The energy intake and expenditure of 20 healthy soldiers (mean age, 25 years, weight 61 kg and height 1.67 m) was assessed. Trained personnel stayed in the camp throughout the 5 weeks study period. Each soldier was subjected to a 7-day comprehensive protocol involving anthropometric, food intake, activity pattern and energy expenditure measurements. The mean change in body weight and fat content was minimal, -0.2kg and -0.25%, respectively. Body fat and BMI ranges from 10.0-21.6% and 19.8-24.9, respectively. The mean energy intake of 2190 ± 197 kcal was well below (81%) the recommended allowance of 2700 kcal for the Malaysian Armed Forces. The ration scale analysed chemically provides 2900 kcal thus suggesting a 24% wastage of daily ration. Contribution of protein (15%), fat (25%) and carbohydrate (60%) to energy intake appears to be in line to healthy dietary guidelines. Energy cost of standardised activities were found to be lower in Malaysian soldiers as compared to British soldiers studied under similar environment in the tropics. The mean total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) for soldiers were 2886 ± 222 kcal with a negative energy balance of about 700 kcal. The results suggested that there is a need to review the current provision with regard to food supply and preparation in army camps, to ensure that the menu provided are appealing as well as nutritious for the soldiers.
Loss of appetite, decrease in food intake and changes in body composition appear to be inter-related factors that can influence the well-being of older individuals. Therefore, a study was conducted to determine the level of appetite, food intake and its relation to body composition and functional status among noninstitutionalised elderly Malays in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. The Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (CNAQ), Diet History Questionnaire (DHQ), Bio-impedance Analysis (BIA) and Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL) questionnaire and handgrip dynamometer were used to measure appetite, food intake, body composition and functional status respectively. A total of 112 subjects (41.1% men and 58.9% women) participated with mean age being 66.0 ± 5.0 years for men and 66.3 ± 6.2 years for women. Prevalence of poor appetite was higher in elderly women (72.3%) than in men (52.3%) (p<0.05). Pearson's correlation test showed that CNAQ score correlated significantly with age (r=-0.255, p<0.01), energy intake (r=0.272, p<0.01), IADL score (r=0.408, p<0.01) and handgrip strength (r=0.263, p<0.05). Energy intake correlated significantly with fat free mass (r=0.424, p<0.05), muscle mass (r=0.456, p<0.05) and total body water (r=0.403, p<0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that 27.0% of poor appetite could be explained by advanced age, low energy intake and decreased functional status. In conclusion, the study showed that poor appetite was prevalent among the subjects, especially women and this was influenced by aging, inadequate energy intake and decreased functional status.
Some synthetic preservatives have become controversial because they have been proven to cause health problems. These increased health concerns have led consumers to prefer food preservatives based on natural products. Hence, Stenochlaena palustris leaf extract was used in this study to evaluate the antifungal activity against food borne pathogen, Aspergillus niger. The value of minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration of leaf extract for this fungus grown on Potato Dextrose Agar medium was 50 mg/ml. IC50 value for the hyphal growth of A. niger was at a concentration of 17.41 mg/ml. Morphology changes of A. niger treated with the fern leaf extract was observed through scanning electron microscope. The thread-like and elongated hyphae cell wall was disrupted, with some appearing flattened and others being broken. Currently, there is growing interest in using natural food preservatives such as medicinal plant extracts for preserving foods to reduce outbreaks of foodborne pathogenic microorganisms. Hence, S. palustris appears to have promise as a safe alternative natural product-based food preservative for future generations.
Framingham Risk Scores is an established method to predict an individual's 10-year risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). It provides a more precise delineation of risk which might lead to appropriate selection of therapy and opportunities for patient education and motivation. A Healthy Lifestyle Project was initiated to decrease the modifiable risk factors for CHD in a worksite in Kuala Lumpur. The participants were Malay men (n=186) working as security guards in a public university. Their mean age was 46.6 + 6.6 years. The majority had secondary education and were married. The participants' 10-year risks based on the Framingham Risk Scores were 55.4%, 39.8% and 4.8% respectively for categories of low (< 10%), intermediate (10 to 20%) and high (>20%) risk. Their Framingham Risk Scores were then correlated with anthropometric measurements such as the Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference and waist-hip-ratio (WHR). All the anthropometric measurements had weak but significant correlation with the Framingham Risk Scores (WHR: r=0.26; waist circumference: r=0.23; BMI: r=0.16). In conclusion, 44.6% of our participants had more than 10% risk in developing CHD in the coming ten years. Hence, they are suitable target candidates for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle such as smoking cessation, weight control, healthy dietary patterns and increased physical activities. Indicators of abdominal obesity like WHR or waist circumference may be used to complement the Framingham Risk Scores for the prediction of CHD risk in this population.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 13 female children and 40 adolescents residing in a welfare home. The objectives of this study were to determine underweight, overweight rates and body fat percentages as well as assess the dietary intake of energy, selected macro- and micro-nutrients among the subjects aged 6-17 years. The anthropometric measurements collected were Body Mass Index (BMI) and skinfold thickness of five body sites - triceps, subscapular, abdomen, suprailiac, and thigh. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall. This study indicated that the majority (75%) of the subjects were of normal weight, 21% were underweight and 4% were overweight. BMI and body fat percentages of the adolescents were found to be significantly higher than those of the children (t=-3.083, p=0.003; t=-7.321, p<0.001). A positive correlation between BMI and body fat percentage was also significant (r=0.791, p<0.001). In terms of dietary assessment, there were significant differences in percentage of RNI attainment between children and adolescents for energy, protein, iron, and folate (p<0.05). In conclusion, the majority of the children and adolescents had normal weight and average body fat percentages. Besides, all the children met the RNI requirements for all the studied nutrients while the adolescents met the RNI requirements for energy, protein, iron, and zinc with dietary calcium and folate slightly below the RNI requirements.
A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the physical activity levels of 400 adolescents (13 years old) in Kuantan, Pahang using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). The associations of physical activity levels with sex, ethnicity and body mass index were also determined. About one third (35.3%) of the adolescents were in the low physical activity level category, 61.5% in the moderate physical activity level and only 3.0% of the adolescents were in the high physical activity level category. More males (77.9%) were physically active than females (54.9%). Twice as many female adolescents (45.1%) were in the low physical activity level category compared to the male adolescents (22.1%). The associations between physical activity with ethnicity and body mass index were not significant. However, there was a significant interaction effect of sex and ethnicity in mean physical activity score (F = 2.36, p<0.01). Malay males had a significantly higher mean physical activity score as compared to Chinese males (t=2.13; p<0.05). Although Chinese females had a higher mean physical activity score than Malay females, the difference was not statistically significant. Conversely, there was no interaction effect of sex and BMI status in mean physical activity score. This study suggests that physical activity intervention to promote regular physical activity is needed since a high proportion of the adolescents fall within the low physical activity level category.
The World Health Organization (WHO), National Cholesterol Education Program Adults Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) have proposed different criteria to diagnose metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, there is no single definition to accurately diagnose MetS. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of MetS using WHO, NCEP ATP III and IDF in the Malaysian community, and to determine the concordance between these definitions for MetS. 109 men and women aged > 30 years participated in the study, and the prevalence of MetS was determined according to the three definitions. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip circumference, blood pressure, blood lipid profile and plasma fasting glucose were measured. In order to determine the concordance between IDF and the other two definitions, the kappa index (κ-test) was used. The prevalence of MetS (95% confidence interval) was 22.9% (22.8-23.1) by IDF definition, 16.5% (16.3-16.9) by NCEP ATP III definition and 6.4% (6.2-6.6) by modified WHO definition. The sensitivity and specificity of IDF against NCEP ATP III were 88.9% and 90.1% respectively, IDF against WHO definition were 85.7% and 81.4%. The κ statistics for the agreement of the IDF definition was 68.3 ± 0.1 with the NCEP ATP III, and 30.5 ± 0.1 with the modified WHO definition. The prevalence of the MetS among respondents using the IDF definition was highest, followed by NCEP ATP III, and finally modified WHO definition. There was a good concordance between the IDF and NCEP ATP III definitions, and a low concordance between IDF and modified WHO definitions.
The antimicrobial activity of the Centipeda minima L. (Asteraceae) extract was evaluated against seven microorganisms using the disc diffusion method. The extract showed a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity against all the tested bacterial strains, especially Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus and Yersinia enterocolitica. The chemical composition of the extract obtained from Centipeda minima was analysed by GC-MS. Twentythree compounds, constituting about 84.75 % of the total extract, were identified. The main constituents were palmitic acid (7.47%), (Z,Z)-9-,12-octadecatrienoic acid (6.52%), (Z,Z,Z)-9-,12-octadecatrienoic acid (7.01%), phytol (7.01%), naptho[2.3-b]furan-2-(3H)-on (6.21%), 1-(1,2,3,4,7,7a-hexahydro-1,4,4,5-tetramethyl-1,3a-ethano-3aH-inden-6-yl)etanon (7.95%), 1,3,5-tri-tertbutyl- benzene (4.52%), (3Z)-2-methyl-3-octen-2-ol (5.95%) and artemisia ketone (4.98%). The extract was also tested against brine shrimp for toxicity. There was no significant toxicity as it only recorded a LC50 value of 4.92 mg/ml. The study shows that the extract is a good antimicrobial agent with potential applications in public health against diseases.
This study was aimed at assessing the antioxidant capacity and phenolic (free, bound, and total) contents in selected commercial beverages. Three different types of beverages commonly available in Malaysian supermarkets namely, cocoa, coffee and tea were selected. Phenolic contents were determined using a Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing power and scavenging activity) was determined using FRAP and TEAC assays. Based on analysis of variance, coffee showed the highest amount of free phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity compared to cocoa and tea (p < 0.05). The major phenolic compound detected in coffee was chlorogenic acid. Cocoa showed higher phenolic content than tea. However, cocoa and tea have similar catechin content and possessed comparable antioxidant capacity. The free phenolic content in the three beverages was found to be highly correlated with antioxidant capacity. In addition, moderate correlation was observed between total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. On the other hand, there was no significant contribution of bound phenolic compounds towards antioxidant capacity. The contribution of antioxidant capacity in these beverages could be due to phenolic compounds in the free form. The study indicated that the beverages studied possessed varying degrees of antioxidant capacity and phenolic contents.
The protein nutritive value of anchovy, mackerel and canned sardine samples together with casein as a reference formulation were evaluated. Proximate composition, protein quality and protein digestibility were determined. Procedures for evaluation included Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) using the rat bioassay and in vivo Apparent Digestibility (AD). Rats fed with canned sardine diet had the highest mean body weight (154.8±12.28g) while rats fed with anchovy diet had the lowest mean body weight (145.27±15.89g) with significant differences between all the groups. Mean body weight of rats fed with selected fish diet was higher compared to rats fed with casein diet. For PER value, canned sardine has the highest value (2.48), followed by anchovy (2.46) and mackerel (2.34). PER value for all selected fish is lower than that for casein (3.14). Mackerel had the highest value of in vivo AD (96.99%), followed by casein (96.96%), canned sardine (96.88%) and anchovy (91.29%). In conclusion, among the types of fish compared, sardine had the highest protein quality while mackerel showed the highest digestibility.
The use of repeatedly heated frying oils and intake of high cholesterol diet have been linked to bone damage. The aim of this study is to determine the combined effects of taking repeatedly heated frying oils (palm or soy oil) and high cholesterol diet on the dynamic histomorphometric parameters of bone. Ovariectomised rats were used as animal model of post-menopausal osteoporosis. After six months of treatment, Double-labeled Surface (dLS/BS), Mineralising surface (MS/BS) and Bone Formation Rate (BFR/BS) of ovariectomised rats (OvxC) were significantly reduced compared to the normal control group. Additions of fresh or once-heated palm or soy oil into high cholesterol diet seem to have improved the dynamic parameters towards the normal control values. However, when these oils were repeatedly heated, the protective effects were lost and the dynamic parameters except MS/BS dropped back towards the ovariectomised-control values.
Selenium is a micronutrient mineral found mainly in soils. Studies on selenium have increased rapidly worldwide especially after it has been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer in humans and animals. The exact mechanism of action on how selenium inhibits diseases, in particular cancer, is still unknown. To date, the use of selenium in preventing or treating diseases is limited. However, many aspects about the biochemistry of selenium have been identified. This article reviews a number of key clinical, experimental and epidemiological studies on selenium as an anti-carcinogenic agent for some types of cancers. Some nutritional information on selenium and its recommended intake are also included. More clinical and experimental studies are needed to confirm previous findings on the role of selenium as an anticarcinogenic agent.
In a biological system the product of free-radical induced-lipid peroxidation are conjugated dienes (CDs), lipid peroxides and malondialdehyde (MDA). Its control depends on antioxidant activities. Antioxidant defend the body system by controlling the damage caused by the free radicals. This paper describes lipid peroxidation process and antioxidant activities present in three species of holothuroid obtained from the coastal waters of Terengganu, Malaysia. Among the three species studied, the coelomic fluid of Bohadschia mamorata vitiensis contained the highest level of protein (7.24 + 0.04)g/L. The coelomic fluid of Stichopus badionotus Selenka contained the highest level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (9.46 + 0.99)X 105 IU/g protein, MDA (16.46 + 1.28)nmol/g protein and total antioxidant activities (AOA) (58.81 + 5.70) %. In Stichopus variegatus Semper the coelomic fluid only demonstrated the highest level of CDs (94.19 + 11.34) RU/g protein compared with the other two species. This preliminary study indicated that some form of antioxidant activities are present in the coelomic fluid of holothuroids.
The theoretical impact of the use of coconut cream (santan) powder and palm oil santan powder on the dietary levels of C12-16 saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and linoleic acid (18:2), and on serum total cholesterol (TC), was evaluated holding non-santan dietary variables constant. The prediction was based on a 2,300-kcal hypothetical diet, containing one santan-based dish or snack in each of the 5 daily meals with fat contributing 30% of total calories, while the santan contributed a total of 14% kcal (36g). Replacing coconut santan with palm oil santan reduced the overall dietary C12-16 SFAs from 10.8% kcal to 4.8% kcal (i.e. 6.0% kcal) and the virtual removal of lauric (12:0) + myristic (14:0) acids, while palmitic acid (16:0) rose by 3.3% kcal, and the polyunsaturated linoleic acid (18:2) increased by 1.13% kcal. Applying the Hegsted equation to these dietary fatty acid (FA) changes, predicted a serum TC reduction of 24 -31 mg/dL (0.62- 0.80 mM/L), with the hypocholesterolemic effect being influenced by the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) set-point of the individual(s) concerned. Thus, the prediction indicated that replacing coconut santan with palm oil santan in santan-based Malaysian dishes or snacks would have a significant beneficial impact on serum TC and hence, cardiovascular risk.
The purpose of this study was to assess the dietary intake of University Putra Malaysia students using the weighed record method and the 24 hour-dietary recall method. The validity of the 24-hour recall method was studied by comparing it with the weighed record method. A total of 40 male and 25 female students age between 18-29 years volunteered to participate in this study. All the subjects were required to weigh and record the foods they ate for 1 day. Without prior knowledge of the purpose of the visit , the 24-hour recall was carried out the following day. The nutrients analysed were calorie, carbohydrates, protein, fat, calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C. Comparisons of the nutrient intake between these two methods were determined. The paired t-test indicated no significant difference in group's mean nutrient intake between the weighed record method for all nutrients. The differences in group mean intake for all nutrients between weighed record and 24-hour recall method ranged from -3% to 3.6%. A total of 4 nutrients were underestimated, namely energy, protein, vitamin C and iron. The correlation coefficients showed a strong positive relationships between the two methods (ranged from r = 0.88-0.98, p < 0.01) for all of the nutrients analysed. In conclusion, the agreement between nutrient values from two different methods indicated that the 24 hour recall is a suitable method for the dietary assessment of university students.
A study was carried out to determine the anti-obesity effects of pink guava (Psidium guajava) puree in high fat diet (HFD) induced-obese rats. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups: control negative (CN), fed normal rat pellet; control positive (CP), low, medium and high dosage group (LDG, MDG, HDG) were fed HFD, respectively. CN and CP groups were given distilled water; meanwhile treated groups were given the aqueous puree dissolved in distilled water administered orally for six weeks. The results obtained showed that pink guava puree significantly decreased the body weight and systolic blood pressure of HFD induced-obese rats as compared to control. Blood glucose values for treated groups (4.3-4.9 mmol/L) were significantly lower as compared to CN and CP (5.7 and 5.8 mmol/L) respectively. HDG showed a significant reduction in 34.47% total cholesterol (TC) levels followed by MDG (23.30%) and LDG (22.33%). Triglycerides (TG) levels for all treated groups especially HDG (43.59%) showed significant difference as compared to control. High density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels showed an increase in the treated group as compared to control. Low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels significantly decreased in HDG (69.70%), MDG (39.40%) and LDG (37.12%) as compared to control. Kidney function tests showed significant changes in urea concentrations in treated groups as compared to control. Liver function tests showed significant differences in globulin, A:G ratio, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and CK-Nac in treated groups as compared to control. Specific enzyme activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was significantly higher in LDG (2787.50±266.36 U/L), MDG (2819.50±262.04 U/L) and HDG (2897.33±674.97 U/L) respectively, as compared to CN (2184.50±816.59 U/L) and CP (2610.17±61.63 U/L). Significant differences were also seen in superoxidase dismutase (SOD) activities in treated groups as compared to control. In conclusion, this study found that pink guava puree had anti-obesity properties and high enzyme activities.
Iron deficiency and anaemia affect millions of children worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the effect of iron deficiency with or without anaemia on cognitive functions, specifically with short-term memory, attention and visual motor coordination in children. A total of 173 primary school children was enrolled. Cognitive functions were assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. Three sub-tests were selected to assess processing speed (coding test), immediate auditory memory (digit span test) and visual processing and problem solving ability (maze test). The results showed significant correlation between age and coding test (r =0.38, p< 0.001), digit span test (r =0.16, p = 0.028), and maze test scores (r =0.28, p< 0.001), and the total sub-test scores (r=0.43, p < .001). After age adjustment of the cognitive function tests, iron deficient children without anaemia scored significantly lower than the healthy children (p< 0.001) on coding test, while iron deficient children with anaemia and iron deficient children without anaemia scored significantly lower (p< 0.001) than the healthy counterparts on maze test. No significant differences were observed on digit-span score among the groups. This study confirms the negative effect of both iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia on processing speed and visual motor coordination in children.
This cross-sectional study investigates the association between energy intake and macronutrient composition of the diet with overweight and obesity among Malaysian women. One hundred and fifteen adult Malay women aged 20 to 59 years (mean age 37.2±7.6 years) were interviewed. Dietary intake was assessed using the food history method. Body weight status was assessed using weight, height, waist circumference and fat percentage measurements. When energy intake was assessed for accuracy, only 41% of the subjects (n=47) were normal energy reporters. Among the normal energy reporters, 55% were of normal weight whereas 32% and 13% were overweight and obese. Mean energy intake for normal weight, overweight and obese subjects was 1685±199 kcal/day, 1810±166 kcal/day and 2119±222 kcal/day, respectively. Energy intake increased with body mass index (BMI) category. Among the overweight and obese, energy intake was respectively higher by 125 kcal/day and 434 kcal/day as compared to their normal weight counterparts (p< 0.001). There was also a significant, moderate and positive correlation between energy intake and BMI (r=0.635), waist circumference (r=0.545), and body fat percentage (r=0.534). When macronutrient composition of diet was analysed (% energy and g/1000 kcal), there was no significant difference in carbohydrate, protein or fat intake between the obese, overweight and normal weight subjects. There was also no significant correlation between macronutrient composition of the diet and body weight status. Based on these findings, we conclude that the subjects' body weight status is likely to be influenced by energy intake rather than the macronutrient composition of the diet.
Metabolic syndrome was once reported only in adults but is now occurring more frequently in children. This study compared the incidence of metabolic syndrome and its components among normal and obese children using the 2007 International Diabetes Federation (IDF) pediatric definition for metabolic syndrome. Subjects comprised 78 school children aged 8-10 years, with 34 obese and 44 normal weight children. Body weight, height, and waist circumference (WC) were measured and body mass index was calculated. Clinical profiles measured included fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and blood pressure. Metabolic syndrome (MS) was defined using the 2007 IDF pediatric criteria. Obese subjects had a significantly (p< 0.001) higher mean BMI (26.0 ± 3.6 kg/m2) compared to normal weight subjects (15.1 ± 0.8 kg/m2). Only one obese subject (1.3% of subjects) had metabolic syndrome based on the IDF definition, but all obese subjects had at least one component of metabolic syndrome. In comparison, no normal weight subjects had metabolic syndrome and only 9.1% of normal weight subjects had at least one component of metabolic syndrome. The most common component was central obesity, observed in 43.6% of subjects having WC equal to or greater than the 90th percentile. In concurrence with central obesity as the core feature of the IDF criteria, WC showed the strongest correlation with indicators of obesity such as BMI (r=0.938, p< 0.001), fat mass (r=0.912, p< 0.001) and fat-free mass (r=0.863, p< 0.001). We conclude that the problem of metabolic syndrome is more prominent among obese children, although the incidence of MS as defined by the 2007 pediatric IDF criteria, is low in this population (1.3%).
Pleurotus ostreatus better known as oyster mushroom is widely cultivated and consumed as food in Malaysia. The present study aims to assess the antioxidative potential and total phenolic content of P. ostreatus aqueous extract. The antioxidant activities were evaluated against DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and β-carotene-linoleate bleaching assay, and the Folin-Ciocalteu method for total phenolic content (TPC). The DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activity was found to be 63.20% and 87.29% respectively; antioxidant activity using FRAP at 1.45 mM FE/100g and β-carotenelinoleate bleaching assay was 83.51%, while the TPC was found to be 798.55 mg GAE/100g. These antioxidant activities were compared to synthetic antioxidant, BHA and ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid showed highest scavenging effects on DPPH and ABTS radical, followed by P. ostreatus and BHA (at maximum safety limit). The ferric reducing power of P. ostreatus was significantly higher than BHA and ascorbic acid. The antioxidant activity as assessed in β-carotene-linoleate bleaching assay was found to be higher in BHA compared to P. ostreatus. The aqueous extract of P. ostreatus was found to respond differently in antioxidant assays. The antioxidative activity of the aqueous extract of P. ostreatus correlated with its total phenolic content. Generally, the antioxidant activities of P. ostreatus' aqueous extract are comparable to that of BHA and ascorbic acid to a certain extent.