Nutrition Activity Research Articles

Ações de alimentação e nutrição à população maternoinfantil na Atenção Primária à Saúde: análise comparativa em municípios da Região Metropolitana da Baixada Santista, São Paulo, Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective Characterize and comparatively analyse the organization of nutritional attention to prenatal care, the puerperium period and breastfeeding, in primary health care, in two municipalities of Baixada Santista, São Paulo, Brazil. Methods This was an exploratory-analytical study of family health units and the mixed basic care units of Cubatão (n=17) and Guarujá (n=14). For this purpose, seven domains of the Nutritional Attention Assessment Instrument in Primary Health Care were used. Descriptive analysis and the Mann-Whitney and Pearson’s chi-square tests were performed. Results In the comparison between the municipalities, the best scores were obtained in Guarujá. Statistically significant differences were found for the following indicators: support for nutritional attention actions: infrastructure and permanent education (<0.001); food and nutritional surveillance (<0.001); nutritional attention focused on prenatal care (<0.001); and nutritional attention focused on postpartum care and breastfeeding (0.012). Nutritional attention actions for mother-infant groups were more frequent in the city of Guarujá, which compared with Cubatão, achieved better scores for the nutritional attention evaluation indicators. Conclusion The municipality of Guarujá had better indicators of infrastructure and permanent education, food and nutrition surveillance, and puerperal and breastfeeding nutritional care. However, weaknesses persist in the organization of nutritional care in the two cities studied, especially regarding the work process.

Nutritional deviations in children: comparative analysis of data from the food and nutrition surveillance system and those obtained by anthropometrists.

ABSTRACTObjective:To compare the prevalence rates of nutritional deviations in children under five years of age according to data from the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional — SISVAN) and those obtained by trained anthropometrists.Methods:This is a descriptive cross-sectional study based on data from 10 municipalities and 2 sources: i) SISVAN Web (secondary database) and ii) an investigation that evaluated the implementation of food and nutrition actions in the Family Health Strategy in the state of Paraíba (primary database), with 24,137 and 897 individuals, respectively. Proportions of overweight — according to weight/age (W/A), weight/height (W/H), and body mass index/age (BMI/A) — and stunting — according to the height/age (H/A) index — based on classifications of SISVAN Web and those obtained by trained anthropometrists were compared using the two-proportion Z-test.Results:Frequencies of overweight, according to W/A (10.0 vs. 7.8%), W/H (17.2 vs. 14.3%), and BMI/A (18.1 vs. 14.4%), as well as stunting (12.3 vs. 8.6%), were higher on data from SISVAN Web than on those obtained by trained anthropometrists, and the differences were significant.Conclusions:The findings point to distortions in the nutritional classification of children under five years of age monitored by SISVAN Web.

Intersetorialidade das ações de alimentação e nutrição: relação com a prevalência de obesidade no estado da Paraíba

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the managerial profile and forms of intersectoral articulation in the framework of food and nutrition carried out in Primary Health Care and verify its association with the prevalence of obesity in the three health macro-regions of the State of Paraíba. Methods: Cross-sectional survey carried out in 151 municipalities in Paraíba, nested in a national population-based survey. Variables related to the manager, managerial profile, intersectoral forms of articulation, and obesity rates among adults were evaluated according to data from the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System. Results: All macro-regions presented a mean of adults obesity higher than the national reference for individual over 18 years of age described in the National Health Plan 2020-2023. The presence of the technician responsible for food and nutrition actions was associated with higher rates of obesity. The performance of food and nutrition education actions, and intersectoral practices related to the Food and Nutrition Security sector were associated with lower prevalence of obesity. Conclusion: The effectiveness of the actions cannot be guaranteed by the presence of a specific position for the actions. Food and Nutrition Education actions are recommended to reduce the prevalence of obesity.

Coexistence and correlates of forms of malnutrition among mothers and under-five child pairs in Tanzania.

Improving the health and well-being of mothers and children is a priority worldwide. The present study aimed to examine the coexistence and correlates of malnutrition among mothers and under-five child pairs using Tanzania Demographic Health Survey 2015-16 data. Height-for-age, height-for-weight and weight-for-age Z-scores were used to assess the nutritional status of children, while body mass index was used to assess the nutritional status of mothers. Correlates of forms of malnutrition were assessed using multinomial logistic regression. Among 8083 pairs, 40⋅9% were normal, 30⋅3% were underweight, 17⋅5% overweight and 11⋅3% had double burden of malnutrition. The risk of being underweight is highest among the pairs with; children aged 13-59 months (relative risk ratio (RRR) = 2⋅33) and children with small birth weight (RRR = 2⋅67). Overweight is highest among pairs with; mothers aged 35-49 (RRR = 3⋅36), mothers with secondary education and above (RRR = 1⋅85), fathers aged 35+ (RRR = 1⋅38), professional fathers (RRR = 4⋅10) and richer households (RRR = 2⋅06). The double burden of malnutrition is highest among pairs with; children with small birth weight (RRR = 2⋅76), from rural households (RRR = 1⋅24) and from richer households (RRR = 1⋅41). There is a coexistence of forms of malnutrition among mothers and under-five child pairs in Tanzania. The study recommends using multidimensional approaches such as double-duty action for nutrition to eradicate all forms of malnutrition.

Descentralização normativa da agenda de segurança alimentar e nutricional: estudo descritivo das legislações publicadas nas capitais brasileiras

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to identify and characterize the legislation published in Brazilian capitals regarding food and nutritional security. Methods This is a descriptive, exploratory, and documentary research, with a survey on public and free access websites to legislation published until July 2021 in the 26 Brazilian state capitals. Document characterization information was extracted, systematized, and systematically analyzed. Results Of the 1,390 legislations found, 307 were included in the analysis, 31% from the South region of Brazil and 23% from the Southeast region. The legislation mainly referred to the Structuring of the Brazilian System of Food and Nutritional Security (76.5%) and the Promotion of Universal Access to Adequate Food (17.3%). The categories less present were Evaluation and Monitoring of the Brazilian System of Food and Nutritional Security and Food and Nutritional Security (1.9%), Food and Nutrition Actions Aimed at Quilombolas and Traditional Communities (1.3%) and Universal Access to Water (0.7%), with 17 capitals (65.4%) having no localized legislation for these three themes. Conclusion The results point to the need for qualification of transparency mechanisms in public management and good governance, and demonstrate an incipient process of implementing the government food and nutrition security agenda in Brazilian capitals, with low incidence on different government sectors and other public policies

The European Food Regulatory Environment Index: a tool to monitor progress in implementing food environment policies.

BackgroundEvidence based health policy, such as that put forward in the European Food and Nutrition Action Plan 2015–2020 and the WHO Global Action Plan on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, has a role in curbing the consumption of unhealthful foods and drink. We ask how countries are performing in the adoption of these policies and how the comprehensiveness of their food environment policies explains variations in consumption of unhealthful products across Europe.MethodsIn order to assess the state of policy adoption, we developed a composite indicator—the Food Regulatory Environment Index (FREI) for which we calculated unweighted and weighted formulations according to the strength of the evidence base. We used linear regression models to explain variations in the consumption of unhealthful products as well as variations in a composite indicator of obesogenic diets.ResultsOverall, wealthier countries in the Region perform better. The weighting of the constituent policies does not affect the rankings. We find negative associations between unweighted and weighted formulations of the Index and household consumption of sugary and carbonate drinks as well as with the composite indicator for obesogenic diets.ConclusionsThe main strength of this study is the comprehensiveness and comparability of the policy data across the relatively large number of countries covered. There is a negative association that is statistically significant, between all formulations of the FREI and the household consumption of sugary and carbonated drinks. There is also a negative association between some FREI formulations and obesogenic diets.

Molecular mechanisms regulating spermatogenesis in vertebrates: Environmental, metabolic, and epigenetic factor effects

The renewal of the natural resources is one of the most concerning aspects of modern farming. In animal production, there are many barriers breeders and researchers have to overcome to develop new practices to improve reproductive potential and hasten sexual maturation of the commercially viable species, while maintaining meat quality and sustainability. With the utilization of molecular biology techniques, there have been relevant advances in the knowledge of spermatogenesis, especially in mammals, resulting in new possibilities to control male fertility and the selection of desirable characteristics. Most of these discoveries have not been implemented in animal production. In this review, recent studies are highlighted on the molecular pathways involved in spermatogenesis in the context of animal production. There is also exploration of the interaction between environmental factors and spermatogenesis and how this knowledge may revolutionize animal production techniques. Furthermore, new insights are described about the inheritance of desired characteristics in mammals and there is a review of nefarious actions of pollutants, nutrition, and metabolism on reproductive potential in subsequent generations. Even though there are these advances in knowledge base, results from recent studies indicate there are previously unrecognized environmental effects on spermatogenesis. The molecular mechanisms underlying this interaction are not well understood. Research in spermatogenesis, therefore, remains pivotal as a pillar of animal production sustainability.

Review on Pharmacognosy, phytochemistry and pharmacological activity of Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion plant)

Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), a member of the Asteraceae family, commonly found in the temperate zone of the Northern hemisphere, is the perennial herb, forming a rosette leaf, golden yellow flowers that bloom year round. Dandelion leaves, roots and flowers is used in many traditional and modern herbal medicinal systems. On phytochemical investigation, Dandelion herb contains one or more vital phytochemical constituents. Similarly Among the most important compounds in dandelion Contains sesquiterpene lactones which is a bitter element, principally contains taraxacin and taraxacerin, which is principally important in mechanism of liver functions related with hepatoprotective action. Besides that result of the phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of sterols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, that have been shown to be associated with numerous pharmacological effects such as Antioxidants, anti immflammatory, antidiabetics, antitumor activity. Along with that the Dandelion leaves are a high efficient source of vitamins and minerals, including beta carotene, non-provitamin A carotenoids, xanthophylls, chlorophyll, vitamins C and D, many of the B-complex vitamins, choline, iron, silicon, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper, and phosphorous which is also useful as a several nutritive action. This review will point out areas for future research of phytochemicals containing Taraxacum officinale where they shows more effective against various ailments and shows recent effective pharmacological activity

Food Quality and Nutritional Status of Pregnant and Lactating Women in The Non-Lotted Area on the Outskirts of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Background: To contribute to the fight against malnutrition among women of reproductive age, this study aimed to evaluate the quality of food and the nutritional status of pregnant and lactating women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2018 to September 2018 to explore the frequency and distribution of the dietary, socioeconomic, and health characteristics of pregnant and lactating women as well as their nutritional status. The target population consisted of 124 pregnant women and 118 nursing women age between 15 to 49 years. Results: The prevalence of acute malnutrition was 30.9% among women in general, 1.6% with severe malnutrition according to the mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). In terms of the body mass index (BMI), the prevalence of malnutrition among lactating women was 13.5%; 10.5% with moderate malnutrition and 3.5% with severe malnutrition. The women aged between 15 to 49 years had poor dietary diversity. The mean dietary diversity score (DDS) was estimated at 4.14±0.86. This score was 4.19±0.87 in pregnant women and 4.09 ± 0.85 in lactating women. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between them (P = 0.20 and OR = 0.82) [0.4; 1.4]. A substantial proportion (19.8%) of women had a low DDS (< 5), with a rate of 16.9% among pregnant women and 22.9% among lactating women. Conclusion: This study revealed the presence of food and nutrition insecurity in semi-urban areas, particularly in "undeveloped" areas. Improving the living conditions of the populations in these localities, in parallel with nutritional education actions, could help to reduce the disease.

KEGIATAN EDUKATIF “TIM AKSI BERGIZI” PADA REMAJA DI KABUPATEN TUBAN

Nutritional problems in adolescents are increasingly complex due to limited knowledge about balanced nutrition in adolescents. The increasing number of dual nutritional problems, especially in adolescents in Tuban Regency. The Nutrition Action Team is one form of nutrition education efforts to reduce nutritional problems in adolescents. This community service activity is carried out for high school students in Tuban Regency. In the Nutrition Action Team activities, all participants were able to understand well about nutrition in the life cycle of adolescents, adolescent nutrition problems, 10 messages of balanced nutrition. It is hoped that in the future this community service activity can be carried out in a sustainable manner, so as to create a positive attitude towards nutrition, the formation of knowledge and skills in choosing and using food sources, the emergence of good eating habits and the motivation to find out more about matters related to nutrition.

Do international trade and investment agreements generate regulatory chill in public health policymaking? A case study of nutrition and alcohol policy in South Africa

BackgroundTrade and health scholars have raised concern that international trade and particularly investment disputes may be used by transnational health harmful commodity corporations (THCCs) to effectively generate public health regulatory chill. The purpose of this study was to contribute to the limited evidence base of trade or investment dispute-related regulatory chill using a case study of nutrition and alcohol policy in South Africa.MethodsWe conducted 35 semi-structured interviews with 36 key stakeholders involved in nutrition, alcohol and/or trade/investment policymaking in South Africa. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. We used Schram et al’s theory on three forms of regulatory chill (anticipatory, response and precedential) to guide the analysis. We report evidence on each form of regulatory chill as well as specific contextual factors that may influence the risk of regulatory chill.ResultsTrade obligations were found to generate a significantly greater anticipatory-type chilling effect on nutrition and alcohol regulation than South Africa’s investment treaty obligations. Response chill was reported to have occurred in relation to South Africa’s proposed tobacco plain packaging regulation while awaiting the outcome of both Australia’s investor-state and WTO state-state disputes. No cases were reported of THCCs threatening an investor-state dispute over nutrition or food regulations, but there were reported cases of THCCs using arguments related to South Africa’s trade obligations to oppose policy action in these areas. No evidence of nutrition or alcohol policy precedential chill were identified. Factors affecting the risk of policy chill include legitimacy and perceived bias of the dispute system, costs involved in pursuing a regulation/defending a dispute and capacity to pay, social acceptability of the industry, a product’s perceived risk to health and confidence in a successful dispute outcome e.g. through cross-border policy learning.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that currently, South Africa’s trade obligations have a more prominent role in inhibiting nutrition and alcohol action than investment treaty-related concerns. However, given the potential for wider use of the ISDS mechanism by THCCs in the future, strategies to protect public health policy space in the context of both international trade and investment treaty and dispute settlement contexts remain important.

Changes in weight status of 7-year-old children in North Macedonia between 2010 and 2019

Childhood obesity is growing as one of the most important public health issues that affects individual and population health but also puts heavy burden on the health systems. It is frequently associated with immediate adverse consequences, such as psychological problems, and a higher risk of many harmful comorbidities later in life, such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. Comparability of anthropometric data is crucial to track the changes over time. The aim of this paper was to present prevalence of thinness, overweight, and obesity in 7-year-old schoolchildren in North Macedonia in 2010 and 2019, and the changes in their nutritional status during thatperiod. Material and methods: Anthropometric measurements of body height and body weight were performed to the nationally representative sample of 7-year-oldchildren in school years 2010/2011 and 2018/2019. Measurements followed the Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) protocol and data collecting procedures. In total, 2737 children (1317 girls and 1420 boys) in 2010 and 2059 children (1045 girls and 1014 boys) in 2019 were measured. WHO Growth references were used to determine the growth and nutritional status of children. Results: The average height of children in the observed period has increased by 1.7 cm, weight for 1.2 kg and the BMI for 0.3 kg/m2. As for the weight classification, thinness prevalence is significantly increased for 0.3%. Overweight (including obesity) significantly increased (p=0.0377) from 34.4% (95% CI 32.6%-36.2%) in 2010 to 37.3% (95% CI 35.2%-39.5%) in 2019. Obesity significantly increased (p=0.040) from 16.3% (95% CI 14.9%-17.7%) in 2010 to 18.4% (95% CI 16.7%-20.1%) in 2019. The main driver of that increase was the highly significant (p=0.0004) increase of almost 7% of overweight (including obesity) in girls. Conclusion: There is unfavorable rising trend which indicates deterioration of the situation with childhood obesity in the country. Focused and more comprehensive public health nutrition actions are needed to plateau or reverse the trends. The childhood obesity national monitoring system is well established and should continue to beone of the key public health monitoring systems that provide evidence for actions.

The Role of Stakeholder Framing in Nutrition Agenda-Setting to Address the Double Burden of Malnutrition in Tamil Nadu, India

ObjectivesAddressing the double burden of malnutrition in many low- and middle-income countries through double duty strategies requires understanding of how stakeholder framing influences nutrition agenda-setting at the subnational level where policies are translated to address local context. We aimed to identify differences in frames of undernutrition and nutrition-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Tamil Nadu, India and to show how the frames reflect stakeholder intention and action regarding nutrition actions. MethodsTamil Nadu is experiencing chronic undernutrition and increasing NCDs and has a history of commitment to addressing undernutrition. We conducted in-depth interviews with stakeholders from nutrition-sensitive disciplines using semi-structured questionnaires (n = 28). Stakeholder responses and established policy process frameworks guided interview coding and thematic analysis. ResultsThe frames of undernutrition and NCDs comprised five domains: problem identification, risk factors, target populations, roles for stakeholders, and policy and program response. To address undernutrition, stakeholders consistently identified problems, risk factors, and target populations. Roles and responsibilities for stakeholders were defined, resulting in multisectoral strategies. For NCDs, stakeholders inconsistently identified the same domains, resulting in lack of convergence and bottlenecks to implementing double duty actions. ConclusionsNutrition-related NCDs have not reached a critical level of priority and coherence among state-level stakeholders regarding problem identification, risk factors, target populations, responsibility, and solutions, preventing political commitment to addressing them through inclusion in the policy agenda, dedicated resources, and convergence of multisectoral efforts. Development and implementation of multisectoral double duty strategies likely to be effective at the subnational level will require stakeholders to address three challenges in agenda-setting: adequate priority given to the problem, coherence of the policy community, and convergence of actions by multisectoral stakeholders. Funding SourcesThe Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation through POSHAN, led by the International Food Policy Research Institute.

Nutritional Interventions In The Treatment Of Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review Of Clinical Trials / Intervenções Nutricionais No Tratamento Da Acne Vulgaris: Uma Revisão Sistemática Dos Ensaios Clínicos

The aim of this study is to review the literature about dietary interventions on acne vulgaris in order to support the development of more effective treatments in clinical practice. A systematic review of the literature, from clinical trials over the last five years, available in Pub Med and SciELO . The selected articles were analyzed according to the Jadad scale, CONSORT and risk of bias using the Cochrane protocol. CONSORT indicated that most of the evidence score was attributed in the titles, abstracts and some of the methods. In particular, the methods of the studies evaluated, when lacking detail, received lower scores, among the evidence, expressed as a percentage. The results, after using the Jadad scale, indicated a similar profile to that obtained with the CONSORT protocol. However, this tool is limited with regard to randomization and blinding. Using the Cochrane method, the risk of bias was evaluated. Results corroborated the evaluations by CONSORT and Jadad scale. Supplementation with n-3 fatty acids, Camellia sinensis , Berberis vulgaris , chromium, selenium and probiotics were significant, but results were limited for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Consumption of foods with increased glycemic load and chocolate indicated a correlation with an increase in acneiform lesions. Changes in nutritional status of alfa-tocopherol, cobalamin and folic acid were associated with the use of isotretinoin. There is a need to increase the quantity and quality of scientific evidence on the nutritional treatment of acne vulgaris in order to more effectively and safely guide the nutritional actions of clinical practice today.

HYPERURICEMIA IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION AND OBESITY: PREVALENCE AND CORRELATIONS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME

Objective: Describe hyperuricemia prevalence in people diagnosed with hypertension and obesity attended in a Hypertension ambulatory and co-related the metabolic syndrome with hyperuricemia. Design and method: A retrospective cross-sectional study in which data comes from patients’ electronic medical records watched between January 2018 to December 2019 in a Cardiovascular Hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Sex, age, arterial systolic and diastolic blood pressure, abdominal circumference, uric acid, fasting glycemia, HDL-c, and triglycerides were collected from the latest result during that period. The National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) as a reference to metabolic syndrome definition. Pearson and Spearman correlation test to describe the correlation between uric acid and metabolic syndrome requirements, according to p < 0.05 as a statistical significance. Results: 31 patients watched with 54 ± 11 years old; most were women (64,5% n = 20). In addition, 45,2% (n = 14) shows hypertension diagnostics and all had metabolic syndrome. It was observed linear positive correlation between uric acid values and abdominal circumference (r = 0,493; p = 0,005), triglycerides (r = 0,467; p = 0,008). It was not found correlation between glycemia (r = 0,202; p = 0,276), SBP (r = 0,295; p = 0,107), DBP (r = 0,273; p = 0,335) and HDL-c (r = 0,194; p = 0,295). Conclusions: Hyperuricemia is prevalent between individuals’ diagnostics with hypertension and obesity, and also shows relation with metabolic syndrome, introducing the importance of the nutritional actions to prevent and minimize hypertension and obesity-associated, including the acid uric diet control.

Effects of plastics in the food system on human health, food security, and the environment: a systematic scoping review

BackgroundDue to their characteristics, plastics are ubiquitous across global food systems, which is contributing to environmental pollution. Circular economy policies should account for the myriad effects of plastics across interdependent environmental, human health, and food security and economic domains. However, the available evidence is disparate, and researchers and policymakers do not share a common strategy for addressing this planetary health problem. We aimed to synthesise data from this diverse research landscape to facilitate multidisciplinary collaboration. MethodsIn this systematic scoping review, we searched nine databases and 15 grey literature sources, for studies published from the year 2000 onwards (up to January, 2019). We sought to identify quantifiable evidence on major plastic types used in all processes from agricultural production to waste management (so-called farm to flush); and studies presenting quantifiable outcomes (direct or intermediate, beneficial or harmful) in relation to human health, food security, household economics, and the environment. Findings were presented in an evidence gap map. A full study protocol was registered with the Campbell Collaboration. Findings3362 studies were included in our review and evidence gap map. Between 2000 and 2019, a 4-times increase in published studies occurred, with China, India, and the USA accounting for 1175 (34·9%) studies, and low-income settings just 54 (1·6%) studies. Plastics used in agricultural production and processing, and storage and transportation were well researched (1869 [55·6%] studies and 1117 [33·2%] studies, respectively), with considerably less research of plastic use in the retail, consumption, and food waste disposal subsectors. Food security outcomes were most frequently captured (2546 [75·7%] studies), with human health (1602 [47·7%] studies) and the environment (282 [8·4%] studies) accounting for substantially less research. Agricultural plastics used to drive productivity or efficiencies were commonly researched (1730 [51·5%] studies), as was plastic packaging and effects on nutritional quality, longevity, or safety of foodstuffs (1090 [32·4%] studies). Little evidence was available regarding on-farm plastic pollution or contamination (34 [1·0%] studies), or regarding the effects of food system plastics on human health (39 [2·4%] studies). Just eight meta-analyses (0·2% studies) were captured, all exploring plastic mulching and row covers. InterpretationThe evidence base regarding the effects of food system plastics on planetary health domains is imbalanced. This review highlights key evidence gaps to fill before circular economy policies can truly account for benefits and harms across different domains. FundingCo-funded by UK Aid from the UK Government, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, via the Innovative Methods and Metrics for Agriculture and Nutrition Actions programme.

A Review on Phyto-pharmacological Significance of Ajwa pits (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

Phoenix dactylifera L. (Ajwa date) is a natural plant that belongs to the Arecaceae family and consumed as a fruit. It is cultured all over the world especially in desert areas like Arab regions and has nutritional significance and pharmacological values. P. dactylifera L. dominates itself from other dates because of its enrichment in dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals and sugars. The study exhibits that P. dactylifera L. contains certain phytochemicals including phenols and flavonoids which act as antimicrobial agents. The distinctive profile of phytochemicals in P. dactylifera L.is the reason for its frequent use as a medicinal plant. In vivo and in vitro studies have been performed to understand the complete nature of P. dactylifera L. This review article gives an overview of the nutritional significance, pharmacological actions, life stages and phytochemical mechanism of P. dactylifera L.

Anti-inflammatory mechanisms of fruits and by-products from Mauritia flexuosa, an exotic plant with functional benefits#

ABSTRACT Mauritia flexuosa L., traditionally known as “buriti”, exhibits chemoprotective properties including antioxidant, antithrombotic, and nutritional actions. The aim of this study was to examine the oral anti-inflammatory activity of epicarp, mesocarp and endocarp obtained from M. flexuosa fruits using in vivo models to verify physiological benefits. The anti-edematogenic action was determined using phlogistic agents to induce paw edema and peritonitis. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, cell migration of peritoneal cells, histological changes, and abdominal swelling induced by acetic acid were also investigated. Carrageenan-induced edema was found to be decreased in mice pre-treated with epicarp by 50.8%, 53.7% and 39.2% and mesocarp by 41.8%, 65.3% and 71.9% after 2, 3, and 4 hr stimuli, respectively. Edema initiated by specific agents such as compound 48/80, histamine, serotonin, and prostaglandin E2 were also reduced, and better outcomes were found against histamine-induced edema, as evidenced by the decline at all times analyzed (30–120 min) with both doses of water extract of mesocarp (500 or 1000 mg/kg). Mesocarp-pre-treatment reduced inflammatory tissue parameters such as number of peritoneal leukocytes and TNF-α levels, but only epicarp diminished abdominal pain. In summary, M. flexuosa fruits, especially mesocarp, exhibited oral physiological benefits and capacity to modify biochemical and cellular steps in the inflammatory cascade, indicating that dietary supplements containing these fruits may be combined with pharmacological tools to ameliorate or prevent diseases of inflammatory origin.

Mise à jour de la situation nutritionnelle en République du Bénin

Background: Nutrition is a major determinant of health and an essential factor in the development of countries. Faced with food insecurity and malnutrition, Benin has implemented policies and programs aiming to reduce the progression of this burden. Aims: To take inventory of nutritional status and interventions implemented to reduce the prevalence of different forms of malnutrition and food insecurity in Benin. Methods: A review of nutritional and food data available at the national level and consultation of intervention management reports was carried out from May to July 2020 and then, the data were compiled and structured. Results: Even though Benin has natural resources and remarkable biodiversity, the country faces a double nutritional burden marked by undernutrition: stunting (32%), anemia (71.5%), underweight (17%), wasting (5%) in children under 5 years, exclusive breastfeeding rate (42%) and over-nutrition: obesity (7.4%), diabetes (12.4%) in adults. Food insecurity remains persistent in 9.6% of households and undernourishment concerns 7.4%. The main interventions at the community level are made by the National Integrated School Feeding Program and the Coordinated Early Childhood Nutrition and Development Project. In addition, are the implementation of essential nutrition actions and nutrition-sensitive interventions involving different sectors such as, non-governmental organizations and technical and financial partners. Conclusion: Food and nutrition situation in Benin has been slightly improved thanks to the implementation of multisectoral coordination of interventions. Nonetheless, many challenges remain to be addressed, including the scaling up of successful interventions and advocacy for a substantial mobilization of resources in order to achieve global nutrition targets and sustainable development goals. Keywords: Nutritional status, Diet, Intervention, Benin.

Mise à jour de la situation nutritionnelle en République du Bénin

Background: Nutrition is a major determinant of health and an essential factor in the development of countries. Faced with food insecurity and malnutrition, Benin has implemented policies and programs aiming to reduce the progression of this burden. Aims: To take inventory of nutritional status and interventions implemented to reduce the prevalence of different forms of malnutrition and food insecurity in Benin. Methods: A review of nutritional and food data available at the national level and consultation of intervention management reports was carried out from May to July 2020 and then, the data were compiled and structured. Results: Even though Benin has natural resources and remarkable biodiversity, the country faces a double nutritional burden marked by undernutrition: stunting (32%), anemia (71.5%), underweight (17%), wasting (5%) in children under 5 years, exclusive breastfeeding rate (42%) and over-nutrition: obesity (7.4%), diabetes (12.4%) in adults. Food insecurity remains persistent in 9.6% of households and undernourishment concerns 7.4%. The main interventions at the community level are made by the National Integrated School Feeding Program and the Coordinated Early Childhood Nutrition and Development Project. In addition, are the implementation of essential nutrition actions and nutrition-sensitive interventions involving different sectors such as, non-governmental organizations and technical and financial partners. Conclusion: Food and nutrition situation in Benin has been slightly improved thanks to the implementation of multisectoral coordination of interventions. Nonetheless, many challenges remain to be addressed, including the scaling up of successful interventions and advocacy for a substantial mobilization of resources in order to achieve global nutrition targets and sustainable development goals. Keywords: Nutritional status, Diet, Intervention, Benin.