Powdered milk products for children (Growing Up Milk Powders or GUMPs) containing added carbohydrates such as glucose and sucrose are now well established in parts of Asia. We surveyed GUMPs in Malaysia and Indonesia to determine the content of added carbohydrates. The ingredient lists and nutrition information panels were used to calculate the percentage of declared carbohydrates contributed by added carbohydrates and a subset of seven products was tested for their glycemic index (GI) and insulin responses in healthy adults. The glycemic load for each product was calculated. In total, 58 products (n = 24 in Malaysia and n = 34 in Indonesia) were surveyed. Added carbohydrate content (excluding fibre) ranged from 0 to 21.5 g per serve. Milk powders without added sources of carbohydrate had similar GI values to standard liquid whole milk. Products containing maltodextrins, corn or glucose syrups increased the GI by more than 2-fold, and glycemic load (GL) by 7-fold compared to milk powders with no added carbohydrates. Insulin responses were significantly but not strongly correlated with glucose responses (r = 0.32, p < 0.006). Children's milk powders containing higher levels of added carbohydrate ingredients elicit higher glucose and insulin responses than liquid or powdered whole milk.
BACKGROUND: The role of dietary factors in the pathophysiology of acne vulgaris is highly controversial. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the association between dietary factors and acne vulgaris among Malaysian young adults.
METHODS: A case-control study was conducted among 44 acne vulgaris patients and 44 controls aged 18 to 30 years from October 2010 to January 2011. Comprehensive acne severity scale (CASS) was used to determine acne severity. A questionnaire comprising items enquiring into the respondent's family history and dietary patterns was distributed. Subjects were asked to record their food intake on two weekdays and one day on a weekend in a three day food diary. Anthropometric measurements including body weight, height and body fat percentage were taken. Acne severity was assessed by a dermatologist.
RESULTS: Cases had a significantly higher dietary glycemic load (175 ± 35) compared to controls (122 ± 28) (p Index, and body fat percentage between case and control groups (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Glycemic load diet and frequencies of milk and ice cream intake were positively associated with acne vulgaris.
There are only limited reports on Punjabi's health status in Malaysia. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (Mets) and its risk factors among 277 subjects recruited from the Malaysian Punjabi community. Overall prevalence of Mets was 43%, but 61% among females. Subjects classified with Mets had significantly (p index, visceral fat and percentage of body fat. Daily carbohydrate and glycemic index (GI) were also higher among Mets subjects (p
Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases risks for type 2
diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Low glycaemic index (GI) diets improve
cardio-metabolic outcomes in insulin-resistant individuals. We examined the
feasibility of lowering GI through GI-based-education among Asian post-GDM
women. Methods: A 3-month investigation was carried out on 60 Malaysian
women with a mean age of 31.0±4.5 years and a history of GDM. Subjects were
randomised into two groups: LGIE and CHDR. The CHDR group received
conventional healthy dietary recommendations only. The LGIE group received
GI based-education in addition to conventional healthy dietary recommendations.
At baseline and after 3-months, dietary intake of energy and macronutrient
intakes including GI diet and glycaemic load was assessed using 3-day food
records. Diabetes-Diet and GI-concept scores and physical activity levels were
assessed using a questionnaire. Adherence to dietary instructions was measured
at the end of 3 months. Results: At the end of 3 months, the LGIE group had
significant reductions in energy intake (241.7±522.4Kcal, P=0.037, ES=0.463), total
carbohydrate (48.7±83.5g, P=0.010, ES=0.583), GI (3.9±7.1, P=0.017, ES=0.549) and
GL (39.0±55.3, P=0.003, ES=0.705) and significant increases in protein (3.7±5.4g,
0.003, ES=0.685) and diet fibre (4.6±7.3g, P=0.06). The CHDR group had a significant
reduction in fat only (5.7±9.4g, P=0.006, ES=0.606). There was a 30% increase in
GI-concept scores in the LGIE group (p< 0.001). Changes in GI-concept scores
correlated significantly to the reduction in dietary GI (r = -0.642, P=0.045). Dietary
adherence was comparable in both groups. Conclusion: GI-education improves
GI-concept knowledge and helps lower dietary glycaemic index among women
with a history of GDM.
Keywords: Diet, gestational diabetes mellitus, glycaemic index, glycaemic load,
prevention, type 2 diabetes