Neonates' vitamin A status in relation to birth weight, gestational age, and sex.

Vitamin A status was assessed in a randomly selected group of neonates at delivery. A total of 105 neonates were included in the study. Cord vitamin A concentration was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Of 105 neonates, 53 (50.5 per cent) were males and 49 49.5 per cent) were females. The mean body weight of male neonates was slightly greater that that of female neonates (3271 +/- 575 vs. 3139 +/- 552 g). Mean cord plasma vitamin A level of the males was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of the female neonates (12.2 +/- 4.6 and 14.7 +/- 5.2 micrograms/100 ml respectively). The mean body weight of premature neonates (2186 +/- 530 g) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared with the mean body weight of full term neonates (3279 +/- 495 g). Cord plasma of preterm neonates had mean value of vitamin A significantly lower (p < 0.05) than full term neonates (8.3 +/- 3.2 vs 13.8 +/- 4.5 micrograms/100 ml). A trend of increasing birth weight with increasing cord plasma vitamin A level was evident.

Dietary assessment of male students: a study of what they wasted while in residence.

The present study was conducted to provide the anthropometric measurements and energy intake of male university students. Edible plate waste was assessed. A total of 90 male students participated in the anthropometric study. Meal and edible plate waste were analyzed for their contents of moisture, crude protein, crude lipid, ash and fiber. Total carbohydrates were calculated by difference. Total served meals and edible plate waste were assessed quantitatively using a weight technique. Total energy intake was 85% of the RDA. The students had higher intakes of protein and fat and lower intakes of carbohydrate than the recommended levels. The collected data showed that plate waste was influenced by the timing of the meal. Plate waste was higher for dinner (39.74%) and lower for lunch (22.67%).