Nutritional Challenges Research Articles

Optimizing Bio-fertilizers to Address Food Security and Advance Nutritional Sustainability

This chapter delves into the pivotal role of biofertilizers as a sustainable solution in addressing the intertwined challenges of food security and nutrition. Biofertilizers, derived from beneficial microorganisms, offer a promising alternative to conventional chemical fertilizers, enhancing soil fertility, crop productivity, and overall ecosystem health. The abstract explores the multifaceted benefits of biofertilizers in bolstering agricultural yields, improving soil health, and fostering nutrient-rich crops, consequently contributing to a more resilient and nourishing global food system. Additionally, it examines the hurdles and opportunities in widespread adoption, emphasizing the necessity for continued research, technological innovation, and comprehensive educational initiatives to maximize their potential impact on sustainable agriculture and human nutrition.

Comparative analysis of dietary diversity and food consumption patterns among public and private University Students in Bangladesh

Introduction: University students represent a crucial period for establishing long-term dietary patterns and are particularly susceptible to nutritional challenges due to lifestyle changes. This study focuses on the dietary habits of university students in Bangladesh, a demographic undergoing significant changes in eating patterns amid urbanization and exposure to Westernized food cultures. Aim: This study aims to investigate the socio-demographic characteristics and dietary patterns of university students in Bangladesh, distinguishing between public and private university attendees. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted over four months at two public and two private universities in Bangladesh. The sample consisted of 296 students, selected through systematic random sampling. Data collection involved face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Dietary diversity was assessed based on the last 24 hours’ intake, and household food consumption scores were calculated over the past 7 days. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (Version 17) and Stata (Version 13). Results: The study consists of approximately equal representation of students from public (48.63%) and private (51.37%) universities, with a slight male majority (53.87%). Significant economic disparities were found between students from public and private universities, impacting their monthly expenditures and dietary habits. Students from private universities displayed a more diverse diet, especially in higher consumption of vegetables, fruits, and protein sources. A notable correlation was found between economic status and dietary diversity, with private university students having higher food consumption scores. Conclusion: The study highlights substantial socio-economic disparities between students from public and private universities in Bangladesh, significantly influencing their dietary habits. Findings emphasize the need for targeted nutritional interventions and educational programs to mitigate the gaps in dietary diversity and health among university students. The study provides valuable insights for public health policymakers and educators in understanding and addressing the nutritional needs and challenges of university students in Bangladesh.

Adolescent Students’ Nutritional Knowledge in Boarding Schools and Strategies for Improving their Nutritional Status

This study investigated adolescent students’ nutritional knowledge in boarding schools and potential strategies for improving their nutritional status in the Ido-Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria. The researcher used purposive sampling to select three government colleges and private college boarding schools in the Ido-Osi Local Government area. The sample consisted of 80 boarding house students. Data was collected using a questionnaire, and the statistical analysis involved frequency and percentages. The findings revealed that a good percentage of the boarding school students have good nutritional knowledge. The majority of students believed that both the Federal and State Government, as well as schools, parents, and communities, should work together to improve the food system in order to combat nutritional challenges in boarding schools. Thus, the study recommends that the Government, parents, schools, and communities collaborate to address any nutrition issues among adolescent students in boarding schools. This could involve initiatives such as establishing school gardens and providing support to local farmers, among other strategies. Future research should aim to enhance our understanding of adolescent students' nutritional knowledge in boarding schools and develop effective strategies to improve their nutritional status. This will contribute to the overall health and well-being of these students during their critical developmental years.

Enhancement of nutrient bioaccessibility and functional property of chicken bone powder through steam explosion

There are technological and nutritional challenges to efficient use of chicken bone in foods, due to its low bioaccessibility and techno-functionality. The impacts of steam explosion (SE), autoclave, steam treatment on the powder characteristics and the effect of SE on the physicochemical properties and bioaccessibility of chicken bone powders were investigated. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that SE treatment might increase crystallinity, partial loss of organic substance, but not completely destroyed its crystal type. SE had a smaller particle size of chicken bone powder with time and energy saving compared with other treatments, and it was conducive to improving the color acceptability. Compared with native chicken bone powder, SE significantly decreased the average particle size of powder by 79.23 %, whereas its specific surface of unit volume increased by 119.98 %. And SE improved the techno-functionality which evaluated by water holding capacity (4.19 %), oil holding capacity (10.53 %), water solubility index (117.64 %) and ABTS radical scavenging activity (14.05 %). The higher protein digestibility, calcium and major amino acids contents in chicken bone powder during digestion showed SE upgraded the bioaccessibility. The results were suggestive that steam explosion was an efficient process for preparing bone powder with improved techno-functionality and noticeable bioaccessibility.

Revitalizing Agriculture Extension Services for Millets: A Comprehensive Review of Strategies, Challenges, and Innovations

This review paper highlights the importance of millets in addressing agrarian and nutritional challenges and the need to revitalize millet agriculture extension services. The paper discusses the nutritional, environmental, and economic significance of millets and the common challenges faced by millet farmers, such as low yields, pest and disease management, and market access. The review also defines and explains the role of agricultural extension services in promoting millet farming practices and discusses traditional and contemporary extension approaches, such as farmer training, knowledge-sharing platforms, and digital technology. The paper evaluates the effectiveness of government policies and programs aimed at supporting millet cultivation and provides case studies of regions or communities where successful millet extension services have made a significant impact. The review concludes that revitalizing millet agriculture extension services is crucial for promoting sustainable millet farming practices and improving the livelihoods of millet farmers. By embracing millets as a staple crop, we can enhance agricultural diversity, mitigate the impact of climate change, and foster sustainable food systems.

Agromorphological evaluation of six varieties of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] in the Zinder region (Niger)

Cowpea is the main food leguminous plant grown in Niger. It is mainly cultivated for its protein-rich haulms and seeds and for its ability to improve soil fertility through its symbiosis with atmospheric nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The present study evaluated genetic variability among six cowpea varieties for yield, yield related and phenology traits in the Zinder region. The experiment was conducted at the experimental area of André Salifou University in Zinder. An experimental device composed of three completely random blocks was used. The six varieties (four local and two improved) of cowpea were evaluated based on 24 quantitative agronomic and morphological characters according to IBPGR descriptors. The comparison of the means and the PCA revealed significant differences between the varieties in almost all the traits tested, with substantial phenotypic variations. IT98 was the most productive variety, with an average yield of 385.50 kg/ha. It also recorded the earliest flowering (38.41 days after sowing) and maturity (55 days after sowing) dates. BlAr gave the highest 100-Seed weight with an average value of 29.21g. CDSb and BTAr were the tallest plants at 40.44 and 40.26 cm respectively. The completed PCA indicates that the first two axes expressed 78,7% of the total variability whereby PC1 and PC2 highly contributed to the total variation at 54.76% and 23.94, respectively. Thus, IT98 may be a good candidate to be considered in Niger struggle to fight food shortage and face nutrition challenges, especially for the Zinder region due to abiotic constraints.

Diverse roles of low-molecular weight thiol GSH in Francisella’s virulence, location sensing and GSH-stealing from host

Low-molecular weight (LMW) thiols, encompassing peptides and small proteins with active cysteine residue(s), are important to bacteria as they are involved in a wide range of redox reactions. They include the tripeptide glutathione (GSH) and the small redox proteins, thioredoxins and glutaredoxins. We review the low MW thiols and related molecules in Francisella species and what role they may play in growth and virulence. Genes for GSH biosynthesis, metabolism and thioredoxins are present in all strains of Francisella, including the fully human-virulent strains. GSH and cysteine (CSH) are the major LMW thiols in Francisella extracts. We explore the potential role of the LMW thiols to overcome the nutritional challenges of intracellular growth (high GSH conditions) as well as the nutritional challenges of planktonic growth (low GSH conditions), and their contribution to Francisella’s sensing its environmental location. Francisella may also use GSH as a source of CSH, for which it is auxotrophic. “Glutathione stealing” from the host may be an important part of Francisella’s success strategy as a facultative intracellular pathogen both to detect its location and obtain CSH. An understanding of GSH metabolism in Francisella provides insights into the interaction of this pathogen with its host and may reveal additional targets for therapeutic intervention for tularemia infections.

Nutrition in Critically Ill Children with AKI on Continuous RRT: Consensus Recommendations.

Nutrition plays a vital role in the outcome of critically ill children, particularly those with AKI. Currently, there are no established guidelines for children with AKI treated with continuous RRT (CRRT). A thorough understanding of the metabolic changes and nutritional challenges in AKI and CRRT is required. Our objective was to create clinical practice points for nutritional assessment and management in critically ill children with AKI receiving CRRT. PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched for articles related to the topic. Expertise of the authors and a consensus of the workgroup were additional sources of data in the article. Available articles on nutrition therapy in pediatric patients receiving CRRT through January 2023. On the basis of the literature review, the current evidence base was examined by a panel of experts in pediatric nephrology and nutrition. The panel used the literature review as well as their expertise to formulate clinical practice points. The modified Delphi method was used to identify and refine clinical practice points. Forty-four clinical practice points are provided on nutrition assessment, determining energy needs, and nutrient intake in children with AKI and on CRRT on the basis of the existing literature and expert opinions of a multidisciplinary panel.

INDIAN MILLETS (FINGER MILLET, KODO, SORGHUM AND PEARL MILLET): POTENT FUNCTIONAL FOODS AND PROCESSING SCOPES

Millets, a group of small-seeded grasses, are emerging as functional foods with numerous health benefits. With the world facing challenges in agriculture and nutrition, millets offer a promising solution due to their resilience in marginal growing conditions and high nutritional value. Millets are an abundant source of essential macronutrients and micronutrients, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) that are essential for muscle growth and repair. The phytochemicals present in millets, such as phytosterols, polyphenols, and phytoestrogens, act as antioxidants, immunomodulators, and detoxifying agents, potentially preventing age-related diseases like cardiovascular conditions, type-2 diabetes, and cancer. Different millets contain diverse phenolic groups with potent antioxidant capacity. The nutritional characteristics and processing techniques of four common Indian millets - Finger millet, Kodo, Sorghum and Pearl millets are discussed in view of their potential as functional foods for promoting good health. Millets contain resistant starch, that acts as prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and reducing inflammation, helps in the production of desirable metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids in the colon, especially butyrate, which helps to stabilize colonic cell proliferation and thus contributing to overall health. Although millets contain higher levels of antinutrients, some of these compounds also offer antioxidant properties. The use of processing techniques like debranning, soaking, germination, fermentation, and autoclaving can reduce antinutrient content and enhance the bioavailability of essential nutrients and proteins. Future research in the realm of Indian millets could focus on optimizing processing techniques, exploring health impacts, and transforming antinutrients for potential benefits in combating malnutrition and food security

Short-term responses of meat ewes facing an acute nutritional challenge in early-mid lactation.

Simulating a consequence of a climate change event on feed availability, responses of Mediterranean meat ewes facing an acute undernutritional challenge (CHA; i.e., fed only low nutritional value cereal straw) were evaluated at a sensitive physiological stage (i.e., early suckling). Forty Romane ewes were chosen at early-mid pregnancy (around 2 mo) according to parity (20 primiparous, PRIM; 20 multiparous, MULT); feed efficiency genetic line of their sires (residual feed intake [RFI]; efficient, RFI-, n = 10 per parity; inefficient, RFI+, n = 10 per parity); litter size (i.e., bearing twins, diagnosed by ultrasonography); body weight (BW, kg) and body condition score (BCS) (initial BW and BCS [mean ± SD]: 51.6 ± 7.41kg; 2.5 ± 0.20, respectively; representing flock' averages per parity). Effects on dry matter intake (DMI), ewes' BW and BCS, subcutaneous dorsal fat thickness (DFT), energy metabolism (plasma non-esterified fatty acids [NEFA], β-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB), glucose, urea, triiodothyronine [T3]), and lambs' growth (BW and average daily gain [ADG]; g/d) were examined before, during and after CHA. Individuals' profiles of the response-recovery to CHA were described using a piecewise mixed-effects model. The fixed effect of parity and genetic line and the random effect of individual (ewe) were considered. A linear mixed-effects model was fitted to explore the effects on lambs' growth. The 2-d straw-only CHA had significant effects on most of the recorded parameters. Meaningful drops and recoveries were observed on ewes' DMI, BW, and DFT with effect on postchallenge levels. BW, BCS, DFT, or DMI were also affected by parity (MULT > PRIM) but not by genetic line. Plasma NEFA, β-OHB, glucose, urea, and T3 responded well to CHA with drops in T3, urea, and glucose levels, whereas NEFA and β-OHB significantly increased after CHA. MULT ewes presented sharper β-OHB recovery from CHA than PRIM (P ≤ 0.05). With this study, we provide tangible and necessary data for an emerging field of research. Our results give new insights into how such a short and abrupt CHA affects some key zootechnical and physiological parameters, and to what extent the impacts of CHA and the ewes' response-recovery are influenced. It also revealed potential between-individual differences in the adaptive capacities of ewes, which require further exploration.

Sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding in 77 districts of Uganda

BackgroundUganda surpasses many African nations and the global average in exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates. Yet, malnutrition is a critical issue, with stunting impacting roughly 29% of children under 5 years. Enhancing EBF could mitigate such nutritional challenges. This study focused on determining the current EBF prevalence and identifying associated factors across 77 surveyed districts.MethodsPooled data from the Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) surveys conducted in 77 districts in Uganda during 2021 and 2022 were analyzed. The analysis involved 7,210 mothers of children under 6 months, EBF was considered as the proportion of infants who received breast milk only in the 24 hours before the survey. A mother practicing EBF was (1) currently breastfeeding (2) had not started giving foods other than breastmilk (3) had not given any other probed liquids or (4) semi-solid foods the previous day or night. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with EBF, presenting adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals at a 5% significance level.ResultsThe prevalence of EBF was 62.3%. In the adjusted analysis, EBF was more common among older mothers 20–24 years, 25–29 years and 30 + years (aOR 1.4; 95% CI 1.2,1.6), (aOR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1, 1.6) and (aOR 1.3; 95% CI 1.1, 1.5) respectively compared to teenage mothers. Also, EBF was more likely among mothers who lived in rural areas compared to urban areas (aOR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0, 1.3) and those who attended antenatal care (ANC) (aOR 2.2; 95% CI 1.5, 3.1). On the contrary, EBF was less common for children aged 3–5 months compared to younger (aOR 0.5; 95% CI 0.5, 0.6) and children who had received Vitamin A supplementation (aOR 0.7; 95% 0.6, 0.8).ConclusionThe study suggests that most districts in Uganda might not have made significant strides in improving EBF rates over the last twenty years, pointing to possible ongoing hurdles that need urgent attention. Particularly, there’s a pressing need to focus on teenage mothers. Maintaining and strengthening programs that advocate EBF, such as ANC, is crucial to bridge the gaps and bring about more equitable rates among different groups.

Factors guiding gastrostomy tube decision-making for caregivers of children with cystic fibrosis: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionWhile ensuring appropriate growth is essential for all children, optimising nutritional status in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) is critical for improving health outcomes. Nutritional challenges in CF are multifactorial...

Efficiency and challenges of clinical nutrition in a trauma intensive care unit – Local audit

Efficiency and challenges of clinical nutrition in a trauma intensive care unit – Local audit

Designing intervention prototypes to improve infant and young child nutrition in Peru: a participatory design study protocol

IntroductionNutrition during the complementary feeding period (6–23 months) is critical to ensure optimal growth and reduce the risk of diet-related disease across the life course. Strategies to reduce multiple forms...

Survey of millets explored for the traditional food and medicine by the Rural Inhabitant of Salem District, Tamil Nadu-India

This study investigated communication traits influencing awareness and adoption of recommended small millet cultivation practices among tribal millet farmers in the Salem District's Kolli hills and Salem forest divisions, Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Data, collected through personal interviews and informal discussions, aimed to address agrarian and nutritional challenges, emphasizing the potential of millets in dry lands for increased grain production. Millets, climate-resilient and nutritionally rich, offer benefits such as gluten-free composition, phytochemicals, and micronutrients crucial for immune function. Traditionally cultivated by Malayali tribes, millets exhibit medicinal and nutraceutical properties, contributing to the prevention of various health issues. The study highlights the rising interest in millets among scientists, technologists, and nutritionists, emphasizing their potential for value addition and processing to create ready-to-eat items. This not only benefits the masses but also provides income opportunities for rural and tribal farmers, promoting food security, employment, and revenue generation. Researchers focus on innovative approaches to enhance millet production, further underlining its significance in addressing current agricultural and nutritional challenges.Top of Form

Eating behavior of adolescent girls in countries with a high prevalence of stunting under five: a systematic review

BackgroundAdolescence is critical for physical and psychological growth, making healthy dietary behavior essential. Several countries face nutritional challenges due to a high prevalence of stunting in children under five, which can impact adolescent girls’ eating behavior. This systematic review aims to provide evidence on the eating behavior of adolescent girls in such countries, offering insights for stunting prevention programs.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and registered it in PROSPERO. We employed a comprehensive search strategy across multiple databases. Study selection involved three stages: deduplication, title/abstract screening, and full-text review, with inter-reviewer agreement assessment.ResultsThe search identified 15 eligible studies from various countries, primarily utilizing cross-sectional designs. The studies focused on age ranges within adolescence and varied in sample size and assessment tools. The primary objective of these studies was to assess eating behavior, with outcomes related to dietary patterns, eating disorders, body image, and nutritional knowledge. The results revealed diverse eating behaviors among adolescent girls, including restrained eating, dieting for weight loss, craving-induced eating, and unhealthy dietary patterns. Many girls exhibited low dietary diversity, contributing to micronutrient deficiencies.SuggestionsTo address these issues effectively, stunting prevention programs and policies should prioritize the following strategies: implementing comprehensive nutritional education programs to enhance adolescents’ knowledge of healthy eating habits and dietary diversity, providing resources and support for positive body image development to reduce the pressure for unhealthy dieting, improving access to affordable, nutrient-rich foods in both urban and rural areas, raising awareness about eating disorders and emphasizing early identification and intervention, engaging parents, caregivers, and communities in promoting healthy eating behaviors, and maintaining rigorous research and monitoring to adapt strategies based on evolving trends in adolescent eating behaviors.ConclusionAdolescent girls in countries with high stunting prevalence exhibit diverse eating behaviors that can impact their nutritional status and overall health. Addressing these behaviors is essential to prevent stunting and its long-term consequences, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive strategies and support for this vulnerable population.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#recordDetails, identifier CRD42023389909.

Nutritional challenges in accidental caustic soda ingestion: a case report

Nutritional challenges in accidental caustic soda ingestion: a case report

A hospital-based therapeutic food pantry study for people living with cancer in New Orleans

IntroductionFood pantries have the potential to improve health outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with cancer. Gender has been linked to certain cancer symptoms and dietary patterns. Nevertheless, the extent of research on the utilization of food pantries among this population, particularly with regard to gender differences, remains limited. The objective of this study is to explore the demographic characteristics and gender differences in quality of life, as well as the impact of cancer on the lives of individuals who utilize food pantry services.MethodsBetween February 26, 2019 and July 24, 2022, 400 people living with cancer were eligible to participate the University Medical Center New Orleans (UMC) food pantry. Participants were asked to provide demographic information and completed two health assessments related to the challenges in daily activities, nutrition, and mental health.ResultsThe study participants had a mean age of 54.1, and the majority of the participants were female. More than half of the participants did not have access to a vehicle or use public transportation to access grocery stores. People living with cancer reported several quality of life issues, with the most prevalent challenges being interference of cancer with work, lack of energy, difficulty affording food, pain, and sleep problems. Additionally, less than half of the patients reported consuming fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, and males were found to be less likely to consume them compared to females.DiscussionThe current study sheds light on the characteristics and quality of life of individuals who utilize UMC food pantry services, as well as the impact of cancer on their lives. The findings reveal a gender disparity in fruit and vegetable consumption, with male individuals living with cancer reporting lower levels of consumption.Implications for research and practiceIdentifying and addressing food insecurity among people living with cancer are necessary. Meanwhile, partnerships with community organizations may be valuable in finding ways to assist cancer survivors in returning to work. Future studies could also focus on encouraging fruit and vegetable consumption, particularly among male individuals living with cancer.

Fodder beet: know what you are feeding for a nutritionally balanced diet for dairy cattle

Fodder beet’s (FB) high soluble sugar and low crude protein content provide environmental benefits but also nutritional challenges, making it a unique crop in New Zealand dairy systems. Knowledge of dietary nutrient content is important to inform both mineralsupplementation and type of supplementary feed to offer. This will help ensure nutritional requirements for dairy cows are met, maximising the likelihood of positive outcomes for animal health and production. A database containing 694 samples of FB leaf andbulb tissue was compiled from monitor farm data, research projects, and cultivar evaluation trials with the objective of determining the variability in nutritional content. Descriptive statistics were used to highlight the range and variability in FB leaf and bulb nutritional composition between regions and cultivars. Our results reinforce that FB bulbs (which usually make up 70- 90% of the crop DM) are typically low in crude protein, fibre, phosphorus, calcium, and sulphur, but are high in soluble sugars. The variation in nutrient content between cultivars, and within cultivars both between and within regions shown in this study highlights the importance of paddock-specific feed analyses, and the limitations of textbook values, particularly whole crop values which do not differentiate between bulb and the more nutritionally valuable leaf.

Bridging Theory and Practice: An Innovative Approach to Android Programming Education through Nutritional Application Development and Problem-Based Learning

This study introduces an innovative Problem-Based Learning (PBL) methodology to enhance the teaching of Android programming, focusing on addressing nutritional challenges. Conducted within the Computer Science degree at the University of Deusto, this research engages third-year students in developing applications aimed at improving access to nutritional knowledge. The novelty of this approach lies in its integration of advanced programming concepts with practical application development, fostering a deeper understanding and engagement among students. The applications enable users to access detailed nutritional information from open-access food databases, catering to individuals with specific dietary constraints. Preliminary results indicate a significant improvement in student engagement and learning outcomes compared to traditional teaching methods, underscoring the potential of this methodology in fostering future researchers and advancing educational practices in computer science. This research contributes to the field by demonstrating the efficacy of combining PBL with application development in enhancing learning experiences and outcomes in programming education. Our findings not only contribute valuable insights into the unique challenges and motivators associated with Android programming but also pave the way for tailored educational strategies that can optimize the learning experience in this domain.