Food Energy Research Articles

Deposition, Dietary Exposure and Human Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Mechanically Milled Maize Flours in Mbarara City, Uganda.

Consumption of maize and maize-based products contributes a significant percentage to the total food energy intake in Uganda. However, the production of maize-derived foodstuffs is performed traditionally or by small- and medium-scale processors using different processing techniques. This can lead to differences in the quality of these products from processors, raising food safety concerns. In this study, the effects of mechanical processing (milling) methods on deposition of heavy metals into milled maize flour and the associated consumption health risks were assessed. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to quantitatively establish the concentration of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) in 100 samples of maize milled using a wooden mortar (n = 2), a metallic mortar (n = 2), diesel engine-powered mills (n = 48) and electric motor-powered mills (n = 48). Results showed that the mean concentrations of heavy metals in mg/kg were Fe (11.60-34.45), Cu (0.50-8.10), Ni (0.50-1.60), Mn (0.70-25.40), Zn (4.40-15.90), Pb (0.53-10.20), Cd (0.51-0.85), Cr (0.50-1.53) and Co (0.50-1.51). The highest concentrations were found in flour milled using a traditional metallic mortar while the lowest levels were in those samples milled using a wooden mortar. The Fe, Pb and Cd contents of flours produced using the metallic mortar and some commercial mills was found to be higher than the permissible limits set by WHO/FAO. Human health risk assessment showed that there are potential carcinogenic health risks from adults' intake of heavy metals in maize flour milled using a metallic mortar. Therefore, processing of maize flour needs to be monitored by the relevant statutory bodies in Uganda to minimize the possibility of heavy metal contamination of food products and animal feeds.

Effect of Supplementary Food Substitution of Sea Urchin Gonads (Diadema Setosum) on TSH Hormone, Height, and Weight of Stunted Toddlers in Soropia District

Stunting results in generational loss due to decreased ability to work productivity and IQ. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) plays an important role in the growth process, in chronic growth hormone deficiency conditions will spur the incidence of stunting. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of supplementary food formula substitution of sea urchin gonads (Diadema Setosum) on Thyroid hormone, height and weight of stunted toddlers in Soropia District. This experiment using RCT (Randomized Control Trial) design. The sample in this study were stunted toddlers in Soropia District. The formula uses a substitution of sea urchin gonads (Diadema Setosum) which is given in one portion of additional food. Additional food in the form of nuggets, sausages, bakwan. The formula is given for 3 months with a frequency of every day for 90 days. The Results to be achieved that the availability of supplementary food formulations substituting sea urchin gonads, nutritional content of supplementary food formulas, energy and protein consumption data, data on body height and thyroid hormone levels, body height and weight before and after supplementary food formulas

Nutrition security, constraints, and agro-diversification strategies of neglected and underutilized crops to fight global hidden hunger.

Neglected and underutilized crop species (NUCS) or forbidden crops offer tremendous potential to combat malnutrition, poverty, and global hidden hunger. Since overdependence on a few dominant cereal crops, viz., rice, maize, and wheat, is insufficient to meet the global food energy intake, the identification, genetic improvement, and implementation of various policies for wenumerates comprehensive comparative analyses of the nutrient profile of staple crops vs. potent underutilized crops with reference to cultivation constraints and climate resilience with different agro-diversification strategies. The research databases Scopus, JSTOR, Web of Science, EBSCO, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Academic Search were searched using relevant research queries. Out of 2,345 hits, 99 articles pertinent to the subject domain showed that underutilized crops are nutritionally superior, contain health-promoting bioactive components, and are more climate resilient than cereal crops. However, several constraints hinder the efficient utilization of these crops. Despite underutilized crops' many health benefits, improved cultivation techniques for the large-scale production of these crops are still in their infancy. Most of the time, however, the scientific knowledge gleaned from various study domains stays within the scientific community. The most crucial need of the hour, therefore, is an efficient network structure connecting governments, farmers, researchers, and people in business. Moreover, care must be taken to ensure that the policies of governments and INGOs/NGOs are properly implemented within a NUCS framework.

Effects of Various LED Light Spectra on Growth, Gonadal Development, and Growth-/Reproduction-Related Hormones in the Juvenile Red Spotted Grouper, Epinephelus akaara.

The light spectrum is a key environmental cue involved in growth and reproduction in teleosts. This study investigated the effects of exposure on juvenile red spotted grouper exposed to white (control), red (590 nm), blue (480 nm), and green (520 nm) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (12 h light:12 h dark) for two months. The body weight (BW), total length (TL), condition factor (CF), weight gain rate (WGR), gonadosomatic index (GSI), and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were assessed. Gonadal development was observed. The gene expression of growth-related hormones, such as growth hormone (GH), pre-pro-somatostatin-I (PSS-I), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and CCK, and of reproduction-related hormones, such as Kiss1, Kiss2, GPR54, sbGnRH, FSHβ, and LHβ, was analyzed. The results showed that the fish in the white LED group exhibited the best BW, TL, CF, WGR, and HSI after one or two months. The fish exposed to white LEDs showed the best growth after two months, but no significant differences in GH levels were detected. Contrarily, the expression levels of the PSS-I significantly increased (p < 0.05) in fish from the white group, suggesting the complex regulation of GH production and the limited effects of PSS-I on the inhibition of GH synthesis and somatic growth. The significantly increased NPY levels in the four LED groups (p < 0.05) indicated that these four LED spectra were effective in stimulating food intake and energy homeostasis. After two months, the gonads developed from chromatin nucleolar-stage oocytes to perinucleolar-stage oocytes in the four LED groups. The gene expression of Kiss2 and GPR54 in the four LED groups and of sbGnRH in the white and blue LED groups significantly increased when compared to that in the initial group (p < 0.05), while there were no significant differences in FSHβ and LHβ expression in the four LED groups. These results suggest that FSH and LH may not play important roles in gonadal development in juvenile red spotted grouper that are exposed to these four LED spectra.

The Relationship Of Frequency Of Instant Food Consumption And Energy Drinks’ Consumption With Prevalence Of Caries

Background: Basic Health Research (RISKESDAS) 2018 shows West Java province has the highest dental caries problem (45.66%) even higher than the national average (45.3%). The increase in the percentage of people who have problems with caries in the community caused by bad habits of consuming instant food and energy drinks that can trigger acidic conditions in the mouth. Objective: To determine the relationship between the frequency of consumption of instant food and energy drinks with the prevalence of caries at the age of 15–24 years in West Java in 2018. Methods: This type of research is an analytical observational with design cross-sectional. This study uses secondary data from RISKESDAS 2018. Results: From chi-square test, p-value of 0.568 means that there is no significant relationship between the frequency of consumption of energy drinks and the prevalence of caries, the DMF-T value, while the relationship between the frequency of consumption of instant food and the prevalence of caries is DMF-T with p-value of 0.349 also has no significant relationship. Conclusion: Frequency of consumption of instant food and energy drinks is not the only factor that determines the occurrence of caries.

A Resource Nexus Analysis Methodology for Quantifying Synergies and Trade-Offs in the Agricultural Sector and Revealing Implications of a Legume Production Paradigm Shift

Resource management in the sustainability context has increasingly been a key object that makes the application of holistic approaches an imperative need. The water–energy–food nexus concept offers tools for such system analysis in an integrated manner, through the identification and quantification of synergies and trade-offs. The agricultural sector often constitutes one of the main resource depletion hotspots. In this article, a nexus assessment methodological approach is developed for an agricultural context. Water, energy, food, land uses, and greenhouse gas emissions are perceived as nexus components. The methodology considers resource uses within and outside the biogeographical system boundaries, interpreting them as direct and indirect interlinkages. The methodology is validated on an actual case study, in Thessaly, Central Greece. Four nexus indicators are introduced to assess the impact of different land use planning scenarios. Legume production, which has been considered as a relatively beneficial land use among other crop choices, is tested against the four nexus indicators. Multiple advantages of such a land use paradigm shift are revealed, specific to the directions of food security, energy security, and economic sustainability.

Preparation procedures of food and beverage samples for oxygen bomb calorimetry: A scoping review and reporting checklist.

Standardised bomb calorimetry methods are essential to accurately quantify the gross energy within food and beverages, yet no accepted protocols exist. The objective of this review was to synthesise literature on food and beverage sample preparation methods used for conducting bomb calorimetry. This synthesis enhances our understanding of the extent to which methodological variances may currently affect estimates of the caloric values of dietary items. Five electronic databases were searched for peer reviewed literature on food and beverage energy measurement via bomb calorimetry. Data were extracted on seven identified methodological themes, including: (1) initial homogenisation, (2) sample dehydration, (3) post-dehydration homogenisation, (4) sample presentation, (5) sample weight, (6) sample frequency, and (7) equipment calibration. A tabular and narrative approach was used to synthesise the data. Studies that specifically explored the impact of any methodological variance on the energy derived from foods and/or beverages were also considered. In total, 71 documents describing food and beverage sample preparation techniques and processes used for bomb calorimetry were identified. Only 8% of studies described all seven identified sample preparation and calibration processes. The most frequent approaches used included: initial homogenisation - mixing or blending (n = 21); sample dehydration - freeze drying (n = 37); post-dehydration homogenisation - grinding (n = 24); sample presentation - pelletisation (n = 29); sample weight - 1g (n = 14); sample frequency - duplicate (n = 17); and equipment calibration - benzoic acid (n = 30). The majority of studies that have measured food and beverage energy via bomb calorimetry do not describe sample preparation and calibration methods in detail. The extent to which different sample preparation processes influence the energy derived from food and beverage items is yet to be fully elucidated. Use of a bomb calorimetry reporting checklist (described within) may assist with improving the methodological quality of bomb calorimetry studies.

The Effects of Obesity on the Inflammatory, Cardiovascular, and Neurobiological Responses to Exercise in Older Adults.

Obesity with advancing age leads to increased health complications that are involved in various complex physiological processes. For example, inflammation is a critical cardiovascular disease risk factor that plays a role in the stages of atherosclerosis in both aging and obesity. Obesity can also induce profound changes to the neural circuitry that regulates food intake and energy homeostasis with advancing age. Here we discuss how obesity in older adults impacts inflammatory, cardiovascular, and neurobiological functions with an emphasis on how exercise mediates each topic. Although obesity is a reversible disorder through lifestyle changes, it is important to note that early interventions are crucial to prevent pathological changes seen in the aging obese population. Lifestyle modifications such as physical activity (including aerobic and resistance training) should be considered as a main intervention to minimize the synergistic effect of obesity on age-related conditions, such as cerebrovascular disease.

Sustainability indexes in water–food–energy nexus to develop strategies with respect to virtual water

Abstract The management of water resources requires a correct understanding of the simultaneous management of food and energy resources. The framework of water–food–energy correlation with the approach of sustainability of resources and uses analyzes the combined management and exploitation of water, food, and energy resources with the help of scenario planning. In addition to sustainability concepts, environmental costs such as the emission of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels and its impact on the environment are also discussed. In this research, according to the five defined indicators and based on the potential of using solar energy and the possibility of exploiting renewable energy sources such as solar energy, various management scenarios have been developed. After examining the virtual water management model developed in the Hunan basin as a case study, the development of the water–food–energy nexus model and its calibration, and four scenarios including improving water use efficiency, energy saving, increasing food productivity, and nexus sustainability were developed. The results showed that the nexus strategy can provide sustainability goals according to the weight of each component. After the combined scenario, improving the efficiency of water consumption can be the component with the highest priority in the decision-making model in dry areas.

Effects of the Molecular Structure of Starch in Foods on Human Health.

Starch provides approximately half of humans' food energy, and its structural features influence human health. The most important structural feature is the chain length distribution (CLD), which affects properties such as the digestibility of starch-containing foods. The rate of digestion of such foods has a strong correlation with the prevalence and treatment of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity. Starch CLDs can be divided into multiple regions of degrees of polymerization, wherein the CLD in a given region is predominantly, but not exclusively, formed by a particular set of starch biosynthesis enzymes: starch synthases, starch branching enzymes and debranching enzymes. Biosynthesis-based models have been developed relating the ratios of the various enzyme activities in each set to the CLD component produced by that set. Fitting the observed CLDs to these models yields a small number of biosynthesis-related parameters, which, taken together, describe the entire CLD. This review highlights how CLDs can be measured and how the model-based parameters obtained from fitting these distributions are related to the properties of starch-based foods significant for health, and it considers how this knowledge could be used to develop plant varieties to provide foods with improved properties.

Effects of Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet on changes in thyroid parameters in Hashimoto's disease.

In the scientific world, the nutritional needs of persons with Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroid disease are discussed, and there is a lot of interest in the autoimmune protocol (AIP). The aim of the study was to check the effects of AIP on thyroid parameters in euthyroid patients with Hashimoto's disease. Among 28 people with Hashimoto's (including 1 male) the consumption of nutrients, anthropometrics, symptoms of the disease, values of thyroid parameters: FT3, FT4, TSH, thyroid ultrasound and autoimmune aTPO, aTG were analyzed before and after 12 weeks of using the AIP diet. The impact of changes in the consumption of selected nutrients on changes in thyroid biochemical parameters were analyzed using multiple regression models, where the dependent variables of the created models were changes in thyroid biochemical parameters. After applying the AIP diet, the number of people reporting symptoms of malaise decreased, the levels of FT3 and FT4 as well as TSH decreased, remaining within the reference concentration range. aTG decreased slightly, but aTPO increased significantly. Ultrasound examination also showed a decrease in the volume of the thyroid gland. The body weight of the subjects decreased, which indicates a caloric deficit. Given the numerous advantages of the AIP diet, extending the observation time of the diet, along with its personalization in terms of food selection, energy and nutritional value, could show changes in both well-being and biochemical test results to a greater extent. The use of a personalized AIP protocol can improve the quality of life, a positive change in mental state, reduction of stress, and above all, the improvement of adverse ailments associated with Hashimoto's disease.

Effect of Designed Nursing Program regarding Junk Food on School-Age Children's Awareness and Their Growth

In today's world, junk food is widely consumed, and its negative effects cannot be ignored. Due to the lack of vitamins, minerals, and trace amounts of energy and protein in junk food, there is likelihood that the child will feel full and lose interest in eating nutritious foods.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor: Its role in energy balance and cancer cachexia

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in the development of the central and peripheral nervous system during embryogenesis. In the mature central nervous system, BDNF is required for the maintenance and enhancement of synaptic transmissions and the survival of neurons. Particularly, it is involved in the modulation of neurocircuits that control energy balance through food intake, energy expenditure, and locomotion. Regulation of BDNF in the central nervous system is complex and environmental factors affect its expression in murine models which may reflect to phenotype dramatically. Furthermore, BDNF and its high-affinity receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), as well as pan-neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) is expressed in peripheral tissues in adulthood and their signaling is associated with regulation of energy balance. BDNF/TrkB signaling is exploited by cancer cells as well and BDNF expression is increased in tumors. Intriguingly, previously demonstrated roles of BDNF in regulation of food intake, adipose tissue and muscle overlap with derangements observed in cancer cachexia. However, data about the involvement of BDNF in cachectic cancer patients and murine models are scarce and inconclusive. In the future, knock-in and/or knock-out experiments with murine cancer models could be helpful to explore potential new roles for BDNF in the development of cancer cachexia.

Transdisciplinary approaches to graduate student training for food–energy–water challenges

AbstractSystems‐level approaches are required for addressing the world's major challenges at the food–energy–water nexus. Taking on complex issues, such as rising food insecurity, malnutrition, and food waste, concomitant with unprecedented levels of stress on environmental systems, will necessitate that future scholars and decision makers be prepared through transdisciplinary student training. However, in higher education, students tend to be siloed within their discipline. In this study, we present a case for the development of transdisciplinary graduate student training based on an inter‐institutional and fully remote group of graduate students who assembled during the COVID‐19 pandemic to address the issue of food waste. We use our wide‐ranging disciplinary backgrounds, high‐performance transdisciplinary team training, and stakeholder feedback to develop and conduct a weeklong social media campaign to share educational resources for reducing household food waste. This work offers valuable lessons learned through the student's lens to those seeking to create or improve future transdisciplinary training methods for tackling food waste and other global grand challenges. Key insights from this process include the importance of accountability and open communication when conducting collaborative teamwork, the utility of various mobile and online tools for effectively facilitating remote group work, and the vital role of transdisciplinarity in devising creative solutions.

Quantum and tempus theories of function food science in practice

Functional food science has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years, driven by our evolving understanding of quantum mechanics and the concept of time. The interplay between these two theories, namely the Quantum theory and the Tempus theory, has opened new avenues for research and innovation in functional food. Functional food science integrates these theories to better understand the complex relationship between food, chronic disease, and health. Quantum theory explores the molecular-level interplay between energy, matter, and bioactive compounds in functional foods, optimizing their development and utilization for chronic disease and health. The Tempus theory emphasizes timed consumption, aligning functional foods with circadian rhythms and metabolic processes for enhanced nutrient absorption, utilization, and metabolic responses. By synchronizing food intake with the body's natural rhythms, the Tempus theory enhances the efficacy of functional foods in promoting health and preventing disease. Integrating the quantum and tempus theories in functional food science provides a comprehensive approach to understanding and utilizing the potential of functional foods for personalized nutritional interventions and improving overall well-being.Keywords: functional food science, Quantum theory, Tempus theory, bioactive compounds, cellular interactions, timing, health promotion, personalized nutrition.

Analysis of Oil Palm Farmer Households Food Security and Nutrition Based on the Share of Food Expenditures and Energy Consumption

Compared to farmers who cultivate food and horticultural commodities, oil palm farmers have different business characteristics and incomes. The income of the oil palm farming farmer will affect the food security of the farmer's household family. This study aims to determine the level of food security in the households of smallholder oil palm plantation farmers through a review of the share of food expenditure as well as energy adequacy and minimum energy consumption per capita. The research uses a quantitative descriptive method using structured interview data collection techniques and survey techniques. The respondents were oil palm farmer households who joined oil palm farmer groups in Cipuendeuy Village, Malingping District, Lebak Regency, Banten Province. Quantitative data analysis uses analysis of the Adequacy of Energy Rate (AKE) and Adequacy of Protein (AKP), to analyze the level of household food security. Analysis of the share of food expenditure showed the largest food expenditure of households of oil palm farmers was allocated for grains as much as 31.3%, while the smallest food expenditure was tubers at 1.59%. Based on the share of food expenditure, households of oil palm farmers are in a food secure condition, with 75% of households with a share of food expenditure &lt;60%. The average household energy consumption of oil palm farmers is 1,707.39 kcal per capita/day with a household energy adequacy level of 83.79%. The average protein consumption per capita/day is 80.79 grams with a protein adequacy level of 80.63%. Analysis of the level of food security shows that 41.66% of households are at the level of food secure, 33% are at the level of food insecure, 8.33 are at the level of food vulnerability and 16.66% of households are food insecure.

Health consciousness and pro-environmental behaviors in an Italian representative sample: A cross-sectional study

Individual health-related behavior is among the most influential yet modifiable factors affecting both climate change and chronic disease. To encourage behaviors bringing about environmental and health co-benefits, it is important to understand the underlying factors of behavior change for healthy and sustainable lifestyles. One area of potential overlap concerns people’s health consciousness. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between health consciousness and pro-environmental behavior. We investigated whether health consciousness correlates with five clusters of pro-environmental behaviors: sustainable food consumption, recycling, green purchasing, sustainable mobility, and energy saving. Research data were collected via cross-sectional survey involving a representative sample of n = 1011 Italian citizens. Statistically significant differences emerged in the frequency of the different classes of pro-environmental behaviors: people living in Italy most frequently implement sustainable behaviors related to energy saving and recycling while sustainable mobility behaviors are the least implemented. Moreover, the stepwise linear regression model demonstrated the predictive role of citizens’ health consciousness on the adoption of specific classes of pro-environmental behaviors showing how higher involvement in one’s own health determines higher levels of pro-environmental behaviors. These results highlight the relevance of developing and testing complex programs featuring educational, sensitization, and structural strategies to increase citizens involvement in public health and pro-environmental behaviors.

Determination of Hope Food Pattern Score (PPH) Score Based On the Study of Finished Food Components

Research has been conducted on the determination of the Hope Food Pattern Score (PPH) based on the study of finished food components. Finished foods are processed foods, traditional foods, culinary foods, which can be consumed immediately, without the need to reprocess them. Finished food is considered important for the determination of the PPH score targeted by the national food security agency, which has a PPH score of 92.5. This was stated by the Government through the Ministry of Agriculture in 2019, targeting nationally the score for PPH food diversification based on local resources to reach 92.5. The target of achieving a PPH score of 92.5 is difficult to achieve because in reality the 2019 SUSENAS data does not include the value of finished food energy into the PPH food group component, even though in the calculation, the finished food component is very influential on the results of calculating PPH, the energy is around 15-20% of total energy. From the calculation results, the Hope Food Pattern Score calculated based on the Average Calorie Consumption Per Capita a Day (Kcal) of West Java Province SUSENAS 2019 data plus ready-made food purchased at hawker places in food center centers, has not met the PPH score in accordance with the target, namely kupat tahu average PPH score 68.84, chicken porridge - average PPH score 80.06, fried rice has an average PPH score of 80.95, kupat sayur has an average PPH score of 83.94, and gado-gado has an average PPH score of 87.95. For this reason, with this study, it is recommended to make finished food recipes with food components whose forming raw materials are arranged then grouped according to the expectation food pattern group and simulated the value of the PPH quality score so that it has a score of around PPH 92.5.

Application of Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model to Assess the Environmental Sustainability in Bangladesh

This research inspects the associations among several macroeconomic factors in Bangladesh using yearly time series data from 1971 to 2019. It also aimed to determine if the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis exists in Bangladesh or not. The findings from the stationarity tests reveal that all variables are ordered I (1) integrated. The ARDL model has been used to explore the longrun and short-run connections between variables in the model. In the long term, the projected findings established the existence of the Kuznets curve hypothesis in the GDP-energy nexus. According to the study, there is a U-shaped association between economic expansion and greenhouse gas emissions. Food production and energy consumption increase emissions, however using biomass does not assist the country to attain sustainability, as an increase in biomass increases greenhouse gas emissions by 1.12%. As a result, our government should explore additional renewable energy sources to restrict emissions and take the required actions in all areas to achieve environmental sustainability. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 71(1): 60-68, 2023 (Jan)

Solar energy development on farmland: Three prevalent perspectives of conflict, synergy and compromise in the United States

As farmland has become a key place for grid-scale, ground-mounted solar energy development, there needs to be more analysis to explore what energy transitions mean for the future of agriculture. This article uses the food–energy–water (FEW) nexus framework to delineate three different perspectives of solar energy development on farmland. The first two perspectives fit into the FEW nexus language of “trade-offs” and “synergies” respectively, arguing that solar energy development either conflicts with agricultural land use and food security or, alternatively, that the two land uses can be co-located appropriately to create agrivoltaic systems. The third perspective is a compromise, arguing that solar energy - neither a complete trade-off to nor completely synergetic with continued agriculture - preserves farmland for future agricultural use. By analyzing these perspectives together, we further understand implications of solar energy development. While each of these perspectives is important, agrivoltaics has the greatest potential to play a positive role across both energy and agricultural transitions. Nonetheless, there are several key barriers to agrivoltaic development, including the need for sufficient access to water, local knowledge and appropriate agricultural resources, and sustained interest from solar energy developers. The development of agrivoltaics, and solar energy in general, should raise important political questions of land access and resource use.