-
Results of European Heart Network Pilot Project “A Vending Machine for a Friend”
Roberto Volpe,
Sigita Glaveckaite,
Gianluca Sotis,
Dziugile Kersnauskaite,
Kristina Sulskute,
Vita Polevoda,
Ingrida Dudoniene,
Massimo Volpe
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, May 2023
Pages:
63-69
Received:
21 April 2023
Accepted:
9 May 2023
Published:
18 May 2023
Abstract: Children often grow up in obesogenic environments that promote unhealthy diets. Consequently, many European children are overweight. Vending machines (that usually distribute foods rich in fat, sugar, salt and calories) located in schools are one factor that contributes to this. The aim of the pilot project “A vending machine for a friend" of the Italian Society for Cardiovascular Prevention (SIPREC) in collaboration with the Lithuanian Heart Association (LHA) and under the aegis and sponsorship of the European Heart Network (EHN), has been to regulate and improve the nutritional quality of food and beverages served in vending machines, cafeterias and school canteens. In the pilot project were included 3 Italian and 2 Lithuanian high schools. Seventy-eight Italian students and seventy-eight Lithuanian students in the 2nd and 3rd year of high school, joined the intervention group, undertaking to consume only foods and beverages from “healthy” vending machines and healthy snacks in the cafeteria, versus seventy-seven Italian students and ninety-seven Lithuanian students in the 2nd and 3rd year of high school who were part of the control group. The intervention has also included an education and training program on healthy food dedicated to the students and to the teachers. The results of the Body Mass Index (BMI) in the intervention group (-2.1% in the Italian intervention group versus +0.0% in the control group and -2.2% in the Lithuanian intervention group versus +0.5% in the control group), and of the questionnaire administered after the seminars (+53.4% of improvement in the Italian intervention group versus just +2,5% in the control group, and +21.6% of improvement in the Lithuanian intervention group versus +3% in the control group), indicates the good results achieved by the students who have participated in the project. “Healthy” vending machines together with educational programs might be a good strategy for creation of a healthy nutritional environment in high schools to tackle overweight and obesity in adolescents. Bigger studies are needed to prove concept.
Abstract: Children often grow up in obesogenic environments that promote unhealthy diets. Consequently, many European children are overweight. Vending machines (that usually distribute foods rich in fat, sugar, salt and calories) located in schools are one factor that contributes to this. The aim of the pilot project “A vending machine for a friend" of the I...
Show More
-
Protein Quality and Biochemical Evaluation of Unripe Banana Based Complementary Food Fortified with Crab Meat in Rats
Matthew Alfred Bassey,
Ikechukwu Edwin Ezeagu,
Blessing Chineye Ubani
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, May 2023
Pages:
70-75
Received:
9 September 2022
Accepted:
30 September 2022
Published:
9 June 2023
Abstract: Protein-energy malnutrition is continually on the increase among children in developing countries due to low nutrient density of traditional complementary diets. The current cost of commercially prepared complementary food in Nigeria have price out most caregivers resulting in increase formulation of complementary food from local food staples. This study investigated the nutrient and biochemical properties of animal fed infant diets formulated from local food materials, unripe banana and edible crab. The food materials were obtained locally, processed and dried. The processed samples were formulated as unfortified unripe banana, 10% crab meat fortified unripe banana (UBCM1), 15% crab meat fortified unripe banana (UBCM2) and 10% cray fish fortified unripe banana (UBCF). The protein efficiency ratio (PER) of Control (1.81) was higher than those of UBCM1 (1.17), UBCM2 (1.20) and UBCF (1.31). The weight gain/day of the formulated diets were lower than that of Cerelac (2.19g) and significantly difference (P<0.05) to the control. The serum total protein of the control group was higher than those on the experimental diets. The serum albumin level of all the samples were within the normal range, 3.5-5.0mg/dL. Serum cholesterol level of UBCM1 (54.14mg/dL) and UBCM2 (62.44mg/dL) were higher than the unfortifed banana group but almost equal that of cerelac. The hematological properties (PCV and hemoglobin) of the Crab meat fortified diets were higher than those of unfortified, but lower than those of control. In conclusion, we established that the crab meat fortified banana diets supported growth and development of weanling rats and it’s a suitable replacement for commercial complementary foods.
Abstract: Protein-energy malnutrition is continually on the increase among children in developing countries due to low nutrient density of traditional complementary diets. The current cost of commercially prepared complementary food in Nigeria have price out most caregivers resulting in increase formulation of complementary food from local food staples. This...
Show More
-
Preservation of Mango Fruit (Mangifera indica L., var Keitt) with Edible Coating of Starch Enriched with Garlic Extract During Storage at Ambient Temperature
Kossonou N’guettia Silver,
Koua Ahou Gisele,
Zoue Lessoy Thierry,
Niamke Lamine Sebastien
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, May 2023
Pages:
76-83
Received:
22 April 2023
Accepted:
25 May 2023
Published:
9 June 2023
Abstract: Mango fruit plays an important economic role in Côte d’Ivoire as the third major exported fruit after banana and pineapple. The producing regions of mango fruits are in Northern of Côte d’Ivoire and the most cultivated varieties are Kent, Keitt and Amélie. The main issue of the mango value chain in Côte d’Ivoire is linked to poor agricultural practices and postharvest losses due to climateric characteristics of the fruit. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of bioactive edible coating made of garlic extract and cassava starch as a novel approach to enhance the postharvest quality and shelf-life of Keitt mango fruit. Experimental approach was based on coating treatments by dipping Keitt mango fruits in cassava starch gel (2, 3 and 4%, w/v) with or without incorporation of garlic extract (4%, v/v). The use of edible coating highlighted the following results after 20 days of storage at ambient temperature: weight loss (10 – 14% FW); ratio TSS/TA (0.05 – 0.1), vitamin C (46 – 73% retention), total phenolic compounds (50 – 67% retention), antioxydant activity (62 – 69% retention). Moreover, garlic extract incorporated to cassava starch coating was found to have positive effects on extending postharvest quality characteristics of mango fruits. Overall, it was found that the coatings extended the self-life of Keitt mango fruits and improved their fresh quality compared to control after 20 days of storage at ambient temperature. It could be concluded that cassava starch coatings enriched with garlic extract might be a valuable alternative to extend the postharvest life of mango fruits.
Abstract: Mango fruit plays an important economic role in Côte d’Ivoire as the third major exported fruit after banana and pineapple. The producing regions of mango fruits are in Northern of Côte d’Ivoire and the most cultivated varieties are Kent, Keitt and Amélie. The main issue of the mango value chain in Côte d’Ivoire is linked to poor agricultural pract...
Show More
-
Effect of Mbuja Oil Consumption Compare to Palm Olein and Corn Oils on Renal and Liver Dysfunction Factors in Wistar Rats
Doumta Charles Falang,
Ghomdim Nzali Horliane,
Bebbe Fadimatou,
Ngangoum Eric Serge
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, May 2023
Pages:
84-90
Received:
2 May 2023
Accepted:
19 May 2023
Published:
9 June 2023
Abstract: Mbuja (Bikalga; dawadawa botso; datou; Furundu) is a food condiment obtained by a traditional uncontrolled fermentation of Hibiscus sabdariffa seeds in African countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Sudan). This condiment is known for its nutritive values and for its health properties. In spite of its nutritional and healthy properties the consumption of mbuja is less appreciated in urban areas. This is due to its strong smell, to its bad condition of manufacturing practices which leads to the rapid alteration of nutritive values. The main problem now is how to lead people to consume mbuja which nevertheless contains bioactive molecules, which can help in the treatment or in the prevention of some chronic diseases. In order to the valorisation of its nutraceutic property, a study on effect of mbuja oil consumption compare to palm olein and corn oils on renal and liver dysfunction factors in Rats was carried out. To overcome this, mbuja was purchased in Mokolo market (Far-North, Cameroon); oil extracted from it and nutraceutic aspect of oil was conducted after feeding male rats with different diets containing mbuja, corn and palm oils for 50 days. Renal and liver dysfunction factors was assessed by using classical methods. The results revealed that consumption of mbuja oil produces same effect as corn oil on renal and better effect on hepatic dysfunction factors. Consumption of mbuja oil improve kidney, heart and liver function. This confirms the hepatoprotective effect of mbuja and justify its use in traditional medicine to treat chronic diseases.
Abstract: Mbuja (Bikalga; dawadawa botso; datou; Furundu) is a food condiment obtained by a traditional uncontrolled fermentation of Hibiscus sabdariffa seeds in African countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Sudan). This condiment is known for its nutritive values and for its health properties. In spite of its nutritional and healthy pr...
Show More
-
Level of Consumption of Some Cereal-Pulse Combinations and Extent of Metabolic Diseases in Four (4) Communes of Abidjan (Ivory Coast)
Tan Koffi Cyrille,
Gbakayoro Jean Brice,
Akpro Lathro Anselme,
Vanié Claver Stephane,
Gbogouri Grodji Albarin
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, May 2023
Pages:
91-97
Received:
18 May 2023
Accepted:
10 June 2023
Published:
20 June 2023
Abstract: Dietary behavior and habits are significant risk factors for the occurrence of metabolic diseases in populations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of consumption of cereal/legume combinations in the dietary habits of certain populations in the district of Abidjan and to measure the prevalence of metabolic diseases. Based on a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional food consumption survey, a cohort of 400 households was interviewed by reasoned choice in four (4) communes of Abidjan, with 200 Ivorian and 200 non-Ivorian households. The data obtained were processed using IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0 software. Most of the women interviewed were traders (52.25%), had a low socio-economic level (73.75%) and a primary education level (31.25%). Rice was the most consumed cereal (79.5%) with an average quantity of 200 to 250g per meal (30.75%), more at lunch and dinner (43.75%), 5 to 7 times per week (37.5%). Cowpea was the most consumed legume (92.25%) with an average quantity of 100 to 150g per meal (60.25%), more at breakfast (30.5%), 1 to 2 times per week (59.25%). Cowpea (97%) and cereal-cowpea combinations (90.5%) were consumed more by non-Ivorian households, by dietary habit. More non-Ivorian households (58.5%) had no one affected by metabolic diseases (obesity, T2D, hypertension) while 76% of Ivorian households had at least one. The non-Ivorian households consumed more cowpeas and cereal-cowpea combinations. This would make them safer from the occurrence of non-communicable diseases, compared to Ivorian households.
Abstract: Dietary behavior and habits are significant risk factors for the occurrence of metabolic diseases in populations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of consumption of cereal/legume combinations in the dietary habits of certain populations in the district of Abidjan and to measure the prevalence of metabolic diseases. Based on a d...
Show More
-
Effectiveness of Behaviour Change Communication Initiatives on Vitamin A Supplementation Knowledge Among Caregivers of Children Aged 6-59 Months in Vihiga County, Kenya
Elijah Njeru Mbiti,
Dominic M. Mogere,
Alfred Owino Odongo
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, May 2023
Pages:
98-106
Received:
1 June 2023
Accepted:
16 June 2023
Published:
27 June 2023
Abstract: Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS) is a low-cost high impact, acceptable, and clinically effective intervention recommended by the World Health Organization to combat the effects of the prevalent Vitamin A deficiency in children 6-59 months which remains a public health concern globally. Maintenance of good health and prevention of diseases in this age group therefore requires adequate intake of Vitamin A. Sadly, VAS coverage has remained low over the years, averaging 61% across 64 priority countries globally and Eastern and Southern Africa recording a coverage of 57%, Kenya 67.3% which is way below the WHO target of 80%. One of the key barriers associated with low VAS uptake is inadequate knowledge. This study was conducted to test the effectiveness of community-based intervention in scaling up VAS uptake for children aged six to fifty-nine months in Vihiga County, Kenya. A quasi-experimental pre-post design was employed with two arms, intervention, and control. In total, 393 and 389 caregivers of children 6-59 months were recruited at baseline and endline respectively at both arms. The intervention undertaken included development and dissemination of VAS behaviour change communication materials targeting caregivers of children 6-59 months using guides developed during the study. Logistic regression models were used, and Difference-In-Difference analysis applied to detect changes between the two arms. Due to the intervention, VAS knowledge by caregivers significantly increased by 18.4% (p= <0.001). Key significant factors associated with this increase were caregivers having MCH Handbook (OR=2.21, 95% CI: 1.31-3.74; p=0.003), receiving information on VAS from health worker at facility (OR=1.73, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.97; p=0.047), receiving information from community health volunteers (OR=2.35, 95% CI: 1.50, 3.66; p<0.001) and having secondary education (OR =3.36, 95% CI: 1.27-8.94; p=0.015. This study concludes that this intervention was effective in increasing the VAS knowledge among the caregivers of children aged six to 59 months.
Abstract: Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS) is a low-cost high impact, acceptable, and clinically effective intervention recommended by the World Health Organization to combat the effects of the prevalent Vitamin A deficiency in children 6-59 months which remains a public health concern globally. Maintenance of good health and prevention of diseases in this ag...
Show More
