Nutritional status of patients with celiac disease in Oran pediatric clinic

Introduction Celiac disease (CD) is an enteropathy that requires a gluten-free diet (GFD), a restriction often generating nutritional imbalances Objective. to assess the nutritional status of a pediatric CD population. Population and methods. Among 84 CD patients recruited, 64 were retained (37 F/27M) and aged 1-<17 years old (1-<5 y (n=24), 5-<10 y (n=17), and 10-<17 y (n=23)). The anthropometric measurements, parents education level and profession were collected. Eating habits, GFD quality, daily energy expenditure (DEE) were evaluated. Food consumption was estimated by a 24 hour recall, followed by a 3 day record. Results were compared to the recommended intakes (RI). Results. Nine % of 1-<5 y CD were thin, and 19% were overweight/obese. Significant improvement of body mass index (BMI) z-score was noted in CD girls (p<0.0001), and boys (p<0.01), after GFD. Non-existent breakfast was noted in 23% of children and 22% of adolescents. Sugary drinks consumption was observed in 38% of 1-<5 y infants, and snacking was found in 79% of them, as well as, in half of 5-<10 y, and 10-<17 y population. Twenty six % of adolescents had GFD voluntary deviations. Energy balance (total energy intake (TEI) - DEE) was positive in 5-<10 y, and negative in 10-<17 y. In all CD population, breakfast energy intake was lower than RI, but was important for snack time, also during morning snack in 1-<5 y and 5-<10 y infants. Simple carbohydrates and saturated fatty acids intakes were higher than RI, and iron and vitamin (Vit.) D deficiency was noted in CD population. Adolescents had low calcium and zinc intakes. Conclusion. The studied CD pediatric population presents some nutritional imbalances, requiring a dietary monitoring.

Phytochemical components and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oils from native Tunisian Thymus capitatus and Rosmarinus officinalis

Introduction. Essential oils and their components are currently of great interest as a potential source of highly bioactive natural molecules. They are being studied for their possible use as safe alternative for food protection against oxidation and microbial spoilage. Objective. This study aimed on the phytochemical prospection of Thymus capitatus and Rosmainus officinalis essential oils and their oral toxicity evaluation. Material and methods. Chemical analysis of tested essential oils was carried out using gas chromatography combined to mass spectroscopic (GC-MS). Their safety limit was evaluated by acute toxicity. The antioxidant activity was estimated using in vitro methods. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against twelve pathogenic germs. Results. Results showed that carvacrol and 1,8-cineol were the major compounds of Thymus capitatus and Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils. Acute toxicity results exhibited that both tested essential oils were inoffensive at 2000 mg/kg. Additionally, Thymus capitatus essential oil presented higher antioxidant activity than Rosmarinus officinalis: 2,2-diphényl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay results showed lower IC50 for Thymus capitatus essential oil than Rosmarinus officinalis. Concerning the antimicrobial results, Thymus capitatus essential oil presented greater efficacy than R. officinalis. Indeed, the minimal growth inhibition diameter generated by thyme essential oil exceeded 38 mm (except for Salmonella typhirium) and reached 60 mm (against C. tropicalis and C. albicans). However, the maximal growth inhibition diameter generated by R. officinalis essential oil was limited to 36 mm (against Shigella sonnei). Conclusion. Overall, Thymus capitatus and Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils have strong potential applicability for pharmaceutical industries.

Screening for malnutrition in an elderly population hospitalized at the University Hospital Center of Sidi-Bel-Abbès (West Algeria)

roduction. Undernutrition is a major public health problem and has many consequences for the elderly health. Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in an elderly population hospitalized in the Internal Medicine Service of the University Hospital of Sidi Bel Abbes (western Algeria). Population and methods. This was a cross-sectional study, including patients aged 65 years and older. The evaluation was based on the anthropometric parameters (body weight, height, body mass index (BMI)), serum albumin level, and the score of Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) screening. Results. The study included 129 patients, who 49.61% were females. The average age was 75.1±7.5 years. The most common disease was diabetes (51%) followed by hypertension (49%). The average stay length in the hospital was 7.3±3.4 days, and a mean drugs intake of 4.1±1.9 drugs per patient. The average BMI was 23.7±4.8 kg/m2 with an average albumin rate of 34.1±6.7 g/L. The screening tools such as BMI and serum albumin revealed respectively 26.2% and 58.9% of malnourished elderly. The score of MNA screening showed that 51.2% of patients were at risk of malnutrition and 37.2% were malnourished. Conclusion. The nutritional risk and the prevalence of malnutrition for this elderly population are significant and constitute a real public health problem.

Dietary intakes of an Algerian pregnant women population

Introduction. Nutrition during pregnancy has a significant impact on women health, but also on the long-term health of their offspring. There are a few national data on the usual dietary intake of pregnant women. Objective. To assess the nutritional intake of pregnant population by the 24-hour dietary recall method repeated over 3 days. Population and methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out using a questionnaire among 100 pregnant women receiving prenatal care at a major mother and child specialized hospital in the Wilaya of Sidi-Bel-Abbés (Algeria). Results. The average intakes of energy, fats and carbohydrates were lower than the recommendations, while those of proteins and dietary fibers were higher. In most women, protein needs were covered whereas carbohydrates and lipids needs were not covered. Proteins represented 16.7%, carbohydrate 55.1% and lipids 28.2% of total energy intake (TEI). Contribution of food groups to TEI was as follows: cereal-based products 23.5%, fruits and vegetables 15.2%, dairy products 15%, sweet products 14.7% and meats 12.6%. Average intakes observed in micronutrients were lower than nutritional requirements, except for vitamins (Vit.) C, B6, B12, beta-carotene, and retinol. More than 40% of women were below the recommendations for Vit. C, D, A, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, magnesium, calcium and iron. Conclusion. Pregnancy is a privileged moment for carrying out awareness raising actions in nutrition area. Therefore, it should be used to provide advice in favor of a healthy diet and maintaining physical activity in this population.

Role of the Gut Microbiota in Celiac Disease: An Update

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic, autoimmune disease secondary to the gluten ingestion, or more specifically gliadin molecules, developing in genetically predisposed individuals. Recent metagenomic and metabolomic studies provide unprecedented information on the major involvement of the gut microbiota in CD. In this review, we describe the main features of the gut microbiota interfering with the onset and development of CD, as well as its potential implication in CD prevention.

Adherence to gluten-free diet and celiac disease management in patients of Batna city

Celiac disease is treated by following a lifelong strict gluten-free diet. It is practically difficult to follow this diet and patient requires appropriate management. Objective. The aim of the study was to assess adherence to the gluten-free diet and the management of celiac disease in patients of Batna city. Population and methods. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out with 110 patients from Batna city. A questionnaire was established to collect socio-demographic and clinical data, and information on gluten-free diet adherence, and on celiac disease management. Results. Good adherence to gluten-free diet was found in most patients (78%). Patients age, socio-professional level, as well as disease duration had a significant positive effect on gluten-free diet adherence. More than half of patients carried out dietetic and medical consultations. All patients inquired about the disease and its diet, even though they were not members of a celiac association. Education about the disease and treatment of complications were the main components of celiac disease management. Conclusion. Despite the good adherence to the gluten-free diet, noted in most patients, awareness and education of patients and their families about the celiac disease and its management is very important.

Diets quality: synthesis of methods based on nutritional indexes and scores

Food quality scores and indexes are simple but effective tools for the overall diets assessment. It has been shown that they are closely linked to the suitability of these diets for nutritional recommendations, and that they correctly reflect their quality. These indexes have also proven to be good indicators of household food security, as well as children nutritional status, especially their growth. The use of these scores and indexes has been very successful in both developed, and developing countries, after several efforts to harmonize their calculation methods. The diet quality index methodology focuses on dietary diversity, or on adequacy to nutritional recommendations. Among these, several scores, and indexes have been developed to assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The aim of this review is to present the different nutritional scores and indexes developed worldwide, and in the Mediterranean region to assess the diets quality.

Food intake in salt by the senegalese population: consumption scenarii.

Introduction. In Senegal, 29.8% of adults are known to have hypertension. Among all the dietary factors causing this disease, salt and its impact on blood pressure are by far the best documented. Objective. The objective of this study was to estimate the dietary salt intake of Senegalese populations on the basis of scenarios consumption. Material and methods. This was an estimate of the amount of salt that could be consumed by a resident of Dakar and Mékhé (Thiès). For that, the analytical data relating to the salt content of the most commonly consumed millet and rice dishes were correlated with those relating to the available food consumption habits. Results. The consumption scenarios revealed that Dakar as well as Thiès resident consumed between 8.81 and 32.34g of salt by day, i.e. 176.2 to 646.8% of the guide value of 5g of salt per day recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Conclusion. Overconsumption of salt is noted in Senegalese, with sodium intakes higher than the guide value recommended by the WHO.

Importance of time in traditional medicine: a case of three plants use of Togolese pharmacopoeia

Introduction. The effectiveness of folk medicine has been demonstrated by several studies. However, the chrono-toxicological aspect is barely addressed. Objective. The present study, conducted in the region of Kara in Togo, assessed the importance of the factor "time" in the use of 3 plants commonly used in traditional pharmacopoeia: Sarcocephalus latifolius, Jatropha multifida, and Blighia sapida. Material and methods. The methodology was based on ethnobotanical surveys, semi-structured individual interviews of 36 traditional healers using the three plants. Analysis of these data was based on consensus values (CV), and use values (UV). A chrono-toxicological assessment of their hydro-alcoholic extracts permitted to determine the impact of administration time on liver and kidney of Swiss albinos mice male. Results. The most used organs by traditional healers were roots (UV=0.62) for S. latifolius, bark (UV=0.53) for B. sapida, and leaves (0.66) for J. multifida. Malaria was the most treated disease with S. latifolius (CV=0.44), and J. multifida (CV=0.5). Haemorrhoid was cured with B. sapida (CV=0.28). Plant parts were harvested mainly in the morning (VC≥ 0.55). The most recommended dosing period was morning - evening for S. latifolius (VC=0.70), and B. sapida (VC=0.70), and only in the morning for J. multifida (VC=0.50). The hydro-alcoholic extracts administration of S. latifolius at 12H increased significantly mice liver weight. There was also a significant increase in liver weight in mice treated morning and evening by a hydro-alcoholic extract of J. multifida. Conclusion. Checking account of harvest time, and/or administration of phytomedicines will contribute to improve significantly the effectiveness of traditional medicine.

Major factors of hypovitaminosis D in unsupplemented children aged 6-12 years in an urban environment of Algiers

Introduction. Hypovitaminosis D is a global public health problem. It affects children of all ages. Objective. To determine the risk factors of hypovitaminosis D in children. Population and methods. Cross-sectional study of non-supplemented children (n=123), 54 girls, and 69 boys, aged between 6-12 years. The thresholds were defined as adequacy 30 ng/mL, and deficiency 10 ng/mL. Seasons, daily sunshine duration, gender, exogenous Vit. D intakes, phototype, and body mass index (BMI) were analysed. The study was carried out during 12 months (January 2018-January 2019) with samples taken during the four seasons. Results. The median age was 8.16 ±1.82 years. Hypovitaminosis D was noted in 79.6% versus 20.4% adequacy. The average BMI was 16.80 ± 3.29kg/m2 [11.89 -30.70]. Vit. D daily intakes < 400 IU/d was noted in 52.9% of children, 75.6% of them were insufficiently exposed to sun. After multivariate analysis, and adjustment, the influencing factors were seasons (pa <0,0001, OR=11.22), and sun exposure (pa <0,001, OR=3.56). The lowest rates were present in winter, and when sunshine was < 30 min/d. There was a significant negative correlation between Vit. D values and parathormone (PTH) rate (p <0,001, r= -0.49). Conclusion. There is a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in scholar age children. Sun exposure could be insufficient in this urban city. Children should have adequate outdoor activities with sunlight, according to Word Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Vit.D supplementation should be intensified, especially in winter, and diet should be enriched in Vit. D