Salt In Foods Research Articles

Kondisi stres pada karyawan mempengaruhi tingkat konsumsi gula sederhana dan natrium

Stress in work staff influenced simple sugar and sodium intakeBackground: Stress is a condition that occurs to individual experiences a burden of a problem that can not solve there for lead to an unspecific response from the body. One of the causes of stress is the load of work. Stress caused by work could lead to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Change of behavior during stress like eating behavior cause of changing appetite on the individual.Objective: This research was aimed to analyze simple glucose and sodium intake during stress in staff.Method: This was a cross-sectional research design. A total of 125 subjects were chosen by purposive random sampling. The subject was the educational staff of Universitas Ahmad Dahlan. Data was collected as identity, nutrition intake used the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQFFQ), and stress level used Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) questionnaire. The statistical test used the Chi-Square test.Results: There is no significant difference between a simple sugar and sodium intake to stress level (p>0.05). The average of simple sugar and sodium intake classified as normal as much as 56.49±77.20 g for simple sugar intake and as much as 653.30±464.55 mg for sodium derived from food ingredients added salt and preservative foods. Data characteristic showed that the nutritional status of 40,8% of the staff was overweight and obese. Conclusions: There is no significant difference between stress level and simple sugar and sodium intake.

Prevalence of Undernutrition and Effect of NEP on the Dietary Pattern of College Going Girls (15- 20 Years) in Mumbai

Aim: To assess the prevalence of undernutrition and to study the effect of Nutrition Education Program (NEP) on dietary pattern of adolescent girls (15 to 20 years) in Mumbai.
 Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, S.N.D.T. Women’s University, Matunga, Mumbai (India), between December 2018 to February 2019.
 Methodology: For this study, Pre-test and Post-test experimental research design was used. 200 adolescent girls were selected to assess their dietary patterns and nutritional status through purposive random sampling method. Nutritional parameters such as height for age, weight for height and weight for age were calculated along with 3 days 24-hour diet recall among adolescent girls.
 Results: Prevalence of undernutrition was observed among adolescent girls. The overall mean consumption of energy, protein and carbohydrate was less as per the ICMR 2010 guidelines for adolescent girls. The mean consumption of day 1 energy was increased from 1515 ± 127 to 1623 ± 127. Similarly increase in the mean consumption of day 1 protein (from 38.20 ± 6.46 to 43.90 ± 6.45) and carbohydrate (from 353.90 ± 39.88 to 387.30 ± 37.75) was also documented. However, the fat consumption also seemed to be increased (from 45.70 ± 4.52 to 48.40 ± 4.54 on day 1) which might be due the consumption of outside High Fat High Salt (HFHS) food.

SUN-486 Central Role of Gonadotropin Inducible Ovarian Transcription Factor 1 (Giot1) on Ingestive Behaviour

Giot1 is a kruppel-type zinc finger protein induced by gonadotropin in teca cells of the ovary and also identified in the central nervous system areas related with hydroeletrolitic and energy homeostasis. Osmotic challenges induce simultaneously an increase in the Giot1 and AVP mRNA expressions in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. Our hypothesis was that Giot1 had a central role on hydromineral and energy balance modulating the ingestive behavior. To confirm this hypothesis, female Sprague-Dawley(200g) rats were maintained on metabolic cages with free access to diet and fluids. Water was offered during 8 days followed by water and 0.3M NaCl solution during 12 days. After these 20 days, animals were randomly assigned into the Giot1 gene knockdown group and submitted to a bilateral microinjection of small hairpin RNA expressing lentiviral vector (shGiot1) into the PVN. shGFP lentivirus was used as control group (Scramble group). After recovery, we evaluated the ingestive behavior during 20 days. The estrous cycle was verified daily along the experiment. This study was conducted following the “Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals” (NIH Publication nº85-23, 1996). The software STATISTICA 7.0 was used for statistical analysis. The Giot1 knockdown promoted a decrease of salt preference compared with the scramble group (63.37% ± 1.61, n=6 vs. 68.79% ± 2.02, n= 6; p=0.04). On the other hand, the Giot1 knockdown group had a higher food intake compared with the scramble group (12.39g ± 0.22, n= 6 vs. 10.21g ± 0.22, n= 6; p<0.0001). However, the final body weight of shGiot1 group was not significantly different from scramble group (252g ± 2.01, n= 6 vs. 246.1g ± 2.27, n= 6; p= 0,06). There was no difference in the content of white retroperitoneal and brown interscapular adipose tissue between Giot1 knockdown and control groups. It is well known that PVN neurons have a participation modulating locomotor activity, so we can suggest that Giot1 has a direct or indirect effect on central control of locomotor activity too. These data confirmed that Giot1 in PVN modulates salt preference and food intake. However the mechanisms involved in this behaviour remains unclear. Financial Support: FAPESP and CNPq.

Salt content of instant noodles in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo determine the salt content in instant noodles sold in Malaysia.Study designA cross-sectional survey was done involving 707 different flavours and packaging of instant noodles sold in six hypermarkets and...

Culinary herbs and spices: what can human studies tell us about their role in the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases?

Culinary herbs and spices (CHS) are known primarily as flavour enhancers, and it is now well established that they possess bioactive properties that indicate that these foods may have a role to play in the prevention of non-communicable chronic diseases (CNCDs). Human studies are now beginning to provide insights into the significance of the potential health benefits of CHS in a dietary context, particularly concerning their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and their impact on glucose homeostasis, appetite and the consumption of low/reduced fat, salt and sugar foods. However, these studies have also identified a number of factors that are very pertinent to furthering understanding of how CHS can be used for the maintenance of health and the prevention of CNCDs. The challenge for the next phase of studies will be how to incorporate, successfully, these factors into study methodology for investigating the preventative benefits of these foods. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nutritional status of iodine in children: When appropriateness relies on milk consumption and not adequate coverage of iodized salt in households

Iodine deficiency inhibits the normal development of human beings and is the leading cause of preventable mental retardation. Our study aims to update the urinary iodine concentrations and the intake of iodized salt in children in Madrid (Spain). A cross-sectional study was designed where 217 children aged 3-14 years old were studied. A nutritional survey including the intake of iodized salt and other iodine-rich foods was performed. In addition, the urinary concentration of iodine was determined in each patient. Near 60% of the surveyed households routinely used iodized salt. Significant differences in age, sex, country of birth, or country of birth and parents educational levels and iodized salt consumption were not found. The median of the urinary iodine level (120μg/L; interquartile range 80-184) was significantly higher in boys than girls and more elevated in younger children. Iodized salt and milk consumption significantly increased the concentration of urinary iodine. Children who drank less than two glasses of milk per day and did not consume iodized salt have four times the risk of iodine deficiency compared to children who daily drank at least two glasses of milk and consumed iodized salt (P<0.001). The nutritional level of iodine in the children studied is appropriate despite the low consumption of iodized salt. This is due to the consumption of dairy products and milk. The younger the child, the better his/her iodine nutritional level. Teenagers studied are at higher risk of iodine deficiency.

Iodine status, and knowledge about iodine deficiency disorders in adolescent school girls aged 14-19 years, 2016.

Background: Adequate iodine intake by women in child-bearing age affects fetus neurodevelopment during pregnancy. A majority of previous studies has investigated iodine status among children, and there is limited data on female adolescents who are more exposed to consequences of iodine deficiency (ID) in their near-future pregnancies; thus, we aimed to assess iodine status, and knowledge on iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) among adolescent school girls (14-19 years old) in Shahriar, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 223 female students selected through multi-stage cluster sampling from 12 schools. Iodine and creatinine concentrations were measured in casual urine samples. Iodine content of household salts was also assessed.Data on intake of salt and iodine-rich food sources were collected applying a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and knowledge about iodine and IDDs were assessed by a questionnaire. Results: Median and Mean (95% CI) concentrations of urinary iodine and creatinine were 129 µg/L, 137.62 µg/L (95% CI: 126.28, 148.95) and 1.72 g/L, 1.86 g/L (95% CI: 0.55-3.17),respectively. The frequency of mild, moderate and severe ID were 22.4%, 14.3% and 0%,respectively; 43.5% had adequate, and 3.1% had excessive urinary iodine levels. Mean saltiodine concentration was 21.69 (SD=10.56) ppm. Mean knowledge score was 12.7 (SD=3.44).About half of the students had a poor (25.1%) or fair (24.2%) knowledge about iodine deficiency.Adjusting for the confounders, no significant positive association was found between knowledge about iodine-rich food sources and goitrogens with urinary iodine excretion. Conclusion: Adolescent girls in Shahriar had relatively poor knowledge of iodine, and about one third of them suffered from ID.

Prevalence and Antithrombotic Management of Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly Patients

Atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events like stroke which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. If AF is treated with anticoagulant therapy in selected patients, it improves outcome in such patients. Out of 200 elderly patients aged between 65 to 78 years of age selected for the study 30 patients (15%) were diagnosed as Atrial Fibrillation. Out of these 30 patients with AF 7(23.3%) were alcoholic, 6(20%) had generalized anxiety, 8(26.6%) had stressful life, 5(16.6%) were having over intake of salt and fatty food, 4(13.3%) were tobacco chewers. Seven patients (23.3%) were hypertensive, 5(10.6%) had Diabetes mellitus, 8(26.6%) had coronary heart disease, 4(13.3%) had hyperthyroidism, 3(10%) had abnormal cardiac valve, 3(10%) had peripheral arterial diseases. In the study of Bleeding risk scores Atria Scores had-3 anemic, 2 had severe renal disease, 1 was above 76 years of age, 2 had HTN. In HAS-BLED score 1 had HTN, 1 had abnormal liver or kidney function, 1 had stroke, 1 had bleeding, 1 was above 76 years of age, 1 had drug or alcohol abuse, In Hemorrhagic score 1 had hepatic or renal disease, 1 was above 75, 1 had reduced platelet count, 1 had re-bleeding, 1 had HTN, 1was anemic, 1 had genetic factor, 1 had stroke. Aspirin and clopidogrel are in routine use as antithrombotic while heparin and various oral agents are widely used as anticoagulant. This study in elderly patient highlights the need for screening for detection and appropriate treatment of AF to prevent various embolic complications like stroke and mitigate the burden of high morbidity and mortality in such patients.

From the Chief Executive and IFST News

From the Chief Executive and IFST News

Effect of changes in salt content and food thickness on electromagnetic heating of rice, mashed potatoes and peas in 915 MHz single mode microwave cavity

A mathematical model for predicting electromagnetic power dissipation within a rectangular dielectric slab heated by equal intensity 915 MHz plane waves from top and bottom was developed. A dimensionless parameter (J-T number) which is a combination of the loss factor (εr″), dielectric constant (εr′) and food thickness (L) was proposed. This unique number provided direct insight into the relationship between food dielectric properties, thickness, product temperature, and thermal lethality. For the validation tests, mashed potatoes, peas and rice samples with 0–2% salt content were processed in a pilot scale microwave assisted thermal sterilization (MATS) system. In each food, the combination of dielectric properties and thickness which gave J-T number of 1.8–2.2 at 100–121°C, provided the highest lethalities. MATS is a novel commercial technology being adapted in the food industry. A qualitative assessment of the combined effect of food properties on lethalities using this model will be helpful in process development for MATS systems.

A17004 Interleukin 6 plus High Salt Increases Systolic Blood Pressure via Mineralocorticoid Receptor-Dependent Activation of SGK1 and NCC

Objectives: Hypertension (HTN) is characterized by increased Na+ reabsorption and systemic inflammation, such as increased cytokines. Clinically, interleukin 6 (IL-6) is independently correlated with HTN. We have previously shown that IL-6 can activate the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in vitro. Here, we hypothesize that IL-6 activates the MR, via IL-6 receptor alpha (IL-6R), leading to HTN. Methods: Mice were implanted with miniosmotic pumps infusing IL-6 (16 ng/hr) systemically or intra-renal via jugular catheter, or sham surgery performed. Mice were fed normal chow (NC) or high salt (HS) food. Tail cuff plethysmography was used to measure systolic blood pressure (BP). Immunofluorescence (IF) studies were performed on cryosectioned kidney tissue. Results: Systemic IL-6 infusion (3 days) plus HS diet significantly increased BP as compared to HS alone (129 ± 6 mmHg vs. 110 ± 5 mmHg ) with no increases in proteinuria (7 days). No changes in BP was observed in mice treated with IL-6 and fed NC. We observed a significant increase in phosphor (T53)-NCC expression (291 ± 12 mean pixel intensity, MPI) vs. vehicle (236 ± 9). Mice were then given the MR antagonist (spironolactone, 0.6 mg/day); we observed a significant reduction in the IL-6-mediated increase in phosphor (T53)-NCC expression (210 ± 12 MPI). SGK1 fluorescence was increased following IL-6 perfusion (306 ± 4.7 vs. 263 ± 4.4MPI); spironolactone reduced this response (224.3 ± 4.5 vs. vehicle). We observed a significant increase in basolateral gp130 expression, important for IL-6R signaling, with IL-6 infusion. Conclusion: Our data suggest that IL-6 infusion plus HS increases systolic BP, via MR dependent activation of SGK1, leading to increases in Na+ reabsorption through NCC. Together, these data suggest a novel role for cytokines and high salt in the development of HTN.

Abstract P284: Increased Blood Pressure in Interleukin-6 Infused Mice is Secondary to Reduced Urinary Sodium Excretion and Not Vascular Dysfunction

Hypertension (HTN) is associated with increased renal sodium (Na + ) reabsorption, vascular and endothelial dysfunction and an increase in cytokines, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6). We have previously shown that IL-6 increases blood pressure (BP), and increases the expression/activity of distal nephron Na + transport proteins via the mineralocorticoid receptor. We hypothesized that IL-6 increases Na + reabsorption, and induces endothelial dysfunction, leading to HTN. All mice were fed high salt food, and osmotic minipumps were implanted containing IL-6 (16 ng/hr, 0.01% BSA/saline), or vehicle/sham surgery (Ctl). To allow for early urine collection, IL-6 infusion was delayed by adding catheters to the minipumps during metabolic cage studies. Tail cuff plethysmography was used to measure systolic BP. Concentration response curves (CRC) to phenylephrine (Phe) and acetylcholine (ACh) were performed on aorta (Ao) and mesenteric arteries (Mes) from IL-6 or Ctl mice. IL-6 infused mice had increased BP by day 3 (D3), as compared to Ctl. Total urine volume (U Vol ) on D1 of infusion was reduced in IL-6 mice (U Vol 17.3±4 vs. 29.5±3 mL/day/per 100g body weight (BW); p&lt;0.05), as compared to Ctl. This corresponded with a reduction in total urinary Na + excretion (U Na 81±19 IL-6 vs . 139±13 mg/day/BW Ctl; p&lt;0.05). By D2, no differences in U Na were observed, and by D3 U Na levels were increasing in IL-6 infused mice. Similar trends for U Vol were observed. These results corresponded with our observed increases in BP. CRCs (D3) to Phe were not changed in Ao. However, Mes from IL-6 mice exhibited a surprising reduction in Phe-mediated contraction (136±7% vs. 155±5%; p&lt;0.05), compared to Ctl. Similarly, Mes from IL-6 mice exhibited an increase in ACh-mediated relaxation responses (EC 50 -7.5±0.12 vs . -6.9±0.15; p&lt;0.05). These data suggest that IL-6 increases BP via an early (D1) reduction in U Na /U Vol , followed by steady state recovery and pressure natriuresis (D3). Additionally, the increased relaxation and reduced contractility observed in the resistance arteries may suggest a compensatory response to the increased BP. Together, our studies suggest that in the early stages of HTN, cytokines may cause changes in renal Na + reabsorption via activation of distal Na + transporters.

Treatment of Simple Obesity Patients with Phlegm Dampness Stagnation Syndrome with Warming Needle Moxibustion

To observe the therapeutic effect of warming needle moxibustion stimulation of Hegu (LI 4), Tianshu (ST 25), Zhongwan (CV 12), Zusanli (ST 36), etc. for simple obesity patients with phlegm dampness stagnation syndrome (PDSS)．. A total of 60 simple obesity patients with PDSS were equally randomized into control group (13 men and 17 women, 18－53 years in age) and treatment group (14 men and 16 women, 19－45 years in age). All the patients of both groups were treated by diet control (trying their best to reduce high fat, high glucose and high salt foods, supplementing proteins). Patients of the treatment group received additional treatment of warming needle moxibustion, i．e., the inserted acupuncture needles in bilateral Hegu (LI 4), Tianshu (ST 25), Zhongwan (CV 12), and Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40), etc., were manipulated for a while with reducing technique after "deqi"， followed by attachment of ignited moxa-cones at each of the needle handles for 30 min. The treatment was conducted once every other day for 8 weeks. The therapeutic effect was assessed according to the "Criteria for Diagnosis and Therapeutic Effect Evaluation of Simple Obesity" (1998). Before and after the treatment, body fat percentage (F%), body adiposity index (BAI), and body mass index (BMI) were calculated, serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (CHO), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were detected using a biochemical analyzer. Following the treatment, of the two 30 cases of obesity patients in the control and treatment groups, 0 (0.0%) and 1 (3.3%) was under control, 11(36.7%) and 16 (53.3%) had a marked improvement, 8(26.7%) and 10 (33.3%) were effective, and 11 (36.7%) and 3 (10.0%) failed in the treatment, with the effective rates being 63.3% and 90.0%, respectively. The effective rate of the warming needle moxibustion plus diet control was significantly superior to that of the simple diet control (P<0.01). After the treatment, the BMI, F%, serum CHO and TG levels and BAI in the treatment group were significantly decreased in comparison with its own pre-treatment in treatment group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while serum HDL-C of the treatment group was obviously increased compared with its own pre-treatment (P<0.01). The decreased F%, CHO and TG levels were markedly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05，P<0.01)．. Warming needle moxibustion has a positive effect for simple obesity patients with PDSS in controlling their symptoms.

Contemporary challenges to iodine status and nutrition: the role of foods, dietary recommendations, fortification and supplementation.

Iodine deficiency (ID) in women of childbearing age remains a global public health concern, mainly through its impact on fetal and infant neurodevelopment. While iodine status is improving globally, ID is still prevalent in pregnancy, when requirements increase. More than 120 countries have implemented salt iodisation and food fortification, strategies that have been partially successful. Supplementation during pregnancy is recommended in some countries and supported by the WHO when mandatory salt iodisation is not present. The UK is listed as one of the ten countries with the lowest iodine status globally, with approximately 60 % of pregnant women not meeting the WHO recommended intake. Without mandatory iodine fortification or recommendation for supplementation in pregnancy, the UK population depends on dietary sources of iodine. Both women and healthcare professionals have low knowledge and awareness of iodine, its sources or its role for health. Dairy and seafood products are the richest sources of iodine and their consumption is essential to support adequate iodine status. Increasing iodine through the diet might be possible if iodine-rich foods get repositioned in the diet, as they now contribute towards only about 13 % of the average energy intake of adult women. This review examines the use of iodine-rich foods in parallel with other public health strategies, to increase iodine intake and highlights the rare opportunity in the UK for randomised trials, due to the lack of mandatory fortification programmes.

An open-label, randomized, four-treatment crossover study evaluating the effects of salt form, acetaminophen, and food on the pharmacokinetics of phenylephrine

Phenylephrine hydrochloride (HCl) is a decongestant available in over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. Previously marketed prescription products contained phenylephrine tannate, an extended-release salt, which allowed dosing every 8–12 h. Given the regulatory history that cold medicines marketed before 1962 had limited supporting clinical data, and with widespread replacement of pseudoephedrine by phenylephrine in OTC products over the last ten years, the need for contemporary studies grew. This exploratory crossover study evaluated effects of salt form, acetaminophen, and food on phenylephrine pharmacokinetics and metabolites in healthy adults. Test treatments were 25 mg phenylephrine tannate (equivalent to 10 mg phenylephrine HCl) combined with 200 mg guaifenesin, fasted; 10 mg phenylephrine HCl combined with 650 mg acetaminophen, fasted; and 10 mg phenylephrine HCl, fed. The reference treatment was 10 mg phenylephrine HCl, fasted. Plasma phenylephrine pharmacokinetics and urine metabolites were determined. Although the tannate salt slowed phenylephrine absorption compared with the HCl salt, terminal concentrations were similar, suggesting that products containing the tannate salt should not be dosed less frequently than those containing the HCl salt. The premise that acetaminophen increases phenylephrine bioavailability by competition for presystemic sulfation was corroborated by increased phenylephrine sulfate in urine. Food delayed phenylephrine absorption, but not the total amount absorbed.

Interleukin 6 plus High Salt Increases Systolic Blood Pressure

Cytokines and immune cells are implicated in the development of hypertension (HTN), and clinically, interleukin 6 (IL‐6) is independently correlated with HTN. HTN is also characterized by increased sodium (Na+) reabsorption along the aldosterone‐sensitive distal nephron (ASDN), as well as increased expression and/or activity of Na+ transport proteins, such as the sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) and the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). We have previously shown that IL‐6 can activate the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in vitro, and intrarenal IL‐6 perfusion significantly increases expression of total and phosphorylated (T53)‐NCC, and ENaC α/γ subunits in vivo. Here, we hypothesize that IL‐6 increases Na+ reabsorption, leading to HTN. To determine whether IL‐6 increases blood pressure (BP), mice (C57Bl6) were implanted with miniosmotic pumps and tail cuff plethysmography used to measure systolic BP during IL‐6 infusion (16 ng/hr, 0.01% BSA in saline) or sham surgery. Mice were fed normal chow (NC) or high salt (HS) food. Mice with systemic IL‐6 infusion (3 days) plus HS diet had significantly increased BP as compared to HS alone (129±6 mmHg vs. 110±5 mmHg, n=4, *p&lt;0.05) with no increases in proteinuria (7 days). No changes in BP was observed in mice treated with IL‐6 and fed NC.To investigate whether intra‐renal IL‐6 activates NCC via the MR, in vivo, jugular catheters were attached to a miniosmotic pump and inserted under the renal capsule. Mice were infused with IL‐6 (16 ng/hr, 0.1% BSA in saline; 3 days) or vehicle. Mice were sacrificed, tissues removed and then cryosectioned for immunofluorescence (IF) studies. We observed a significant increase in phosphor(T53)‐NCC expression (291±12 mean pixel intensity, MPI) vs. vehicle (236±9; p&lt;0.01, n=3). Mice were then given the MR antagonist (spironolactone, [0.6 mg/day] in peanut butter); we observed a significant reduction in the IL‐6‐mediated increase in phosphor(T53)‐NCC expression (210±12 MPI; p&lt;0.001, n=3).Our data suggest that IL‐6 infusion plus HS increases systolic BP, beginning on day 3, without significant renal damage on day 7. Although we observed a significant increase in IL‐6‐mediated MR‐dependent phosphor(T53)‐NCC expression, our metabolic cage data suggest that pressure natriuresis may be occurring by day 3. Together, these data suggest a novel role for cytokines and high salt in the development of HTN.Support or Funding InformationEmory SIRE to GGH and BMW; ASPET SURF to GGH; Emory University SUPERR 5R25DK101390‐05 to HCM; NIDDK085097 and VA MERIT I01BX002322 to RSH and 2T32DK7656‐2 to BMWThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Cost-effectiveness of interventions to control cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus in South Asia: a systematic review

ObjectivesMore than 80% of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) burden now lies in low and middle-income countries. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify and implement the...

Implementation of national action plans on noncommunicable diseases, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam.

By 2016, Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) had developed and implemented national action plans on noncommunicable diseases in line with the Global action plan for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (2013–2020). In 2018, we assessed the implementation status of the recommended best-buy noncommunicable diseases interventions in seven Asian countries: Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam. We gathered data from a range of published reports and directly from health ministries. We included interventions that addressed the use of tobacco and alcohol, inadequate physical activity and high salt intake, as well as health-systems responses, and we identified gaps and proposed solutions. In 2018, progress was uneven across countries. Implementation gaps were largely due to inadequate funding; limited institutional capacity (despite designated noncommunicable diseases units); inadequate action across different sectors within and outside the health system; and a lack of standardized monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to inform policies. To address implementation gaps, governments need to invest more in effective interventions such as the WHO-recommended best-buy interventions, improve action across different sectors, and enhance capacity in monitoring and evaluation and in research. Learning from the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the WHO and international partners should develop a standardized, comprehensive monitoring tool on alcohol, salt and unhealthy food consumption, physical activity and health-systems response.

Biomonitoring Equivalents for interpretation of urinary iodine

Iodine is an essential nutrient whose deficiency or excess exposure can cause adverse health effects. The primary sources of iodine exposure in the general population are iodized salt, dairy products, bread and sea food. Urinary iodine concentrations (UIC) have been measured by Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) and US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The Institute of Medicine (IOM), the US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and World Health Organization (WHO) have established exposure guidance values for nutrition (IOM Estimated Average Requirement (EAR), Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), WHO Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI)) and toxicity (IOM Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL); ATSDR Minimal Risk Level (MRL), WHO International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI)). Using a urinary excretion fraction of 0.9, Biomonitoring Equivalents (BE) for the EAR, RDA, UL and MRL were derived for adults (60, 100, 730 and 450 μg/L, respectively) and children (50, 80, 580 and 360 μg/L, respectively). The population median UIC values from NHANES and CHMS for adults (140–181, 122–126 μg/L, respectively) and children (232, 189 μg/L, respectively) were above the criteria for assessing iodine nutrition, indicating that US and Canadian populations are likely to have adequate population iodine nutrition. The median UIC from NHANES and CHMS do not exceed BE values derived from exposure guidance values for toxicity.

Dip the Brits in Salt Salinas, Food and Portuguese Charm in and Around Aveiro

This work presents a proposal for a business that would be located in Portugal, specifically in and around Aveiro and that is designed to attract British clientele. The segment is here defined, giving the reasons for choosing this business model, how the model is viewed in this planning stage, the specificities of the offers and how the segment to be targeted is seen statistically and sees their destination when it comes to options regarding tourism.