Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism

Recognizing food groups consumption in young adults offers an opportunity to improve dietary pattern in early adulthood.

Hence, this cross-sectional study aimed to determine food groups’ intake of young adults and to identify food groups associated with adiposity.

Youths aged 18–25 years old from private universities in Klang Valley, Malaysia, participated in the study (n = 294). Three days 24-hour dietary recall assessed youths’ food groups intake. Adiposity (BMI, body fat percentage, visceral fat level, waist circumference) was determined based on standard protocol. Height was measured using SECA 206 body meter, while weight, body fat percentage, and visceral fat level were measured using the Omron HBF-356 Body Fat Analyzer. Waist circumference was determined using a measuring tape.

In total, 49.3% and 34.7% of youths were overweight/obese and abdominally obese, respectively. The median visceral fat level was 4 (6). Youths consumed 214 (247) kcal of ultra-processed foods daily and exceeded the sugar [32.43 (41.20) g] and sodium recommendation [2425.26 (1455.18) mg]. Fruits [0.29±0.72 servings/day], vegetables [0.95±0.77 servings/day] and milk [0.24±0.38 servings/day] were below recommendations. Increased intake of meat and sodium were associated with higher BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage, and visceral fat (p < 0.001). Greater intake of ultra-processed food was associated with high BMI (p = 0.009), waist circumference (p = 0.046), and visceral fat (p = 0.014). Besides, high sugar intake was associated with greater BMI (p = 0.003), body fat percentage (p = 0.020), and visceral fat (p = 0.027).

Meat, sugar, sodium, and ultra-processed foods were high-risk foods associated with adiposity among young adults. There is a need to improve education and support to promote healthy eating for chronic disease prevention related to metabolic abnormalities.

Caffeine is a potent central and respiratory acting agent used in neonatology to treat apnea in premature newborns.

This study investigates the effects of caffeine orally administered to newborn rats on gastrointestinal permeability, bacterial translocation and different biochemical parameters.

Newborn rats were divided into different groups (N = 06). The treated newborn rats were orally administered with standard caffeine doses (12 mg/kg per day), and the control groups received a placebo. The animals were weighed daily until sacrifice. Blood samples, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and organs were aseptically collected. Furthermore, different biochemical (D-Lactate) and oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, CAT, SOD and GSH) were examined. Microbiological analyses were performed to assess microbiota alterations and bacterial translocation.

Preliminary results showed that caffeine administration decreased the level of bacterial translocation over time. The treatment reduced plasma D-lactate levels (p < 0.05). Additionally, caffeine induced a disturbance in the concentrations of biochemical parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers. Indeed, liver enzymes (AST and ALT) were significantly (p < 0.05) risen after caffeine treatment. Glutathione (GSH) levels were significantly higher in caffeine treated groups (75.12±0.32; 51.98±1.12 U/mg; p < 0.05) comparing to control ones (40.82±0.25; 42.91±0.27 U/mg; p < 0.05) in the ileum and the colon, respectively.

Thus, besides improving gastrointestinal permeability, our data show that caffeine has beneficial effects on the intestinal antioxidant system.

Some researchers suggested a positive effect of Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) on Blood Pressure (BP) and lipid profile.

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of ALA for improving BP and lipid profile in critically ill patients.

In the present study, eighty patients (aged 18–80 years old) were randomly assigned to receive daily either ALA (600 mg/day) or placebo for eight weeks. Systolic BP (SBP), Diastolic BP (DBP), Triglyceride (TG), Total cholesterol (TC), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) were measured before and after intervention.

LDL decreased significantly in the ALA group (110.6±34.9 vs. 107.9±33.4 mg/dl; P < 0.05). There was also a significant difference in terms of HDL in both groups (Δ= +1.8 vs. Δ= –0.3 mg/dl; P < 0.05). A marginal non-significant reduction was also observed for SBP. There were no significant differences in other variables between the two groups.

ALA supplementation did not improve the BP and some serum lipid markers in critically ill patients. Larger and longer trials will be needed to determine efficacy of ALA.

Chronic hyperglycemia results in decrease glucose metabolism leading to nephropathy, hepatotoxicity and neuropathy. Diabetic complications are regarded globally as one of the leading cause of disability and mortality.

The study aims to evaluate the role of Zingiber officinale (ZO) on diabetic nephropathy and hepatotoxicity in rats.

Thirty diabetic rats and six non-diabetic rats were distributed into six groups (n = 6). Group 1 & 2 (nondiabetic and diabetic) received distilled water at 1 ml/kg. Groups 3–5 received (12.5, 25& 50) mg/kg of ZO respectively while group 6 received 100 mg/kg metformin. All treatments lasted for 28 days and rats were euthanized on day 29. Biochemical parameters, kidney and liver histology were evaluated.

No significant change (P > 0.05) was noticed in blood glucose and creatinine levels of diabetic rats treated with 25 mg/kg ZO compared to control. The liver of 25 mg/kg ZO treated diabetic rats showed mild distortion of hepatocytes while kidneys of ZO treated diabetic rats showed mild distortion of renal tubules with few collagen deposits and intact Bowman’s capsule.

ZO ameliorates diabetic complications by regulating biochemical parameters and preventing renal tubules and hepatocytes damage in rats.

Insulin sensitizers have been used to treat Type 2 diabetes. However, their non-negligible side effects have led to cardiovascular concerns and the withdrawal of a member, rosiglitazone.

We combined conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) with rosiglitazone to test for amelioration of side effects posed by rosiglitazone in vivo.

We utilized ApoE null mice fed with Western diet (WD) to test our hypothesis. Mice were fed WD, with or without CLA administration, for 12 weeks. CLA utilized in our study consisted of a 1:1 ratio of 95% pure c9,t11, and t10,c12 isomers at a concentration of 0.1% w/v in fat-free milk. Starting from Week 12, select mice received rosiglitazone.

It was found that mice receiving CLA from Week 0 and rosiglitazone from Week 12 had the lowest body weight and exacerbated hepatomegaly. Although these mice had attenuated insulin resistance compared to mice receiving only Western diet, they display a marked increase in total plasma cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Mice receiving early CLA administration developed hyperleptinemia, which was not restored by rosiglitazone.

Taken together, against the background of ApoE null genotype and WD feeding, simultaneous administration of 1:1 CLA and rosiglitazone led to dyslipidemic lipoatrophy.

Assessing Vitamin-D status and checking if low serum 25(OH)D is a factor in breast cancer (BC) for Southern Moroccan women.

Study conducted in Morocco about women with BC (n = 90) and controls (n = 90). 25-hydroxy-vitamin-D biological analyzes executed during the first consultation. Social data and anthropometric parameters were collected for all participants.

Women from urban areas constitued 67.78 % for the cases and 85.6% for the controls. The average age was 48.72±9.71 (cases) and 46.40±12.52 (controls). We found that 53.33% of cases and 40% of controls were postmenopausal and that hypovitaminosis-D affected 80 and 64.4% of cases and controls, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that hypovitaminosis-D was a significative risk factor for BC in Southern Moroccan women. The Odds Ratio was of 5 (p < 0.0001). The BC subtypes had Odds Ratios greater than 1. The highest value was obtained with Luminal B subtype (Odds ratio = 6.25; p = 0.0007).

This study reinforces the evidence implicating hypovitaminosis-D among modifiable risk factors for BC. Further studies are needed to assess the extent of hypovitaminosis-D in Moroccan women with BC.

Healthcare workers are susceptible to obesity, anxiety and depression.

To determine the prevalence and association of obesity, anxiety and depression symptoms in individuals working in a hospital.

In this cross-sectional study all of the employees of a hospital were invited to participate (n = 150). Anxiety (via Beck Anxiety Scale) and depression symptoms (via Beck Depression Scale) and obesity were dependent and independent variables. Obesity was determined both with body mass index (BMI) and abdominal obesity (Waist circumference-WC). Data were collected with face-to-face interviews and anthropometric measurements were done. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 with student t-test, chi-square and correlation tests. Significance was set at a p-value < 0.05.

Among the participants who agreed to participate (n = 131, 64.1% females), 35.1% were obese and 50.4% were abdominally obese. The 35.9% had moderate-severe anxiety symptoms, 19.1% had moderate-severe depression symptoms. Both BMI and WC had positive, moderate and significant correlation with anxiety and depression scores. After adjusting for socio-demographic variables obesity (both with BMI and WC) was an independent factor for anxiety and depression symptom presence, whereas after adjusted for these variables anxiety and depression symptom presence was an independent factor for obesity and abdominal obesity (p = 0.001 for all).

There is a correlation between anxiety, depression and obesity. In addition to nutrition interventions in combating obesity, services that will improve mental health should be provided together as teamwork.

It has been reported that the quality of life and diet quality in individuals with rheumatological diseases are poor and may adversely affect the course of the disease.

This study aims to compare the quality of life and diet of individuals with Behçet’s Disease (BD) compared to healthy controls.

This study was planned as a case-control study, and 60 adult patients with BD were compared with age (±1) and sex paired match healthy controls concerning the quality of life and diet. Diet quality was assessed using nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) and the mean adequacy ratio (MAR) values calculated from 24 h dietary food recall and obesity was also evaluated by various anthropometric measurements. The Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) was used to evaluate the quality of life (QoL). In addition, the 24-hour physical activities were recorded to calculate physical activity levels (PAL). Data were analyzed by SPSS 25.0 via paired sample t-test and McNemar test. p < 0.05 was deemed significant.

The findings showed that cases were more obese (p = 0.005), less physically active (p < 0.001), had lower QoL (p < 0.01 for all subscales) and had higher Beck depression scores (p = 0.001). Controls had higher means of energy (p < 0.001), CHO% (p = 0.025), fat% (p = 0.004), and fiber (p = 0.007) intake and mean MAR value (p < 0.001).

Compared to healthy controls, patients with BD were more obese, had lower QoL and lower diet quality. Therefore, people with BD should be evaluated for comorbid diseases and be supported by health professionals, such as dietitians and psychologists.

An estimated 15–20% of all births worldwide are low birth weight (LBW). In Indonesia, the LBW incidence reached more than 10% in 2013. Improved maternal nutrition is needed by providing high-calorie-protein supplementation for pregnant women to prevent intrauterine growth retardation and LBW.

To observe the effect of snakehead fish (Channa striata) cookies supplementation during pregnancy on fetal growth and birth outcomes.

A total of 50 pregnant women were included in this randomized clinical trial study and were randomly allocated into two groups: treatment and controls. Subjects in the treatment group received supplementation of snakehead fish cookies during pregnancy until giving birth as much as 75 g per day, while subjects in the control group received standard cookies. The snakehead fish cookies underwent a formulation process and were tested for nutrient content and microbial contamination to ensure safety before being given to the subjects. Fetal growth was monitored monthly using 2-dimensional ultrasonography.

The average intake of cookies did not differ between the two groups (Control 69.6 (16.8)% vs Snakehead fish 64.6 (15.3)%, p = 0.278). There were no significant differences in fetal estimated fetal weight, biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, femur length, birth weight, and birth length between the treatment and control groups (p > 0.05). However, the fetal growth measurements on the subjects who consumed snakehead fish cookies were practically higher than those who ate standard cookies.

The snakehead fish cookies did improve the fetal growth measurements but the results were not significantly different when compared to standard cookies.

The term intuitive eating is a new concept that has emerged in recent years. It is a way of eating that is based on responding to the body’s natural signals of hunger and satiety.

The study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between intuitive eating and eating disorders and body image perception in young adult women.

The study was conducted with 400 women aged 19–35 years. The data were collected with the Figure Rating Scale, the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2), and the Eating Attitude Test-26.

The mean body mass index was significantly higher in individuals who misperceived their body image. While 51.4% of the participants with normal eating behavior had appropriate body image perception, 38.8% of the participants with abnormal eating behavior had appropriate body image perception. The IES-2 total score was significantly lower in women with abnormal eating behavior and overweight/obese women.

Our findings showed that intuitive eating is negatively associated with abnormal eating behavior and obesity in young adult women and that women with low intuitive eating inclinations misperceived their body image.

Type-2 diabetes with an increasing prevalence is a public health problem. Irisin and vaspin, which are secreted a majority from adipose tissue, are discovered hormones recently, and their effects on diabetes are studied.

This study aims to the effects of diet on these hormones levels in diabetic rats.

In this study, ten-week-old 18 Wistar-Albino rats were divided into three groups randomly. The diabetic group (n = 6) was fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Other rats were divided into two control groups, one of them (n = 6) was fed a control diet (CD), and the other group (n = 6) was fed HFD. The feeding time for all groups was 4 weeks. Streptozotocin (STZ) was used for diabetes induction in rats.

At the end of the four weeks, the body weight of the diabetic group decreased significantly. In the diabetic group compared to the control groups, it was observed that besides high fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride, total cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) scores. Vaspin levels were significantly higher in diabetic rats, while irisin levels were similar between groups. Besides, vaspin level correlation with biochemical parameters such as glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and HOMA-IR score was significant.

In conclusion, this study showed that besides the evidence that vaspine is a hormone associated with diabetes, diet composition could give an opinion about the type-2 diabetes process by looking at hormone levels.

Borassus aethiopum fruit is claimed to be used for the management of diabetes without scientific validation.

This study seeks to evaluate the antihyperglycaemic activity of ethanol fruit extract of Borassus aethiopum in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

36 rats were placed in six groups (i-vi) (n = 6). Animals in group i (standard) were given 0.4 mls of distilled water (d.w) whereas the ones assigned to group ii, iii, iv, v and vi which were induced into diabetes (by intake of 140 mg/kg body weight [b.w] of alloxan) were also respectively given d.w, 50 mg/kg b.w of metformin, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg b.w of ethanol fruit extract of Borassus aethiopum, once daily for 14 days.

Flavonoid found in the extract (24.04 mg/ml) occurred the most with phenolic (0.35 mg/ml) being the least. While alloxan substantially (p < 0.05) increased the levels of some biological molecules and enzyme activity, it lowered those of others. The extract however significantly (p < 0.05) reversed all the alloxan-induced alterations, with the extract at 100 mg/kg b.w producing figures that compared (p > 0.05) well with those of the d.w treated non-diabetic animals and metformin-treated diabetic animals. The extract also renewed the wholeness of histological damage in the pancreas.

The bioactive agents of B. aethiopum presented antihyperglycaemic property by preventing diabetes via reversal of alloxan-treatment alterations in the animals.