DESIGN: A comprehensive literature review was completed. For this the electronic library databases ASFA, CABD and Scopus were systematically searched and relevant references cited in these sources were carefully analysed. The search terms used were 'fish', 'small fish species', 'micronutrients', 'food-based strategies', 'fish consumption' and 'developing countries'. The quality of data on nutritional analyses was carefully reviewed and data that lacked proper information on methods, units and samples were excluded.

RESULTS: The evidence collected confirmed the high levels of vitamin A, Fe and Zn in some of the small fish species in developing countries. These small fish are reported to be more affordable and accessible than the larger fish and other usual animal-source foods and vegetables. Evidence suggests that these locally available small fish have considerable potential as cost-effective food-based strategies to enhance micronutrient intakes or as a complementary food for undernourished children. However, the present review shows that only a few studies have been able to rigorously assess the impact of fish consumption on improved nutritional status in developing countries.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey conducted in 2019-2020.

SETTING: Multistage cluster sampling conducted in Central, Northern, Southern, and East Coast regions of Peninsular Malaysia.

PARTICIPANTS: 2989 children aged 0.5-12.9 years.

RESULTS: Prevalences of stunting, thinness, overweight, and obesity among children aged 0.5-12.9 years were 8.9%, 6.7%, 9.2%, and 8.8%, respectively. Among children below 5 years old, 11.4% were underweight, 13.8% had stunting, and 6.2% wasting. Data on nutritional biomarkers showed a small proportion of children aged 4-12 years had iron (2.9%) and vitamin A deficiencies (3.1%). Prevalence of anaemia was distinctly different between children below 4 years old (40.3%) and those aged 4 years and above (3.0%). One-fourth of children (25.1%) had vitamin D insufficiency, which was twice as prevalent in girls (35.2% vs. boys: 15.6%). The majority of children did not meet the recommended dietary intake for calcium (79.4%) and vitamin D (94.8%).

METHODS: We searched 14 electronic databases from their inception until November 2015 for articles describing the use of herbal or dietary supplements in G6PD deficient individuals. Additional publications were identified from manually searching textbooks, conference abstracts and the grey literature. All study designs were included as long as they contained clinical information. These gathered findings were summarized narratively.

RESULTS: Thirty-two publications met inclusion criteria. These reported on 10 herbal and dietary supplements. Overall evidence linking haemolysis to a herbal/dietary supplement was only found for henna. No evidence of harm was observed for vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, Gingko biloba and α-lipoic acid.

METHODS: This was a cross sectional study conducted with a multistage sampling. All permanent teachers working in government secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur were invited for the study. The data collection included serum 25(OH)D, Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), body fat percentage, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure. Demographic characteristics, sun avoidance, sun exposure and physical activity were enquired from the participants using a self-administered questionnaire. The data was analyzed using a complex sample analysis.

METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study involved 70 patients with diabetic nephropathy; 40 were categorized into the group with nondeficient serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels [25(OH)D >50 nmol/l], whereas 30 patients were categorized to the group with deficient serum 25(OH)D (<50 nmol/l). Microvascular endothelial function was determined using laser Doppler fluximetry and the process of iontophoresis. Acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside were used to determine endothelium-dependent and independent vasodilatation.

RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 56.7 ± 3.8 years; 50 were men, whereas 20 were women. Mean serum 25(OH)D in the vitamin D-nondeficient group was 69.4 ± 2.9 nmol/l; the level in the vitamin D-deficient group was 42.1 ± 1.3 nmol/l, P < 0.001. Endothelium-dependent vasodilatation was lower in the vitamin D-deficient group compared with the vitamin D-nondeficient group (23.6 ± 2.7 versus 37.3 ± 3.8 arbitrary units, P = 0.004). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in their hsCRP levels, mean age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and glycosylated haemoglobin.