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Abstract : Socio-Economic and Cultural Influence on Vitamin A Intake of Lactating Mothers in Ngaoundere Cameroon
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Abstract: Background: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a widespread public health problem in developing nations affecting greatly pregnant and lactating women. The intake of Vitamin A rich foods highly recommended to reduce the prevalence in these vulnerable groups are greatly influenced by the level of education, geographic origin and differences in food habits. Aims of the Study: To evaluate the Influence of socio-economic, cultural, geographic origin, and demographic factors on vitamin A (VA) intake of lactating mothers in Ngaoundere, Cameroon. Method: A total of 100 lactating mothers attending pediatric consultations at four major health structures in Ngaoundere were involved in the survey. A questionnaire was used to get information on socio-economic, cultural, demographic factors, geographic origin, anthropometric parameters and culinary practices. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall method. Meals potentially rich in VA consumed by these women were collected, their carotenoids contents quantified and VA activity determined. Results: Average VA intake of lactating women of Northern origin was significantly (p< 0.05) lower (595.2±60.4μg/day) than that of women of Southern origin (737.6±55.6μg/day), although both were below the recommended intake of 850μg/day. VA intake was also higher in the more educated women. Marital status, number of children, age of the mother and body mass index did not significantly influence the daily VA intake of the women. Lactating women of Northern origin, with three or more children and having no formal education, are more at risk of acute VA Deficiency. Conclusion:While the level of education influenced the VA intake in lactating women from the Northern Region, the age of the baby influenced those from the Southern Region. Keywords: Culinary practices, Lactating mother, Socio-economic factors, Vitamin A intake, Vitamin A Deficiency.Download Full Article |
Abstract : The Changing Face and Focus of the Adolescent with an Eating Disorder
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Abstract: The classic silhouette of the typical adolescent with an eating disorder (ED) is a white female with extremely low body weight; this has begun to take a new shape. The most apparent shift in the classic views are sex and weight. A trend toward a progressively decreasing age of onset in ED has also emerged. The objective of this paper is to describe the ED patients presenting to Children’s of Alabama’s Adolescent Eating Disorders Clinic, encompassing their age, sex, BMI percentile and muscle function. The data was examined from all first presentations to the clinic from 2013 to 2016. Between May 2013 and March 2016, 102 new patient appointments were scheduled. 88 patient’s charts were reviewed from the time of each initial appointment in the Adolescent Eating Disorders Clinic to obtain the sex, age, race, height, weight, reason for referral/active problems and ED diagnosis for each patient. BMI percentile was calculated according to reference ranges for sex and age. Handgrip strength was measured by dynamometer. As is consistent with previously published data, there were significantly more females than males seen in our population. There were more females than males across all categories of ED diagnoses. The highest number of diagnoses occurred between the ages of 13-16. A positive correlation between BMI percentile and measured handgrip strength was observed. Measured handgrip strength in females was lower in ages 13-18 than expected grip strength for age. When males were grouped by “Males 14 and under” and “Males 15 and over,” a lower measured grip strength compared to the expected grip strength for age was demonstrated. The impact of ED on morbidity and mortality has been well recognized; however the most often reported association was mainly based on changes in body weight. The adverse metabolic consequences perturb nutrient sensing and ultimately delivery and utilization. A shift in the focus of energy balanced towards systemic malnourishment may allow healthy and sustained metabolic improvements. Keywords: Adolescent, eating disorder, muscle function, handgrip strength, metabolic health.Download Full Article |
Abstract : The Effects of an Eight Week Weight Loss Program in Obese Adults Utilizing a Nutritional Supplement
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Abstract: A non-placebo controlled, blinded study utilizing a commercially available meal replacement (manufactured by Nutrition Laboratories Inc., Florida) studied 35 adult participants to determine the safety and efficacy of the product (a liquid nutrient concentrate) while measuring weight reduction, lipids, and adipose tissue, liver enzymes and metabolic indices (glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides) over an eight-week period. The average weight loss after 14 days was 18.2 (± 3.7) pounds and 28.4 (± 6.5) pounds at the conclusion of the eight-week trial. This was found to be statistically significant (p<.01). Patient’s metabolic functions were closely monitored in order to document therapeutic benefit, while monitoring for potential side effects. Total cholesterol was lowered in all participants (ave. reduction = 20.6 mg/dL) and every participant with clinically elevated cholesterol (≥ 200) at baseline, reported normal values after eight-weeks. Similarly, all participants with fasting hyperglycemia (s. glu. ≥ 100) returned to normal by the end of the study. This included three patients with NIDDM who were not well controlled prior to the study. There was no evidence of hypoglycemia (s. glu. ≤ 65). Participants with elevated liver enzymes at baseline reported normal SGOT & SGPT levels after two-weeks. No participant developed liver enzyme elevations. Subjective energy level of the participants was reported at baseline as low to average and reported as high to very high at the conclusion of the study. All participants lost total adipose tissue with the average change calculated at a 6.7% loss. Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, type II diabetes mellitus, obesity, atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia.Download Full Article |
Abstract : Easing of America’s Healthcare Burden: The Case for Aggressive Prevention of the Metabolic Syndrome
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Abstract: The term “metabolic syndrome” was used in 1977 by Herman Haller who was studying the risk factors associated with atherosclerosis. In the same year, Dr. Singer used the term to describe the associations between hyperlipoprotenemia and obesity, gout, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. In1988, Gerald Reaven hypothesized that insulin resistance could be the underlying factor linking this constellation of abnormalities, which he went on to name “syndrome X or Reaven’s syndrome”. Regardless of the clinical term that is utilized, the global impact on health care resources and humanity is massive.
Metabolic syndrome is a preventable life threatening disease process. With its roots in childhood, this vicious cycle slowly destroys lives while we spend billions in the process. Delegating responsibility of financing our health and wellness to the insurance industry, Americans are ill prepared to deal with the reality that health is neither a luxury nor an entitlement. The impact of accepting the responsibility of prevention through nutritional counseling and education combined with regular exercise could save billions of dollars annually. More importantly aggressively preventing metabolic syndrome would save millions of lives. Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, type II diabetes mellitus, obesity, hyperlididemia, syndrome - X.Download Full Article |
