Salt-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices and their relationship with 24-hour urinary sodium and potassium excretions among a group of healthy residents in the UAE: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to measure urinary sodium and potassium as a measure of sodium and potassium intake concerning the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward sodium intake among a group of healthy residents in the UAE. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study on a sample of healthy adults in the UAE. In addition to the KAP questionnaire, sodium and potassium excretions, and food records were taken. SETTING: The United Arab Emirates. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 190 healthy individuals aged between 20-60 years. RESULTS: The mean (± SD) age of the sample was 38.6 (± 12.5) years and 50.5% were females. The mean urinary sodium and potassium intake were 2816.2± 675.7 mg /day and 2533.3± 615 mg/day, respectively. The means were significantly different compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of sodium and potassium, (p < 0.001). About 65% of the participants exceeded the WHO recommendations for salt intake, and participants' knowledge classification for health-related issues was fair while food-related knowledge was poor (P=0.001). A two-stage stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that KAP scores were negatively associated with urinary sodium excretion (r = -0.174; p = 0.017) and those older participants and females had lower urinary sodium excretion (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings may suggest an increase in the risk of hypertension in the UAE population. Moreover, these findings emphasize the need to establish education and public awareness programs focusing on identifying the sodium contents of foods and establishing national regulations regarding food reformulation, particularly for staple foods such as bread.

High prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors amongst young adults in the United Arab Emirates: the UAE Healthy Future Study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the world. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it accounts for 40% of mortality. CVD is caused by multiple cardiometabolic risk factors (CRFs) including obesity, dysglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension and central obesity. However, there are limited studies focusing on the CVD risk burden among young Emirati adults. This study investigates the burden of CRFs in a sample of young Emiratis, and estimates the distribution in relation to sociodemographic and behavioral determinants. METHODS: Data was used from the baseline data of the UAE Healthy Future Study volunteers. The study participants were aged 18 to 40 years. The study analysis was based on self-reported questionnaires, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, as well as blood analysis. RESULTS: A total of 5167 participants were included in the analysis; 62% were males and the mean age of the sample was 25.7 years. The age-adjusted prevalence was 26.5% for obesity, 11.7% for dysglycemia, 62.7% for dyslipidemia, 22.4% for hypertension and 22.5% for central obesity. The CRFs were distributed differently when compared within social and behavioral groups. For example, obesity, dyslipidemia and central obesity in men were found higher among smokers than non-smokers (p < 0.05). And among women with lower education, all CRFs were reported significantly higher than those with higher education, except for hypertension. Most CRFs were significantly higher among men and women with positive family history of common non-communicable diseases. CONCLUSIONS: CRFs are highly prevalent in the young Emirati adults of the UAE Healthy Future Study. The difference in CRF distribution among social and behavioral groups can be taken into account to target group-specific prevention measures.

The Role of Lifestyle Interventions in the Prevention and Treatment of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common pregnancy-related endocrinopathies, affecting up to 25% of pregnancies globally. GDM increases the risk of perinatal and delivery complications, and the chance of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications, including cardiovascular diseases. This elevated risk is then passed on to the next generation, creating a cycle of metabolic dysfunction across generations. For many years, GDM preventive measures have had inconsistent results, but recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have identified promising new preventative routes. This review aims to summarize the evidence investigating the efficacy of lifestyle treatments for the prevention of GDM and to summarize the effects of two lifestyle interventions, including physical activity and dietary interventions. Based on the present research, future studies should be conducted to investigate whether initiating lifestyle interventions during the preconception period is more beneficial in preventing GDM. In addition, research targeting pregnancy should be designed with a personalized approach. Therefore, studies should customize intervention approaches depending on the presence of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors at the individual level.

Nutritional status and adequacy of feeding Practices in Infants and Toddlers 0-23.9 months living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): findings from the feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) 2020.

BACKGROUND: Infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF) impact the early and later health status of the population. Limited data is available regarding IYCF in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status and adequacy of feeding practices, energy, food, and nutrient intakes of UAE infants and toddlers ages 0-23.9 months. METHODS: This study is a population-based cross-sectional survey of 276 infants and toddlers aged 0-23.9 months of which 180 were nationals and 96 were Arab non-nationals living in the UAE. Data were collected from the three major emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. Anthropometry was collected and assessed using WHO Anthro-Survey Analyzer, and a multicomponent age-specific questionnaire was used to evaluate IYCF and sociodemographic characteristics. Usual intake of energy, micronutrients, and macronutrients, including supplements, were collected using multiple-pass 24-h dietary recall and analyzed using the PC-side software. IYCF practices were assessed using the WHO indicators. RESULTS: Overall, 4% of children were malnourished, 8% wasted, 15% stunted, 18% at risk of overweight, and 7% overweight and obese. 95% of infants were ever breastfed and 37% exclusively breastfed at 6 months. Around 98% of infants had a timely introduction of complementary food. Macronutrient intake exceeded AMDR for fat, carbohydrates, and protein for 27%, 8% and 2% of toddlers respectively. As for the percentage of those exceeding the ESPGHAN cut-off for free sugars set at 5% of energy intake, 28.6% had excessive intakes overall, 10% in 0-5.9, 21.9% in 6-11.9 and 56.7% in 12-23.9 month. Usual iron intake was below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) in 47% of infants 6-11.9 months. Above 12 months, the usual intake of iron and vitamin D were below EAR in 11% and 49% of toddlers respectively. Usual intake exceeded the tolerable upper intake levels (UL) for vitamin A (14 to 18%) and zinc (11 to 22%) across all ages. Approximately 93% of toddlers ages 12-23.9 months did not meet food groups' recommendations for vegetables, 87% for fruits, 48% for milk/dairy, 54% for lean meat and beans, and 33% for grains. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that a high percentage of infants and toddlers aged 0-23.9 m suffer from a double burden of malnutrition, which is the coexistence of both undernutrition, and overweight and obesity in the same population. In addition to suboptimal feeding practices and inadequate/overconsumption of various nutrients. The findings highlight the need for the development of culturally specific programs aiming to improve the nutritional status of infants and toddlers in the UAE.

Assessment of eating habits and lifestyle during the coronavirus 2019 pandemic in the Middle East and North Africa region: a cross-sectional study.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread globally, forcing countries to apply lockdowns and strict social distancing measures. The aim of this study was to assess eating habits and lifestyle behaviours among residents of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region during the lockdown. A cross-sectional study among adult residents of the MENA region was conducted using an online questionnaire designed on Google Forms during April 2020. A total of 2970 participants from eighteen countries participated in the present study. During the pandemic, over 30 % reported weight gain, 6·2 % consumed five or more meals per d compared with 2·2 % before the pandemic (P < 0·001) and 48·8 % did not consume fruits on a daily basis. Moreover, 39·1 % did not engage in physical activity, and over 35 % spent more than 5 h/d on screens. A significant association between the frequency of training during the pandemic and the reported change in weight was found (P < 0·001). A significantly higher percentage of participants reported physical and emotional exhaustion, irritability and tension either all the time or a large part of the time during the pandemic (P < 0·001). Although a high percentage of participants reported sleeping more hours per night during the pandemic, 63 % had sleep disturbances. The study highlights that the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic caused a variety of lifestyle changes, physical inactivity and psychological problems among adults in the MENA region.

Impact of coronavirus 2019 on mental health and lifestyle adaptations of pregnant women in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: In light of the pandemic, pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to increased psychological distress and in need of imperative preventive measures. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the pandemic on mental health, lifestyle adaptations, and their determinants among pregnant women in the United Arab Emirates. METHODS: A survey was conducted electronically between June and August 2020. Pregnant women were recruited from prenatal clinics in the UAE and invited to participate in an online survey developed on Google Forms. The questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, the Impact of Event Scale- Revised, the Perceived Support Scale and lifestyle-related factors. RESULTS: A total of 384 pregnant women completed the questionnaire of whom 20.6% were in their 1st trimester, 46.1% in their 2nd and 33.3% in their 3rd trimester. The mean IES-R score for the respondents was 26.15 ± 13.55, corresponding to a mild stressful impact, which did not differ significantly among trimesters of pregnancy. Pregnant women expressed increased stress from staying home (64%), work (40%), feeling frightened (66%) and apprehensive (59%). Women reported increased support and sharing their feelings with family members (59%), mainly in the 1st and 3rd trimester of pregnancy (P < 0.05). There was a greater attention to mental health (48%), resting time (55.3%), and relaxing time (57.3%); while a decreased amount of time was spent engaging in physical activities (53.6%), which differed significantly between trimesters (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a mild stressful impact among pregnant women in the UAE, braced by strong family support and self-care mental health behaviors.

In vitro investigation of anticancer, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities of camel milk fermented with camel milk probiotic: A comparative study with fermented bovine milk.

This study aimed to investigate in vitro anticancer activity by antiproliferative activity, antihypertensive activity by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition, antidiabetic activity by α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitions, and antioxidant activities of camel milk fermented with camel milk probiotic compared with fermented bovine milk. The camel milk probiotic strain Lactococcus lactis KX881782 (Lc.K782) and control Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM9126 (La.DSM) were used to prepare fermented camel and bovine milks separately. The proteolytic activities of water-soluble extract (WSE) in all fermented camel milk were higher than those in fermented bovine milk. The α-glucosidase inhibitions in both milk types fermented by Lc.K782 ranged from 30 to 40%. Camel milk fermented by Lc.K782 had the highest antioxidant activity by 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulphonic acid). The highest angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition of WSE in camel milk fermented by Lc.K782 was >80%. The proliferations of Caco-2, MCF-7, and HELA cells were more inhibited when treated with WSE of fermented camel milk extracts.

Glycaemic index and glycaemic load values of commonly consumed foods in the United Arab Emirates.

Glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic load (GL) values of some commonly consumed foods in the United Arab Emirates were determined with an aim of adding these values to the existing international table of GI and GL values. In all, eighteen test foods categorised into breads (n 5), entrée dishes (n 3), main dishes (n 5) and sweet dishes (n 5) were tested. For each test food, at least fifteen healthy participants consumed 25 or 50 g available carbohydrate portions of a reference food (glucose), which was tested three times, and a test food after an overnight fast, was tested once, on separate occasions. Capillary blood samples were obtained by finger-prick and blood glucose was measured using clinical chemistry analyser. A fasting blood sample was obtained at baseline and before consumption of test foods. Additional blood samples were obtained at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min after the consumption of each test food. The GI value of each test food was calculated as the percentage of the incremental area under the blood glucose curve (IAUC) for the test food of each participant divided by the average IAUC for the reference food of the same participant. The GI values of tested foods ranged from low (55 or less) to high (70 or more). The GI values of various breads and rice-containing dishes were comparable with previously published values. This study provides GI and GL values of previously untested traditional Emirati foods which could provide a useful guide on dietary recommendations for the Emirati population.

Health-promoting benefits of low-fat akawi cheese made by exopolysaccharide-producing probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from camel milk.

Lactic acid bacteria isolated from camel milk exhibit remarkable probiotic and exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing characteristics. The health-promoting benefits of exopolysaccharide-producing probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from camel milk used for making low-fat akawi cheese were investigated. Three low-fat akawi cheeses were made using traditional culture (non-EPS-producing, EPS-), commercial EPS-producing (MEPS+), and camel milk EPS-producing (CEPS+) cultures. α-Amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, antioxidant activities, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition, and antiproliferative activity were determined. Cheese made with CEPS+ culture exhibited comparable α-amylase inhibition to that of cheeses made with MEPS+. Scavenging rates of cheese made with EPS+ cultures were higher than those of cheese made with EPS- cultures. The percentage of α-glucosidase inhibition ranged from >45% at 0 d to ∼55% at 21 d of storage. After 7 d of storage, the scavenging rate in CEPS+ cheese increased >60% by ABTS assay [2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] and >20% by DPPH assay (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl). Throughout storage, cheese made with EPS+ cultures showed higher ACE-inhibition activity compared with EPS- cultures. Cheese made with CEPS+ showed ACE inhibition >70% after 7 d of storage. Antiproliferation activity of CEPS+ cheese increased from 38 to 48% during 7 d of storage and was maintained above 45% with prolonged storage. Low-fat akawi cheese produced with these cultures exhibited similar or greater health-promoting benefits compared with cheese made using commercial starter cultures. Therefore, incorporation of these cultures in food is promising for commercial uses.

Systematic review of the methodological quality of studies designed to create neonatal anthropometric charts.

UNLABELLED: Babies all over the world are assessed at birth using neonatal anthropometric charts as a matter of clinical routine. This systematic review evaluated the methodological quality of studies designed to create neonatal anthropometric charts and to highlight features in the charts that could affect clinical decision-making and comparisons between populations. The variety and quality of available charts could affect how newborns at risk are identified, together with the indications for treatment, especially nutritional interventions. CONCLUSION: The studies that generated the charts currently recommended for clinical use have major methodological limitations and international and regional comparisons are very difficult.

The Effect of Therapeutic Doses of Culinary Spices in Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) place a significant burden on global health and the healthcare systems which support it. Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for a large number of NCDs; however, treatments remain limited. Previous research has shown the protective benefits of edible dietary spices on key components of metabolic syndrome. Therefore we performed a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial to evaluate the effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale), cinnamon (Cinnamomum), and black seed (Nigella sativa) consumption on blood glucose, lipid profiles, and body composition in 120 participants with, or at risk of, metabolic syndrome. Each participant consumed 3 g/day of powder (spice or placebo). Data related to different parameters were collected from participants at the baseline, midpoint, and endpoint of the intervention. Over the 12-week interventions, there was an improvement in a number of biochemical indices of metabolic syndrome, including fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, LCL, and total cholesterol associated with supplementation with the spices when compared to a placebo. This study provides evidence to support the adjunct use of supplementation for those at risk of metabolic syndrome and its sequelae.

Tapping into Palm Sap: Insights into extraction practices, quality profiles, fermentation chemistry, and preservation techniques.

The quality profile, extraction yield, and fermentation chemistry of palm sap depend on various factors such as extraction technique, weather conditions, and preservation methods. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of palm sap extraction techniques and the methods for its preservation. The compositional analysis of palm sap, including physical and chemical parameters such as sugar content, acidity, and mineral composition, is discussed thoroughly. The role of microorganisms in fermentation and the effects of various influencing factors are also critically examined. Additionally, this review evaluates different preservation methods, including thermal processes, refrigeration, and electrical techniques, highlighting their effectiveness in extending the shelf life of palm sap. The review further explores the emerging impact of nanotechnology on palm sap preservation, offering insights into the latest industry challenges, developments, and future prospects. By presenting these findings, this review aims to enhance the scientific understanding of palm sap and stimulate additional research and innovation in the field, paving the way for improved production practices and product quality.

Could psychobiotics and fermented foods improve mood in middle-aged and older women?

Menopause is a natural physiological phase during which women experience dramatic hormonal fluctuations. These lead to many symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, which, in turn, can negatively affect quality of life. Proper nutrition has an influential role in alleviating depression as well as anxiety. It is well known that gut microbiota dysbiosis contributes to the development of mood disorder. There is mounting evidence that modulating the gut-brain axis may aid in improving mood swings. In this context, this narrative review summarizes recent findings on how aging changes the composition of the gut microbiota and on the association between gut microbiota and mood disorders. In addition, it evaluates the effectiveness of psychobiotics and fermented foods in treating mood swings in middle-aged and older women. A search was done using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, and thirteen recent articles are included in this review. It is evident that psychobiotic supplementation and fermented foods can improve mood swings via several routes. However, these conclusions are based on only a few studies in middle-aged and older women. Therefore, long-term, well-designed randomized controlled trials are required to fully evaluate whether psychobiotics and fermented foods can be used to treat mood swings in this population.

Infant feeding practices and risk of preschool obesity in AlAin, UAE: A cross-sectional study.

Early childhood obesity is serious public health problem, and poses a risk of obesity in later life. The study aimed to investigate whether infant feeding affects risk of overweight and obesity in preschool children in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A cross-sectional study was carried out. Data was collected in a kindergarten in Al Ain, UAE. One hundred and fifty parents and preschool children aged 2 to 6 years participated in the study. Univariate and multivariate linear regression were used to investigate associations. A longer duration of breastfeeding and later introduction of complementary foods were associated with a lower BMI z-score in preschool children. Each month of any breastfeeding was associated with a lower BMI z-score in the unadjusted model (ß = -0.03; 95% CI -0.05, -0.01; p = 0.01), and each month increase in the age of introducing complementary foods was associated with a lower BMI z-score in the unadjusted model (ß = -0.43; 95% CI: -0.60 to-0.027; p<0.001). These associations remained after adjustment for potential confounding factors (age, sex, maternal BMI, maternal education level, mother's age, social class, father's BMI) for duration of breastfeedinig (ß = -0.02; 95% CI: -0.05 to 0.00; p<0.001) and age of complementary feeding (ß = -0.39; 95% CI: -0.57 to-0.21; p<0.001). Poor infant feeding practices (shorter duration of breastfeedinig and early introduction of complementary foods) were found to be associated with higher BMI in preschool children. Promoting appropriate proper infant feeding practices in line with recommendations could be one strategy to help prevent childhood obesity in the UAE.

Effect of ketogenic diets on lipid metabolism in adults: protocol for a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: The ketogenic diet is a very low carbohydrate diet known for its ability to reduce weight and counteract hyperglycaemia. However, ketogenic diets recommend an increased intake of fats, raising concerns about cardiometabolic risk in adults. Due to the higher intake of fats in the ketogenic diet, there is significant variability in outcomes of lipid metabolism in the population. Interventions have reported improvements in lipid profile while other studies did not find changes, and there are reports of increased low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride values. Hence, this is a protocol for a systematic review of the published literature and a summary of the effect of ketogenic diets on lipid metabolism in adults. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) will be searched for studies on ketogenic diets in adult populations. Studies will be included if they report results from ketogenic diet interventions among adults. Exclusion is populations with diagnosed neurological disorders. Two reviewers will independently screen retrieved citations, extract data and appraise the risk of bias. Quantitative estimates (eg, standardised mean difference) measuring the change in the total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride concentration will be pooled using random effects meta-analysis to produce one summarised weighted estimate. Sources of heterogeneity will be explored using subgroup analysis. This protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis for Protocols (PRISMA), and the final review will be reported following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The present protocol and the systematic review to be carried out do not require ethics clearance. The data source will be published studies. This review will provide estimates to inform the public about the effect of ketogenic diets on lipid metabolism and the possible peril of increasing cardiometabolic risk. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022309665.

Impact of Skills for Change Program on metabolic control, diet and physical activity levels in adults with type 2 diabetes: A cluster randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is highly prevalent in the Arab Gulf countries. Despite this, limited culturally-adapted lifestyle intervention studies have been conducted in this region. METHODS: In this culturally adapted 12-month cluster randomized trial, 382 patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 20-70 years were recruited from 6 public healthcare centers (3 interventions and 3 controls) in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. The primary outcome of this study was a change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). The secondary outcomes were Body Mass Index (BMI), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, total cholesterol, dietary intake, and physical activity levels. A diet and physical activity intervention, guided by the social cognitive theory, was delivered individually and in group format to the intervention group. The control group continued receiving only their usual diabetes management care. The data were collected at baseline and 1 year after participation. RESULTS: The mean baseline HbA1c levels of the control and the intervention groups were 7.45 ± 0.11% and 7.81 ± 0.11%, respectively. At the end of the 12-month intervention, there was no significant difference in the changes of mean HbA1c between the intervention and the control groups. On the other hand, BMI and daily caloric intake were significantly decreased in the intervention compared to the control group by 1.18 kg/m2 (95% CI: -1.78 - -0.60) and 246 kcal (95% CI: -419.52 - -77.21), respectively, after controlling for age, gender, education, marital status, duration since diabetes diagnosis, diabetes treatment, treatment clinic, and baseline values. Sitting time during the week-end was significantly lower, difference 52.53 minutes (95% CI: 93.93 - -11.14). CONCLUSIONS: This community-based lifestyle intervention for patients with baseline HbA1c <8% did not result in a significant decrease of HbA1c but reduced caloric intake, body weight, and weekend inactivity after controlling for the covariates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered on February 11, 2020 with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04264793).

The association of social media with dietary behaviors among adults in the United Arab Emirates.

Background: Social media is an online community that offers a digital setting where people create, share, and access a wide range of information, knowledge, and viewpoints. This study assessed the association between social media use and eating behaviors and whether sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle habits are correlated with this association. In addition, it assessed whether this effect is different according to changes in lifestyle habits due to the COVID-19 pandemic among adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methodology: A cross-sectional web-based study was conducted among 1056 adults living in the UAE. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, social media use, and dietary habits were collected. The Scale of Effects of Social Media on Eating Behavior (SESMEB) was used and a total score ranging from 18 to 90 was generated with higher scores corresponding to a greater effect. The general linear model analysis assessed associations of certain characteristics with the score. Independent T-test and one-way ANOVA test were used to investigate differences based on changes in lifestyle habits due to COVID-19. Results: Most participants (80.3 %) reported using social media >2 h/day. The mean score was 44.15 ± 12.68 (range 18-90). Increasing age, being a male, spending less time on social media, and not following influencers were associated with lower SESMEB scores. Not consuming breakfast and spending more time on screens for leisure were associated with higher scores (p < 0.05). Significantly higher scores were recorded for those previously infected with COVID-19 and who reported an increase in screen time, food intake, body weight, and meals/day (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Social media appears to have an association with adults' dietary habits in the UAE. Spending more time on social media, being a female, and having more screen time were associated with a higher impact. Targeted programs are needed to increase awareness and advocate for a positive lifestyle with social media use.

Adolescents' use of online food delivery applications and perceptions of healthy food options and food safety: a cross-sectional study in the United Arab Emirates.

Introduction: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess Online food delivery applications (OFDA) usage trends among adolescent users in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), focusing on their perceptions of healthy food options and food safety (n = 532). Methods: Sociodemographic information, frequency of OFDA use, factors affecting food choices, and perceptions of healthy food and food safety were investigated. A total perception score was calculated for each participant. Results: Most participants used OFDAs weekly (65.4%), favoring fast food (85.7%). Factors like appearance and price drove food choices (65.0%), while taste and cost hindered healthy food orders (29.7 and 28.2%). Younger and frequent users had lower scores for perceiving healthy food, while seeking healthy options was associated with higher scores (p < 0.05). Females and those seeking healthy food showed higher food safety scores (p < 0.05). Discussion: The study suggests tailored interventions to promote healthier choices and improve food safety perceptions among adolescents using OFDAs in the UAE.

Vitamin D deficiency among healthy adolescents in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

BACKGROUND: Although vitamin D deficiency has been studied in various adult populations, there are few data on the prevalence of this nutritional deficiency among healthy adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and to examine its correlates in adolescents aged 15 to 18 years. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in urban schools. Healthy adolescents (N=315) from a sample of 8 schools were randomly selected from the 142 schools in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate. Outcomes measured included serum concentrations of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD), plasma lipids, blood sugar, blood pressure and anthropometric data, nutrition and lifestyle variables. RESULTS: Fourty-one participants (19.7%) were vitamin D deficient (serum 25OHD level ≤15 ng/mL [≤37.5 nmol/L]. Using a cutoff level of 25(OH) D of ≤20 ng/ml [≤50 nmol/l] 143 participants (45.4%) were vitamin D insufficient. Overall 65.1% of study participants were either vitamin D deficient or insufficient. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency varied between boys (10%) and girls (28%). In a final multivariate model, serum 25(OH) D concentrations were inversely correlated with female gender, consumption of fast food per week, and body mass index and positively correlated with physical activity scores after adjustment for age. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were highly prevalent in adolescents, and more common in girls.

Cancer Patients during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mini-Review.

Since its emergence, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected the entire world and all commerce and industries, including healthcare systems. COVID-19 adversely affects cancer patients because they are immunocompromised. Increased COVID-19 infection and shortage of medical supplies, beds and healthcare workers in hospitals affect cancer care. This paper includes a description of the existing research that shows the impact of COVID-19 on the management of cancer patients. Aged people with various chronic conditions such as cancer and comorbidities face more challenges as they have a greater risk of disease severity. COVID-19 has affected care delivery, including patient management, and has been responsible for increased mortality among cancer patients. Cancer patients with severe symptoms require regular therapies and treatment; therefore, they have a higher risk of exposure. Due to the risk of transmission, various steps were taken to combat this disease; however, they have affected the existing operational efficiency. Herein, we present the changing priorities during COVID-19, which also affected cancer care, including delayed diagnosis, treatment, and surgeries.