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Fulltext Antihyperglycemic and glucose tolerance activity of ficus deltoidea ethanolic extract in diabetic rats

Zainah Adam, Muhajir Hamid, Amin Ismail, Shafii Khamis, Norazizah Marsidi

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2010;8(1):25-30.
MyJurnal

Ficus deltoidea or Mas cotek is one of the common medicinal plants used in Malaysia has been claimed to have antidiabetic activity. However, scientific evidence to confirm its efficacy is still lacking. Thus, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of ethanolic extract of Ficus deltoidea to reduce hyperglycaemia in streptozotocininduced diabetic rats at different prandial state. The results showed that, ethanolic extract of Ficus deltoidea significantly reduced fasting and postprandial hyperglycemia particularly after 4 and 6 hours of extract administration. Likewise, glucose tolerance activity was significantly improved in the presence of Ficus deltoidea ethanolic extract at a low dose, 100 mg/kg. It is suggested that ethanolic extract of Ficus deltoidea at particular doses, possess fasting and postprandial antihyperglycemic activity as well as glucose tolerance activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Matched MeSH terms: Meals
Effects of brown seaweeds on postprandial glucose, insulin and appetite in humans - A randomized, 3-way, blinded, cross-over meal study

Zaharudin N, Tullin M, Pekmez CT, Sloth JJ, Rasmussen RR, Dragsted LO

Clin Nutr, 2021 Mar;40(3):830-838.
PMID: 32917417 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2020.08.027

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Seaweed including brown seaweeds with rich bioactive components may be efficacious for a glycaemic management strategy and appetite control. We investigated the effects of two brown edible seaweeds, Laminaria digitata (LD) and Undaria pinnatifida (UP), on postprandial glucose metabolism and appetite following a starch load in a human meal study.
METHODS: Twenty healthy subjects were enrolled in a randomized, 3-way, blinded cross-over trial. The study was registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT00123456. At each test day, the subjects received one of three meals comprising 30 g of starch with 5 g of LD or UP or an energy-adjusted control meal containing pea protein. Fasting and postprandial blood glucose, insulin, C-peptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) concentrations were measured. Subjective appetite sensations were scored using visual analogue scales (VAS).
RESULTS: Linear mixed model (LMM) analysis showed a lower blood glucose, insulin and C-peptide response following the intake of LD and UP, after correction for body weight. Participants weighing ≤ 63 kg had a reduced glucose response compared to control meal between 40 and 90 min both following LD and UP meals. Furthermore, LMM analysis for C-peptide showed a significantly lower response after intake of LD. Compared to the control meal, GLP-1 response was higher after the LD meal, both before and after the body weight adjustment. The VAS scores showed a decreased appetite sensation after intake of the seaweeds. Ad-libitum food intake was not different three hours after the seaweed meals compared to control.
CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant ingestion of brown seaweeds may help improving postprandial glycaemic and appetite control in healthy and normal weight adults, depending on the dose per body weight.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER: Clinicaltrials.gov (ID# NCT02608372).

Matched MeSH terms: Meals*
Fulltext The effect of daily religious fasting on tear film characteristics and ocular surface

Wan Nur Farhana Ibrahim, Mohd Zulfaezal Che Azemin

International Journal of Allied Health Sciences, 2018;2(1):108-116.
MyJurnal

Religious fasting is an act of refraining oneself from eating and drinking beginning at dawn until sunset. The changes in meal time and long period of meal constraint may influence the tear quality and ocular surface. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of daily religious fasting on tear film characteristics and ocular surface integrity. This is a prospective study involving 29 eyes from 29 healthy participants. The tear film characteristics were assessed by measuring the non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), total tear secretion, and
fluorescein ocular surface staining method was used to determine the ocular surface integrity. The measurements were performed in the morning (8.00 to 10.00 a.m.) and evening (4.00 to 6.00 p.m.) during each non-fasting and fasting period. The results showed no statistically significant difference noted for all parameters measured in the morning when comparison was made between non-fasting and fasting periods. Conversely, in the evening, NITBUT value was significantly lower during fasting period, (p = 0.001), but, TMH, total tear secretion and ocular surface staining revealed no significant differences between non-fasting and fasting periods. Our study revealed
that daily religious fasting only significantly reduced the NITBUT value in the evening which possibly due to dehydration; however, it did not affect TMH, total tear secretion and ocular surface integrity. The absence of fluid loading at pre-dawn meal could be the reason of non-noticeable differences noted in the morning

Matched MeSH terms: Meals
Fulltext Meal patterns of Malaysian adults: findings from the Malaysian adults nutrition survey (MANS)

Wan Abdul Manan WM, Nur Firdaus I, Safiah MY, Siti Haslinda MD, Poh BK, Norimah AK, et al.

Malays J Nutr, 2012 Aug;18(2):221-30.
PMID: 24575668 MyJurnal

INTRODUCTION: Meal patterns have received little attention in nutrition studies. The aim of this study is to present the findings on general meal patterns of Malaysian adults.
METHODS: The Malaysian Adults Nutrition Survey (MANS), carried out in 2002 and 2003, involved 6,928 adults selected by stratified random sampling from all households by zone in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
RESULTS: In general, the results showed that most respondents (74.16%) ate three meals per day; 89.20% of the respondents consumed breakfast, while 88.57% consumed lunch and 91.97% consumed dinner with no significant difference in terms of sex. In Peninsular Malaysia, the Northern Zone had the highest number of people consuming breakfast compared to other zones. Meanwhile, the population in Sarawak had the largest proportion of people consuming lunch and dinner, but the smallest proportion of people consuming breakfast. A significantly higher number of the rural population consumed breakfast and lunch than urbanites; however there was no significant difference in dinner consumption. Generally, breakfast consumption increased with age whereby significant difference existed between the 18 to 19 years age group and the age group of 30 years and older. Lunch intake among the age groups showed no significant difference. In contrast, dinner consumption was significantly lower among the 18 to 19 years age group compared to all other age groups. Comparison among the ethnic groups showed that the Indian population had the lowest percentage of having breakfast and lunch while the Orang Asli had the lowest percentage of consuming dinner. However, the Orang Asli recorded the highest percentage for taking breakfast and lunch while the Chinese had the highest percentage of taking dinner.
CONCLUSION: Considering that Malaysian adults consumed their conventional breakfast, lunch and dinner, these findings indicatethat Malaysians are maintaining their traditional meal patterns.
Study name: Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS-2003)

Matched MeSH terms: Meals*
Dynamics of malaria vector indices in two vegetation zones within North Eastern Adamawa State, Nigeria

Wahedi JA, Ande AT, Oduola AO, Obembe A, Tola M, Oyeniyi TA, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2020 Sep 01;37(3):637-649.
PMID: 33612778 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.3.637

Studies profiling community and zonal malaria entomological risk indices are required to identify high risk areas where targeted control resources are most needed or likely to have the greatest impact on reducing risk of malaria infection. This study presents a first report on malaria vector risk indices in two vegetation zones within Adamawa state, Nigeria. Endophilic mosquitoes were collected for one year in selected communities in the Guinea and Sudan savanna zones within the State. Plasmodium falciparum Sporozoite and human blood meal ELISA assays were carried out on the female Anopheles mosquitoes collected. Sibling species composition of the An. gambiae complex were determined using PCR assays. Mean numbers of mosquitoes in the Guinea savanna communities were significantly (t = 7.73, DF = 11, p < 0.001) higher than the Sudan. Man-biting rates (F = 2.76, p = 0.13) of Anopheles mosquitoes were higher in the Guinea but not significantly different from Sudan savanna. Sporozoite rates of mosquitoes within the Guinea savanna were 2.7 times higher than the Sudan. The predominant Anopheles coluzzii species encountered in the state had higher overall human blood indices (0.63) and sporozoite rates (6.9%) compared to An. gambiae (0.39, 1.9%) and An. arabiensis (0.58, 2.3%) respectively. Overall annual human blood indices (0.59) of mosquitoes in Adamawa were lower compared to reports from other States. Prevalence and higher transmission risks indices of endophilic An. coluzzii mosquitoes reveal the need for LLIN and management of relatively permanent An. coluzzii breeding sites in the State. Widespread cattle rearing lifestyle and lower human blood indices of mosquitoes in the study area suggest the need to investigate cattle blood indices of the mosquitoes in the state. Higher entomological risk indices in the Guinea Savanna zone provide baseline information for prioritization of malaria vector control supplies within the State.

Matched MeSH terms: Meals
Fulltext Effects of dietary inclusion of spirulina meal on growth and hematological parameters of cultured Asian sea bass, Lates calcarifer

Tan, Chin Yong, Galaz, German Bueno, Shapawi, Rossita

Borneo Journal of Marine Science and Aquaculture, 2017;1(1):1-6.
MyJurnal

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary inclusion of Spirulina platensis on growth performance and hematological parameters of juvenile Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) reared in a freshwater culture system. Five experimental diets were prepared by replacing fish meal protein with the microalga at replacement levels of 5% (SP5), 10% (SP10), 20% (SP20) and 30% (SP30), and the substitution effect was compared with a control diet (Con) in which fish meal was the sole protein. Fish were stocked in net cages placed in a 150-ton tank with a stocking density of 20 fish per cage. After 8 weeks of feeding trial, the fish did not show any significant differences in growth performance but numerically higher weight gain and specific growth rate were achieved in the fish stock fed diet SP10 compared to other treatments. Feed conversion ratio and survival rate of fish were significantly affected by the inclusion of Spirulina in the diets. Except for crude ash content, whole-body proximate composition of the experimental fish was also significantly influenced by the diets. Regarding the effects of diets on blood parameters, only hematocrit, hemaglobin, HDL-c and AST were significantly affected by the inclusion of Spirulina in the diets. This study demonstrated that Spirulina could replace up to 10% of FM protein in practical diets of juvenile Asian sea bass without negative effects on growth performance. However, replacement of fish meal with Spirulina meal at 5% might be considered for commercial use considering a significant decrease in survival above this value.

Matched MeSH terms: Meals
Unhealthy diet practice and symptoms of stress and depression among adolescents in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia

Tajik E, Latiffah AL, Awang H, Siti Nur'Asyura A, Chin YS, Azrin Shah AB, et al.

Obes Res Clin Pract, 2016 Mar-Apr;10(2):114-23.
PMID: 26204813 DOI: 10.1016/j.orcp.2015.06.001

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Missing main meals and an unhealthy snacking pattern can lead to poor diet quality and consequently to the presence of chronic diseases among which mental disorder is no exception. Since there is little research on diet, skipping meals and psychological status in Asian countries, this study tries to determine eating behaviour and predicting symptoms of stress and depression of adolescents in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Form 1 secondary school-going adolescents (n 1565, response rate: 90%) in southern Malaysia from April to May 2013. A self-administered structured and validated questionnaire (socio-demographic, eating behaviour questionnaire, and depression, anxiety and stress scales (DASS-21)) was used for data collection.

RESULTS: Among respondents, 803 (51.3%) were female, 1125 were Malay (71.9%) with a mean age of 13.7 (SD=0.8) years. Logistic regression analysis indicated that students who were underweight (OR=3.07, 95% CI 1.21, 7.76), obese (OR=2.64, 95% CI 1.01, 6.87), used to eat out of home (OR=1.37, 95% CI 1.28, 2.13), eat dinner (>4 days/week) (OR=1.59, 95% CI 1.04, 2.43) were more likely to have depression or stress symptoms. Moreover, participants with 4-7 days/week eating breakfast (OR=0.88, 95% CI 0.21, 0.89) were less likely to be at mild/moderate stress.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings underscore the effect of unhealthy eating practices among adolescents on mental health. Targeted education should be implemented to improve psychological well-being.

Matched MeSH terms: Meals
Fulltext Association between caregiver burden with feeding problems and functional status of patients with dementia

Suzana, S., Lee, Y.H., Chong, H.Y., Nurfatina, M.D., Nurwhidayu, A.W., Siah, P.J., et al.

Malays J Nutr, 2014;20(1):27-37.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Feeding difficulty and functional disability are common problems among patients with dementia but their influence on caregivers' burden has not been addressed comprehensively. Thus, this study aimed to determine the association between feeding problems, functional status and caregiver burden among patients with dementia who receive outpatient treatment at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as compared to their non-demented counterparts. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 30 patients with dementia (12 men, 18 women, mean age 75 ± 7 years old) and 60 subjects without dementia (25 men, 35 women, mean age 69 ± 7 years), as well as their caregivers. Subjects' functional status, feeding problems and also caregiver burden were assessed using Activities of Daily Livings (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) questionnaire, The Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Questionnaire (EdFED-Q) and Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), respectively. Subjects were also measured for height and weight. Results: Patients with dementia needed supervision (50%) and physical help during mealtime (40%). The mean functional status score of these patients was higher than the patients without dementia (p<0.05). Caregiver burden score was positively correlated with the EdFED-Q score (r=0.405, p<0.05) but negatively correlated with functional status score (r=0.475, p<0.01). Further, multiple regression analysis showed that after adjustment for age, EdFED-Q score and functional status remained correlated with caregiver burden at R2 of 0.210. Conclusion: Caregiver burden is associated with feeding problems and functional disability among patients with dementia. There is a need to educate the caregivers in order to improve the quality of life of both carers and the demented patients.
Key words: Caregiver burden, dementia, feeding problems, functional status, outpatient
Study site: Psychiatric and medical clinics, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Meals
Fulltext Food intakes and habits of rural elderly Malays

Shahar S, Earland J, Rahman SA

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2000 Jun;9(2):122-9.
PMID: 24394398

A cross-sectional nutritional survey was carried out on 350 elderly Malays aged 60 and above from 11 randomly selected villages in a rural area on the east coast of Malaysia. The findings indicated that the mean intakes of energy and of all of the nutrients investigated were below the Malaysian Recommended Dietary Allowances, except for protein and vitamin C. With respect to dietary habits, almost all of the subjects reported that they had breakfast (99.3%), lunch (97.9%) and dinner (90.4%) daily or almost daily (5-6 times/week). However, approximately half of the subjects, especially women, had particular beliefs and prohibitions about specific foods. Most of the subjects usually ate their meals at home, particularly dinner, with 99.3% always having dinner in their own home. Thus, although the rural elderly Malays studied had regular meal intakes, the dietary intake was inadequate. There is a need to plan community-based intervention programmes in order to prevent the subsequent consequences of malnutrition that lead to increased morbidity and mortality.

Matched MeSH terms: Meals
Dietary Practices and Meal Patterns among Overweight and Obese School Children in Malaysia: Baseline Data from a School-Based Intervention Study

Selamat R, Raib J, Abdul Aziz NA, Zulkafly N, Ismail AN, W Mohamad WNA, et al.

Ecol Food Nutr, 2019 11 22;59(3):263-278.
PMID: 31755310 DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2019.1694922

This study aimed to determine dietary practices and meal patterns among Malaysian overweight and obese school children at baseline. This study was part of a school-based obesity intervention study, My Body is Fit and Fabulous at School (MyBFF@school). It involved 1045 primary and 1041 secondary overweight and obese school children from a randomly selected 23 out of 1196 primary and 15 out of 416 secondary government schools in central Peninsular Malaysia. The results showed a significantly higher of adequate intake (4-8 servings/day) of cereals and grains among primary (54.7%) than secondary school children (48.2%). About 28.2% of primary and 32.6% of secondary school children had consumed adequate fruit (2 servings/day), while a very low percentage of both primary (5.0%) and secondary (3.6%) school children consumed adequate vegetables (3 servings/day). As for the meal patterns, school children in both primary and secondary were not taking breakfast regularly (mean±SD for primary: 3.16 ± 2.61 days/week vs secondary: 2.97 ± 2.52 days/week). There was also a significantly higher mean frequency of primary school children brought plain water to school than the secondary school children. In conclusion, urgent actions to address improper dietary practices and meal patterns of overweight and obese school children in Malaysia are warranted.

Matched MeSH terms: Meals*
Fulltext The Effects of Feed Restriction and Isolated or Group Rearing on the Measurement of Individual Feed Intake and Estimation of Feed Conversion Ratio in Juvenile Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) for Selective Breeding Purposes

Rodde C, Vandeputte M, Trinh TQ, Douchet V, Canonne M, Benzie JAH, et al.

Front Genet, 2020;11:596521.
PMID: 33519898 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.596521

Accurately measuring the phenotype at the individual level is critical to the success of selective breeding programs. Feed efficiency is a key sustainability trait and is typically approached through feed conversion ratio (FCR). This requires measurements of body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI), the latter being technically challenging in fish. We assessed two of the principal methods for measuring feed intake in fish over consecutive days: (1) group rearing 10 fish per group and video recording the meals and (2) rearing fish individually on a restricted ration. Juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from the Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) strain and the Cirad strain were entered into the study (128 GIFT and 109 Cirad). The GIFT strain were reared over three consecutive periods of 7 days each under different feeding, recording, and rearing scenarios (i) in groups fed an optimal ration (g100) or (ii) fed a 50% restricted ration (g50) both with video records of all meals and (iii) reared in isolation and fed a 50% restrictive ration. The Cirad strain were tested similarly but only for scenarios (i) and (iii). All fish were fed twice daily with a calculated ration. Correlations showed the same trends for the GIFT and the Cirad strains. For the GIFT strain, correlations were positive and significant for BWG and FI measured in scenarios (i) and (ii), 0.49 and 0.63, respectively, and FI measured in scenarios (i) and (iii) (0.50) but not for BWG measured in scenarios (i) and (iii) (0.29, NS). The phenotypic correlation estimated for FCR between scenarios (i) and (ii) with fish fed an optimal or a 50% restricted ration was low and not significant (0.22). Feed Conversion Ratio for GIFT fish reared in groups or in isolation and fed with a restricted ration [scenarios (ii) and (iii)] were not significantly correlated either. Social interactions between fish, potentially impacting their efficiency, may explain the results. Therefore, selective breeding programs seeking to improve feed efficiency will need to carefully plan the feeding rate and the rearing system used to estimate FCR in order to optimize selection for the targeted production system.

Matched MeSH terms: Meals
Fulltext Evaluation of diet quality and its associated factors among adolescents in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Rezali FW, Chin YS, Mohd Shariff Z, Mohd Yusof BN, Sanker K, Woon FC

Nutr Res Pract, 2015 Oct;9(5):511-6.
PMID: 26425281 DOI: 10.4162/nrp.2015.9.5.511

This study aims to determine contribution of meal frequency, self-efficacy for healthy eating, and availability of healthy foods towards diet quality of adolescents in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Meals
Fulltext Nutritional status, dietary intake patterns and nutrition knowledge of children aged 5-6 years attending kindergartens in the Klang Valley, Malaysia

Poh BK, Kathryn Tham BL, Wong SN, Winnie Chee SS, Tee ES

Malays J Nutr, 2012 Aug;18(2):231-42.
PMID: 24575669 MyJurnal

Early childhood is a period during which many factors influence the development of lifelong eating habits. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of young children and to determine factors related to eating habits.

Matched MeSH terms: Meals
Fulltext Hospital Food Service Strategies to Improve Food Intakes among Inpatients: A Systematic Review

Osman NS, Md Nor N, Md Sharif MS, Hamid SBA, Rahamat S

Nutrients, 2021 Oct 18;13(10).
PMID: 34684649 DOI: 10.3390/nu13103649

This review aims to identify hospital food service strategies to improve food consumption among hospitalized patients. A systematic search that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria was manually conducted through Web of Science and Scopus by an author, and the ambiguities were clarified by two senior authors. The quality assessment was separately conducted by two authors, and the ambiguities were clarified with all the involved authors. Qualitative synthesis was used to analyze and summarized the findings. A total of 2432 articles were identified by searching the databases, and 36 studies were included. The majority of the studies applied menu modifications and meal composition interventions (n = 12, 33.3%), or included the implementation of the new food service system (n = 8, 22.2%), protected mealtimes, mealtime assistance and environmental intervention (n = 7, 19.4%), and attractive meal presentation (n = 3, 8.3%). Previous studies that used multidisciplinary approaches reported a significant improvement in food intake, nutritional status, patient satisfaction and quality of life (n = 6, 16.7%). In conclusion, it is suggested that healthcare institutions consider applying one or more of the listed intervention strategies to enhance their foodservice operation in the future.

Matched MeSH terms: Meals
Fulltext Immunomodulatory effect of papaya, mata kucing, dang shen and pu-erh tea on cytokines profile

Nur Ramziahrazanah Jumat, Pei Shin Chai, Chiew Yee Loh, Sharmili Vidyadaran, Zainina Seman

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(108):21-21.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Immune response against viral infections and tumors not only requires the recruitment of immune cells but also cytokines. Cytokine dysregulation is associated with inflammatory diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, infections and allergy. Intake of fruit and vegetables are known not only to reduce inflammation but may also provide protection against various diseases. Methods: Effects of selected fruits and herbs on cytokines profile of IL-8, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF and IL-12p70 were examined using the CBA flow cytometric assay. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from blood samples of twelve healthy subjects aged 20 to 30 years [males = 6 and females = 6] were treated with papaya, mata kucing, dang shen and pu-erh tea, respectively, for 6 and 48 hours at various concentrations. In vivo effects was further tested on healthy volunteers [males = 2, females = 4] by 2-days consumption of papaya following 2-days washout period without papaya. The diet of volunteers was controlled with fixed meals. Results:In vitro results after 6 hours of culture showed that papaya-treated PBMC significantly increased IL-8, IL-1β and IL-6 but reduced IL-10. Mata kucing-treated PBMC significantly increased IL-8 but reduced IL-6 while pu-erh tea significantly reduced IL-8, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF. Cytokine analysis for dang shen-treated PBMC was only conducted at 48 hours. After 48 hours, papaya extract significantly reduced IL-8, IL-6 (8000 μg/ml), IL-10 and TNF. Significant increase of IL-6 was observed at 4000 and 16000 μg/ml. Mata kucing extract significantly increased IL-1β, IL-6 but reduced TNF. Significant increase of TNF was observed at 16000 μg/ml. Dang shen and pu-erh tea reduced IL-8, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF. However, in vivo papaya consumption did not show any significant changes and levels were low. Conclusion: This study showed fruits such as papaya and mata kucing had both stimulatory and inhibitory effect on various pro-inflammatory cytokines while effect of herbs such as dang shen and pu-erh tea were inhibitory. Immunomodulatory studies of natural food such as fruits and herbs may provide better understanding and subsequently improve management of inflammatory diseases.

Matched MeSH terms: Meals
Fulltext Association of body weight status and socio-demographic factors with food habits among preschool children in Peninsular Malaysia

Norimah, A.K., Mohd Nasir, M.T., Hazizi, A.S., Suraya, I., Nurliyana, A.R.

Malays J Nutr, 2014;20(3):303-315.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Otanges in children's food habits are largely attributed to changes in the family and social environment. 1bis cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the association of socio-demographic factors with food habits among preschool children in Peninsular Malaysia. Methods: A total of 1,933 preschool children aged 4-6 years old participated in the study. Parents or guardians were interviewed on the socio-demographic characteristics and food habits of their children. Height and weight of the preschoolers were measured; BMI-for-age, weight-for-age and height-for-age were determined. Results: The mean monthly household income was RM3,610 with 59.6% of parents having attained secondary education. The prevalence of possible risk of overweight, being overweight and obesity were 3.9%, 7.9% and 8.1%, respectively while the prevalence of underweight and stunting was 8.0% and 8.4%. A majority of the preschoolers consumed breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, with the proportion of children skipping their main meals at about 15.0%. Parents' education level and household income were significantly associated with intakes of fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products, as well as fast food. However, there was no significant association between children's body weight status and frequency of main meals intake, fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products, and fast food intake. Conclusion: The preschoolers demonstrated moderately healthy food habits; nevertheless even at this young age, they were inclined towards fried foods, snacking and fast foods intake. Parents and guardians should play a more significant role in educating and promoting good nutrition and food habits among preschoolers.

Matched MeSH terms: Meals
Fulltext Dietary nutrient intake and meal-related situations among elderly outpatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from respiratory clinics, Malaysia

Nor-Farahain Yahya, Noraida Omar, Ummi-Nadira Daut, Siti-Nur’Asyura Adznam, Barakatun-Nisak Mohd Yusof

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(106):170-177.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients usually have dietary problems leading to malnutrition issues. Therefore, this study aimed to determine macro and micronutrient intakes and meal-related sit- uations among outpatients COPD elderly and its adequacy according to their requirements. Methods: 140 patients were included in this cross-sectional study at Respiratory Clinics of Hospital Serdang and Institut Perubatan Respira- tori. Socio-demographic and health status data were collected by interviewing patients and reviewing their medical records. A three-day diet history (two-day on weekdays, one day on weekend) was analysed using Nutritionist Pro and compared against their requirements. Meal-related situation was assessed using three open-ended questions that related to food shopping, cooking and eating and analysed using content analysis. Results: Patients were 70±7 years old, 97% male, 59% Malay, 48% had primary education, 75% married, 72% ex-smokers and 54% presented with comorbidities. Majority of them had no episode of exacerbation for the past one year and in moderate stage of the COPD severity. Mean energy intake was 916±221 kcal/day with 98% of them have under-reported their intake. Almost all patients had inadequate macro and micronutrient intake; energy (97%), protein (97%), carbohydrate (86%), fat (99%), vitamin A (95%), C (86%), D (99%) and E (99%). The meal-related situation reported patients had difficulties with food shopping and preparation and problems during mealtime. Conclusion: COPD elderly reported inadequate intake of macro and micronutrients and had problems during mealtime. This indicates the need for Ma- laysian nutrition guidelines specific to COPD patients and nutrition intervention in the primary setting.

Matched MeSH terms: Meals
Fulltext Rapid weight loss practices among elite combat sports athletes in Malaysia

Ng, Qi Xiong, Choe, Yee Xian, Amutha Ramadas, Haemamalar Karppaya, Chai, Wen Jin

Malays J Nutr, 2017;23(2):199-209.
MyJurnal

Introduction: This study aimed to (i) determine rapid weight loss (RWL) practices among Malaysian elite combat sports athletes and (ii) examine the relationship between the characteristics of athletes, self-reported history of weight loss, perceived influence on weight loss and RWL practices.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Malaysian National Sports Institute among elite combat sports athletes (n=40) recruited via a convenience sampling method. The athletes completed a self-administered validated Rapid Weight Loss Questionnaire. Each response was provided a score and the total RWL score corresponded to the aggressiveness of weight management methods. Partial correlations were used to assess the relationships between total RWL score and independent variables.

Results: The prevalence of RWL among the athletes was high (92.5%). Training with rubber or plastic suits (62.2%) and meal-skipping (27.0%) were the most common RWL techniques practised by the respondents. Aggressive weight-cutting as depicted by a higher total RWL score that correlated with most weight ever lost, duration taken to lose weight, influence of training colleagues and coaches, BMI, current weight and post-competition weight regain (all p

Matched MeSH terms: Meals
Children's psychosocial factors of healthy meal preparation as predictors for nutritional status measures

Ng CM, Satvinder K, Koo HC, Yap RWK, Mukhtar F

Int J Vitam Nutr Res, 2021 Sep;91(5-6):522-530.
PMID: 32463351 DOI: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000655

Involving school-age children in the preparation of healthy meals is shown to be associated with positive eating behavior. Yet, it remains unclear whether this can extend to their nutritional status. The present study aimed to determine the association of school-age children's psychosocial factors (knowledge, attitude, practice, self-efficacy) towards healthy meal preparation with their nutritional status (BMI-for-age, waist circumference, body fat percentage). Stratified random sampling was used to select primary schools (n = 8) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Two hundred school children aged between 9-11 years old were involved. Psychosocial factors towards healthy meal preparation were assessed using validated questionnaire. Anthropometry measures were determined using standard protocol. Almost half (46 %) of the school-age children were obese/overweight, 39 % were abdominally obese and 40 % were overfat. Approximately half had poor knowledge (49 %), poor practice (45 %), good attitude (56 %) and good self-efficacy (47 %) towards healthy meal preparation. Significant positive correlations were observed between knowledge with attitude (r = 0.23, p

Matched MeSH terms: Meals*
Fulltext Influences of psychosocial factors and home food availability on healthy meal preparation

Ng CM, Satvinder K, Koo HC, Yap RWK, Mukhtar F

Matern Child Nutr, 2020 Dec;16 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):e13054.
PMID: 33347728 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13054

The involvement of children in healthy meal preparation activities has emerged as a potential strategy to promote healthy eating behaviour among children. However, there is a lack of understanding of children's internal (psychosocial factors) and external factors (home food availability) that may support the practice of preparing healthy meals. This study aimed to determine children's psychosocial factors of healthy meal preparation within themselves and their external environment of home food availability as predictors for the practice of healthy meal preparation. Public schools (n = 8) from all three zones (Bangsar-Pudu, Keramat and Sentul) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were selected through stratified random sampling. Two hundred children aged 9-11 and their parents participated. Children's psychosocial factors towards healthy meal preparation and their home food availability were assessed through children and parents, respectively, using validated questionnaires. Majority of the schoolchildren (86.5%) had poor practice of healthy meal preparation. Increased attitude (r = 0.344, P < 0.001) and self-efficacy (r = 0.501, P < 0.001) of healthy meal preparation and the availability of fruits (r = 0.304, P < 0.001), vegetables (r = 0.243, P < 0.001) and healthful ready-to-eat foods (r = 0.227, P = 0.001) at home were positively correlated with the practice of preparing healthy meals. After adjusting for age, sex and monthly household income, increased self-efficacy (P < 0.001), availability of fruits (P = 0.01) and lower availability of less healthful ready-to-eat food (P = 0.01) were associated with better healthy meal preparation practices. Outcomes revealed that positive self-efficacy of healthy meal preparation, home food availability of fruits and less healthful alternatives were associated with the practice of healthy meal preparation and thus should be targeted in future health-promotion strategy.

Matched MeSH terms: Meals*

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