Introduction: Frailty is related to physical function, nutritional status, and cognition; however, these factors are rarely investigated comprehensively in a single study. Thus, this study aimed to examine the differences in nutritional, physical and cognitive function among frail, pre-frail and robust Malaysian elderly.
Methods: A total of 473 participants were randomly selected from ten different areas in Klang Valley by multistage random sampling. Frailty was characterised using the Fried criteria. Anthropometric measurements, diet intake, body composition, and physical and cognitive function were assessed. Kruskal Wallis test was employed to examine the relationship between the independent variables and frailty.
Results: Frail subjects had significant higher body mass index (26.8±4.4kg/m2 ) compared to pre-frail (25.7±4.4 kg/m2 ) and robust (24.9±3.9kg/ m2 ), (p
The effect of oven drying at 50ᵒC ± 1ᵒC for 9 hour, 70ᵒC ± 1ᵒC for 5 hour and freeze drying on retention of chlorophyll, riboflavin, niacin, ascorbic acid and carotenoids in herbal preparation consisting of 8 medicinal plants was evaluated. The medicinal plants selected were leaves of Apium graveolens (saderi), Averrhoa bilimbi (belimbing buluh), Centella asiatica (pegaga), Mentha arvensis (pudina), Psidium guajava (jambu batu), Sauropus androgynous (cekor manis), Solanum nigrum (terung meranti) and Polygonum minus (kesum ). Results revealed that both type and conditions of the drying treatments affected retention of all phytochemicals analysed. Herbal preparation developed using oven drying was found to have inferior phytochemicals content compared to that obtained by freeze dryer. Nevertheless, the herbal preparation developed using all treatments still retain appreciable amount of phytochemicals studied, especially carotenoids, ascorbic acid, niacin and riboflavin and thus have potential for commercial purposes.
The objective of this paper is to assess the perception of bodyweight status among the office workers in two government departments in Kuala Lumpur. A total of 385 Malay workers aged between 18 to 55 years were randomly selected from the Prime Minister’s Department and the Ministry of National Unity and Community Development. The weights and heights of all subjects were measured and their Body Mass Index (BMI) determined. In this study, obesity is defined as individuals having ï‚³ï€ 25 kg/rn 2 . A questionnaire was prepared to obtained information on socioeconomic status, health aspects, dietary intakes, activity levels and perception on bodyweight status. The study revealed a high prevalence of obesity (38.1 %) and among the obese subjects, 21.7 % perceived themselves as having normal weight. The normal weight and underweight subjects perceived themselves as obese (33.5 % and 6.3 % respectively). A small percentage (5.7 %) of the obese individuals who perceived themselves as obese did not wish to lose weight. In contrast, 9.7 % of the normal weight subjects who perceived themselves as having normal weight wanted to lose weight. A third person’s perception on the subjects’ bodyweight status is significantly associated with the subjects’ bodyweight status (P
Colorectal adenomas are precursor lesions of colorectal cancer. Several studies have proposed that obesity is a risk factor for colorectal adenoma. This case-control study examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waistto-hip ratio (WHR), body fat percentage and colorectal adenomatous polyps (CRA) in patients who have had a colonoscopy at the Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL). Fifty-nine patients (42 males and 17 females) positively identified as having CRA and 59 polypfree subjects were recruited as controls (33 males and 26 females). A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect socio-economic information, while anthropometric measurements were determined directly by established methods. The mean BMI of female case subjects was significantly higher than control females (25.63 + 4.87 kg/m2 vs. 23.86 + 3.70 kg/m2, p<0.05) but the difference in BMI was not significant in men. The mean WHR of male subjects was significantly higher in the case group (0.92 + 0.07 vs. 0.90 + 0.06, p<0.05). After adjusting for confounders, waist circumference was the only indicator that was found to significantly increase the risk for CRA in women (OR = 6.349, 95% CI = 1.063 - 37.919). Higher BMI, WHR and body fat percentage showed a non-significant risk in female subjects. In men, none of the obesity indicators were found to be significant risk factors for CRA. These findings suggest that abdominal obesity may be a contributing factor to CRA risk particularly in women. A prospective study is needed to confirm the role of obesity in the development of CRA in Malaysians.
INTRODUCTION: Meal patterns have received little attention in nutrition studies. The aim of this study is to present the findings on general meal patterns of Malaysian adults.
METHODS: The Malaysian Adults Nutrition Survey (MANS), carried out in 2002 and 2003, involved 6,928 adults selected by stratified random sampling from all households by zone in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
RESULTS: In general, the results showed that most respondents (74.16%) ate three meals per day; 89.20% of the respondents consumed breakfast, while 88.57% consumed lunch and 91.97% consumed dinner with no significant difference in terms of sex. In Peninsular Malaysia, the Northern Zone had the highest number of people consuming breakfast compared to other zones. Meanwhile, the population in Sarawak had the largest proportion of people consuming lunch and dinner, but the smallest proportion of people consuming breakfast. A significantly higher number of the rural population consumed breakfast and lunch than urbanites; however there was no significant difference in dinner consumption. Generally, breakfast consumption increased with age whereby significant difference existed between the 18 to 19 years age group and the age group of 30 years and older. Lunch intake among the age groups showed no significant difference. In contrast, dinner consumption was significantly lower among the 18 to 19 years age group compared to all other age groups. Comparison among the ethnic groups showed that the Indian population had the lowest percentage of having breakfast and lunch while the Orang Asli had the lowest percentage of consuming dinner. However, the Orang Asli recorded the highest percentage for taking breakfast and lunch while the Chinese had the highest percentage of taking dinner.
CONCLUSION: Considering that Malaysian adults consumed their conventional breakfast, lunch and dinner, these findings indicatethat Malaysians are maintaining their traditional meal patterns.
Study name: Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS-2003)
Body weight of children is affected by many factors including food habits which are influenced by their parents. Studies in the West have shown that parents tend to control child feeding in response to their child's weight status. The aim of this study was to assess Malaysian parental concerns about child weight and the control they exert on child feeding.
A case control study to determine the association of dietary fibre and cancer among Malaysians. It was conducted among 100 newly-diagnosed cancer patients admitted to the Radiotherapy and Oncology Ward, Hospital Kuala Lumpur. A total of 100 controls matched with the cases for age, sex and ethnic origin were selected from the Outpatient Health Clinic in Sentul. The subjects were interviewed to obtain information on their habitual dietary intakes and lifestyles. Family history of cancer, smoking habits, and alcohol consumption were found to be significant risk factors for cancer (p<0.05 for all parameters). The mean intake of total energy was higher among men with nasopharyngeal cancer and women with gastrointestinal cancer as compared to their controls (p<0.05 for both parameters). The percentage of energy contribution from fat was higher among cases (35%) than controls (32.1%). The mean dietary fibre intake among cases (10.86 ± 8.90 g/d) was apparently lower than the controls (13.22 ± 5.99 g/d), with significant differences noted for breast cancer and also nasopharyngeal cancer. Women with low fibre intake (<10g/d) had a 2.2 times higher risk of getting breast cancer. There is a need to educate the public to adhere to a wholesome diet, in particular to increase the consumption of high-fibre food for disease prevention.
Study site: Radiotherapy and Oncology Ward, Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Outpatient Health Clinic in Sentu
Meal and snack patterns are associated with energy and nutrient intakes and consequently health and nutritional status. The aim of this paper is to describe the percentage of daily energy intake from meals and afternoon snack among Malaysian adults. The study included a representative sample of adults aged 18-59 years (n=7349) from a nationwide Food Consumption Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health. Information on dietary intake was obtained using a one day 24-hour diet recall (24-HDR). Dietary data on 6886 adults were analysed using Nutritionist ProTM and statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS 13.0. The median percentage of daily energy intake is reported only for adults consuming meals and afternoon tea and by socio-demographic characteristics as well as body mass index (BMI) status. More than 80% of Malaysian adults consumed morning meals, lunch and dinner and 54% reported having afternoon tea. The median percentage of energy intake from morning meals, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea was 29.9%, 30.5%, 32.4% and 17%, respectively. There were variations in the median percentage of energy from meals and snacks according to the socio-demographic variables and BMI status. It is important to understand the eating patterns of Malaysians as the information can assist in efforts to address obesity and diet-related chronic diseases among adults.
Study name: Malaysian Adults Nutrition Survey (MANS-2003)
Introduction: Intake of soy isoflavones has been shown to be beneficial in reducing
blood pressure, a known cardiovascular risk factor. This study investigated the
association between intake of soy isoflavones and blood pressure among multiethnic Malaysian adults. Methods: A total of 230 non-institutionalised Malaysians
aged 18-81 years were recruited through multi-stage random sampling from urban
and rural areas in four conveniently selected states. Participants were interviewed
on socio-demographics, medical history, smoking status, and physical activity.
Measurements of height, weight, waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure
(BP) were taken. Information on usual intake of soy foods was obtained using a
validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Results: The mean
intake of soy protein of both urban (3.40g/day) and rural participants (3.01g/day)
were lower than the USFDA recommended intake level of soy protein (25.00g/day).
Urban participants had significantly higher intake of isoflavones (9.35±11.31mg/
day) compared to the rural participants (7.88±14.30mg/day). Mean BP levels were
significantly lower among urban (136/81mmHg) than rural adults (142/83mmHg).
After adjusting for age, gender, educational level, household income, smoking status,
physical activity, BMI and WC, soy protein intake was significantly associated with
both SBP (R2=0.205, β=-0.136) and DBP (R2=0.110, β=-0.104), whilst soy isoflavones
intake was significantly associated with SBP (β=-0.131). Intake of 1 mg of isoflavone
is estimated to lower SBP by 7.97 mmHg. Conclusion: Higher consumption of
isoflavones among the urban participants showed an association with lower levels
of SBP. Use of biological markers for estimating isoflavones levels is recommended
to investigate its protective effects on blood pressure.
This study sought to examine the reliability of two measurements; Calf Circumference (CC) and Mid-half Arm Span (MHAS). A sample of 130 elderly persons aged 60 years and above seen consecutively in the Kuala Lumpur Hospital outpatient clinic during the period of December 2005 to January 2006, upon consent, were recruited to the study. There was a high degree of reliability for both inter- and intra-examiner (r close to 1). For inter-examiner, on average the CC measurements taken by the first examiner were 0.3 cm lower than that of the second examiner. The upper and lower limit of the differences were +0.4 to -0.9 cm respectively. Inter-examiner MHAS measurements on average by the first examiner were 0.2 cm lower than that of the second examiner. The limits were +1.7 to -2.1 cm. By comparison, the inter-examiner CC measurements were more reliable than the MHAS measurements. For intra-examiner, on average the CC measurements at Time 1 were consistent with Time 2 (mean difference=0) with limits of the difference at + 0.5 cm. MHAS measurements at Time 1 were on average 0.1 cm less than at Time 2 with limits at +1.7 and -1.8 cm. The technical error of measurement (TEM) and coefficient of variation of CC and MHAS for both interexaminer and intra-examiner measurements were within acceptable limits with the exception of MHAS TEM. This study suggests that CC and MHAS measured in elderly persons 60 years and above, using Seca Circumference Tape ® 206, Germany (0.05 cm) are reliable and can be used in a community survey.
Study site: Outpatient clinic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur
Introduction: Monitoring changes in energy and nutrient intakes of the population
over the course of time is essential to help healthcare providers develop effective
dietary policies. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the nutrient
intake and Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) achievements by using the data
obtained from the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Surveys (MANS) that were carried out
in 2003 and 2014. Mis-reporting of energy intake was taken into account. Methods:
Dietary data were obtained from MANS 2003 and MANS 2014, which involved a
combined total of 4,044 randomly selected respondents, aged 18-59 years, using
a single 24-hour diet recall. Energy and nutrients calculations were based on the
Malaysian Food Composition database using the Nutritionist Pro software. The
results were compared against the RNI for Malaysia to assess dietary adequacy.
Results: The proportions of calories derived from macronutrients were within the
recommendations for a healthy diet. The consumption of protein, fat, calcium, iron
and vitamin A was significantly higher in 2014 than in 2003. The consumption
of protein, iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A was found to exceed the RNIs in 2014.
However, carbohydrate and sodium intakes had significantly decreased. Despite the
decrease, sodium intake still exceeded RNI recommendations. Conclusion: Signs
of changing energy and nutrient intakes were found, including increases in protein
and fat intakes since 2003, and decreased carbohydrates. This could be an alarming
indicator of the tendency to eat energy dense food among the population.
Introduction: Under-reporting of energy intake is a common cause of bias
in nutritional studies. This study was aimed at examining the extent of underreporting of energy intake and its related characteristics among respondents in
the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS) 2003 and MANS 2014. Methods:
The present study analysed energy intakes of 9,624 adults aged 18-59 years from
the MANS in year 2014 (2,890 respondents) and 2003 (6,734 respondents) using
a single 24-hour diet recall. Basal metabolic rates (BMR) were calculated from the
age- and gender-specific equations of Schofield. Under-reporting was defined as an
energy intake:BMR ratio of
Introduction: Rice noodles are widely consumed as a staple food in Asia. The
main ingredient of rice noodle is polished white rice flour which lacks in nutritional
components. Substitution of white rice flour with brown rice flour often results in
noodles with better nutrient content but less favourable for cooking, textural and
sensory characteristics. Thus, this study aimed to develop and characterise brown
rice noodles substituted with mung bean powder at the level of 5% (g/100 g) and
compared with other formulations. Methods: Four formulations of rice noodles were
prepared using: a. 100% white rice flour; b. 100% brown rice flour; c. white rice flour
with 5% mung bean powder; and d. brown rice flour with 5% mung bean powder.
The rice noodles were produced by conventional extrusion method and evaluated for
their proximate composition, cooking qualities and sensorial properties. Results:
The results of proximate analysis indicated that protein (8.70g/100 g), dietary fibre
(3.10g/100 g), ash (1.50g/100 g) and fat (2.40g/100 g) contents were significantly
(p
A seminar titled "Sugar Substitutes: Understanding the Basics, Global Regulatory Approvals, Safety Assessment Protocols and Benefits" organised by the Nutrition Society of Malaysia was held on 1.5th Apri12015 for nutritionists and other health care professionals, to review and discuss the latest evidence on safety and efficacy of sugar substitutes. Highlights from lectures by local and international speakers about this topical subject are presented in this report. Sugar substitutes have been extensively evaluated for decades and regulatory agencies world-wide continue to review and confirm their safety. Furthermore, the effects of sugar substitutes on human health continue to be the subject of research studies. Many studies have shown that replacement of sugar with sugar substitutes may help in weight management, glucose control for people with diabetes, and in the prevention of tooth decay. It is important for health professionals to discern whether the available evidence is based on good science and adequate protocols in order to guide consumers with the responsible use of sugar substitutes following national and international dietary guidelines. The use of sugar substitutes for certain health outcomes was discussed, specifically in regard to appetite, energy balance, body weight and other cardio-metabolic risk factors. Overall, the seminar provided an understanding of the different types of commercially available sugar substitutes, their use in a range of food and beverages, and calorie contribution to the diet. The seminar also covered the approvals of different sugar substitutes and the protocols for assessing the safety of these sugar substitutes, especially in the case of children and pregnant women.
INTRODUCTION: A qualitative comparative case study was conducted to compare and contrast food taboos and avoidance practices during pregnancy among Orang Asli or indigenous Temiar women in four distinct locations that represent different lifestyle experiences and cultural practices.
METHODS: Through snowballing sampling, a total of 38 participants took part in five focus groups: one group each in Pos Simpor and Pos Tohoi in Kelantan state, one group in Batu 12, Gombak in Selangor state, and two groups in a regroupment scheme (RPSOA) in Kuala Betis, Kelantan. All the transcripts were coded, categorised and 'thematised' using the software package for handling qualitative data, NVivo 8.
RESULTS: Variant food prohibitions were recorded among the Temiar women residing in different locations, which differ in food sources and ways of obtaining food. Consumption of seventeen types of food items was prohibited for a pregnant Temiar woman and her husband during the prenatal period. Fear of difficulties during labour and delivery, convulsions or sawan, harming the baby (such as foetal malformation), and twin pregnancy seemed to trigger many food proscriptions for the pregnant Temiar women, most of which have been passed on from generation to generation.
CONCLUSION: The findings of this study confirm that beliefs about food restrictions are strong among those Temiar living a traditional lifestyle. However, those who have adopted a more modern lifestyle also preserve them to some extent.pregnancy among Orang Asli or indigenous Temiar women in four distinct locations that represent different lifestyle experiences and cultural practices.
Introduction: The Temiar who ethnically belong to Senoi, one of the major groups of Orang Asli (indigenous people) in Peninsular Malaysia, have their own distinctive food taboos and avoidances during the postpartum period. These traditions are deeply rooted in their culture, customs, values and beliefs system.
Methods: A qualitative research method involving five focus group discussions were conducted to compare and contrast four different locations: the communities of Pos Tohoi, Pos Simpor, Rancangan Pengumpulan Semula Orang Asli (RPSOA) in Kelantan and the community at Batu 12 in Gombak, Selangor, representing different lifestyle experiences and food practices of Orang Asli Temiar in Peninsular Malaysia. All the transcripts were coded and categorised and then ‘thematised’ using the software package for handling qualitative data, NVivo 8.
Results: Despite variations in locations, there were five agreed prohibited food items during the postpartum period: cooking oil, salt, monosodium glutamate, sugar, and meat from game or domesticated animals. Dietary restrictions begin immediately after childbirth and varied from seven, eight, and fourteen days to one month. Besides food restrictions, there were other prescribed avoidances for mothers after delivering a baby.
Conclusion: Prohibitions placed upon women during the postpartum period are intended to protect the new mother, the newborn baby and also the community. It appears that regardless of whether they live in the most traditional or the least traditional locations, the Temiar lineage and societal norms in the form of taboos during the female reproductive cycle are handed down to the new generation by their elders.
Diet and lifestyle modification is commonly used in constipation management. As there is a dearth of studies on this topic in Malaysia, we aim to elucidate the relations between stool patterns, dietary intake and physical activity levels among adults with functional constipation.
Introduction: Malnutrition is a serious unresolved nutritional problem amongst dialysis patients associated with increased mortality and morbidity and prevalence differs according to dialysis modalities. This study compared proteinenergy malnutrition (PEM) prevalence in haemodialysis (HD) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. Methods: A total of 155 HD and 90 CAPD patients were enrolled. PEM prevalence was determined using body mass index (BMI), serum albumin, Dialysis Malnutrition Score (DMS) and dietary intake. Results: CAPD patients had significantly higher BMI (24.1 ± 4.8 kg/m2 vs. 22.7 ± 4.8 kg/m2; p=0.024) and mid-arm muscle area (32.1±12.4 cm2 vs. 29.5 ± 15.9 cm2; p=0.044) than HD patients. They also had significantly lower serum albumin (31 ± 5 g/L vs. 35 ± 6 g/L; p
INTRODUCTION:
This study was carried out among undergraduate students in Universiti Malaysia Sarawak with the objective of examining gender differences in body mass index (BMI), body weight perception, eating attitudes and weightloss strategies.
METHODS:
Subjects consisted of 600 undergraduates (300 males and 300 females) recruited from the various faculties between September 2008 until mid-November 2008. The Original Figure Rating Scale: Body Weight Perception, Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) were used as assessment tools.
RESULTS:
Overall, 52.8% of students had normal BMI, with approximately an equal number of both sexes. More males than females were overweight (33.7%), while more females were underweight (25.3%). Males were more likely to perceive themselves as overweight, and fail to see themselves as underweight. More than half of the females preferred their ideal figure to be underweight, whereas about 30% males chose an overweight figure as their ideal model. Females were generally more concerned about body weight, body shape and eating than males. They diet more frequently, had self-induced vomiting, and used laxatives and exercise as their weight-loss strategies.
CONCLUSION:
Issues pertaining to body weight perception, eating attitudes and weight-loss strategies exist with differences among male and female undergraduates. Thus, in order to correct misperceptions among young adults, a more tailored intervention programme and more in-depth studies into the various factors involved are required
Introduction: The primary reason that compels working mothers to decrease their
ability to continue to breastfeeding successfully is their return to work. Attempts
to continue breastfeeding at work encounters several difficulties. This study
aims to provide an overview of the workplace environment and how facilities at
the workplace affect breastfeeding in Indonesia. Methods: We used a qualitative
approach to provide a detailed picture of the influence of workplace support for
working mothers to perform breastfeeding. We enrolled working mothers (n=18)
in Jakarta, as participants and obtained the following information from them:
parity, type of family and type of work. Results: The findings provided the general
overview of the workplace environment and identified three factors that affected
breastfeeding: seeking information during pregnancy, expression of breast milk at
office facilities and the problem faced by working mothers. Conclusion: Although
the breastfeeding performance of most working mothers in this study comprised
exclusive breastfeeding, some fed their infants with formula milk. This study
suggests that working mothers who continue to breastfeed after returning to work
need the support of their employers, co-workers and others in the workplace to
ensure the provision of health facilities and the protection and dissemination the
rights of breastfeeding working mothers that might lead them to discontinue their
breastfeeding practice.