The prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among students of International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan Campus

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become the leading cause of death among the non-communicable diseases worldwide. There are many contributing risk factors for the emergence of CVD. A cross-sectional study was conducted to observe the prevalence of CVD risk factors among International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan Campus (KC) students. 156 participants from different faculties and years of study participated; among them 56 participants were able to complete the whole procedures. A set of questionnaires were distributed to participants. Anthropometric measurements, weight, height, waist circumference, random blood glucose (RBG) and blood pressure were measured. Prevalence of hypertension was 4%. The mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 114.268 ± 12.034 and 74.964 ± 8.636 of mmHg respectively. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 34%, with women having a higher percentage (21%) than men (12%). The mean Body-Mass Index (BMI) was 22.184 ± 4.435 kg/m2. The waist circumference has an average of 71.661 ± 9.215 cm. Prevalence of high blood glucose was absent, and the mean blood glucose level was 6.007 ± 1.018 mmol/L. Dietary fibre-rich foods; vegetables were eaten 6-7 times per week, granola bars and fruits were eaten 1- 2 times per week. Home cooked foods were taken 1-2 times per week. Fast foods were taken frequently around 3- 5 times per week. The study community was engaged in physical activities such as brisk-walk, skipping and sports. Smoking prevalence was 4% only among the male population. The stress level was moderate. The students of IIUM KC practiced healthy diet and were physically active. The CVD-related risks do not prevail among the IIUM KC population

Antioxidant properties and characterization of heterotrigona itama honey from various botanical origins according to their polyphenol compounds

Stingless bee honey is a good source of antioxidants, which is attributed to the phenolic compounds. The type and concentration of phenolic compounds in honey can be affected by botanical origin. Therefore, in this study, Heterotrigona itama honey from three botanical origins (gelam, acacia, and starfruit) was evaluated for its antioxidant activity and profile of phenolic compounds. Apis mellifera honey was used as a comparison. Antioxidant activity and profile of phenolic compounds in honey were determined using spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods, respectively. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), free radical scavenging activity (IC50), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of H. itama were ranged between 52.64 and 74.72 mg GAE/100 g honey, 10.70–25.71 mg QE/100 g honey, 11.27–24.09 mg/mL, and 77.88–164.88 µmol FeSO4.7H2O/100 g honey, respectively. The findings showed that the antioxidant activity and phenolic and flavonoid contents in H. itama honey were significantly higher than Apis honey. Benzoic acid and taxifolin were found as the predominant phenolic acid and flavonoid in all samples. However, chrysin was significantly highest in Apis honey than stingless bee honey. This result suggested that chrysin can be used as a chemical marker to distinguish Apis honey from stingless bee honey. Gallic acid and ellagic acid were found as the chemical marker for gelam honey, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid for starfruit honey while ferulic acid for acacia honey