Natural Food for Sarcopenia: A Narrative Review.

Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterised by progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. Proper nutrition is essential for management of sarcopenia. Thus, this article aims to review the association between dietary pattern or food groups consisting of natural food and sarcopenia. A literature search was performed using four databases namely PubMed, Scopus, Sage and ScienceDirect. The search terms used were 'fruits', 'vegetables', 'egg', 'fish', 'chicken', 'protein food', 'ulam', 'fresh herbs', 'sarcopenia', 'elderly and 'older adults'. A total of 18 studies were included in the final review. Adherence to Mediterranean and Japanese dietary pattern were associated with lower prevalence of sarcopenia whereas Western dietary pattern was significantly associated with higher risk of sarcopenia. For food groups, there is a significant association between dietary protein intake and sarcopenia. There are also significant associations between the intake of vegetables, fruits or both vegetables and fruits, and lower risk of sarcopenia. Consumption of natural food comprising of high-quality protein, fruits and vegetables have been associated with protection against muscle wasting and sarcopenia. Therefore, it is possible that a well-planned diet may works just as effectively as or possibly better than individual nutrient supplements for the prevention and treatment for sarcopenia among older adults.

Prevalence and predictors of overweight and obesity among women in the Gaza strip-Palestine: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among women of childbearing age is considered a public health concern. Few studies have been conducted in the Gaza Strip to determine the magnitude of overweight and obesity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity along with their associated factors among women in the Gaza Strip. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to recruit a total of 357 mothers aged 18-50 years. Interviews were carried out among mothers to collect sociodemographic information, nutritional information, and physical activity. Anthropometric measurements [height, weight and waist circumference (WC)] were conducted with the mothers. Body Mass Index (BMI) was computed to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the associated factors of overweight and obesity. RESULTS: The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity among mothers was (64.1%). The results of multinomial logistic regression showed the risk of overweight and obesity increased with age, the highest risk being in mothers aged > 33.0 years (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: (1.06,6.86)), and (OR = 5.72, 95% CI: (2.07,15.78)), respectively, compared to mothers aged < 33.0 years. Moreover, mothers with medium and high educational levels had a slightly higher risk of obesity (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: (0.15,0.64)), and (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: (0.12,0.82)) respectively than mothers with low educational level. Household income was positively associated with overweight and obesity. Mothers exposed to higher monthly income were more likely to be overweight or obese (OR = 2.64, 95% CI: (1.20, 5.83)), and (OR = 3.06, 95% CI: (1.28,7.29)), respectively. Nutrition knowledge was significantly associated with a high prevalence of obesity (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: (1.03,1.38)). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity among Palestinian women than previous studies. Age, educational level, monthly income, and nutrition knowledge were associated with the prevalence of overweight and obesity, compared to other variables that were not associated with overweight and obesity such as location, work status, physical activity, and sitting hours. Urgent action is needed to tackle overweight and obesity among women. Effective intervention is required to increase nutrition knowledge among women to improve their eating behaviors.

Prevalence and associated factors influencing stunting in children aged 2-5 years in the Gaza Strip-Palestine: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Stunting continues to be a major public health problem in developing countries. It is one of the most important risk factors for morbidity and mortality during childhood. In Palestine, it is another health problem, which adds to the catastrophic issues in the region. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of stunting and its associated factors among preschool children in the Gaza Strip. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was conducted in the Gaza Strip. A total of 357 children aged 2-5 years and their mothers aged 18-50 years were recruited. A multistage cluster sampling was used in the selection of the study participants from three geographical areas in the Gaza Strip: Jabalia refugee camp, El Remal urban area, and Al Qarara rural area. A structured questionnaire was used for face- to -face interviews with the respective child's mother to collect sociodemographic information and feeding practice. Anthropometric measurements for children were taken to classify height-for-age (HAZ), while maternal height was measured as well. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses were applied to determine the prevalence and associated factors with stunting. RESULTS: The total prevalence of stunting in this study was 19.6%, with the highest prevalence being (22.6%) in Jabalia refugee camp. It turns out that shorter mothers had increased the odds of stunting in preschool children in the Gaza Strip. Children born to mothers whose height was 1.55-1.60 m or <1.55 m were more likely to be stunted (p = 0. 008), or (p < 0.001), respectively, than children born to mothers whose height was >1.60 m. Moreover, parental consanguinity increased the risk of stunted children (p = 0. 015). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the prevalence of stunting was of alarming magnitude in the Gaza Strip. Our results also demonstrated that parental consanguinity and short maternal stature were associated with stunting. Culturally appropriate interventions and appropriate strategies should be implemented to discourage these types of marriages. Policy makers must also raise awareness of the importance of the prevention and control of nutritional problems to combat stunting among children in the Gaza Strip.

Anemia among children aged 2-5 years in the Gaza Strip- Palestinian: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a major public health problem worldwide, with adverse consequences on child growth, development, and survival. This deficiency has affected approximately a quarter of the world population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia and the associated factors among preschool children in the Gaza Strip. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and September 2012. A total of 357 preschool children were selected using multistage sampling method from Jabalya refugee camp, El Remal urban area, and Al Qarara rural area. Hemoglobin level was measured, and anemia diagnosis was confirmed at a level <11.0 g/dL. In this study, we utilized a pretested questionnaire for face to face interview with mothers. Anthropometric indicators for children were measured using the WHO guideline. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the prevalence and associated factors of anemia. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of anemia was 59.7% among preschool children in the Gaza Strip, 46.5% and 13.5% of which are mild and moderate, respectively. The mean hemoglobin level was 10.83 ± 0.86 g/dl. Children living in Jabalya refugee camp have a high risk of anemia [adjusted b= -0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI;-0.72,-0.39); p < 0.001]. Boys were more susceptible to this deficiency than girls [adjusted b = 0.17; 95% CI (0.0.01, 0.33); p = 0.031]. Hemoglobin level increased with age [adjusted b = 0.02; 95% CI (0.01, 0.03); p < 0.001]. Hemoglobin level decreased in children living in poor households [adjusted b = -0.24; 95%CI (-0.41,-0.06); p = 0.006]. Underweight children were more susceptible to anemia than normal weight children [adjusted b = - 0.22; 95% CI (-0.41, -0.03); p = 0.025]. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of anemia among preschool children in the Gaza Strip was higher than those reported in previous local studies, indicating that anemia is a major public health problem. In this study, we also observed mild and moderate cases among children, whereas severe anemia was not observed. Independent predictors of anemia were geographic location, sex, age, monthly income, and malnutrition. Results provided the baseline information on anemia, therefore, especial attention should be given on intervention of anemia.

Eating behaviour, body image, and self-esteem of adolescent girls in Malaysia.

This cross-sectional study was undertaken with 489 secondary school girls, ages 15-17 years, to examine disordered eating behaviours of adolescent girls in Malaysia and to estimate associations with body weight, body-size discrepancy, and self-esteem. Dietary restraint, binge eating, body image, and self-esteem were assessed using the Restrained Eating scale of the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, the Binge Scale Questionnaire, the Contour Drawing Rating Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, respectively. Pearson correlations estimated associations between variables. There were 3.1% underweight, 9.8% at risk of being overweight, and 8.6% overweight girls. A total of 87.3% were dissatisfied with their own body size. Dietary restraint and binge eating were reported by 36.0% and 35.4%, respectively. Body Mass Index (r = .34, p < .01) and body-size dissatisfaction (r = .24, p < .01) were significantly associated with dietary restraint and binge eating, but self-esteem (r = -.20, p < .001) was significantly associated only with binge eating.

Maternal Serum and Breast Milk Adiponectin: The Association with Infant Adiposity Development.

The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate in Malaysia. Metabolic changes during pregnancy are critical to the development of infant adiposity, due to imbalanced adipokines production. Hence, we aimed to investigate the association of maternal serum and breast milk adipokines with infant adiposity development. The study was conducted from April 2010 until December 2012. A total of 155 healthy pregnant mothers aged 19 to 40 years were recruited during the first and second trimester in Kelantan, Malaysia. Data consisted of maternal sociodemographic details, anthropometry and clinical biochemistry analysis; and the infant’s anthropometry and feeding patterns. Maternal fasting serum and breast milk samples were analysed for adiponectin and leptin levels. Data collection was performed in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, and continued with follow-up visits at birth, two, six, and 12 months postpartum. Multiple linear regression (MLR) analyses were performed to examine the associations between maternal serum and breast milk adiponectin and leptin and infant adiposity development. MLR models showed that, in the first year, as maternal serum and breast milk adiponectin increased, infant weight, BMI-for-age Z scores and abdominal circumference significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Maternal serum and/or breast milk adiponectin was associated with first-year infant adiposity development.

Prevalence and Associated Factors for Dual Form of Malnutrition in Mother-Child Pairs at the Same Household in the Gaza Strip-Palestine.

BACKGROUND: In many developing countries nutritional, and epidemiological transitions are emerging into continuing undernutrition and escalating overnutrition, giving rise to the double burden of the malnutrition phenomenon. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the prevalence of the dual form of malnutrition (overweight mother/underweight child) in the same household and its associated factors in the Gaza Strip. METHODS: A total of 357 mother-child pairs from the same households were surveyed from three different geographical locations in the Gaza Strip, namely, El Remal urban area, Jabalia refugee camp, and Al Qarara rural area. The height and weight of mothers aged 18-50 years were measured, and their body mass index (BMI) was computed. The mothers were categorized according to the criterion of the World Health Organization (WHO) for BMI as overweight if they have a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Anthropometric indices were measured for children aged two to five years to classify the underweight children Z-score <-1. RESULTS: The results showed the prevalence of the dual form of malnutrition in the Gaza Strip was 15.7%, and its associated factors were child's birth order (ORadj, 1.50, 95% CL, 1.22, 1.82; p = <0.001), father's educational (low or medium) levels (ORadj, 3.19, 95% CL, 1.07, 9.5; p = 0. 036), or (ORadj, 3.4, 95% CL, 1.12, 10.37; p = 0. 031), high scores of mothers' nutrition knowledge (ORadj, 1.23, 95% CL, 1.01, 1.52; p = 0. 048), and low monthly income (ORadj, 0.28, 95% CL, 0.09, 0.88; p = 0. 030). CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study showed the dual form of malnutrition in the same household was prevalent in the Gaza Strip. This is a public health issue that must be understood and addressed and policy makers must implement an appropriate nutrition action plan to control dual form of malnutrition based on the underlying specific risk factors in the study population. In addition, interventions are needed to help individuals to translate their nutrition knowledge into healthy dietary behaviors.

Obesity and overweight: prevalence and associated socio demographic factors among mothers in three different areas in the Gaza Strip-Palestine: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The increasing number of obesity and overweight cases in developing countries, especially among women, requires serious attention because of its effects on the health care system and the quality of life. Few studies have been conducted in the Gaza Strip to determine obesity and overweight prevalence and the associated factors. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of obesity and overweight cases in relation to socio-demographic factors among mothers aged 18-50 years in the Gaza Strip-Palestine from June 2012 to September 2012. Mothers childbearing age 18-50 years (n = 357) were selected using a cross-sectional multistage sampling methodology from three different geographical locations, namely, El Remal urban area, Jabalia refugee camp, and Al Qarrara rural area. The weight and height of the mothers were measured, and their body mass indexes (BMI) were computed. The mothers were categorized according to the criteria of World Health Organization (WHO) for BMI. The criteria categorize mothers as overweight if they have a BMI 25-29.9 kg/m(2) and obese if their BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m(2). RESULTS: Obesity and overweight rates in urban area, refugee camp, and rural area were found to be 57.0%, 66.8%, and 67.5%, respectively. Moreover, BMI increased with age, adjusted b = 0.39; 95% CI (0.31, 0.48); p = < 0.001, whereas BMI was lower in low-income subjects, adjusted b = -1.59, 95% CI (-2.74,-0.44), p = 0.007. Housewives were more susceptible to obesity than employed woman, adjusted b = -2.76, 95% CI (-5.33,-0.19), p = 0.036. However, the study found no association among BMI level and household size, geographical location, educational level, and family assistance. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that obesity and being overweight are highly prevalent among women in the Gaza Strip. Independent predictors of obesity in the population studied were increasing age, high income, and housewives. This finding is an important baseline for the monitoring of obesity and overweight cases in the future and highlights the need for community-based programs to combat this problem in Palestine.

Malnutrition and its risk factors among children and adolescents with intellectual disability (ID) in Asian countries: A scoping review

@#Introduction: Children with intellectual disability (ID) have higher probability of experiencing poor health status due to their limited ability to understand and assess information about nutrition and health. Malnutrition remains a significant health problem as it is prevalent among both typically developing and disabled children. This scoping review aims to discuss the prevalence of malnutrition among children and adolescents with ID in Asian countries. Methods: The review was based on the PRISMA-ScR method. A systematic electronic search was conducted using databases namely PUBMED, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar for articles published from 2006-2019, written in English and involved studies in Asian countries. Results: A total of 255,100 article’s titles were identified and only 17 articles that met the inclusion criteria were included for further analysis. The findings revealed that the range of prevalence for underweight was 5.7%-76.3% and 28.9%-45.0% for stunting. The prevalence estimated for overweight was 3.9%-46.6%, while obesity was 1.6%- 26.6%. The body mass index values ranged from 17.4±4.3kg/m2-23.0±6.3kg/m2. There were several risk factors related to malnutrition such as co-morbidity factors, behavioural factors, and parental factors. Conclusion: This review demonstrated concern regarding the prevalence of malnutrition among children and adolescents with ID, which is high in certain Asian countries. It was varied and thus difficult to compare due to different reference standards and definitions used for malnutrition. Establishing nutrition and health-related intervention programmes can help to prevent further rise in the prevalence of malnutrition in this group.