International Journal of Food and Nutrition Research

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), being a key transcription factor in mitochondrial biogenesis, interacts as a coactivator of several mitochondrial nuclear transcription factors, such as nuclear respiratory factor (NRF) 1 and 2, estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα), as well as non-nuclear receptor myocyte-enhancing factor 2 (MEF-2). Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP) is a plant used in many countries, mainly in Asia, having strong activity in PGC-1α. A wide range of GP pharmacological properties has been reported, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, lipid metabolism modulator, and neuroprotective activity. The activation of PGC-1α by exogenous factors has become a promising strategy in the treatment of various pathologies, especially when focused on mitochondria. In our review, we found numerous benefits of GP in controlling age-associated metabolic diseases, mainly in diabetes type 2, fat liver, and obesity. Some studies have also reported that, due to the strong phosphorylation of AMP protein kinase (AMPK) exerted by GP, GP-treated mice showed a significant increase in Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) mRNA expression, a protein that acts directly on cellular aging processes. However, further studies in humans could provide more proof of its efficiency in diseases such as metabolic syndrome as well as any other pathology that involves changes in mitochondrial functions.

Food for human and feed insecurity livestock is integrated systems that have been foe small holder farmers in Ethiopia in general and study area in particular. To reduce this problem this research was conducted with objectives of promoting and popularize improved lowland sorghum technologies and to create awareness through giving training and enhance stakeholders participation. A total of fifteen (20) trial farmers were selected from two potential sorghum growing kebeles of Dire Dawa administration and one from Harari region rural areas. Four FRG having 60 farmers was established. Two improved sorghum varieties (Melkam and Dekaba) were replicated on the plot of 20mx20m. Training on which a total of 78 participants took part were organized at research sites. Lowland Sorghum varieties were evaluated based on their early maturity, yield, Disease tolerance, seed color, seed size, biomass, and stalk and food test. The yield performance of the improved varieties (Melkam and Dekeba) were 26.58 and 26.44 qt/ha at Dodota, 28.24 and 26.78 qt/ha at Bishan Bahe respectively. The average yield performance of Melkam somewhat higher than Dekaba at both location but statistically no significant difference between two improved varieties across the locations and the biomass/stalk was high which helps for livestock feed. Thus, Melkam variety preferred well for these benefits over dekeba. Therefore, it is recommended that government, nongovernment and other stakeholders should popularize to reach large small holder farmers in similar agro-ecology.

Normally the level of nutrition status of School children in Sri Lanka is not favorable. The Situation is worst in the areas affected by ethnic conflict. Main objectives of this research were studying the current nutritional conditions and contributory factors that have been forced for this situation and remedial measures which could be adopted to correct the situation then we selected primary schools Childrens are from five schools in affected areas. They are Karadiyanaru Maha Vidthiyalayam, Ellupattichenai ambal Vidthiyalayam, Pankudavale Roman Catholic Vidthiyalayam, Kiththul Srikrishna Vidthiyalayam, Pullumalai Roman Catholic Vidthiyalayam. Were selected for this study and multi stage sampling method was used. Samples were randomly selected for areas and Data’s were collected in the form of interview schedule and dietary survey questionnaires. To find out the relationship between contributory factors and nutritional conditions, regression analysis method was used. Survey findings reported that there was a positive relationship between nutrition conditions and food consumption, income, and good sanitation practices. There was a negative relationship between nutritional conditions, infections diseases and body mass index among the dependents of the family. In case of food consumption (Calorie intake) and infectious diseases, there was a negative relationships between these two factors. Further considering the matter of age limits some differences were observed between standard weight and the normal weights of the targeted group. Having compared with standard values, it was found that 38% of school children were stunted, 42.24% were under weight. 20% were wasted there for it can be concluded that the nutritional status of school children in the selected school is poor. Thus immediate attention should be paid to correct the situation.

Ethiopia has about 10 million bee colonies, the largest bee population in Africa and the largest honey producer in Africa, and the tenth-largest honey producer all over the world. The total honey production of Ethiopia is estimated to be 53 000 tons. Honey is a viscous, aromatic, sweet food that is consumed and enjoyed by people around the world. For this reason, it requires certain standards and norms that guarantee its identity and quality so that consumers may safely consume honey, and the same shall have free circulation in the internal market and access to the external market. Honey quality is determined by its physicochemical and rheological constituents. Knowing honey characteristics is useful for processing, packaging, and storage of honey in appropriate conditions which are used to preserve their qualities and know their nutritional and medicinal value as well. The majority of Ethiopian honey possesses good characteristics in terms of physicochemical and rheological properties although there is a slight variation among parameters due to different factors. Training and creating awareness beekeepers and other stakeholders on honey quality may reduce the problem related to honey quality.

Astaxanthin (ATX), a red pigment that belongs to the xanthophyll subclass of carotenoids, has a strong antioxidant ability and can eliminate singlet oxygen (O2-) as well as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipid peroxidation. ATX can also prevent mitochondrial dysfunction by permeating and co-localizing within the mitochondria and inhibit the release of cytochrome c resulting from mitochondrial permeabilization and, thus, prevent mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic cell death. Due to its antioxidant capacity and modulating properties of cell signaling, ATX exhibits a variety of beneficial biological activities among them protection against UV damage, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity, metabolic syndrome (MS) relief, cardioprotective effects, antidiabetic activity, prevention of neuronal damage, anti-aging and anticancer activity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate what has been published about ATX in PubMed/Medline between 2020-2021. The results were distributed in four Tables as follows: Table 1-Publication types; Table 2- Proposal for evaluating the article in vivo; Table 3- Cells markers used in clinical studies in vivo; Table 4- Astaxanthin in human clinical trial. We could observe that the interest of the scientific community has been growing in relation to the benefits of ATX. The results presented in the articles evaluated in this meta-analysis showed us that AXT is already a reality as an option in treatments for various diseases, including glaucoma, heart and vascular injury, type 2 diabetes and fatty liver. We conclude that ATX may not only be a promising nutraceutical as an ally to alternative treatments of the pathologies mentioned above, but also as a powerful prophylactic in elderly individuals in prevention of diseases associated with aging.

Objective: Evaluate the effects of the maternal diet containing babassu coconut oil on future generation, through the analysis of murinometric parameters during the lactation period. Methods: The analysis was carried out with 32 rats of the Wistar lineage, from the breeding facility of the Department of Nutrition at the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE). These animals came from mothers who were isolated in individual cage in 2 groups, being a control group (CG, n = 16) with a standard diet according to the recommendations of the American Institute of Nutrition-93G (AIN-93) and an experimental group, with an AIN diet -93-G modified, containing babaçu oil (GEO, n = 16). The animals were subjected to an artificial light-dark cycle of 12/12 hours, with free access to water and food. The offspring were submitted to evaluations every three days regarding: body weight, waist circumference, tail length, Lee index, body mass index and abdomen-thorax ratio. Results: It was demonstrated that there was no statistical difference between the groups regarding weight gain and murinometric measurements of the offspring, except for the item related to tail length at 21 days. A significant reduction was identified in the GEO group when compared to the respective control (3,604 ± 1,062 versus 3,836 ± 1,254). Conclusion: The data obtained indicate that unbalanced levels of fatty acids in the maternal diet can affect the development of the progeny nervous system. However, studies for longer periods are necessary, as well as other behavioral variables to better clarify these nutritional implications on the development and functioning of the nervous system.

Anemia is a global public health problem. In Cameroon, the most vulnerable to anemia are children under 5 years of age (60%) and pregnant women (40%). To reduce prevalence of anemia, several approaches have been adopted, including promoting the production and consumption of iron-rich foods/products. The objective of this work was to study the nutritional potential of anti-anemic drinks based on extracts from the leaves of either Manihot esculenta or Graptophyllum pictum consumed by the populations of the city of Yaoundé in Cameroon. Macronutrient contents were determined using the standard A.O.A.C. methods, while mineral contents were analyzed using the atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Bioactive compounds such as total polyphenols, flavonoids, and saponins were analyzed. Vitamin C was determined by the 2,6 dichlorophenol indophenol spectrophotometric method (DCPIP) and the contents of anti-nutrients (tannins, phytates, oxalates, saponins, hydrocyanic acid) quantified using standard methods. The results of these analyses show that the mean protein contents in the studied anti-anemic drinks ranged from 0.64 ± 0.08 g/100 mL to 1.84 ± 0.02 g/100 mL (M. esculenta drink); and 0.25 ± 0.01 g/100 mL (G. pictum drink). Sugar contents ranged from 0.30 ± 0.02 g/100 mL to 0.45 ± 0.01 g/100 mL (M. esculenta drink), and 0.29 ± 0.01 g/100 mL (G. pictum drink). As concerns iron contents, and vitamin C contents were inversely proportional across M. esculenta drinks containing 25% milk (2.29 ± 0.15 mg/100 mL iron; 57.9 ± 0.2 mg/100mL vit C) through 50% milk (1.70 ± 0.03 mg/100 mL iron; 147.19 ± 16.05 mg/100 mL vit C) to 75% milk (1.01 ± 0.11 mg/100 mL iron; 221.1 ± 16.96 mg/100 mL vit C). Likewise, iron and vit C levels in the G. pictum drink were 0.18 ± 0.01 mg/100 mL and 999.1 ± 41.2 mg/100 mL respectively. In general, although some anti-nutrients were…

Ready to Eat (RTE) sorghum cookies were prepared by incorporating green gram flour at 10%, 20%, 30%, dried mango powder at 10% and evaluated for their physico-chemical and nutritional properties. Protein, fat, fiber and ash increased with increase in green gram flour substitution as carbohydrate content decreased significantly. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in protein content were seen in cookies ranging from 9.52% to 13.60%. Fiber increased significantly from 9.40% to 10.90%. In vitro protein digestibility ranged from 67.75 ± 0.01% to 90.05 ± 0.10 %. Vitamins analysed increased with addition of green gram flour. Thiamine content ranged from 0.22±0.02 to 0.61±0.02 mg/100g, riboflavin from 0.09±0.00 to 1.39±0.04 mg/100g and ascorbic acid from 13.87±0.79 to 19.31±0.94 mg/100g. Value addition of under-utilized crops like sorghum and green grams can play a vital role in development of high nutritional quality RTE products.

Objective: To evaluate the nutritional status of patients living with the human immunodeficiency virus and making use of antiretroviral medication. Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional analytical study that was conducted from May to July 2018. The nutritional status was determined through the evaluation of anthropometric data. The anthropometric measurements collected were: body mass index, brachial circumference, triceps skin fold and waist circumference. Results: We evaluated 120 patients in regular use of antiretroviral therapy. According to the body mass index, most individuals (41.2%) presented eutrophy, followed by overweight (35.7%). Regarding waist circumference, about 30% of patients presented a much increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. It was also observed that 47.5% of the patients presented eutrophy through the arm circumference parameter. Regarding the anthropometric parameter, triceps skin fold, it was observed that 29.9% of the patients presented severe malnutrition, followed by obesity (24.2%). Conclusion: It is known that even individuals undergoing antiretroviral therapy, aiming at slowing the progression of the disease, may present a possible involuntary weight loss during treatment. When related, the parameters of arm circumference, triceps skin fold, and waist circumference characterize the clinical signs of lipodystrophic syndrome, defined as abnormal redistribution of body fat. It is concluded that constant nutritional monitoring of patients in regular use of antiretroviral therapy drugs is necessary in order to prevent possible complications in the nutritional status of patients living with the human immunodeficiency virus.

Objective: To review the literature on new techniques of food conservation, focusing on the use of ultrasound. Material and methods: Bibliographic survey through digital platforms such as Scielo and Pubmed between 2018-2019. Results: Ultrasound is an innovative technology with great possibilities of use on an industrial scale. The main techniques used are: 1. cooking: uniform heat transfer, increasing the quality in characteristics such as taste, color and texture, preserving properties such as essential proteins being more effective than the frying pan; 2. cutting, widely used – cavitation will generate less losses and give precise cuts than the razor ; 3. The freezing/crystallization – the temperature decreases quickly having less ice crystals and reducing the time it would take if it was a freezing process; and finally 4, the emulsification, using less energy and less separation, giving more stability than the mechanical process. The ultrasound presents its alterations in meat foods as an improvement in texture and benefits in the extraction of proteins. Conclusion: Thus, the Ultrasonic Technology has great potential in the conservation of food, by keeping them stable with its characteristics. Its applicability is still being studied for better adaptation in the industrial scale. The nutritionist should be aware of these new techniques to help in the formulation of products with better nutritional value and food safety.