Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism - Volume 14, issue 2

Authors: Taleghani, Fatemeh Ghafouri | Norouzy, Abdolreza | Samini, Fariborz | Nematy, Mohsen | Safarian, Mohammad | Rahbari, Ashraf | Amini, Aminreza | Sangsefidi, Zohre Sadat | Mafinezhad, Asghar

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Diarrhea in patients on enteral feeding is a common complication with serious clinical outcomes. In Eastern and Southern Mediterranean regions, using curd as a food for the treatment of diarrhea is a common practice. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate whether curd could reduce the duration or severity of diarrhea in critically ill tube-fed patients with head trauma. METHODS: A total of 42 patients on enteral feeding who had diarrhea after starting enteral feeding, admitted to the intensive care unit, were randomly assigned to either to receiving curd and standard enteral formula or standard enteral …formula only groups. The intervention period for each patient was three days. The primary outcome was the duration of diarrhea, while the secondary outcomes were the frequency and weight of stool per day in each patient. RESULTS: This study showed a significantly higher stool weight in patients receiving enteral curd (588.76±266.88 vs 390.60±171.82 gr/day). There was no significant difference between the groups in duration of diarrhea (9 v 8 days) and episodes of diarrhea per day (2.20±1.00 vs 2.00±0.70) in intervention and control groups. incidence of liquid or loose stools on days 1–4 of the intervention (P1  = 0.43, P2  = 0.16, P3  = 0.45, P4  = 0.62). Feeding with curd did not change the APACHE score in intervention and control groups. This study showed no significant difference in 28 days of mortality in intervention and control groups. CONCLUSION: The findings showed that supplementary enteral feeding with curd did not improve diarrhea, the severity of the disease, or 28 days mortality in critically ill patients with diarrhea receiving enteral nutrition. Show more

Keywords: Curd, whey protein, diarrhea, enteral nutrition, intensive care unit

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-200443

Citation: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 107-114, 2021

Authors: Sini, H. | Devi, K.S. | Anusha, C.S. | Nevin, K.G.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Liver diseases are one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality all over world. Environmental chemicals and pesticides are one of the most common causative factors for liver injury. Since there are no reliable hepatoprotective drugs available, many plant extracts are frequently utilized to treat liver disease. Therefore, searching for effective and safe plant based drugs for liver disorders is a matter of interest. In this study, hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of the polyphenol rich chloroform extract of Solanum trilobatum (CST) was evaluated on CCl4 induced acute hepatotoxicity in Sprague Dawley rats. METHODS: Cytotoxic effect of CST …on cancer cells as well as primary rat hepatocytes and proliferative effect on human peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) were evaluated in vitro . Animals were divided into 4 groups control group (received only normal saline), CCl4 group (received only CCl4 (2.0g/kg body weight), CST group (received 50 mg/kg and CCl4 (2.0g/kg body weight), CST group (received 100mg/kg and CCl4 (2.0g/kg body weight). After 14 consecutive days of treatment, the levels of hepatic biochemical markers, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, peroxidase and catalase activities were measured. The histopathological study of control and treated animals were also performed. RESULTS: Administration of CST prior to CCl4 was found to significantly inhibit the hepatotoxicity produced by CCl4 since CST restored the elevated activities of serum and liver marker enzymes and also enhanced the antioxidant enzyme levels. Histological changes caused by CCl4 were found to be significantly reversed by CST, which further confirms the dual effect of CST on CCl4 -induced acute liver injury as a hepatoprotectant and antioxidant. CONCLUSIONS: The present study clearly demonstrates that CST contains therapeutic components which in combination/alone possess hepatoprotective and in vivo antioxidant effect. Show more

Keywords: Solanum trilobatum, CCl4, hepatoprotection, antioxidant

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-200446

Citation: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 115-126, 2021

Authors: Ghodsi, Ramin | Rostami, Hosein | Parastouei, Karim | Taghdir, Maryam

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Military staff are required to be in a proper condition of mental health and weight standards and have a specific level of physical performances (PP). Dairy products are rich sources of essential nutrients. It was demonstrated that Iranians consume much less milk and its products and there is no exception in the military staff. OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between consumption of low or whole-fat dairy and psychological disorders and PP in military personnel. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in four military zones of Iran. Dairy products intake were evaluated by using a semi-quantitative …food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The Persian version of Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were used to assess participants’ depression, anxiety and stress and PP were assessed by a 2-mile run, sit-up, push-up and pull-up. RESULTS: There was a significant negative relationship between the tertiles of total and low-fat dairy consumption and depression (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.79, P  < 0.05), and low-fat dairy consumption and stress (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.93, P  < 0.05). Also, there was a positive association between the last tertiles of low-fat dairy consumption and suitable PP (OR 5.28, 95% CI 1.08 to 25.71, P  < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that consumption of dairy products and particularly low-fat products are related to less psychological problems and a better PP level. Show more

Keywords: Dairy consumption, psychological disorders, depression, anxiety, stress, physical performances, military

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-200474

Citation: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 127-136, 2021

Authors: Moaddab, Fatemeh | Salari, Arsalan | Kazemnezhad Leili, Ehsan | Zaersabet, Fatemeh | Rouhi balasi, Leila | Mahdavi-Roshan, Marjan | Soodmand, Mostafa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Acute coronary syndrome is one of the most common chronic, progressive, and life-threatening diseases in most countries in the world. One of the effective factors in re-hospitalization of these patients is the lack of knowledge about the correct diet therapy. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the degree of nutritional knowledge, attitude, and performance of patients with acute coronary syndrome on arrival, discharge day, and 3 months after discharge in 2017-2018. METHODS: This longitudinal study was conducted on 125 patients with acute coronary syndrome who were referred to Dr. Heshmat hospital in Rasht as the …exclusive heart center in Guilan province (Northern Iran). Convenience sampling was done using a valid two-part questionnaire including demographic information and nutritional KAP. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and analytical statistics in SPSS. RESULTS: The nutritional knowledge and attitude score of the majority of the samples decreased over the time interval (from time of arrival until the referral to the clinic), but the nutritional performance of patients increased in the period; the mean score on arrival was less than the score at the discharge time. CONCLUSION: The results of this study emphasize the importance of nutrition education in people with the acute coronary syndrome. Show more

Keywords: Acute coronary syndrome, nutrition, knowledge, attitude, performance

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-200491

Citation: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 137-146, 2021

Authors: Susanto, Tantut | Rasni, Hanny | Susumaningrum, Latifa Aini

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Family quality of life (F-QOL) is necessarily issued for in fulfilling nutrition among under-five children that influenced their growth and development. OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of malnutrition and stunting among under-five children and their correlation of F-QOL in agricultural areas of Jember regency, Indonesia METHOD: A cross-sectional study through a family based-survey was conducted among 424 family farmers in Jember regency of Indonesia November to December 2019 using a self-administered questionnaire consisted the characteristics of parents and children, quality of family life, family welfare, family awareness, and measurements of children’s age, height, and weight …to identify stunting and malnutrition. T-tests of independence and the One Way ANOVA test was used to correlate the categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Furthermore, to determine the correlation among constant variables, we used a Product Moment test. RESULTS: Prevalence of wasted, stunted, and malnutrition among under-five children in agricultural areas were 3%, 18.9%, and 5%. There was a significant correlation between ethnic of family and type of family with HAZ (p  = 0.007), respectively. Meanwhile, there was a significant correlation between WAZ and age of children (r  = 0.106; p  < 0.05). Furthermore, there were significantly correlation between FQOL and WAZ (r  = 0.260; p  < 0.01) and HAZ FQOL (r  = 0.209; p  < 0.01), respectively. CONCLUSION: Malnutrition and stunting are the biggest problems of nutritional status in Indonesia’s agricultural areas correlated with ethnicity and type of family. Meanwhile, the F-QOL is main correlated with stunting and malnutrition among under-five children in agrarian areas. Show more

Keywords: Malnutrition, stunting, under-five children, agricultural

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-200492

Citation: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 147-161, 2021

Authors: Bellotto, M.L. | Castro, A. | Bonfante, I.L.P. | Brunelli, D.T. | Chacon-Mikahil, M.P.T. | Cavaglieri, C.R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: High visceral fat storage unbalance secretion inflammatory peptides, however diet plays an important role-protecting metabolism against chronic diseases inherent to this condition. OBJECTIVE: To assess obese diet quality and find association with inflammatory biomarkers. METHODS: aMED, a Food Quality Index, classified the inflammatory power of 26 obese men’s diet (aged: 48.1±5.1; BMI: 31.1±2.45). Pearson correlation coefficient associated diet quality in tertiles (1st as low, 2nd as average and 3 rd as high quality diet) with inflammatory variables (cytokines and waist circumference). RESULTS: The intake of anti-inflammatory food groups was significantly higher among tertiles …(3rd > 2nd > 1st; P  < 0.001). Adiponectin was lower in the 2nd tertile than in the 1st (P  < 0.05). Whole cereal presented a positive correlation with TNF-alpha (p  = 0.049), and a negative correlation with IL–15 (p  = 0.002). Fish presented a positive correlation with IL–10 (p  = 0.024), Resistin (p  = 0.039) and PGE–2 (p  = 0.001). These findings pointed to pro and anti-inflammatory responses. CONCLUSIONS: The method may need adjustments when used to assess obese food intake, since they don’t usually meet the daily-recommended intake. Other lifestyles variables should be considered, which may affect the inflammatory status. Show more

Keywords: Food quality, mediterranean diet, inflammation, obesity, cytokines

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-200502

Citation: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 163-171, 2021

Authors: Benguechoua, Mebarka Imane | Benguechoua, Madjda | Gourine, Nadhir | Silva, Artur M. S. | Saidi, Mokhtar | Yousfi, Mohamed

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The present work stands as an endeavor to uncover the ideal harvesting time of leaves in which they exhibits the maximum contents of bioactive molecules such as essential fatty acids, tocopherols and carotenoids. METHODS: A large scale investigation was carried out for the leaves of Pistacia atlantica involving a large number of populations collected over a period of four months during the growing season. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using both DPPH and β -carotene assays. The chemical percentage variability of the fatty acids was investigated using statistical analysis methods (Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering “AHC”, also cited …as CAH). OBJECTIVE: During the growth period, the effects of harvesting date on the total contents of lipids, tocopherols, carotenoids, fatty acids composition and also the antioxidant activities of the lipids were investigated. RESULTS: The content of myristic acid and other saturated fatty acids increased during leaf development, while linoleic, linolenic acids and unsaturated fatty acids decreased. The highest percentages of both linolenic C18:3 (27.25±5.92%) and linoleic acids C18:2 (17.68±3.80%) were obtained for the month of May at the first stage of leaves development (young leaves), but higher percentage levels of C18:1, were obtained for both consecutive months of August & September (28.83±6.50%; 27.79±8.63%, respectively) at intermediate developing stage. The lipids, tocopherols, carotenoids contents and the saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were dependent on the harvest time. The antioxidant activity showed higher powers at the first developing stage (May). Two main clusters and two sub-clusters of the fatty acids were distinguished and were also depending clearly on the period of the collection. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the FA were dependent on the period of collection of the leaves. The main result of this study illustrate the nutritional potential (richness in MUFA such as C18:1, 2, 3) of the oil of P. atlantica leaves, which can provide opportunities for rational exploitation in the food industries or for medicinal purposes. Show more

Keywords: Pistacia atlantica, leaves, fatty acids, lipids, antioxidant activity, development stage

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-200511

Citation: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 173-190, 2021

Authors: Elío, Iñaki | Jarrín, Sandra | Eléxpuru, María | Crespo, Jorge | Domínguez, Irma | Tutusaus, Killian | Ruíz, Roberto | Calderón, Rubén | Sumalla, Sandra

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In Spain, there are several studies published on the relationship between eating habits and lifestyle among university students; but only a few of them are focused on online postgraduate students. OBJECTIVE: Herein we aimed to evaluate the degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet pyramid (2010 edition), non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and lifestyle in online postgraduate students aged 20–65 years belonging to the food area of the Fundación Universitaria Iberoamericana (FUNIBER). METHODS: We performed a descriptive cross-sectional study including 100 online post-graduate students aged 20–65 years who were recruited by an accidental non-probabilistic sampling method consisting …of a questionnaire on their sociodemographic characteristics, NCDs, lifestyle, and a 3-day food intake record (3-d). RESULTS: The profile of the students was 74% women, with a mean age of 36.6 (±10.5) years and body mass index (BMI) of 22.6 kg / m2 (±3.3). 71% of the volunteers presented normal weight, while 20% were overweight. Indeed, only a low percentage of the volunteers presented hypertension (1%), cardiovascular disease (0%), diabetes mellitus 1 (2%), diabetes mellitus 2 (3%), hypercholesterolemia (9%), and hyperuricemia (2%). Concerning lifestyle, (77%) of students were non-smokers, (78%) consumed beverages with caffeine, (51%) did not consume alcoholic beverages, and nearly all of them (84%) frequently (3 times /week) practiced physical activity. 68% of the recruited students exhibited adherence to “Medium diet quality diet (4–7)” followed by (26%) with a “Poor diet quality (<3)” and “Optimal diet quality” (6%). CONCLUSIONS: Spanish postgraduate students of the nutritional area, have good health and a healthy lifestyle but are moving away from the MD model, should be established campaigns for the improvement of eating habits of the postgraduate university population. Show more

Keywords: Mediterranean diet, university students, 3-day food intake record, dietary patterns

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-200521

Citation: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 191-205, 2021

Authors: Altin, Gokce | Bildik, Fatih | Kasapoğlu, Kadriye Nur | Genç, Seda | Genç, Mahmut | Özçelik, Beraat

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The phytochemical contents of traditional foods are necessary to further elucidate the impacts of the Mediterranean diet on health. Çalkama is traditional food prepared by using wild green plants including chard (Beta vulgaris var.cicl), wild fennel (Foeniculum vulgare spp), common mellow (Malva sylvestris L), common poppy (Papaver rhoeas L), dock (Rumex spp), common nettle (Urtica dioica L), sow-thistle (Sonchus asper (L) Hill), common stork’s bill (Erodium circutarium (L)L H ér) and wild leek (Allium ampeloprasum L). OBJECTIVE: In this research, the antioxidant activity and the flavonoid and phenolic …acid composition were separately analyzed for each plant and çalkama. METHODS: Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and total antioxidant capacity of each plant and çalkama were measured spectrophotometric assays. Ultra-fast liquid chromatography (UFLC) was performed to detect specific flavonoid groups. RESULTS: It was detected that one portion of çalkama (100 g) contained approximately 250 mg of flavonoids. Particularly, quercetin and apigenin contributed to the main flavonoid source and chlorogenic acid was the major phenolic acid in çalkama. CONCLUSIONS: According to our findings, this food can be considered as a good phenolic and flavonoid source which protects its high antioxidant capacity through preparation and cooking processes. Show more

Keywords: Edible wild greens, antioxidant capacity, phenolic acids, flavonoids, ultra-fast liquid chromatography.

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-200525

Citation: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 207-218, 2021