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Fulltext Effects of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation and exercise on body fat mass and blood lipid profiles among overweight Iranians

Loh, Su Peng, Abas Mohaghehgi, Hanieh Fouladi

Malays J Nutr, 2018;24(2):203-213.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been studied for its fat mass
reduction effects. This study aimed to determine the effects of CLA supplementation
on body fat mass (BFM) and selected blood lipid profiles among overweight Iranian.

Methods: A total of 180 adults with BMI = 26-29 kg/m2 and BFM exceeding 21%
and 28% for men and women, respectively were recruited through voluntary
participation from weight management clinics in Tehran. They were assigned
randomly to three groups as follows: Group (1) (control group) receives weight loss
diet only; Group (2) receives weight loss diet +3 gr/day CLA supplement (mixture
of cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12) twice a day and Group (3) weight loss diet
+3 gr/day CLA supplement as Group (2) twice a day + regular exercise (walking at
5.5-6 km/h for at least 160 minutes/week). The trial was conducted for 12 weeks.
Anthropometric measurements and blood lipid profiles were determined at weeks 0,
6 and 12.

Results: Both Group 2 and Group 3 showed a significant between-group
difference in reduction of BFM (1.3% and 2.6% respectively) compared to Group 1.
Group 2 supplementation showed increased free fatty acid (FFA) (0.44 mM to 0.55
mM) and decreased HDL-chol (47.5 mg/dL to 42.0 mg/dL) between weeks 0 and
12. These results were not observed for Group 3.

Conclusion: Combination of CLA
supplementation with exercise showed BFM reduction in overweight Iranian adults.
Further research is suggested to verify the findings of this study.
Fulltext Effects of EPA+DHA from yellow-stripe scad and salmon on platelet and endothelial cell-related cytokines of healthy overweight Malaysians

Abdulrahaman Yakubu, Azrina Azlan, Loh Su Peng, Irmi Zarina Ismail, Sabariah Md Noor

Life Sciences, Medicine and Biomedicine, 2019;3(4):0-0.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Overweight currently has become a major global burden. Salmon is one of the major sources for fish oil to treat inflammatory related cardiovascular diseases. Yellow-stripe scad (YSS) on the other hand, is a local Malaysian fish which can be a good substitute for salmon; however, the therapeutic effects of YSS is still unclear. Objective: Therefore, this study compared the nutritional values EPA+DHA of YSS and salmon on body mass index (BMI), leptin and activation markers for both platelet and endothelial cell. Methods: Healthy overweight Malaysian adults (n=45), aged 21-55 years old, were recruited for 6-months cross-over trial study. They were randomised equally to receive eight weeks of either steamed whole YSS fish or salmon fillet, for three days per week, obtaining approximately 7000 mg EPA+DHA weekly. The diets were switched after an eight-week washout period. Baseline dietary fish intakes were similar in the two groups. Results: Significant differences observed in serum leptin for YSS-baseline group I and salmon-baseline group II (p0.05) on time and treatment in all variable after 16 week, but there was a significant effect of treatment on sCD40L from YSS and vWF from salmon (p
Fulltext A feasibility study of multiple micronutrient supplement for home fortification of foods among Orang Asli children in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Nur Dayana Shaari, Zalilah Mohd Shariff, Gan, Wan Ying, Loh, Su Peng

Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(1):69-77.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The prevalence of child undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies
are higher in the Orang Asli (OA) than the general Malaysian population. The World
Health Organization recommends the use of multiple micronutrient supplement
(MMS) that is a blend of micronutrients in powder form that can be sprinkled onto
foods for home fortification to prevent undernutrition among children. This pilot
study aimed to assess the feasibility of using MMS among OA children. Methods: A
total of 25 OA children (14 boys and 11 girls) aged 6-31 months (mean±SD = 15.7±7.2
months) in Negeri Sembilan were given three sachets of MMS weekly for 5 weeks.
Caregivers were instructed to add MMS to three types of food from the same food
group per week varying with a different food group weekly. Written instruction for
using MMS in simple language was given prior to the supplementation. Caregivers
were interviewed for information on socio-demographics, compliance, acceptance,
preference and adverse effect of MMS. Results: A high level of compliance was
observed (85%). All caregivers reported that the instructions for use were easy to read.
No noticeable changes to the foods mixed with MMS were observed and no adverse
effects were reported. Conclusion: This study demonstrated feasibility of the use of
MMS for future trials among OA children. The easy to read information that comes
with the MMS, frequent monitoring of MMS use and support to caregivers were
required to ensure compliance. Cultural feeding practices and financial constraints
may limit the types of food that can be mixed with MMS.
Fulltext Zinc transporter-3 [SLC30A3(rs11126936)]polymorphismis associated with major depressive disorderin Asian subjects

Lye, Munn-Sann, Aishah-Farhana Shahbudin, Tey, Yin-Yee, Tor, Yin-Sim, Ling, King-Hwa, Normala Ibrahim, et al.

Neuroscience Research Notes, 2019;2(3):20-28.
MyJurnal

Major depressive disorder (MDD) compromises the individual’s capacity for self-care and productivity. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of a number of genes have been associated with MDD. The zinc transporter-3 protein, encoded by the ZnT3 (SLC30A3) gene, maintains zinc-glutamate homeostasis at the glutamatergic synapse, a disruption of which increases risk of MDD. We hypothesise that variation in SLC30A3 (rs11126936)SNP increases risk of MDD. We recruited 300 MDD cases and 300 controls, matched in theratio of 1:1 by age, gender and ethnicity. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was used in DNA genotyping, validated by sequencing 10%of samples. Deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was tested using the chi-square test. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios, controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, occupation and family monthly income.Genotypes G/G and G/T showed two times greater odds of developing MDD compared to variant genotype T/T (OR=1.983, 95% CI=1.031-3.815; p=0.040 and OR=2.232, 95% CI=1.100-4.533; p=0.026 respectively). Carriers of genotypes G/G and G/T of the SNP rs11126936 in SLC30A3are associated with increased risk of MDD.
Fulltext Bioavailability studies of nutraceuticals

Maznah I, Loh SP, Waffaa MH

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2005;1(1):1-12.

Despite increasing interest in in nutraceuticals and their potential health benefits, not much is known about bioavailability of most of these nutraceutical compounds. Although they are considered dietary supplements and are subjected to a limited form of regulation, there is, however, a need to improve the efficacy and safety of these nutraceuticals. Additional research which defines the pharmacology, stability and bioavailability of these products is expected to gain strength and may offer a better understanding of their applicability in the prevention of disease conditions. This article reviews some aspects of nutraceutical bioavailability with examples from our work on the absorption studies of minerals from spirulina (Arthrospira plantensis) and gamma-oryzanol from rice bran (Oryza sativa) extract which employed human colon carcinoma (Caco-2) cell line and in vivo bioassays using animal models. Bioavailability of iron from spirulina was compared with its common source FeS04. Using the in vitro digestion protocol in combination with Caco-2 cell culture system, spirulina showed a high iron bioavailability compared to FeS04. The presence of other dietary factors (calcium, ascorbic acid, zinc, tannin and caffeine) was found to be not as significant as ferrous sulphate in affecting the iron uptake from spirulina. In vivo study showed that the efficacy of iron repletion in anaemic rats was enhanced in groups fed either commercial or cultured spirulina with improved haematological parameters of iron status. Further work on the behaviour and distribution of radiolabelled iron from spirulina has shown that iron-59 retained in the GIT of mice was lower in spirulina group compared to FeS04. Bioavailability study of gamme oryzanol was similarly conducted using Caco-2 cell as in vitro system and rabbit as in vivo model with the application of different formulations of gamma oryzanol in comparison with the natural form. Both systems showed that gamma oryzanol in its natural oil was poorly absorbed. However, when converted to other formulations, gamma oryzanol bioavailability was greatly increased by as much as 200 and 33 times more from the emulsion and microspheres respectively. These findings suggest that the efficacy of nutraceuticals in particular plant derived products which contain many phytochemicals should be assessed in terms of not only their potential health benefits such as antioxidant action but also their bioavailability in order to provide a more wholesome picture of their potential.
Fulltext Association between dietary folate intake and blood status of folate and homocysteine in Malaysian adults

Chew SC, Khor GL, Loh SP

J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo), 2011;57(2):150-5.
PMID: 21697634 DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.57.150

Folate is of prime interest among investigators in nutrition due to its multiple roles in maintaining health, especially in preventing neural tube defects and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. We investigated the effect of dietary folate intake on blood folate, vitamin B(12), vitamin B(6), and homocysteine status. One hundred subjects consisting of Chinese and Malay subjects volunteered to participate in this cross-sectional study. Dietary folate intake was assessed by 24-h dietary recall and a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Serum and red blood cell folate were analyzed using a microbiological assay, while serum vitamin B(12) was determined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for the determination of serum vitamin B(6) and homocysteine. The mean folate intake, serum folate, RBC folate, serum vitamin B(12), and B(6), were higher in female subjects, with the exception of serum homocysteine. The Chinese tended to have higher folate intake, serum folate, RBC folate, and vitamin B(12). A positive association was found between folate intake and serum folate while a negative association was found between folate intake and serum homocysteine. Stepwise linear regression of serum folate showed a significant positive coefficient for folate intake whilst a significant negative coefficient was found for serum homocysteine when controlling for age, gender, and ethnicity. In conclusion, high dietary folate intake helps to increase serum folate and to lower the homocysteine levels.
Fulltext Predictor of Obese Mothers and Stunted Children in the Same Roof: A Population-Based Study in the Urban Poor Setting Indonesia

Rachmah Q, Mahmudiono T, Loh SP

Front Nutr, 2021;8:710588.
PMID: 34938755 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.710588

Stunting leads to the poor cognitive development, increases the risk of child mortality, and elevates the risk of non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of double burden of malnutrition (DBM) in the urban poor setting in Indonesia and investigate its predictors. This was a cross-sectional study involving 436 mothers proportionally chosen from 16 integrated health posts in Surabaya, Indonesia. The households were categorized into the two groups based on the body mass index (BMI) of mother and the height-for-age z-score (HAZ) of child; households without DBM and household with DBM. Energy, carbohydrate, protein, and fat intake were obtained using 24-h food recall and socioeconomic status was measured using a structured questionnaire. Data on socioeconomic status were educational level of mother and occupation, household income, and food expenditure. The prevalence of household with DBM was 27.5%; 12.4% pair stunted children and normal weight mother; 45.6% pair of overweight/obese mother and normal height children. The logistic regression analysis showed significant differences in the education level and occupation of mother, protein intake of the children, and fat intake of the mother between households with and without DBM. This study offers an important insight to improve the knowledge of mother related to the protein intake of children to reduce stunting risk and fat intake of mother to prevent over-nutrition.
Fulltext The impact of post-activation potentiation on explosive vertical jump after intermittent time: a meta-analysis and systematic review

Li J, Soh KG, Loh SP

Sci Rep, 2024 Jul 26;14(1):17213.
PMID: 39060296 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67995-7

The optimal intermittent time for post-activation potentiation (PAP) training remains uncertain and contentious. This study employed a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the effect of different intermittent times on PAP in relation to explosive vertical jump height. Relevant literature was sourced from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases using keywords such as "postactivation potentiation," "activation enhancement effect," "PAP," "explosive vertical jump," "explosive vertical high jump," and "intermittent time." The search covered publications from the inception of each database until June 2024. Studies involving athletes (regardless of sport type) undergoing PAP training were included, with no restrictions on the methods used to induce PAP. Comparative analysis focused on the heights of countermovement jumps (CMJ) and peak ground reaction force (GRF) before and after interventions. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and data were analyzed using RevMan5.3. The study included a total of 21 papers with 327 subjects, primarily using the squat as the method of PAP induction. The meta-analysis revealed that intermittent times of 4 min [MD = - 0.03, 95% CI: - 0.04 ~ - 0.01; Z = 2.71, P = 0.007] and 5-8 min [MD = - 0.03, 95% CI: - 0.04 ~ - 0.01; Z = 3.07, P = 0.002] significantly increased the height of explosive vertical CMJs. However, intermittent times of 1-3 min [MD = -0.00, 95% CI: - 0.01 ~ 0.01; Z = 0.38, P = 0.70] and 10-24 min [MD = - 0.01, 95% CI: - 0.02 ~ 0.00; Z = 1.43, P = 0.15] did not show significant effects on CMJ height. These findings indicate that 4-min and 5-8 min intervals significantly enhance CMJ height, while intervals shorter than 4 min or longer than 8 min do not have a significant impact.
Fulltext Germinated brown rice ameliorates obesity in high-fat diet induced obese rats

Lim SM, Goh YM, Mohtarrudin N, Loh SP

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2016 May 23;16:140.
PMID: 27216718 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1116-y

Germinated brown rice (GBR) is a novel functional food that is high in fiber and bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties. This study aims to evaluate anti-obesity effects of GBR in obese rats fed high-fat diet (HFD).
Fulltext Dietary and blood folate status of Malaysian women of childbearing age

Khor GL, Duraisamy G, Loh SP, Green T

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2006;15(3):341-9.
PMID: 16837426

The protective role of folic acid taken during the periconceptual period in reducing the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTD) has been well documented by epidemiological evidence, randomized controlled trials and intervention studies. Much of the evidence is derived from western populations while similar data on Asian subjects is relatively nascent. Baseline data on folate status of Malaysian women is lacking, while NTD prevalence is estimated as 10 per 10,000 births. This study was conducted with the objective of determining the dietary and blood folate status of Malaysian women of childbearing age. A total of 399 women comprising 140 Malay, 131 Chinese and 128 Indian subjects were recruited from universities and worksites in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur. Inclusion criteria were that the subjects were not pregnant or breastfeeding, not taking folic acid supplements, not habitual drinkers or smokers. Based on a 24-hour recall, the median intake level for folate was 66 microg (15.7-207.8 microg), which amounts to 16.5% of the Malaysian Recommended Nutrient Intakes level. The median (5-95th percentiles) values for plasma and red cell folate (RBC) concentrations were 11 (4-33) nmol/L and 633 (303-1209) nmol/L respectively. Overall, nearly 15.1% showed plasma folate deficiency (< 6.8 nmol/L), with Indian subjects having the highest prevalence (21.5%). Overall prevalence of RBC folate deficiency (<363 nmol/L) was 9.3%, and an almost similar level prevailed for each ethnic group. Only 15.2% had RBC concentration exceeding 906 nmol/L, which is associated with a very low risk of NTD. The result of this study point to the need for intervention strategies to improve the blood folate status of women of childbearing age, so that they have adequate protection against the occurrence of NTD at birth.
Fulltext Nutritional composition and acceptability of biscuits fortified with palm weevil larvae (Rhynchophorus phoenicis Fabricius) and orange-fleshed sweet potato among pregnant women

Ayensu J, Lutterodt H, Annan RA, Edusei A, Loh SP

Food Sci Nutr, 2019 May;7(5):1807-1815.
PMID: 31139394 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.1024

Edible insects are currently being promoted as an inexpensive alternative source of protein in underdeveloped countries due to the rising cost of conventional animal protein and the foreseen future deficit in its supply. A supplemental palm weevil larvae and orange-fleshed sweet potato biscuit was developed as part of efforts to understand the nutritional benefits of edible insects and to predict whether these benefits will contribute to better nutrition among pregnant women in Ghana. The palm weevil larvae flour and the orange-fleshed sweet potato flour were mixed with wheat flour in three formulations that had 0, 35, and 70% of palm weevil larvae flour, before being made into biscuits. The biscuits were subjected to proximate and mineral content analysis and sensory evaluation. Proximate and mineral composition of the biscuits increased with increasing levels of palm weevil larvae flour substitution. Among the blends, biscuits containing 70% palm weevil larvae had the highest energy and fat content, and protein content also increased by 45% compared with biscuits made from 100% wheat flour. Calcium, iron, and zinc levels also increased with increasing levels of palm weevil larvae flour substitution. However, carbohydrate and crude fiber concentrations of the biscuits decreased with increasing substitution. The overall acceptability of the biscuits as determined by sensory evaluation using pregnant women was high. Biscuits fortified with palm weevil larvae can be a nutritious snack for pregnant women.
Fulltext Integrating nutriepigenomics in Parkinson's disease management: New promising strategy in the omics era

Razali K, Algantri K, Loh SP, Cheng SH, Mohamed W

IBRO Neurosci Rep, 2022 Dec;13:364-372.
PMID: 36590101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.10.003

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most prevalent brain motor disorder and is frequently regarded as an idiopathic and sporadic disease due to its unclear etiology. Although the pathological mechanisms of PD have already been investigated at various omics levels, no disease-modifying drugs are currently available. At the moment, treatments can only provide symptomatic relief to control or improve motor symptoms. Parkinson's disease is a multifactorial disease, the development and progression of which are influenced by multiple factors, including the genetic markups and the environment. As an indispensable component of our daily life, nutrition is considered one of the most robust environmental factors affecting our health. Consequently, depending on our dietary habits, nutrition can either induce or reduce our susceptibility to PD. Epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene expression through DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) activity. Accumulating evidence from nutriepigenomics studies has reported altered epigenetic mechanisms in clinical and pre-clinical PD models, and the potential role of nutrition in modifying the changes. In addition, through nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics studies, the diet-gene, and gene-diet interactions concerning PD development and progression have been investigated. Herein, current findings on the roles of nutrition in epigenetic mechanisms underpinning PD development and progression are discussed. Recent advancements in the multi-omics approach in PD nutrition research are also underlined. The ability of nutrients to influence epigenetic mechanisms and the availability of multi-omics applications compel the immediate use of personalized nutrition as adjuvant therapy for PD.
Fulltext Effect of germinated brown rice extracts on pancreatic lipase, adipogenesis and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Lim SM, Goh YM, Kuan WB, Loh SP

Lipids Health Dis, 2014 Nov 03;13:169.
PMID: 25367070 DOI: 10.1186/1476-511X-13-169

BACKGROUND: This study investigated anti-obesity effects of seven different solvent (n-hexane, toluene, dicholoromethane, ethyl acetate, absolute methanol, 80% methanol and deionized water) extracts of germinated brown rice (GBR) on pancreatic lipase activity, adipogenesis and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
METHODS: GBR were extracted separately by employing different solvents with ultrasound-assisted. Pancreatic lipase activity was determined spectrophotometrically by measuring the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl butyrate (p-NPB) to p-nitrophenol at 405 nm. Adipogenesis and lipolysis were assayed in fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes by using Oil Red O staining and glycerol release measurement.
RESULTS: GBR extract using hexane showed the highest inhibitory effect (13.58 ± 0.860%) at concentration of 200 μg/ml followed by hexane extract at 100 μg/ml (9.98 ± 1.048%) while ethyl acetate extract showed the lowest (2.62 ± 0.677%) at concentration of 200 μg/ml on pancreatic lipase activity. Water extract at 300 μg/ml showed 61.55 ± 3.824% of Oil Red O staining material (OROSM), a marker of adipogenesis. It significantly decrease (p
Fulltext Can Yellow Stripe Scad Compete with Salmon on Its Role in Platelet Phospholipid Membrane and Its Cardiovascular Benefits?

Yakubu A, Azlan A, Loh SP, Md Noor S

J Obes, 2019;2019:4929131.
PMID: 31354987 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4929131

This review article stresses the effective role of dietary fish fillet docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on overweight as a risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) via platelet phospholipid modification. Several reports have demonstrated that saturated fat in overweight evokes systemic inflammation and more importantly predisposes it to cardiovascular disorder. Prospective studies have shown that saturated fat is directly proportional to the level of arachidonic acids (AA), precursor of thromboxane in the platelet phospholipid membrane as omega-6 fatty acid in overweight and obese people. Some literature has demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acid from fish fillet ameliorates inflammation, reduces proinflammatory cytokine, inhibits signaling pathway, and regulates the physical composition of inflammatory leukocytes and free radicals (ROS). Yellow stripe scad (YSS) is a local Malaysian fish that has been shown to contain a comparable level of EPA/DHA content as observed in salmon. This review article will focus on the dietary role of fish fillet that will balance the omega-6 fatty acid/omega-3 fatty acid ratio in platelet phospholipid from YSS to manage and prevent healthy overweight/obesity-related risk factor of CVD and to avoid the risk orthodox drug treatment.
Fulltext Crude ethyl acetate extract of marine microalga, Chaetoceros calcitrans, induces Apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells

Goh SH, Alitheen NB, Yusoff FM, Yap SK, Loh SP

Pharmacogn Mag, 2014 Jan;10(37):1-8.
PMID: 24696543 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1296.126650

Marine brown diatom Chaetoceros calcitrans and green microalga Nannochloropsis oculata are beneficial materials for various applications in the food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries.
Effects of flaxseed consumption on systemic inflammation and serum lipid profile in hemodialysis patients with lipid abnormalities

Khalatbari Soltani S, Jamaluddin R, Tabibi H, Mohd Yusof BN, Atabak S, Loh SP, et al.

Hemodial Int, 2013 Apr;17(2):275-81.
PMID: 22998533 DOI: 10.1111/j.1542-4758.2012.00754.x

Inflammation and lipid abnormalities are two important risk factors for cardiovascular disease in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of flaxseed consumption on systemic inflammation and serum lipid profile in HD patients with lipid abnormalities. This was an unblinded, randomized clinical trial. Thirty HD patients with dyslipidemia (triglyceride >200 mg/dL and/or high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) <40 mg/dL) were randomly assigned to either a flaxseed or control group. Patients in the flaxseed group received 40 g/day ground flaxseed for 8 weeks, whereas patients in the control group received their usual diet, without any flaxseed. At baseline and at the end of week 8, 7 mL of blood was collected after a 12- to 14-hour fast and serum concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-C, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Serum concentrations of triglyceride (P < 0.01), total cholesterol (P < 0.01), LDL-C (P < 0.01), and CRP (P < 0.05) decreased significantly in the flaxseed group at the end of week 8 compared with baseline, whereas serum HDL-C showed a significant increase (P < 0.01). These changes in the flaxseed group were significant in comparison with the control group. The study indicates that flaxseed consumption improves lipid abnormalities and reduces systemic inflammation in HD patients with lipid abnormalities.
Fulltext Influence of vitamin D binding protein polymorphism, demographics and lifestyle factors on vitamin D status of healthy Malaysian pregnant women

Lee SS, Ling KH, Tusimin M, Subramaniam R, Rahim KF, Loh SP

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, 2020 Nov 23;20(1):714.
PMID: 33228578 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03397-7

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) has been related to vitamin D binding protein (GC) gene polymorphism, demographics and lifestyle factors in different populations. However, previous studies only focused on demographic and lifestyle factors or genetic factors alone. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to assess the association between GC gene polymorphism, demographics and lifestyle factors with VDD among Malaysian pregnant women.
METHOD: Information on demographic characteristics, dietary vitamin D intake from supplement and food, time spent outdoors, skin type and clothing were collected using a questionnaire. Plasma total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels were measured using an Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC). Maternal GC single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs4588 and rs7041) were determined using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique.
RESULTS: Results showed that 50.2% of pregnant women were vitamin D deficient (25OHD
Fulltext Palm Weevil Larvae (Rhynchophorus phoenicis Fabricius) and Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato-Enriched Biscuits Improved Nutritional Status in Female Wistar Albino Rats

Ayensu J, Larbie C, Annan RA, Lutterodt H, Edusei A, Loh SP, et al.

J Nutr Metab, 2020;2020:8061365.
PMID: 32322416 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8061365

Edible insects have emerged as an inexpensive alternative source of protein for reducing the burden of malnutrition worldwide. However, there is a dearth of evidence on its efficacy, and thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of edible insect consumption on the nutritional status of female Wistar albino rats. The study assessed the subchronic effect of palm weevil larvae (PWL) and orange-fleshed sweet potato- (OFSP-) enriched biscuits (fortified biscuits (FB), plain biscuits (PB), biscuits fortified with PWL (PWB), and biscuits fortified with OFSP only (SPB)) as a model to predict the potential of PWL to improve the nutritional status of pregnant women in Ghana. Twenty-five female Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to five experimental groups to receive one of the five feed supplements for 28 days. After which, the effects of treatment on haematological and biochemical parameters including lipid profile were assessed. No significant differences were observed with haematological (Hb) parameters. However, total cholesterol levels of the FB, PB, PWB, and SPB were significantly higher than in the N group. Apart from elevated total cholesterol concentrations, biscuits fortified with PWL had no adverse effects and can be a nutritious snack for maintaining acceptable HB levels.
Fulltext Microencapsulated Tuna Oil Results in Higher Absorption of DHA in Toddlers

Ghasemi Fard S, Loh SP, Turchini GM, Wang B, Elliott G, Sinclair AJ

Nutrients, 2020 Jan 18;12(1).
PMID: 31963702 DOI: 10.3390/nu12010248

: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential component for brain and visual acuity development during foetal and early postnatal life. A newly released directive under the European Commission stipulates DHA as a mandatory ingredient in infant formula. This poses challenges to manufacturers in preserving the stability and bioavailability of DHA at levels akin to human breast milk. The aims of this study were (a) to investigate the bioavailability of microencapsulated omega-3 DHA formulations in healthy toddlers compared with high DHA fish oil for a one-month period and (b) to assess the effect of DHA supplementation on children's sleep and cry patterns. Sixty toddlers were randomly allocated to four groups: 1. unfortified formula, 2. unfortified formula plus high DHA tuna oil, 3. fortified formula with dairy-based microencapsulated high DHA tuna oil powder, and 4. fortified formula with allergenic-free microencapsulated high DHA tuna oil powder. Bioavailability was assessed from both blood and faecal fatty acid levels. The results showed an enhanced bioavailability with significantly greater concentrations of blood DHA levels in formulas with microencapsulated powders. There were no significant effects of treatment on sleep and cry patterns. Application and delivery of microencapsulated DHA tuna oil powder in toddlers' formula provided better bioavailability of the active DHA.
Fulltext Inadequate vitamin D intake among pregnant women in Malaysia based on revised recommended nutrient intakes value and potential dietary strategies to tackle the inadequacy

Lee SS, Subramaniam R, Tusimin M, Ling KH, Rahim KF, Loh SP

Nutr Res Pract, 2021 Aug;15(4):492-503.
PMID: 34349882 DOI: 10.4162/nrp.2021.15.4.492

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Recently, the recommended nutrient intakes (RNI) for vitamin D for Malaysian aged 1-70 yrs has been revised from 5 µg/day to 15 µg/day. This study is aimed to assess the adequacy of vitamin D intake based on revised RNI and to recommend several dietary strategies to increase total vitamin D intake.
SUBJECTS/METHODS: Vitamin D intake from both food and supplement of 217 pregnant women was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Hypothetical effect of expanded supplementation and food fortifications strategies were modelled using the consumption data.
RESULTS: The results revealed that more than half (67.7%) of pregnant women had inadequate vitamin D intake (RNI < 15 µg/day). The modelling results demonstrated the potential of universal provision of 10 µg/day of multivitamins supplements in increasing vitamin D intake. Moreover, mandatory fortification of both milk and malted drink at single level of 5 µg/serving would lead to increase in vitamin D intake of Malaysians, particularly pregnant women.
CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of this study can be used as a reference for public health professionals to re-evaluate the existing Malaysian food fortification policies and supplementation recommendation for vitamin D for pregnant women.

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