Journal of Nutrition and Food Security
Volume:6 Issue: 1, Feb 2021

Breakfast is a main effective component in a safe dietary lifestyle. Obesity is a social and clinical problem of the present century that is highly prevalent among different societies. The worldwide obesity rate has more than doubled since 1980. Many studies showed that the diet of obese people is insufficient. It is also observed that many obese and overweight people skip breakfast or do not pay enough attention to eating a complete meal in the breakfast.  Based on the literature, obese people eat less breakfast, but those who eat breakfast almost every day usually receive enough micronutrients and provide a smaller percentage of their daily energy from fats . There is a scarcity of information regarding the relationship between breakfast consumption and obesity in Iran.

Coronavirus disease (COVID) has had a growing outbreak around the world. China reported COVID-19 infection for the first time in December 2019. Symptoms of this disease often include respiratory symptoms, but gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) were also reported in COVID-19 infection. Coronavirus transmits through direct droplets, contact, or fomites. However, other modes of transmission include airborne, fecal-oral, blood-borne, and mother-to-child transmission. Furthermore, studies showed that the virus was excreted through the feces.

In this study, we   introduced two cases of the disease in a mother and her daughter, who were contaminated with the disease through contact with the contaminated food.

Due to the possibility of oral-fecal transmission, food hygiene is recommended.

Food insecurity and depression are two public health problems in the developing countries. This study aimed to determine the association of food insecurity with depression and socioeconomic status (SES) among medical university students.

This study was conducted among 272 students within the age range of 18-22 years. Participants’ demographic and anthropometric information was evaluated using standard methods. The dietary intakes were collected using a 24-hour dietary recall. Physical activity level was estimated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form. Food security status was evaluated by the 18-item United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) questionnaire. Depression was assessed by Beck Depression Inventory.

The prevalence of food insecurity and depression in participants were 44.1% and 62.5%, respectively. An inverse relationship was found between food insecurity and dietary intake of energy and macronutrients among university students (P ˂ 0.05). In addition, the results revealed an inverse relationship between food insecurity and SES status (P ˂ 0.05). In the food secure group, 19.1% of participants were depressed and in the food insecure group, 54.3% of them were depressed. A positive correlation (P < 0.05) was found between food insecurity and depression.

The findings of this study showed a significant relationship between food insecurity and depression. However, longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to establish a causal relationship

Abdominal obesity (AO) is a global health problem. Although few studies indicated that Nordic diet (ND) was associated with AO, no evidence exists for the association between ND and AO outside the Nordic countries. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship of ND with AO and anthropometric indices among Iranian women.

In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated anthropometric indices and usual dietary intakes of 294 Iranian women aged 20-50 years. We defined AO as waist circumference (WC) ≥ 88 cm and WC ≥ 90 (according to Iranian criteria). Association between qualitative variables and health eating index-nordic nutrition recommendation (HEI-NNR) score was determined using Chi-square and Mann–Whitney tests. The relationship of HEI-NNR score with AO was analyzed by a logistic regression model after adjusting the effect of confounders.

The mean of HEI-NNR score was significantly higher in overweight and obese participants than participants without overweight (P = 0.04). No linear trend was found for body mass index, WC, and waist to hip ratio (WHR) through the HEI-NNR score even after adjustment for confounders. A significant positive association was found among HEI-NNR score, overweight, and obesity (OR = 1.85, 95%CI = 1.15-2.96, P = 0.01). However, the association did not remain significant after adjusting for the confounders.

Adherence to the ND was not associated with AO and anthropometric measurement among Iranian women. Future evidences from RCT and prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Aflatoxin B1 is a secondary toxic metabolite produced by several aspergillus species. This study was conducted to determine the presence of aflatoxin in tomato paste samples.

A total of 30 tomato pastes were analyzed for Aflatoxin B1 contamination via HPLC-FLD. Analyte extraction was done by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction.

The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were 0.14 and 0.44 µg/kg, respectively. The recovery rates ranged from 91 to 94%. The findings showed all samples were contaminated with Aflatoxin B1 and the average concentration was 1.1 ± 0.02 µg/kg. The amount of aflatoxin B1 in 6 samples was higher than the limit set by the European Union.

The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of tomato paste samples with quantitative results. The main advantages of the developed method include its simplicity in operation, rapid achievement of a very high sample, and low cost.

Animal models and observational studies have suggested a favorable role of vitamin D in male reproduction. However, randomized clinical trials investigating the effect of vitamin D supplementation on male fertility are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on semen quality, reproductive hormones, and anthropometric measurements in vitamin D deficient males with Asthenozoospermia.

Forty-four males with infertility were randomly assigned to the vitamin D group (DG, supplemented with 9 pearls of vitamin D containing 50000 IU vitamin D3 once a week for 12 weeks) and placebo group (PG, received 9 pearls of placebo once a week for 12 weeks). Semen quality markers (sperm count, morphology, sperm motility, semen volume), total testosterone, sexual hormone binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index (FAI), and anthropometric measurements (weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were measured at the baseline and the end of the study.

Serum 25-OH-D levels were significantly higher in the DG compared with the PG. In a multivariate adjusted model, WC significantly decreased in the DG in comparison to the CG (-0.90 ± 0.67 cm VS 0.49 ± 0.38 cm). A marginally-significant increase was observed after vitamin D supplementation for SHBG compared to the baseline value in DG (11.69 ± 5.79, P = 0.05). Compared to the baseline value, sperm immotile was decreased after vitamin D supplementation in the DG (-12.35 ± 5.13, P = 0.02). However, no statistical significant differences were observed in the semen quality markers (sperm count, morphology, motility, and volume), total testosterone, free androgen index, and other anthropometric values.

Vitamin D supplementation did not improve semen quality markers, reproductive hormones, and other anthropometric measurements in vitamin D–deficient infertile men compared to the control group.

Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) is one of the important problems concerning the staffschr('39') health and productivity in the workplace. Nutritional status and consumption of some foods are also among the determining factors of MSD. So, this study aimed to evaluate the correlation of diet and consumed food groups with MSD.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 office workers. The participantschr('39') anthropometric parameters and their dietary information were collected using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The findings were categorized into nine levels. The total scores were calculated for all the items per food group and per person. Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was also administered to evaluate the MSD symptoms in nine parts of body.

The score of consumed food groups was compared between individuals “with pain” and “without pain” in nine parts of the body. The scores of fruit intake in individuals “with pain” and “without pain” were 2.94 ± 1.27 vs. 3.29 ± 1.16 and 2.81 ± 1.10 vs. 3.49 ± 1.38 in terms of neck and wrists, respectively. The difference between the two groups were significant (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the participants with pain in the neck consumed significantly lower amounts of cereals and nuts (P = 0.03, 0.04). In the case of the shoulder pain, consuming legumes and nuts in the “without pain” group was higher than the group of participants who had pain (P = 0.01, P = 0.03). Fat intake was higher in the patients who had pain in their hips (P = 0.02).

Less pain was reported in the musculoskeletal system by higher consumption of fruits, nuts, and legumes. It seems that plant-based dietary pattern is more effective in musculoskeletal health.

Splenectomy is a common treatment for beta thalassemia. It not only eliminates many complications by reducing the need for blood transfusion, but also causes new complications that threaten the patientschr('39') health. The aim of this study was to determine if splenectomy could alter the lipid profile and glucose metabolism in beta thalassemia major patients.

In this case-control study, 41 splenectomized and 42 non-splenectomized eligible beta thalassemia patients were selected from Zafar Thalassemia Clinic, Tehran, Iran. Anthropometric, demographic, and biochemical data were collected using standard methods. Physical activity and food intake were measured using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and food frequency questionnaires (FFQ), respectively.

Demographic characteristics and dietary intake were not significantly different between the two groups. However, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/TG, and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios were significantly higher, but HDL-C was significantly lower in splenectomized patients (P < 0.05). Furthermore, fasting blood glucose (P < 0.39) and oral glucose tolerance test (P < 0.53) did not significantly differ between the two groups.

Reduced activity of the reticuloendothelial system and reduced removal of cholesterol might be the reason for higher plasma lipid profile and greater risk of cardiovascular diseases in splenectomized patients. On the other hand, glucose metabolism was not affected by splenectomy in adult patients. To clarify this relationship, prospective studies are suggested.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of curcumin as a flavonoid antioxidant on serum lipid profile, oxidative stress, and blood glucose in experimental models of type 2 diabetes (DM2).

Subcutaneous daily injection of dexamethasone (5 mg/kg/day) for a month was performed to induce DM2. For this purpose, 28 adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: healthy control group received dexamethasone carrier containing normal saline + ethanol 4% , diabetic control group took 5 mg/kg/day dexamethasone, diabetic group 1 underwent the treatment with 50 mg/kg/day curcumin, and diabetic group 2 underwent treatment with 100 mg/kg/day curcumin. Seven days after dexamethasone injection, curcumin (50 and 100 mg/kg/day) was administrated intraperitoneally for 23 days. At the end of one month, the fasting blood sugar (FBS) level was measured and recorded by glucometer. Later, after a 30-day period, the animals were anesthetized with ether and their blood samples were collected from the heart puncture to measure their serum triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholrsterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and malondialdehyde (MDA).

The findings showed that curcumin could decrease FBS (P < 0.05), LDL-C (P < 0.01), TG (P < 0.001), and MDA (P < 0.001) and increase HDL-C (P < 0.001)  at the end of 30 days.

These effects of curcumin can be mediated by increasing either the pancreatic secretion of insulin or releasing from insulin bonds as well as enhancing insulin receptor sensitivity. Moreover, it may prevent the glucose absorption, reduce the activity of 3-hydroxy- 3-methyl glutaryl- CoA reductase (HMG-CoA), or improve the function of liver and pancreas through potent antioxidant properties.

Malnutrition caused by cancer is a prevalent problem in patients with cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who referred to Vasei Hospital, Sabzevar, Iran.

This descriptive-sectional study was conducted on 124 adult patients (older than 18 years of age) with cancer who had referred to the Oncology Ward of Vasei Hospital, Sabzevar, Iran. Followed by obtaining a consent letter and filling out the demographic questionnaire, the participants’ height and weight were measured in minimum clothing without shoes based on the standard method. Later, the nutrient intake data were collected using the 2-day food intake record at the beginning and end of the chemotherapy.  Nutrition IV Software was applied to evaluate the received nutrients.

In this research, the mean body mass index of patients was lower at the end than the beginning of chemotherapy (P = 0.001). Mean of serum albumin and total protein were normal at the beginning of the study, which was significantly reduced at the end of study (P = 0.01 and 0.01). Mean of energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients intake indicated a significant reduction from the beginning to the end of treatment (P < 0.05).

Findings of this study showed that the mean of serum albumin, total protein and energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients intake indicated a significant reduction from the beginning to the end of treatment in this research.

The sale of food by street vendors is an activity of economic, sanitary, and nutritional importance, but these foods can pose a high risk to the health of consumers in inadequate conditions of preparation and storage. The aim of this study was to investigate the preparation conditions and the hygienic-sanitary quality of food sold by street vendors in the vicinity of four campuses of a University Center in Maceió, Brazil. The aim was to verify the sanitary hygienic conditions of the preparation site as well as to carry out a microbiological analysis of the commercialized foods.

In this cross-sectional study, the microbiological analyses were carried out on different foods following the multiple tube technique for coliforms and surface sowing method and pour-plate assay for Salmonella sp., molds, and yeasts. In addition, an observational checklist was applied involving 21 trailer tent owners in the vicinity of the four campuses of the University Center. Inclusion criterion included adult vendors selling food near four campuses at the Centro Universitário de Maceió, Brazil. Exclusion criteria consisted of street vendors due to the difficulty in locating them.

The findings showed high presence of microorganisms; a high degree of risk was observed in 100% of the studied places.

Hygienic-sanitary interventions are necessary to train these vendors on the importance of good manufacturing practices, since this will probably not result in food-borne outbreaks.

Household food insecurity is defined as the limited or uncertain access to adequate and safe food or limited ability to obtain food in a socially acceptable manner. Preeclampsia is a severe case of high-risk pregnancy, which endangers the health of women across the world, especially in developing countries. The current study aimed to use the nutritional deficiencies theory in pathogenesis of preeclampsia and determine the correlation between food insecurity and preeclampsia.

This case-control study was conducted on 100 women with preeclampsia and 200 normal pregnant women with the gestational age of 20 weeks. Participants were selected via purposive sampling according to the eligibility criteria. Data were collected using the USDA questionnaire for food insecurity, socioeconomic data, and demographic data through interviews.

The findings indicated that the frequency of food insecurity was significantly higher in the preeclampsia women than the healthy women (71% vs. 21%; P < 0.001). Logistic regression indicated that the risk of preeclampsia was six times higher among pregnant women in the unsafe food status group than those in safe food status group [odds = 6.4; 95%CI: 3.3-12.4; P < 0.001]. Among the studied variables, socioeconomic status, history of stillbirth, history of preterm delivery, and ethnicity were significantly associated with preeclampsia during pregnancy (P < 0.05). In addition, women with low socioeconomic status were twice at the higher risk of preeclampsia compared to those with favorable socioeconomic status [odds = 2.7; 95%CI: 1.1-6.2; P = 0.01].

The current study indicated that the prevalence of food insecurity was high in Iranian women with preeclampsia, especially those with a history of preterm labor, history of stillbirth, low socioeconomic status, or non-Persian