National Institute Of Nutrition Research Articles

Why should scientists lead? To underpin policy on marine and polar ecosystems

Abstract I recount my personal history, beginning as a young fisherman, becoming an academic fisheries biologist, and ultimately a leader of institutions dedicated to marine and polar research, higher education, and advising policymakers. After my dissertation in the early 1990s, I embarked on an active research career at the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) in Bergen, Norway, developing a sonar method to estimate the abundance of schooling, pelagic fish. My career then transitioned to middle leadership—15 years as Section Leader and Research Director at IMR—followed by >10 years as a top leader for The University Centre in Svalbard, the National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research, and finally the Norwegian Polar Institute. I describe the major challenges, opportunities, and processes these leadership roles have entailed. I hope to send a positive message about the influential role of science, and the necessity of clear communication of results and advice at a time when there is a sense of urgency.

Efficacy of a Comprehensive Weight Reduction Intervention in Male Adolescents With Different FTO Genotypes.

The FTO gene polymorphisms may influence the effects of lifestyle interventions on obesity. The present study aimed to assess the influence of the rs9930506 FTO gene polymorphism on the success of a comprehensive weight loss intervention in male adolescents with overweight and obesity. This study was carried out on 96 adolescent boys with overweight and obesity who were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 53) and control (n = 43) groups. The blood samples of the participants were collected, and the FTO gene was genotyped for the rs9930506 polymorphism. A comprehensive lifestyle intervention including changes in diet and physical activity was performed for 8 weeks in the intervention group. Following the lifestyle intervention, BMI and fat mass decreased significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group (both p < 0.05), while no change was found in weight, height or body muscle percentage between the groups. The participants in the intervention group with the AA/AG genotype and not in carriers of the GG genotype had a significantly higher reduction in BMI (-1.21 vs. 1.87 kg/m2, F = 4.07, p < 0.05) compared with the control group. The intervention in individuals with the AA/AG genotype has been significantly effective in weight loss compared with the control group. The intervention had no association effect on anthropometric indices in adolescents with the GG genotype of the FTO rs9930506 polymorphism. Name of the registry: National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute; Trial registration number: IRCT2016020925699N2; Date of registration: 24/04/2016; URL of trial registry record: https://www.irct.ir/trial/21447.

Assessing the relationship between Body Mass Index and Bone Mineral Density in a clinical-based sample of Vietnamese aged 20–50: A generalized linear regression analysis

BackgroundWhile some evidence has shown that the BMI component differentially influences bone mineral density (BMD), no studies have examined the association between BMI and BMD in Vietnamese adults. The objective of the present study was to examine the associations between BMI and BMD in relatively healthy Vietnamese adults. Demographic data, anthropometric measurements, BMD results measured by DXA and risk factors associated with BMD were retrospectively obtained from the medical records of 333 customers at the National Institute of Nutrition, Vietnam. The customers (aged 20–50 years) underwent a nutrition evaluation and completed BMD examinations between January 1 and November 30, 2021. Osteopenia was defined as the BMD (Z-score) < -2. The correlation between BMI and BMD was analyzed using generalized linear regression. The study found that 7.7% of females and 4.6% of males had osteopenia at the lumbar spine, while 6.9% of females and 5.7% of males had osteopenia at the total hip. Our study discovered a significant relationship between BMI and normal BMD or osteopenia among both males and females, except for the lumbar spine in males. Notably, the results indicated that underweight individuals had a higher likelihood of developing osteopenia. Furthermore, the positive correlation between being overweight or obese and having a higher BMD was also confirmed.Our findings show that the BMI categories affect BMD differently and that being underweight increases the risk of osteopenia among 20-50-year-old Vietnamese. Therefore, we emphasize the need for a BMI-based pre-screening tool for osteopenia in this age group before the further examination.

CONSUMPTION OF HYPERLIPIDEMIC DIET AND WATER INTAKE IN ALBINO RATS TREATED WITH ECLIPTA ALBA – ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER

Objective: A high-fat (HF) diet described as higher calories generating from fat instead of carbohydrate or protein. HF usually diets a typical low-carbohydrate diet. Methods: Thirty adult Albino rats of Wistar strain accurately weighing between 165 and 215 g utilized for the present the study. As per CPCSEA guidelines, the protocol was approved by the institutional animal ethical committee no. BMCH/IAEC/01 Anat/2015 dated June 4, 2015. Animals were maintained and fed with standard rat chow, HF diet, and clean drinking water ad libitum, commercially available and manufactured by the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad. Results: Rate of food consumption increased in rats fed with the HF diet for 8 weeks and decreased significantly in rats treated with Eclipta alba for 1, 2, and 3 weeks progressively compared to control group. Water intake increased in the rats fed with an HF diet (43±2.1) compared to rats fed with a normal diet, decreased significantly in the rats treated with E. alba (31±1.4) compared to the HF diet-fed animals. Conclusion: The rate of food consumption increased in rats fed with the HF diet for 8 weeks and decreased significantly in rats treated with E. alba for 1, 2, and 3 weeks progressively compared to control group. Water intake increased in the rats fed with an HF diet compared to rats fed with a normal diet, decreased significantly in the rats treated with E. alba compared to the HF diet-fed animals

Is Obesity a Risk Factor for Iron Deficiency and Anemia? A Pilot Study

Abstract Background The populations suffer from increasing over consumption of food, but continue to have high rates of micronutrient deficiencies. Adipose tissue of obese persons produces increased amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines contributing to the development of a low-grade systemic inflammation in these persons. Objectives To determine the relation between body mass index (BMI) and hemoglobin (Hg) level, serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and C reactive protein (CRP). Methodology The study was carried out on 60 women attending the outpatient clinics of the National Nutrition Institute (Egypt). Participants were divided into two groups; 30 obese women (case group) and 30 normal weight women (control group). Diagnosis of obesity was based on BMI &amp;gt;30. Anemia was diagnosed according to Hg level, serum iron and TIBC. Results The mean Hb level of participant women was 11 gm/dl (SD 1.21) and ranged between 8.7 and 13.8 gm/dl. Hb levels showed no significant difference between obese and normal weight women. Serum iron was higher in normal weight women compared with obese women (P &amp;lt; 0.05). No significant correlation was observed between BMI and Hb levels. BMI had a significant negative correlation with serum iron. BMI has significant positive correlations with TIBC and CRP. Linear regression analysis showed a significant association between Hb levels and waist hip ratio. Conclusions High BMI affected negatively levels of serum iron and is associated with inflammatory process as indicated by higher levels of CRP. High waist hip ratio is an important risk factor for anemia.

A comparative study of colored wheat lines across laboratories for validation of their phytochemicals and antioxidant activity

With aim of assessing inter-laboratory variations, phytochemical and antioxidant analysis of seventeen wheat lines were carried out in three well-equipped Indian laboratories viz- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Punjab, Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering & Technology (CIPHET), Punjab, and National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Telangana. Protocols were rigorously discussed among laboratories, re-formulated, and uniformly executed for estimating anthocyanins, phenolics, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity measured by colorimetric assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP & MC). Compiled data complement each other, with minor inter-laboratory variations. Colored wheat lines show higher antioxidant activity and phytochemical profile than white wheat lines across the laboratories. Within colored wheat lines, black wheat lines have the best nutraceutical profile across the laboratories, with an observed order of black > blue > purple > white. Within black wheat varieties, one of the studied lines, Bk2, consistently outperformed across the laboratories and had highest antioxidant activity, mean anthocyanin content (150.19 mg/kg), phenolic content (277.67 mg/kg), flavonoid content (17.76 mg/kg). The factors that may contribute to the evaluation process include differences in the human resources involved, type and company of solvent, instrument model, and weather and humidity conditions during the measurement. This study validates the higher phytochemicals and antioxidant property of colored wheat through a multi-laboratory analysis.

Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Children Diagnosed with Phenylketonuria

Background: Growing evidence suggests a higher occurrence of overweight and obesity in children diagnosed with phenylketonuria (PKU), yet the exact cause is still unknown. Objectives: The objective is to address the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children with PKU. Methods: In our cross-sectional study, we included 47 children with PKU who were receiving care at the nutritional clinic of the National Nutrition Institute. We conducted anthropometric assessments, which involved measuring weight, height, and BMI. Additionally, we performed biochemical evaluations, including measurements of fasting total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Moreover, we assessed fasting blood sugar levels. Results: In the study group, 57.44% were males, and 42.55% were females, with no significant gender difference observed. Malnourished children exhibited significantly higher phenylalanine (PHE) levels. Most participants (n = 26, 55.3%) were overweight or obese. A positive and significant correlation (rs = 0.6, P = 0.01) was found between PHE levels and fasting blood sugar levels. Conclusions: Children with PKU have a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, emphasizing the importance of obesity screening in this population.

Evolution of growth charts in India

Growth charts are graphical representations of centile or standard deviation curves prepared from population-based studies. Growth charts are derived from large numbers of children either cross-sectionally or longitudinally. The variation in anthropometric measures amongst individuals of different ethnicities requires specific charts also for Indian children and need to be updated to reflect secular trends. Growth charts in India have come a long way from the development of first ones in the mid-1940s by National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) to Paediatrician Friendly IAP growth charts with mid-parental height and BMI tool. Indian BMI charts recommend overweight and obesity cut-offs for children to the adult equivalents of 23 and 27kg/m2 to prevent the under-diagnosis of obesity. Indian growth charts have been published for upper:lower segment ratios, Turner syndrome, waist circumference, height velocity and sitting height.

NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF THE PATIENTS VISITED THE NUTRITION COUNSELLING CENTER OF VIETNAM NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NUTRITION

Aims: To determine the nutritional status of patients who visited the Nutrition Counselling Center of the National Institue of Nutrition. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 431 patients who visited for nutrition counseling at the Department of Adult Nutrition Consultation, National Institute of Nutrition from May 2021 to April 2022. Nutritional status was classified using criteria for Asians. Results: The rates of chronic energy deficiency, overweight, and obesity were 29.7, 13.5, and 3.7%, respectively. The rates of overweight and obesity were respectively 21.9% and 6.1% in men; and 10.4% and 2.8% in women. The rate of overweight and obesity was higher in men (28%) compared to women (13.2%), while the rate of chronic energy deficiency (CED) was lower in men (22.8%) than that in women (32.2%) (p &lt;0.05). The rate of obesity and CED was highest in the 20-29 age group, then decreased with age. The rates of overweight, obesity and CED were respectively 13.2, 3.7, and 25.4% in city; and 13.8, 3.8, and 37.1% in contryside. Conclusions: The study indicates the alarming rate of obesity and CED in young age group. The similar rate of overweight and obesity in city and contryside while there was significant difference of CED rate between the two regions.

A study on junk food consumption of 1st-year MBBS students aged 19–21 years of batch 2021–22 at Sri Siddhartha Medical College and Hospital, Tumakuru

Background: As per National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, “Junk food is foods containing little or no proteins, vitamins, or minerals but are rich in salt, sugar, fats, and are high in energy (calories).” Many studies show junk foods have an adverse effect on both physical and mental health. Aims and Objectives: This study was taken up to take an insight into the adverse effects of excess calorie consumption during stress which is associated obesity and depression. Materials and Methods: A study on junk food consumption at SSMC, Tumkur to study the relationship between mental and physical health with the consumption of junk food among 1st-year MBBS students. A cross-sectional study was done on 1st-year MBBS students aged 19–21 year at SSMC, Tumkur with the approval of Institutional Ethics Committee. A modified questionnaire was circulated among 150 1st year MBBS students aged 19–21 years at SSMC, Tumkur through Google forms. The data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics and interpreted. Results: About 49% of the participants consumed junk foods regularly with 34% of the participants consuming more than once per week. More than 65% of participants consumed junk food in the evening. Around 46% of participants preferred weekend to consume junk foods. More than 50% of the participants consume junk foods when they are residing in hostel rather than home. More than 70% of the participants prefer junk food consumption during screen time. Conclusion: Factors that have led to consumption of junk food are affordability and cravings. Preference of consumption of carbonated drinks with junk food is also high. The study also shows a strong association of junk food consumption with stress and screen time behavior. Due to its low nutritional value, junk food should be discouraged. Hence, awareness program should be included in to the curriculum of all medical students and in other professions also.

Comprehensive analysis of research outcomes from selected Indian Council of Medical Research Institutes: Trends and insights from 1989 to 2021

Background: Given the importance of the ICMR in shaping the research landscape in India, it is essential to understand the research outcomes produced by the various ICMR institutes over the years.Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the research outcomes from the top six selected Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) institutes over a period of 33 years, from 1989 to 2021.Materials and Methods: The six ICMR institutes analyzed were the National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, the National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, the National Institute of Malaria Research, the National Institute of Nutrition, and National Institute of Virology.Results: A total of 8174 research outcomes were identified, including research articles, review articles, and meeting abstracts. The study analyzed the relative growth rate and doubling time, document types, top journals and research areas, and collaborations and funding agencies associated with these outcomes. The study found that there was a steady growth in research productivity over the years, although a decline was observed in 2021, possibly due to the COVID19 pandemic. The study also identified specific institutes that had the maximum number of publications in certain fields, such as immunology.Conclusion: The study's findings can provide valuable insights for policymakers, funding agencies, and researchers interested in understanding the research landscape and trends in India..

Preliminary assessment of heavy metals intake via food in CKDu affected Uddanam region of Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to assess metal/heavy metal intake by the population via food environment of the Uddanam region, a hotspot for chronic kidney disease of uncertain aetiology (CKDu) in India. The food samples included rice/paddy, marine/freshwater fish, green gram/black gram (whole), and green leafy vegetables (GLVs, i.e. amaranth/spinach). These were analysed for metal/heavy metal (chromium, nickel, copper, arsenic, lead, magnesium, calcium, aluminium, manganese, iron, zinc, barium, cadmium, mercury, and uranium) content using standard procedures. The total heavy metal intake was calculated as a sum of the intake from each food source. The daily dietary intake was compared to safe intake levels (from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies and National Institute of Nutrition). The intake was higher than safe levels for lead, chromium, and manganese. It is advisable to reduce heavy metal exposure by adopting agricultural practices and public health interventions in terms of diet.

VITAMIN D STATUS IN TUNISIAN OBESE PATIENTS

Objective: Aims: The objectives of this study were to estimate the vitamin D deficiency in obese, identify risk factors for vitamin D deficiency, demonstrating a possible association between vitamin D levels and metabolic parameters. Design and method: This was a transversal study that involved 84 obese adults consultant to the obesity unit in the national institute of nutrition of tunis. Results: The deficit of vitamin D (&lt;30 ng / ml) among obese was 98.8%. Half of them had a rate &lt; 10 ng / ml. We observed a significant relationship between vitamin D levels and the origin of the North West (p = 0,04). Environmental factors involved in vitamin D deficiency are: the veil (p = 0,001), and dietary factors are represented by the calcium intake (p = 0,001) and the daily caloric intake (p = 0,0001). The perc ent of fat mass was negatively related to vitamin D levels (p = 0.01) but not with BMI (p = 0.118) or waist circumference (p = 0,88). Similarly, lipid profile, glucose profile, blood pressure had no link with vitamin D, serum uric acid was positively associated with vitamin D (p = 0.03), as well as the rate of hemoglobin (p = 0,0001). Insulin resistance evaluated by fasting insulin and HOMA-IR were not related to vitamin D levels (p = 0,38 and p = 0,31). Conclusions: At the end of our study, we have identified a very important vitamin D deficiency among obese. Dosage and systematic supplementation should be applied and for that physician awareness is needed.

Formulation and sensory characterization of low-cost, high-energy, nutritious cookies for undernourished adolescents: An approach using linear programming and fuzzy logic

The present study focuses on the development and sensory characterization of low-cost, high-energy, nutritious cookies that satisfy the 30% Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) requirement of undernourished adolescents as per the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), India. The underutilized ingredients finger millet, jackfruit seed powder, moringa powder, soy protein isolate, icing sugar, and oil were optimized using linear programming (LP). The sensory attributes of the developed cookies were compared with imported BP-100 (RUTF biscuit) and two high-energy biscuits available in the market using Fuzzy logic analysis. Cookies with a total energy of 506.81 kcal/100 g, protein 13.46 g/100 g, and fat 25.97 g/100 g were developed at an ingredient cost of US$ 1.52/kg, with the dose of vitamin and mineral premix set at 2.2 g/100 g of cookies. The developed cookies with higher similarity values showed higher consumer acceptability compared to other samples. The texture and taste have the most effect on sensory acceptability and customer approval, following color, overall acceptability, and flavor. Industrial relevanceIn terms of utilizing the locally available ingredients to combat adolescent malnutrition, linear programming, and fuzzy logic are easy methods that can be employed in any World Food Program initiative to formulate low-cost, high-energy food products.

Plasmatic Magnesium Deficiency in 101 Outpatients Living with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

(1) Background: Magnesium deficiency is usually associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Individuals living with T2DM with hypomagnesemia show a more rapid disease progression and have an increased risk for diabetes complications. (2) Methods: This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study in the National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology of Tunis in Tunisia, including all adult outpatients (≥18 years old) with a diagnosis of T2DM from 1 September 2018 to 31 August 2019. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of plasmatic magnesium deficiency in a Tunisian population of T2DM and to study the relationship between magnesium status and intake, glycemic control and long-term diabetes-related complications. (3) Results: Among the 101 T2DM outpatients, 13 (12.9%) presented with a plasmatic magnesium deficiency. The mean age was 56 ± 7.9 years with a female predominance (62%, n = 63). The mean of the plasmatic magnesium level was 0.79 ± 0.11 mmol/L (0.5–1.1), and the mean of 24 h urinary magnesium excretion was 87.8 ± 53.8 mg/24 h [4.8–486.2]. HbA1c was significantly higher in the plasmatic magnesium deficiency group than the normal magnesium status group (10% ± 1.3 vs. 8.3% ± 1.9; p = 0.04), with a significant difference in participants with a poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7%) (100%, n = 13/13 vs. 53%, n = 47/88; p = 0.001). A weak negative relationship was also found between plasmatic magnesium and HbA1c (r = −0.2, p = 0.03). Peripheral artery disease was more commonly described in individuals with low plasmatic magnesium levels than in individuals with normal levels (39%, n = 5 vs. 0%, n = 0; p < 0.001). The mean plasmatic magnesium level in participants without diabetic nephropathy and also peripheral artery disease was significantly higher compared to individuals with each long-term diabetes-related complication (0.8 mmol/L ± 0.1 vs. 0.71 mmol/L ± 0.07; p = 0.006) and (0.8 mmol/L ± 0.1 vs. 0.6 mmol/L ± 0.08; p < 0.001), respectively. (4) Conclusions: Hypomagnesemia was identified in individuals with T2DM, causing poor glycemic control and contributing to the development and progression of diabetes-related microvascular and macrovascular complications.

Metabolic Syndrome in Type 1 Diabetics: Prevalence and Clinicobiological Features

Background: Because of the world obesity epidemic, some type 1 diabetics exhibit clinical-biological features of metabolic syndrome. Few studies have investigated the association between this syndrome and this type of diabetes. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in type 1 diabetics and to study the relationship between this syndrome and the clinical-biological profile of these patients. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study, involving type 1 diabetics, monitored at the National Institute of Nutrition in Tunis. All of these patients underwent a clinical examination and laboratory workup. Results: We included 150 patients. The mean age of the patients was 31.25 ± 10.3 years. Women represented 54% of the patients. Abdominal obesity was found in 61.7% of women and 14.5% of men. The metabolic syndrome was found in 30.7% of patients, with a female predominance (48.1% vs. 10.1% in men, p &lt;0.001). Comparing the two groups with and without metabolic syndrome, the latter was significantly correlated with sedentary lifestyle, daily insulin dose, hypertriglyceridemia, hypoHDL-cholesterolemia and arterial hypertension, but not correlated with the age of the patients, the duration of diabetes or the glycemic control. Conclusion: This work reveals a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in type 1 diabetics in whom it seems relevant to look for the components of this syndrome, each considered to be a cardiovascular risk factor in its own right.

Predictive Factors of Weight Loss in a Group of Obese Tunisian Women

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of a weight loss of more than 5% of the baseline weight in a group of Tunisian women with obesity. Methods: Prospective study at the Obesity Research Unit of the National Institute of Nutrition of Tunis, including 73 adult women with obesity. After 6 months of lifestyle interventions, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to extract predictors of success of weight loss at 6-months. Results: More than half of patients (57.5%) achieved a loss of ≥5% of body weight from baseline. Univariate analysis found that initial weight loss at one month (p &lt;10-3), potassium intake (p=0.010), phosphorus intake (p=0.012) and folate intake (p=0.025) were the factors associated with success of weight loss. The multivariate analysis showed that initial weight loss at one month (OR=2.369; p=0.02), TSH (OR=3.632; p=0.026) and dietary phosphorus intake (OR=0.995; p=0.011) were related to success of weight loss. Conclusion: Larger-scale studies with long-term follow-up would be needed to better determine the predictors not only of success of weight loss but also of its long-term maintenance.

Understanding micronutrient bioavailability and the impact on micronutrient malnutrition

Jayashree Arcot received her Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Madras, India and a Master's degree in Food Science and Nutrition. She received her PhD in Foods and Nutrition from the Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University in Hyderabad, India in 1988 while being a recipient of the prestigious Senior Research Fellowship from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. While in Hyderabad she had the opportunity to collaborate with several leading scientists in the field of nutrition at the National Institute of Nutrition, a premier organization under the auspices of the Indian Council of Medical Research in India and the International Crops Research Institute for Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT). She mastered the analysis of vitamins in foods using the microbiological assay during her PhD. When she arrived in Australia in the early 1990s, as an academic at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, she had the opportunity to establish a research group in the field of food science and nutrition. She pursued several projects funded by government and industry with her food-based approaches to solve nutrition problems particularly micronutrient malnutrition. Fascinated by the complexity of vitamins in foods and their matrix effects, she established a laboratory for vitamin methodology for foods using the microbiological assay, high-end chromatography (LC-MS/MS), to measure different forms of vitamins, for example, folates; studying vitamin bioavailability in humans. Her lab was the first in the Oceania region capable of measuring vitamins in foods using the microbiological assay. She has conducted several international workshops and short courses in food composition and vitamin assays for researchers. She has pursued her interest in vitamins through several fortification projects and bioavailability of folate-fortified foods in humans and in vitro cell culture techniques. Her other interests are in developing accurate methods for the bioactive compounds in foods and studying their bioactivity using cell culture techniques. She has several publications in the field of 2D culture models for the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and carotenes from foods. Her publications in this field are related to interactions between these bioactive compounds in foods and their health properties such as cellular anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. More recently, she has focused on food and health security with a particular focus on complementary feeding in infants, and malnutrition in middle-income and lower income countries. In this context, she has been studying ways of recovering nutrients (protein) from food manufacturing stream wastes and collaborated with industry on several projects. She has over 100 research publications and has graduated several research students in the last 20 years. She is a professional member of the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology, Nutrition Society of Australia, and the American Society of Nutrition. She is an Associate Professor of Food and Health at the School of Chemical Engineering, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.

27-LB: Impact of the March–May 2020 Confinement on the Clinical-Biological Profiles of Diabetic Patients Hospitalized in Diabetology

Objective: In Tunisia, a total confinement was imposed from March 20 until May 4, 2020. The aim of our work was to assess the impact of this 2-month confinement on the clinical and biological profile of diabetic patients hospitalized in diabetology. Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study that involved 110 diabetic patients hospitalized in department A of the National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology of Tunis (Tunisia) from June 1 until June 30, 2020. Results : The mean age of the patients was 49.72±11.99years with ranges ranging from 16 to 77 years old; 63.6% of patients were female and 73.6% of patients were type 2. The average duration of diabetes was 11.53±8.62years, with extremes ranging from 0to24 years. The mean level of glycated hemoglobin was 12.03±3.97% and the Body-Mass-Index was 29.44kg/m² with extremes ranging from 16.26to40.19kg/m². Weight gain was reported in 73% of patients with an average of 4.77±1.98kg within 2 months of confinement, with extremes ranging from 2to11kg. Two patients (1.8%) were hospitalized for inaugural diabetic ketosis. The others were admitted for an imbalance(81.8%) or an acute decompensation of their diabetes(16.4%). The factors of imbalance or decompensation were: a poor compliance with hygienic-dietetic measures(90.9%); a medication poor compliance(41.8%), more than half of which(54.3%) was due to the inability of the patient to go to the local health center to obtain his medication; lipodystrophies(42.7% of patients on insulin); a stomatological infection(8.2%); an urinary tract infection(4.5%) and an acute coronary syndrome(0.9%). Conclusions : The diabetic patient is at high risk of a severe form of Covid-19. However, the confinement imposed by the pandemic seems to be one of the factors of diabetes imbalance (in particular by weight gain and poor adherence to therapy). It is therefore essential to strengthen the education and treatment of diabetic patients. Disclosure F. Mahjoub: None. N. Ben Amor: None. O. Berriche: None. H. Jamoussi: None.

Awareness about breast feeding practices and vitamin A deficiency among mothers in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, South India

Background: To assess the awareness about breast feeding practices and to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about the signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and vitamin A rich foods intake among mothers of children below 5 years in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh (AP) in South India.Methods: A population based cross-sectional study was conducted on 284 mothers (age range 14 to 36 years) during June 2011 and September 2011. A combined simple and systematic random sampling strategy was used to select mothers from one tribal, rural and semi urban area with a representative sample of the Srikakulam district. A standardized structured questionnaire that was developed and validated by the National institute of nutrition, Hyderabad was utilized for this study.Results: The awareness of vitamin A and night blindness was 68.7% (95% confidence intervals (CI): 62.9–74.0) (n=195) and 93.7% (95% CI: 90.2–96.2) (n=266) respectively. The knowledge of signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) was nil among illiterate mothers and low among literates; with primary education, adjusted odds ratio (OR): 0.01 (95% CI: 0.00, 0.06) and with secondary education, OR: 0.19 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.62) compared to mothers with graduation and above.Conclusions: There is a need to increase the awareness and knowledge about VAD among mothers with children below 5 years in the southern state of AP.