Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 167 in total

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  1. Recycled palm oil is better than soy oil in maintaining bone properties in a menopausal syndrome model of ovariectomized rat
    Shuid AN, Chuan LH, Mohamed N, Jaarin K, Fong YS, Soelaiman IN
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2007;16(3):393-402.
    PMID: 17704019
    Palm oil is shown to have antioxidant, anticancer and cholesterol lowering effects. It is resistant to oxidation when heated compared to other frying oils such as soy oil. When a frying oil is heated repeatedly, it forms toxic degradation products, such as aldehydes which when consumed, may be absorbed into the systemic circulation. We have studied the effects of taking soy or palm oil that were mixed with rat chow on the bone histomorphometric parameters of ovariectomised rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into eight groups: (1) normal control group; (2) ovariectomised-control group; (3) ovariectomised and fresh soy oil; (4) ovariectomised and soy oil heated once; (5) ovariectomised and soy oil heated five times; (6) ovariectomised and fresh palm oil; (7) ovariectomised and palm oil heated once; (8) ovariectomised and palm oil heated five times. These oils were mixed with rat chow at weight ratio of 15:100 and were given to the rats daily for six months. Ovariectomy had caused negative effects on the bone histomorphometric parameters. Ingestion of both fresh and once-heated oils, were able to offer protections against the negative effects of ovariectomy, but these protections were lost when the oils were heated five times. Soy oil that was heated five times actually worsens the histomorphometric parameters of ovariectomised rats. Therefore, it may be better for postmenopausal who are at risk of osteoporosis to use palm oil as frying oil especially if they practice recycling of frying oils.
  2. Fulltext Recommended dietary allowances harmonization in Southeast Asia
    Barba CV, Cabrera MI
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2008;17 Suppl 2:405-8.
    PMID: 18460439
    Issues and opportunities for RDA harmonization within the SEA region were first raised during the First Regional Forum and Workshop "RDAs: Scientific Basis and Future Directions", held in Singapore in March 1997. A regional review on RDAs in SEA showed general similarities for the different RDAs, although in some cases a country listed an exceptionally high or low RDA for a particular nutrient for a specific group. It also revealed differences in physiologic groupings and reference body weights, nutrients included and units of expression. Realizing these differences in RDA components between countries which makes technical composition different, a consensus on the need for regional collaboration and harmonization of RDAs was reached by participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. A follow-up workshop was organized to work towards agreement throughout the region on common approaches, concepts and terminologies; application and uses, format and a research agenda. Round table discussions were held to arrive at specific recommendations for achieving harmonization. While divergence in opinions were expected, some clear-cut agreements were settled. Globalization envisions to achieve economic growth and development, with the effects expected to ripple through health, nutrition and welfare improvements. The harmonization of RDAs in SEA seeks to reach this vision by strengthening R and D capabilities (both logistic and manpower) within the region and within the countries in the region, as well as harmonizing the efforts of governments and industry within the region to reduce potential trade barriers such as those relating to food and nutrition quality assurance standards.
  3. Quality of margarine: fats selection and processing parameters
    Miskandar MS, Man YC, Yusoff MS, Rahman RA
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2005;14(4):387-95.
    PMID: 16326646
    Optimum processing conditions on palm oil-based formulations are required to produce the desired quality margarine. As oils and fats contribute to the overall property of the margarine, this paper will review the importance of beta' tending oils and fats in margarine formulation, effects of the processing parameters -- emulsion temperature, flow-rate, product temperature and pin-worker speed -- on palm oil margarines produced and their subsequent behaviour in storage. Palm oil, which contributes the beta' crystal polymorph and the best alternative to hydrogenated liquid fats, and the processing conditions can affect the margarine consistency by influencing the solid fat content (SFC) and the types of crystal polymorph formed during production as well as in storage. Palm oil, or hydrogenated palm oil and olein, in mixture with oils of beta tending, can veer the product to the beta' crystal form. However, merely having beta' crystal tending oils is not sufficient as the processing conditions are also important. The emulsion temperature had no significant effect on the consistency and polymorphic changes of the product during storage, even though differences were observed during processing. The consistency of margarine during storage was high at low emulsion flow-rates and low at high flow rates. The temperature of the scraped-surface tube-cooler is the most important parameter in margarine processing. High temperature will produce a hardened product with formation of beta-crystals during storage. The speed of the pin-worker is responsible for inducing crystallization but, at the same time, destroys the crystal agglomerates, resulting in melting.
  4. Fulltext Protein-energy malnutrition and soil-transmitted helminthiases among Orang Asli children in Selangor, Malaysia
    Al-Mekhlafi HM, Azlin M, Aini UN, Shaik A, Sa'iah A, Fatmah MS, et al.
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2005;14(2):188-94.
    PMID: 15927939
    This study aims to determine the prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition and its association with soil-transmitted helminthiases in Orang Asli (Aborigine) children in Selangor, Malaysia. The results obtained from 368 children aged 2-15 years showed that the overall prevalence of mild and significant underweight was 32.1% and 56.5% respectively. The prevalence of mild stunting was 25.6% while another 61.3% had significant stunting. The overall prevalence of mild and significant wasting was 39.0% and 19.5% respectively. The overall prevalence of ascariasis, trichuriasis and hookworm infection were 61.9%, 98.2% and 37.0% respectively and of these 18.9%, 23.5% and 2.5% of the children had severe infection of the respective helminthes. The overall prevalence of giardiasis was 24.9%. The present study vividly shows that stunting and underweight are highly prevalent among Orang Asli children and therefore of concern in this community. In this population intestinal parasitic infections, especially severe trichuriasis and giardiasis, were identified as the main predictors of stunting and wasting respectively, in addition to age between 2 to 6 years.
  5. Fulltext Protein energy malnutrition, thyroid hormones and goitre among Malaysian Aborigines and Malays
    Osman A, Khalid BAK, Tan TT, Wu LL, Ng ML
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 1992 Mar;1(1):13-20.
    PMID: 24323000
    The relationship between malnutrition, goitre and thyroid hormones was studied among Aborigines and Malays in Ulu Langat, Malaysia. Fifty Aborigines aged >=7years were selected randomly for anthropometric, clinical and hormonal assessment. Fifty Malays of similar age from the nearby Malay village were chosen as controls. The Aborigines had a higher prevalence of malnutrition and goitre compared to the Malays. The prevalence of goitre was 26.5% amongst Aborigines and 19.6% among the Malays. All the nutritional indexes measured were significantly different between the two communities, especially among females. The differences corresponded to significant differences in levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) measured using a highly sensitive TSH assay. By univariate analysis the increase in TSH corresponded to the decrease in body mass index (BMI). On the other hand, no association was found between BMI and goitres. No thyroid autoantibodies were detected and all subjects were clinically euthyroid and had normal thyroxine and triidothyronine levels. However, consumption of cassava conferred a four-fold risk of developing goitres. The high prevalence of goitres in malnourished subjects in this region which is not known to be iodine deficient could be due to cassava consumption.
  6. Fulltext Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its influencing factors among adolescent girls in Mashhad, Iran
    Mirhosseini NZ, Yusoff NA, Shahar S, Parizadeh SM, Mobarhen MG, Shakery MT
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2009;18(1):131-6.
    PMID: 19329406
    Introduction: This study sought to determine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, one of the major public-health challenges worldwide, and its influencing factors among 15 to 17 years old adolescent girls in Mashhad, Iran.
    Methods: A total of 622 high school adolescents participated in a cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic characteristics and dietary habits. Anthropometric assessments, blood pressure measurement and biochemical assessment were done.
    Results: Applying BMI Z-score for age and gender (WHO 2007), 14.6 % and 3.4 % of subjects were classified as overweight and obese, respectively. Enlarged WC (> 80 cm) was seen in 9.5% of subjects. The prevalence of combined hypertension was 6.1% which was increased by the severity of obesity. A total of 24.5% of subjects had hypertriglyceridemia and 57% of them had low level of HDL-cholesterol. Hyperglycemia was present in 16.7% of subjects. Based on the NCEP ATP III (2001) criteria, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 6.5% and increased to 45.1% in obese subjects. Increasing BMI or WC, led to significant increment in the number of metabolic syndrome features (p < 0.001). High socioeconomic status of family, medical history of parents and dietary habits especially high consumption of carbohydrates were influencing factors in the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome.
    Conclusion: Approximately 6.5% of all and 45% of obese subjects met the criteria for the metabolic syndrome. Dietary habits especially carbohydrate consumption, socioeconomic status of family and medical history of parents can be influential factors in the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome.
  7. Fulltext Prevalence of overweight and obesity among adult Malaysians: an update
    Wan Nazaimoon WM, Musa KI, Md Khir AS, Ismail AA, Ismail IS, Khalid BAK, et al.
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2011;20(1):35-41.
    PMID: 21393108
    A total of 4428 adults (>18 years old) from 5 different selected regions in Peninsular and East Malaysia participated in this health survey. Using World Health Organization recommendations for body mass index (BMI), the prevalence of overweight and obesity were found to be 33.6% (95% CI= 32.2, 35.0) and 19.5% (95% CI= 18.3, 20.7) respectively. There were more females who were obese (22.5%, 95% CI=20.9, 24.0) compared to males (14.1%, 95% CI=12.3, 15.9). Highest prevalence of obesity were among the Indians (24.6%, 95% CI=20.3, 29.3), followed closely by the Malays (23.2%, 95% CI=21.6, 24.8%) and lowest prevalence was among the Chinese subjects (8.2%, 95% CI=6.2, 10.6). More than 43% of the 531 younger subjects (<30 years old) were either overweight (20%, 95% CI=16.6, 23.6) or obese (13.9%, 95% CI=11.1, 17.2%). All subjects who claimed to be non-diabetes were required to undergo 75 g glucose tolerance test. Compared to subjects with normal BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), there was a 3- and 2-folds increase in the prevalence of newly diagnosed diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance respectively, among obese subjects (BMI>30 kg/m2) who initially claimed to have no diabetes. This study highlights a need for more active, inter-sectoral participation advocating a health-promoting environment in order to combat obesity in this country.
  8. Fulltext Prevalence of overweight and obese school children aged between 7 to 16 years amongst the major 3 ethnic groups in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Kasmini K, Idris MN, Fatimah A, Hanafiah S, Iran H, Asmah Bee MN
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 1997 Sep;6(3):172-4.
    PMID: 24394759
    6239 children aged 7 to 16 years, attending 22 primary and secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were screened using a self report questionnaire, with their heights and weights measured using a digital electronic SECA beam balance. The selection was done by a two staged stratified random sampling from a total of 226 schools in Kuala Lumpur. The racial distribution was 56.7% Malays, 33.8% Chinese and 8.1% Indians; 3.6% (n:222) of the children were identified as obese and 6% (n:373) identified as overweight. The definitions of obese and overweight were computed using growth charts of the National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS) from the median of the reference population. There were no significant differences amongst the 3 major ethnic groups in the obese group. The differences were significant in the overweight group with the Indians most overweight, followed by the Chinese and the Malays.
  9. Fulltext Prevalence of overweight among Malaysian adults from rural communities
    Khor GL, Yusof AM, Tee ES, Kandiah M, Lee Huang MS
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 1999 Dec;8(4):272-9.
    PMID: 24394228
    Assessment of the nutritional status of 4054 households from rural communities in Peninsular Malaysia was undertaken from 1992 to 1995. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were obtained from a self-selected sample of 1854 men and 2741 women aged >= 18 years. The BMI and WHR results are presented according to gender, age groups and type of community as defined by the main occupation, namely, fishing, rice farming, estate work, rubber and coconut small-holding. The mean BMI for men and women of all age groups are 22.5 kg/m2 and 23.8 kg/m2, respectively. The mean BMI for both genders increases with age between 18.0 and 49.9 years, after which the value declines. The prevalence of pre-obese (BMI >= 25.0-29.9 kg/m2) is 19.8% for men and 28.0% for women. The prevalence of obese men and women (>= 30.0 kg/m2) is 4.2% and 11.1%, respectively. The highest prevalence of pre-obese and obese men is found in the age groups of 30.0-49.9 years, while that for women is in the 40.0-49.9 years age group. The prevalence of pre-obesity and obesity is higher in women than in men for every age group. A similar result was indicated by WHR whereby a higher proportion of women (22.5%) than men (5%) for all ages was found to show central obesity. The prevalence of overweight adults is higher when compared with previous studies on subjects from almost similar rural communities. This study indicated that overweight is on the increase in rural communities, especially among female subjects.
  10. Fulltext Predictive equations for estimation of stature in Malaysian elderly people
    Shahar S, Pooy NS
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2003;12(1):80-4.
    PMID: 12737015
    Height is an important clinical indicator to derive body mass index (BMI), creatinine height index and also to estimate basal energy expenditure, basal metabolic rate and vital capacity through lung function. However, height measurement in the elderly may impose some difficulties and the reliability is doubtful. Equations estimating height from other anthropometric measures have been developed for Caucasians, but only one study has developed an equation (based on arm span only) for an Asian population. Therefore, a cross sectional study was conducted to develop equations using several anthropometric measurements for estimating stature in Malaysian elderly. A total of 100 adults (aged 30 to 49 y) and 100 elderly subjects (aged 60 to 86 y) from three major ethnic groups of Malays (52%), Chinese (38.5%) and Indians (9.5%) participated in this study. Anthropometric measurements included body weight, height, arm span, half arm span, demi span and knee height were carried out by trained nutritionists. Inter and intra observer errors and also % Coefficient Variation (%CV) were calculated for each anthropometric measurement. Equations to estimate stature were developed from the anthropometric measurements of arm span, demi span and knee height of adults using linear regression analysis according to sex. Elderly subjects were shorter and lighter compared to their younger counterparts. The %CV of anthropometric measurements in adults and elderly subjects ranged between 5 to 6%, with standing height having the lowest %CV. When the equations derived from adults were applied to elderly subjects, it was found that percentage difference between actual height and the estimated value ranged from 1.0 to 3.3%. However, the percentage difference between estimated height from the equations developed in this study compared to those derived from the equations of other populations ranged between 0.2 to 8.7%. In conclusion, standing height is an ideal technique for estimating the stature of individuals. However, in cases where its measurement is not possible or reliable, such as in elderly subjects, height can be estimated from proxy indicators of stature. In this study arm span showed the highest correlation with standing height, which is in agreement with other studies. It should be borne in mind that equations derived from taller statured populations (e.g. Caucasians) may be less accurate when applied to shorter statured populations.
  11. Potential of palm oil utilisation in aquaculture feeds
    Ng WK
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2002;11 Suppl 7:S473-6.
    PMID: 12492637
    One key ingredient used in the formulation of aquafeed is fish oil, which is produced from small marine pelagic fish and represents a finite fishery resource. At the present time, global fish oil production has reached a plateau and is not expected to increase beyond current levels. Recent estimates suggest that fish oils may be unable to meet demands from the rapidly growing aquaculture industry by as early as 2005. Therefore, there is currently great interest within the aquafeed industry in evaluating alternatives to fish oils. The ever-expanding oil palm cultivation in Malaysia and other tropical countries offers the possibility of an increased and constant availability of palm oil products for aquafeed formulation. Research into the use of palm oil in aquafeed begun around the mid-1990s and this review examines some of the findings from these studies. The use of palm oil in fish diets has generally shown encouraging results. Improved growth, feed efficiency, protein utilisation, reproductive performance and higher concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in fish fillets have been reported. Recent evidence for the ability of palm oil to substitute for fish oil in catfish diets is reviewed. The potential of palm oil use in aquafeed and future experimental directions are suggested. The aquaculture feed industry offers a great avenue to increase and diversify the use of palm oil-based products.
  12. Potential anticancer effect of red spinach (Amaranthus gangeticus) extract
    Sani HA, Rahmat A, Ismail M, Rosli R, Endrini S
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2004;13(4):396-400.
    PMID: 15563447
    The objective of this study was to determine the anti cancer effects of red spinach (Amaranthus gangeticus Linn) in vitro and in vivo. For in vitro study, microtitration cytotoxic assay was done using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-il)-2,5-diphenil tetrazolium bromide (MTT) kit assay. Results showed that aqueous extract of A gangeticus inhibited the proliferation of liver cancer cell line (HepG2) and breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The IC(50) values were 93.8 mu g/ml and 98.8 mu g/ml for HepG2 and MCF-7, respectively. The inhibitory effect was also observed in colon cancer cell line (Caco-2), but a lower percentage compared to HepG2 and MCF-7. For normal cell line (Chang Liver), there was no inhibitory effect. In the in vivo study, hepatocarcinogenesis was monitored in rats according to Solt and Farber (1976) without partial hepatectomy. Assay of tumour marker enzymes such as glutathione S-transferase (GST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), uridyl diphosphoglucuronyl transferase (UDPGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were carried out to determine the severity of hepatocarcinogenesis. The result found that supplementation of 5%, 7.5% and 10% of A. gangeticus aqueous extract to normal rats did not show any significant difference towards normal control (P <0.05). The exposure of the rats to chemical carcinogens diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) showed a significant increase in specific enzyme activity of GGT, GST, UDPGT and ALP compared to normal control (P <0.05). However, it was found that the supplementation of A. gangeticus aqueous extract in 5%, 7.5% and 10% to cancer-induced rats could inhibit the activity of all tumour marker enzymes especially at 10% (P <0.05). Supplementation of anti cancer drug glycyrrhizin at suggested dose (0.005%) did not show any suppressive effect towards cancer control (P <0.05). In conclusion, A. gangeticus showed anticancer potential in in vitro and in vivo studies.
  13. Fulltext Population-based studies of nutrition and health in Asia Pacific elderly
    Lee MS, Wahlqvist ML
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2005;14(4):294-7.
    PMID: 16326634
    The systematic observation of food habits and health amongst the elderly, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, in the Asia Pacific region is increasing as reflected in the recent collective report of a number of intake and health variables in Taiwanese communities. Most studies are of Chinese and Japanese-speaking populations, with some from elsewhere in Northeast Asia (notably Korea) and Southeast Asia (notably the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore). These, and other international studies, demonstrate that older people can eat in various ways and yet achieve longevity and minimum morbidity, provided they remain physically and mentally active and eat a variety of relatively intact foods, including fish and pulses (lentils, legumes, beans). Such studies are the foundation of a new generation of food and health policy for the aged, with reference to EBN (evidence-based nutrition) and reflected in FBDGs (food-based dietary guidelines) which acknowledge cultural difference and support sustainable food systems.
  14. Polyphenol-enriched extract of oil palm fronds (Elaeis guineensis) promotes vascular relaxation via endothelium-dependent mechanisms
    Abeywardena M, Runnie I, Nizar M, Suhaila M, Head R, Suhaila Momamed
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2002;11 Suppl 7:S467-72.
    PMID: 12492636
    Plant-based polyphenolic compounds have been reported to possess cardiovascular health benefits. Several dietary sources, including herbs and spices, fruits and vegetables, and tea and wine, contain an array of biologically active compounds that have been shown to be effective in retarding oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and promoting vascular relaxation. In the present study four different plant sources, both edible and non-edible, were evaluated for potential activity. Organic extracts enriched in polyphenols were prepared from palm fronds (Elaesis guineensis); lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates); papaya shoots (Carica papaya) and green chilli (Capsicum frutescenes) and tested for their ability to prevent in vitro oxidation of LDL, and for potential vascular relaxation actions. Rings of rat thoracic aorta and isolated perfused mesenteric vascular beds were mounted in organ baths, contracted using a half-maximal dose of noradrenaline and exposed to cumulative additions of test extracts. Palm frond extract resulted in considerable relaxation (>75%) in both preparations and was found to be endothelium-dependent as removal of endothelium or inhibition of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) led to a total loss in relaxant activity. Lemongrass extract caused a greater relaxation action in the mesenteric preparation compared to aortic rings, and appears to be mediated via NO-independent and non-prostanoid mechanisms. Of the extracts tested, palm fronds also demonstrated the highest antioxidant capacity, as determined by the ferric reducing activity/potential assay, and resulted in a significant delay (P < 0.05) in the oxidation of LDL. Collectively, these preliminary findings lend further support to the potential cardiovascular actions of plant polyphenols and also identify oil palm fronds as containing constituents that promote vascular relaxation via endothelium-dependent mechanisms.
  15. Fulltext Polychlorinated biphenyl and heavy metal exposures among fishermen in the Straits of Malacca: neurobehavioural performance
    Mohamad A, Azlan A, Adon MY, Khoo HE, Razman MR
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2015;24(3):515-24.
    PMID: 26420195 DOI: 10.6133/apjcn.2015.24.3.06
    The aim of this study was to determine the level of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and selected heavy metals among fishermen via dietary intake of fish and other seafood from the eastern coast along the Straits of Malacca. This study determined the neurobehavioural performances (based on neurobehavioural core test battery scores) of the fishermen and evaluated the correlations between scores of neurobehavioural core test battery and exposure factors. Ninety fishermen participated in the study. The total fish intakes of the fishermen were measured using a set of food frequency questionnaires. The PCBs contents in the seafood samples ranged between 0.2 and 0.6 pg/g fresh sample. The concentrations of mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in the seafood samples were 1.1-5.4, 0.3-4.4, 0.6-36.1, and 0.02-0.3 μg/g fresh sample, respectively. The PCBs, Hg, As, Cd, and Pb exposures of the fishermen was estimated to be 2.8, 0.02, 4.5, 0.09, and 0.5 pg/kg body weight/day, respectively. PCB and heavy metal exposures through dietary intake of fish and seafood were within the tolerable daily limits. The results of neurobehavioural core test battery revealed that the neurobehavioural performances of the fishermen were not affected due to PCB and heavy metal intoxication. No correlations were found between the exposure and neurobehavioural performance among the fishermen. These data are useful for policy makers to assure the safety and quality of seafood in relation to sea pollution. Although the levels of exposure were low, periodic assessment of the quality of fish and fish products is required due to the polluted seawater.
  16. Fulltext Platelet-related cytokines among normal body mass index, overweight, and obese Malaysians
    Riyahi N, Tohit ERM, Thambiah SC, Ibrahim Z
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2017 12 10;27(1):182-188.
    PMID: 29222897 DOI: 10.6133/apjcn.032017.01
    BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have reported that obesity is associated with platelet activation and systemic inflammation. Malaysia has the highest prevalence of obesity, hence, this research is performed to evaluate the development of low-grade inflammation and platelet activation, measured using soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and soluble P-selectin (sP-sel), and to determine their association with obesity. In addition, we assessed the mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet count (PLT), which are novel parameters consistently associated with obesity.

    METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 112 healthy men and women from 3 main ethnic group (Malay, Chinese, and Indian) who were aged 18-60 years. The participants were categorized into normal body mass index (BMI), overweight and obese groups according to WHO criteria for BMI in Asian populations (18.5 kg/m2

  17. Fulltext Plasma isoflavones in Malaysian men according to vegetarianism and by age
    Hod R, Kouidhi W, Ali Mohd M, Husain R
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2016;25(1):89-96.
    PMID: 26965767 DOI: 10.6133/apjcn.2016.25.1.02
    Epidemiological studies indicate lower prevalences of breast and prostate cancers and cardiovascular disease in Southeast Asia where vegetarianism is popular and diets are traditionally high in phytoestrogens. This study assessed plasma isoflavones in vegetarian and non-vegetarian Malaysian men according to age. Daidzein, genistein, equol (a daidzein metabolite), formononetin, biochanin A, estrone, estradiol and testosterone were measured by validated liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LCMSMS). Plasma isoflavone and sex hormone concentrations were measured in 225 subjects according to age (18-34, 35-44 and 45-67 years old). In all age groups, vegetarians had a higher concentration of circulating isoflavones compared with non-vegetarians especially in the 45-67 year age group where all isoflavones except equol, were significantly higher in vegetarians compared with omnivores. By contrast, the 18-34 year group had a significantly higher concentration of daidzein in vegetarians and significantly higher testosterone and estrone concentrations compared with non-vegetarians. In this age group there were weak correlations between estrone, estradiol and testosterone with some of the isoflavones. This human study provides the first Malaysian data for the phytoestrogen status of vegetarian and nonvegetarian men.
  18. Fulltext Plasma adiponectin concentrations are associated with dietary glycemic index in Malaysian patients with type 2 diabetes
    Loh BI, Sathyasuryan DR, Mohamed HJ
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2013;22(2):241-8.
    PMID: 23635368 DOI: 10.6133/apjcn.2013.22.2.04
    Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived hormone has been implicated in the control of blood glucose and chronic inflammation in type 2 diabetes. However, limited studies have evaluated dietary factors on plasma adiponectin levels, especially among type 2 diabetic patients in Malaysia. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of dietary glycemic index on plasma adiponectin concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 305 type 2 diabetic patients aged 19-75 years from the Penang General Hospital, Malaysia. Socio-demographic information was collected using a standard questionnaire while dietary details were determined by using a pre-validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometry measurement included weight, height, BMI and waist circumference. Plasma adiponectin concentrations were measured using a commercial ELISA kit. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. After multivariate adjustment, dietary glycemic index was inversely associated with plasma adiponectin concentrations (β =-0.272, 95% CI -0.262, - 0.094; p<0.001). It was found that in individuals who consumed 1 unit of foods containing high dietary glycemic index that plasma adiponectin level reduced by 0.3 μg/mL. Thirty two percent (31.9%) of the variation in adiponectin concentrations was explained by age, sex, race, smoking status, BMI, waist circumference, HDL-C, triglycerides, magnesium, fiber and dietary glycemic index according to the multiple linear regression model (R2=0.319). These results support the hypothesis that dietary glycemic index influences plasma adiponectin concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes. Controlled clinical trials are required to confirm our findings and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.
  19. Performance of phytochemical antioxidant systems in refined-bleached-deodorized palm olein during frying
    Jaswir I, Che Man YB, Hassan TH
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2005;14(4):402-13.
    PMID: 16326648
    Antioxidants are important inhibitory compounds against the oxidative deterioration of food. This study investigated the effects of various phytochemical antioxidant systems [oleoresin rosemary (OR), oleoresin sage (OS) and citric acid (CA)] on the physico-chemical characteristics of refined, bleached and deodorized (RBD) palm olein during the frying of potato chips. The effects of various mixtures of the antioxidants on the oil was also studied in repeated deep frying. The response surface methodology was used to optimize the composition of mixed antioxidants used. A comparative study was carried out with synthetic antioxidants. Samples of the oil after frying were analyzed for different physical and chemical properties. OR and OS were found to be effective phytochemical antioxidants protecting RBD palm olein against oxidative deterioration during frying.
  20. Fulltext Parental perception of their children's weight status, and its association with their nutrition and obesity knowledge
    Muhammad NA, Omar K, Shah SA, Muthupalaniappen L, Arshad F
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2008;17(4):597-602.
    PMID: 19114396
    BACKGROUND: Worldwide the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children is escalating. Parents’ recognition of overweight or obesity in their own children is very important for a successful intervention in these children. This study examined parental perception of their children’s weight status, and its association with their knowledge on nutrition and obesity.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross sectional study of parents with children aged 9 to 12 years, in a primary school of Kuala Lumpur. Parents responded to a self-administered questionnaire which contains parental perception of their child weight status as well as knowledge on nutrition and obesity. The parents’ perception of the children’s weight status was then compared with the actual measured weight status.
    RESULTS: There were 204 parents who participated in the study. Parents were found to underestimate their child weight status and 38.2% were inaccurate in their perception. The mean score of knowledge on nutrition and obesity was 78.5±14.4; and this did not associate with the accuracy of their perception on the child weight status. Parents showed inadequate knowledge in food pyramid and preparation of low fat meals.
    CONCLUSION: The Malaysian Health Campaigns had resulted in overall good knowledge on nutrition and obesity in the parents except in few domains. However, this was insufficient to make the parents recognize the growing overweight and obesity problem in their children.
    Key Words: overweight, obesity, children, parental perception, knowledge
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