Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) plays an important role in reducing blood pressure and
gives an anti-hypertensive effect. Inhibition of ACE mainly results in an overall antihypertensive
effect. The objectives of this study were to determine the ACE inhibition activity in edible bird
nest hydrolysates and the effect of different hydrolysis time of 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 and 240
minutes. Edible bird nest protein was hydrolysed by enzymatic hydrolysis with alcalase and
papain to obtain ACE inhibitory peptides. The results suggested that 60 minutes of hydrolysis
time using alcalase contributed to the best ACE inhibitory activity (IC50 = 0.02mg protein/ml)
which shows edible bird nest protein hydrolysate to be a potent ACE inhibitor that may be used
to decrease blood pressure.
Studies were conducted in selected areas in three states namely Johor (n=117, male=55, female=62), Negeri Sembilan (n=130, male=52, female=78) and Malacca (n=97, male=33, female=64) involving free living elderly (age range from 60 to 93 years old). Respondents were divided into three age cohort groups that is 60 to 69 years, 70 to 79 years and above 80 years old. Assessment of macro and micronutrients were obtained from 24-hour diet recall for three consecutive days. Household measurements were used to estimate the amount of food consumed. Mean energy intake for both sexes were lower than the Malaysian RDA. Mean energy intake were also found to decline with age increment. The percentage of carbohydrate from total calories is higher compared to fat and protein. No respondents were found to consume less than 1/3 RDA for protein. Although no significant difference in nutrient intake was noted among age cohort groups, there was a decline in the intake of protein, fat and carbohydrate. Significantly (p <0.05) lower carbohydrate intake was noted in cohort group above 80 years. As for vitamins and minerals consumption, more than 50% of the elderly population studied consumed less than 2/3 RDA for vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and calcium. Very low intake of nutrient may lead to many health problems. Overall mean energy intake indicate the respondents consume less than the Malaysian RDA for all three age cohort groups. Total mean energy intake were also found to decline with age increment for both sexes. Due to the low energy intake, higher percentage of elderly were found consuming less than 2/3 RDA for thiamine (65%), riboflavin (63%) and niacin (90%). Other nutrients which were also being consumed less than 2/3 RDA by the respondents are vitamin A (67%) and calcium (65%). The intake of calcium which was found to be extremely low (ranged from 277 to 303 mg) could lead to problems like osteoporosis.
Body composition was assessed in a group of 344 free-living elderly between 60 and 89 years by means of anthropometry. The height, weight and body mass indexes of the elderly were reduced with advancing age in both the males and females. Skinfold thickness measurements also declined with age. Overall, the female elderly had a greater tricep skinfold thickness but smaller mid-arm circumferences, mid-arm muscle circumference and mid-arm muscle area compared to the male.