Food Content Research Articles

Ecological monitoring of iodine in pastoral ecosystems

The problem of iodine deficiency is relevant in many countries, including Ukraine, and has serious health consequences due to the insufficient iodine content in food. In order to overcome iodine deficiency, it is important to be based on monitoring the iodine content in food and water in the relevant area. An excessive increase in iodine in salt can cause hyperthyroidism. Monitoring iodine-deficient areas in rural areas becomes especially important, as plants grown on soils with low iodine content may contain insufficient amounts of this element, which can lead to severe iodine deficiency among the population. Iodine is also important for animal health and can improve animal performance. Some plants accumulate iodine from the soil, which can improve their resistance to diseases and negative factors, and the interaction of iodine with other chemical elements is also important. The article summarizes scientific data on the peculiarities of the iodine cycle in the soil-plant-animal chain in pastoral ecosystems, develops recommendations for assessing and overcoming iodine deficiency in ecosystems of this type. The iodine content was determined by a method based on the oxidation of iodide to iodine with the subsequent addition of NH2CONH2 to destroy excess nitrite. The subject of the study were soils., plants of pastoral ecosystems and milk. In the mountainous zone of pastoral ecosystems, a significant iodine deficiency in soils was detected, due to the iodine-deficient nature of the territory. A similar, but less pronounced deficit is observed in the foothills and plains of Northern Bukovina. The iodine content in the green mass of plants does not have general patterns and is not confined to natural zones. The lowest iodine content was found in Plantago major L. Iodine deficiency in milk is more pronounced and decreases from the plain to the mountainous zone. A close correlation was established between the iodine content in the soil and the density of livestock, as well as the indicators of pasture digression. A high correlation between the iodine content in milk and its content in plants was found. Crops adapted to iodine deficiency conditions cannot withstand the effects of recommended iodine concentrations, which can adversely affect yields. However, lower iodine concentrations can stimulate seed germination.

#2989 Superposition of atypical hemolytic syndrome and tubulointerstitial nephritis, a case report

Abstract Background and Aims Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a heterogeneous group of diseases that have in common the development of thrombotic microangiopathy with diffuse endothelial damage, resulting in the classic triad composed of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury, on the other hand, tubulointerstitial nephritis is characterized by the presence of inflammatory infiltrates and edema and of the interstitial compartment that causes deterioration of renal function. Method The following is the case of a patient with acute kidney injury of etiology composed of thrombotic microangiopathy and tubulointerstitial nephritis. Results 27-year-old female patient without significant history, began 3 weeks prior to admission with fever, chills, asthenia, nausea and vomiting of food content, approximately 5 episodes per day for 3 days, presenting intermittent episodes of jaundice of the mucous membranes and conjunctivae, with progressive increase of the symptoms to the point of preventing daily activities, she was admitted for study, detecting hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and severe acute kidney injury, so she was referred to our center was decided for evaluation by Nephrology and Hematology. In our institution, urinary sediment with dysmorphic erythrocytes was documented, peripheral blood smear without the presence of schistocytes, positive Coombs 4 crosses, renal ultrasound with data compatible with acute kidney injury, and supportive management with hemodialysis was initiated. Due to suspicion of autoimmune glomerulopathy, an autoantibody panel was indicated with negative antinuclear antibodies, anti-double-stranded DNA, anti-Sm, anti-B2 glycoproteins, and lupus anticoagulant, with normal complement values, stool culture, and negative stool Shiga protein assay, angiotomography of the abdomen where the integrity of renal circulation is verified, so renal biopsy with immunohistochemical study is performed, finding data compatible with thrombotic microangiopathy and acute tubulointerstitial nephritis. The patient is maintained with supportive care, steroids and hemodialysis as required with progressive recovery of renal function until renal replacement therapy is weaned, she is discharged with a steroid regimen and clinical nephrology and hematology follow-up. Conclusion Acute kidney injury is a complex and multifactorial entity, which requires a comprehensive approach in order to identify the best therapeutic option and to offer a better outcome in the renal function of these patients. The case of our patient presented a sudden deterioration of renal injury composed of two entities with different pathophysiology, demonstrating that, although the approach to these two entities converge in certain etiologies, it is imperative that the clinician does not forget the wide variety of factors that contribute to the development of renal injury.

Drug dissolution and transit in a heterogenous gastric chyme after fed administration: Semi-mechanistic modeling and simulations for an immediate-release and orodispersible tablets containing a poorly soluble drug

Mathematical models that treat the fed stomach content as a uniform entity emptied with a constant rate may not suffice to explain pharmacokinetic profiles recorded in clinical trials. In reality, phenomena such as the Magenstrasse or chyme areas of different pH and viscosity, play an important role in the intragastric drug dissolution and its transfer to the intestine. In this study, we investigated the data gathered in the bioequivalence trial between an immediate-release tablet (Reference) and an orally dispersible tablet (Test) with a poorly soluble weak base drug administered with or without water after a high-fat high-calorie breakfast. Maximum concentrations (Cmax) were significantly greater after administering the Reference product than the Test tablets, despite similar in vitro dissolution profiles. To explain this difference, we constructed a novel semi-mechanistic IVIVP model including a heterogeneous gastric chyme. The drug dissolution in vivo was modeled from the in vitro experiments in biorelevant media simulating gastric and intestinal fluids in the fed state (FEDGAS and FeSSIF). The key novelty of the model was separating the stomach contents into two compartments: isolated chyme (the viscous food content) that carries the drug slowly, and aq_chyme open for rapid Magenstrasse-like routes of drug transit. Drug distribution between these two compartments was both formulation- and administration-dependent, and recognized the respective drug fractions from the clinical pharmacokinetic data. The model’s assumption about the nonuniform mixing of the API with the chyme, influencing differential drug dissolution and transit kinetics, led to simulating plasma concentration profiles that reflected well the variability observed in the clinical trial. The model indicated that, after administration, the Reference product mixes to a greater extent with aq_chyme, where the released drug dissolves better and transfers faster to the intestine. In conclusion, this novel approach underlines that diverse gastric emptying of different oral dosage forms may significantly impact pharmacokinetics and affect the outcomes of bioequivalence trials.

ФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНЫЕ И СТРУКТУРНЫЕ ИЗМЕНЕНИЯ ТИМУСА КРЫС ПРИ ВОЗДЕЙСТВИИ РАЗЛИЧНЫХ ДОЗ ЭНДОКРИННОГО ДИСРАПТОРА

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of diseases associated with impaired functioning of the immune system in the world. One of the main reasons for this can be considered environmental pollution by endocrine disruptors. The most common disruptor on the planet is DDT. Its ubiquitous content in food, water and soil is noted, which makes the study of the effect of its background doses on the body extremely relevant. Systemic consumption of low doses of the disruptor DDT leads to significant changes in the structural and functional characteristics of the rat thymus, which are manifested by increased death of lymphocytes and reticuloepitheliocytes, in the mechanisms of death of which the p53-dependent pathway of apoptosis is involved, as well as a decrease in the proliferative activity of thymocytes, i.e., it is capable of having an immunotoxic effect on the body. These data show that the maximum permissible levels of DDT in food are not safe for the body's immune system.

Evaluation of Knowledge and Awareness of Dietary Nitrate Among Clinical Dietitians in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and objectives Dietary nitrate (NO3) plays an important role in human physiological processes.In the past, inorganic NO3was viewed negatively due to its link with carcinogenic effects, notably nitrosamine formation in the stomach; yet, current perspectives acknowledge NO3 as a potentially beneficial dietary element. Nutrition professionals (NPs) are crucial in promoting NO3 awareness in health and academic settings. The study aimed toevaluate the knowledge of NPs in Jeddah,Saudi Arabia, regarding the biological roles of dietary NO3, taking into consideration their qualifications and years of experience. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among NPs who had graduated from clinical nutrition programs or were employed in clinical or academic settings. A validated 12-item online questionnaire was used to assess dietary NO3 knowledge across five areas: health effects, dietary sources, recommendations, biomarkers of intake, andmetabolism. The nitrate knowledge index (NKI) score was used to evaluate responses. Results Eighty-nine female NPs out of 144 completed the questionnaire. Most were ≤30 years old (75.4%) and had an undergraduate degree in clinical nutrition (70.8%), but 37 of them had ≤3 years of experience (62.7%). Overall, poor knowledge scores were observed among NPs, with a median (25th and 75th percentile) score of 10 (6, 13) out of 23. The majority (64%) perceived NO3 to be beneficial. However, most of the participants did not know its benefits in lowering blood pressure (BP) (68.5%) and were unsure about the effects of nitrate on cognitive function (60.7%) or kidney function (57.3%). Almost half of the NPs were unaware of NO3 sources and unsure about the mechanisms of the conversion of NO3into nitrogen dioxide(NO2) in the mouth (48.3%). Overall, knowledge of factors that affect NO3 content in food was good. No significant differences were observed in the median NKI scores among the participants based on their level of education or years of experience. Conclusion This study suggests NPs lack knowledge about dietary NO3.To address this, educational programs should be developed and implemented in clinical and academic settings.

Assessment of the actual nutrition of students of Voronezh Medical University

BACKGROUND: At a young age, nutrition is the main factor necessary for maintaining and strengthening health during the period of growth and development. AIM: To analyze the nutrition status and its shortcomings in students in an educational institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a medical university in 2021 to 2023. A survey of 1,200 1st-year to 3d-year students in the following specialties was performed: medical science (n=401, 93 males and 308 females), pediatrics (n=405, 54 boys and 351 girls), and dentistry (n=394, 101 males and 293 females). The participants were 18–22 years old. Age groups were made to determine differences in students’ food preferences that arise with age. Anthropometric indicators were taken from all study participants, and body mass index was calculated. The participants were also asked to use the Personalized Diet 5.0 software package to make up their daily diet for subsequent analyses and identify emerging trends in the nutrition status of young people. RESULTS: Some negative aspects of the nutrition status of medical university students were identified, which, without proper attention and prevention, can lead to various pathological conditions. The main trends in the nutrition status of students were identified, namely, the content of high-carbohydrate foods in the diet, extremely low content of some micro- and macroelements in the diet, etc. CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed issues in the current nutrition status of medical university students and the need to improve it.

Potential of polyphenols from Ligustrum robustum (Rxob.) Blume on enhancing the quality of starchy food during frying.

The increasing concerns about health have led to a growing demand for high-quality fried foods. The potential uses of Ligustrum robustum (Rxob.) Blume, a traditional tea in China, as natural additives to enhance the quality of starchy food during frying was studied. Results indicated that L. robustum polyphenols extract (LREs) could improve the quality of fried starchy food, according to the tests of color, moisture content, oil content, texture property, and volatile flavor. The in vitro digestion results demonstrated that LRE reduced the final glucose content from 11.35±0.17 to 10.80±0.70mmol/L and increased the phenolic content of fried starch foods from 1.23±0.04 to 3.76±0.14mg/g. The appearance and polarizing microscopy results showed that LRE promoted large starch bulges on the surface of fried starchy foods. Meanwhile, X-ray diffraction results showed that LRE increased the intensity of characteristic diffraction peak of fried starch with a range of 21.8%-28%, and Fourier transform infrared results showed that LRE reduced the damage to short-range order structure of starch caused by the frying process. In addition, LRE increased the aggregation of starch granules according to the SEM observation and decreased the enthalpy of starch gelatinization based on the differential scanning calorimetry results. The present results suggest that LREs have the potential to be utilized as a natural additive for regulating the quality of fried starchy food in food industries. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The enhancement of L. robustum polyphenols on the quality of starchy food during frying was found, and its mechanisms were also explored. This work indicated that L. robustum might be used as a novel economic natural additive for producing high-quality fried foods.

Assessment of sodium levels in Portuguese supermarket foods: A global benchmark perspective

This study aims to compare the sodium content of foods sold in a market-leading Portuguese food retail company with global Sodium Benchmarks (SB). The labelled salt content of foods sold in 2020 and 2021 was collected in-store using photographs, except for white-label brand products for which a database was provided. Descriptive statistics were used: the median, minimum, and maximum sodium content (mg/100 g), the percentage of products above the SB, and the percentual difference between median sodium content and the benchmark by subcategory. From the 4086 products, a total of 62.7% exceeded the benchmark. From the 64 subcategories, 46 subcategories showed a median sodium content higher than the SB. A total of 16 subcategories showed lower median sodium content than the SB. No difference was observed for two subcategories. The percentual difference between the median sodium content and the SB ranged from −96% for “Minimally processed breakfast cereals” and + 715% for “Processed fish/seafood products, non-heat-treated”. The results showed an excessive sodium content for most products. This study contributes to defining priority food groups regarding salt reformulation by performing a stratified analysis by subcategory.

Laboratory investigation and prediction of permeability of fresh to five-year-old municipal solid wastes of low and high food contents

The permeability of municipal solid wastes (MSWs) is important for the design and operation of landfills. This study presented the experimental investigation of the permeability of low food content- (LF-) and high food content- (HF-) MSWs prepared in laboratory-scale bioreactors for up to 5 years. The permeability of MSWs with diverse degrees of decomposition (DOBs), void ratios, and permeation liquids was measured (288 tests). The measured permeability was compared to that predicted from the (modified) Kozeny-Carman (K-C) equations in four different forms. The results indicated that the permeability of both LF- and HF-MSWs decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with decomposition under a given void ratio. The predicted permeability using the original K-C equation fitted well with that of fresh MSWs. The permeability of decomposed MSWs was closer to the predicted results using the modified K-C equation with the effective void ratio. This can be attributed to the increase in the fine fractions due to degradation. The reduction in the effective voids was more significant with HF-MSWs. The parameters required in the (modified) K-C equations showed a good correlation with DOB and effective particle size (d10). The predicted permeability based on the relationship between DOB (or d10) and equation parameters was within 3 times the difference compared to the measured values. The above results indicated that the modified K-C equation can be adopted to predict the permeability of fresh and degraded MSWs while more field-scale experiments should be conducted to further evaluate its feasibility.

Folate and synthetic folic acid content in Canadian fortified foods two decades after mandatory fortification.

In 1998, Health Canada mandated folic acid fortification of white flour and enriched grain products to prevent neural tube defects. At the time, neither the Canadian Nutrient File (CNF) nor product labels reflected the actual folate content of foods. We aimed to assess if 20 years post-fortification, the CNF values for total folate and synthetic folic acid accurately reflect amounts determined by direct analysis. Using the 2001 Food Expenditure Survey and ACNielsen Company data, we identified 10-15 of the most purchased fortified foods across seven food categories in Canada. Total folate concentrations were determined by tri-enzyme digestion and microbial assay. Folic acid concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Except for "cooked pastas", mean total folate content of foods (n=89) were significantly higher than CNF values across categories (p<0.05), reflecting 167% ± 54% of CNF values. Similarly, mean folic acid content of foods was higher than CNF values for all categories except "cooked pastas" (p<0.05), with a mean of 188% ± 94% of CNF values; the latter CNF values included uncooked pasta. In sum, 20 years post-fortification, and 10 years since the last direct measurement, CNF and product label values still underestimate actual total folate and the folic acid content of foods. These findings emphasize that dietary estimates established using the CNF may significantly underestimate actual intakes and thus caution should be exercised when interpreting estimates of nutritional adequacy based on these values.

Iodine Metabolism in Urine and Breast Milk among Lactating Women with Adequate Iodine

BackgroundIn lactating women, iodine metabolism is regulated and maintained by the kidneys and mammary glands. Limited research exists on how iodine absorbed by lactating women is distributed between the kidneys and breasts. ObjectivesThis study aimed to accurately evaluate the total iodine intake (TII), urinary iodine excretion (UIE), and breast milk iodine excretion (BMIE) in lactating women and explore the relationship between TII and total iodine excretion (TIE). MethodsA 7-d iodine metabolism study was conducted on 41 lactating women with a mean age of 30 y in Yuncheng and Gaoqing, China, from December 2021 to August 2023. TII and TIE were calculated by measuring the iodine content in food, water, 24-h urine, feces, and breast milk. The urinary iodine excretion rate (UIER), breast milk iodine excretion rate (BMIER), and partitioning of iodine excretion between urine and breast milk were determined. ResultsIodine metabolism studies were performed for 285 d. The median TII and TIE values were 255 and 263 μg/d, respectively. With an increase in TII, UIER, and BMIER, the UIE and BMIE to TII ratio exhibited a downward trend. The median UIER, BMIER, and proportion of iodine excreted in urine and breast milk were 51.5%, 38.5%, 52%, and 37%, respectively. When the TII was <120 μg/d, the BMIER decreased with the increase of the TII (β: −0.90; 95% confidence interval: −1.08, −0.72). ConclusionsWhen maternal iodine intake is low, the proportion in breast milk increases, ensuring sufficient iodine nutrition for infants. In addition, the UIE of lactating women with adequate iodine concentrations is higher than their BMIE.This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04492657.

Sensitively detection of ascorbic acid in orange samples with ionic liquid functionalized carbon dots and lanthanide complexes

In the food industry, ascorbic acid (AA) is widely used as an antioxidant. However, the concentration of AA is influenced by various factors, including temperature, time, and pH value during food preparation and storage, leading to its instability in content. This makes the accurate detection of AA content particularly important. Precise determination of AA content in food and pharmaceuticals is crucial for ensuring the adequate intake of essential vitamins and maintaining good health. Herein, we have developed a successful preparation method of an imidazole-based ionic liquid functionalized CDs hybrids APM-CDs. A novel photo functional hybrid probe Eu3+@APM-CDs was obtained via an ion-exchange reaction between APM-CDs and lanthanide complex Eu(DPA)3. The obtained hybrid probe was extensively characterized in detail. What's more, the results show that the fluorescent intensity of Eu3+@APM-CDs has a good linear response to AA concentrations in the range of 25–500 μM (R2 = 0.99), with a detection limit of 80 nM. The fluorescence probe demonstrates good selectivity and sensitivity toward AA and has the potential for significant application in AA detection by simplifying procedures and reducing interference from impurities.

Air Swallowing and Breathing Exercises Reduce the Severity of Acute Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms and Give a Clue into the Role of Oxygen in Digestion: A Case Report with Extended Discussion

A case is reported where a patient, after using a tooth whitening gel containing the active ingredient hydrogen peroxide over 2 days, found that the expected onset of postprandial gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (RS) did not occur. Hydrogen peroxide can also be formed when oxygen in air dissolves in water contained in the gut lumen and so the role of oxygen, rather than potentially toxic hydrogen peroxide, was investigated as a treatment for RS. Air swallowing can provide oxygen to the gut lumen, and breathing exercises can supply oxygen from the blood to the gut epithelium. Air swallowing and breathing exercises (ASBE) were performed as required over 34 days, and it was found that a single ASBE session (3-8 ASBE over 30 seconds) brought temporary relief from RS over 1-2 hours. Up to 3 sessions of ASBE were required and resolved RS over 74% of days, reducing the need to take antacid tablets. To understand the impact oxygen could have on RS, the oxidation potential for oxygen, calculated as mmol electrons/100 ml (2-3 breaths) of swallowed air, was calculated and compared to the reported values for the antioxidant content of various foods. It was found that 100 ml of swallowed air has the potential to oxidize 1 serving of coffee, red wine, or orange juice, known refluxogenic or trigger foods that can cause RS. Based on the finding that ASBE can reduce RS and a brief review of the role oxygen plays in digestion, a hypothetical oxygen model for digestive reflux was proposed. For the model, the reflux of digesting food to the more oxygenated esophageal regions is triggered by refluxogenic foods high in antioxidants that react with oxygen in the lumen to create an inadequate supply necessary for aerobic digestion, resulting in gastroesophageal reflux. As the ASBE did not resolve all RS, with ≈26% remaining unresolved, the oxygen supply was considered only a part of the complex digestive reflux mechanism.

Advancements in enhancing resistant starch type 3 (RS3) content in starchy food and its impact on gut microbiota: A review.

Resistant starch type 3 (RS3), often found in cooked starchy food, has various health benefits due to its indigestible properties and physiological functions such as promoting the abundance of gut beneficial microbial flora and inhibiting the growth of intestinal pathogenic bacteria. However, it is challenging to develop starchy food with high RS3 content. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of current advancements to enhance RS3 content in starchy food and its effects of RS3 on gut microbiota. These approaches include breeding high-amylose cereals through gene editing techniques, processing, enzyme treatments, storage, formation of RS3 nanoparticles, and the incorporation of bioactive compounds. The mechanisms, specific conditions, advantages, and disadvantages associated with each approach and the potential effects of RS3 prepared by different methods on gut microbiota are summarized. In conclusion, this review contains important information that aims to provide guidelines for developing an efficient RS3 preparation process and promote the consumption of RS3-enriched starchy foods to improve overall health outcomes.

Total fat and fatty acid profile including TFA content of Indian fried foods versus the oils used for frying.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-024-05989-z.

Formaldehyde Content in Indonesian Food and the Analysis Method: A Review

Apart from being rich in culture, Indonesia is also rich in food culture. However, in some cases, there are illegal additions of formalin (37% formaldehyde) to food to extend shelf life. If humans consume food containing formaldehyde, it will have a harmful impact. Formaldehyde has the potential to cause cancer. In recent years, formaldehyde has still been found in several Indonesian foods. There are several analytical methods developed to detect formaldehyde levels in food. This review overview of the formaldehyde effect to human health, formaldehyde content in fish and Indonesian food, and the detection methods.

Evaluation of Nutrition Education at Senior High Schools in Mamuju Regency West Sulawesi

Abstract Introduction: The 2018 Basic Health Research showed a high prevalence of anemia (32%), Chronic Energy Deficiency (36.3%), and overweight and obesity (16.0%) among adolescents. Nutrition education is crucial to be taught to adolescents from an early age. However, there is a lack of research on content related to nutrition education in textbooks of school policies on nutrition and health. This study aimed to evaluate the nutrition education on senior high schools in Mamuju Regency.Methods: This qualitative study examined word by word of high school students textbooks’ content of nutrition and health education. The main study material was textbooks used by high school students in Mamuju Regency. The research informants were students and teachers. The analysis was done through content analysis by examining words and pictures in the textbooks. Data was classified into the same categories to answer the research objectives.Results: Only a small proportion of textbooks (0.17%) contain nutrition and health messages. The nutrition and health messages included the nutritional content of food, food labels, and physical activity such as how to do long jump. Informants did not get information on adolescent health and nutrition at school. In addition, there is currently no school policy regarding breakfast or healthy snacks in the school environment.Conclusion: Balanced nutrition messages had not been published in textbooks and delivered regularly in schools. Policy makers should review the school curriculum to include nutrition and health messages for adolescents in the textbooks used.

Utilization of nutrition information on food labels by diabetic mellitus and hypertensive patients attending clinic at Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya

The aim of food labels is to inform consumers on the food content. The information conveyed on food labels has evolved over time thus the objectives of food labelling have become numerous. Despite the recognized association of food labels utilization and disease management, the current global mortality rate from diabetes mellitus and hypertension remains high. In order for the prevalence rate of diabetes mellitus and hypertension to reduce, population-wide interventions including the promotion of healthy diets through the provision of adequate information on food labels should be done. This study aimed at assessing utilization of nutrition information on food labels by diabetic mellitus and hypertensive patients. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in March and April 2022 at Kakamega County Teaching and Referral hospital, Kenya. Data was collected from respondents using a structured questionnaire administered to 125 randomly selected respondents and the response rate was 80%. Socio- demographic characteristics of the study participants were determined using descriptive statistics for distribution. Association between the study variables was determined using Chi-square test. Statistical significance was set at p&lt;0.05. The analyzed data was presented by use of frequency tables, graphs and pie charts. About 46% of the respondents were aged &gt;60years. About 73% were married and about 40% reported to have completed primary education level. About 39 % were self-employed earning less than Ksh. 5,000 (50 USD) per month. Prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in Kakamega were at 4.6% and 29.4% respectively. Age (p= 0.028), Education (p= 0.001), Job/employment (p=0.0010), Monthly income (p=0.001) and Monthly household food expenditure (p=0.007) significantly influenced utilization of food labels. About 64% (n=64) reported to be knowing what food labels are and about 34% (n=34) reported not knowing what they are. About 46.8% (n=30) of those who reported they read the labels participants reported that they read nutrition information every time they purchased the product, 37.5% (n=24) read the information the first time they purchased the product and 15.7% (n=10) read nutrition information on food labels at other different times. Food prices, nutrition information on the food label, health and nutrition status and fat/sodium/sugar content were among the factors that had a high influence on utilization of food labels. This study recommends nutrition education to the general population on benefits of reading nutrition information on food labels in order to make healthful food choices in order to reduce the prevalence of these chronic diseases. Key words: Food labels, Utilization, Nutrition, Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Kakamega

Analysis Of The Potential Content Of Micronutrients In Traditional Foods In West Pasaman District

This research aims to analyze the potential micronutrient content in traditional foods in West Pasaman Regency as an effort to prevent stunting in children. The research method involves collecting traditional foods commonly consumed by local communities and analyzing them to identify the content of micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients. The research results show that traditional foods that are widely consumed in West Pasaman Regency have great potential in providing essential micronutrients for children's growth. A number of traditional foods are high in vitamins A, D, E and K as well as minerals such as iron and zinc, which are important for healthy growth and development. Analysis of traditional foods also revealed the presence of antioxidant compounds that help protect the body from cell damage and can play a role in preventing stunting in children. These findings highlight the important role of traditional foods in providing the micronutrients needed to prevent stunting. The implications can support the promotion and increase in consumption of local, nutrient-rich foods in West Pasaman Regency as part of a strategy to prevent stunting in children.

Estimating growth using an ecophysiological and scope for growth model for the mussel Perna perna grown under suspended culture in Santa Catarina, Brazil

We present a dynamic simulation ecophysiological model for an important aquaculture mussel, Perna perna, grown under suspended culture in Santa Catarina, Brazil. The ecophysiological model was divided in four sectors; driving variables, feeding, energy reserve, and growth. This generated descriptions and explanations of the functions controlling feeding and metabolic responses to changing food availability and seawater temperature. The driving variables sector included time-series of seston variables likely to influence food and energy acquisition in mussels. It included relationships among seston variables to estimate the energy content of phytoplankton, the main component of mussel diet. The feeding sector described mussel suspension-feeding behavior measured using natural seston. Rates of filtration, rejection, ingestion, and absorption were directly related to the quantity and quality of available food. In the energy reserve sector, absorbed matter was transformed to absorbed energy using estimates of energy content of food provided in the driving variables sector. After accounting for the maintenance requirements of the mussels (heat loss and excretion), surplus energy, or the scope for growth, was directed to the growth sector. The growth sector included byssus, organic shell, and soft tissue production based on energy partitioning estimated from monthly measurements of somatic and reproductive tissue and shell growth. The model successfully predicted mussel growth during the study and provided estimates of the response to food acquisition, energy expenditure and allocation to growth. This was the first attempt to model the ecophysiology of this fast growing sub-tropical mussel. Given the capacity of this ecophysiological model to estimate growth of mussels, it has significant economic and environmental value in estimating carrying capacity to support sustainable management of shellfish farming in Brazil.