Total Food Energy Research Articles

Food production and biodiversity are not incompatible in temperate heterogeneous agricultural landscapes

We need landscape-scale approaches to design and manage agro-ecosystems that can sustain both agricultural production and biodiversity conservation. In this study, yield figures provided by 299 farmers served to quantify the energy-equivalents of food production across different crops in 49 1-km2 landscapes. Our results show that the relationship between bird diversity and food energy production depends on the proportion of farmland within the landscape, with a negative correlation observed in agriculture dominated landscapes (≥ 64–74% farmland). In contrast, neither typical farmland birds nor butterflies showed any significant relationship with total food energy production. We conclude that in European temperate regions consisting of small-scale, mixed farming systems (arable and livestock production), productivity and biodiversity conservation may not be purely antagonistic, particularly when (semi-)natural habitats make up a large fraction of the landscape (≥ 20%).

Determination of nutrient composition of some selected traditional home- made meals commonly consumed in Syria

Background: Modifying lifestyles through healthy dietary choices, enhanced cooking skills, and improved nutritional knowledge has been established as an effective strategy for reducing obesity and associated chronic diseases. Aims: This study aims to contribute to this effort by investigating the nutritional profiles of commonly consumed Syrian home-cooked meals. The primary objective was to analyze the macronutrient composition (carbohydrates, protein, fat) of five selected Syrian dishes and compare them to a frequently consumed, plant-based modern meal component. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the contribution of these nutrients to daily dietary needs. Methods: Four traditional Syrian vegetarian mixed dishes (grape leaves stuffed with rice, rice with pea broth, bulgur with chickpeas and pasta with tomato sauce) were selected for analysis. These were compared to a modern, plant-based food component (fried potatoes). Proximate analysis, based on standard methods established by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), was used to determine the content of macronutrients. Carbohydrate, protein, and fat exchanges for each meal were calculated using a rounding-off method. Results: All tested traditional dishes exhibited low energy density, with moisture content ranging from 63.16 – 75,63% and ash content ranging from 0.49 – 1.01% ash. Macronutrient compositions revealed carbohydrate contents between 17.43 – 25.41%, fat contents between 0.2 – 2.84%, and protein contents between 2.34 -3.83%. Crude fiber content ranged from 0.15 – 2.17%, and energy density varied from 0.96 – 1.44 Kcal/g. These traditional dishes contributed (63.04 – 75.26%) of total food energy from carbohydrates, (6.48 – 13.85%) from fat and (1.25 – 23.11%) from protein. In contrast, fried potatoes, the modern meal component, displayed medium energy density (1.83 kcal/g), with a distinct macronutrient profile: 60.22% carbohydrate, 1.44% ash, 24.56% fat, 7.26% protein, 4.90% crude fiber, and 1.62% moisture. The energy contribution of fried potatoes was 53.63% from carbohydrates, 35.67% from fat, and 10.70% from protein. Conclusion: This study provides valuable data for the potential development of a Syrian Food Database. The results suggest that incorporating popular Syrian traditional dishes into healthy dietary intervention programs holds promise for promoting better nutrition. Keywords: Nutrient composition; Proximate analysis; Syria; Traditional dishes; Food exchange

Physicochemical, in vitro starch digestibility and sensory characteristics of biofortified yellow maize-cowpea composite flours and biscuits

The consumption of whole grain cereals, pulses and their products, such as biscuits, is associated with protection against nutrition-related non-communicable diseases. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical qualities and in vitro starch digestibility of flours and biscuits formulated with biofortified yellow maize (M-f) and cowpea (C-f) composites, as well as the biscuits’ sensory attributes. Biscuits, coded M-b, MC-b1, MC-b2, MC-b3, and C-b, were baked from composite flours of M-f and C-f (M-f:C-f, w/w) at the proportions of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100, respectively. Refined wheat flour (W-f) and its biscuit (W-b) served as controls. Individually, the final viscosities of M-f (157.36 RVU) and W-f (159.12 RVU) were comparable (p > 0.05); but both were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of C-f (93.15 RVU). Among the composite flours, MC-f2 and MC-f3 had the highest final (175.43 RVU) and peak (65.52 RVU) viscosities, respectively. The total carbohydrate, crude fat, and energy value increased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing proportion of M-f in the composite flours and biscuits, while the crude protein and ash contents increased with an increasing proportion of C-f. The ranges of total carbohydrate, crude fat, and food energy in the biscuits were 51.03 (C-b) - 68.27% (W-b), 12.15 (W-b) - 19.02% (M-b), and 414.33 (C-b) - 455.91 kCal/100 g (M-b), respectively. The concentrations of starch, amylose, amylose/amylopectin ratio, starch hydrolysis index (HI), as well as estimated glycaemic index (eGI) of the composite flours and biscuits decreased significantly with an increasing proportion of C-f. Thus, the ranges of starch and eGI in the biscuits were 41.02 (C-b) - 68.01% (W-b) and 34.99 (C-b) - 57.19% (W-b), respectively. Crude protein (r = − 0.715, − 0.696), starch (r = 0.966, 0.954), amylose (r = 0.947, 0.931), and amylopectin (r = − 0.947, − 0.931) significantly correlated with eGI and HI, respectively. The sensory acceptability of the composite biscuits improved as the proportion of C-f increased. Hence, it is concluded that increasing the level of cowpea in biofortified yellow maize-cowpea composite flours and biscuits enhanced their physicochemical and sensory attributes, and reduced their estimated GI.Graphical

Comparison of Dietary Intake Before vs After Taxes on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Nonessential Energy-Dense Foods in Mexico, 2012 to 2018

Tax evaluations have shown effectiveness in reducing purchases of taxed items. However, few studies have looked at changes in overall dietary intake according to national surveys. To estimate the contribution of taxed and untaxed beverages and foods to dietary intake over time, and the nutritional dietary profile in total beverages and foods consumed. This cross-sectional study used data from 3 National Health and Nutrition Surveys of a nationally representative sample of participants aged older than 1 year in Mexico from 2012 (pretax), 2016, and 2018 (posttax). Data were analyzed from September 2021 to December 2022. Taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and nonessential energy-dense foods implemented since 2014. The outcomes were the contribution of taxed and untaxed beverages to total beverage volume, the contribution of taxed and untaxed foods to total food energy, and the energy density and content of added sugars and saturated fats. Outcomes were assessed with 24-hour recalls (24HR) (2012 and 2016) and Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ) (2012, 2016, and 2018), and were adjusted by sociodemographic and macroeconomic variables. A total of 17 239 participants were analyzed from 2012, 18 974 from 2016, and 30 027 from 2018; approximately 50% were men, and approximately 75% lived in urban areas. According to 24HRs, the contribution of taxed beverages to total beverage volume changed -2.3 (95% CI, -4.4 to -0.2) percentage points from 2012 to 2016, while water increased. The contribution of taxed foods to total food energy changed -3.0 (95% CI, -4.2 to -1.8) percentage points, while untaxed whole grains, processed meats, other animal sources, and sugars and desserts increased. The content in total beverages of added sugars changed -1.1 kcal/100 mL (95% CI, -2.0 to -0.2), and in total foods, the content of added sugar changed -0.6 %kcal (95% CI, -1.0 to -0.2), saturated fat changed -0.8 %kcal (95% CI, -1.1 to -0.4), and energy density changed -9.8 kcal/100 g (95% CI, -13.8 to -5.8). Main results were consistent with the FFQ (up to 2018), with some differences in subgroups and nutritional components. The findings of this study on 3 cross-sectional national dietary surveys are consistent with previous evaluations; after tax implementation, there was a decrease in the contribution of taxed items. Furthermore, some unhealthy untaxed items increased, but the content of unhealthful nutritional components, particularly added sugar, in overall beverages and foods decreased.

Deposition, Dietary Exposure and Human Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Mechanically Milled Maize Flours in Mbarara City, Uganda.

Consumption of maize and maize-based products contributes a significant percentage to the total food energy intake in Uganda. However, the production of maize-derived foodstuffs is performed traditionally or by small- and medium-scale processors using different processing techniques. This can lead to differences in the quality of these products from processors, raising food safety concerns. In this study, the effects of mechanical processing (milling) methods on deposition of heavy metals into milled maize flour and the associated consumption health risks were assessed. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to quantitatively establish the concentration of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) in 100 samples of maize milled using a wooden mortar (n = 2), a metallic mortar (n = 2), diesel engine-powered mills (n = 48) and electric motor-powered mills (n = 48). Results showed that the mean concentrations of heavy metals in mg/kg were Fe (11.60-34.45), Cu (0.50-8.10), Ni (0.50-1.60), Mn (0.70-25.40), Zn (4.40-15.90), Pb (0.53-10.20), Cd (0.51-0.85), Cr (0.50-1.53) and Co (0.50-1.51). The highest concentrations were found in flour milled using a traditional metallic mortar while the lowest levels were in those samples milled using a wooden mortar. The Fe, Pb and Cd contents of flours produced using the metallic mortar and some commercial mills was found to be higher than the permissible limits set by WHO/FAO. Human health risk assessment showed that there are potential carcinogenic health risks from adults' intake of heavy metals in maize flour milled using a metallic mortar. Therefore, processing of maize flour needs to be monitored by the relevant statutory bodies in Uganda to minimize the possibility of heavy metal contamination of food products and animal feeds.

Association between Macronutrient and Fatty Acid Consumption and Metabolic Syndrome: A South African Taxi Driver Survey.

We aimed to examine the association between macronutrient and fatty acid intake and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in South African male mini-bus taxi drivers. One hundred and eighty-five (n = 185) male taxi drivers, aged 20 years and older, who operate in the Cape Town metropole, South Africa, were included. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) algorithm was used to define MetS. The association between macronutrient and fatty acid intake (assessed using 24 h recall) and MetS were analyzed using multivariable nutrient density substitution models. Overall, protein consumption significantly increased the likelihood of high blood pressure (HBP) and significantly lowered the likelihood of having low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). In an isoenergetic state, the intake of protein instead of carbohydrates (CHOs) and total fat, reduced the likelihood of elevated triglycerides by 6.7% and 6.6%, respectively. The intake of CHOs instead of protein and total fat, reduced the likelihood of HBP by 2.2% and 2.8%, respectively. In the same isoenergetic state, the intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) instead of mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) increased the likelihood of HBP by 9.8%, whereas the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) instead of SFAs decreased the likelihood of HBP by 9.4%. The current study showed that when total food energy intake is kept constant, a diet that is high in protein, CHOs and PUFAs reduces triglycerides and BP, whereas the intake of total fat and SFAs had the opposite effect. It should, however, be noted that these outcomes were produced using mathematical models, as such we recommend further prospective studies in real life that will reveal the actual associations between the consumption of macronutrients and fatty acids and MetS and its components.

Anthropometric, biochemical, and nutritional risk factors for osteoporosis in Korean adults based on a large cross-sectional study

BackgroundOsteoporosis a common bone disorder characterized by decreases in bone mass, tension, and strength. Although many previous studies worldwide have sought to identify the risk factors for osteoporosis, studies that simultaneously examine a variety of factors, such as biochemical, anthropometric and nutritional components, are very rare. Therefore, the objective of this study was to simultaneously examine the association of osteoporosis with biochemical profiles, anthropometric factors, and nutritional components in a large-scale cross-sectional study.MethodThis cross-sectional study was based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VI-VII) from 2015 to 2018. Based on data from 16,454 participants, logistic regression was used to examine the association between various parameters in a crude analysis and in models adjusted for confounders.ResultsIn men, osteoporosis was significantly associated with the anthropometric variables height and weight; the biochemical components hemoglobin, hematocrit, urea nitrogen and urine pH and creatinine; and the nutritional components total food intake, energy, water, protein, phosphorus, and kalium. However, these associations disappeared in adjusted model 2. In women, osteoporosis was significantly related to the anthropometric measures height, weight, and systolic blood pressure; the biochemical components hemoglobin, hematocrit and urine pH; and the nutritional components total food intake, water, calcium, phosphorus, and kalium. Most of these associations were maintained in the adjusted models.ConclusionOsteoporosis was linked to various anthropometric, biochemical and urine and nutritional components in Korean women, but the association between osteoporosis and risk factors differed according to sex.

Contributions made by rain-fed potato with mulching to food security in China

Food security is an important issue globally and securing food supplies is the core mission of agricultural development in the world. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) has been proposed as the fourth major staple food crop, following rice, wheat and maize by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs to further improve China's food security. Plastic film mulching (PM) can significantly increase potato yield and has been widely used in potato production. Although many researchers have studied the effects of PM on potato yield and water use efficiency (WUE) in China, there have been few studies on the effects of the PM on potato food energy supply improved from CK (without mulching), as well as the spatial distribution feasible for PM. In this study, we addressed these issues by process-based DNDC model and cost-benefit analysis. The results showed that PM could increase total potato food energy and WUE by 41.7% and 53.4% respectively across China, compared to CK. The results also suggested that the PM technology would be most beneficial to potato food energy in regions where the aridity index was between 0.15 and 0.45. The suitable areas of rain-fed potato with PM are mainly distributed in the northeast, northwest and southwest of China, where potato with PM could obtain high net economic benefits. However, PM is not suggested to be applied to rain-fed potato crops in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and southern China because the tradeoff between the economic rewards and the environmental risks associated with plastic film was low. In the major producing areas for traditional staple food crops, potato reduce food energy per capita compared to conventional staple crops, however the results also showed that 64% and 40% of the regions that are suitable for potato cropping with PM significantly increased food energy per capita compared to wheat and maize. Therefore, the potato as a staple food supplement is feasible in PM suitable regions.

Causal effects of population growth on energy utilization and environmental pollution: A system dynamics approach

Population growth will change the demand for food and energy resources and environmental pollution. Although early energy resources modeling has made vital efforts to model the energy system in the world, because of increasing complexity and integration of environmental, social, and economic functions, these models still need to be developed to show a system close to the real world to enhance sustainable management of natural resources. Hence, the main objective of this study is to design a system dynamics model for the food production system and energy demand in Iran in order to evaluate the effects of different population scenarios on key variables. In this regard, an integrated system dynamics simulation model was developed in Iran where managing energy resources is seriously challenging due to population growth and increasing food demand. The results of the behavioral test showed that the designed model can be used to investigate and simulate the effects of different population growth rate scenarios. Findings illustrated that by increasing population, if no further energy demand management policies were implemented, the total food demand and energy use increase by more than 1.35% and 3.31% respectively. Also, the annual air pollution change during 2014-2030 is expected to be around 4.41%. By changing the population growth rate in the form of population scenarios, the average annual energy demand in the first population scenario will be 20,277 barrels of crude oil and in the second population scenario will be 20049 barrels of crude oil. It seems that the change in the population growth rate will lead to an increase of 3.23% and 2.16% in average annual energy demand, respectively. The results showed that in the first population scenario, with a further increase in population variables, food demand and energy demand, the average change in pollution emission is 4.79%, which is at a higher level than the baseline conditions. In the second population scenario, changes in environmental pollution will be reduced to 4.31%. Therefore, given the effectiveness of population growth on the behavior of the energy system and pollution, the adoption of energy management policies should be considered by policy makers.

Body Mass, Physical Activity and Eating Habits Changes during the First COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Poland.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a number of changes in social life around the world. In response to the growing number of infections, some countries have introduced restrictions that may have resulted in the change of the lifestyle. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of the lockdown on body weight, physical activity and some eating habits of the society. The survey involving 183 people was conducted using a proprietary questionnaire. The mean age of the study participants was 33 ± 11 and mean height 169 ± 8 cm. An average increase in body weight was observed in 49.18% by 0.63 ± 3.7 kg which was the result of a decrease in physical activity and an increase in food consumption. We also observed a decrease in PAL from 1.64 ± 0.15 to 1.58 ± 0.13 and changes in the amount of food and individual groups of products consumption, including alcohol. Among the study participants who did not lose body mass, there was an average weight gain of 2.25 ± 2.5 kg. In conclusion, an increase of weight was shown in about half of the respondents in the study group which was associated with a decrease in physical activity and an increase in the consumption of total food and high energy density products.

Toxic Metals in Cereals in Cape Verde: Risk Assessment Evaluation

Consumption of cereals and cereal-based products represents 47% of the total food energy intake in Cape Verde. However, cereals also contribute to dietary exposure to metals that may pose a risk. Strengthening food security and providing nutritional information is a high-priority challenge for the Cape Verde government. In this study, toxic metal content (Cr, Ni, Sr, Al, Cd, and Pb) is determined in 126 samples of cereals and derivatives (rice, corn, wheat, corn flour, wheat flour, corn gofio) consumed in Cape Verde. Wheat flour samples stand out, with the highest Sr (1.60 mg/kg), Ni (0.25 mg/kg) and Cr (0.13 mg/kg) levels. While the consumption of 100 g/day of wheat would contribute to 13.2% of the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of Ni, a consumption of 100 g/day of wheat flour would contribute to 8.18% of the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of Cd. Results show relevant Al levels (1.17–13.4 mg/kg), with the highest level observed in corn gofio. The mean Pb average content in cereals is 0.03–0.08 mg/kg, with the highest level observed in corn gofio. Al and Pb levels are lower in cereals without husks. Without being a health risk, the consumption of 100 g/day of wheat contributes to 17.5% of the European benchmark doses lower confidence limit (BMDL) of Pb for nephrotoxic effects; the consumption of 100 g/day of corn gofio provides an intake of 1.34 mg Al/day (13.7% of the TWI) and 8 µg Pb/day (20% of the BMDL for nephrotoxic effects). A strategy to minimize the dietary exposure of the Cape Verdean population to toxic metals from cereals should consider the continuous monitoring of imported cereals on arrival in Cape Verde, the assessment of the population’s total diet exposure to toxic metals and educational campaigns.

Portion size and consistency as indicators of complementary food energy intake.

We evaluated whether novel portion size and consistency indicators can identify children with low complementary food energy intake in southern Ethiopia. We conducted 24‐h dietary recalls with caregivers of 548 children aged 6–13 months; additionally, caregivers estimated their child's usual portion size using uncooked rice and selected which of five photographs of porridges of varying consistencies most closely matched the food their child usually ate. Complementary food energy and density from the 24‐h recall were used as reference values. We computed correlation coefficients and areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) and conducted sensitivity and specificity analyses to classify children with low complementary food energy intake. The median complementary food energy intakes for children 6–8, 9–11 and 12–13 months were 312, 322 and 375 kcal; median estimated portion sizes were 50, 58 and 64 ml, respectively. Estimated portion size correlated with total complementary food energy intake and with average energy and quantity consumed per feeding (r = 0.42, 0.46 and 0.45, respectively, all p < 0.001). Reported food consistency was weakly correlated with total complementary food energy intake (r = 0.18) and density (r = 0.10), and energy density of porridge only (r = 0.24, all p < 0.05). Predicted energy intake combining feeding frequency and portion size predicted inadequate energy intake better than did feeding frequency alone in infants 6–8 months [∆AUC = 0.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04, 0.28] and 9–11 months (∆AUC = 0.09, 95% CI 0.04, 0.14). Caregiver estimates of portion size can improve identification of infants with low complementary food energy intake when more robust dietary assessment is not feasible.

Food exports and imports of New Zealand in relation to the food-based dietary guidelines.

It has not been reported that previously how much food New Zealand (NZ), population 4.9 million (M), exports and imports in terms of how many people this food would feed if the food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) were followed. In New Zealand, 40% of adults and 20% of children live in a household with severe to moderate food insecurity. Official data for foods and beverages exported and imported between 2016 and 2018 was obtained from Statistics New Zealand. Harmonised food classifications were matched to either a food group or as discretionary foods or ingredients. Standard serving sizes in grams and number of servings/day from each food group viz; vegetables, 5 servings/day; fruit, 2 servings/day; grains 6 servings/day; meat and protein foods 2.5 servings/day: and dairy 2.5 servings/day were used to determine how many people would be fed each year with the food traded. Together these servings should meet a daily energy intake in the order of 8 MJ. The trade of discretionary foods and ingredients, alcoholic beverages, butter and sugar was also examined. According to the guidelines the quantity of food exported each year by NZ had enough numbers of servings to feed 39 M dairy, 11.5 M meat, seafood and other protein, 2 M vegetables and 10 M fruit day/year. Imports were dominated by grains, enough to feed 9 M six servings a day/year. Total food energy exported and imported was enough to meet the energy requirements for 20 M (30% from butter) and 10 M (27% from sugar), respectively. The high prevalence of food insecurity and obesity in NZ could be partially attributed to the disconnect between the quantity, nutritional quality and diversity of foods imported and exported.

Food choices: concordance in Australian children aged 11-12 years and their parents.

ObjectivesSnack foods—typically high in salt, sugar, fat and/or energy—are likely important to the obesity epidemic. In the context of a population-based health assessment involving parent–child dyads at child age 11–12 years, we report cross-generational concordance in intake at a controlled snack food observation.DesignCross-sectional study (Child Health CheckPoint), nested within the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children.SettingAssessment centres in seven Australian cities, February 2015–March 2016.ParticipantsOf all participating CheckPoint families (n=1874), 1299 children (50.3% girls) and 1274 parents (85.9% mothers) with snack data were included. Survey weights and methods were applied to account for the clustered multistage sample design.Outcome measuresPartway through the 3.5-hour assessment, parents and children attended Food Stop separately for a timed 15 min ‘snack break’. One of four standardised box size/content combinations was randomly provided to all participants on any given day. Total food mass, energy, nutrients and sodium consumed was measured to the nearest 1 g. Pearson’s correlation coefficients and adjusted multivariable linear regression models assessed parent–child concordance in each variable.ResultsChildren consumed less grams (151 g [SD 80] vs 165 g [SD 79]) but more energy (1393 kJ [SD 537] vs 1290 kJ [SD 658]) than parents. Parent–child concordance coefficients were small, ranging from 0.07 for sodium intake to 0.17 for carbohydrate intake. Compared with children with parents’ energy intake on the 10th centile, children whose parents were on the 90th centile ate on average 227 kJ more. If extrapolated to one similar unsupervised snack on a daily basis, this equates to an additional 83 050 kJ per year, which could have a cumulative impact on additional body fat.ConclusionsAlthough modest at an individual level, this measured parent-child concordance in unsupervised daily snack situations could account for substantial annual population differences in energy, fat and sodium intake for children aged 11–12 years.Trial registration number ISRCTN12538380.

Energy Embedded in Food Loss Management and in the Production of Uneaten Food: Seeking a Sustainable Pathway

Recently, important efforts have been made to define food loss management strategies. Most strategies have mainly been focused on mass and energy recovery through mixed food loss in centralised recovery models. This work aims to highlight the need to address a decentralised food loss management, in order to manage the different fractions and on each of the different stages of the food supply chain. For this purpose, an energy flow analysis is made, through the calculation of the primary energy demand of four stages and 11 food categories of the Spanish food supply chain in 2015. The energy efficiency assessment is conducted under a resource use perspective, using the energy return on investment (EROI) ratio, and a circular economy perspective, developing an Energy return on investment – Circular economy index (EROIce), based on a food waste-to-energy-to-food approach. Results suggest that the embodied energy loss consist of 17% of the total primary energy demand, and related to the food categories, the vegetarian diet appears to be the most efficient, followed by the pescetarian diet. Comparing food energy loss values with the estimated energy provided for one consumer, it is highlighted the fact that the food energy loss generated by two to three persons amounts to one person's total daily intake. Moreover, cereals is the category responsible for the highest percentage on the total food energy loss (44%); following by meat, fish and seafood and vegetables. When the results of food energy loss and embodied energy loss are related, it is observed that categories such as meat and fish and seafood have a very high primary energy demand to produce less food, besides that the parts of the food supply chain with more energy recovery potential are the beginning and the end. Finally, the EROIce analysis shows that in the categories of meat, fish and seafood and cereals, anaerobic digestion and composting is the best option for energy recovery. From the results, it is discussed the possibility to developed local digesters at the beginning and end of the food supply chain, as well as to developed double digesters installations for hydrogen recovery from cereals loss, and methane recovery from mixed food loss.

Energy budgets for juvenile Pacific whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei fed different diets

Abstract Energy budgets for juvenile Pacific whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei (1.7-4.0 g ) fed with different diets were assessed. The energy partitioning between growth, respiration, ammonia excretion, feces and exuvia was calculated to estimate for total food energy intake. Shrimp oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion were quantified in sealed chambers (25°C, 34 ppt). Energy allocated for growth and feces were obtained from the wet combustion of whole body and feces samples, exuvia was estimated as 10% growth energy. Three diets were tested: 100% chopped fish (Fish), 100% commercial feed (Feed), and 50-50% chopped fish and commercial feed (Mix). Most of the energy from the diets was channeled into respiration (49.7-70.5%). Shrimp fed the Feed diet used more energy in growth (24.4%) than those fed Mix (13.4%) or Fish diets (13.2%), either in absolute (joule) or relative (% of ingested energy) terms. Conversely, energy loss as ammonia excretion was lower in shrimp fed Feed (1.0%) compared to shrimp fed Mix (4.2%) or Fish diets (7.8%). Less energy was lost in feces by shrimp fed Fish diet (7.3%) compared to Mix (20.2%) and Feed diets (22.2%). The calculated energy intake by shrimp fed Fish, Mix and Feed were 0.995, 1.100, and 1.255 kJ ind-1day-1, respectively. According to the O:N atomic ratios (oxygen consumed to nitrogen excreted), protein tented to be the predominant substrate catabolized by shrimp fed Fish (O:N=16±5.2), and Mix (O:N=25±11.6), with increasing use of carbohydrates and/or lipids in the Feed (O:N=74±37.3). Results suggest diet composition may affect energy budget and partitioning differently between metabolism and growth either in absolute or relative terms, as shrimp fed Fish and Mix diets used protein as main substrate for metabolism, whereas shrimp fed Feed diet channeled protein for growth, and lipids and carbohydrates for other metabolic functions.

Integrating the economic and environmental performance of agricultural systems: A demonstration using Farm Business Survey data and Farmscoper

There is a continued need to monitor the environmental impacts of agricultural systems while also ensuring sufficient agricultural production. However, it can be difficult to collect relevant environmental data on a large enough number of farms and studies that do so often neglect to consider the financial drivers that ultimately determine many aspects of farm management and performance. This paper outlines a methodology for generating environmental indicators from the Farm Business Survey (FBS), an extensive annual economic survey of representative farms in England and Wales. Data were extracted from the FBS for a sample of East Anglian cereal farms and south western dairy farms and converted where necessary to use as inputs in ‘Farmscoper’; farm-level estimates of nitrate, phosphorus and sediment loadings and ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions were generated using the Farmscoper model. Nitrate losses to water, ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions were positively correlated with food energy production per unit area for both farm types; phosphorus loading was also correlated with food energy on the dairy farms. Environmental efficiency indicators, as measured by either total food energy or financial output per unit of negative environmental effect, were calculated; greenhouse gas emission efficiency (using either measure of agricultural output) and nitrate loading efficiency (using financial output) were positively correlated with profitability on cereal farms. No other environmental efficiency measures were significantly associated with farm profitability and none were significant on the dairy farms. These findings suggest that an improvement in economic performance can also improve environmental efficiency, but that this depends on the farm type and negative environmental externality in question. In a wider context, the augmentation of FBS-type data to generate additional environmental indicators can provide useful insights into ongoing research and policy issues around sustainable agricultural production.

Nutritional Evaluation of Selected Traditional Foods Commonly Consumed in Saudi Arabia

During the last few decades, Saudi Arabia experienced rapid nutritional transition associated with an alarming elevation in the prevalence of obesity and related chronic diseases. Traditional foods contribute to the usual diet of the population in Saudi Arabia and the nutritional evaluation of traditional foods is necessary to accurately estimate dietary intakes of the Saudi population. Therefore, the objective of the current work is to evaluate twenty-five traditional foods commonly consumed in Saudi Arabia based on their nutritional composition. Proximate composition and vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, iron, phytate and oxalate content were investigated. On fresh weight basis, the analyzed foods contained 1.17-16.19% (N × 6.25) protein, 0.25-17.84% fat, 2.57-68.30% carbohydrate, 0.31-2.26% dietary fiber, 0.67-2.90% ash and 17-430 kcal/g. The vitamin D content ranged from 0.0-75.88 IU/100g. Mineral content (mg/100g) of calcium, phosphorus and iron were 13.62-91.37, 22.33-200.37 and 0.51-4.44 respectively. Phytate and oxalate content (mg/100g) were 2.25-148.52 and 1.02-48.63 respectively. The studied traditional foods contributed 15-91%, 3-69% and 2-30% of the total food energy from carbohydrate, fat and protein respectively. Data from this study will be important to clarify nutritional value and nutrient contribution from common traditional foods in Saudi Arabia. Saudi dietary guidelines should take into consideration, the nutritive value and health aspects of traditional foods.

The influences of spatiotemporal change of cultivated land on food crop production potential in China

The impact of changes in cultivated land on the production potential of food crops in China during the period of 1990–2010 was studied using land use data and the Global Agro-ecological Zones (GAEZ) model. The contribution of crop production potential per unit cultivated land area (PPCLA) to the total food-energy based production potential (TPP) of food crops was further investigated. From 1990 to 2010, China has experienced a net increase of cultivated land, resulting from a net increase in northern China and a smaller net decrease in the south. However, the TPP reduced by 9.64 × 1012 kcal despite an overall cultivated land increase for crops. This was attributed to the spatial heterogeneity of PPCLA in the cultivated land, whereby the average PPCLA of the newly cultivated land was much lower than that of the lost land. The PPCLA gap between the newly developed land and the lost cultivated land expanded from 3.16 × 106 kcal/ha in the first decade (1990–2000) to 6.49 × 106 kcal/ha in 2000–2010. Contributions of PPCLA to TPP varied among regions, and the regions with the largest contributions were consistent with those with the largest PPCLA gaps. Such regions included the Sichuan Basin and surrounding region in 1990–2000, and the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain during 2000–2010. Based on these research findings, key implications for land use policies in relation to major food crops in China are discussed.

Effect of education on nutrition and diabetes status in type 2 diabetics in El Jadida province of Morocco

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Diabetes is placed throughout the world at the forefront of health concerns because of the complications it causes and their adverse repercussions on health and economy. In Morocco, it is increasingly high and 90% of the diabetics have type II Diabetes. This disease may be preventable by the change of life style in diabetics and in populations at-risk. Education is reported to have positive impact on health. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an education program on the improvement of diabetes care in Moroccan diabetic adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of 240 type II diabetic patients; 20–65 years old, visiting the Azemmour hospital between January 2011 and March 2012 are divided in two groups: an educated group (EG) that received and a non-educated group (NEG) that did not receive any training on diabetes and improvement of diabetes care. Data on anthropometrical measurements, biochemical, socio-demographics and food consumption using 24 h dietary recall were collected in both groups. RESULTS: The results show that HbAc1 was significantly higher in NEG than in the EG group (9.24% vs. 7.15% respectively). Globally 57.5% of diabetics cannot balance their diabetes; with high percentage among NEG (76.6%) than EG (23.4%) and in rural (78.4%) than in urban populations. Compared to the EG, the NEG patients have higher prevalence of physical inactivity, abdominal obesity, low HDL, high LDL, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, higher BMI mean (29.56 vs 26.48 kg/m 2 ) and longer duration of diabetes (9,13 vs 8,17 years respectively). Total food energy intake (TEI) was also higher (2411 ± 196) in the NEG than in EG (1966 ± 221 Kcal). The contributions of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids to the TEI were respectively (37.39 ± 4.48%), (22.88% ± 3.24) and (39.37 ± 4.43%); with a low intake of fiber (16.84 ± 3.55) in NEG. CONCLUSION: The study results show an improvement of diabetes status in the educated patients. The data justify the fundamental role of patient education for an effective and efficient management of diabetes. The study recommends also an establishment of and access to care facilities especially for rural population of diabetic patients.