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, Leili Salehi, Zohreh Mahmoodi — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Implications of climate-smart aquaculture practices on households’ income and food security in Mwanza and Mara, Tanzania’s Lake Zone

Christopher N. Mdoe, Christopher P Mahonge, Edwin E. Ngowi — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Climate-Smart Aquaculture (CSAq) practices present significant opportunity for the mitigation of climate-related challenges within the aquaculture sub-sector, particularly in the Lake Zone of Tanzania, where aquaculture and fisheries are central to household well-being.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of three CSAq practices—integrated farming, polyculture, and monoculture—on household income and food security.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2023 and February 2024, involving 384 aquaculture households across the Mara and Mwanza regions. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including chi-square and t-tests, to determine the influence of CSAq practices on economic and food security outcomes.

Results: The findings revealed that integrated farming significantly enhanced both household income and food security, with participating households achieving a "Very Satisfactory" Household Food Security Index (HFSI) score. In Mara, where integrated farming was more prevalent, households reported significantly higher yields (3303 ± 155 kg) compared to those in Mwanza (2454 ± 146 kg; t = 4.96, p < 0.001). However, Mwanza exhibited significantly higher prices per kilogram (6719 ± 103 TSH) than Mara (5799 ± 122 TSH; t = -5.29, p < 0.001) attributed to superior market access and infrastructure. Polyculture practices, more frequently adopted in Mwanza (35.7%) than in Mara (21.8%), yielded variable impacts on income and food security. Chi-square analysis (χ² = 9.269, p = 0.010) indicated significant regional disparities in CSAq adoption, with Mara exhibiting higher adoption rates of integrated farming (69.3%) compared to Mwanza (56.0%).

Conclusions: This study confirmed that integrated aquaculture-agriculture systems significantly improve household income and food security, while monoculture increases vulnerability. Regional variations indicate higher yields in Mara, associated with the widespread adoption of integrated farming, whereas Mwanza benefited from enhanced market access and elevated fish prices. Strengthening financial access, training programs, and institutional support is crucial for enhancing CSAq adoption. Key recommendations include the expansion of extension services, the improvement of market infrastructure, and the fortification of cooperative support systems to ensure sustainable aquaculture.

Keywords: Climate-Smart Aquaculture (CSAq), Income, Food Security, Household Well-being, Tanzania’s Lake Zone.

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

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The consumption of deep-fried foods has been a topic of considerable debate 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.

Relationship between cultural food taboos and maternal and child nutrition: A systematic literature review

Vimbainashe Prisca Dembedza, Jacob Mapara, Prosper Chopera, Lesley Macheka — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The escalating frequency and severity of climate extremes, such as floods and droughts, are projected to exacerbate the burden of malnutrition. This issue is particularly pronounced among vulnerable populations, including children under five years of age and pregnant women, wherein malnutrition may be further aggravated by the prevalence of culturally ingrained food taboos. While food taboos are often instituted with the intent of safeguarding the health of specific demographic groups, they may also restrict the impose restrictions on the consumption of essential nutrients, thereby impeding optimal growth and development.

Aims: This study aimed to explore the relationship between culturally ingrained food taboos and the nutritional status of mothers and children.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted across a range of electronic databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Semantic Scholar. Following the removal of duplicate entries and the application of pre-defined inclusion criteria, a total of 45 articles were selected for comprehensive analysis. The methodological rigor of the included studies was appraised using the AMSTAR checklist.

Results: The earliest article identified within this review was published in 1994. The majority of the studies were conducted in African countries (24), followed by Asia nations (15). Food taboos predominantly involved plant-based sources (13 articles), with animal-based food sources also frequently subject to prohibitions. Of the reviewed articles, 62.2% focused on women of childbearing age, while six articles specifically addressed children. Notably, only two studies incorporated anthropometric measurements to establish a direct association between food taboos and nutritional outcomes.

Conclusion: Although scholarly inquiry into the intersection of food taboos and maternal and child nutrition has witnessed expansion in recent years, there remains a critical need for more exhaustive studies that employ anthropometric measurements to elucidate the impact of food taboos on nutritional status. Such research would yield more definitive insights into the effects of food taboos on nutritional well-being and inform the development of targeted interventions to address this issue.

Keywords: Culture, Taboos, Women, Child nutrition, Malnutrition.

Traditional cereals-based foods in North African cuisine: Wheat as the cornerstone

Fatma Boukid — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Wheat-based foods occupy a central role in the culinary heritage of North Africa, spanning Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. These staple foods have been deeply embedded in the dietary practices and cultural traditions of the regions for centuries, reflecting the rich agricultural and cultural history tied to wheat cultivation.

Aims: This review explores the historical and contemporary significance of wheat as a foundational element of staple dishes in North Africa. The review examines the preparation techniques and cultural significance of diverse wheat-based products, including pasta-type dishes, bread, flatbreads, soups, whole grains, and pastries. Furthermore, the review critically evaluates the interplay between traditional practices and modern trends shaped by globalization, industrial agriculture, and sustainability challenges.

Methods: The study employs a systematic review of scientific literature, historical documents, culinary research, and grey literature. The review incorporates an in-depth analysis of 72 traditional wheat-based products, highlighting their preparation methods and cultural contexts.

Results: The review highlights the pivotal role of wheat-based foods in North African cuisine. Traditional dishes exhibit a rich diversity of textures and flavors, reflecting regional variations and historical influences. However, the increasing prevalence of mass production and standardization, driven by globalization has led to the erosion of traditional practices such as sourdough fermentation, whole grain utilization, and artisanal techniques. The shift towards industrially processed products and homogenized dietary preferences has significantly impacted the preservation of traditional culinary techniques and ingredients.

Conclusions: Despite the pressures of modernization and global influences, traditional wheat-based foods remain an indispensable component of North Africa's culinary heritage. Initiatives to preserve and revitalize traditional practices, including the use of sourdough and whole grains, are essential for safeguarding the cultural richness of North African cuisine and addressing sustainability challenges.

Keywords: Bread, Flatbread, Couscous, Pasta, Globalization, Ethnic Food.