International Journal of Nutrition Sciences
Volume:8 Issue: 2, Jun 2023

Diabetes mellitus is an endocrinology disorder of great global concern. It results from an irregularity in the secretion or action of insulin. It is a metabolic condition characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of some diseases such as diabetes, aging, cancer, cardiovascular disease, as well as liver and lung diseases. Oxidative stress occurs due to an imbalance between radical generation and radical scavenging. One of the main mechanisms for the development of diabetes complications is via oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a main upstream occurrence for diabetes complications as well as the development of insulin resistivity. Medicinal plants can be useful in the treatment of numerous diseases and some of their healthful effects are due to their antioxidant activity. Their antihyperglycemic effect is very much linked to their antioxidant potential. This review summarized the antidiabetic potential of some medicinal plants in animal models. There is a continuous need to explore the medicinal capability of herbal products with antioxidant effects in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Water is an essential ingredient for athletic performance and has an undeniable role in the success of athletes. However, according to studies, the level of awareness and use of water and fluids among athletes has been insufficient. This study intended to assess the level of awareness of fluid consumption among athletes in Qom, Iran. In a cross-sectional study, 18 sports clubs in Qom were randomly selected and 270 researcher-made questionnaires were distributed among the athletes. The questionnaire contained demographic questions and also included 14 questions about personal awareness on water and hydration such as consumption of fluids and sport drinks during exercise, thirst and body water reserves. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were determined by assessment experts and Cronbach’s alpha (N=24, α=0.83). People under the age of 25 years had more awareness, while 48% of them considered thirst as the best criterion for drinking water during exercise. Thirty-four percent considered appropriate drinking water until quenching their thirst, and only 30% reported consumption of sports drinks useful during an exercise. Also, the level of awareness was lower with university education. The lack of awareness of athletes about the importance of water and beverage consumption can lead to inappropriate behaviors, irrational attitudes and unscientific steps. Low scores and non-scientific resources to get information about hydration and drinking water among athletes can be a major challenge in the area.

The nutritional transition observed worldwilde is linked to cardiovascular diseases. This study assessed the level of nutritional transition and its implications in the occurrence of cardiometabolic risk factors among populations living in the Far North Region of Cameroon.  A cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted during November 2020 recruiting 350 Cameroonians of both genders aged 18 years and above in urban (Maroua), semi-urban (Kaélé) and rural (Midjivin) areas. Demographic, socioeconomic status and food habits were assessed through an interview. Anthropometric (weight, height, body mass index: BMI) and blood pressure were measured. A fasting blood sample was collected for lipid profile.  Mean age was higher in Kaele (44.99±16.55 years) and Midjivin (47.23±18.21 years). Urban residents of Maroua (23.38±4.80 kg/m2) and Kaele (23.13±5.01 kg/m2) had the highest BMI. Rural dwellers exhibited elevated cholesterol (220.30±70.40 mg/dL) and triglycerides (120.52±62.64 mg/dL). Diastolic blood pressure and heart rate increased significantly with urbanization. Low fruit and vegetable consumption, high alcohol intake, and low physical activity were observed in all three areas. An increased frequency of abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia were noticed in all participants. Midjivin inhabitants showed behavioral changes closer to those in Maroua, while those of Kaele had a slower rate of nutritional transition. People living in rural, semi-urban, and urban areas have stated the nutrition transition process in this part of the country. Thus nutritional education needs to be reinforced for a better prevention of nutritional-related morbitidies and mortalities drived by urbanization.

Dietary patterns are receiving more attention as a potential method for preventing cognitive deterioration. In this line, Mediterranean￾dash intervention for neurodegenerative delay (MIND) diet is a pattern exclusively designed to protect the brain and delay brain damage. This study determined the score of adherence to the MIND dietary pattern in the elderly with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its relationship with cognitive functions and metabolic factors. In a cross-sectional study performed in Sina Clinic of Arsanjan, Iran, 60 people with T2DM were randomly enrolled. Adherence to the MIND diet pattern (scored as 0 to 15) was computed and the participants took cognitive tests by Persian paper and pencil cognitive assessment package (PCAP), and their scores were recorded. Blood sampling and biochemical tests and blood pressure were measured for participants.  The correlation between score of adherence to the MIND dietary pattern with blood pressure was inversely significant (p<0.0001). The correlation between MIND dietary pattern and cognitive functions were not significant. The correlation between the score of adherence to the MIND diet pattern and biochemical factors was negative and not significant. Our findings suggest a significant inverse correlation between MIND diet score and blood pressure. However, no significant correlation was observed between the score of adherence to this dietary pattern with biochemical and cognitive factors in the elderly with T2DM.

Optimum nutrition is necessary for a child’s growth, development and recovery from illness or disease. This study has analysed pre-operative nutritional indices and micronutrients affecting outcome in children undergoing surgery. In a prospective observational cohort study at a tertiary pediatric surgery center, 186 children aged three months to 17 years and planned for major elective surgery were recruited. Height for age, weight for age, midarm circumference, and triceps skin fold thickness were measured. Blood samples were drawn for albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, iron, ferritin, vitamin B12, zinc, folate, calcium, and vitamin D. The development of nutritional-associated complications were recorded too. Stunting was seen in 42.9%, while 28.2% needed blood transfusion, 7.1% required total parenteral nutrition, and 2.2% needed ventilator support. Totally, 19.5% developed wound infection and 8.7% required redo surgery. An association of zinc with incidents [OR=0.826, 95% CI: (0.708, 0.964)], folate with the need for transfusion [OR=0.92, 95% CI: (0.85, 0.99)], and serum iron with a need for total parenteral nutrition [OR=0.98, 95% CI: (0.95, 1.00)] was noticed. Triceps skin fold thickness was correlated with the length of stay and underweight with a need for transfusion, while stunting had no impact on outcomes. The prevalence of malnutrition in children undergoing surgery was significant. Zinc was associated with adverse outcomes; while folate with the need for a blood transfusion. Underweight and triceps skin fold thickness had predictive potential. It seems that preoperative identification and correction of these micronutrients deficiency before surgery may help in improving the outcomes.

One of the most important strategies aimed to reduce obesity and the adverse health effects is lifestyle modifications consisted of a balanced diet and increased physical activity. This study evaluated the effect of eight weeks of Mediterranean diet (MD) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on body composition in obese and overweight premenopausal women. Forty-seven participants aged 34.43±7.22 years old were assigned into 4 groups of MD, HIIT, MD+HIIT, and control group. The interventions consisted of instructions to follow MD without calorie restriction and/or HIIT exercises on cycle ergometer were carried out for 8 weeks as 3 sessions per week. Body composition and anthropometric measurements were determined after 8 weeks. Weight loss and decrease in waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) were significant in MD and MD+HIIT groups. Body fat mass (BFM) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) decreased only in MD+HIIT group. HIIT group showed no significant changes in weight, BMI, BFM, SMM, and waist circumference. Moreover, all intervention groups showed a significant decrease in visceral fat level. MD was shown to lead to more changes in body composition and anthropometry measurements, except for SMM. However, adding HIIT to MD could increase weight and fat loss and reduce waist circumference. So combination of MD and HIIT can be recommended when weight and fat loss and reduction of waist circumference are targeted.

There has been a decrease in physical activity among female students during the COVID-19 pandemic. This can be a risk factor for obesity in female students. This study was undertaken to analyze the relationship between physical activity, chronotype, and nutritional status in female students during COVID-19 pandemic.

In a cross-sectional stud, 171 female students were enrolled as respondents in Jebres, Surakarta using multistage random sampling and simple random sampling methods. Data were analyzed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) and Morningness- Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ).

Female students had mostly normal nutritional status, but 26.9% were overweight. There was a relationship between physical activity (p=0.032) and chronotype (p=0.004) with nutritional status among female students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Physical activity and chronotype showed significant relationship with nutritional status among female students during the COVID-19 pandemic.