Nutrition Practices Research Articles

Effects of Lactoferrin and Lactobacillus Supplementation on Immune Function, Oxidative Stress, and Gut Microbiota in Kittens.

Immune deficiency is a prevalent issue among kittens, severely threatening their health and development by increasing susceptibility to infections and diseases. This study investigates the effects of dietary supplements containing lactoferrin and Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) on the immune function, intestinal health, and microbiota composition of kittens. The results demonstrate that these supplements significantly enhance immune responses, with immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels increasing by 14.9% and IgG levels by 14.2%. Additionally, there was a notable 28.7% increase in catalase activity, indicating a reduction in oxidative stress. Gastrointestinal (GI) health improved markedly, evidenced by increased populations of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, which rose from 4.13% to 79.03% over the study period. The DNC group also showed significant reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines, including decreases of 13.94% in IL-2, 26.46% in TNF-α, and 19.45% in IFN-γ levels. Furthermore, improvements in physical conditions were observed, including enhanced coat condition and mental status. These findings underline the potential of lactoferrin and L. plantarum as effective dietary interventions to improve kitten health, thereby reducing dependency on antibiotics and mitigating associated risks. This research provides a scientific foundation for optimizing nutritional management practices to enhance the overall vitality of kittens during their critical growth phases.

Involving Influential Men’s Groups to Promote Maternal and Child Nutrition Practices Increased Diet Diversity and Egg Consumption Despite Rising Insecurity in The Sahel

Involving Influential Men’s Groups to Promote Maternal and Child Nutrition Practices Increased Diet Diversity and Egg Consumption Despite Rising Insecurity in The Sahel

Maternal and Child Nutrition Practices and Vitamin A Supplementation

Maternal and Child Nutrition Practices and Vitamin A Supplementation

Expert consensus on clinical practice of parenteral nutrition therapy for critically ill patients in China (2024)

Critical patients have a high incidence of malnutrition, which can lead to adverse outcomes such as infections and ICU-acquired weakness. Improving the nutritional status of critically ill patients is currently an important challenge. Parenteral nutrition (PN) is an important component of medical nutrition, but there is still much controversy over how to implement a reasonable and standardized PN for critically ill patients. To further standardize the PN strategy for critically ill patients, the Critical Care Medicine Branch of the Zhejiang Medical Association convened experts in the field of critical care medicine and formulated the Expert consensus on clinical practice of parenteral nutrition therapy for critically ill patients in China (2024). This consensus is based on the GRADE evidence quality grading standard, problem oriented, and summarizes evidence-based medicine evidence from multiple aspects such as PN timing, suitable population, nutritional plan, and ingredient ratio, providing professional suggestions for the standardization and implementation of PN in clinical nutrition practice.

Adherence to Essential Nutritional and Lifestyle Practices among the Residents of Urban and Rural Settings during COVID-19 at Jashore District in Bangladesh

Background: High population density makes Bangladesh more vulnerable to a pandemic situation like COVID-19. It is evident from the scientific literature that proper nutritional practices might be effective in preventing various infections. The objective of this research work was to explore the nutritional as well as lifestyle practices among the urban-rural residents of Jashore district and to assess the association of those practices with their residential settings. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study where about 134 respondents (18-50 years) were selected by convenience sampling method from eight rural and seven urban areas of Jashore district in Bangladesh. Association between residence type and various concerned practices have been explored by Pearson chi-square test, binary and multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results: It was found from the results of binary and multinomial logistic regression that, the intake of vitamin D rich foods (OR: 3.45; 95% CI: 1.48,8.07), folic acid rich foods (OR:0.20; 95% CI:0.09,0.46), vitamin B12 rich foods (OR:0.11; 95% CI:0.02,0.52), iron rich foods (OR:0.23; 95% CI:0.08,0.66), and melatonin rich foods (OR:0.15; 95% CI:0.05,0.40) were significantly associated (P<.05) with residential area (urban and rural) of the respondents. On the other hand, no association was found (P>.05) between other immune-boosting nutrient-rich foods such as complex carbohydrates, polyunsaturated fatty acid, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, Pyridoxine, zinc and selenium rich foods and respondents’ residential area. Moroever, the association was not observed (P>.05) in case of supplement intake of various immune boosting nutrients and area. Among the lifestyle practices, no significant association was found regarding sleep patterns among the respondents but various daily physical movements (OR: 0.19; 95% CI:0.07,0.48) were found higher among the rural respondents. Conclusion: Daily intake of vitamin D rich foods was found higher among the urban respondents but daily intake of folic acid, vitamin B12, iron and melatonin rich foods were found higher among the rural residents. It was also observed that the physical activities were better maintained among the rural respondents than their urban counterparts. Bioresearch Commu. 10(2): 1545-1552, 2024 (July)

Effect of non-genetic factors on reproductive efficiency of Mehsana buffaloes maintained at organized farm

The present investigation included the data pertaining to lactation records of 301 Mehsana buffaloes, spread over a period of 30 years (1991 to 2020), collected from the records maintained at Livestock Research Station, SDAU, Sardarkrushinagar, District Banaskantha, Gujarat; to evaluate the reproduction performance of Mehsana buffaloes. The data pertaining to different performance traits was collected from the records of the farm and analysed to know the effects of non-genetic factors like- period of calving, season of calving, parity and age at first calving group on these performance traits. The LSM of AFC have been observed 1295.54±11.80 days (N=301), but it was significantly (P≤0.01) affected by the period of birth. Similarly, LSM for SP was calculated 145.72±4.98 days (N=1038) and it was significantly (P≤0.01) affected by period of calving, season of calving and parity, but AFC group did not have any effect on this trait. The LSM of DP was estimated as 213.69±9.17 days (N=869), while it was significantly (P≤0.05) affected by period of calving, but effect of season of calving and parity on this trait was highly significant (P≤0.01). Similarly, LSM of CI was observed 451.97±4.97 days (N=1054), which was significantly (P≤0.01) affected by the period of calving, season of calving and parity. Therefore, based on these observations it was concluded that significant effect of non-genetic factors play an important role to improve the reproduction performance of the Mehsana buffalo herd, therefore emphasis must be given on nutrition, management and health cover practices to improve the performance of the indigenous breed on the farm.

Exploring the interplay of nutritional status, feeding practices and acute illness among infants under six months: A cross-sectional study

Exploring the interplay of nutritional status, feeding practices and acute illness among infants under six months: A cross-sectional study

Nutritional Practices, Quality of Life and, Health Status of Elderly in Rural Communities in Owo Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria

The study investigates the nutrition practices, health status, and quality of life of elderly individuals in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. It involves a descriptive cross-sectional design with 346 elderly participants aged 60-90, systematically sampled from six rural communities. Data were collected via structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires on demographics, medical and lifestyle histories, daily activities, health-seeking behaviors, food consumption, and nutritional care practices. Nutritional status and high blood pressure were assessed using anthropometric indices and a digital sphygmomanometer. Key findings indicate that 37.6% of participants were aged 60-64. Significant differences were noted between sexes in socio-demographic variables. Alcohol consumption, tobacco sniffing, and cigarette smoking were reported by 15.3%, 11.0%, and 4.6% respectively. Additionally, 23.1% were on hypertensive drugs and 20.1% were confirmed diabetics. Meal frequency varied, with 16.5% eating less than three times daily and 59.2% eating three times daily. Lunch (58.0%) and breakfast (36.6%) were the most skipped meals, and 15% ate outside the home. Dietary diversity scores revealed 66.5% with medium and 27.5% with good diversity. Significant gender differences were observed in dietary diversity and consumption patterns of cereals, roots, tubers, and fruits. Nutritional care practices and daily living activities scores showed 90.2% and 80.6% with fair practices and good activity scores, respectively, while 46.2% demonstrated good health-seeking behavior. Common health complaints included body and joint pain. Central obesity rates were 33.8% (WC), 30.3% (WHtR), and 30.6% (WHR). Elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure were found in 36.7% and 23% of participants, respectively. Only 31.2% reported a good quality of life. Significant positive correlations were found between nutritional status, quality of life, nutritional care practices, and functionality. Malnutrition, poor quality of life, and inadequate care practices among the elderly in rural areas highlight a public health challenge requiring targeted interventions.

The Impact of Nutrition Education in Workplace

Workplace is one of the places that could affect wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. this study aims to review nutrition education among workers that result can be used as the evidence based for policymakers to start implementing health and nutrition education periodically. We conducted a search on the PubMed Central database in May 2024 to look at various publications and journals in 2010-2024 related to the nutritional education in the workplace using the keywords: nutrition education, workplace. Three studies were meet inclusion and exclusion criteria and further be reviewed. Three studies focused on nutrition education in the workplace. Positive outcomes were recorded for all workplace intervention, including increase in nutrition knowledge, self-efficacy, reduce risky behavior, and improved body mass index and blood biomarkers. Workplace may provide an optimal setting to reach a large proportion of the adult population thus could improve both nutrition education and practice as well as health status. Workplace education related to nutrition, in this paper all gives different positive outcomes

Glycal Forte® (calcium-stabilized glycerol), a novel feed ingredient, promotes rumen function in dairy cows

Abstract Good nutritional practices are essential to support the high milk production of modern dairy cows. This requires an active rumen microbial biomass which supplies microbial protein and short-chain fatty acids to the cow. Glycal Forte® (GF) a calcium-stabilised glycerol product, increased microbial biomass in an in vitro gas production study, by some 37%. The efficacy of GF was substantiated in a trial with high-producing dairy cows fed a TMR with or without GF for 28 d. Cows fed GF showed behaviour differences. Chewing was reduced from 710 GF vs 769 for the control (CON) min/d; P=0.01 and they spent more time in an inactive state (429 GF vs 383 CON min/d; P=0.01). There was a statistically significant improvement in feed efficiency with GF (2.19 CON vs 2.34 GF kg ECM/kg dry matter intake (DMI); P=0.03). Feed efficiency has an important bearing on costs and profitability of a dairy operation. Cows fed GF yielded an improved profit of $1.45 per cow per day over 28 d with an ROI of 2.23. Extrapolated to a 100 dairy cow herd for 28 d gave an additional profit of $4,060. Milk yields continued to show benefits for 70 d in milk (DIM) after the GF treatment was stopped, showed a numerical increase in milk yield of 3.2 kg/d. The benefits in rumen function continues after the feeding of GF had ceased. In summary, this trial with high-producing dairy cows was consistent with the in vitro trial data and showed that GF can improve rumen function manifested as less time chewing, more inactive time and most importantly, improved feed efficiency. This has both economic and environmental advantages in that dairy cow productivity can be enhanced solely by nutritional means

Associated factors of dietary diversity among schoolchildren in Plateau Central region of Burkina Faso: a cross-sectional study

ContextSchool-age is a dynamic period of growth and development, leading to good health and a productive adult life. Adequate dietary intake provides essential nutrients for growth, health and cognition. However, the practices of adequate nutrition is still not a matter of course for schoolchildren in many countries. The aim of this study was to identify associated factors of dietary diversity among students in public primary school in the Central Plateau Region.MethodMulti-stage sampling was used to select schoolchildren. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information’s of food consumption at home and at school using a 24-h dietary recall method. Binary logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with students' dietary diversity scores (DDS) with statistical significance at p < 0.05, after performing Chi-square test of independence to identify candidates variables at p < 0.25.ResultsThe study involved 560 pupils aged 6 to 14 older, including 52.9% girls and 47.9% boys. Dietary diversity was divided into three classes: low (DDS ≤ 4), medium (DDS = 5) and high (DDS ≥ 6). Thus, 13.4% of students have a low DDS and average in 48.9%, versus 37.7% high. Students in Ganzourgou were twice as likely to have a low DDS (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI:1.00–4.04) compared to those in Oubritenga. Household drinking water source, pupil status and father's occupation were significantly associated with pupils' dietary intake.ConclusionPrimary schoolchildren don’t have good dietary practices in the Plateau Central Region. Promoting dietary diversification in households and balanced meals in school canteens would be necessary to improve the DDS of schoolchildren.Trial registrationClinical Trial Number: 2022_33_/MS/MESRSI/CERS of 02/14/2022.

Penyuluhan Program Pemberian Makanan Tambahan Lokal sebagai Penanggulangan Stunting di Kota Kediri

Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem that significantly affects children's growth and development. This community service activity aims to evaluate the impact of education on local Supplementary Feeding (PMT) in combating stunting in Kediri. The method used is education about local PMT as a measure to combat stunting. The study subjects consisted of members of Ibu Persatuan Istri Tentara (Persit) Yonif 521: Dadaha Yodha in Kediri. Data were collected through self-data questionnaires, pretests, and posttests. The results of this activity showed a significant relationship between income, health cadre status, prior knowledge about local PMT and stunting, and the level of knowledge of Ibu Persit members. Moreover, there was an increase in the Ibu Persit member’s knowledge about the role of local PMT in combating stunting and a statistically significant difference in their knowledge levels before and after the education. Education on local PMT has proven effective in enhancing Ibu Persit members' understanding of nutrition and proper dietary practices, contributing to the reduction of stunting prevalence. These findings suggest the need for the widespread implementation of local PMT education programs as a strategy to combat stunting in other areas facing similar problems.

Optimizing animal care through compound feed management in Saudi Arabia

Proper animal feeding practices play a fundamental role in enhancing livestock health and maximizing output. Given the governmental restrictions on green fodder cultivation in Saudi Arabia (SA) due to water conservation efforts, the use of compound feed could serve as a viable alternative for livestock farmers. This study aimed to investigate livestock farmers' farming objectives, their feeding management strategies, and the uptake of compound feed in the country. Data from 650 randomly selected livestock farmers were collected through an online survey with the assistance of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. The findings showed that most farmers raised sheep and goats for trade purposes using specialized farms and desert grazing. Alfalfa hay was widely used as a fodder along with barley grain. While approximately 47% of the farmers did not utilize compound feed, 44% reported its usage. Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that formal education, farming experience, and income level significantly influenced the adoption of compound feed among livestock farmers. These results underscore the critical role of education and financial resources in promoting the use of compound feed among livestock farmers in SA. It is recommended that government institutions should develop initiatives to educate farmers on proper animal nutrition practices and provide financial support to make compound feed more affordable for low-income farmers. The widespread use of compound feed has the potential to enhance livestock health and productivity, thereby positively contributing to the food security of SA.

Identification of knowledge, attitudes and practices in feeding children with cancer in two shelters in Bogotá

Introduction: In the population diagnosed with cancer, challenges arise for their adequate nutrition, especially during treatment and in the later stages. Thus, identifying the nutritional knowledge, attitudes and practices of children and their parents during illness and treatment is very useful for proposing solutions to difficulties in feeding that may arise. Objective: Identify knowledge, attitudes and practices related to food by parents, caregivers and chil- dren with cancer in two foster homes located in Bogotá, Colombia. Methodology: For this, focus groups were carried out in which specialists, parents and children participated; in ad- dition, the questionnaire designed and validated by the Food and Nutrition Organization of the United Nations was adjusted and applied for the evaluation of knowledge, attitudes and practices in nutrition, later the data were analyzed with a software (NVivo). Results: It was found that children and guardians recognize and practice good habits for nutritional status, although for a third of them it may be difficult to comply with some of them, either due to lack of knowledge, economic condition, myths or beliefs. Conclusion: Information, educa- tion and communication interventions are required along with strategies that allow healthy eating and overcoming challenges and symptoms during illness and treatment, especially in the outpatient stage or when being discharged and returning to their homes.

Prevalence and related assessment practices of adult hospital malnutrition in Africa: A scoping review

Background and aimsGlobally, hospital malnutrition prevalence is estimated at 20–50%, with little known about the situation in African hospitals. The aim of this scoping review was to appraise the current evidence base regarding the prevalence of adult hospital malnutrition and related assessment practices in an African context. MethodsA comprehensive and exhaustive search strategy was undertaken to search seven electronic bibliographic databases (including Africa-specific databases) from inception until August 2022 for articles/resources reporting on the prevalence of adult hospital malnutrition in an African setting. Two reviewers independently reviewed abstracts and full-text articles and data extraction was undertaken in duplicate. ResultsWe screened the titles and abstracts of 7537 records and included 28 studies. Most of the included studies were conducted in the East African region (n=12), with ten studies from South Africa. Most studies were single-centre studies (n=22; 79%), including 23 to 2126 participants across all studies. A variety of study populations were investigated with most described as medical and surgical populations (n=14; 50%). Malnutrition risk prevalence was reported to be between 23% and 74%, using a variety of nutritional screening tools (including MNA-SF/LF, NRS-2002, MUST, NRI, GNRI). Malnutrition prevalence was reported to be between 8% and 85%, using a variety of tools and parameters, including ASPEN and ESPEN guidelines, SGA, MNA-SF/LF, anthropometric and biochemical indices, with one study using the GLIM criteria to diagnose malnutrition. ConclusionsBoth malnutrition risk and malnutrition prevalence are alarmingly high in African adult hospitalised patients. The prevalence of malnutrition differs significantly among studies, owing in part to the variety of tools used and variability in cut-offs for measurements, underscoring the importance of adopting a standardised approach. Realities in the African context include limited nutritional screening and assessment, poor referral practices, and a unique disease burden. General awareness is needed, and routine nutritional screening practices with appropriate nutrition support action should be implemented as a matter of urgency in African hospitals.

Review of modern methods for optimizing apple mineral nutrition to increase yield and fruit preservation

Achieving sustainable fruit production and ensuring quality preservation are paramount in modern apple orchards. This review delves into contemporary methods designed to optimize mineral nutrition, aiming to bolster both yield and fruit preservation. Various strategies for enhancing apple orchard management are examined, with a focus on maximizing the efficacy of mineral fertilizers, maintaining balanced nutrition, and understanding the critical role of key nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and boron. The review underscores the importance of comprehending plant nutrient requirements across different growth stages and phenological phases to attain sustainable, high-quality fruit production. Furthermore, it emphasizes the necessity of continuous diagnostic assessments to tailor mineral nutrition practices to the specific needs of apple orchards, ensuring optimal performance and economic viability.

Access to nutrition advice and knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women in Ireland: A cross-sectional study.

Healthy nutritional status, appropriate gestational weight gain and a balanced diet are important predictors of perinatal health outcomes. However, gaps exist in the translation of nutrition recommendations into dietary practices of women before and during pregnancy. The present study explored the relationship between access to nutrition advice, nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices among pregnant women. Pregnant women aged > 18 years in Ireland were eligible to complete a self-administered survey consisting of four subsections (demographics, nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices) delivered online through Qualtrics. In this convenience sample (n = 334,median [interquartile range] gestation, 25.0 [16.0, 34.0] weeks), 85% had at least an honours bachelor degree and 88.9% planned their pregnancy. Two out of five women received nutrition advice during their pregnancy, mostly from a midwife. Based on the percentage of correct answers (of 15 questions), women with previous nutrition education (e.g., school home economics) had better median [interquartile range] nutrition knowledge than those with none (80.0% [66.7, 86.7%] vs. 73.3% [60.0, 80.0%], p < 0.001). Those who received nutrition advice during pregnancy did not score higher than those who did not (73.3% [66.7, 80.0%] vs. 73.3% [66.7, 80.0%], p = 0.6). Over three-quarters of participants considered nutritional supplement use to be very or extremely important. Although 73.6% and 92.4% took supplements prior to and during pregnancy, only 25.7% reported compliance with periconceptional folic acid supplementation guidelines. Half of respondents considered healthy eating during pregnancy as very or extremely important. Access to nutrition advice during pregnancy was inadequate with poor nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices observed. Accessible, evidence-based nutrition education for women prior to and during pregnancy is required.

The Relationship of Mother's Nutritional Knowledge and the Practice of Giving Complete ASI Food (MP-ASI) To Toddler Age 6-12 Months at Bpm Ernah South Cimahi Coffee Garden

Malnutrition in children can be caused by the mother's attitude or behavior in inappropriate feeding practices. This occurs because mothers' knowledge and skills regarding food, nutrition and practices in feeding children are still low. This study aims to determine the relationship between maternal nutritional knowledge and the practice of giving MP-ASI to toddlers aged 6-12 months at BPM Ernah Kebon Kopi Cimahi. The type of research is descriptive analytic with a cross sectional approach, sampling using proportional sampling. The research sample was 69 mothers who had toddlers aged 6-12 months. Data on maternal nutritional knowledge and practice of providing MP-ASI were obtained by interview using a questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability. Analysis of the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable using Chi Square. The level of nutritional knowledge of respondents was high at 46 people (66.7%) and the practice of providing MP-ASI was carried out well by 41 people (59.4%). The research results showed that there was a relationship between maternal nutritional knowledge and the practice of providing MP-ASI (p&lt;0.05). It is hoped that PBM Ernah Kebon Kopi Cimahi will be more active in providing information through outreach and counseling to cadres and the community, especially mothers with toddlers, about improving nutrition and skills in the practice of providing MP-ASI.

Nutrition and the gut-brain axis in neonatal brain injury and development

Early nutritional exposures, including during embryogenesis and the immediate postnatal period, affect offspring outcomes in both the short- and long-term. Alterations of these modifiable exposures shape the developing gut microbiome, intestinal development, and even neurodevelopmental outcomes. A gut-brain axis exists, and it is intricately connected to early life feeding and nutritional exposures. Here, we seek to discuss the (1) origins of the gut-brain access and relationship with neurodevelopment, (2) components of human milk (HM) beyond nutrition and their role in the developing newborn, and (3) clinical application of nutritional practices, including fluid management and feeding on the development of the gut-brain axis, and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. We conclude with a discussion on future directions and unanswered questions that are critical to provide further understanding and insight into how clinicians and healthcare providers can optimize early nutritional practices to ensure children not only survive, but thrive, free of neurodevelopmental impairment.

Change in Nutrition and Physical Activity Practices in Early Childcare and Education Settings in Illinois During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

For many young children, early childcare and education (ECE) programs are the only source of nutritious meals and physical activity (PA); however, the COVID-19 pandemic led to program closures, restrictions, and changed practices. To examine changes in nutrition and PA-related best practices in ECE settings in Illinois from 2019, just prior to the pandemic, as compared to 2022. We also examined how changes over time varied by program type (ie, centers vs homes), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) status, and/or Head Start/Early Head Start status. The study design is a repeated cross-sectional survey administered in December 2019 and October 2022. State of Illinois. A total of 888 and 1162 ECE providers completed initial and follow-up surveys, respectively. NA. Provider report of meeting 14 nutrition and 9 PA-related best practices. Overall, 9 nutrition-related best practices were maintained and 5 declined over time. Centers, CACFP, and Head Start providers reported significant declines in meeting nutrition-related practices over time. A total of 8 PA-related best practices were maintained and 1 declined over time. Centers reported a significant decline in 5 of the PA-related best practices over time, and these declines were significantly different than in homes over time. Similarly, Head Start programs reported a decline in 4 PA-related best practices over time, and the change was significantly different from non-Head Start programs in 3 of the 4 practices. The findings of this study should be considered a new baseline for ECE nutrition and PA-related best practices in Illinois and should serve as a wake-up call for advocates nationwide with regard to the provision of nutrition and PA-related best practices in centers and by CACFP and Head Start providers postpandemic.