Vegetarian Population Research Articles

Reference Interval for Renal Profile parameters in North Indian Population from Rajasthan

Objective: Reference intervals are an essential part of laboratory medicine. Current study was planned to evaluate renal parameters in the healthy defined group of individuals which would serve as reference values of renal parameters for the North Indian population from Rajasthan.Design & Methods: Present study was conducted on 2021 apparently healthy individuals of North Indian origin ranging in age from 15-60 years, were selected randomly using defined criteria. Fasting samples were analyzed for Urea, Creatinine, Uric Acid, Sodium, Potassium and Chloride. Data were analyzed for middle 95 percentile (2.5th-97.5th percentile), median and 95% confidence interval using SPSS software package version 10.0.Result: RI for Urea, Creatinine and uric acid were lower in female (16-42mg/dl, 0.6-1.2mg/dl, 2.4-6.8mg/dl) as compared to male (17.00-44.35mg/dl, 0.7-1.5mg/dl, 2.8-7.2mg/dl). There was a progressive increase in urea, uric acid and Creatinine with increase in age. Though no appreciable differences could be observed in respect to most of renal parameters in rural versus urban, a wider range for uric acid was observed in urban population (2.50-7.20mg/dl). Except for Na+, K+ and Cl-, rest of parameters i.e. urea, creatinine, uric acid were higher range in obese as compared to non obese (17-45 Vs 17-44, 0.66-1.5 Vs 0.60-1.40, 2.5-7.4 Vs 2.5-7.0). Uric acid level was also found to be higher in non vegetarian population (2.6-7.5mg/dl).Conclusion: Findings of this study provide sex, age, BMI, habitat and diet specific renal function reference values to be used for North Indian population.

De novo Assembly, Characterization of Immature Seed Transcriptome and Development of Genic-SSR Markers in Black Gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper

Black gram [V. mungo (L.) Hepper] is an important legume crop extensively grown in south and south-east Asia, where it is a major source of dietary protein for its predominantly vegetarian population. However, lack of genomic information and markers has become a limitation for genetic improvement of this crop. Here, we report the transcriptome sequencing of the immature seeds of black gram cv. TU94-2, by Illumina paired end sequencing technology to generate transcriptome sequences for gene discovery and genic-SSR marker development. A total of 17.2 million paired-end reads were generated and 48,291 transcript contigs (TCS) were assembled with an average length of 443 bp. Based on sequence similarity search, 33,766 TCS showed significant similarity to known proteins. Among these, only 29,564 TCS were annotated with gene ontology (GO) functional categories. A total number of 138 unique KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways were identified, of which majority of TCS are grouped into purine metabolism (678) followed by pyrimidine metabolism (263). A total of 48,291 TCS were searched for SSRs and 1,840 SSRs were identified in 1,572 TCS with an average frequency of one SSR per 11.9 kb. The tri-nucleotide repeats were most abundant (35%) followed by di-nucleotide repeats (32%). PCR primer pairs were successfully designed for 933 SSR loci. Sequences analyses indicate that about 64.4% and 35.6% of the SSR motifs were present in the coding sequences (CDS) and untranslated regions (UTRs) respectively. Tri-nucleotide repeats (57.3%) were preferentially present in the CDS. The rate of successful amplification and polymorphism were investigated using selected primers among 18 black gram accessions. Genic-SSR markers developed from the Illumina paired end sequencing of black gram immature seed transcriptome will provide a valuable resource for genetic diversity, evolution, linkage mapping, comparative genomics and marker-assisted selection in black gram.

Supply Response of Arhar and Gram in Eastern Region of Uttar Pradesh

Agriculture is the mainstay for the economic development of the country. Pulses are one of the important food commodities in India where a large vegetarian and even non vegetarian population are highly dependent on pulses for protein source. Since pulses are cheaper than meat (animal protein) often referred to as ‘poor man's meat’ in developing countries like India. But the area under pulses is declining at an alarming rate. The present study aimed at examining the response behavior of arhar and gram growers to the changes in price and selected non price variables in all districts of eastern region of Uttar Pradesh. This is estimated by the application of Nerlovian price expectation adjustment model. Short and long run elasticies has also been calculated which reveals that farmers are not responding to change in prices. Demand and supply has been projected for the years 2019–20 and 2029–2030. The study revealed that there can be a huge amount of negative gap between demand and supply.

An Economic Analysis of Production and Marketing of Major Pulses in Raigarh District of Chhattisgarh

Pulses form a major source of protein for a huge section of India particularly for the poor, backward classes and most of the traditionally vegetarian population. An attempt has been made in the study to examine the production and marketing aspects of major pulses in Raigarh district. The study was undertaken to estimate growth in area, production and productivity of major pulses in Raigarh district and Chhattisgarh state (2001-02 to 2011-12), the cost of cultivation of major pulses in the study area, to examine the marketing pattern of major pulses, to identify the constraints in production and marketing of major pulses and to suggest policy measures for improvement in production and marketing of major pulses as the main objectives.The present study was conducted in the Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh. Hundred farmers were selected randomly from ten villages namely Gautma, Gersa, Ishwarpur, Jampali, Katkaliya, Kendatikra, Kahirbahar, Nawagaon, Salheona, Sithra. The primary data were collected for the year 2013-14. The major findings of this study revealed that the average size of holding of the sample households was 3.19 hectares. Production performance of major pulses (pigeon pea, black gram, green gram, lathyrus and horse gram) during study period (2001-02 to 2011-12) was observed negative and non-significant growth in Raigarh district except area, production and productivity of pigeon pea and production of black gram and horse gram as well as productivity of black gram, green gram and horse gram was found positive. In Chhattisgarh state (during 2001-02 to 2011-12), growth in area, production and productivity of above pulse crops was observed negative and non significant except area production and productivity of pigeon pea and productivity of black gram and lathyrus. This was mainly due to negative and non-significant growth in area and production of major pulses. Paddy, pigeon pea, green gram, black gram, lathyrus, groundnut and mustard were the major crops in the study area. Cost of production per quintal of major pulses showed decreasing trend with the increase in farm size, where as cost of cultivation increased with the increase in farm size. Per hectare major pulses production and input-output ratio increased with the increase in farm size. The two marketing channels were identified for the marketing of major pulses: Channel-I: Producer – Village merchant. Channels-II: Producer – consumer. The major constraints pertaining to cultivation of major pulses were lack of technical knowledge, followed by low adoption of recommended package practices of crops and lack of financing. Constraints of marketing of major pulses were lack of regulated or cooperative market followed by lack of market intelligence and lack of storage facility. Study suggested establishing the regulated or cooperative market in Raigarh district and imparting the technical knowledge and extension support so that farmers can adopt improved technologies with assured irrigation facilities. It is essential to adopt the production system approach by linking the production technology, credit and marketing of major pulses, the study suggested.

Insect Pest Management in Stored Pulses: an Overview

Pulses, which constitute an important part in the daily diet of mostly the vegetarian population, suffer a great damage by insects during storage. In this review, different control measures such as chemical treatment, physical treatment, and biological control of insects in stored pulses are discussed in brief. Chemicals like methyl bromide, malathion, and dichlorvos are being phased out. In these circumstances, new age chemicals like carbonyl sulfide and sulfuryl fluoride are gaining acceptance. Carbon dioxide and biogas generated from cow dung can be used as fumigation measures. Natural products like vegetable oil, inert dusts, plant extracts like essential oils, lectins, proteins, and leaf powders, which have insecticidal and antimicrobial activity, have been used as fumigants for traditional storage worldwide. Simple technologies like sun drying and repeated sieving can be adopted by small-scale farmers and traders. Maintaining low oxygen, high carbon dioxide, or pure nitrogen atmosphere in the storage environment is also proving to be beneficial preventive methods. Hot air and irradiation are being used, while dielectric heating is still in the stage of development in many of the developed countries for insect control. Developing countries are beginning to consider the use of these methods to control stored product insects.

Freeze drying for microencapsulation of α‐linolenic acid rich oil: A functional ingredient from Lepidium sativum seeds

Lipids rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are of great importance to the food industry. However, due to unsaturation they are highly prone to rancidity, thereby presenting an enormous technological challenge. Emulsification and subsequent microencapsulation of oil forms a protective micro‐environment for these bioactives. Further, freeze drying of emulsified lipids is used to enhance shelf‐life of the dietary targets. In the current study, α‐linolenic acid (ALA) rich oil from Lepidium sativum seed was stabilized through microencapsulation by freeze drying. O/W emulsion was prepared using a combination of gum ghatti, gum arabic, and soy protein isolate. Thereafter induced coacervates were lyophilized by the batch method in a tray dryer. The encapsulation procedure was optimized by the central composite design, through variation of parameters such as the ratio between gum and soy protein isolate (SPI), wall and core and the speed of homogenization. The response was measured in terms of microencapsulation efficiency (MEE) with the maxima of 81.11% for the parameter values of Gum:SPI at 0.32, Wall:Core at 2 and homogenization speed of 10 000 rpm. The prepared emulsion was characterized through ζ‐potential, viscosity, and droplet size measurements while the encapsulated product was deliberated through Raman spectroscopy and aw evaluations.Practical applications: Dietary requirement of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is seldom met by a vegetarian diet and therefore for the benefit of the vegetarian population, novel food products incorporating vegetarian PUFA need to be developed. However, rancidity is a major problem encountered while working on unsaturated molecules. Thus to gain maximum benefit from these functional lipids one needs to design stable bioavailable ingredients. With this in mind, the focus of the current study was formulation and process optimization to obtain encapsulated oil. Freeze drying process for microencapsulation leads to superior quality capsules due to the low temperature conditions. In this way L. sativum seed oil was explored for the first time to develop α‐linolenic acid rich bioactive ingredient.Microencapsulation of PUFA rich oil by freeze drying. In the current study α‐linolenic acid rich oil was extracted from Lepidium sativum and processed into a functional ingredient by freeze drying. Soxhlet extracted oil along with SPI, gum arabic, and gum ghatti was utilized for formation of coacervates. Encapsulated oil in the form of coacervates was then dehydrated to form microcapsules in a freeze dryer. The capsules were then analyzed for microencapsulation efficiency and capsule composition. The optimized capsules can be used to deliver α‐linolenic acid rich oil in novel targeted food products.

A comparative analysis of body fat percentage and incidence of essential hypertension and type-2 diabetes mellitus in a vegetarian and non-vegetarian population

Background: Obesity is identified as a complex multifactorial disorder and a notable growing global problem. Body fat percentage (BFP) is more reliable method as compared to BMI for assessing the risk of developing disease. Essential hypertension and Type-2 diabetes mellitus are both associated with adiposity. Aims & Objective: In this study, we planned to observe the association, if any, of raised BFP levels in strict-vegetarians and comparatively analyzed with non-vegetarians in context to the indicated diseases. Materials and Methods: After getting approval from ethical review committee of the Aga Khan University for this Random, Cross sectional and population based study, 563 subjects were selected randomly (males 295, females 268, strict-vegetarians n= 324 (58.0%), non-vegetarian n=235 (42.0%) in 2012 from Tharparker, Pakistan. We recorded demographic and anthropometric data, presence of blood pressure, type-2 diabetes mellitus and co-morbidities. Analysis of BFP was carried out by Deurenberg formula. Level of BFP >20 in males and > 25 in females was taken as raised/abnormal. Data was analyzed descriptively and categorically by using SPSS-21 for comparative analysis of prevalence of the essential hypertension (EHTN) and Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Comparative analysis of association of raised levels of BFP was carried out in context to EHTN and T2DM in vegetarian and non-vegetarian population. A p-Value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Vegetarian subjects, n= 324 (58.0%), showed minimum age as 15 years; maximum 82 (mean 39.6, Std. Deviation 16.6). Non-vegetarian subjects, n= 235 (42.0%), had minimum age 10 years; maximum 76 years (mean 33.7, Std. Deviation 15.5). More male subjects had raised BFP (270 = 94.7%) than females (129 = 49%), p-Value 0.000. Despite positive association of raised BFP levels with EHTN and T2DM, the comparative analysis of association of raised BFP levels among the vegetarian and non-vegetarian cohort in relation to both EHTN and T2DM showed non-significant p-Values (0.105 and 0.347 respectively). Conclusion: Raised body fat percentage in the strict-vegetarian and non-vegetarian cohorts showed a non-significant association to produce essential hypertension and type-2 diabetes mellitus. Findings point to some other risk factors which could be responsible to produce the disease in the studied cohorts. Doing exercise and reducing caloric intake is strongly advised as the best measure to maintain a normal phenotype.

Evidence for a possible dietary effect on the isotopic composition of Zn in blood via isotopic analysis of food products by multi-collector ICP-mass spectrometry

In this work, the hypothesis of a possible dietary effect on the isotopic composition of Zn in blood from populations with different feeding habits, i.e. lacto-ovo vegetarians and omnivores, was investigated through isotopic analysis of Zn in common food products by multi-collector ICP - mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). Several certified reference materials (CRMs) were also included in the sample set for comparison purposes. For these CRMs, the isotopic composition of Zn is expressed as δ-values, calculated with respect to both IRMM-3702 and JMC-ZnLyon, as isotopic standards. The range of δ(66)Zn values observed in food products was approximately 1.9‰. In general, vegetables, cereals and derived products showed an enrichment of the heavier Zn isotopes, whereas a depletion was observed in products of animal origin (meat, fish, egg and semi-skimmed milk), relative to human blood samples. Mussel, however, showed a significant enrichment of the heavier isotopes, which is hypothetically attributed to its accumulation behaviour. Thus, the lower δ(66)Zn values found in food products of animal origin appear to be reflected in the lower δ(66)Zn value observed in blood from an omnivorous population compared to that for a vegetarian population.

Transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) chickpea: India’s most wanted genetically modified (GM) pulse crop

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is grown widely in India because the seeds are rich source of protein for the vegetarian population of country. However, chickpea cultivation is declining over the period of time due to heavy incidences of pests and diseases.Helicoverpa armigera is a major pest in the field and non-availability of resistant varieties lead to heavy losses of yield per year. Crop management practices such as application of bio-pesticides, insecticides and integrated pest management are less effective to control this devastating pest. Breeding for development of resistant lines is restricted by lack of resistant sources within the gene pool. Therefore, application of gene technology for chickpea improvement appears to be appropriate approach for development of Helicoverpa resistant lines. Genetic transformation of chickpea using various versions of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal genes have been carried out and found to confer resistance to pod borers in the laboratory bioassays. The most preferred genetically modified (GM) chickpea for field release is pyramided lines having two or more Bt genes with diverse mode of action for effective management ofHelicoverpa. Here we discuss about the rationale for generation of Bt chickpea to enhance production. Key words: Chickpea, Bacillus thuringiensis, genetically modified (GM) pulse crop.

Microbial Conversion of Plant Based Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) To Long Chain PUFA and Its Identification by Gas Chromatography

Background: Omega-3-fatty acids are essential fatty acids necessary for various human health aspects. Humans can get Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA) from plants and can convert to LCPUFAs, but to very less extent. LCPUFAs can be obtained only from fish oil which is not acceptable by vegetarian population. Hence, there is a need of an alternative process for LCPUFA production either from microorganisms or by biological engineering method using plant oil containing ALA. But plant oils also contain Linoleic Acid (LA) which forms Arachidonic Acid (AA) which is pro-inflammatory. Hence, to avoid conversion of LA to AA, ALA can be isolated prior to microbial conversion. Objective: Hence the objective of the present study was to isolate ALA from plant oil by simple method of column chromatography and convert to LCPUFA by microbial transformation. Experimental methods: ALA was isolated from rice bran oil by column chromatography. Fungal strain of Mortierella alpina was inoculated into GY medium containing three different concentrations of isolated ALA followed by incubation at 20á´¼C for 8 and 15 days. The isolated ALA and microbially converted EPA were identified by TLC and GC. Results: In 10% ALA concentration, maximum conversion to EPA was found on 8th day. The EPA in medium was identified and confirmed by TLC and GC compared with reference standard. Conclusion: The technique of isolation of ALA from plant oil by column chromatography and its microbial conversion to EPA was found to be simple, less time consuming and effective which can be successfully applied to any oil containing ALA to get significant yield of EPA. This can be the good alternative to fish oil for EPA production.

Optimization of an effective growth medium for culturing probiotic bacteria for applications in strict vegetarian food products

Background: This study aimed to modify de Man Rogosa Sharpe culture medium (termed MRS) for selective cultivation of probiotics strain for the consumption by the strictly vegetarian human population. Vegetarian probiotic foods by definition must be free from all animal-derived ingredients. This not only includes the product ingredients but the probiotic inoculum as well. Probiotic starter cultures are traditionally grown and stored in media containing milk or meat-derived ingredients. The presence of these ingredients makes the probiotic cell concentrates unsuitable for use in vegetarian products and thus creates the need for a growth medium which is free from animal-derived ingredients. Present study investigated the growth of a strain of Lactobacillus lactis in MRS. The present invention relates in general to a bacterial culture media, and more specifically a complex microbial culture media, based on plant seed powder extract in place of animal extract for probiotic bacterial growth.Methods: Lactobacillus lactis, a probiotic, was grown in standard MRS culture medium as well as in our various test media (TM) containing various vegetal source in place of beef extract, yeast extract and peptone as in case of MRS. The inoculated culture mediums were incubated at 37C for 72 hours and growth of probiotic is recorded at regular intervals. The growth was recorded as Colony Forming Units (CFUs).Results: The best growth of probiotic is observed in TM 2. TM 2 is the leguminous seed extract. Starter culture mediums for probiotics or other bacteria primarily contain protein from animal source. The possibility of using vegetal protein from TM 2 extract in place of peptones and meat extract for the nitrogen supplementation of culture media for the growth of lactic acid bacteria has been demonstrated. Conclusion: The absolute vegetarian culture medium containing TM 2 is better than standard MRS for the growth of probiotics.Abbreviations: de Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS), Colony Forming Units (CFU), test media (TM), National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Tamarind seed powder (TSP), solid-state fermentation (SSF), Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS)Keywords: probiotics, lactic acid bacteria, vegetarian

Heel bone mass of a young South Indian population with a Nigerian population residing in a South Indian suburban neighborhood: a comparative study

This cross-sectional cohort emphasized the impact of heel bone mass in the South Indian population and its comparison with Nigerian ethnicity, residing in South India. Peak bone mass, however, evidenced a significant decrease of around 30% compared to that of Nigerian ethnicity. In the South Indian population, the local folks do not seem to be well informed about the relative association of bone mass with osteoporosis. Hence, there is an acute necessity to assess the same with respect to the ethnic population, presumed to have possessed high bone mass, i.e., the Nigerian population. The calcaneus of the right foot was measured with a quantitative ultrasound device (Sahara, Hologic Inc., USA) for a total population of 734, out of which 314 were Indian males, 348 Indian females, 41 Nigerian males, and 30 Nigerian females, whose ages ranged from 18 to 35 years. The peak bone mass in Indian males and females is 0.507 ± 0.1 and 0.479 ± 0.1 g cm(-2), respectively, and it is 0.714 ± 0.2 and 0.682 ± 0.2 g cm(-2) with regard to Nigerian male and female populations, respectively. Indian males and females who were within the age group of 26-30 and ≤ 20 years, respectively, represented high bone mass, and the same was the situation with respect to Nigerian counterparts who were within the age group of 21-25 years. Indian and Nigerian non-vegetarian population of both the genders demonstrated a high significance value of p < 0.000001, deciphered by means of unpaired t test. Peak bone strength was dominant in the Nigerian population compared to that of Indians. The Indian population is approximately lagging by 28-30% with respect to peak bone mass behind their Nigerian equivalents. Indian non-vegetarian male and female populations lagged by 6.15% and 6.16% behind the Indian vegetarian male and female populations, respectively.

Validation of self-reported anthropometrics in the Adventist Health Study 2

BackgroundRelying on self-reported anthropometric data is often the only feasible way of studying large populations. In this context, there are no studies assessing the validity of anthropometrics in a mostly vegetarian population. The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of self-reported anthropometrics in the Adventist Health Study 2 (AHS-2).MethodsWe selected a representative sample of 911 participants of AHS-2, a cohort of over 96,000 adult Adventists in the USA and Canada. Then we compared their measured weight and height with those self-reported at baseline. We calculated the validity of the anthropometrics as continuous variables, and as categorical variables for the definition of obesity.ResultsOn average, participants underestimated their weight by 0.20 kg, and overestimated their height by 1.57 cm resulting in underestimation of body mass index (BMI) by 0.61 kg/m2. The agreement between self-reported and measured BMI (as a continuous variable), as estimated by intraclass correlation coefficient, was 0.97. The sensitivity of self-reported BMI to detect obesity was 0.81, the specificity 0.97, the predictive positive value 0.93, the predictive negative value 0.92, and the Kappa index 0.81. The percentage of absolute agreement for each category of BMI (normoweight, overweight, and obese) was 83.4%. After multivariate analyses, predictors of differences between self-reported and measured BMI were obesity, soy consumption and the type of dietary pattern.ConclusionsSelf-reported anthropometric data showed high validity in a representative subsample of the AHS-2 being valid enough to be used in epidemiological studies, although it can lead to some underestimation of obesity.

Effects of Altered Maternal Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 and Docosahexaenoic Acid on Placental Global DNA Methylation Patterns in Wistar Rats

Potential adverse effects of excess maternal folic acid supplementation on a vegetarian population deficient in vitamin B12 are poorly understood. We have previously shown in a rat model that maternal folic acid supplementation at marginal protein levels reduces brain omega-3 fatty acid levels in the adult offspring. We have also reported that reduced docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels may result in diversion of methyl groups towards DNA in the one carbon metabolic pathway ultimately resulting in DNA methylation. This study was designed to examine the effect of normal and excess folic acid in the absence and presence of vitamin B12 deficiency on global methylation patterns in the placenta. Further, the effect of maternal omega 3 fatty acid supplementation on the above vitamin B12 deficient diets was also examined. Our results suggest maternal folic acid supplementation in the absence of vitamin B12 lowers plasma and placental DHA levels (p<0.05) and reduces global DNA methylation levels (p<0.05). When this group was supplemented with omega 3 fatty acids there was an increase in placental DHA levels and subsequently DNA methylation levels revert back to the levels of the control group. Our results suggest for the first time that DHA plays an important role in one carbon metabolism thereby influencing global DNA methylation in the placenta.

Impact of food consumption habits on the pesticide dietary intake: Comparison between a French vegetarian and the general population

This study aims to compare the pesticide residue dietary intake of the French general population and the vegetarian population, separated into five specific diets: omnivorous (OMN), lacto-vegetarian (LV), ovo-lacto-vegetarian (OLV), pesco-lacto-vegetarian (PLV) and vegan (VG). Theoretical Maximum Daily Intakes (TMDIs) based on Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) were calculated as a percentage of the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). Among the 421 pesticides studied, only 48 had TMDI above ADI for at least one population subgroup. An excessive exposure was noticed for 44, 43, 42, 41 and 30 pesticides in the OLV, VG, OMN, LV and PLV groups, respectively, versus 29 in the general population. Meat and egg products consumption was responsible for higher intakes of organochlorine pesticides in the general population than in the vegetarian population (TMDI = 348% versus 146–183% ADI for aldrin). However, as the limited consumption of animal-origin commodities was largely offset by a higher fruit, vegetable and cereal intake in the vegetarian diets, vegetarians appear to be preferentially exposed to pesticides, for which fruit, vegetables and cereals are the main contributors, such as tri-allate, chlorpyrifos-methyl and diazinon. This study illustrates that consumption habits have a real impact on pesticide exposure in terms of intake levels, number and type of pesticides, representing a potential risk of dietary exposure. Except for organochlorine compounds, the vegetarian population may be more exposed to pesticide residues than the general population due to specific dietary habits. Thus, this population should be considered for risk assessment of pesticide residues.

Content of Higher Fatty Acids in Green Vegetables

Green vegetables are considered an important source of some nutritionally important constituents that have health benefits (e.g. vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibre). Epidemiological data suggest that consuming a diet rich in fruit and vegetables can lower the risks for chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Over the past 100–150 years, there have been enormous increases in the consumption of omega-6 fatty acids due to the increased intake of vegetable oils from various seeds. Studies have indicated that a high intake of omega-6 fatty acids shifts the physiological state to one that is prothrombotic and pro-aggregatory, whereas omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, anti-arrhythmic, hypolipidemic and vasodilatory properties. Literature data regarding the contents of higher fatty acids (e.g. omega-6 fatty acids) in vegetables are scarce, although vegetables are known to contain a high proportion of n-3 fatty acids. Here, the fatty acid content and composition was determined for 26 green vegetables that are commonly available in Slovenia, by gas-liquid chromatography and &lt;I&gt;in situ&lt;/I&gt; transesterification. The fatty acid analysis revealed C16:0, C16:1, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2n-6 and C18:3n-3. The total fatty acid content in the vegetables ranged from 500 mg/100 g fresh weight (f.w.) in red cabbage, to 4.000 mg/100 g f.w. in tarragon. The proportion of saturated fatty acids (as g/100 g total fatty acids) ranged from 12% to 35%. All of the vegetables contained a high proportion of poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), ranging from 45% to 81% of total fatty acids. The omega-3 PUFA proportion ranged from 5% in carrot to 60% in tarragon. The content of mono-unsaturated fatty acids ranged from 1% to 25%. French beans, tarragon and radish sprouts contained the highest concentrations of C16:1, at 5 mg/100 g f.w. Consumption of 100 g of tarragon meets 13.2% of daily requirements for &amp;alpha;-linolenic acid; similarly, for radish sprouts 9.4%, for mangold 6.9%, for ruccola 5.4%, for green salad 5.0%, and for kale 4.7%. Green vegetables are an important source of 18:3n-3 PUFAs, especially for vegetarian populations.

The aspects of ageing of immune response in vegetarian and omnivore women populations

The aspects of ageing of immune response in vegetarian and omnivore women populations

Prevalence of Dental Caries among the Population of Gwalior (India) in Relation of Different Associated Factors

India is unique in entire world due to variety of dietary habits in population. Many people of India follow totally vegetarian life style through their entire life time due to some religious and cultural reasons. Present study tried to analyze the role of different factors in the occurrence of dental caries including dietary habit. Persons suffering with dental caries were examined for the type of dental caries in relation to different factors. Dental examination was performed and patients were asked a questionnaire and the data was recorded and analyzed. Incidence of dental caries was higher in female. High number of dental caries patients was observed among vegetarian population. 21-30 year age group was found to be most infected with dental caries. This study can be helpful to analyze respective role of different dietary factors including protein rich diet, age, gender etc. on the prevalence of dental caries, which can be helpful to counteract the potential increase in the cases of dental caries and to design and plan preventive strategies for the persons at greatest risk.

The effect of four different types of diet on the bioavailability of loracarbef

This randomized open-label single-dose crossover pharmacokinetic study was carried out to assess the effect of different diets on the bioavailability of loracarbef in 24 healthy male volunteers. A single dose of loracarbef in 200-mg tablet form was administered at 5 different times: after overnight fasting, after two vegetarian (high-fat and low-fat) diets, and following two non-vegetarian (high-fat and low-fat) diets. Serial blood samples were collected up to 10 h post-dose. Serum loracarbef concentrations were determined by a validated high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. Area under curve (AUC) values were significantly affected only by non-vegetarian diets; however the time to reach maximum serum concentration (Tmax) was prolonged and the maximum serum concentration (Cmax was decreased by all types of meals. The non-vegetarian diets affected the rate of absorption of loracarbef more than the vegetarian diets. The lowest decrease in Cmax was produced by the high-fat vegetarian diet, while the maximum was produced by the low-fat non-vegetarian diet. The results of this study indicate that while the rate of loracarbef absorption is significantly decreased by all diets, the extent of absorption is only reduced significantly by the non-vegetarian diets. The rate of elimination (k(el)) was not found to be significantly decreased by any of the diets. As compared to the high-fat non-vegetarian diet, the time beyond minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC90) concentration was significantly increased by the high-fat vegetarian diet. The implications of these findings for the large Indian vegetarian population are considerable.

Association of micronutrient status with subclinical health complaints in lactovegetarian adults

Background: Micronutrient malnutrition has many adverse effects on human health, not all of which may beclinically evident.Objective: To explore linkages between subclinical health complaints and micronutrient status inlactovegetarian Indian adults.Design: Health was assessed in 502 lactovegetarian adults (275 men, 227 women, aged 30.6±9 years) using astructured questionnaire for existing complaints with severity of symptoms on a four-point scale andmorbidity over the preceding month. Subjects were categorized as having no complaints (NC), or complaintsof mild (MI) or moderate (MD) degree, using cluster analysis. Diet was recorded by a semi-quantitative foodfrequency questionnaire and nutrient intakes were computed using standard databases. Levels ofhaemoglobin, vitamin C, retinol, ceruloplasmin, riboflavin (EGRAC), folic acid, vitamin B&lt;sub&gt;12&lt;/sub&gt; and erythrocytemembrane zinc (RBCMZn) in blood were estimated.Results: Health complaints of a mild and moderate degree were observed in 30.5% and 24.7% of the subjects,respectively. Average dietary intakes of β-carotene, riboflavin, iron and zinc were observed to be only abouthalf of the recommended dietary intakes. There was a decreasing trend in micronutrient intakes from NC toMD. Intakes of iron, zinc, niacin and thiamin of men from the MI group tended to be lower than in the NCgroup (&lt;italic&gt;p&lt;/italic&gt;&lt;0.1). . Men from the MD group had significantly lower intakes of calcium, zinc and riboflavin thanthose from the NC group (&lt;italic&gt;p&lt;/italic&gt;&lt;0.05). . The intakes of these nutrients in women from NC, MI and MD were notsignificantly different. Multinomial logistic regression of health status revealed that plasma vitamin C andRBCMZn were negatively associated with MD and RBCMZn with MI.Conclusions: The study indicates a need to increase micronutrient intakes of vegetarian populations, especiallyregarding vitamin C and zinc for maintenance of health.