The North African Journal of Food and Nutrition Research

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.

Physicochemical characteristics and nutritional value of safflower oil: A potential sustainable crop for Egypt

Walid S. Abd El-Baset — 2024-10-16

Background: The Increasing demand for sustainable and economical non-traditional edible oils, as alternatives to common oils is pivotal to bridge the edible oils gap, coupled with negative impacts of climate change on the agroecological settings for common oilseed crop productivity. Safflower, being one of the fast-growing medicinal oilseeds crops rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, known as the “king of linoleic acid”, exhibits resilience to adverse environmental conditions such as high temperatures, drought, salinity, and marginal environments.

Aims: This study aimed to comprehensively assess the physicochemical characteristics and lipid nutritional indices of safflower oil to validate its potential for expanded cultivation in Egypt.

Materials and Methods: Safflower oil was extracted from seeds of two spineless varieties cultivated in Egypt. The oil was subjected to proximate analysis, physicochemical characterization, fatty acid profile determination, and α-tocopherol content analysis. Additionally, a frying stability test was carried out for safflower oil and its blends with soybean oil in different ratios, monitoring changes in free fatty acid, peroxide value, and total polar compounds. Lipid nutritional indices were calculated to assess the oil’s health-promoting properties.

Results: Safflower oil exhibited similar proximate composition and physicochemical characteristics to sunflower oil. The fatty acid profile of safflower oil was comparable to sunflower oil, with a lower oleic acid content and a higher linoleic acid content. Furthermore, safflower oil demonstrated satisfactory stability during the frying process. Lipid nutritional indices calculated based on the fatty acid profile revealed that safflower oil is a valuable source of ω-6 fatty acids. The oil exhibited favorable values for atherogenicity index (AI), thrombogenic index (TI), hypocholesterolemic / hypercholesterolemic (HH), health-promoting index (HPI), and possessed strong antioxidant properties due to its high α-tocopherol content.

Conclusion: The findings of this study support the potential of safflower oil as a promising non-traditional edible oil, suitable for expanded cultivation in Egypt. Its favorable nutritional profile and stability make it a valuable addition to the dietary landscape.

Keywords: Carthamus tinctorius L., safflower oil, edible oil gap, lipid nutritional indices, frying stability, non-traditional edible oils.

Evaluation of hematological and biochemical parameters of liver function following consumption of Vitex doniana fruit syrup

Fred Coolborn Akharaiyi — 2024-12-08

Background: Vitex doniana is a tropical plant whose leaves and fruits are traditionally utilized for medicinal and nutritional purposes.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the hematological and biochemical effects of Vitex doniana fruit syrup on liver function using an animal model.

Subjects and Methods: Male and female mice with weighing between 24 – 32 g were utilized in this study. Group 1 served as the negative control and was provided with feed and water. Groups 2 – 6 were orally administered single doses of the syrup at concentrations of 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 mL for 14 days. Hematological parameters were analyzed using an automated hematologic analyzer. In vivo antioxidant and biochemical assays were conducted using standard chemical methods, while histopathological assessments were performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Results: The mice showed a weight gain ranging from 8.12 to 9.81 g over the study period. An increase was observed in red blood cell count (7.32 – 7.45 m/cu.mm), white blood cells (4.30 – 4.35 t/cu.mm), lymphocytes (55.21 – 54.72%), neutrophils (21.64 – 12.70%), and packed cell volume (PCV) (41.04 – 41.16%). Antioxidant activity showed catalase values between 50.20–58.21 µM/g, glutathione (23.41 – 28.34 µM/g), and lipid peroxidation levels of 93.54 – 106.21 µM/g). Biochemical analysis revealed a reduction in alkaline phosphate (91.17 – 85.24 IU/L), aspartate aminotransferase (58.67 – 31.56 IU/L), and alanine aminotransferase (58.16 to 43.36 IU/L). Decreases were also observed in total bilirubin, creatinine, cholesterol, and urea levels. However, an increase in total albumin (3.16 – 3.38 mg/dL), total protein (6.42 – 6.74 mg/dL), and uric acid (7.06 – 5.10 mg/dL) was recorded with increasing syrup concentrations.

Conclusion: The study concludes that Vitex doniana fruit syrup poses no adverse health implications. On the contrary, it exhibits potential for blood maintenance, antioxidant activity, and supports enzymatic functions beneficial for liver health.

Keywords: Antioxidants, biomarkers, hematology, liver function, syrup, V. doniana