Nutrition articles list

Three commonly used legumes, Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc., Phaseolus lunatus Linn., and Phaseolus vulgaris Linn. were subjected to determine their minerals and phytic acid contents to correlate their nutritional and medicinal properties. The atomic absorption spectroscopic method was used to quantify essential minerals, while the spectrophotometric method was used for phytic acid estimation. Fe, Mg, Mn, P and Zn were recorded in reasonable quantities, Ca and Cu in moderate, and K in small amounts in the seed flours of all the three tested legumes. Maximum Fe and Zn content (0.38 and 0.40 mg/g) were recorded in P. vulgaris, while M. uniflorum delivered high content of Mg, Mn, P and Ca (0.21, 0.20, 77.94 and 0.04 mg/g) and 0.04 mg/g Cu was recorded in P. lunatus. The highest level of phytic acid (37.00 mg/g) was recorded in M. uniflorum at 519 nm. The estimated quantities of minerals and phytic acid provide an excellent opportunity to conclude that all three tested legumes could be used as food to achieve nutritional and health-related functional benefits.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Urolithiasis is a common worldwide problem with high recurrence. This review covers forty four (44) families starting from alphabet A to L and includes Bignoniaceae (05); Araceae, Burseraceae, Combretaceae (04); Annonaceae, Berberidaceae, Betulaceae, Gentianaceae, Gesneriaceae (03); Aizoaceae, Adiantaceae, Alismataceae, Aristolochiaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Bombacaceae, Cannabaceae, Cyperaceae, Geraniaceae and Iridaceae (02); Acoraceae, Adoxaceae, Armatellaceae, Aquifoliaceae, Araliaceae, Averrhoeaceae, Basellaceae, Begoniaceae, Bromeliaceae, Cactaceae, Calophyllaceae, Campanulaceae, Caprifoliaceae, Caricaceae, Celastraceae, Clusiaceae, Dracaenaceae, Dryopteridaceae, Elaeagnaceae, Grossulariaceae, Hyacinthaceae, Hydrangeaceae, Hypoxidaceae, llecebraceae and Juglandaceae (01) plant used globally in different countries. The plants of three families Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Lamiaceae are revisited to provide updated information. This review will not only be useful for the general public but also attract the scientific world for antiurolithiatic drug discovery.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

The current study was conducted to determine the insoluble, soluble, and total dietary fiber content of Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc., Phaseolus lunatus Linn. , and Phaseolus vulgaris Linn. , and legume flours by using AOAC enzymatic-gravimetric analysis. The results showed that M. uniflorum, P. lunatus, and P. vulgaris legume flours contained 155.91, 120.01, and 90.80 mg/g insoluble dietary fiber, respectively. At the same time, soluble dietary fiber was not found in any tested sample.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (Papilionaceae) is a medicinally important plant and is used for the treatment of different diseases. Alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, and phytic acid have been reported in this plant. Antioxidant, antidiabetic and hypocholesterolemic activities are reported by Vigna unguiculata. The present review attempts to compile all the previous data based on its medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology reported in the earlier articles.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal. (Papilionaceae) is a medicinally important plant used for treating different diseases, especially dermatological disorders. Alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, and phytic acid have been reported in this plant. Vigna aconitifolia also exhibits antioxidant, antidiabetic, and hypocholesterolemic activities. The present review attempts to compile all the previous data based on its medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology reported in the earlier articles.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper belongs to the family Papilionaceae. It is an erect, hairy annual plant with long, twining branches. The flowers are small and yellow in color, while the fruits are cylindrical. The pods are hairy containing 1-4 seeds per pod. Seeds are used as a nervine tonic and in urinary reflex disorder. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, vitamin C and steroids. Seeds possess antidiabetic, antioxidant and hypolipidemic properties. The present review provides updated information on its medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Dietary intake of contaminated food with heavy metals may cause severe risk for the human health. Heavy metals affect adversely a human health. The current study assessed the concentrations of heavy metals including Cu, Zn, Pb and Ni in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) of urban and rural areas in Bangladesh. The experimental samples of fresh eggplant fruits were collected from six local markets in Jashore, Bangladesh, and the tissues were extracted with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. Trace elements in eggplant fruits were estimated with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Obtained result show that Heavy metal concentrations were high in the urban areas compared to rural areas. Heavy metals in the eggplant fruits of rural and urban areas were: Pb (2.74-18.64), Cu (10.20-67.16), Ni (46.63-148.46), and Zn (86.65-148.73) mg.kg-1 respectively. The concentrations of Pb, Ni and Zn in eggplant were at an excess of safe limits according to the Food and Agriculture and World Health Organizations. While, Cu was lower than the maximum safe limit. The present study concluded that growing eggplants in Jashore areas are heavily contaminated with Pb, Ni and Zn that would be hazardous for consumer’s health. The result of this study will be beneficial for the agricultural policy makers in Bangladesh to take appropriate action and reduce the heavy metal toxicity among fresh food products.

Arafat Hassan Razon

Background: As Bangladesh has gained the reputation of improving the health sectors, much health related sites still require improvements. Community clinic services (CCS) may contribute to this sector with its foremost importance. So this study was conducted to investigate the utilization and health services provision by community clinics (CCs) in rural area. Methods: A descriptive longitudinal study was conducted among three community clinics of Jashore and a structured questionnaire was developed on which most of the questions were developed to find out the contributions of these community clinics. Here for data analysis we used SPSS version 25.0 software. Results: Here we analyzed health service related data from three randomly selected community clinics (CCs). We found an average of 15 patients got antenatal care every month by the Komlapur CC throughout the year. About 140 patients received health services per month from Dogachiya CC. About 634 children were benefited by Saziyali CC throughout the year. By this study we came to know that average 67-75 patients were provided iron supplementations each month by Saziyali CC. All of the CCs had active referral system and online reporting system. Conclusion: From our study we came to know that majority % of rural people are now dependent on community health care services. But most of the community clinics have many limitations regarding infrastructure, training, medicines, financial etc. So the government should take necessary steps regarding this.

Arafat Hassan Razon

Background: Hypertension (HTN) has emerged as a significant public health challenge and a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in developing countries like Bangladesh. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors among resi dents of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a multistage random sampling technique to select 305 individuals from Khilkhet Thana in Dhaka North City Corporation. Data were collected through direct surveys using a modified version of the WHO STEPS questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 22 software. Findings: The study identified a 34.4 % prevalence of HTN among the participants, with 46.2 % of hypertensive individuals being under 40 years of age. Of the 105 hypertensive individuals, 65 % were newly diagnosed during the study, and 11 previously diagnosed individuals were not on any medication. A significant association (P < 0.001) was observed between the prevalence of HTN and inadequate intake of fruits (OR = 3.129, 95 % CI = 1.912–5.122, χ2 = 21.328), insufficient vegetables consumption (OR = 2.199, 95 % CI = 1.356–3.565, χ2 = 10.373), high intake of fatty foods (OR = 2.387, 95 % CI = 1.465–3.890, χ2 = 12.454), and excessive salt consumption (OR = 2.771, 95 % CI = 1.677–4.579, χ2 = 16.310). Additionally, the prevalence of HTN was notably higher among overweight (46.70 %) and at-risk (22.90 %) individuals, based on Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), respectively. The study also found significant correlations (P < 0.001) between HTN and factors such as smoking (OR = 2.824, 95 % CI = 1.601–4.980, χ2 = 13.432), kidney disease (OR = 7.534, 95 % CI = 2.694–21.070, χ2 = 19.282), general stress (OR = 3.692, 95 % CI = 2.179–6.255, χ2 = 24.896), COVID-19 related stress (OR = 3.511, 95 % CI = 2.116–5.826, χ2 = 24.712) and sleeping pattern (OR = 5.798, 95 % CI = 3.404–9.875, χ2 = 45.724). Conclusions: The high prevalence of HTN, particularly among younger individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the urgent need for nationwide surveys, surveillance, and clinical research to accurately depict the true burden of HTN in Bangladesh.

Arafat Hassan Razon

Background: Pregnancy-related hormonal changes increase the risk of gingival inflammation and bleeding. Poor oral hygiene and dietary habits, such as frequent intake of sugary foods, may worsen this risk. Understanding the relationship between diet, oral hygiene, and gingival health in pregnant women is essential for improving prenatal care. This study aimed to assess dietary patterns, oral hygiene practices, and self-reported gingival bleeding among pregnant women attending the Mother and Child Hospital, Ondo, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over four months among 216 pregnant women at the Mother & Child Clinic, University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo, Southwest Nigeria. A structured, self-administered questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, oral hygiene habits, perceived oral health conditions, and dietary patterns. Clinical oral examinations were conducted using the Oral Hygiene Index. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Most participants (79.2%) were in their second or third trimester. Although 83.3% used toothbrushes and 52.3% brushed twice daily, 39.8% had poor oral hygiene, and 33.3% reported gingival bleeding. Despite 76.4% awareness of dental services, 53.2% had never visited a dentist. Most participants frequently consumed fruits (88.9%), vegetables (84.8%), and animal proteins (84.7%), while 43.0% consumed sugary drinks regularly. No significant association was found between dietary habits and gingival bleeding. Conclusion: The study revealed a clear awareness–behavior gap: good knowledge of oral health did not translate into optimal hygiene practices or dental visits. Poor oral hygiene remained common, and gingival bleeding was prevalent. Although most participants had healthy diets, sugary drink intake was still high. Diet alone was not protective against gingival bleeding. Promoting effective oral hygiene and integrating dental care into prenatal programs is recommended.

Karishma

Background: Malnutrition is a deficiency of nutrients due to inadequate energy intake. Picky eating behavior in children could be a cause of malnutrition, but previous studies’ results were still inconsistent. This study aimed to determine the relationship between picky eating behavior and malnutrition among children aged 2-5 years. Methods: This case-control study involved 70 children aged 2-5 years in Kutukan Village, Randublatung District, Blora Regency. Malnutrition was defined as a weight-for-age Z score <-2.0 SD based on the WHO classification. Child eating behavior was evaluated using the Child’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ), identifying picky eaters if the food avoidance score surpassed the food approach score. Data analysis employed the Chi-Square test. Results: Boys experienced more malnutrition, with 20 (57.1%) affected, and the most affected age group was 24-35 months, with 19 (54.3%). Questionnaire processing revealed that the number of picky-eater children in the malnutrition group was 33 (94.3%), while in the non-malnutrition group, there were 31 (88.6%). Bivariate analysis showed no relationship between picky eating behavior and malnutrition in children aged 2-5 years (p=0.673; CI 95%=0.364-12.459).Conclusion: This study found no significant relationship between picky eating and malnutrition in children aged 2-5 years.

Karishma

Background: Malnutrition is a deficiency of nutrients due to inadequate energy intake. Picky eating behavior in children could be a cause of malnutrition, but previous studies’ results were still inconsistent. This study aimed to determine the relationship between picky eating behavior and malnutrition among children aged 2-5 years. Methods: This case-control study involved 70 children aged 2-5 years in Kutukan Village, Randublatung District, Blora Regency. Malnutrition was defined as a weight-for-age Z score <-2.0 SD based on the WHO classification. Child eating behavior was evaluated using the Child’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ), identifying picky eaters if the food avoidance score surpassed the food approach score. Data analysis employed the Chi-Square test. Results: Boys experienced more malnutrition, with 20 (57.1%) affected, and the most affected age group was 24-35 months, with 19 (54.3%). Questionnaire processing revealed that the number of picky-eater children in the malnutrition group was 33 (94.3%), while in the non-malnutrition group, there were 31 (88.6%). Bivariate analysis showed no relationship between picky eating behavior and malnutrition in children aged 2-5 years (p=0.673; CI 95%=0.364-12.459). Conclusion: This study found no significant relationship between picky eating and malnutrition in children aged 2-5 years.

Minidian Fasitasari

Background: Emerging data found that Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with Vitamin D deficiency at various frequencies. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in T2DM patients in Qatar and the correlation between Vitamin D deficiency and other variables such as dyslipidemia, glycemic control, and microalbuminuria. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the medical outpatient clinic at Hamad General Hospital. The study involved adult patients (≥18 years) with T2DM. The study covered patients admitted between January 1, 2018, and July 31, 2018. Ethical approval was obtained from the Medical Research Committee. Results: We recruited 400 subjects with T2DM. Their mean age was 58.97±10.32 years, and the majority were women (52.0%) and Arabs (69.5%). The mean duration of Type 2 diabetes diagnosis was 14.94±8.99 years. The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency was 29.5%. A comparison between Vitamin D deficiency and non-vitamin D deficiency groups showed a statistically significant difference in terms of fasting blood (FB) sugar (p<0.001), random blood (RB) sugar (p<0.001), hemoglobin A1c (HBA1c) (p<0.001), total cholesterol (P = 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL [C]) (p=0.004), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL [C]) (p<0.001), triglyceride (p<0.001), and urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) (p=0.007). Data analysis showed that a significant negative correlation was found between Vitamin D level and FB sugar (r=−0.208, p<0.001), RB sugar (r=−0.20, p<0.001), HBA1c (r=−0.260, p<0.001), total cholesterol (r=−0.218, p<0.001), LDL (C) (r=−0.176, p=0.004), triglyceride (r=−0.342, p<0.001), and UAER (r=−0.184, p=0.007). Conclusion: Our study showed a significant correlation between Vitamin D deficiency and the poor control of T2DM, dyslipidemia, and microalbuminuria. The results emphasize the importance of monitoring Vitamin D status in high-risk populations.

Karishma

Celiac disease (CeD) is a complex disorder characterized by gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms as well as extraintestinal manifestations, sometimes difficult to diagnose. Commonly referred to as a childhood disease, adult CeD is a well-known entity that should be included in the differential diagnosis of chronic diarrhea or malabsorption syndrome. The pathogenesis involves a genetically mediated autoimmune pathway. In individuals with genetic susceptibility, the mucosa of the small intestine is damaged in response to foods containing gluten. The clinical presentation is variable and ranges from typical GI symptoms to extra-intestinal and systemic manifestations. Clinical improvement and restoration of the intestinal mucosa occur simply by eliminating gluten from the diet. We reported a case of CeD in a young man after 6 years of iron deficiency anemia (IDA), without asserting a clear etiology during this time. In our country, the search for CeD in patients with IDA is usually forgotten and we hereby put it in the spotlight.

Karishma