Effects of Daily Intake of Plant and Animal Oils on the Incidence of Depression in Adult Mice

Background: Depression is a complicated disturbance affected by a collection of biological and environmental factors. The first aim of psychiatric studies is to recognize biological markers that could be utilized to predict improvement and increase reactions to antidepressant treatments. Diet affects different aspects of health, including depression. The aim of study was to determine antidepressant-like effects of some consumable oils, the effects of oils on depression were compared. Methods: Thirty-two male and female mice (Mus musculus (BALB/c)) weighing 25- 35 g were randomly divided into 8 groups (4 mice in each group, 2 male and 2 female, A: Laden sunflower liquid oil, B: 50% vegetable oil + 50% olive oil, C: Kermanshah Rojin animal oil, D: Spring frying oil, E: Distilled water, F: BAHAR solid vegetable oil, G: Olive oil, H: 50% Kermanshah animal oil + 50% of olive oil). In different groups, 30 g of vegetable or animal oil was gavaged every day at 1:00 pm. Five types of vegetable and animal oils among the high consumption oils in the market were selected, including spring frying oil (used for several times in 305˚f, usually used in eastern Asia countries), Laden sunflower liquid oil, olive oil, Kermanshah Rojin animal oil, and BAHAR solid vegetable oil. After 6 weeks of using the oils diet, the forced swim test was utilized as a test of depression like behavior. Results: There was a significant difference between all groups (P < 0.0001). Based on the results, the latency time of immobility in group A significantly decreased in comparison with groups C (P ˂ 0.02), D (P ˂ 0.003), and G (P < 0.001). However, it increased in groups B and C compared to group H (P ˂ 0.02). Also, this parameter in group D increased significantly compared to groups E (P < 0.01), F (P < 0.05), and H (P < 0.002). Conclusion: The results indicated that olive oil had a preventive effect against forced swimming-induced depression-like symptoms.

The Effect of Urtica Dioica Extract on Blood Lipids Profile in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Double-blinded Clinical Trial

Background: Diabetes is an endocrine disorder that is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease. The use of alternative therapy has recently increased and medicinal plants are one of the alternative therapies for diabetic patients. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Urtica dioica (Nettle) on lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Method: This parallel randomized double-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 60 men and women with T2D for an 8-week period. The participants were randomly assigned to received 100mg/kg/day extract of Urtica Dioica (UG) and the placebo group (PG). Blood triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) were measured at baseline and end of the study. The data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 and P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean difference of total cholesterol showed no significant difference in the UG compared to the PG which were -10.56±40.5 and -19.5± 35.9 (P = 0.14), respectively. The study also showed no significant difference between TG and LDLc in the UG compared to the PG (-39.8±171.5 vs. -23.37±72.3 (P = 0.68) and -3.16±33.4 vs. -11.2±35.6 (P = 0.15), respectively). The mean difference of HDLc in the UG and PG were -2.68±8.11 and 2.62±10.6 (P = 0.05), respectively, indicating a significant increase in the UG compared to the PG. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that consumption of 100mg/kg/day extract of UD for 8 weeks by increasing HDL concentration can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with T2D.

The Effect of A New Mixture of Sugar and Sugar-Alcohol (Lacritose) on Blood Glucose and Lipids and the Possible Adverse Reactions in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Triple-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: A new sweetener with the commercial name of Lacritose has been recently produced, which is a combination of four simple sugars (lactose, fructose, sucrose, erythritol), with specific ingredients and percentages. This study aimed to assess glycemic response and short term gastrointestinal reactions in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: In this triple-blind randomized clinical trial, 30 diabetic patients referred to Yazd Diabetes Research Center in 2018 were included. After collecting the primary data, they were assigned into three groups, including sucrose consumers as the control group, sucrose-lactose, and lacritose as the groups of consumers group. They were followed for two weeks, and fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-hour postprandial test (2HPP), fructose amine, SGOT, SGPT, urea, creatinine, and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were assessed. Results: In lacritose consumers, significant reductions were seen in FBG and 2HPP (P < 0.001 and P = 0.05, respectively), although changes among the groups were not significant. In sucrose-lacritose consumers, FBG and cholesterol levels decreased (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, respectively). In sucrose consumers, no reduction was seen. HOMA-IR did not significantly decrease, but intergroup changes were obvious. Conclusion: The lacritose effects on FBG and 2HPP were significantly evident, but the other metabolic indices did not show any significant change.

Food Quality and Nutritional Status of Pregnant and Lactating Women in The Non-Lotted Area on the Outskirts of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Background: To contribute to the fight against malnutrition among women of reproductive age, this study aimed to evaluate the quality of food and the nutritional status of pregnant and lactating women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2018 to September 2018 to explore the frequency and distribution of the dietary, socioeconomic, and health characteristics of pregnant and lactating women as well as their nutritional status. The target population consisted of 124 pregnant women and 118 nursing women age between 15 to 49 years. Results: The prevalence of acute malnutrition was 30.9% among women in general, 1.6% with severe malnutrition according to the mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). In terms of the body mass index (BMI), the prevalence of malnutrition among lactating women was 13.5%; 10.5% with moderate malnutrition and 3.5% with severe malnutrition. The women aged between 15 to 49 years had poor dietary diversity. The mean dietary diversity score (DDS) was estimated at 4.14±0.86. This score was 4.19±0.87 in pregnant women and 4.09 ± 0.85 in lactating women. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between them (P = 0.20 and OR = 0.82) [0.4; 1.4]. A substantial proportion (19.8%) of women had a low DDS (< 5), with a rate of 16.9% among pregnant women and 22.9% among lactating women. Conclusion: This study revealed the presence of food and nutrition insecurity in semi-urban areas, particularly in "undeveloped" areas. Improving the living conditions of the populations in these localities, in parallel with nutritional education actions, could help to reduce the disease.

Evaluation of Dietary Intake and Food Insecurity: A Case Study on Selected Households from Lahore,Pakistan

Background: Food insecurity consistently challenges middle-income countries, including Pakistan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary food intake of the households in the selected location through a semi-structured questionnaire. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 500 households comprised 2094 participants to investigate dietary intake and status of food insecurity. Furthermore, socio-demographic and weekly dietary food intake was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire in 2019. Those households who assent to participate were included in the study. Results: Mean household size was 5.80±2.05 comprised 49.27% male and 50.61% female. Six food types were commonly consumed in the study population. Among these foods (g/capita/day) starch remained at the top 734.43 followed by fruits 256.02 and vegetables 89.77. These data highlighted limited dietary diversity and reduced dietary intake. The energy intake (per capita/day) from the food basket, contribution of the starch was the highest 32.37% versus protein 14.43%, milk 14.08%, vegetables 1.31%, and fruit 7.79% with an overall calories intake 81.08% from all food groups except tea. Finally, of the 500 households, 42.4% people were below the poverty line, 41.8% people at the poverty line, and 15.8% people were above the poverty line. Conclusion: The results showed that dietary intake of the participants was below the reference intake, demonstrating food insecurity and unbalanced diet.

Is the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) Associated with Depression and Anxiety?

The article's abstract is not available.

Household Food Waste in A Sample of the Libyan Community

Background: Consumer behaviors at the household level have an impact on the quantity of food waste and the economic resources of the family and the country. This study aimed to assess food waste in a random sample of the Libyan community. Methods: A questionnaire was designed for the study and distributed randomly through social media, short message, e-mails, and via face to face interviews from November 26 to December 21, 2019. Results: Forty percent of the respondents used a shopping list for food; while 15% of the respondents discarded food. The percentage of monthly expenditure on food was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with shopping list, income, education level, and employment. Meanwhile, the quantity of food waste was associated (P < 0.05) with education level and place of living. Moreover, the economic value of food waste was associated (P < 0.05) with the shopping list. The bread was the most food waste commodity followed by vegetables and pasta. The quantity of discarded food accounted for 2661 tons/year with an estimated value of 163 million Libyan dinars/year. Conclusion: To reduce household food waste by the Libyan community it is required to improve the quality of bread and raise consumer awareness of the impact of food waste on the environment, economy, and society. This could be achieved through mass media extension programs as well as seminars and workshops.

Villagization as a Policy Option to Rural Food Security: Facts from Villages in Assosa Zone, Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Ethiopia

Background: Villagization scheme was chosen as a policy option and implemented to ensure sustainable food security in Assosa zone, Benishangul-Gumuz region, Ethiopia, although it is blamed for intensifying food insecurity instead. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the food security status of households gathered in planned villages in the framework of villagization. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 344 households who were randomly selected. A questionnaire was used after exploring the perception of village communities about the nature of food security. Food security status was measured using a household food balance model (FBM) that uses calorie threshold value of 2100 Kcal/Adult Equivalent (ADE)/day. Results: There were some basic services and infrastructures in the planned villages, although most of them were supplied before the implementation of villagization scheme. The scheme did not improve the food security status of households in the villages; since about 67% of them were food insecure and only 33% were food secure. The proportion of food insecure households is much more than the recent national figure of 40%. Conclusion: In spite of the fact that some basic services and infrastructures were supplied in the planned villages, villagization did not improve the food security status of households; in contrast food insecurity remained high. The scheme was merely supplied the service and infrastructures without improving economic access to basic services and infrastructures. It is recommended to conduct a study investigating why villagization could not improve the food security status according to the intended purpose.

The Effect of Frying Process on the Level of Malondialdehyde in Different Meat Products

Background: Frying is one of the popular cooking methods for the preparation of food especially meat products. However, this process has some adverse effects, such as lipid oxidation that results in deterioration and rancidity of food during preparation and storage. Malondialdehyde (MDA) as a secondary product of oxidation is commonly used as an index of rancidity in food products. However, the level of MDA produced during the frying process varies depending on the type of food. Methods: This study was performed to evaluate the levels of MDA before and after the frying process in different products, including chicken, fish, pan kebab, beef, sausage, and hamburger. Also, the effect of meat content in hamburger was evaluated on the MDA level. The spectrophotometric thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) test was used to determine MDA in the food products. Results: The concentration of MDA in the products increased significantly (P < 0.01) after frying in oil. The highest amount of MDA between the products was detected in fried fish (1.24 µM/g). By increasing the percentage of meat in hamburgers, the content of MDA increased in this product. In the hamburger containing 90% of meat, the MDA level was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than others (0.98 µM/g). Conclusion: The results of the present study can provide proper knowledge about the levels of lipid peroxidation and the safety of different fried meat products.

Comparison of Muscle Mass, Total Body Water and Total Body Protein in Type II Diabetics with Healthy Matched Adults by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

Background: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a new and rapid technique to validate body composition. Several studies have used this technique to evaluate body compositions, such as muscle mass, in diabetic patients, but the results are very different. This may due the differences between diabetic patients and control group. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the muscle mass of diabetic patients with healthy matched adults using the BIA method. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 928 diabetic patients and 928 healthy individuals selected based on gender, age, height, weight, and closeness to demographic conditions. Body composition was measured by the BIA technique. Total body water, muscle mass in the trunk, legs, hands, and total body protein were measured by this method. The data were analyzed using t-test, paired t-test, and one-way ANOVA methods. Results: Diabetic women aged 50-60 years showed that their body weight, total protein, total muscle, right-hand muscle mass, left-hand muscle mass, right foot muscle mass, left foot muscle mass, and trunk muscle mass were higher than healthy matched women, and the differences were significant. Conclusion: Diabetic women aged 50-60 years showed the most significant difference compared to other age groups. It seems that diabetes along with the changes in humeral status in this age group due to menopause affected their body weight, total muscle mass, hand and leg muscles, and trunk muscles mass, and total body protein compared to healthy matched women. However, diabetic men showed no significant difference in the studied variables compared to healthy male subjects.