Offal Research Articles

Modification of Dietary Habits for Prevention of Gout in Japanese People: Gout and Food Intake

In Japan, most of gout patients are adults, and the prevalence of gout has increased markedly since the 1960s. This phenomenon is thought to be attributed to the westernization of the Japanese diet since 1955. Monitoring the intake of nutrients and foods in Japanese people is essential in the prevention of gout. The objective of this article is to propose a preventive method for gout through the evaluation of recent dietary habits in Japanese people. In this article, the author shows the relationship between the number of gout patients and food intake in Japanese people and suggests modification of food intake for the prevention of gout in Japanese people referencing the results of clinical research reported. The author used the data of the Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions in Japan for the number of gout patients (1986-2016) and the data of the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Japan (1946-2017) for the intake of foods. The relationship between the number of gout patients and food intake in Japanese people was examined. Modification of food intake for the prevention of gout is suggested as follows: limiting the intake of meat, organ meats high in purine content (e.g., liver, kidney), confectioneries (sugary foods including desserts and sweets), and sugar-sweetened beverages; limiting alcohol beverage consumption; limiting or decreasing intake of oils and fats, and seasonings and condiments (soy paste, soy sauce, and sauce); encourage intake of fiber-rich foods (e.g., cereals, whole grains, high-fiber bread), eggs, milk and dairy products (especially low-fat dairy products), legumes, seeds and nuts, fruit, vegetables, and coffee. The above dietary habits for the prevention of gout with proper choices of foods may also play a helpful role in the prevention of gout.

The Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia and its Associated Risk Factors among a Samples of Primary Schools Students in Burao City,Somaliland

Background: Anemia is a global public health problem affecting the majority of the population of the world in both developed and developing countries with major consequences on human health as well as social and economic development. It is the world's second leading cause of disability of the whole global disease burden. It affects 1.62 billion (24.8%) of the population among them it is affecting 305 million (25.4%) school age children (SAC). Objectives: The main objective of this study was assess prevalence and factors associated with anemia among schoolage children in primary schools in Burao city, Somaliland, 2020. Materials & Methods: A school based cross sectional study design was done in four primary schools in Burao, Somaliland. About 285 school age children with in the age group between 6-14 years were selected with respondent rate of 93.4%. Random sampling was used to select schools and systemic random sampling used to identify children from the selected schools. Sociaodemographic data was collected by using questionnaire & interview of respondents in addition to anthropometric measurement, hemoglobin measurement and stool examination. Complete Blood Counting (CBC) was used to determine the mean corpuscular (kor-PUS-kyu-lar) volume (MCV) and hematocrit (HMC) levels to detect of hemoglobin status of the children. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS statistical software for Windows version 21. Anthropometric data was analyzed using WHO Anthro Plus. Bivariate logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify independent predictors of anemia in-school adolescent girls. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: A total of 285 school age children were included in this study. The overall prevalence of anemia was ( 23.1%) (CI: 18.1%, 28.1%) with the mean and standard deviation of (12.7±1.59). Out of the anemic children, 20.4% were mild and 2.3% and 0.4% of them were moderate and severe respectively. Children's from illiterate mothers was (AOR = 2.37; 95%CI: 1.14, 4.94), consuming organ meat less than once a week (AOR = 2.19; 95%CI: 1.05, 4.43) and having parasites on stool were identified as statistically independent associated factors of anemia in school age children's from Burao, Somaliland. Conclusion: Prevalence of anemia in Burao city, Somaliland primary schools was moderate public health problem in the current study area. Nutrition education, iron folic acid supplementation program, deworming, good hygiene and sanitation are play important role in the prevalence of anemia and we recommend to give them more attention from ministry education and ministry of health in Somaliland.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Iron Deficiency Anemia among School-Age Children in Primary Schools in Burao City, Somaliland, 2020

Background: Anemia is a global public health problem affecting the majority of the population of the world in both developed and developing countries with major consequences on human health as well as social and economic development. It is the world’s second leading cause of disability of the whole global disease burden. It affects 1.62 billion (24.8%) of the population, among them, it is affecting 305 million (25.4%) school-age children (SAC). Objectives: The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with anemia among school-age children in primary schools in Burao city, Somaliland, 2020. Materials & Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study design was done in four primary schools in Burao, Somaliland. About 285 school-age children in the age group between 6 - 14 years were selected with a respondent rate of 93.4%. Random sampling was used to select schools and systemic random sampling was used to identify children from the selected schools. Socio-demographic data was collected by using a questionnaire & interviews of respondents in addition to anthropometric measurements, hemoglobin measurement, and stool examination. Complete Blood Counting (CBC) was used to determine the mean corpuscular (kor-PUS-kyu-lar) volume (MCV) and hematocrit (HMC) levels to detect hemoglobin status of the children. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS statistical software for Windows version 21. Anthropometric data was analyzed using ANTHRO Plus. Bivariate logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify independent predictors of anemia in school adolescent girls. Statistical significance was set at p Results: A total of 285 school-age children were included in this study. The overall prevalence of anemia was (23.1%) (CI: 18.1%, 28.1%) with the mean and standard deviation of (12.7 ± 1.59). Out of the anemic children, 20.4% were mild and 2.3% and 0.4% of them were moderate and severe, respectively. Children’s from illiterate mothers (AOR = 2.37; 95% CI: 1.14, 4.94. P-value = 0.020), consuming organ meat less than once a week (AOR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.05, 4.43. P-value = 0.036) and having parasites in stool (AOR = 5.21; 95% CI: 1.10, 24.6. P-value = 0.037) were identified as statistically independent associated factors with prevalence of anemia in school-age children’s from Burao, Somaliland. Conclusion: Prevalence of anemia in Burao city, Somaliland primary schools was a moderate public health problem in the current study area. Nutrition education, iron folic acid supplementation program, deworming, good hygiene, and sanitation are playing an important role in the prevalence of anemia and we recommend to give them more attention from ministry of education and ministry of health in Somaliland.

Nutrition Knowledge is Associated With the Consumption of Iron Rich Foods: A Survey Among Pregnant Women From a Rural District in Northern Ghana

Introduction:Iron deficiency anaemia is an international public health concern and pregnant women are at an increased risk. We investigated the consumption of iron rich foods and associated factors among pregnant women in a rural district from Ghana.Methods:Following a cross-sectional design, dietary intake of iron rich foods was obtained from 252 pregnant women using a 24-hour recall food check list. Nutrition knowledge, attitudes and socio-demographic characteristics were also assessed.Findings:Participants had a mean (SD) knowledge score of 54.66 (22.74)%. About 73% of the participants had heard about iron-deficiency anaemia. Only 16.3% of the participants knew foods that help the body to absorb and use iron while 9.1% knew beverages that decrease iron absorption. About 71% of the participants ate fish and/or seafood while 67.1% of them ate green leafy vegetables. Only 4.4% of the participants ate organ meat, and 29% took flesh meat. Only 22.4% of the study participants usually drank coffee or tea while 78.2% ate vitamin C-rich foods. With regards to attitudes, 88.5% of the participants perceived anaemia to be a serious disease. Nutrition knowledge was significantly associated with the consumption of iron rich foods (β = .02; 95% CI = 0.01-0.02).Conclusion:Nutrition knowledge may be an important determinant of the consumption of iron rich foods among pregnant women making it necessary for healthcare providers to continue to provide nutrition education to pregnant women during routine antenatal care.

Factors Influencing Organic Food Purchase of Young Pakistani Consumers

This study has mainly focused on the various factors that influence the purchasing of organic food on young Pakistan consumers. This empirical examination has used the primary data that has been collected from various consumers. The revised “Theory of Reasoned Action” (TRA) Model has been successfully applied by this empirical research and the same had been applied by various empirical studies all over the world. It has been observed that environmentally friendly, nutrition, and food safety are the significant factors that influence consumers to purchase organic foods in Pakistan. Furthermore, this empirical examination has observed that most customers of organic food prefer fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, milk, and beans. The unavailability, higher price, and the distrust of certification are the main hindrances in the growth of organic food in the economy. The study concludes and recommends the proper policy for the potential market of organic food at the national and international levels. This sector has much potential to create new job opportunities and to reduce unemployment in the economy.

How consumers’ consciousness and perception levels affect purchase intention of organic chicken meat in Turkey

How consumers’ consciousness and perception levels affect purchase intention of organic chicken meat in Turkey

A COMPARISON OF BODY MASS INDEX AND WEIGHT GAIN AMONG MALE SPRAGUE DAWLEY RATS ON BROILER AND DOMESTIC CHICKEN MEAT FEED

Objective:&#x0D; To compare and evaluate the effects of broiler chicken fed with commercially offered feed and chicken fed with organic diet on BMI and weight gain in Sprague Dawley rats.&#x0D; Study Design:&#x0D; A randomized controlled trial.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study:&#x0D; Multi-Disciplinary Laboratory of Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, and collaborated with Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad from November 2017 to April 2019.&#x0D; Methodology:&#x0D; Ninety male early weaned Sprague Dawley rats were arbitrarily assorted into three groups (n=30).&#x0D; Group I control rats were nourished on standard pelleted diet. Group II rats were nourished with organic chicken meat along with their standard pelleted diet. Group III rats were nourished with broiler chicken meat along with their standard pelleted diet.&#x0D; BMI and weight gain were estimated. All variables were calculated as Mean ± SD values. One-way ANOVA was applied to determine the significance among groups followed by Tuckey’s HSD post hoc test. p value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.&#x0D; Results:&#x0D; The current study demonstrated significant increase in BMI (p ≤ 0.001) and weight gain (p ≤ 0.001) in both experimental groups as compared to control group.&#x0D; Conclusion: &#x0D; Based on the findings of our study we propose that broiler chicken meat consumption could be the probable cause of weight imbalances and out of proportion gain of weight and growth in experimental rats.

Dietary Fatty Acids Change Circulating Fatty Acids, Microbial Putrefactive Postbiotics and Betaine Status in the Cat.

Simple SummaryThe cat is an obligate carnivore that is well adapted to dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), perhaps because of the variance resulting from normal consumption of organ meat which is high in PUFA, and storage lipid which is often relatively low in PUFA. Although able to tolerate and thrive with this variation, cats have a metabolic response to fatty acids that is relatively unknown. This study shows that dietary PUFA resulted in changing circulating concentrations of that specific PUFA. Increasing dietary eicosapentaenoic acid EPA and docosahexaenoic acid DHA (E&D) resulted in little change in total circulating PUFA as compared to increasing dietary arachidonic acid (ARA) which resulted in an increased concentration of total circulating PUFA. Cats responded to increased dietary E&D by reducing circulating cholesterol as compared to control fed cats. Increasing dietary PUFA also resulted in a decrease in circulating betaine, dimethylglycine and sarcosine in comparison to the cats consuming the control food at the end of the study. Changing dietary PUFA also changed circulating concentrations of gut microbial purification postbiotics. Increasing dietary ARA resulted in an increased concentration of indoleacetate, indolepropionate and indoleacetylglutamine in comparison to cats fed foods enhanced with increased E&D. Increasing E&D resulted in a decreased concentration of 4-ethylphenylsulfate, 3-methyl catechol sulfate and 4-vinylphenol sulfate at the end of the feeding period as compared to cats fed increased ARA or fed the unsupplemented control food. These changes suggest that support of single carbon metabolism would benefit cats with increasing dietary PUFA, that increasing E&D beneficially lowered cholesterol and that dietary PUFA influenced gut microbes resulting in changes in their postbiotics.There is a normal variation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the foods consumed both by the domestic cat and wild felines. This variation may lead to specific changes in metabolites and circulating fatty acids that influence health and response to disease. Therefore, in order to evaluate the response to these changes in dietary PUFA three foods were formulated: a complete and balanced control food (COF) with no enhanced source of added PUFA (ARA = 0.08%, EPA & DHA = 0.01%), Test food 1 (E&DF) like the COF with added eicosapentaenoic acid EPA and docosahexaenoic acid DHA (E&D = 0.36%)) from menhaden fish oil, and Test Food 2 (ARAF) like the COF with added arachidonic acid (ARA = 0.16%) from liver. All test foods had similar protein concentrations and similar vitamin and mineral concentrations while the PUFA supplemented foods had slightly higher fat concentrations. Cats (n = 36) were fed a pre-trial food for 28 days and then assigned to a group fed either the control, E&DF or ARAF for 56 days (12 cats per group). Blood samples were drawn and serum analyzed for fatty acids, albumin, urea, creatinine, cholesterol and triglycerides at the beginning of the study and after consuming the test foods for 28 and 56 days. Plasma was similarly analyzed for metabolomics. Increasing dietary E&D resulted in reduced cholesterol, betaine, dimethyl glycine, sarcosine and 4-ethylphenylsulfate. Increasing dietary ARA resulted in reduced betaine, dimethyl glycine and sarcosine and an increased concentration of indoleacetate, indolepropionate and indoleacetylglutamine. These data suggest a benefit of dietary single carbon metabolism support for cats supplemented with ARA or E&D. Moreover, the reduction in circulating cholesterol and triglycerides through dietary E&D supplementation could benefit cats with hyperlipidemia. Further research into the interrelationship between dietary PUFA and the gut microbe will benefit from the data showing that ARA increased specific positive postbiotics (i.e., indoleacetate, indolepropionate) while E&D supplementation showed the benefit of reducing some postbiotics which have been associated with reduced health (4-ethylphenylsulfate, 3-methyl catechol sulfate and 4-vinylphenol sulfate).

The Relationship Between Consumer Behaviour, Attitudes and Acceptance of Public Policy Tools Advancing Sustainable Food Consumption

Abstract Research background: The great importance of food consumption for the sustainability of food systems means that active public policy in this area can have a lot of positive effects. Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to present the challenges facing the agri-food sector and to study consumer attitudes towards seasonal and organic food, local food, urban agriculture, food waste and meat consumption, carbon footprints and how these attitudes relate to the acceptance of public policy tools (a tax on junk food, a green public procurement, a deposit on plastic bottles, a tax-free donation of food to public benefit organisations, a fee for wasted food for large retailers) that could transform food distribution and consumption. Research methodology: cardinality tables and interdependence analysis using Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient Results: The study revealed that most respondents buy seasonal food when possible and limit meat consumption to some extent. They are rarely influenced by the impact of food on the climate. Most people are in favour of offering dishes based on local food in public institutions with catering (hospitals, schools, prisons, etc.). Most respondents were negative about gardening for food production. Involvement in local food was associated with a higher acceptance for green public procurement and higher VAT on junk food. Novelty: Both the range of considered policy instruments and the analysis of their acceptance in the context of selected behaviours and attitudes have not been previously studied and make up a new area of inquiry essential in the debate on sustainable food consumption.

MARKET INTEGRATION AND PRICE TRANSMISSION OF BEEF IN THE ARCHIPELAGIC STATE: THE CASE OF THE PROVINCES IN INDONESIA

The Archipelagic state condition brings challenges to market integration and price transmission on two provinces market pairs within and between the island. The duration of price correction is essential to ensure market integration. Therefore, this study aims to assess the integration of domestic markets for beef within an island and between the island and analyze the speed of adjustment (the correction) of the prices by two provinces within the island and between the islands. These aims, daily frequency (weekdays) of Beef Consumer Prices (BCP) of 4 types of beef (Primary Cut, Secondary Cut AB, Meat Manufacturing and Fancy and Variety Meat) from 01 January 2015 to 27 April 2018 containing 28,611 observations were obtained. The data were analyzed using the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). This study reveals that the island's provinces have fewer integrated than the pairs provinces located between islands by comparing 31 pairs with 38 pairs. It can be concluded that from research, the price correction in the pairwise province within an island is stronger than the pairwise between the islands, with 10.33 % per day and 9.87 % per day, respectively. This study recommends the government to formulate policies that carry out equitable development, especially those that facilitate access to the central beef production in Indonesia to avoid market exploitation and spread price information along with provinces in Indonesia, especially in eastern Indonesia. Keywords: archipelagic state, market integration, Indonesia, beef, VECM

Nutrient density, but not cost of diet, is associated with anemia and iron deficiency in school-age children in South Africa

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the relationship of nutrient density and diet cost with anemia and iron deficiency (ID) in children. MethodsDietary intake data of 5- to 12-y-old children (n = 578) from three independent studies in low-income communities were pooled. Nutrient densities were calculated using the Nutrient Rich Foods index and Nutrient Rich Diet index, with higher scores indicating more nutrient-dense foods and diets. Food prices and food intake data were used to calculate ratios of nutrient density to price for foods and diets. Descriptive and correlation analyses examined associations of nutrient density and diet cost with anemia and ID. ResultsMost children (>50%) consumed starchy staples (100%), vegetables that are not vitamin A rich (63.9%), and legumes (58.1%), with mean NRF9.3 scores ranging from 31.9 to 56.3. Cheese, eggs, organ meat, fish, dark-green leafy vegetables, and vitamin A-rich vegetables and fruits had mean NRF9.3 scores ranging from 112.6 to 184.7, but each was consumed by less than a third of the children. Children with anemia or ID had lower NRD9.3 scores than children without (P < 0.001 and P = 0.039, respectively). Diet cost did not differ according to anemia and iron status, but nutrient-density-to-price ratio was lower in children with anemia than without (P = 0.001). ConclusionsCareful selection of nutrient-dense foods as substitutes for foods with lower nutrient density could make it possible for children to consume a diet richer in specific nutrients and help prevent anemia and ID without affecting diet cost.

Effect of seaweed-containing diets on visceral organ sizes, carcass characteristics, and meat quality and stability of Boschveld indigenous hens

Seaweeds are functional feed ingredients that have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and growth-boosting properties that can improve poultry product quality. This study, therefore, investigated the effect of graded levels of green seaweed meal (Ulva spp.) (SWM) on visceral organ sizes, carcass characteristics, and meat quality and stability of Boschveld indigenous hens. A total of 275, four-week-old female chicks (202.4 ± 6.65 g of live weight) were reared on 5 isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets formulated by adding SWM at a concentration of 0 (SW0), 2 (SW20), 2.5 (SW25), 3 (SW30), and 3.5% (SW35). Birds were humanely slaughtered at 14 wk of age. Cecum weight linearly increased (R2 = 0.366, P = 0.002), whereas proventriculus (R2 = 0.205, P = 0.025) and duodenum (R2 = 0.242, P = 0.010) weights linearly decreased with SWM levels. Neither linear nor quadratic trends (P > 0.05) were observed for carcass traits, meat quality parameters, and shelf life indicators in response to dietary SWM levels. Repeated-measures analysis showed a significant time × diet interaction effect on meat redness (a∗). After 24 h of storage, meat from hens fed with SW35 (2.47) diet had a higher a∗ value than meat from hens fed with SW30 diet (0.48). However, the inclusion of SWM promoted similar (P > 0.05) shelf life indicators as the control diet for the rest of the 7-d storage period at room temperature. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of SWM had no adverse effect on visceral organ size, carcass and meat quality traits, and meat stability of Boschveld indigenous hens.

Zoonotic Microsporidia in Wild Lagomorphs in Southern Spain.

Simple SummaryA cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the presence of zoonotic microsporidia in organ meats of European wild rabbits and Iberian hares consumed by humans in Spain. Between July 2015 and December 2018, kidney samples from 383 wild rabbits and kidney and brain tissues from 79 Iberian hares in southern Spain were tested by species-specific polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) for the detection of microsporidia DNA. We confirmed the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in three wild rabbits and Encephalitozoon intestinalis in one wild rabbit and three Iberian hares. However, none of the 462 sampled wild lagomorphs showed Encephalitozoon hellem nor Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection. This is the first report of E. intestinalis infection in wild rabbits and Iberian hares. The presence of E. bieneusi and E. intestinalis in organ meats from wild lagomorphs can be of public health concern. Additional studies are required to determine the real prevalence of these parasites in European wild rabbit and Iberian hare.Microsporidia are obligate intracellular protist-like fungal pathogens that infect a broad range of animal species, including humans. This study aimed to assess the presence of zoonotic microsporidia (Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, Encephalitozoon hellem, and Encephalitozoon cuniculi) in organ meats of European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) consumed by humans in Spain. Between July 2015 and December 2018, kidney samples from 383 wild rabbits and kidney and brain tissues from 79 Iberian hares in southern Spain were tested by species-specific PCR for the detection of microsporidia DNA. Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection was confirmed in three wild rabbits (0.8%; 95% CI: 0.0–1.7%) but not in hares (0.0%; 95% CI: 0.0–4.6%), whereas E. intestinalis DNA was found in one wild rabbit (0.3%; 95% CI: 0.0–0.8%) and three Iberian hares (3.8%; 95% CI: 0.0–8.0%). Neither E. hellem nor E. cuniculi infection were detected in the 462 (0.0%; 95% CI: 0.0–0.8%) lagomorphs analyzed. The absence of E. hellem and E. cuniculi infection suggests a low risk of zoonotic foodborne transmission from these wild lagomorph species in southern Spain. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of E. intestinalis infection in wild rabbits and Iberian hares. The presence of E. bieneusi and E. intestinalis in organ meats from wild lagomorphs can be of public health concern. Additional studies are required to determine the real prevalence of these parasites in European wild rabbit and Iberian hare.

DIETARY PATTERNS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY PARAMETERS AMONG HEALTHY WOMEN

Background: Obesity is a growing major health problem in some developing countries including Indonesia. Study examined the association between dietary patterns and obesity parameters using both body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) among healthy women in Indonesia was still rare. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between dietary patterns and obesity parameters using BMI and WC among healthy women.Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design with consecutive sampling. Healthy women aged 20 and above were selected in this study. Dietary data were collected using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). For categorical data, chi-squared test was done to compare the differences in the characteristics of the subjects among tertiles of dietary patterns. For continuous variables, a general linear model test was used for comparison. To evaluate the association between dietary patterns and obesity parameters (BMI and WC), we used multiple linear regression analysis adjusting for multiple confounding variables (age, current smoking, current drinking, and physical activity). Results: Dietary pattern 1 consisted of 12 food items: snack cooked with oil, fish and seafood, processed food, organ meats, meat, poultry, rice- or flour-based products, staples cooked with oil, sugary drinks, refined dessert, and tea and coffee. Dietary pattern 2 consisted of 5 food items: eggs, light-colored vegetables, dark-colored vegetables, fruits, and soybeans. Dietary pattern 3 consisted of 7 food items: milk products, legumes, processed fruits, wholegrain, snacks cooked without oil, root crops, and jam/honey. Dietary pattern 1 was positively associated with obesity parameters including BMI and WC (P &lt; 0.05); whereas, dietary pattern 2 and dietary pattern 3 were inversely correlated (P &lt; 0.05).Conclusions: Our study find that dietary patterns were associated with BMI and WC among healthy women.

Free Senior High School Lunch Contributes to Dietary Quality of Nonresidential Students in Ghana.

Background:School feeding offers an excellent opportunity for targeted intervention to students not only as means for improving educational outcomes but also enhancing nutritional outcomes. The Government of Ghana introduced the free lunch feeding policy for nonresidential students in senior high schools (SHS) in 2018.Objective:We assessed unintended benefits of the free lunch program to dietary improvement.Methods:This was an analytical cross-sectional study among 403 (202 beneficiary and 201 non-beneficiary) students in SHS. The Food and Agriculture Organization’s standard procedure for measuring dietary diversity score (DDS) was followed. A 3-day dietary recall was used to assess school day DDS, while a 24-hour recall was used to assess weekend DDS of students. Differences in DDS and food group consumption were determined using student t test and χ2 test, respectively.Results:Nearly all (98.5%) beneficiary students consumed the free school lunch and 7 (70%) in 10 of them consumed it on all school days. While the students did not differ in their weekend meal DDS (6.3 ± 1.4 vs 6.5 ± 1.4, P = .39), beneficiaries of the school lunch had higher lunch DDS (7.5 ± 0.5 vs 6.5 ± 1.4, P < .001) and whole day DDS (11.5 ± 1 vs 9.3 ± 2.0, P < .001) compared to non-beneficiary students on school days. Even though the school lunch increased food group intake, vitamin-A rich vegetables and tubers, fruits, flesh and organ meats, and dairy products were hardly provided as components of school lunch.Conclusion:Provision of free school lunch meal to nonresidential students in SHSs in Ghana could contribute to improved diet quality.

Feeding practice, energy, and nutrient intake adequacy among children aged 6-23months in Southern Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study.

After 6 months, children require increased food and nutrient intake from complementary food for their growth and development. However, quantitative data on macro and micronutrient intakes from complementary food is limited. Thus, this study is designed to identify the adequacy of energy and micronutrient intake from complementary foods among children aged 6–23 months and to characterize current feeding practice in Southern Ethiopia. A community‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted from February to March 2016. Simple random sampling was used to recruit 190 mothers/primary caregivers of children aged 6–23 months. A repeated interactive multiple‐pass 24‐hr recall survey was used to assess' food and nutrient intake of children. Complementary food was low in animal sources, fruits, and vegetables. Most of the children (94.7%) consume grain, roots, and tubers. Vitamin A‐rich fruits and vegetables are consumed by 71 (37.8%) children. Very few (1.6%) children consume iron‐fortified food. Median protein intake exceeds the estimated requirement from complementary food. Except for vitamin B2 and B6, intake of energy and micronutrient were below world health organization (WHO) recommendations among children aged 9–23 months. In conclusion, infant and young child feeding practices in Butajira district did not conform to recommendations. Intake of energy and micronutrient from complementary food among children aged 6–23 months in Butajira district was inadequate. Consumption of a diverse diet by including animal source food (ASF) such as poultry, organ meat, chicken liver, beef, fruits, and vegetables is needed to fill the nutrient intake gap among the study participant.

The non-human glycan, N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), is not expressed in all organs and skeletal muscles of nine animal species

Red meat-derived sialic acid (Sia), N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), promotes the risk of carcinoma and inflammation. Expression in skeletal muscle and organs across animal species remains unknown. We measured Neu5Gc in skeletal muscle and organ tissues from nine species using UHPLC and found that: (1) neu5Gc concentration in skeletal muscle was highest in goats (166 ± 48.7 µg/g protein), followed by cattle, pig, sheep, horse, cat and deer: >75% was conjugated. No Neu5Gc was detected in kangaroo and dog muscles; (2) total Neu5Gc in organ meats was generally about 2–54% higher than in muscle. Surprisingly Neu5Gc was absent in seven organs of female deer; (3) nine commercial ovine meat cuts contained similar Neu5Gc levels. Thus, red meat Neu5Gc concentration is tissue and species-specific and absent in muscle and organ tissue of some species. Our study provides guidelines for animal meat preferences for consumers and sheds light on the functionality of Neu5Gc.

Comparing two methods for deriving dietary patterns associated with risk of metabolic syndrome among middle-aged and elderly Taiwanese adults with impaired kidney function

BackgroundDietary patterns were associated with the risk of chronic disease development and outcome-related diseases. In this study, we aimed to compare the correlation between dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome (MetS) using two methods for identifying dietary patterns.MethodsThe participants (n = 25,569) aged ≥40 years with impaired kidney function were retrieved from Mei Jau (MJ) Health Screening database from 2008 to 2010. Dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis (PCA) and reduced rank regression (RRR) from twenty-two food groups using PROC FACTOR and PROC PLS functions.ResultsWe identified two similar dietary pattern characteristics (high intakes of deep fried foods, preserved or processed foods, dipping sauce, meat, sugary drinks, organ meats, jam/honey, fried rice/flour products, instant noodles and eggs) derived by PCA and RRR. Logistic regression analysis revealed that RRR-derived dietary pattern scores were positively associated with an odds ratio (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.56, 1.86) of having MetS than PCA-derived dietary pattern scores (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.27, 1.51). The correlations between RRR-derived dietary pattern scores and elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure (OR = 1.30 for both) or low high density lipoprotein cholesterol in women (OR = 1.32) were statistically significant but not significant in PCA-derived dietary pattern scores.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that RRR gives better results when studying behavior related dietary patterns in association with MetS. RRR may be more preferable to provide dietary information for developing dietary guidelines among people with MetS. Further studies with prospective measurements are needed to verify whether RRR is a useful analytic tool for the association between dietary patterns and other chronic diseases.

The association of red meat consumption and mental health in women: A cross-sectional study

ObjectivesPrevious studies have shown that red meat consumption has beneficial effects on health. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between red meat consumption and depression, anxiety and psychological distress in Tehrani women. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 482 women aged 20-50 years old referred to the health centers of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2018 were selected by multistage cluster sampling. The usual dietary intake was evaluated using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire containing 168 items that its validity and reliability were approved previously. The red meat category was defined as the sum of red meats (beef, lamb), and organ meats (beef liver, kidney, and heart, ruminant meat). Psychological disorders were assessed using a validated Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales (DASS) questionnaires with 21-items. In the logistic regression analysis, the results were adjusted to the confounding factors. ResultsThe mean age of the study participants was 31.87 ± 7.6 years. The prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety and psychological distress among participants was 34%, 40% and 42%, respectively. After controlling for potential confounders, women in the highest quartile of red meat had a highest prevalence of depressive symptoms (OR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.32–4.76; p = 0.002), anxiety (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.00–3.29; p = 0.034) and stress (OR: 3.47; 95% CI: 1.88–6.42; p < 0.001) compared with those in the lowest quartile. ConclusionsWe found a significant association between red meat intake and mental health in women. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Effect of Two Organic Production Strategies and Ageing Time on Textural Characteristics of Beef from the Retinta Breed.

The primary aim of this paper is to determine the influence of two organic production systems, organic grass-fed (OG) and organic concentrate-fed (OC), vs. a conventional concentrate-fed (CC) system; the second aim is to determine the influence of the ageing period on the physical parameters and texture properties of beef from the Retinta breed. Muscle samples from Longissimus thoracis were stored at 2–4 ± 1 °C for 0, 7, 14, and 21 days for the purposes of ageing. Analyses of pH, water losses (drip loss and cooking loss), Warner-Bratzler shear force, texture profile analysis (TPA), and histological analysis of muscle fibre were carried out. The results revealed that organic meat experienced lower drip loss and higher cooking loss than conventional meat. Although the meat of organic grass-fed animals was tougher initially, it showed a higher tenderisation speed in the first ageing days than OC and CC meats. The sarcomere length increased during the ageing period, which showed a negative correlation to shear force. According to its texture characteristics, the Retinta meat produced in organic systems could be recommended by its quality.