Amino acid profile and scores of some selected traditional diets commonly consumed in northwest zone, Nigeria

Background and aims: Amino acids composition of local and regional dietary proteins determines the protein quality. The study was aimed at evaluating amino acid profiles of some selected traditional diets commonly consumed in Jigawa (JG), Kano (KN) and Katsina (KT) States, Northwest Zone-Nigeria. Methods: The selected prepared diets (four per state) include; JG Tuwon masara using white maize served with Kuka soup (JG TMW SWKS), JG Tuwon masara using yellow maize served with Kuka soup (JG TMY SWKS), JG Danwake served with groundnut oil and pepper (JG Danwake SWGOP), JG Moimoi, KN Tuwon masara using white maize served with Kuka soup (KN TMW SWKS), KN Tuwon masara using yellow maize served with Kuka soup (KN TMY SWKS), KN rice and beans served with groundnut oil and pepper (KN Rice and Beans SWGOP), KN Danwake served with groundnut oil and pepper (KN Danwake SWGOP), KT Tuwon masara using white maize served with Kuka soup (KT TMW SWKS), KT Tuwon masara using yellow maize served with Kuka soup (KT TMY SWKS), KT Danwake served with groundnut oil and pepper (KT Danwake SWGOP) and KT Dambu. The preparations were dried and grounded into powdered form and analyzed using standard methods. Results: The amino acid profile of the diets consumed in the three states show higher content of total non-essential amino acids (NEAA) compared with essential amino acids (EAA). The amino acid score of the prepared diets though higher than the standard amino acid score by WHO/FAO/UNU (2007), may support the normal growth of all age groups except lysine. The limiting amino acid score was found to be either lysine or SAA (cysteine + methionine) in all the 3 states’ diets. Histidine was found to have the highest score in all the diets except in JG Moimoi and KN Danwake served with groundnut oil and pepper (SWGOP) respectively. The low levels of lysine and SAA in some of the diets may be due to low contents of these amino acids in the ingredients used. Conclusion: This study showed that, the amino acid score of the prepared diets though higher than the standard amino acid score established by WHO/FAO/UNU may support the normal growth of infants, children as well as adults except lysine. Keywords: traditional diets, amino acids, amino acid profile, amino acid score.

Epidemiology, diagnosis, and assessment of diabetes mellitus in the elderly population: a purposive review

The elderly population with diabetes mellitus is rapidly growing worldwide and has become a major social burden with significant impact on health and economics. This social category requires considerations that are not traditionally associated with diabetes mellitus management. Several epidemiological studies have shown that the prevalence of diabetes mellitus increases with advancing age. According to the recent International Diabetes Federation (IDF) published data, the number of people with diabetes mellitus among those 65 and over has reached 136 million (19.3%) with more frequent diabetes mellitus complications and co-morbidities compared to the young counterparts. Cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of death and the quality of life is strongly impacted by geriatric syndromes such as poor vision, dementia and functional dependence. The elderly diabetic population is classified into three categories; the robust, the fragile and the patient at the end of life. In practical terms, they can also be classified into two categories: the autonomous patients and the dependent patients, requiring support and assistance. Keywords: diabetes mellitus, elderly, epidemiology, geriatric syndromes, geriatric evaluation.

Effects of the Withania somnifera supplementation on sports performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Withania somnifera has been used as an ergogenic resource in recent years. In this scenario, a systematic literature review is justified to compile the findings in the scientific literature and to evaluate the methodological quality of these investigations. Aims: Our objective with this review was to evaluate the effects of Withania somnifera supplementation on sports performance in physical exercise practitioners. Material and Methods: This systematic literature review with meta-analysis addresses the effects of Withania somnifera supplementation on sports performance. Results: Of the parameters evaluated in the articles, the maximum oxygen uptake was shown to improve significantly in the three studies in which it was evaluated. Maximum strength was not influenced by the supplementation. Conclusions: The results of the present systematic literature review showed evidence that the supplementation of Withania somnifera over 500 mg to 1,250 mg before or after exercise can improve physical performance. Keywords: Withania, Sports, Dietary Supplements, Athletic Performance.

Beetroot juice: effects on blood pressure, intraocular pressure, and ocular vessel density in healthy adults

Background: The blood pressure (BP)-lowering effect of beetroot is attributed to its high nitrate concentration, which converts to the vasodilator nitric oxide. Nitric oxide may also mediate ocular aqueous outflow to regulate intraocular pressure (IOP). Aims: We investigated the effect of beetroot juice on IOP and ocular vessel density. Subjects and Methods: With a single-blind, crossover design, 19 healthy young adults participated on 2 days 1 week apart. On Visit 1, baseline IOP, BP, and ocular vessel density (optical coherence tomography angiography, disc, and macula) were measured. Three hours after consumption of 16 ounces of beetroot juice or water (randomly assigned), all measurements were repeated. On Visit 2, baseline and 3-hour post-consumption measurements were assessed, with each subject consuming the drink not ingested on Visit 1. Results: Paired-samples t-test showed 1) no difference in IOP change post-water vs post-beet root juice (P = 0.27), and 2) mean systolic and diastolic BPs were lower only post-beet root juice (systolic: -4.8 (SEM ± 2.1) mm Hg, P = 0.032, 95% CI (0.47, 9.11); diastolic: -6.2 (SEM± 1.4) mm Hg, P <0.001, 95% CI (3.27, 9.15)). Superficial vessel density was significantly lower in several macular regions post-beet root juice, but not post-water (Wilcoxon signed ranks test, immediately superior, inferior, and temporal to center; respective P values of 0.016, 0.035, and 0.046). Conclusions: Beetroot juice lowers BP and macular vessel density, but does not lower IOP in young, healthy adults. Further investigation into its effect on IOP and vessel density in glaucomatous eyes is warranted. Keywords: beetroot, blood pressure, intraocular pressure, vessel density.

Talbina as a functional food and a source of health-beneficial ingredients: a narrative review

During the past two decades, several researchers have claimed that traditional foods are healthier products and better sources of micronutrients. Talbina is a well-known traditional food in North Africa, Middle East and South East Asia. Talbina is made by adding 1-2 tablespoons of barley (100% wholegrain barley) to cup of water. Cook on low heat for15 minutes in a water bath. After that a cup of Laban (fermented milk) or milk is added. It can be sweetened with honey. This broth can be used as a stock for soups or stews or as a thickener. Talbina is a healthy food helps in depression and stress relief. It has high antioxidant activity as well as anti-inflammatory. Its consumption regularly proves to be an effective and safe strategy for treating different chronic diseases. It is a rich source of different essential nutrients and antimicrobials, both of which have been linked to a reduction in chronic disease. However, Talbina has not been well studied or defined by the scientific community. This review defines Talbina and discusses the various bioactive compounds in this food and their health benefits. Keywords: Barley wholegrain; fermented milk; natural honey; functional food; nutraceutical ingredients.

Examination of traditional fermented food consumption and product awareness of university students in Istanbul, Turkey

Background: Traditional fermented foods (TFF), which display positive effects on health, constitute a part of the traditions of a region and have continuity over many years. Familiarity with a product and the naturalness of food are positively associated with general attitudes toward traditional food consumption. Aims: To determine university students’ awareness and consumption of TFF and related factors in Turkey. Subjects and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the faculties of Marmara University were stratified between January and June 2019, and a questionnaire on TFF consumption and related knowledge and attitudes was administered to 1,233 volunteer students selected using the random sampling method. The normality of data distribution was checked with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and the data were analyzed with the chi-square test. Results: The students were familiar with the majority of TFF, with the most common being yoghurt (91.8%) and cheese (88.7%), while hardaliye (27.1%) and olives (27.1%) were less known TFF products. The majority of the students (60.7-99.2%) consumed cheese, yoghurt, pickled olives, pickle, soudjouk, tarhana, vinegar, and butter. The TFF were habitually consumed as industrial products, except tarhana, pickle, and yoghurt. It was also determined that the TFF consumption did not change according to the season in 76.4% of the students, and it was affected by the consumption of parents, whether they lived with their family or alone (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The students showed high awareness of TTF consumption, which was influenced by parent’s consumption and lifestyles. To ensure the continuity of TFF consumption, positive attitudes and behaviors must be maintained. Keywords: Consumption, familiarity, fermented foods, industrial products, Turkey.

Determinants of overweight and obesity among adolescents in Zimbabwe: A scoping review

Background: Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern worldwide. Unfortunately, the health interventions remain biased towards addressing undernutrition. Aims: The study aimed to summarize the evidence on the determinants of obesity among adolescents in Zimbabwe. Methods: The Bronfenbrenner socio-ecological model (SEM) was used to classify these determinants: individual, social, environmental, and economic or government policies. The five-stage Arksey and O’Malley review methodology was used to formulate research questions, systematically search, and screen for relevant studies done between 2010 and 2020, data extraction, and summarizing the evidence. Google, PubMed, Google scholar, and United Nations websites were searched to identify relevant studies. The search yielded 22 results. Anthropometric indicators and the determinants assessed in each study were extracted. Results: Only 10 studies explored the determinants of obesity among adolescents in Zimbabwe. The risk of obesity was higher among older adolescents (16-19 years), particularly girls who reside in urban settings. Interestingly, girls had higher nutrition knowledge compared to boys. At the environmental level, fast food consumption, unhealthy snacking, low dietary diversity, carrying a packed lunchbox to school, and using non-active forms of transport to school was associated with obesity. In addition, having formally employed parents, and a small family size increased the odds of obesity. At the societal level, high family income and Christianity increased the rate of obesity. Economic instability appears to drive the availability and consumption of cheap unhealthy foods, particularly within the school environments. Conclusions: Adolescence is a critical stage where obesity starts to increase especially in girls as they graduate into adulthood. Sedentary lifestyles and the adoption of unhealthy dietary decisions appear to be exuberating this obesity problem in urban areas. School-based, family-oriented obesity prevention interventions which address gender discrepancies in eating habits and physical activity are recommended in these and related settings. Keywords: Adolescents, obesity, socio-ecological model, malnutrition, Zimbabwe.

Effect of traditional processing methods on protein digestibility and chemical constituents in seeds of Bauhinia petersiana

Background: Antinutritional factors present in food may reduce the bioavailability of nutrients and cause harmful effects to human health. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of traditional processing methods on protein digestibility, nutrient and antinutrient constituents of seeds of Bauhinia petersiana. Subjects and Methods: The seeds were processed by soaking in water, boiling or roasting before analyzing protein digestibility, nutrient and antinutrient compositions. Results: Soaking resulted in no significant changes in the content of moisture, protein, fiber, phytates and trypsin inhibitor activity and significant reductions in fat, ash and tannins. Roasting resulted in no significant change in the content of moisture, ash, protein, and fiber and significant reductions in fat, phytates and trypsin inhibitor activity. Boiling resulted in a significant increase in the content of both protein and fiber and reduction in fat, ash, tannins, phytates and trypsin inhibitor activity. Mineral content of zinc, magnesium and calcium was not changed by soaking, roasting or boiling of the seeds. The calculated phytate: zinc molar ratios for both the raw and processed seeds were greater than 10, the limit for optimal absorption of zinc in the small intestine whereas phytate: iron molar ratios were less than 14, the limit for optimum absorption of iron in the intestines. In vitro digestibility of proteins in the seeds was increased when the seeds were soaked, roasted or boiled. Conclusions: Boiling the seeds of B. petersiana before consumption would effectively remove undesirable antinutrients while maintaining the nutrient content of the seeds and improving digestibility of proteins. Keywords: Legume, nutrient, antinutrient, digestibility, phytate.

Sleep quality and its relationship with climacteric symptoms and quality of life in women on menopausal transition

Background: Climacteric syndrome, occurring during menopausal transition, plays a key role in the alteration of women's quality of life. Aims: This study investigated the relationship between perimenopausal symptoms, sleep quality, quality of life, and food behavior in women on menopausal transition in western Algeria. Subjects and Methods: The study included 131 perimenopausal women (Mean age = 48 ± 3 years). The climacteric syndrome and quality of life were assessed by the menopause rating scale (MRS) questionnaire. The quality of sleep was evaluated by the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and food consumption by the 24h recall method. Results: The mean score of psychological (9.63 ± 2.93) and somatic (10.74 ± 3.43) symptoms were significantly higher (p= 0.000) and the total score of MRS was 24 ± 6, which means that women have an impaired quality of life. A high significance (p= 0.000) was also noted in subscales scores of sleep components; sleep disturbances (1.69± 0.62), subjective sleep quality (1.55± 0.93), and sleep latency (1.40 ± 1.23), compared to other sleep components. Poor sleep quality was explained by a high score of PSQI (8 ± 4). The MRS subscale scores showed a significant correlation with total PSQI score (r =0.600, p=0.01). A positive energy balance was also recorded with a high protein (13% of TEI) and polyunsaturated fatty acids intake (33%) and low lipids (23% of TEI), monounsaturated fatty acids (41%), and animal protein intake (26%). Conclusions: Perimenopause is a difficult period in a woman's life, disrupting her quality of life and sleep quality leading to disturbances in eating behavior and body weight gain. Keywords: Climacteric symptoms, menopausal transition, quality of life, sleep quality, food behavior.