Malnutrition, in all its forms, is a problem of global proportions and requires urgent action. In many parts of the world, most adolescents receive inadequate nutrients needed to meet the body’s daily requirements in terms of quantity, frequency, and quality to survive, grow and develop to their full potential. Food systems are therefore important in addressing problems of malnutrition, food insecurity and diet-related health problems. This study profiled the dietary patterns and nutrient adequacy of youths (aged 15-24 years) in Ruaka and The Technical University of Kenya using demographic questionnaires, food frequency questionnaires and a 24-h recall method. The study found that 17.6% of males and 13.0% of females skip their breakfast at least thrice a week due to too much time spent watching TV at night and waking up very late hence only having morning or afternoon snacks. In addition, many did not consume foods from at least four essential food groups according to the 24-h recall method. Thus, there is a need to educate youths and the society at large about healthy dietary patterns and the need to include at least four essential food groups in their meals in order to gain essential nutrients (both macronutrients and micronutrients) for healthy growth and development. Key words: Youth, diet, dietary pattern, fast foods, healthy eating habits, nutrition, malnutrition, food system.

People’s perception of food products during food choice is a very complex phenomenon that is influenced by a wide range of characteristics that an individual, groups and local communities make. This study investigated nutritional status and associated motives of food choice among lactating women from Debre Birhan Town. Anthropometric measurements and motives of food choice questionnaire were administered among 423 randomly selected women using cross-sectional study. Data was analyzed via SPSS version 20. Associated drivers of food choice to nutritional status of women were identified by logistic regression analysis, and p-value < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Prevalence of chronic energy deficiency was 21.7%. From multivariate logistic regression model, healthy meal eating motivation, price and mood concern were identified as most significant drivers of food choice influencing nutritional status of women with AOR (95% CI) of 2.1 (1.21-3.62), 3.01(1.32-6.9) and 0.5(0.30-0.95) respectively. Focus on supporting women’s motivations to attain their good health by addressing issues of dietary behavior through nutrition education about healthy food choice is recommended. Since awareness creation is an important to inspire women, their families and communities to increase food intake, proper dietary practices and dietary diversification in order to be successful in improving the livelihood of women. Key words: Nutritional status, motives, food choice, lactating women. &nbsp

The change in appetite and food cravings before, during and after menstruation and the relationships between each premenstrual symptom and change in appetite and type of food with increased intake were investigated. This study was conducted by a self-administered questionnaire in 311 female students of health sciences. It was found that the proportion of students who increased the appetite was 70.4% during the menstruation cycle, and the highest period was before menstruation (85.8%). Sweets had the highest intake in all menstrual phases followed by junk food. It was found that increased appetite was significantly associated with depression and sleepiness. Moreover, increased intake of sweets was associated with depression, anger and sleepiness, while intake of junk food was associated with irritability and depression. In conclusion, the relationships between increased appetite for sweets and junk food and premenstrual symptoms indicate the need for promoting proper menstruation-related eating habits. Key words: Premenstrual symptoms, change in appetite, food craving, sweets, junk food.

Considering the importance of nutritional health for people living with HIV, programs delivering nutritional support have been scaled up globally. Among various programs, the Food by Prescription (FBP) program has been implemented in Ethiopia since 2010. This study was undertaken to assess the level of adherence to the FBP program and identify the associated factors among HIV infected adults. Facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from May to June 2018 among 481 adult people living with HIV who have been enrolled in the program in 15 public health facilities. The study subjects were selected through a convenient sampling technique and data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were entered and analyzed using Epi Info version 7 and Statistical Package for Social Science version 20 statistical software respectively. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were used. More than half 285(59.3) of the study subjects were found to be adherent to the FBP program. The amount of prescribed food, the duration of stay in nutrition program, the practice of sharing the supplement and experiencing of supplement stock out was found to be the most important predictors. The study revealed the level of adherence to the FBP program and identified some of the most important associated factors among adult people living with HIV. Strengthening the counseling component of the program, improving the supply management of the health facilities and linking people living with HIV to the economic strengthening activities should be considered to improve the adherence level of the program. Key words: Adherence, Food by Prescription Program, adult PLWHA, Ethiopia. &nbsp

This work is a prospective study that aims to evaluate the vitamin D status of Moroccan women during the last trimester of their pregnancy to establish the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D. We carried out, within the Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital (HMIMV), a six-month prospective study on the vitamin status D of 152 Moroccan women during their last gestational trimester. Maternal blood was collected at the Gynecology-Obstetrics Department during the last prenatal visit or during the delivery process. Serum assays for 25 (OH) D3, PTH, calcium, phosphorus and PAL were performed in the HMIMV Biochemistry Laboratory. A questionnaire was developed to reveal different parameters influencing vitamin status. The vitamin D deficiency rate is very high in our study sample. We found 97.37% hypovitaminosis D (<30 ng / ml) of which 9.21% in insufficiency ([20-30] ng / ml), 88.16% in deficiency (<20 ng / ml). Statistical analysis shows no correlation between age and vitamin concentration (p = 0.933). We found a negative correlation between 25 (OH) D3 and parathormone (PTH) (p = 0.016, r = - 0.194) and observed a variation of 25 (OH) D3 according to the sun, the BMI and the pigmentation of the skin although no statistical relationship has been established. There is no association between physical activity and 25 (OH) D3 concentration (p = 0.331). We recommend the implementation of corrective measures that focus on vitamin D information campaigns. The pregnant woman should be encouraged to receive adequate nutrition and a balanced diet. Keys words: 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3, calciferol, pregnancy, hypovitaminosis D. &nbsp

While multidisciplinary consultation meetings on therapeutic protocols, psychological management, treatment of pain for patients living with cancer are setting up, their nutritional status in Cote-d'Ivoire is almost absent in oncology units. This study aimed to assess the nutritional profile of adult patients with cancer, followed at the oncology service of the University Hospital of Treichville. A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over a 40-day period, from an anonymous questionnaire and involving fifty-three (53) cancer patients. sociodemographic, clinical and biological data as well as qualitative parameters on food consumption (24-hour recall) were collected. The results revealed that the mean age was 51 years with a female predominance (87.5%). The nutritional status of patients was evaluated according to several parameters: The Body Mass Index (BMI) accounted for 8.33% of malnourished patients with 37.5% of patients being obese or overweight. Weight loss in the 6 months preceding the survey concerned 77.55% patients, 30.61% of whom were severely malnourished. Albuminemia and the Nutritional Risk Index (NRI) showed that respectively 13.5% of the patients were malnourished and 22.5% of patients were at risk of complications related to undernutrition. In 18.87% of cases, surveyed patients had taken less than three meals a day. Therefore, prevalence of undernutrition/malnutrition was high in the study population. No single parameter was sufficiently sensitive and specific. Based on this, the combination of several parameters is necessary for an objective assessment for intervention. Nutritional management of patients living with cancer deserves to be integrated into the overall therapeutic project. Key words: Nutrition, cancer, undernutrition, nutritional assessment, food intake.

This study was carried out to produce and evaluate the nutritional quality of cookies formulated from sorghum and fortified with cowpea, plantain and sweet potato. The sorghum and cowpea were subjected to processing technique of sprouting while plantain and sweet potato was peeled oven dried at 45°C. The sorghum variety used was Chakalari white, a low tannin variety, cowpea (Borno red), plantain (unripe) and sweet potato (Yellow variety). Sorghum (60%) was supplemented with legume and tubers at varying proportions: five formulations were made. The parameters assayed include proximate composition, mineral element, in-vitro protein digestibility, vitamin and tannin content, using standard methods. The result showed a significant protein yield for sorghum 60: Cowpea 40 fortification (12.82±0.00) when compared with the control (unprocessed) (5.07±0.00) and the processed samples at (p<0.05). Increases in moisture, crude protein, and crude fiber content in the formulated cookies were observed. Carbohydrate content of the cookies increased as the level of cowpea flour decreased by 10%. The result showed a percentage increase in the in-vitro protein digestibility of processed samples with cowpea having the maximum level (91.90)% at 6 h digestibility. For the mineral element, there was an increase in Ca and K. For the vitamin content a significant increase was observed in the level of vitamin B6 of processed samples and formulated cookies compared to control. The tannin content of processed sample (1.54%) significantly decreased compared to unprocessed sample (control) 2.07%. The sensory evaluation revealed that SSSC and SSDSp were more acceptable than the other ratio blends. It can be concluded that the nutritional quality of the cookies were improved with the addition of cowpea. Sample with sorghum: cowpea (60:40) is a better option for cookies, as it is more superior in nutrient analysis compared to the remaining ratios. Key words: Sorghum, cowpea, plantain, sweet potato, cookies. &nbsp

Introduction of complementary foods to infants is a common practice. However, according to recommended infant and young child feeding protocol the timing of introduction, frequency of feeding and the quality of diet are not appropriate. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the magnitude and identify the predictors of appropriate complementary feeding practice among mothers of children 6-23 months of age in Kedida Gamela district, southern Ethiopia. A community based cross sectional study was conducted among mothers of children aged 6-23 months on March 2017. A total of 777 randomly selected mothers/caregivers paired with their children aged 6-23 months were interviewed by trained nurses. Data were entered, cleaned and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Descriptive analyses were done for main variables. Exposures with p-value less than 0.25 on bivariate analysis were taken for multivariate analysis. Statistical significance was declared at p<0.05 and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported. The proportion of appropriate complementary feeding was 21% in the study area. Maternal age 18-24 years [AOR=4.01,95% CI (1.78, 9.04)], mothers with children 6-11 months of age [AOR=2.88, 95% CI (1.68, 4.94)] and 12-23 months of age [AOR=2.67, 95% CI (1.61, 4.45)], mothers who attended postnatal care follow up [AOR=2.14, 95% CI (1.14, 4.02)], and living in a food secure household [AOR=2.23, 95% CI (1.30, 3.82)] were the factors associated with appropriate complementary feeding practice. Mothers in the age range of 18-24 years, mothers having children of 6-11 months and 12-23 months of age, attending postnatal care follow up and living in a food secure household were the predictors of appropriate complementary feeding practice. Mothers should be encouraged to attend postnatal care follow up and income generating activity should be made to assure household food security status to prevent economical vulnerability of households. Key words: Complementary feeding, children, 6-23 months. &nbsp

The protective effect of vitamin C against theobromine induced toxicity in male albino Wistar rats was investigated. Twenty-five (25) male Wistar rats weighing between 140 – 160 g were divided into 5 groups with 5 rats in each group. Group 1 served as the control. Group 2 received 700 mg/kg body weight of theobromine daily for 4 days. Group 3 was administered 100 mg/kg body weight of Vitamin C daily for 21 days. Group 4 was intoxicated with 700 mg/kg of theobromine daily for 4 days before treatment with 100 mg/kg of Vitamin C for 21 days while Group 5 received 700 mg/kg of theobromine daily for 4 days and was allowed to recover naturally for 21 days. Biochemical indices of liver, kidney function and lipid profile were assayed using serum. The liver, kidney and heart tissues were used for histological studies. Significant increase (p<0.05) in serum enzyme activities and concentrations of urea, creatinine, total and LDL cholesterol as well as decreased HDL cholesterol concentration were observed in Group 2 compared to the control. Treatment with Vitamin C in Groups 3 and 4 significantly decreased (p<0.05) the activities of the serum enzymes, concentrations of urea, creatinine, total and LDL cholesterol while the concentration of HDL cholesterol was significantly increased when compared to Group 2. Histological evaluation of the liver, kidney and heart sections revealed degenerated cytoarchitecture and inflammation of these tissues following theobromine intoxication. However, the toxic features were observed to resolve in Group 4 when vitamin C was administered while cytoarchitectural degeneration persisted in Group 5. In conclusion, theobromine induced liver, kidney and cardio toxicity with negative modulation of lipid profile while vitamin C ameliorated the toxic effect of theobromine in albino Wistar rats. Key words: Vitamin C, theobromine, liver function, kidney function, lipid profile, cardiotoxicity.

Poor and inadequate glycemic control among patients with Type 2 diabetes constitutes a major public health problem and major risk factor for development of diabetes complications. In clinical practice, optimal glycemic control is difficult to obtain because the reasons for poor glycemic control in Type 2 diabetes are complex. This study aims to determine Acute glycemic level and its association with physical activity recommendations adherence among type 2 diabetic patients in Illubabor zone southwest, Ethiopia. Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 19 to May 19, 2018. Among 422 diabetic patients attending regular follow up at government health facilities in illuababor zone, southwest Ethiopia, participants were selected using systematic random sampling method.Data were collected using interview administered semi structured questionnaires; FBS was used to determine patient&rsquo;s glycemic control level. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the independent predictor&rsquo;s of diabetic patient&rsquo;s Acute glycemic control level. In the current, study nearly two third (64.5%) of respondents had poor (inadequate) Acute glycemic control. While 51.8 and 38% of participants were non adherence to dietary and physical activity recommendations respectively. Patients Acute&nbsp; glycemic control was significantly affected by patients occupational status [AOR=0.39 (0.22-0.68)], family history of DM [AOR=0.34 (0.18-0.62)], presence of co-morbidities [AOR= 3.72(1.39-9.94)], and physical activity adherence [AOR=0.46 (0.28-0.75)]. High proportion of diabetic patients had poor Acute glycemic control. Patient&rsquo;s occupational status, family history of DM, presence of co morbidities, physical activity adherence was an independent predictors of diabetic patient&rsquo;s Acute glycemic control. Early identification and management of co-morbidities and delivery of focused health information physical activity recommendations should be strengthened. Key words: Adherence, diabetic, glycemic level, Illuababor. &nbsp