Asia
Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Volume 11, issue 2,
2002
|
Contents |
Abstract
|
Paper
|
|
2002
Asia Pacific Clinical Nutrition Society Award
Rainer Gross
Asia Pac J
Clin Nutr. 2002;11(2):87.
|
|
|
|
 Ocular
manifestation of vitamin A deficiency among Orang Asli (Aborigine)
children in Malaysia
NOR F NGAH, NORHAYATI MOKTAR, NOOR HM ISA, S SELVARAJ, MD SHAHROM
YUSOF, HALIMAH A SANI, ZAINAL AA HASAN, ROHANI A KADIR
Asia Pac J
Clin Nutr. 2002;11(2):88-91.
|
|
|
|
Simultaneous
analysis of retinol, -carotene and tocopherol levels in serum
of Vietnamese populations with different incomes
NGUYEN THI MINH KIEU, KIDOKORO YURIE, NGUYEN THI KIM HUNG, SHIGERU
YAMAMOTO, NGUYEN VAN CHUYEN
Asia Pac J
Clin Nutr. 2002;11(2):92-97.
|
|
|
|
Socioeconomic
status and the prevalence of coronary heart disease risk factors
KANALA KR REDDY, ALAHARI P RAO, THAVANATI PK REDDY
Asia Pac J
Clin Nutr. 2002;11(2):98-103.
|
|
|
|
Influence
of fish consumption on the distribution of serum cholesterol in
lipoprotein fractions: comparative study among fish-consuming
and non-fish-consuming populations
GANDHAM BULLIYYA
Asia Pac J
Clin Nutr. 2002;11(2):104-111.
|
|
|
|
Serum fatty acids, lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein profiles
of middle-aged men and women in South Vietnam
NGUYEN THI MINH KIEU, ETSUKO YASUGI, NGUYEN THI KIM HUNG, TOSHIMI
KIDO, KAZUO KONDO, SHIGERU YAMAMOTO, NGUYEN VAN CHUYEN, MIEKO
OSHIMA
Asia Pac J
Clin Nutr. 2002;11(2):112-116.
|
|
|
|
Effects
of haemoglobin and serum ferritin on cognitive function in school
children
RASSAMEE SUNGTHONG, LADDA MO-SUWAN, VIRASAKDI CHONGSUVIVATWONG
Asia Pac J
Clin Nutr. 2002;11(2):117-122.
|
|
|
|
Therapeutic
effects of NaFeEDTA-fortified soy sauce in anaemic children in
China
JUNSHENG HUO, JING SUN, HONG MIAO, BO YU, TAO YANG, ZHAOPING LIU,
CHENGQIAN LU, JUNSHI CHEN, DING ZHANG, YUZHEN MA, ANXU WANG,
YONGLI LI
Asia Pac J
Clin Nutr. 2002;11(2):123-127.
|
|
|
|
Sources
of dietary iron in urban and provincial 4-year-old children in
Iran
FATEMEH V ZOHOURI, ANDREW J RUGG-GUNN
Asia Pac J
Clin Nutr. 2002;11(2):128-132.
|
|
|
|
Socioeconomic
profile and nutritional status of children in rubber smallholdings
ZAMALIAH MOHD MARJAN, MIRNALINI KANDIAH, KHOR GEOK LIN, TEE E
SIONG
Asia Pac J
Clin Nutr. 2002;11(2):133-141.
|
|
|
|
Dietary
calcium intake in postmenopausal Malaysian women: comparison between
the food frequency questionnaire and three-day food records
WSS CHEE, AR SURIAH, Y ZAITUN, SP CHAN, SL YAP, YM CHAN
Asia Pac J
Clin Nutr. 2002;11(2):142-146.
|
|
|
|
Assessment
of a rapid method for assessing adequacy of calcium intake
J HILARY GREEN, CHRIS L BOOTH, RICHARD LW BUNNING
Asia Pac J
Clin Nutr. 2002;11(2):147-150.
|
|
|
|
Gastrointestinal
tolerance of a new infant milk formula in healthy infants: multicenter
study conducted in Taiwan
Nancy Chen,
Pedro A Alarcon, Gail M Comer, Randall L Tressler
Asia Pac J
Clin Nutr. 2002;11(2):151-156.
|
|
|
|
Effect of Cassia auriculata leaf extract on lipids
in rats with alcoholic liver injury
RAJAGOPAL SENTHIL KUMAR, MANICKAM PONMOZHI, PERIYASAMY VISWANATHAN,
NAMASIVAYAM NALINI
Asia Pac J
Clin Nutr. 2002;11(2):157-163.
|
|
|
|
Kiwifruit promotes laxation in the elderly
ELAINE C RUSH, MEENA PATEL, LINDSAY D PLANK, LYNNETTE R FERGUSON
Asia Pac J
Clin Nutr. 2002;11(2):164-.168
|
|
|
|
Supplement
Seminar on nutrition labelling and health claims
|
|
|
|
Nutrition
labelling and health claims: scientific substantiation and opportunities
for harmonization - summary
E-SIONG TEE |
|
|
|
Nutrition
labelling: purpose, scientific issues and challenges ANNOEK
WEM VAN DEN WIJNGAART |
|
|
|
Nutrition
labelling: perspectives of a bi-national agency for Australia
and New Zealand
MARGARET A CURRAN |
|
|
|
Nutrition
labelling: European Union and United Kingdom perspectives
EVA HURT |
|
|
|
Current
status of nutrition labelling and claims in the South-East Asian
region: are we in harmony?
E-SIONG TEE, SURYANI TAMIN, ROSMULYATI ILYAS,
ADELISA RAMOS, WEI-LING TAN, DARWIN KAH-SOON LAI, HATAYA KONGCHUNTUK |
|
|
|
Biomarkers,
yesterday, today and tomorrow: the basis for health claims
DCK ROBERTS |
|
|
|
International
guidelines and experiences on health claims in Europe
EVA HURT |
|
|
|
Newly
established regulation in Japan: foods with health claims
TOSHIO SHIMIZU
|
|
|
top
Ocular
manifestation of vitamin A deficiency among Orang Asli (Aborigine)
children in Malaysia
NOR F NGAH, NORHAYATI MOKTAR, NOOR HM ISA, S SELVARAJ, MD SHAHROM
YUSOF, HALIMAH A SANI, ZAINAL AA HASAN, ROHANI A KADIR
This study determined the prevalence of ocular manifestation of vitamin
A deficiency in Orang Asli (Aborigine) children. Night blindness was
found in 16.0% of the children, conjunctiva xerosis in 57.3%, Bitot's
spot in 2.8%, corneal xerosis in 0.5% and corneal scars in 5.6%. These
findings show that history of night blindness had sensitivity, specificity
and predictive value (positive) of 47.2, 98.1 and 96.2%, respectively,
compared with the standard diagnosis procedure using luxometer readings.
top
Simultaneous
analysis of retinol, -carotene and tocopherol levels in serum of Vietnamese
populations with different incomes
NGUYEN THI MINH KIEU, KIDOKORO YURIE, NGUYEN THI KIM HUNG, SHIGERU
YAMAMOTO, NGUYEN VAN CHUYEN
In this study, we clarified the status of the fat-soluble vitamins
retinol and tocopherol, as well as -carotene, as antioxidants in the
prevention of cardiovascular disease in middle-aged Vietnamese populations
with different incomes. In order to measure simultaneously the serum
concentrations of retinol, -carotene and tocopherol, we carried out
high-performance liquid chromatography analysis with three separate
detectors. The analytical method was modified, omitting the saponification
process, and used a multi-evaporating system with dry ice. This allowed
the analysis to proceed more rapidly, use a small amount of serum
(40 L) and be free of hexane contamination to the environment. The
analyses reflected an adequate status of vitamin A (serum retinol
= 20 g/dL), but inadequate status of -carotene and vitamin E (serum
-carotene < 40 g/dL; serum tocopherol < 600 g/dL) in all three
Vietnamese populations. As large numbers of Vietnamese subjects were
observed with very low serum concentrations of -carotene and tocopherol,
higher consumptions of green and yellow vegetables, fruits, vegetable
oils and other foods rich in vitamin E are recommended for these Vietnamese
populations.
top
Socioeconomic
status and the prevalence of coronary heart disease risk factors
KANALA KR REDDY, ALAHARI P RAO, THAVANATI PK REDDY
South
Asian countries have a high prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD)
in line with their economic development. India, in particular, has
a high burden of CHD. Hence, the aim of the present study was to assess
the prevalence of CHD risk factors in a semiurban population of Andhra
Pradesh, India, in different socioeconomic status (SES) groups. Information
was collected on socioeconomic status, physical activity, cigarette
smoking, body mass, blood pressure (BP) and serum lipid profiles among
a healthy sample of 440 men and 210 women with an age range of 20-70
years. Mean levels of serum cholesterol (SC), high density lipoprotein
cholesterol (HDLC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) and
skinfold ratio were found to be higher among women, whereas triglycerides
(TG), systolic BP and diastolic BP were higher in men. No statistically
significant differences in body mass index (BMI) or pulse rate were
observed between the sexes. In men, a significant positive rank correlation
(rho = P< 0.05) was observed between SES and SC, TG, systolic and
diastolic BP, pulse rate and BMI, but in women, the same trend was
found only with SC, TG, skinfold ratio and age. The prevalence (age
standardized to the world population of Segi, 95% CI) of obesity was
14.37% (11.06-17.68), hypertension 13.13% (9.11-17.15), hypercholesterolemia
18.56% (13.88-23.24), hyper-triglyceridemia 45.98% (36.47-55.49) and
low HDLC 31.01% (24.25-37.77). In both sexes, the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia,
hypertriglyceridemia and sedentary life style increased among higher
SES groups (P< 0.05). Also, an increase in the level of social
class was positively associated with mean levels of serum cholesterol
and triglycerides in both men and women. The results demonstrate that
higher SES groups have greater prevalence of CHD risk factors than
lower SES groups. Preventive measures are required to reduce the risk
factors among higher SES groups.
top
Influence
of fish consumption on the distribution of serum cholesterol in lipoprotein
fractions: comparative study among fish-consuming and non-fish-consuming
populations
GANDHAM BULLIYYA
The objective
of this study was to investigate serum lipoprotein levels in order
to assess cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors between fish-consuming
populations and non-fish-consuming populations, as it has been speculated
that fish intake reduces CVD risk. A representative sample of one
thousand subjects (529 men and 471 women) were selected, with ages
ranging from 20 to 70 years, from 40 villages belonging to fish-consuming
(500) or non-fish-consuming (500) populations. Serum lipoprotein lipids
such as total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
(HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were analysed
biochemically using standard procedures. The ratios of TC : HDL-C
and LDL-C : HDL-C were computed. Mean values of serum LDL-C and the
ratios of LDL-C : HDL-C and TC : HDL-C were significantly lower and
HDL-C levels were higher in fish-consumers than in non-fish-consumers.
The concentrations of HDL-C decreased with increasing age, while the
reverse was true for LDL-C and for the LDL-C : HDL-C and TC : HDL-C
ratios. There were significant sex differences for certain age groups
in both of the population groups. The 5th, 50th and 95th percentile
cut-off values for these parameters were lower in fish-consumers than
in non-fish-consumers. The prevalence of individuals at risk of CVD
because of low HDL-C (<35 mg/dL), high LDL-C (>130 mg/dL) and
their atherogenic ratios (LDL-C : HDL-C > 3.5 and TC : HDL-C >
4.5) was significantly greater in non-fish-consumers. This study highlights
that the fish-consuming population had a lower atherogenic risk than
the non-fish-consuming population. The intake of fish may have substantial
implications for public health and health economy by decreasing the
risk of CVD. However, more studies are warranted to better define
the mechanisms of cardioprotection by dietary fish and fish oils.
top
Serum
fatty acids, lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein profiles of middle-aged
men and women in South Vietnam
NGUYEN THI MINH KIEU, ETSUKO YASUGI, NGUYEN THI KIM HUNG, TOSHIMI
KIDO, KAZUO KONDO, SHIGERU YAMAMOTO, NGUYEN VAN CHUYEN, MIEKO OSHIMA
In Vietnam, increasing fat consumption is a trend recognized recently
in urban areas. To obtain a reasonable nutrition status and prevent
cardiovascular disease (CVD), it is necessary to obtain information
on habitual fat intake and biochemical parameters as risk factors
for CVD in Vietnamese populations. Therefore, from the analysis of
serum fatty acid composition, fat consumption patterns in Vietnamese
populations in South Vietnam, with different incomes, are discussed
in this study. In addition, some risk factors for premature CVD, serum
lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein concentrations are also assessed
in these Vietnamese populations. The study was carried out in men
and women aged 40-59 in three different districts: urban (n = 100),
suburban (n = 98) and rural (n = 98). The results of serum fatty acid
composition analysis reflected differences in quality fat intake among
the three populations. The urban population was estimated to consume
more vegetable oil but less fish than their rural counterparts. Although
serum lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein B levels were below the ranges
associated with atherogenesis, ongoing attention to dietary fat intake
for the prevention of CVD in Vietnamese populations is required.
top
Effects
of haemoglobin and serum ferritin on cognitive function in school
children
RASSAMEE SUNGTHONG, LADDA MO-SUWAN, VIRASAKDI CHONGSUVIVATWONG
The
association between iron deficiency anaemia and cognitive function
impairment has been widely reported in young children, but whether
the impairment is a result of iron deficiency per se or a combination
of iron deficiency and anaemia, and how these conditions interact,
is still questionable. Four hundred and twenty-seven school children
from two schools in socioeconomically deprived communities were selected
in southern Thailand. Iron status was determined by haemoglobin and
serum ferritin concentrations. Cognitive function in this study was
measured by IQ test and school performance, including Thai language
and mathematics scores, using z-scores based on distributions within
the same grade and school. Data on demography and socioeconomic status
were collected by questionnaire answered by the parents. Linear regression
models were used to investigate the effect of anaemia and iron deficiency,
reflected by haemoglobin and serum ferritin concentration, on cognitive
function and school performance. We found that cognitive function
increased with increased haemoglobin concentration in children with
iron deficiency, but did not change with haemoglobin concentration
in children with normal serum ferritin level. Children with iron deficiency
anaemia had consistently the poorest cognitive function (IQ, 74.6
points; Thai language score, 0.3 SD below average; and mathematics
score, 0.5 SD below average). Children with non-anaemic iron deficiency
but with high haemoglobin levels had significantly high cognitive
function (IQ, 86.5 points; Thai language score, 0.8 SD above average;
and mathematics score, 1.1 SD above average). This study found a dose-response
relationship between haemoglobin and cognitive function in children
with iron deficiency, whereas no similar evidence was found in iron
sufficient children.
top
Therapeutic
effects of NaFeEDTA-fortified soy sauce in anaemic children in China
JUNSHENG HUO, JING SUN, HONG MIAO, BO YU, TAO YANG, ZHAOPING LIU,
CHENGQIAN LU, JUNSHI CHEN, DING ZHANG, YUZHEN MA, ANXU WANG, YONGLI
LI
The therapeutic effects of NaFeEDTA-fortified soy sauce on anaemic
students were investigated. Three hundred and four iron-deficient
anaemic school children (11-17 years) were randomly assigned to three
treatment groups: control group (consuming non-fortified soy sauce),
low-NaFeEDTA group (consuming fortified soy sauce, providing 5 mg
Fe/day) and high-NaFeEDTA group (consuming fortified soy sauce, providing
20 mg Fe/day). Blood haemoglobin (Hb) levels were determined before
and after 1 month, 2 months and 3 months of intervention. In addition,
serum iron (SI), serum ferritin (SF), free erythrocytic porphyrin
(FEP), total iron binding capability (TIBC) and transferritin (TF)
were measured before and after consumption of soy sauce for 3 months.
The results obtained herein show that the parameters measured were
not changed remarkably within the 3-month intervention in the control
group (P< 0.05). However, increased Hb, SI, SF and TF levels and
decreased TIBC and FEP levels were observed in both the high-NaFeEDTA
group (P< 0.01) and the low-NaFeEDTA group (P< 0.05). The effectiveness
of iron intervention in the low-NaFeEDTA group and high-NaFeEDTA group
had no statistical significance after 3 months. It was concluded that
nutritional intervention for anaemic students using NaFeEDTA-fortified
soy sauce could play a positive role in the improvement of iron status
and control of anaemia.
top
Sources
of dietary iron in urban and provincial 4-year-old children in Iran
FATEMEH V ZOHOURI, ANDREW J RUGG-GUNN
Iron-deficiency
anaemia is prevalent in childhood, especially in developing countries.
Nutritional deficiency is one of the main causes of iron-deficiency
anaemia, although absorption varies considerably between different
dietary items. Information on the sources of iron in young children
is limited. A study was therefore undertaken to investigate the different
dietary sources of iron in 151 healthy children aged 4 years who were
selected from two districts of Fars province, Iran. Two 3-day dietary
diaries with pre- and post-interview were used to record the dietary
intake of the children. Food and drinks were categorised into four
groups (animal, plant, drinks and other) to measure the relative importance
of different sources of iron. Sixty-eight percent of the children
completed the 3-day dietary diaries in both summer and winter. The
results showed no statistically significant differences in total daily
iron intake between the two seasons or between genders. However, the
difference in the total daily iron intake between children in the
city and the provincial district was significant: 7.73 ± 1.75
mg/day and 10.33 ± 2.9 mg/day, respectively (P< 0.001).
About 75 and 60% of iron intake came from plant sources in the provincial
district and city, respectively. The three most important sources
of iron for children of the provincial district were bread (51%),
fruit and vegetables (12%) and meat (7%). This pattern was also observed
for children living in the city, but with different percentages: 27%,
16% and 16%, respectively. In conclusion, total iron intakes were
similar to those recorded in European countries, but little of the
intake came from animal sources and substantial differences between
city and provincial children were recorded.
top
Socioeconomic
profile and nutritional status of children in rubber smallholdings
ZAMALIAH MOHD MARJAN, MIRNALINI KANDIAH, KHOR GEOK LIN, TEE E SIONG
This
paper will present the socioeconomic profile and nutritional status
of children aged 1-6 years in the rubber smallholdings of Peninsula
Malaysia. A total of 323 households were involved in this study. The
sociodemographic data were obtained through interviews with heads
of households using a set of questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements
were taken from 506 children aged 1-6 years from these households.
The weight and height of the children were compared with the reference
values of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and the
nutritional status was classified based on the recommendations of
WHO. The average age of the fathers was 39.9 ± 8.6 years and
34.4 ± 7.0 years for the mothers. The mean household size was
6.67 ± 2.27. The majority (49.7%) of the heads of households
received 4-6 years of formal education and 7.9% received no formal
education. Based on the monthly per capita income, 24.0% were found
to be in the hardcore poor category, 38.3% fall into the poor category
and 37.7% in the above poverty income group. The prevalence of stunting
and underweight among children between the ages of 1-6 years were
highest among children from the hardcore poor, followed by the poor
category and above the poverty line income group. Wasting was present
in all income groups, with a prevalence of 4.2% found among the hardcore
poor, 9.4% among the poor group and 8.4% in the above poverty income
group. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation showed significant relationships
between household total income and height-for-age (r = 0.131, P =
0.05) and weight-for-age (r = 0.127, P = 0.05). There were also significant
correlations between monthly per capita income with height-for-age
(r = 0.16, P< 0.01) and weight-for-age (r = 0.13, P< 0.05).
The acreage of land utilised was correlated with height-for-age (r
= 0.11, P< 0.05), weight-for-age (r = 0.17, P< 0.05) and weight-for-height
(r = 0.16, P< 0.05). However, stepwise multiple regression analysis
indicated that the predictor of height-for-age was monthly per capita
income (R2 = 0.03, P< 0.01) and acreage of land utilised was a
predictor for weight-for-age (R2 = 0.03, P< 0.01) and weight-for-height
(R2 = 0.01, P< 0.01). Because income and acreage of land utilised
have been shown to be associated with nutritional status, it is recommended
that intervention programs that focus on generation of income and
diversification of land utilisation should be undertaken. A multidiscipline
approach involving the family, community and government agencies should
be applied to any type of intervention program.
top
Dietary
calcium intake in postmenopausal Malaysian women: comparison between
the food frequency questionnaire and three-day food records
WSS CHEE, AR SURIAH, Y ZAITUN, SP CHAN, SL YAP, YM CHAN
The objective of
this study was to compare the dietary calcium intakes assessed by
a quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and the three-day
food record method in 230 Chinese postmenopausal women aged 50-65
years in Kuala Lumpur. The results showed that the mean calcium intake
from the dietary records was 447 ± 168 mg/day and 499 ±
211 mg/day from the FFQ. The mean difference in intake by the two
methods was 51.3 mg (95% CI = - 30.8 - 77.9; SD = 181.2, P> 0.05),
which did not differ significantly from zero. Pearson's correlation
coefficient of 0.56 was obtained between the two methods. Ninety-five
percent of the individuals classified by food records fell into the
same or within-one-quartile category when classified by FFQ. Forty-eight
percent were classified into the same quartile by both methods. No
subjects were grossly misclassified by the FFQ. The FFQ correctly
identified subjects with calcium intakes below the Malaysian recommended
daily allowance (450 mg/day) with 60% specificity and with 92% specificity
for women consuming less than 800 mg calcium/day. In conclusion, the
FFQ developed was a useful, rapid clinical tool for assessing calcium
intake and identifying postmenopausal Chinese women with low calcium
intakes in Malaysia.
top
Assessment
of a rapid method for assessing adequacy of calcium intake
J HILARY GREEN, CHRIS L BOOTH, RICHARD LW BUNNING
The
purpose of this study was to assess the agreement between the 24 h
diet recall and a short 17-item 24 h food intake recall in assessing
calcium intake. The calcium intakes of 21 women over the age of 50
were assessed by both methods on four occasions. The mean calcium
intakes were similar using both methods, being 1034 ± 398 mg/day
by 24 h diet recall and 822 ± 412 mg/day (SD) by 17-item 24
h food intake recall. The 17-item 24 h food intake recall tended to
underestimate calcium intake compared with the 24 h diet recall, with
the limits of agreement being between -1197 and -727 below and 370
and 682 mg/day above 24 h diet recall values over the four assessments.
The 17-item 24 h food intake recall identified 8% more women with
inadequate calcium intakes than the 24 h diet recall method did. Although
there is poor agreement in calcium intake between the 24 h diet recall
method and the 17-item 24 h food intake recall, the latter provides
a quick and simple means for assessing extremes of calcium intake
and whether day to day calcium intake is adequate.
top
Gastrointestinal
tolerance of a new infant milk formula in healthy infants: multicenter
study conducted in Taiwan
Nancy Chen, Pedro A Alarcon, Gail M Comer, Randall L Tressler
The objective of this study was to test whether the gastrointestinal
tolerance of a new infant formula equalled or exceeded the tolerance
of other milk-based infant formulas, and to compare the tolerance
of the new formula to that of human milk. This prospective, observational,
multicenter, open-label study was conducted in Taiwan. Healthy, full-term
infants aged 28-98 days were enrolled on their current feeding regimen
(no treatment assigned). Feeding regimens included human milk (HM),
a new infant formula (NF, Similac Advance®), other marketed infant
formulas (OF, mainly Enfalac® or S-26®), HM + NF and HM +
OF. Data for stool frequency, stool consistency and gastrointestinal
intolerance symptoms were recorded in study diaries by parents for
a period of two weeks. Gastrointestinal tolerance was evaluated in
967 infants, of whom 481 (49.7%) received NF, 312 (32.2%) received
OF, 101 (10.4%) received HM + NF, 41 (4.2%) received HM + OF and 32
(3.3%) received HM. Infants fed HM only had softer and more frequent
stools than those who received NF only or OF only (P< 0.001). Infants
fed NF only had softer stools than those fed OF only (P< 0.001),
including those fed either Enfalac® or S-26® (P< 0.001).
There were no significant differences between feeding groups for the
incidence of general intolerance, spit-up or flatulence. All feeding
regimens were well tolerated. We thereby concluded that NF is well
tolerated in healthy infants and results in stool consistencies that
more closely resemble those of infants fed human milk than those of
infants fed other formulas.
top
Effect
of Cassia auriculata leaf extract on lipids in rats with alcoholic
liver injury
RAJAGOPAL SENTHIL KUMAR, MANICKAM PONMOZHI, PERIYASAMY VISWANATHAN,
NAMASIVAYAM NALINI
We studied the effect of administering Cassia auriculata leaf extract
to rats with experimentally induced liver damage. Hepatotoxicity was
induced by administering 9.875 g/kg bodyweight ethanol for 30 days
by intragastric intubation. C. auriculata leaf extract was administered
at a dose of 250 mg/kg bodyweight daily in one group and 500 mg/kg
bodyweight daily in another group of alcohol-treated rats. All rats
were fed with standard pellets. The control rats were also given isocaloric
glucose solution. The average bodyweight gain was significantly lower
in alcohol-treated rats, but improved on supplementation with C. auriculata
leaf extract. Alcohol supplementation significantly elevated the cholesterol,
phospholipid and triglyceride concentration in the liver, brain, kidney
and intestine, as compared with those of the normal control rats.
Treatment with C. auriculata leaf extract and alcohol significantly
lowered the tissue lipid levels to almost normal levels. Microscopic
examination of alcohol-treated rat liver showed inflammatory cell
infiltrates and fatty changes, which were reversed on treatment with
C. auriculata leaf extract. Similarly, alcohol-treated rat brain demonstrated
spongiosis, which was markedly reduced on treatment with C. auriculata.
In conclusion, this study shows that treatment with C. auriculata
leaf extract has a lipid-lowering effect in rats with experimentally
induced, alcohol-related liver damage. This is associated with a reversal
of steatosis in the liver and of spongiosis in the brain. The mechanism
of C. auriculata leaf extract lipid-lowering potential is unclear.
top
Kiwifruit promotes laxation in the elderly
ELAINE C RUSH, MEENA PATEL, LINDSAY D PLANK, LYNNETTE R FERGUSON
Numerous anecdotal reports have suggested that kiwifruit (Actinidia
deliciosa) has laxative effects. This could be an acceptable dietary
supplement, especially for elderly people who often present with constipation.
We wished to obtain objective evidence as to whether or not kiwifruit
eaten regularly could promote laxation in elderly people. Thirty-eight
healthy adults of age > 60 years consumed their normal diet, with
or without one kiwifruit per 30 kg bodyweight for three weeks, followed
by a 3-week crossover period. Daily records were taken on frequency
of defecation and characteristics of the stools. Kiwifruit significantly
enhanced all tested measures of laxation in these adults. The regular
use of kiwifruit appeared to lead to a bulkier and softer stool, as
well as more frequent stool production. Kiwifruit as a natural remedy
appears palatable to most of the population and provides improved
laxation for elderly individuals who are otherwise healthy. It is
likely that a number of factors in the whole fruit are involved, but
the nature of the stools suggest fibre is important. This study provides
evidence of the potential for improvement in bowel function, health
and well-being through changes in diet.
top
Nutrition
labelling and health claims: scientific substantiation and opportunities
for harmonization - summary
E-SIONG TEE
see
pdf file.
top
Nutrition
labelling: purpose, scientific issues and challenges
ANNOEK WEM VAN DEN WIJNGAART
Nutrition labels describe the nutrient content of a food and are intended
to guide the consumer in food selection. The nutrition information
provided must be selected on the basis of consistency with dietary
recommendations. Selection of the specific nutrients or food components
to be listed should further take into account label space, the analytical
feasibility of measuring the particular nutritional component within
the food matrix, and the relative costs of such analyses. Nutrition
information provided on labels should be truthful and not mislead
consumers. At the same time, labelling regulations should provide
incentives to manufacturers to develop products that promote public
health and assist consumers in following dietary recommendations.
It is likely that in many countries, there would be some segments
of the population that would benefit from information about the composition
of foods. In these cases, countries should consider the need to provide
for appropriate labelling and its presentation relative to existing
guidelines and approaches. As nutrition-labelling efforts have evolved,
different approaches and legal requirements have been established.
These create difficulties in developing and harmonizing nutrition
information listings, which have broad international applications.
For these reasons, the Codex Guidelines on Nutrition Labeling play
an important role to provide guidance to member countries when they
want to develop or update their national regulations and to encourage
harmonization of national standards with international standards.
These Guidelines are based on the principle that no food should be
described or presented in a manner that is false, misleading or deceptive.
The Guidelines include provisions for voluntary nutrient declaration,
calculation and presentation of nutrient information. The Guidelines
on Claims establish general principles to be followed and leave the
definition of specific claims to national regulations. Definitions
are provided for a number of claims (nutrient content, comparative
claims, nutrient function claims) as well as general requirements
concerning consumer information in relation with claims. Nutrition
labelling by itself cannot solve nutrition problems. It should be
seen as one of the elements of nutrition policy and should be envisaged
in the larger perspective of consumer education, which in its turn
is part of an overall development policy. Exchange of information
at the regional and subregional level is important, as each country
can learn from the experience of others and regional co-ordination
and co-operation can be developed.
top
Nutrition
labelling: perspectives of a bi-national agency for Australia and
New Zealand
MARGARET A CURRAN
Australia
New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) is a bi-national government agency
forming a partnership between all of Australia's States and Territories
and the New Zealand government. Australia New Zealand Food Authority
employs scientific, legal policy, communication and administrative
staff in our Australia and New Zealand offices. Prior to 1991 each
of Australia's States and Territories had their own food standards;
however, in 1991 Commonwealth legislation was introduced to consolidate
responsibility for developing food standards in one specialist agency
and to ensure the uniformity of Standards across all States and Territories
in Australia. This was extended to New Zealand in 1995 when we became
a bi-national agency following the signing of a Treaty between Australia
and New Zealand to develop joint food standards for both countries.
Australia New Zealand Food Authority's objectives in setting food
standards are to: protect public health and safety; provide adequate
information to enable consumers to make informed choices; and prevent
misleading or deceptive conduct. Health Ministers have recently approved
a new Joint Food Standards Code for Australia and New Zealand. This
is the result of over 6 year's work and many rounds of public consultation.
The new Code has had extensive input from government agencies, industry
and consumers. In drafting the new code our emphasis has been on making
decisions based on sound science and the most up-to-date information
available. We also recognized the need for Standards to be practical
in not imposing unnecessary costs on food manufacturers with an inevitable
flow on effect to consumer prices. The Joint Code will replace both
the existing Australian Food Standards Code and the New Zealand Food
Regulations after a 2-year transition period. During the development
of the Joint Code a wide range of matters were considered in relation
to labelling. Amongst these were consumer needs, costs to industry,
voluntary versus mandatory, enforcement issues, relationship to advertising
and exemptions. A number of features of the new Code relate specifically
to labelling and include: warning and advisory statements; ingredients
lists; date marking; directions for use and storage; nutrition information;
legibility requirements; and percentage labelling. One of the key
features of the Joint Code is the requirement for most packaged foods
to bear a nutrition information panel (NIP). Information must be presented
on the amount of fat, saturated fat, protein, energy, carbohydrates,
sugars and sodium. For the majority of foods the label is the first
and only source of information regarding the nutritional content of
food purchased. Mandatory nutrition labelling will ensure that consumers
are provided with key nutritional information about foods. Single
ingredient produce such as fruit and vegetables, and some other foods
such as spices, tea and coffee will be exempt. The new requirements
will give consumers more nutritional information to allow product
comparison. All products will be required to provide information on
these nutrients on both a per 100 g basis and in terms of an average
serving. In addition to the mandatory nutrient declarations NIP are
also required to carry additional data for any substance for which
a nutrition claim is made. During the 2-year transition period to
December 2002 ANZFA will be working with industry, enforcement agencies
and consumers to help to ensure that there is a smooth transition
to the Joint Food Standards Code.
top
Nutrition
labelling: European Union and United Kingdom perspectives
EVA HURT
The
growing public interest in the relationship between diet and health
and increasing public health problems in Europe were among the determining
factors which led the European Commission to propose harmonized legislation
on nutrition labelling. The Directive which was adopted in 1990 primarily
aimed at providing information which helps consumers to make an informed
choice and assist action in the area of nutrition education for the
public. The provisions of the Directive are voluntary but become obligatory
if the manufacturer decides to make a 'nutritional claim'. Where nutrition
labelling is applicable, the information may be given in two formats:
group 1, energy value and the amounts of protein, carbohydrate and
fat ('Big 4'); or group 2, energy value and the amounts of protein,
carbohydrate, sugars, fat, saturates, fibre and sodium ('Big 8').
A claim for one of the following sugar, saturated fat, fibre or sodium
automatically triggers group 2 information. Additional information
can be provided on the amounts of starch, polyols, mono-unsaturates,
poly unsaturates, cholesterol and any of the vitamins or minerals.
The nutrition information must be given per 100 g or 100 mL of food
but may also be declared per quantified serving of food, or per portion
where the number of portions is indicated on the label. The information
must be presented together in one place in tabular form. A revision
of the Nutrition Labelling Directive is due and will address issues
such as the voluntary character of the legislation, the amount of
information given and its presentation, legibility and consumer understanding.
top
Current
status of nutrition labelling and claims in the South-East Asian region:
are we in harmony?
E-SIONG TEE, SURYANI TAMIN, ROSMULYATI ILYAS, ADELISA
RAMOS, WEI-LING TAN, DARWIN KAH-SOON LAI, HATAYA KONGCHUNTUK
This
review includes the situation of nutrition labelling and claims in
six countries in South-East Asia: Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines,
Singapore and Thailand. With the exception of Malaysia, there is no
mandatory nutrition labelling requirements for foods in these countries
except for special categories of foods and when nutritional claims
are made for fortified or enriched foods. Nevertheless, several food
manufacturers, especially multinationals, do voluntarily label the
nutritional content of a number of food products. There is, therefore,
increasing interest among authorities in countries in the region to
start formulating regulations for nutrition labelling for a wider
variety of foods. Malaysia has proposed new regulations to make it
mandatory to label a number of foodstuffs with the four core nutrients,
protein, carbohydrate, fat and energy. Other countries have preferred
to start with voluntary labelling by the manufacturers, but have spelt
out the requirements for this voluntary labelling. The format and
requirements for nutrition labelling differ widely for countries in
the region. Some countries, such as Malaysia, closely follow the Codex
guidelines on nutrition labelling in terms of format, components to
be included and mode of expression. Other countries, such as the Philippines
and Thailand, have drafted nutrition labelling regulations very similar
to those of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) of the
United States. Nutrition and health claims are also not specifically
permitted under food regulations that were enacted before 1998. However,
various food products on the market have been carrying a variety of
nutrition and health claims. There is concern that without proper
regulations, the food industry may not be certain as to what claims
can be made. Excessive and misleading claims made by irresponsible
manufacturers would only serve to confuse and mislead the consumer.
In recent years, there has been efforts in countries in the region
to enact regulations on nutrition claims. Recently enacted regulations
or amendments to existing regulations of almost all the countries
reviewed have included provisions for nutrition claims. Malaysia is
in the process of gazetting regulations to clearly stipulate the permitted
nutrition claims and the conditions required to make these claims
along the guidelines of Codex Alimentarius Commission. Only two countries
in the region permit health claims to be made - Indonesia and Philippines.
Other countries in the region are following developments in Codex
and examining the need for allowing these claims. There are more differences
than similarities in the regulations on nutrition labelling and claims
among countries in the South-East Asian region as no previous efforts
have been made to address these. Hopefully, through this first regional
meeting, countries can initiate closer interaction, with a view to
working towards greater harmonization of nutrition labelling and health
claims in the region.
top
Biomarkers,
yesterday, today and tomorrow: the basis for health claims
DCK ROBERTS
The
development of useful and accurate biomarkers for predicting outcomes
of food based interventions is becoming more and more important, given
the emphasis being placed on ingredients in foods contributing to
disease risk reduction and optimal health promotion. With the human
genome now laid bare, opportunities abound to barcode individuals
with their risk profiles. The massive increase in DNA sequence information
together with the development of new technologies such as genomics,
proteomics and bioinformatics, has resulted in a much greater capacity
to determine individual risk profiles. Screening for biomarkers at
the gene or protein expression level using microarray technology has
the potential to identify new biomarkers for disease diagnosis. Whether
these techniques will enable a better understanding of food-gene interactions
to permit health claims rather than better therapeutic treatment (at
high economic cost) remains to be demonstrated.
top
International
guidelines and experiences on health claims in Europe
EVA HURT
The
relationship between nutrition and health is gaining public acceptance
and consumers are increasingly health-conscious and want to obtain
more information about the food they buy. There is a legal void with
regard to health claims in the European Union. The framework labelling
legislation prohibits 'attributing to any foodstuff the property of
preventing, treating or curing a human disease or referring to such
properties'. In the absence of a specific Directive on claims for
foodstuffs, EU member states apply different interpretations of the
existing labelling legislation. Therefore, it may occur that a claim
which is permitted in one country may be prohibited in another one,
and vice versa. Because of this, manufacturers have to deal with a
variety of regulations, guidelines and codes of conduct. As regards
national self-regulation systems (guidelines, consensus documents,
voluntary codes of practice, joint interpretation of law), increasingly
their development in EU countries (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands,
Spain, Sweden, Finland), is an attempt to remedy the situation of
legal uncertainty. In most countries, a coalition of industry experts,
enforcement authorities, consumer representatives, and scientists
was involved in the elaboration of rules for the scientific justification
and formulation, communication and presentation of health claims.
At the international level, Codex Alimentarius is currently debating
a draft on Enhanced Function Claims and Reduction of Disease Risk
Claims. The draft recommendation is currently at step 3 of the Codex
procedure. A lot of work has been undertaken internationally (Codex),
in the EU (FUFOSE) and beyond (Council of Europe) in order to demonstrate
that scientific substantiation of claims is possible and to establish
valid criteria for this process.
top
Newly
established regulation in Japan: foods with health claims
TOSHIO SHIMIZU
The
Japanese government enacted a new regulatory system called 'Foods
with health claims' in April 2001, which consists of 'Foods for Specified
Health Use' (FOSHU) and 'Foods with Nutrient Function Claims' (FNFC).
The FOSHU was set up by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 1991
to approve descriptions on a label regarding an effect of food on
the human body. It was enacted as a part of 'food for specified dietary
use' under the Nutrition Improvement Law. There are three important
requirements for FOSHU approval. The first is scientific evidence
of the efficacy, including clinical testing. The second is safety
for consumption. The third is analytical determination of the effective
component. At present there are 293 items approved as FOSHU. Most
of the descriptions of foods under the FOSHU system are similar to
the category of enhanced function claims of Codex. Under FNFC, 12
vitamins (vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, D, biotin, pantothenic
acid, folic acid, and niacin) and two minerals (calcium and iron)
are standardized. These claims are similar to the nutrient function
claims approved by Codex in 1997. It is desirable that the Japanese
administration and the food industry cooperate with ASEAN countries
to work together in the development and promotion of nutrition and
health claims on foods.
top
Last
Updated: September 2004
HEC
PRESS Publisher
of the 
