The roles of growing up milk on growth and anemia prevention in children under 5 years of age

Background: Adequate nutrition during the early years of life is necessary for good growth, development, and long-term health outcomes. The first 1000 days of life are a critical time for nutrition. Aims: This literature review aimed to evaluate the role of growing up milk on growth, stunting, and anemia prevention of under-five children.  Methodology: This study used a literature review approach, searching three databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane. The inclusion criteria in this literature review were 1) randomized clinical trials, systematic review, and meta-analysis, 2) studies conducted over the last 10 years, 3) available in full text, 4) written in Indonesian or English, and 5) Research studies conducted in humans.  Result: We identified 3 publications, that matched the inclusion criteria and research aims, including 2 original articles from Lovell AL, et al and Cervo MCM, et al, and 1 meta-analysis by Brooker PG et al. Fortified milk (GUM) consumption significantly had a positive impact on nutritional status, especially growth and hemoglobin status (anemia).  Conclusion: Fortified milk (GUM) consumption is a solution to macro-micronutrient adequacy in under five children.  More efforts are needed to conduct studies in Indonesia on GUM and address specific nutrients that may promote linear growth, reverse stunting and anemia in children

Changes in nutritional status, risk factors and food intake in stroke subjects: cohort study analysis of non-communicable disease risk factors

Background: Stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide, affecting 15 million people annually. In Indonesia, the prevalence is 10.9%. Major risk factors include high blood pressure, obesity, inactivity, poor diet, and smoking. Objective: This study aims to analyze long-term trends in risk factors, nutritional status, and food intake among stroke patients from 2011-2021, assessing their impact on stroke incidence. Methods: Data from a longitudinal cohort study of 5,329 subjects, including 215 stroke patients, were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2019 and SAS software. ANOVA was used to assess annual changes in risk factors, nutritional status, and food intake. Survival analysis was conducted with SAS PROC LIFETEST and PROC LIFEREG. Results: The cohort was primarily female (62.8%), aged 60 or older (57.2%), senior high school education (25.6%), civil servants (30.7%), and low income (57.2%). Significant changes were noted in BMI (p=0.037), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (p=0.001), HDL (p=0.049), abdominal circumference, smoking habits, physical activity (p<0.001), protein intake (p=0.026), and intake of energy, fat, carbohydrates, and sodium (p<0.001). Factors significantly associated with stroke included age, FBG, postprandial glucose, smoking (p<0.0001), LDL (p=0.0380), HDL (p=0.0126), physical activity (p=0.0455), energy intake (p=0.0002), fat intake (p=0.0007), and sodium intake (p=0.0012). Conclusions: The study highlights significant changes in nutritional status, glucose levels, HDL cholesterol, physical activity, and smoking habits. These factors, along with age, cholesterol levels, and dietary intake, impact stroke incidence, underscoring the need for comprehensive stroke prevention strategies

The correlation of folic acid and homocysteine serum with vascular density and retinal non-perfusion area in diabetic retinopathy

Background : Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is the most common microvascular complication of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Homocysteine has been studied as a biomarker in DR, while folic acid exhibits anti-proliferative effects in DR. Objective : To analyze the correlation between folic acid and homocysteine serum with vascular density and retinal non-perfusion area in healthy individuals and patients with diabetic retinopathy. Methods : This is an observational study with a cross-sectional design, conducted in Dr. Kariadi Hospital and GAKI laboratory in Semarang in January 2023. This study included 60 samples: 15 healthy individuals, 15 patients with DM but no DR, 15 patients with Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR), and 15 patients with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR). Patients were examined for serum folic acid and homocysteine using blood laboratory tests, vessel density and retinal non-perfusion areas using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Results : There was a negative correlation with weak strength between folic acid levels and retinal non-perfusion area of the retina in all samples (Folic acid levels vs retinal non-perfusion area, p = 0.009, Spearman correlation = -0.335). There was a positive correlation with weak strength between folic acid levels and vascular density in all samples (Folic acid levels vs vascular density, p = 0.009, Spearman correlation = 0.337). There was a positive correlation with moderate strength between homocysteine levels and retinal non-perfusion area in all samples (Homocysteine levels vs non–perfusion area of the retina, p = 0.001, Spearman correlation = 0.426). There was a positive correlation with moderate strength between homocysteine levels and vascular density in all samples (Homocysteine levels vs vascular density, p = 0.001, Spearman correlation = -0.414). Conclusion : There was a correlation between folic acid and homocysteine serum with vascular density and retinal non-perfusion areas

Adolescents’ preferences of educational media on sugar sweetened beverages : A qualitative study

Adolescents consume sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), their primary added sugar source, daily, yet there is a considerable SSBs’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) gap. Media literacy is crucial in enhancing student education and engagement through high-quality and digestible materials and methods. This study aims to identify the preferred educational media for SSBs among urban adolescents in Jakarta

Validity test of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) diagnostic criteria compared with the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) criteria in inpatients at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital: A cross-sectional study

Background: Malnutrition experienced by numerous inpatients is linked to various complications. The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM), which established the latest malnutrition criteria, recommends a two-step methodology for diagnosing malnutrition in adult inpatients. This study aims to evaluate the validity of the GLIM criteria for the diagnosis of malnutrition in hospitalized patients at Cipto Mangunkusomo Hospital Jakarta by comparing them with the ASPEN criteria. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Cipto Mangunkusomo Hospital, Jakarta. Secondary data was taken from 100 inpatients from October 2021 to February 2022 selected by consecutive sampling technique. The diagnosis of malnutrition in the patients applied the ASPEN and GLIM criteria. Furthermore, data were analyzed using Cohen's Kappa and chi-square tests. Results: Of 100 inpatients, 63% were diagnosed with malnutrition according to the GLIM diagnostic criteria. Meanwhile, 48% of them were found to be malnourished according to the ASPEN criteria. The GLIM criteria have a specificity of 69.2%, a sensitivity of 97.9%, a PPV of 74.6%, and an NPV of 97.3%. Conclusion: The GLIM diagnostic criteria are valid as an instrument for diagnosing malnutrition but require further research to assess the severity of malnutrition

Role of folic acid supplementation in level of c-reactive protein in metabolic syndrome : evidence based case report

Introduction: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing, its progression involves an inflammatory response that has an important impact on the initiation, progressivity, and complications of several diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cancer. C-reactive protein (CRP) is one of the inflammation markers increased in patients with metabolic syndrome. Folic acid has a role in metabolizing homocysteine and improving endothelial function. There have been many studies conducted, but the results are still inconsistent. Method: Literature searching was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. MeSH terms, advanced search and eligibility criteria were used for title/abstract screening before journal review. Results: One systematic review and meta-analysis (SR-MA) and one RCT met the PICO and eligibility criteria. The SR-MA found that folic acid administration can reduce CRP level (WMD -0.94 (95% CI -1.56 – 0.32; p=0.00) at a dose of 0.15 mg/day for 12 weeks to 10 mg/day for 2 weeks, while the RCT found an insignificant result. Conclusion: Folic acid supplementation has a potential benefit to decrease CRP levels in metabolic syndrome

The effect of vitamin D supplementation on increasing CD4 levels in human immunodeficiency virus: evidence-based report

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus infection that attacks the immune system. According to world data in 2016, the number of HIV-infected patients reached 36.7 million, and 10 million people died due to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Patients with HIV infection are susceptible to decreased levels of vitamin D (25(OH)D) by proinflammatory cytokines or as a result of the use of antiretroviral drugs. Vitamin D plays an important role in immune system, including reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing the production of cathelicidin that inhibit viral replication. Oral vitamin D supplementation is an effort that can be made to increase vitamin D. To date, the relationship between vitamin D sufficiency and CD4 T cell count remains unclear, although most studies have shown a positive association. This study wanted to determine the effect of oral vitamin D supplementation on increasing CD4 levels in patients with HIV infection. Methods: Literature search was carried out by advanced searching on Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct using eligibility criteria determined by the authors. Result: One systematic review and three randomized controlled trials (RCT) met the PICO and eligibility criteria that had been set. Three studies concluded that vitamin D supplementation can increase CD4 levels. One study shows that vitamin D supplementation dose of 5,000 IU daily could not increase CD4 levels. Conclusion: Providing vitamin D supplementation at appropriate dose can increase serum vitamin D levels so that it can increase CD4 levels

Nutrient-rich food index 9.3 score and food choice values among female online food delivery users during COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed eating habits, leading to an increased reliance on online food delivery. It's crucial to comprehend the diet quality and food choices among female users during this period. Objective: This study aims to explore the association between diet quality score and the food choice motives among female online food delivery users during the COVID-19 pandemic Methods: This online cross-sectional study involved surveying 405 female users recruited through consecutive sampling. The Food Choice Values Questionnaire (FCVQ) was utilized to understand their food choices, while nutrient intake and diet quality were assessed using the Nutrient-Rich Food 9.3 Index Score (NRF 9.3). Subsequently, the collected data underwent both univariate and multivariate analyses. Potential biases might arise due to time constraints during the pandemic and reliance on self-reported online data. Moreover, the method used to measure nutrient intake might not be ideal for this demographic, lacking tailored tests. Nonetheless, it’s important to highlight that the survey underwent prior validation among Indonesian adults, affirming its broad applicability. Results: Female users showed low average NRF 9.3 scores (241.67), indicating poor diet quality. Their prioritized food choice motives were also low. Significant associations surfaced between NRF 9.3 scores and food choice motives—tradition (p<0.01, r: 0.229), comfort (p<0.01, r: 0.223), organic (p<0.01, r: 0.231), safety (p<0.001, r: 0.162), weight control/health (p<0.01, r: 0.171), and income (p<0.05). Conclusion: The NRF 9.3 score is likely to increase when there are higher scores for tradition, comfort, and organic factors, and when income exceeds the minimum regional wage

Positive effects of probiotics against alzheimer’s disease: A scoping review

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease related to elderly with subtle onset and progressive impairment of behavior and cognitive functions that is projected to increase without medical breakthroughs. Recent medication effectiveness is limited, only symptomatic treatment is available, none are curative, and variably palliative. Studies suggest an association between gut health and Alzheimer's progression through the “microbiome-gut-brain axis”. A scoping review was conducted to further explore the positive effects of probiotics on AD, highlighting potential of enhancing cognitive function, mitigating inflammation, and improving lipid profiles

Iron deficiency anemia in breastfeeding women and its impact to offspring’s health

Breastmilk contains all the important nutrients for infant. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for infants up to six months of age to achieve optimal growth, development, and health. Breastfeeding also protects against illnesses such as diarrhea, pneumonia, and allergy. However not all women have similar condition, some health problems in breastfeeding mothers can affect the offspring such as anemia