Micronutrient-rich Diets Research Articles

Insights into the recent approaches for rice (Oryza sativa L.) biofortification

Rice is the most essential source of calories for humans among the cereals and over half of the world's population is fed on rice. As part of a complete food systems approach, biofortification is an effective technique for nutrition enrichment which refers to the development of micronutrient-rich diet by utilising traditional breeding practises and sophisticated biotechnological tools. To enhance the profile of rice grain for biofortification-related properties, researchers must first understand the genetics of critical biofortification characteristics. Significant increases in micronutrients like iron and zinc, as well as many other important minerals and provitamins are acquired in rice grain using the biofortification strategies. Most indica and japonica rice types have been biofortified over the world, giving them the titles of high iron rice, low phytate rice, high zinc rice, and high carotenoid rice or golden rice. Some of the recent approaches towards rice biofortification, as well as their effects, have been explored in this article.

Prevalence and determinants of primary hypertension in urban and rural children from six Indian states: A multicenter study

ObjectivesAmong urban and rural Indian children ages 9 to 18 y, we aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of primary hypertension (PH), and explore the relationship of fat indices and body composition with hypertension. MethodsData from a multicenter study (2016–2017), representative of children (age 9–18 y) from six states were analyzed (n = 1818; urban n = 895). All anthropometric parameters (Z-scores), blood pressure (BP), body composition, and resting metabolic rate (RMR) were measured. Information from a 2-d 24-h diet recall was collected, nutrient and food group intakes were calculated, and physical activity (PA) was assessed. Children were categorized as normotensive or pre-/hypertensive (>90th percentile), and a regression analysis was carried out for determinants. ResultsUrban children were significantly taller, heavier, more overweight or obese (25% vs. 11%), pre-/hypertensive (18% vs. 10%), adipose, and had lower RMR/weight than rural children. All hypertensive children had higher fat indices, lower muscle mass, and RMR/weight than those who were normotensive (P < 0.05). Rural hypertensive children consumed more junk food, simple carbohydrate (CHO), fat, and sodium than those who were normotensive. RMR (R2 = 33%) was found to be an important predictor of BP in rural children and body mass index (R2 = 46%) in urban children, followed by central and peripheral obesity, PA, and diet. ConclusionsOur study highlights that rural children are also at risk of developing PH, especially those with a higher intake of junk food and carbohydrate. Another interesting finding was the negative association of PH with RMR/weight, increasing PA, as well as a micronutrient-rich diet with calcium and magnesium vital to prevent PH. Health care policies need to focus on the increasing prevalence of obesity and PH, not only in urban, but also rural children where different strategies may have to be applied.

Micronutrient intake is associated with reductions in chemical exposure effects on blood pressure of electronic waste recyclers at Agbogbloshie, Ghana

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Increasing evidence suggests that chemical exposures may influence micronutrient status and further induce certain disease outcomes like hypertension- even at lower levels of exposure. This study, therefore, investigated whether micronutrient-rich diet intake may reduce the adverse effects of heavy metals and rare earth elements released during informal recycling of e-waste on blood pressure (BP) of e-waste recyclers in Ghana. METHODS: Blood and urine samples were collected from 100 e-waste recyclers and 51 controls in March 2017 and analyzed for chemicals (cadmium, lead (Pb), arsenic (As), Terbium, Thallium (Tl), and Cerium) and micronutrients (calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium, zinc, and copper) using the ICP-MS. Dietary micronutrient intake was assessed using a 2-day-24-hour-dietary-recall. Cardiovascular indices (systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and arterial pressure (AP)) were measured using a sphygmomanometer. Joint associations between chemicals, micronutrients and BP indices were modelled using simple linear regressions. RESULTS:Urinary As and Pb as well as blood levels of TI were significantly associated with increases in SBP, AP and pulse pressure in both groups and still similar when analyses were limited to only recyclers. Nonetheless, dietary intake of calcium and iron-rich diets were associated with significant reductions in SBP, DBP and AP in both groups. Further in the joint model, consumption of Fe-rich diets were associated with significant reductions in SBP (β= -0.070; 95% CI: -0.131, -0.009; p = 0.026), DBP (β= -0.085; 95% CI: -0.167, -0.004; p = 0.040), and AP (β= -0.080; 95% CI: -0.143, -0.016; p = 0.014), despite the particularly high exposure of e-waste recyclers to Pb. CONCLUSIONS:Although the body burden of Pb, As and Tl seem to be associated with and serve as predictors of hypertension, the consumption of Fe-rich foods were associated with significant reductions in SBP, DBP and AP of e-waste recyclers even at high exposures of these chemicals. KEYWORDS: Chemical exposures, cardiovascular diseases, food/ nutrition

Addressing anaemia in pregnancy in rural plains Nepal: A qualitative, formative study.

Maternal anaemia prevalence in low‐income countries is unacceptably high. Our research explored the individual‐, family‐ and community‐level factors affecting antenatal care uptake, iron folic acid (IFA) intake and consumption of micronutrient‐rich diets among pregnant women in the plains of Nepal. We discuss how these findings informed the development of a home visit and community mobilisation intervention to reduce anaemia in pregnancy. We used a qualitative methodology informed by the socio‐ecological framework, conducting semi‐structured interviews with recently pregnant women and key informants, and focus group discussions with mothers‐in‐law and fathers. We found that harmful gender norms restricted women's access to nutrient‐rich food, restricted their mobility and access to antenatal care. These norms also restricted fathers' role to that of the provider, as opposed to the caregiver. Pregnant women, mothers‐in‐law and fathers lacked awareness about iron‐rich foods and how to manage the side effects of IFA. Fathers lacked trust in government health facilities affecting access to care and trust in the efficacy of IFA. Our research informed interventions by (1) informing the development of intervention tools and training; (2) informing the intervention focus to engaging mothers‐in‐law and men to enable behaviour change; and (3) demonstrating the need to work in synergy across individual, family and community levels to address power and positionality, gender norms, trust in health services and harmful norms. Participatory groups and home visits will enable the development and implementation of feasible and acceptable strategies to address family and contextual issues generating knowledge and an enabling environment for behaviour change.

Are Rural Indian Children and Adolescents Ages 9–18 years at Risk of Hypertension? A Multicenter Study

Abstract Objectives Among urban (U) and rural (R) Indian children ages 9–18 years, we aimed to (1) assess prevalence and determinants of primary hypertension (PH) (2) evaluate differences in fat indices (BMI, waist circumference, tricep skinfold thickness), body composition (BC, fat and muscle mass (MM)), weight-adjusted resting metabolic rate (RMR/Wt), diet, and physical activity (PA). Methods Date from 2016–2017 Multicentre Study, representative of children (9–18 yrs) from 5 states, were analysed (n = 1818, urban 895, rural = 923). All anthropometric parameters (Z-scores were calculated), BP, BC, RMR were measured. Two day 24 hrs diet recall was collected, nutrient and food group intakes were calculated; PA was assessed. Children and adolescents were categorised as normo or pre + hypertensive (&amp;gt;90th percentile) and Students t-tests, chi-sq tests, and ANOVA used for comparison, regression analysis was carried out for determinants. Results U children and adolescents were significantly taller, heavier, overweight + obese (25 vs 11%), pre + hypertensive (18 vs 10%), adipose and had lower RMR/Wt. All children with PH had higher fat indices, and lower MM and RMR/Wt than normotensives (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Rural PH children had more junk food, simple carbohydrate(CHO), fat and sodium than normotensives while nutrient intakes were similar in normo and PH urban children. U children were more inactive than the R children (U 606 ± 434 vs R 574 ± 403 minutes/week). In U children, fat intake contributed more to total calories consumed (U-30 vs R-25%), R children had higher contribution of calories from CHO (U-59 vs R-65%). BMI (R2 46 vs 34%), WC(R2 33 vs 22%), TSFT(R2 21 vs 16%) and sodium (R2 1% both) were found to be positive predictors, while RMR/Wt (R2 28% vs 33%), Ca, Mg, (R2 2% both) and vigorus PA (R2 2% vs 1%) were negative predictors for BP in U, R children (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions Our study highlights that R children are also at risk of developing PH especially those with higher intake of junk food and CHO. Another interesting finding of our study was the negative association of PH with RMR/Wt; Increasing PA along with a micronutrient rich diet with Ca and Mg is vital to prevent PH. Health care policies need to focus on the increasing prevalence of obesity and PH in not only U, but also R children where different strategies may have to be applied. Funding Sources University Grant Commission, Government of India.

You are what you eat: relative importance of diet, gut microbiota and nestmates for honey bee, Apis mellifera, worker health

In eusocial honey bees, Apis mellifera, diet, gut microbiota and nestmates can all contribute to the health of freshly emerged individual workers, but their relative importance for longevity and body weight is currently unknown. Here, we show that diet is most relevant, followed by gut microbiota and the presence of nestmates. Freshly emerged workers were randomly assigned to eight treatments (with or without honey/pollen, protein-substitute lactalbumin, antibiotic tetracycline and nestmates for 24 h) and maintained under standardised laboratory conditions. Longevity and food consumption were measured daily and fresh body weight was assessed at day 7. The data show a significantly better survival and a higher body weight in workers supplied with honey/pollen. Survival was higher in the lactalbumin treatments compared to the ones restricted to sucrose only, but lower compared to those with honey/pollen, highlighting the importance of micronutrients. In contrast, antibiotic treatment had a significant negative effect on longevity and body weight, which may be explained by inactivated gut microbiota and/or toxicity of the antibiotics. There was no positive effect of nestmates, probably due to the short exposure period. In contrast, nestmates showed a negative effect on survival in antibiotic-treated workers, possibly by transmitting pathogens and antibiotic-induced gut dysbiosis. In conclusion, a macro- and micronutrient-rich diet appears to be the key to individual honey bee worker health. Providing an optimal diet and possibly gut microbiota appears to be a promising way to promote managed A. mellifera health.

Micronutrient-rich dietary intake is associated with a reduction in the effects of particulate matter on blood pressure among electronic waste recyclers at Agbogbloshie, Ghana

BackgroundInformal recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) releases particulate matter (PM) into the ambient air. Human exposure to PM has been reported to induce adverse effects on cardiovascular health. However, the impact of PM on the cardiovascular health of e-waste recyclers in Ghana has not been studied. Although intake of micronutrient-rich diet is known to modify these PM-induced adverse health effects, no data are available on the relationship between micronutrient status of e-waste recyclers and the reported high-level exposure to PM. We therefore investigated whether the intake of micronutrient-rich diets ameliorates the adverse effects of ambient exposure to PM2.5 on blood pressure (BP).MethodsThis study was conducted among e-waste and non-e-waste recyclers from March 2017 to October 2018. Dietary micronutrient (Fe, Ca, Mg, Se, Zn, and Cu) intake was assessed using a 2-day 24-h recall. Breathing zone PM2.5 was measured with a real-time monitor. Cardiovascular indices such as systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and pulse pressure (PP) were measured using a sphygmomanometer. Ordinary least-squares regression models were used to estimate the joint effects of ambient exposure to PM2.5 and dietary micronutrient intake on cardiovascular health outcomes.ResultsFe was consumed in adequate quantities, while Ca, Se, Zn, Mg, and Cu were inadequately consumed among e-waste and non-e-waste recyclers. Dietary Ca, and Fe intake was associated with reduced SBP and PP of e-waste recyclers. Although PM2.5 levels were higher in e-waste recyclers, exposures in the control group also exceeded the WHO 24-h guideline value (25 μg/m3). Exposure to 1 μg/m3 of PM2.5 was associated with an increased heart rate (HR) among e-waste recyclers. Dietary Fe intake was associated with a reduction in systolic blood pressure levels of e-waste recyclers after PM exposure.ConclusionsConsistent adequate dietary Fe intake was associated with reduced effects of PM2.5 on SBP of e-waste recyclers overtime. Nonetheless, given that all other micronutrients are necessary in ameliorating the adverse effects of PM on cardiovascular health, nutrition-related policy dialogues are required. Such initiatives would help educate informal e-waste recyclers and the general population on specific nutrients of concern and their impact on the exposure to ambient air pollutants.

Interesting case series of severe anemia with marrow suppression

Background: Deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid is becoming common now– a– days because of food fads and poor ingestion of fruits and vegetables. Resulting in the re-emergence of megaloblastic anemia. Objectives: In this case series, we want to highlight the importance of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency as a cause of severe anemia in children. Materials and Methods: Eight children with severe (Hb< 8gm/dl) anemia, & positive peripheral smear (i.e. macrocytic red cell precursors) were included in the study. The study period was for 7 months (August 2019 to February 2020). Results: Severe anemia in all cases, 6 (75%) cases had dimorphic anemia, 2 (25%) cases had megaloblastic anemia. The diagnosis was confirmed by vitamin B12 & folic acid assay and bone marrow aspiration. The response to supplementation with vitamin B12 and folic acid was good. Incidentally, all the patients were girls in the adolescent age group. Conclusion: 1. There seems to be a trend towards increasing the incidence of preventable nutritional Vit.B12 and Folate deficiency esp. in adolescent girls. This may have adverse effects on the next generation once the lady bears a child. 2. Increasing protective diet like vegetable and fruit intake, (the essential micronutrient-rich diet) can prevent severe nutritional anemia.

School Gardening of Indigenous Vegetable as a Way of Improving Key Micro Nutrient Outcomes of Adolescents in Western Kenya

Globally, consumption of processed diets is rising with inadequate consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits. In East Africa nutritious diets are not affordable especially for adolescents. In Kenya there exists a barrier to intake of healthy diets including: limited knowledge of healthy food choices, poverty, and rapid growth of urban centers. The study sought to investigate school gardening of indigenous vegetables and its effect on knowledge, attitude and practice towards micronutrient rich diets among school students in Western, Kenya. The results of the study was improvement on knowledge of micronutrient rich foods, increased willingness to try new varieties of indigenous vegetable that are high in micronutrients, acquired cooking skills and increased involvement in school gardening of indigenous and exotic vegetables. In conclusion, school gardening of indigenous vegetables combined with nutrition education and vegetable preparation skills has the potential of improving intake of various micronutrients. Data on consumption of indigenous vegetables by the respondents’ households should be further analyzed to show the home-based component.

Farm-Level Agricultural Biodiversity Is Not the Principal Contributor to Diverse and Micronutrient-Rich Diets, nor to Overall Food Consumption in Smallholder Farm Households

Farm-Level Agricultural Biodiversity Is Not the Principal Contributor to Diverse and Micronutrient-Rich Diets, nor to Overall Food Consumption in Smallholder Farm Households

Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation Reduces Anemia and Anxiety in Rural China's Elementary School Children

AbstractDespite growing wealth and a strengthening government commitment to improve livelihoods and welfare, many students across rural China have inadequate access to micronutrient-rich diets. Poor diets can lead to nutritional problems, such as iron-deficiency anemia, that can adversely affect health, attention, learning, and mental health. The overall goal of this paper is to assess the impact of multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) on anemia and anxiety among students in poor areas of rural China. To achieve this goal, we conducted a randomized controlled trial in 54 randomly chosen elementary schools in 8 of the poorest counties in Shaanxi Province in Northwest China. Study participants were 2730 fourth-grade students, mostly aged 10–12 y. Schools were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: a control group that received no intervention and an intervention group that received a daily MMS with 5 mg of iron (ferrous sulfate) for 5 mo. Our primary outcome measures were hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations (assessed by HemoCue 201+ technology), anemia prevalence (defined as Hb) concentrations ≤120 g/L), and anxiety (using a written mental health test). The results showed that 42.4% of students were anemic at baseline. The Hb concentration was 121.7 ± 10.7 g/L in the treatment group and 123.4 ± 11.4 g/L in the control group. MMS increased Hb concentrations by 1.7 g/L ± 0.15 and reduced anemia rates by 7.0 percentage points (P < 0.05). Anxiety was reduced by 0.30 SDs (P < 0.01). MMS reduced both anemia and anxiety. Our results should encourage further research on the linkages between nutrition and mental health in a development context.

Zinc status and its association with the health of adolescents: a review of studies in India

Background: Zinc is important in adolescence because of its role in growth and sexual maturation. Adolescents from developing countries such as India may be at high risk of zinc deficiency because of unwholesome food habits and poor bioavailability of zinc from plant-based diets.Objectives: (1) to study zinc status and its association with profile of other micronutrients, (2) to construct a simple tool in the form of Adolescent Micronutrient Quality Index (AMQI) to assess quality of diets of the girls and (3) to examine the effect of zinc supplement on health of adolescent girls.Methods: Girls (10–16 years) from two secondary schools of Pune, Maharashtra state, in Western India were enrolled in a cross-sectional study (n = 630). Data were collected on dietary intake, cognitive performance, taste acuity, haemoglobin, erythrocyte zinc and plasma levels of zinc, vitamin C, β-carotene and retinol. AMQI was developed using age–sex-specific Indian dietary guidelines and healthy foods and habits described in the recent US dietary guidelines. Zinc-rich recipes were developed considering habitual diets of the girls and vegetarian sources of zinc. An intervention trial (n = 180) was conducted to assess the effect of zinc-rich dietary supplements and ayurvedic zinc (Jasad) supplementation.Results: Prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies was high in these girls. Poor cognitive performance was seen in half of the girls, and salt taste perception was affected in 45%. AMQI was correlated with nutrient intakes and blood micronutrient levels (p < 0.01), indicating the potential of AMQI to measure micronutrient quality of diets of adolescent girls. Results of the intervention trial indicated that supplementation of zinc-rich recipes vis-a-vis ayurvedic Jasad zinc has the potential to improve plasma zinc status, cognitive performance and taste acuity in adolescent girls.Conclusion: Review of the studies on Indian adolescent girls demonstrates the necessity of adopting zinc and micronutrient-rich diets for positive health building in adolescents.

Anaemia among Students of Rural China’s Elementary Schools: Prevalence and Correlates in Ningxia and Qinghai’s Poor Counties

Although the past few decades have seen rising incomes and increased government attention to rural development, many children in rural China still lack regular access to micronutrient-rich diets. Insufficient diets and poor knowledge of nutrition among the poor result in nutritional problems, including iron-deficiency anaemia, which adversely affect attention and learning of students in school. Little research has been conducted in China documenting the prevalence of nutritional problems among vulnerable populations, such as school-age children, in rural areas. The absence of programmes to combat anaemia among students might be interpreted as a sign that the Government does not recognize its severity. The goals of this paper were to measure the prevalence of anaemia among school-age children in poor regions of Qinghai and Ningxia, to identify individual-, household- and school-based factors that correlate with anaemia in this region, and to report on the correlation between the anaemic status and the physical, psychological and cognitive outcomes. The results of a cross-sectional survey are reported here. The survey involved over 4,000 fourth and fifth grade students from 76 randomly-selected elementary schools in 10 poor counties in rural Qinghai province and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, located in the northwest region of China. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and standardized tests. Trained professional nurses administered haemoglobin (Hb) tests (using Hemocue finger prick kits) and measured heights and weights of children. The baseline data showed that the overall anaemia rate was 24.9%, using the World Health Organization's blood Hb cut-offs of 120 g/L for children aged 12 years and older and 115 g/L for children aged 11 years and under. Children who lived and ate at school had higher rates of anaemia, as did children whose parents worked in farms or were away from home. Children with parents who had lower levels of education were more likely to be anaemic. The anaemic status correlated with the adverse physical, cognitive and psychological outcomes among the students. Such findings are consistent with findings of other recent studies in poor, northwest areas of China and led to conclude that anaemia remains a serious health problem among children in parts of China.