Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 216 in total

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  1. A Rahim NN, Chin YS, Sulaiman N
    Nutrients, 2019 Jan 11;11(1).
    PMID: 30641864 DOI: 10.3390/nu11010142
    Considering the double burden of malnutrition in Malaysia, data on malnourished children living in welfare homes are limited. This study aimed to determine the body weight status of children living in welfare homes and its associated factors. A total of 307 children aged 7⁻17 years old living in 15 selected welfare homes completed a standardized questionnaire, and their body weight and height were measured by trained researchers. There were 54.4% orphans, 23.8% abandoned children, and 21.8% children from problematic families. There were 51.5% boys and 48.5% girls; 52.4% were Malays, followed by 31.3% Indians, 12.7% Chinese, and 3.6% from other ethnic groups. The prevalence of overweight and obesity (23.1%) was higher than the prevalence of thinness (8.5%). In bivariate analyses, socio-demographic factors of age (p = 0.003), sex (p = 0.0001), ethnicity (p = 0.001), and welfare home enrollment status (p = 0.003), and psychological factors of self-esteem (p = 0.003), body shape dissatisfaction (p = 0.0001), and underestimation of body weight status (p = 0.002), were significantly associated with body mass index (BMI)-for-age. In the multiple linear regression analysis, children who were either Malays (β = 0.492) or Chinese (β = 0.678), with a status of being abandoned (β = 0.409), with body shape dissatisfaction (β = 0.457), and underestimated body weight status (β = 0.628) significantly explained 39.7% of the variances in higher BMI-for-age (F = 39.550; p < 0.05). Besides socio-demographic background, the current findings emphasized the importance of incorporating body image perception in an obesity prevention intervention program in welfare homes.
  2. Norazman CW, Adznam SN, Jamaluddin R
    Nutrients, 2020 Jun 08;12(6).
    PMID: 32521618 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061713
    Studies have been carried out on the association between frailty and malnutrition, but the similarities and divergence of the relationship remain debatable. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of malnutrition risk and frailty as well as the overlapping constructs. The associations that emerged were assessed independently of other risk factors. A total of 301 community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 66.91 ± 5.59 years old were randomly recruited. Fried Criteria and Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) were used to assess frailty status and malnutrition, respectively. Other related nutritional assessments were assessed (body mass index (BMI), circumference measures, body fat % and skeletal muscle mass). The prevalence of frailty was 14.6% and prefrail was 59.7%; 29.6% were at risk of malnutrition, and 3.3% were malnourished. Malnutrition risk was significantly associated with a higher number of chronic diseases, BMI, circumference of mid-upper arm (MUAC), and calf, (CC)and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and frailty, whereas frailty was significantly associated with higher number of chronic diseases, SMM and malnutrition. Frailty syndrome can be predicted with increasing age, body fat, lower skeletal muscle and malnutrition. Those who were frail were found to be five times more likely to be at risk of malnutrition. Results suggested that frailty and malnutrition shared considerable overlap, which emphasised the interrelated but discrete concepts. Therefore, the assessment of malnutrition is imperative and could be used as a practical implication in assessing frailty syndrome.
  3. Lee KW, Loh HC, Ching SM, Devaraj NK, Hoo FK
    Nutrients, 2020 May 29;12(6).
    PMID: 32486102 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061604
    The beneficial effects of a vegetarian diet on blood pressure (BP) control have been reported in previous systematic reviews; however, so far, their relative effectiveness is not well established. Here, we performed a systematic review together with trial sequential analysis to determine the effect of a vegetarian diet on the reduction of blood pressure. We searched the randomized controlled trial (RCT) through Medline, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register. Fifteen eligible RCTs with 856 subjects were entered into the analysis. The pooled results demonstrated that vegetarian diet consumption significantly lowered the systolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference (WMD), -2.66 mmHg (95% confidence interval (CI) = -3.76, -1.55, p < 0.001) and diastolic BP was WMD, -1.69 95% CI = -2.97, -0.41, p < 0.001) as compared to an omnivorous diet. In subgroup analysis, a vegan diet demonstrated a greater reduction in systolic BP (WMD, -3.12 mm Hg; 95% CI = -4.54, -1.70, p < 0.001) as compared with a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet (WMD, -1.75 mm Hg, 95% CI -5.38, 1.88, p = 0.05). The vegan diet has showed a similar trend in terms of diastolic blood pressure reduction (WMD, -1.92 mm Hg (95% CI = -3.18, -0.66, p < 0.001) but those with a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet showed no changes in diastolic BP reduction (WMD, 0.00, 95% CI = 0.00, 0.00), p =0.432). In conclusion, vegetarian diets are associated with significant reductions in BP compared with omnivorous diets, suggesting that they may play a key role in the primary prevention and overall management of hypertension.
  4. Balasubramanian GV, Chuah KA, Khor BH, Sualeheen A, Yeak ZW, Chinna K, et al.
    Nutrients, 2020 Jul 14;12(7).
    PMID: 32674327 DOI: 10.3390/nu12072080
    Cardiometabolic risk is scarcely explored related to dietary patterns (DPs) in Asian populations. Dietary data (n = 562) from the cross-sectional Malaysia Lipid Study were used to derive DPs through principal component analysis. Associations of DPs were examined with metabolic syndrome (MetS), atherogenic, inflammation and insulinemic status. Four DPs with distinctive eating modes were Home meal (HM), Chinese traditional (CT), Plant foods (PF) and Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). Within DP tertiles (T3 vs. T1), the significantly lowest risk was associated with CT for hsCRP (AOR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.28, 0.70, p < 0.001) levels. However, SSB was associated with the significantly highest risks for BMI (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.28, 3.17, p = 0.003), waist circumference (AOR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.14, 2.87, p = 0.013), small LDL-C particles (AOR= 1.69, 95% CI 1.02, 2.79, p = 0.043), HOMA2-IR (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI 1.25, 5.57, p = 0.011), hsCRP (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI 1.40, 3.50, p = 0.001), and MetS (AOR = 2.78, 95% CI 1.49, 5.22, p = 0.001). Adherence behaviors to SSBs (T3) included consuming coffee/tea with condensed milk (29%) or plain with sugar (20.7%) and eating out (12 ± 8 times/week, p < 0.001). Overall, the SSB pattern with a highest frequency of eating out was detrimentally associated with cardiometabolic risks.
  5. Ibrahim N', Fairus S, Mohamed IN
    Nutrients, 2020 Jul 10;12(7).
    PMID: 32664390 DOI: 10.3390/nu12072055
    Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is globally known as the number one cause of death with hyperlipidemia as a strong risk factor for CVD. The initiation of drug treatment will be recommended if lifestyle modification fails. However, medicines currently used for improving cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterols (LDL-C) levels have been associated with various side effects. Thus, alternative treatment with fewer or no side effects needs to be explored. A potential agent, oil palm phenolics (OPP) recovered from the aqueous waste of oil palm milling process contains numerous water-soluble phenolic compounds. It has been postulated that OPP has shown cardioprotective effects via several mechanisms such as cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review aims to summarize the current evidence explicating the actions of OPP in cardiovascular health and the mechanisms that maybe involved for the cardioprotective effects.
  6. Woon FC, Chin YS, Ismail IH, Abdul Latiff AH, Batterham M, Chan YM, et al.
    Nutrients, 2020 Aug 12;12(8).
    PMID: 32806653 DOI: 10.3390/nu12082418
    Allergic diseases are the most common chronic illness in childhood. Findings from developed countries have reported associations between Vitamin D levels during pregnancy and offspring allergy risk. This prospective cohort study aimed to determine the associations between maternal Vitamin D levels during late pregnancy and allergic diseases in Malaysian infants during the first year of life. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations of 380 pregnant women in the third trimester were measured using a chemiluminescent immunoassay. Children's allergic outcomes were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months based on parental reports. Specific IgE antibodies against food and inhalant allergens were measured in infants at 12 months of age. A total of 43.2% pregnant women were Vitamin D deficient (<30 nmol/L) and 56.8% were nondeficient (≥30 nmol/L). A total of 27.6% of the infants had eczema, 6.1% had wheeze, 27.4% had food sensitization, 10.8% had inhalant allergen sensitization, and 3.8% had IgE-mediated food allergy during the first year of life. Compared with the nondeficient group, maternal Vitamin D deficiency in late pregnancy was not associated with any allergic outcomes after adjustment for potential confounding factors. In conclusion, the present study does not support an association between maternal Vitamin D levels in late pregnancy and allergic outcomes during the first year of life.
  7. Ganesan T, Sinniah A, Chik Z, Alshawsh MA
    Nutrients, 2020 Aug 13;12(8).
    PMID: 32823596 DOI: 10.3390/nu12082430
    Punicalagin (PU), a polyphenol extracted from pomegranate (Punica granatum) husk is proven to have anti-cancer effects on different types of cancer including colorectal cancer (CRC). Its role in modulating endogenous protein as a means of eliciting its anti-cancer effects, however, has not been explored to date. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the role of PU in modulating the interplay between apoptosis and autophagy by regulating Annexin A1 (Anx-A1) expression in HCT 116 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. In the study, selective cytotoxicity, pro-apoptotic, autophagic and Anx-A1 downregulating properties of PU were shown which indicate therapeutic potential that this polyphenol has against CRC. Autophagy flux analysis via flow cytometry showed significant autophagosomes degradation in treated cells, proving the involvement of autophagy. Proteome profiling of 35 different proteins in the presence and absence of Anx-A1 antagonists in PU-treated cells demonstrated a complex interplay that happens between apoptosis and autophagy that suggests the possible simultaneous induction and inhibition of these two cell death mechanisms by PU. Overall, this study suggests that PU induces autophagy while maintaining basal level of apoptosis as the main mechanisms of cytotoxicity via the modulation of Anx-A1 expression in HCT 116 cells, and thus has a promising translational potential.
  8. Khor BH, Tiong HC, Tan SC, Abdul Rahman R, Abdul Gafor AH
    Nutrients, 2020 Sep 13;12(9).
    PMID: 32933198 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092809
    Nutritional assessment is essential to identify patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) who are protein-energy wasting (PEW) and at risk of poor clinical outcomes. This systematic review aimed to investigate the relationship of nutritional assessments for PEW with clinical outcomes in patients with AKI. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases using search terms related to PEW, nutrition assessment, and AKI to identify prospective cohort studies that involved AKI adult patients with at least one nutritional assessment performed and reported relevant clinical outcomes, such as mortality, length of stay, and renal outcomes associated with the nutritional parameters. Seventeen studies reporting eight nutritional parameters for PEW assessment were identified and mortality was the main clinical outcome reported. A meta-analysis showed that PEW assessed using subjective global assessment (SGA) was associated with greater mortality risk (RR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.36-2.91). Individual nutrition parameters, such as serum chemistry, body mass, muscle mass, and dietary intakes, were not consistently associated with mortality. In conclusion, SGA is a valid tool for PEW assessment in patients with AKI, while other nutrition parameters in isolation had limited validity for PEW assessment.
  9. Mohd Suffian NI, Adznam SN', Abu Saad H, Chan YM, Ibrahim Z, Omar N, et al.
    Nutrients, 2020 Sep 10;12(9).
    PMID: 32927741 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092758
    The ageing process has been associated with various geriatric issues including frailty. Without early prevention, frailty may cause multiple adverse outcomes. However, it potentially may be reversed with appropriate interventions. The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of nutritional education and exercise intervention to prevent frailty among the elderly. A 3-month, single-blind, two-armed, cluster randomized controlled trial of the frailty intervention program among Malaysian pre-frail elderly will be conducted. A minimum of total 60 eligible respondents from 8 clusters (flats) of Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) flats will be recruited and randomized to the intervention and control arm. The intervention group will receive a nutritional education and a low to moderate multi-component exercise program. To date, this is the first intervention study that specifically targets both the degree of frailty and an improvement in the outcomes of frailty using both nutritional education and exercise interventions among Malaysian pre-frail elderly. If the study is shown to be effective, there are major potential benefits to older population in terms of preventing transition to frailty. The findings from this trial will potentially provide valuable evidence and serve as a model for similar future interventions designed for elderly Malaysians in the community.
  10. Akter R, Yagi N, Sugino H, Thilsted SH, Ghosh S, Gurung S, et al.
    Nutrients, 2020 Sep 04;12(9).
    PMID: 32899764 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092705
    The consumption of high-quality diverse diets is crucial for optimal growth, health, and wellbeing.

    OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the diet quality of households by their type of engagement in homestead aquaculture and/or horticulture. Socio-demographic determinants of diet quality were also studied.

    METHOD: Diet quality was assessed using a nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), based on the preceding 7 days' dietary recall at the household level. Adult male equivalent units (AMEs) were used for age- and sex-specific intra-household distribution of household intakes. Mean adequacy ratios (MAR) were computed as an overall measure of diet quality, using NAR.

    RESULTS: Better diet quality (mean ± SD) was associated with households engaged in both homestead aquaculture and horticulture (0.43 ± 0.23; p < 0.001) compared to only one type of agriculture (0.38 ± 0.20) or none (0.36 ± 0.20). Tukey's post-hoc test confirmed significant differences in diet quality between both and either engagement (0.05 ± 0.01, p < 0.001), both and no engagement (0.07 ± 0.01, p < 0.001), and either and no engagement households (0.02 ± 0.01, p < 0.001). Beyond farm production of nutrient-rich foods, generalized estimating equations showed that diet quality was influenced by the higher educational level and occupation of adult household members, higher daily per capita food expenditure, sex, family size and region.

    CONCLUSIONS: Projects that promote and support household engagement in both homestead aquaculture and horticulture have the potential to improve the diet quality of households.

  11. Kntayya SB, Ibrahim MD, Mohd Ain N, Iori R, Ioannides C, Abdull Razis AF
    Nutrients, 2018 Jun 04;10(6).
    PMID: 29866995 DOI: 10.3390/nu10060718
    Glucoraphenin, a glucosinolate present in large quantities in radish is hydrolysed by myrosinase to form the isothiocyanate sulforaphene, which is believed to be responsible for its chemopreventive activity; however, the underlying mechanisms of action have not been investigated, particularly in human cell lines. The aim of the study is to assess the cytotoxicity of sulforaphene in HepG2 cells and evaluate its potential to enhance apoptosis. The cytotoxicity of sulforaphene in HepG2 cells was carried out ensuing an initial screening with two other cell lines, MFC-7 and HT-29, where sulforaphene displayed highest toxicity in HepG2 cells following incubation at 24, 48 and 72 h. In contrast, the intact glucosinolate showed no cytotoxicity. Morphological studies indicated that sulforaphene stimulated apoptosis as exemplified by cell shrinkage, blebbing, chromatin condensation, and nuclear fragmentation. The Annexin V assay revealed significant increases in apoptosis and the same treatment increased the activity of caspases -3/7 and -9, whereas a decline in caspase-8 was observed. Impairment of cell proliferation was indicated by cell cycle arrest at the Sub G₀/G₁ phase as compared to the other phases. It may be concluded that sulforaphene, but not its parent glucosinolate, glucoraphenin, causes cytotoxicity and stimulates apoptosis in HepG2 cells.
  12. Jaafaru MS, Abd Karim NA, Enas ME, Rollin P, Mazzon E, Abdull Razis AF
    Nutrients, 2018 May 08;10(5).
    PMID: 29738500 DOI: 10.3390/nu10050580
    Crucifer vegetables, Brassicaceae and other species of the order Brassicales, e.g., Moringaceae that are commonly consumed as spice and food, have been reported to have potential benefits for the treatment and prevention of several health disorders. Though epidemiologically inconclusive, investigations have shown that consumption of those vegetables may result in reducing and preventing the risks associated with neurodegenerative disease development and may also exert other biological protections in humans. The neuroprotective effects of these vegetables have been ascribed to their secondary metabolites, glucosinolates (GLs), and their related hydrolytic products, isothiocyanates (ITCs) that are largely investigated for their various medicinal effects. Extensive pre-clinical studies have revealed more than a few molecular mechanisms of action elucidating multiple biological effects of GLs hydrolytic products. This review summarizes the most significant and up-to-date in vitro and in vivo neuroprotective actions of sulforaphane (SFN), moringin (MG), phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), 6-(methylsulfinyl) hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC) and erucin (ER) in neurodegenerative diseases.
  13. Ooi TC, Meramat A, Rajab NF, Shahar S, Ismail IS, Azam AA, et al.
    Nutrients, 2020 Aug 30;12(9).
    PMID: 32872655 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092644
    Intermittent fasting (IF) refers to various dietary regimens that cycle between a period of non-fasting and a period of total fasting. This study aimed to determine the effects of IF on cognitive function among elderly individuals who practice IF who have mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A total of 99 elderly subjects with MCI of Malay ethnicity without any terminal illness were recruited from a larger cohort study, LRGS TUA. The subjects were divided into three groups, comprising those who were regularly practicing IF (r-IF), irregularly practicing IF (i-IF), and non-fasters (n-IF). Upon 36 months of follow-up, more MCI subjects in the r-IF group reverted to successful aging with no cognitive impairment and diseases (24.3%) compared to those in i-IF (14.2%) and n-IF groups (3.7%). The r-IF group's subjects exhibited significant increment in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reduction in body weight, levels of insulin, fasting blood glucose, malondialdehyde (MDA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and DNA damage. Moreover, metabolomics analysis showed that IF may modulate cognitive function via various metabolite pathways, including the synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, butanoate metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, and glycolysis and gluconeogenesis pathways. Overall, the MCI-afflicted older adults who practiced IF regularly had better cognitive scores and reverted to better cognitive function at 36 months follow-up.
  14. Mohd Jamil MDH, Taher M, Susanti D, Rahman MA, Zakaria ZA
    Nutrients, 2020 Aug 26;12(9).
    PMID: 32858812 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092584
    Picrasma quassioides is a member of the Simaroubaceae family commonly grown in the regions of Asia, the Himalayas, and India and has been used as a traditional herbal medicine to treat various illnesses such as fever, gastric discomfort, and pediculosis. This study aims to critically review the presence of phytochemicals in P. quassioides and correlate their pharmacological activities with the significance of its use as traditional medicine. Data were collected by reviewing numerous scientific articles from several journal databases on the pharmacological activities of P. quassioides using certain keywords. As a result, approximately 94 phytochemicals extracted from P. quassioides were found to be associated with quassinoids, β-carbolines and canthinones. These molecules exhibited various pharmacological benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, and anti-parasitic activities which help to treat different diseases. However, P. quassioides were also found to have several toxicity effects in high doses, although the evidence regarding these effects is limited in proving its safe use and efficacy as herbal medicine. Accordingly, while it can be concluded that P. quassioides may have many potential pharmacological benefits with more phytochemistry discoveries, further research is required to determine its real value in terms of quality, safety, and efficacy of use.
  15. Koo HC, Poh BK, Talib RA
    Nutrients, 2020 Sep 29;12(10).
    PMID: 33003299 DOI: 10.3390/nu12102972
    Diet composition is a key determinant of childhood obesity. While whole grains and micronutrients are known to decrease the risk of obesity, there are no interventions originating from Southeast Asia that emphasize whole grain as a strategy to improve overall quality of diet in combating childhood obesity. The GReat-Child Trial aimed to improve whole grain intake and quality of diet among overweight and obese children. It is a quasi-experimental intervention based on Social Cognitive Theory. It has a 12-week intervention and 6-month follow-up, consisting of three components that address environmental, personal, and behavioral factors. The intervention consists of: (1) six 30 min lessons on nutrition, using the Malaysian Food Pyramid to emphasize healthy eating, (2) daily deliveries of wholegrain foods to schools so that children can experience and accept wholegrain foods, and (3) diet counseling to parents to increase availability of wholegrain foods at home. Two primary schools with similar demographics in Kuala Lumpur were assigned as control (CG) and intervention (IG) groups. Inclusion criteria were: (1) children aged 9 to 11 years who were overweight/obese; (2) who did not consume whole grain foods; and (3) who had no serious co-morbidity problems. The entire trial was completed by 63 children (31 IG; 32 CG). Study outcomes were measured at baseline and at two time points post intervention (at the 3rd [T1] and 9th [T2] months). IG demonstrated significantly higher intakes of whole grain (mean difference = 9.94, 95%CI: 7.13, 12.75, p < 0.001), fiber (mean difference = 3.07, 95% CI: 1.40, 4.73, p = 0.001), calcium (mean difference = 130.27, 95%CI: 74.15, 186.39, p < 0.001), thiamin (mean difference = 58.71, 95%CI: 26.15, 91.28, p = 0.001), riboflavin (mean difference = 0.84, 95%CI: 0.37, 1.32, p = 0.001), niacin (mean difference = 0.35, 95%CI: 1.91, 5.16, p < 0.001), and vitamin C (mean difference = 58.71, 95%CI: 26.15, 91.28, p = 0.001) compared to CG in T1, after adjusting for covariates. However, T1 results were not sustained in T2 when intervention had been discontinued. The findings indicate that intervention emphasizing whole grains improved overall short-term but not long-term dietary intake among schoolchildren. We hope the present trial will lead to adoption of policies to increase whole grain consumption among Malaysian schoolchildren.
  16. Yau JW, Thor SM, Ramadas A
    Nutrients, 2020 Sep 29;12(10).
    PMID: 33003593 DOI: 10.3390/nu12102990
    Nutritional therapy has been conventionally recommended for people with prediabetes as a method to delay or halt progression to type 2 diabetes. However, recommended nutritional strategies evolve over time. Hence, we performed a scoping review on recently reported nutritional interventions for individuals with prediabetes. Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases were searched to identify relevant research articles published within the past 10 years. Ninety-five articles involving a total of 11,211 participants were included in this review. Nutritional strategies were broadly classified into four groups: low calorie diet, low glycemic index diet, specific foods, and a combination of diet and exercise. The most frequently assessed outcomes were plasma glucose, serum insulin, serum lipid profile, body mass index and body weight. More than 50% of reported interventions resulted in significant improvements in these parameters. Nutritional interventions have demonstrated feasibility and practicality as an effective option for prediabetes management. However, the intervention variability demonstrates the challenges of a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. Investigations in genetically diverse populations and objective assessment of progression rate to diabetes are necessary to better comprehend the impact of these nutritional strategies in prediabetes.
  17. Nik Mohd Fakhruddin NNI, Shahar S, Ismail IS, Ahmad Azam A, Rajab NF
    Nutrients, 2020 Sep 23;12(10).
    PMID: 32977370 DOI: 10.3390/nu12102900
    Food intake biomarkers (FIBs) can reflect the intake of specific foods or dietary patterns (DP). DP for successful aging (SA) has been widely studied. However, the relationship between SA and DP characterized by FIBs still needs further exploration as the candidate markers are scarce. Thus, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR)-based urine metabolomics profiling was conducted to identify potential metabolites which can act as specific markers representing DP for SA. Urine sample of nine subjects from each three aging groups, SA, usual aging (UA), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), were analyzed using the 1H-NMR metabolomic approach. Principal components analysis (PCA) and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were applied. The association between SA urinary metabolites and its DP was assessed using the Pearson's correlation analysis. The urine of SA subjects was characterized by the greater excretion of citrate, taurine, hypotaurine, serotonin, and melatonin as compared to UA and MCI. These urinary metabolites were associated with alteration in "taurine and hypotaurine metabolism" and "tryptophan metabolism" in SA elderly. Urinary serotonin (r = 0.48, p < 0.05) and melatonin (r = 0.47, p < 0.05) were associated with oat intake. These findings demonstrate that a metabolomic approach may be useful for correlating DP with SA urinary metabolites and for further understanding of SA development.
  18. Teng NIMF, Juliana N, Izlin NL, Semaon NZ
    Nutrients, 2020 Nov 25;12(12).
    PMID: 33255585 DOI: 10.3390/nu12123617
    This study aims to examine the level of knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of adolescents towards sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), together with the associated factors that determine their KAP. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires that consisted of sociodemographic, the KAP for the SSB questionnaire, and the Beverage Intake Questionnaire (BEVQ). The respondents' heights, weights, waist circumferences and body fat percentages were measured. This study involved 439 adolescents aged between 13 and 17 years old, in public secondary schools in Selangor, Malaysia. The results reveal that 35% of the adolescents were overweight, 26% had a high waist circumference, and 45% had a high body fat percentage. Caffeinated drinks and full cream milk were the most frequently consumed SSBs. The KAP score revealed a good attitude (88.4%), a moderate knowledge (51.8%) and a poor practice (40.5%). Those with a higher body fat percentage showed significantly good attitude scores (p < 0.05). Low household income groups, females, adolescents aged 16-17 years old and being from an urban area demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) positive determinant towards the KAP score. In conclusion, high awareness of negative health outcomes associated with SSBs among adolescents was not in accordance with the level of their lifestyle choices.
  19. Chua GHI, Phang SCW, Wong YO, Ho LS, Palanisamy UD, Abdul Kadir K
    Nutrients, 2020 Nov 27;12(12).
    PMID: 33261162 DOI: 10.3390/nu12123659
    Malaysian national morbidity surveys on diabetic prevalence have shown ethnical variation among prediabetic and diabetic populations. In our attempt to understand this variation, we studied the α-tocopherol, insulin resistance, β-cell function and receptor of advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) levels, as risk factors of type 2 diabetes, among the different ethnicities. In total, 299 subjects of Malay, Chinese, Indian and aboriginal Orang Asli (OA) heritage were recruited from urban and rural areas of Malaysia by stratified random sampling. Serum α-tocopherol concentrations were measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and insulin concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In subjects with pre-diabetes, OAs had the highest α-tocopherol level, followed by Chinese and Malays (0.8938, 0.8564 and 0.6948 respectively; p < 0.05). In diabetic subjects, Malays had significantly higher RAGE levels compared to Chinese and Indians (5579.31, 3473.40 and 3279.52 pg/mL respectively, p = 0.001). Low α-tocopherol level (OR = 3.021, p < 0.05) and high insulin resistance (OR = 2.423, p < 0.05) were linked strongly to the development of pre-diabetes. Low β-cell function (OR = 5.657, p < 0.001) and high RAGE level (OR = 3.244, p < 0.05) were linked strongly to the development of diabetes from pre-diabetes. These factors might be involved in the development of diabetes, along with genetic and environmental factors.
  20. Sahathevan S, Khor BH, Ng HM, Gafor AHA, Mat Daud ZA, Mafra D, et al.
    Nutrients, 2020 Oct 15;12(10).
    PMID: 33076282 DOI: 10.3390/nu12103147
    Hemodialysis (HD) majorly represents the global treatment option for patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5, and, despite advances in dialysis technology, these patients face a high risk of morbidity and mortality from malnutrition. We aimed to provide a novel view that malnutrition susceptibility in the global HD community is either or both of iatrogenic and of non-iatrogenic origins. This categorization of malnutrition origin clearly describes the role of each factor in contributing to malnutrition. Low dialysis adequacy resulting in uremia and metabolic acidosis and dialysis membranes and techniques, which incur greater amino-acid losses, are identified modifiable iatrogenic factors of malnutrition. Dietary inadequacy as per suboptimal energy and protein intakes due to poor appetite status, low diet quality, high diet monotony index, and/or psychosocial and financial barriers are modifiable non-iatrogenic factors implicated in malnutrition in these patients. These factors should be included in a comprehensive nutritional assessment for malnutrition risk. Leveraging the point of origin of malnutrition in dialysis patients is crucial for healthcare practitioners to enable personalized patient care, as well as determine country-specific malnutrition treatment strategies.
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