activity levels of adolescents in Kuantan.

Dan S.P. ; Mohd. Nasir M.T. ; Zalilah M.S.

Malaysian Journal of Nutrition.2007;13(2):109-120.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the physical activity levels of 400 adolescents (13 years old) in Kuantan, Pahang using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). The associations of physical activity levels with sex, ethnicity and body mass index were also determined. About one third (35.3%) of the adolescents were in the low physical activity level category, 61.5% in the moderate physical activity level and only 3.0% of the adolescents were in the high physical activity level category. More males (77.9%) were physically active than females (54.9%). Twice as many female adolescents (45.1%) were in the low physical activity level category compared to the male adolescents (22.1%). The associations between physical activity with ethnicity and body mass index were not significant. However, there was a significant interaction effect of sex and ethnicity in mean physical activity score (F = 2.36, p<0.01). Malay males had a significantly higher mean physical activity score as compared to Chinese males (t=2.13; p<0.05). Although Chinese females had a higher mean physical activity score than Malay females, the difference was not statistically significant. Conversely, there was no interaction effect of sex and BMI status in mean physical activity score. This study suggests that physical activity intervention to promote regular physical activity is needed since a high proportion of the adolescents fall within the low physical activity level category.
Physical activity ; Gender ; ethnicity ; Body Mass Index ; ethnic

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Improvement of nutrition knowledge and practices among reproductive-aged women through participatory communication in two communes of Yenthe district in Bacgiang province, Vietnam.

Le Thi Hop ; Trinh Hong Son ; Britta Ogle

Malaysian Journal of Nutrition.2007;13(2):121-129.

Over the years many approaches have been used in communication for behavioral changes in nutrition. The overall aim of this study was to provide practical insights into how participatory, audience-centered communication activities can be effectively used for imparting information and for behavioral change promotion on the topic of dietary diversity and micronutrient nutrition, among reproductive-age women in Vietnam. The communication initiatives for improving nutrition knowledge and practices of the women in two selected communes (Dongky and Donglac) in Bacgiang province were carried out from January, 2003 to December, 2005. The Dongky commune was selected as the intervention commune, while the Donglac commune served as the control. In the intervention commune of Dongky the problems and strategies of nutrition communication and education were defined, IEC materials and some seeds of iron-rich vegetables and fruits were provided. Besides that, a contest on nutrition knowledge at a primary school and a competition between nutrition collaborators were held. The results of the study showed that food consumption of the women in both communes improved compared to levels at the baseline survey, especially in the intervention commune. The total knowledge scores and the nutrition practices of the women in the Dongky commune significantly improved compared to the data at baseline and were higher compared to that of the control commune.
commune ; Nutritional status ; Human Females ; Communication ; seconds

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Comparison of nutritional status between tuberculosis patients and controls: A study from North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, India.

Kaushik Bose ; Sujata Jana ; Samiran Bisai ; Ashish Mukhopadhyay ; Mithu Bhadra

Malaysian Journal of Nutrition.2007;13(2):131-139.

The nutritional status of tuberculosis patients (TBP) and controls (CT) was compared among adult (> 20 years) Bengalees in Shyamnagar, Barrackpore, Naihati and Jagaddal of North 24 Parganas District, West Bengal, India. The subjects included 310 men (154 TBP and 156 CT) and 246 women (128 TBP and 118 CT). The mean ages of TBP men was 36.4 years (CT = 34.5) and that of TBP women was 26.4 years (CT = 25.6). Variables compared included weight, height, fat mass, fat mass index, mid-upper arm fat area, and skinfolds. Results revealed that TBP had significantly lower means for all variables (except for height in men) compared to CT in both sexes. In men, the highest percent differences between the two groups were observed for fat mass (FM: 60.1%), fat mass index (FMI: 59.2%) and suprailiac skinfold (SUPSF: 58.8%). In women, the highest percent differences between the two groups were observed for SUPSF (59.7), mid-upper arm fat area (MUAFA: 58.1), triceps skinfold (TSF: 51.4), biceps skinfold (BSF: 51.2), FM (51.2) and FMI (49.0). Regression analyses confirmed that tuberculosis status had significant impact (p < 0.0001) on all anthropometric and body composition characteristics compared (except for height in men) in both sexes. Among men, tuberculosis status explained the highest percent variation in percent body fat (PBF: 57.2%), FMI (56.0%) and FM (55.6%). In women, tuberculosis status explained the highest amount of variation in PBF (67.9), TSF (63.5%), BSF (62.8), FMI (61.0) and FM(60.7). Results of contingency chi-square tests revealed that there were significant differences in the frequency of undernutrition between TBP and CT in men (χ2 = 73.13361) and women (χ2 = 59.0000). The frequencies of undernutrition were significantly more common among TBP, in both men (56.5%) as well as women (51.6%). This study provided evidence that there was significant differential amount of loss in fat and muscle measures in tuberculosis patients.
tributyl phosphate ; Male population group ; Tuberculosis ; X-Ray Computed Tomography ; Fatty acid glycerol esters

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The effect of health and nutrition management classes on nutrition choices: A case study on diabetics in Huntsville, Alabama, United States.

Malcolm A. Cort ; Marta Sovyanhadi

Malaysian Journal of Nutrition.2007;13(2):141-148.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a one-day nutrition education seminar utilizing a sample of 26 confirmed diabetics who had at least once before, participated in nutrition classes. The participants were exposed to a seminar that promoted, evaluated, and rewarded good nutrition choices in an effort to educate this group about coping with diabetes through nutrition management. A 24-hour food recall was used as a pre-test, meal plans constructed by trained graduate-level diet interns were used as the standard by which proper nutrition was judged, and participants’ choices were used as the post-test evaluation. Significant differences were found between the 24-hour recall and the ideal meal plans in all of the three nutrient measured (energy, protein and fat). Participants showed a preference for personally constructed meal plans as opposed to those constructed by the interns. However, significant diet adjustments were shown in the short term. Discussion focused on the need for repeated involvement in diet interventions, and the challenges faced in changing diet habits of a group of middle-aged individuals who are even slightly obese.
Nutritional status ; Diet ; Hour ; Case Studies <2> ; United States

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Assessment of antioxidant capacity and phenolic content of selected commercial beverages.

Abbe Maleyki Mhd Jalil ; Azrina Azlan ; Amin Ismail

Malaysian Journal of Nutrition.2007;13(2):149-159.

This study was aimed at assessing the antioxidant capacity and phenolic (free, bound, and total) contents in selected commercial beverages. Three different types of beverages commonly available in Malaysian supermarkets namely, cocoa, coffee and tea were selected. Phenolic contents were determined using a Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing power and scavenging activity) was determined using FRAP and TEAC assays. Based on analysis of variance, coffee showed the highest amount of free phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity compared to cocoa and tea (p < 0.05). The major phenolic compound detected in coffee was chlorogenic acid. Cocoa showed higher phenolic content than tea. However, cocoa and tea have similar catechin content and possessed comparable antioxidant capacity. The free phenolic content in the three beverages was found to be highly correlated with antioxidant capacity. In addition, moderate correlation was observed between total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. On the other hand, there was no significant contribution of bound phenolic compounds towards antioxidant capacity. The contribution of antioxidant capacity in these beverages could be due to phenolic compounds in the free form. The study indicated that the beverages studied possessed varying degrees of antioxidant capacity and phenolic contents.
Antioxidants ; Tea ; commercial ; Coffee ; Assessment: Cognition

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Evaluation of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) bioactive compounds in increasing the ratio of T-cell surface molecules of CD3+CD4+:CD3+CD8+ in-vitro.

Tejasari

Malaysian Journal of Nutrition.2007;13(2):161-170.

The potential ability of ginger bioactive compounds in increasing the ratio of T-cell surface molecules of CD3+CD4+:CD3+CD8+ was investigated using dual tagging FITC and PE of monoclonal antibody anti-human with its fluorescence measured by flow cytometer. Oleoresin was extracted using sinkhole distillation technique. Its components namely, gingerol in fraction-1, shogaol in fraction 2 and zingeron in fraction-3 were separated by column vacuum chromatography method. The doses of oleoresin, gingerol, shogaol, and zingeron tested were 50, 100,150, 200, and 250 μg/ml. Lymphocytes (2x106 cell/ml) from human peripheral blood were isolated using ficoll density gradient technique, and cultured in the presence of the compounds in RPMI-1640 medium and phytohemaglutinin (PHA) mitogen for 96 h under normal conditions. Percentages of T-cell surface molecules (CD4+ and CD8+) were determined using dual-tagging FITC and PE fluorescents labeled on monoclonal antibody anti human. The fluorescence-labeled bands on the T-cell surface molecules were counted using flow cytometer. The experiment revealed that oleoresin and its three fractions increased the percentage of CD3+CD4+. The compound in fraction 3 of oleoresin at 200 μg/ml increased by the highest percentage of CD3+CD4+ of 9%, but slightly decreased the percentage of CD3+CD8+. These ginger bioactive compounds increased the ratio of CD3+CD4:CD3+CD8+ T-cells with the highest increment of 30% from effects of 200 μg/ml fraction 3 of oleoresin. This in vitro finding revealed that ginger bioactive compounds potentially increased cellular and humoral immune response. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm the benefits of these ginger bioactive compounds as a potential functional food for testing on HIV infected patients.
Antigens, CD3 ; Antigens, CD4 ; Ginger extract ; Antigens, CD8 ; T-Lymphocytes

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Protein quality of anchovy, mackerel and canned sardine samples.

Abdul Salam Babji ; Aidilla M. ; Gugapreya C. ; Lai C.J. ; Nur Bazlina B. ; Cahyana C. ; Nor Hayati C.P. ; Suriati Z

Malaysian Journal of Nutrition.2007;13(2):171-177.

The protein nutritive value of anchovy, mackerel and canned sardine samples together with casein as a reference formulation were evaluated. Proximate composition, protein quality and protein digestibility were determined. Procedures for evaluation included Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) using the rat bioassay and in vivo Apparent Digestibility (AD). Rats fed with canned sardine diet had the highest mean body weight (154.8±12.28g) while rats fed with anchovy diet had the lowest mean body weight (145.27±15.89g) with significant differences between all the groups. Mean body weight of rats fed with selected fish diet was higher compared to rats fed with casein diet. For PER value, canned sardine has the highest value (2.48), followed by anchovy (2.46) and mackerel (2.34). PER value for all selected fish is lower than that for casein (3.14). Mackerel had the highest value of in vivo AD (96.99%), followed by casein (96.96%), canned sardine (96.88%) and anchovy (91.29%). In conclusion, among the types of fish compared, sardine had the highest protein quality while mackerel showed the highest digestibility.
Proteins ; Diet ; Caseins ; Protein measurement ; Rattus norvegicus

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Determinants of Body Weight Status of University Students: Exploratory Evidence from Universiti Sains Malaysia

Low HJ ; Tan AKG, Kassim S

Malaysian Journal of Nutrition.2015;21(3):285-297.

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are major health concerns among young adults in Malaysia. This study investigates the association between socio¬demographic and health-lifestyle factors and body weight status among university students. Methods: Data were obtained from random questionnaire-based face-to-face interviews of 414 full-time students from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Ordered probit analysis was conducted and marginal effects of socio-demographic and health-lifestyle variables on body-mass-index (BMA calculated. Results: Among socio-demographic variables, ethnicity (Chinese), gender (male), monthly household income bracket, and family history of obesity were significant factors in determining body weight status. As a health-lifestyle factor, self-reported main meal portion size was significantly associated with BMI. Conclusion: It is concluded that health policy makers in institutions of higher learning should take appropriate intervention measures by focusing on socio-demographic and health-lifestyle related factors in addressing issues of overweight and obesity among university students. Policy recommendations include implementing specific nutrition awareness programmes among male students and promoting health education that elevated body weight issues could be associated with familial traits. Efforts to ensure affordable and accessible nutrient-rich foods in campus cafeterias may also be beneficial to the nutritional health of university students.

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Breakfast Eating Habits and Nutritional Status of Primary School Children in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria

Ukegbu Patricia Ogechi

Malaysian Journal of Nutrition.2015;21(3):299-307.

Introduction: This study was carried out to describe breakfast eating habits and nutritional status of primary school children in rural areas of Anambra state, Nigeria. Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey involving 358 primary school children (aged 6-11 years) randomly selected from 5 private primary schools in Anambra state. A pre-tested questionnaire on dietary habits, breakfast eating habits and content of breakfasts was used to collect data. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi square. Results: The mean age of the children was 8.2±0.7years. The percentage of children who reported taking breakfast on the day of the study was 77.7%, while 71.2% ate breakfast 25 times per week. Those who skipped breakfast cited waking up late (48.8%) and lack of enough food at home (43.8%) as reasons for skipping breakfast. Breakfast was usually consumed at home by 90.6% of the children. Foods in the bread/cereal group (61.5%) and tea/cocoa beverages (59.7%) were commonly consumed for breakfast. The snacks brought to school were mainly pastry products (78.8%). The prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting among the children were 15.9%, 27.4% and 20.7%, respectively. Those who consumed breakfast more than 5 times a week were more likely to have better weight-for-age status than their counterparts (X2=6.690;p=0.043) (P<0.05). Conclusion: Most of the children were reportedly used to having daily breakfast. However, there is a need to assess the nutritional quality and adequacy of breakfasts consumed by young children

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