The North African Journal of Food and Nutrition Research

Fluid intake, fiber consumption, and physical activity related to constipation among elderly, which one is more important? A cross-sectional study in Iran

Maryam Safarvanadeh — 2025-01-22

Background: Chronic constipation is a common, self-reported, and symptom-based disorder which can significantly influence an individual’s health-related quality of life and imposes several financial costs.

Aims: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of water consumption, fiber intake, and physical activity (PA) on constipation, and which one is more critical by considering the mediating effect of BMI.

Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 400 older adults in 2019 referring to the comprehensive health service centers in Karaj, the capital of Alborz province. The data were collected using the questionnaires of demographic and anthropometric characteristics, PASE (Physical activity for elderly), fluid intake, FFQ (Food Frequency questionnaire), Wexner constipation, and Persian lifestyle questionnaire analyzed using SPSS and LISREL software.

Results: Based on the final fitted model, PA is the most critical constipation-related factor compared to the fluid intake and fiber consumption. In addition, fiber consumption is the second crucial factor affecting constipation, and there is a negative association between constipation and fiber intake.

Conclusion: As price is one of the barriers to fiber consumption among the elderly, the recommendation to do physical activity such as walking to solve constipation is efficient and inexpensive for individuals with different socio-economic status.

Keywords: Physical activity, Wexner constipation, fiber consumption, elderly, Iran.

Effect of polysaccharide-coatings on the physicochemical properties and nutritional composition of deep-fried chicken breasts

Utibe Mfon Okon — 2025-01-22

Background: The consumption of deed-fried foods has been a topic of considerable debated in nutritional science due to its potential adverse effects on health. In this context, the method of coating deep-fried chicken breasts has garnered increasing attention.

Aims: This study aimed to provide valuable insights into the effects of alternative plant-based coatings on the physicochemical and nutritional properties of deep-fried chicken breast, with the broader objective of promoting healthier food options for consumers.

Materials and Methods: Pre-weighed, marinated chicken breast chunks were immersed in treatment batter made from various edible flour coatings, including wheat, sweet potato, cassava, and cocoyam. The samples were refrigerated and subsequently deep-fried. The fried products were analyzed for proximate and mineral composition, while breaded samples were examined for physicochemical properties.

Results: While coating did not affect the coating yield, it significantly increased frying yield (p < 0.0001) and pH (p = 0.0105). However, edible coatings did no significantly influence the lightness (p = 0.1481), redness (p = 0.3596), or yellowness (p = 0.6852) of the meat. Among proximate components, crude fiber and energy levels remained unchanged, but other parameters varied significantly across treatments (p < 0.05). Likewise, most mineral parameters, except magnesium, exhibited significant differences among coatings (p < 0.05). Notably, sweet potato coatings enhanced the physicochemical and proximate attributes more effectively than the other coatings, while cocoyam coatings yielded superior mineral composition compared to wheat flour.

Conclusion: Alternative plant-based coatings significantly influenced the physicochemical properties, nutrient composition, and mineral content of deep-fried chicken breasts. These findings suggest that utilizing such coatings could result in healthier fried chicken products. Further research is necessary to optimize these coatings for enhanced consumer acceptability and to support their integration into healthier dietary options.

Keywords: Frying medium, frying yield, meat color, mineral content, wheat flour substitutes.

Enhancing food security through scientific research in Algeria. A novel vision and unified national strategy

Bachir Benarba — 2024-09-14

In this viewpoint we present the Algerian approach adopted to achieve a useful collaboration between researchers and socioeconomic partners to ensure food security.

Relationship between dietary habits and cardiovascular disease risk factors among commercial drivers in northeast Nigeria

Bidemi Bernice Emmanuel — 2024-12-31

Background: Unhealthy dietary practices are prevalent among commercial drivers, and poor diet quality is well known to predispose individuals to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Aims: This study investigated the relationship between dietary habits and cardiovascular disease risk factors among commercial drivers in northeast Nigeria.

Subjects and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in northeast Nigeria, involving 924 commercial drivers selected using a multistage sampling technique. Dietary habits were assessed using a pretested structured Food Frequency Questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPS survey. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Results: Only 16.3% and 8.1% of participants consumed fruits and vegetables daily, with over half failing to meet the recommended daily servings. The majority (82.1%) ate meals during trips, and 56.4% consumed breakfast outside the home. Consumption of carbonated drinks and snacks was reported by 15.2% of drivers. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between the frequency of meals consumed during trips (r = 0.067) and body mass index. A significant negative correlation (p < 0.01) existed between eating during trips (r = -0.134) and blood pressure. Additionally, a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) was found between the consumption of carbonated drinks and snacks (r = 0.183) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), as well as between vegetable servings (r = 0.149) and triglyceride levels.

Conclusions: The low intake of fruits and vegetables and the high reliance on food consumed outside the home among commercial drivers may increase their risk of cardiovascular diseases. Targeted nutrition education is necessary to promote healthier dietary habits among this population.

Prevalence of anemia, hematocrit variations, and micronutrient supplementation practices among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria

Rukiyat Abdus -salam — 2025-01-11

Background: Anemia is a prevalent complication of pregnancy that poses significant a risk to both maternal and fetal health, potentially leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anemia is diagnosed when hemoglobin (Hb) levels are below 11g/dL, with nutritional deficiencies being the most common underlying cause.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anemia, the intake of common micronutrient supplements, and other factors influencing changes in hematocrit levels among pregnant women.

Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in antenatal clinics in Ibadan from January to February 2023. Data were collected from 309 pregnant women in their third trimester using a pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire captured socio-demographic details, obstetric characteristics, packed-cell volume, and the intake of micronutrient supplements. Descriptive statistics were performed, and paired sample t-test along with linear regression analyses were used to determine associations. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 30.49 ± 5.03 years, with the majority having tertiary education (77%) and identifying as Christians (57%). At the time of booking, 42.9% of participants were anemic, with a mean packed cell volume (PCV) of 33.46% (SD = 3.83). A significant reduction in anemia prevalence was observed during the interview, with 26.8% f participants classified as anemic (Mean PCV = 34.03, SD=2.90) [t (155) = 2.089, p = 0.038]. While 73.5% of participants reported adequate folic acid intake, only 51.1% consumed sufficient ferrous tablets. Fewer than 30% of participants reported adequate intakes of calcium, vitamin A and other micronutrients. Changes in hematocrit levels were not significantly associated with micronutrient intake but were significantly influenced by participants’ age group (p = 0.029), level of education (p = 0.041), and religion (p = 0.007).

Conclusion: The study observed a significant reduction anemia prevalence during the third trimester among participants, despite suboptimal micronutrient supplementation. This suggests the possible contribution of alternative sources of micronutrients, likely dietary, with age and educational attainment emerging as significant influencing factors.

Keywords: Anemia, hematocrit changes, micronutrients supplementation, pregnancy, women.