This study was conducted to determine the content of macronutrients and sugar in 30 types of food selected from three
zones in Peninsular Malaysia. The food samples consisted of 14 types of processed foods and beverages, 8 types of
fruits and 10 types ready to eat food. Each type of food and drink were purchased from selected restaurants, stores and
supermarkets from three different zones which were North zone (Perak), Central zone (Selangor) and South Zone (Johor).
Methods used for proximate analysis were based on the standard methods of AOAC (1997) while the total carbohydrate
was calculated by difference method. Total calories were calculated using Atwater method. Total sugar content were
analysed using high performace liquid chromatography (HPLC). Dietary fibre contents were determined by using a
combination of enzyme-gravimetric methods (AOAC 985.29 and AACC 32-05). The results showed that peanut butter has
the highest value of fat (44.75 ± 7.59 g/100 g), total calorie (611 ± 38 kcal /100 g) and dietary fibre contents (8.07 ± 0.98
g/100 g). Highest protein content (21.98 ± 2.57 g/100 g) was found in low-fat milk powder. The highest carbohydrate
(97.48 ± 1.47 g/100 g) and total sugar (86.7 ± 2.9 g/100 g) contents were found in palm sugar. The results of this study
will update and add up to the data for the Malaysian Food Composition Table and can provide useful information in
choosing healthy foods based on the nutrient contents of the food.
Sensitivity to savory taste has been linked to high consumption of savory foods and increased risks of obesity and hypertension. However, there are limited studies that investigate whether obesity indices are correlated with the differences in umami taste perception, particularly in children. This study aimed to investigate the umami detection threshold among children of different ethnicities and the threshold's correlation with obesity indices and blood pressure. A total of 140 subjects were recruited and consisted of a nearly equal distribution of children from three main ethnicities (37.2% Malays, 31.4% Chinese, 31.4% Indians). Umami detection threshold was measured using the two-alternative, forced-choice staircase procedure. Body weight, height, waist circumference and blood pressure of children were measured. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Mean umami detection threshold was 1.22 ± 1.04 mM and there were no observable differences attributable to the subjects' ethnicities. Body fat percentage was negatively correlated (r = -0.171, p