1.Comparison of Employees’ Food Consumption with Recommended Dietary Intake Levels
Tuul N ; Munkhjin S ; Amarlin D ; Oyunbileg B ; Zesemdorj O ; Khosbayar T
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;93(3):114-121
Background:
In recent years, the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and non-communicable diseases has been increasing worldwide, particularly in developing countries. These conditions are closely associated with unhealthy dietary patterns, physical inactivity, and high consumption of ultra-processed foods. In Mongolia, national nutrition surveys indicate insufficient intake of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, while consumption of meat and fats remains relatively high. Although healthcare workers possess higher health literacy, they are considered a high-risk group for unhealthy dietary behaviors due to workload and occupational factors. Therefore, assessing their dietary intake is essential.
Aim:
To evaluate and compare the dietary intake of healthcare workers with the recommended dietary intake levels for the Mongolian population.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 335 employees (82.1% female, 17.9% male; aged 22–69 years) from nine healthcare institutions in Ulaanbaatar were included in the study. Data were collected using a general questionnaire consisting of 5 sections and 35 questions, and a food frequency questionnaire comprising 19 sections and 182 questions. Dietary intake was assessed using standardized portion size estimation methods and household measures (e.g., cups, spoons). Data were analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel.
Result:
Among participants, 85.4% did not engage in regular physical activity, and 54.6% reported gastrointestinal discomfort. Irregular eating patterns were observed, with 63.3% not consuming dinner at a regular time. The average intake of meat and meat products was 307.81 g, which was 1.5 times higher than the recommended level. In contrast, intake of dairy products (159.77 g), vegetables (162.47 g), and fruits (175.84 g) was 1.1–2.2 times lower than recommended. Intake of cereals (470.17 g) and fats (23.42 g) was approximately within the recommended range. Overall, 91.6% of participants had insufficient dairy intake, 95.5% had insufficient vegetable intake, and 81.5% had insufficient fruit intake. The average consumption of ultra-processed foods was 256.1 g and showed a moderate positive correlation with fat intake (r=0.506, p<0.001). Approximately 60% of participants exceeded the recommended daily energy intake, with excessive intake observed for protein (66.3%), fat (50.1%), and carbohydrates (41.8%).
Conclusion
The dietary patterns of healthcare workers deviated from recommended intake levels, characterized by excessive energy intake, imbalance in macronutrients, and high consumption of ultra-processed foods. There is a need to increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, reduce meat and processed food consumption, and promote a supportive environment for healthy eating in the workplace.
2.Detection results of lead resistant bacteria from soil and water in Ulaanbaatar city
Munkhjin B ; Altanchimeg N ; Tumenjargal D ; Tuul N
Health Laboratory 2021;14(2):5-12
Background:
Soil pollution in Ulaanbaatar has increased in recent years, causing infectious and non-communicable diseases, both benign and malignant.
Therefore, in order to reduce soil pollution, it is necessary to isolate strains resistant to heavy metals and use these microorganisms capable to degrade or accumulate heavy metals for bioremediation purposes.
Methods:
Bacterial pure cultures were isolated from soil and water samples and incubated in a Nutrient Broth medium with a lead concentration of 1000 mg/L in a thermostat with a shaker at 37°C. The growth rate was determined at a wavelength of 600 nm using a Spectrophotometer.
Results:
In total 69 pure cultures were isolated from the soil samples and 65 pure cultures from them were able to grow at the concentration of lead of 1 mmol/L. 4 pure cultures (UBLF1, UBLF3, UBMF2, and SUBZ4) were able tolerate lead concentrations up to 8 mM. These cultures were determined by semi-automatic VITEK®2 analyzers and identified as Bacillus sp. (83%) and UBMF2 identified as Bacillus thuringiensis (93%) respectively.
Conclusion
The lead content in water samples were found to be acceptable, and isolated pure cultures were not able to withstand the lead concentrations.
Pure culture UBLF3 isolated from the soil capable to reduce lead concentration (500 mg/L) up to 302 mg/L and 230 mg/L in the medium, and pure culture UBMF2 up to 340 mg/L and 279 mg/L respectively
Result Analysis
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