Nutritional knowledge, fruits and vegetables consumption patterns, among undergraduates students of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (AEFUNAI)

Background: Eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables each day is associated with the reduction in the risk of chronic diseases. There is paucity of data on the patterns of fruits and vegetables consumption among students in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (AEFUNAI). Objective of the study: The study aimed at assessing nutrition knowledge, fruits and vegetables consumption patterns among students of AEFUNAI. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of 470 students aged (17-27 years) (234 males and 236 females) participated in this study. A semi-structured pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on height, weight, socio-demographic profile, nutritional knowledge, fruits and vegetables consumption pattern. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square. Statistical significance was determined at 5% level (P <0.05). Results: About 88.7% of the respondents were in the age range of 17 – 24 years. Mean age and BMI of males were 21.72 ± 2.80 years and 22.15 ±2.42 kg/m2 while those of females were 20.64 ±2.12 years and 23.2±3.5 kg/m2 respectively. About 92 % of the respondents had a good knowledge about the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables. More females than males consumed fruits always or sometimes but the differences were not significant (p>0.05). About 70.9% and 76.0% of the respondents did not have any idea about the minimum daily recommendation of fruits and vegetables respectively. Commonly consumed fruits were watermelon, apples, banana and orange while fruited pumpkin, carrot, bitter leaf and cucumber were the commonly consumed vegetables. Variables such as availability and price significantly (p<0.05) hindered the students’ fruit and vegetable intake. Conclusions: Results of this study suggest inadequate Fruits and Vegetables consumption among students of AEFUNAI. Cost and availability appears to be the major hindrance to adequate consumption of Fruits and Vegetables among students of AEFUNAI

Validation of the Ejike-Ijeh equations for the estimation of body fat percentage: A random cross-sectional study in adult Nigerians

The Ejike-Ijeh equations for the estimation of body fat percentage makes it possible for the body fat content of individuals and populations to be determined without the use of costly equipment. However, because the equations were derived using data from a young-adult (18-29 years old) Nigerian population, it is important to validate the equations in a wider spectrum of adults. This study is an attempt at such validation. A total of 365 adult Nigerians aged 18 to 80 years (52.9% females) participated in this random cross-sectional study. Standard internationally accepted protocols were followed for all determinations and calculations. Appropriate statistical tools were used to analyse the data generated. The mean age of the subjects was 44±16 years. The differences between the mean ages of both sexes was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Using BMI as a diagnostic, obesity was found in 12.3% of the population (17.1% in females and 7.0% in males). On the other hand, using percent fat mass (PFM), 16.4% (25.4% females and 6.4% males) were found to be obese. Measured PFM correlated positively and significantly (r=+0.635; P<0.001) with the PFM-II in the general population. The correlations were stronger in males (r=+0.736) compared to females (r=+0.563). The Ejike-Ijeh equations appear valid for use in adult Nigerians.Keywords: Body fat, obesity, prediction equations, validatio

Validation of the Ejike-Ijeh equations for the estimation of body fat percentage: A random cross-sectional study in adult Nigerians

The Ejike-Ijeh equations for the estimation of body fat percentage makes it possible for the body fat content of individuals and populations to be determined without the use of costly equipment. However, because the equations were derived using data from a young-adult (18-29 years old) Nigerian population, it is important to validate the equations in a wider spectrum of adults. This study is an attempt at such validation. A total of 365 adult Nigerians aged 18 to 80 years (52.9% females) participated in this random cross-sectional study. Standard internationally accepted protocols were followed for all determinations and calculations. Appropriate statistical tools were used to analyse the data generated. The mean age of the subjects was 44\ub116 years. The differences between the mean ages of both sexes was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Using BMI as a diagnostic, obesity was found in 12.3% of the population (17.1% in females and 7.0% in males). On the other hand, using percent fat mass (PFM), 16.4% (25.4% females and 6.4% males) were found to be obese. Measured PFM correlated positively and significantly (r=+0.635; P<0.001) with the PFM-II in the general population. The correlations were stronger in males (r=+0.736) compared to females (r=+0.563). The Ejike-Ijeh equations appear valid for use in adult Nigerians

Improvement of glucose tolerance in rats fed with diets containing Vernonia amygdalina leaves

The effect of 5% and 10% dietary incorporation of leaves of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) on oral glucose tolerance was studied in normoglycemic male albino rats. The feeding of the vegetable incorporated diets (5% VA and 10%VA) resulted in marked improvement in oral glucose tolerance in rats. After one week of diet administration, following an oral glucose load (3g/kg body weight), blood glucose concentration (BGC) (mg/dL) in rats fed the 5% VA peaked at 15minutes (147.24\ub1 18.46), while the BGC in rats fed the control diet and 10% VA peaked at 30mins (180.00 \ub1 28.57 and 159.48 \ub1 16.07 respectively). After two weeks of feeding of the vegetable incorporated diets, post administration BGC peaked at 15 minutes in the test groups [5% VA diet (152.64\ub1 33.46) and 10% VA diet group (121.95\ub1 24.78)] while the peak remained at 30 minutes in the control group. After 3 weeks of diet administration BGC remained peaked at 15 minutes in the 5% and 10% VA diet groups (137.16 \ub1 61.29 and 132.75 \ub1 8.86 respectively). Rats in both test groups, after 3 weeks on the test diets, had their glycaemic indices reduced by 15- 18%. These findings indicate that feeding on diets containing Vernonia amygdalina could positively modulate oral glucose tolerance. The vegetable could be useful in dietary management of conditions associated with oral glucose tolerance, and by extension, hyperglycemia

Prostate Disorders In An Apparently Normal Nigerian Population 2: Relationship With Some Biochemical Parameters

Globally, prostate disorders constitute a lot of health concern for men. Early identification of risk factors and groups at risk minimizes the adverse effects of these disorders. The possible relationship between prostate disorders and parameters like age, blood group, Rhesus factor, haemoglobin genotype, serum total cholesterol level and fasting blood glucose concentration, in Nsukka was studied. A total of 101 apparently normal subjects who were not on prescription drugs and who did not have sex or prostatic massage at least two days before sampling were recruited for assays. Standard procedures were used for all the assays. There was no significant mean difference in the Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) means of the different groups, per parameter, (p>0.05), except for age where a significant mean difference (p<0.05) was noticed between those aged 40-49 and 70+. PAP levels correlated positively with PSA (r = 0.670, p<0.01), age (r = 0.271, p<0.01). It also correlated positively with serum total cholesterol (r = 0.528, p<0.05) in subjects older than 69 years only. No correlation was noticed between PAP and the other parameters measured (p>0.05 in each case). Age and serum total cholesterol (in those older than 69 years only) but not the other parameters, may predispose to prostate disorders

Prostate Disorders In An Apparently Normal Nigerian Population 1: Prevalence

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) constitutes a lot of health burden for adult males. Prevalence statistics are well documented in the developed world, but not so well documented in Africa, especially in Nigeria. This study was therefore carried out to provide information on the prevalence of BPH in this locality. Adult males (aged forty years or older) who reside in Nsukka, Enugu State Nigeria, who had no apparent symptoms of ill health, were used for the study. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) index was used to establish the presence of BPH, respondents' choice of most troublesome symptom and respondents' perception of their quality of life. The results show that 25.35% of the studied population had symptoms suggestive of BPH. The severity of symptoms was seen to increase with age. The respondents regarded Nocturia as the most troublesome symptom of BPH, while storage symptoms were seen to be more troublesome than voiding symptoms. Also 18.91% of the studied population had poor quality of life, while 81.08% were satisfied with their quality of life. The prevalence of BPH in the studied population shows that one in four apparently normal men have BPH. This is comparable to figures from the developed world. Sadly the awareness of the problem in Nigeria is not comparable to that in the developed world. This calls for a concerted effort to reverse this trend. This would check the devastating effect of BPH on the quality of life of men and thereby enhance productivity

Towards the management of hypertension: Modulation of the renin-angiotensin system by food protein hydrolysates and peptides

In response to the side effects of antihypertensive drugs, dietary and lifestyle modification approaches have become alternative strategies for prevention and modulation of mild hypertension. Moreover, the use of low molecular size bioactive peptides (BAPs) as antihypertensive agents has gained particular attention as a result of the safety, low cost, and consumer preference for natural health products compared to drugs. BAPs are produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of food proteins followed by post-hydrolysis processing to fractionate the active peptides. Antihypertensive BAPs exert their effect mostly by modulating the renin-angiotensin system pathway leading to decrease in vasoactive peptides with concomitant reduction of elevated blood pressure associated with hypertension in animal models and humans. This review revisits the prevalence of hypertension and the molecular basis of activity, bioavailability and safety of BAPS as well as contradictions and controversies on the use of peptides as antihypertensive agents

Anti-obesity potentials of aqueous and methanol extracts of Vernonia amygdalina Del. Leaves in high-fat diet fed rats

Background: Obesity is currently a global epidemic. Conventional treatments have not been very satisfactory to patients, warranting a search for alternative therapeutic options that are natural, safe and affordable. This study therefore investigated the anti-obesity potentials of aqueous and methanol extracts of Vernonia amygdalina Del (AEVA and MEVA respectively) in a rat model in which obesity was induced using a high-fat diet.Materials and Methods: Forty two Wistar rats were randomised into 7 groups of 6 rats each. One group served as the Normal Control group and obesity was induced in the other 6 groups. One of the 6 groups each served as Positive Control and Negative Control while the 4 test groups were designated AEVA100, AEVA500, MEVA50 and MEVA200, respectively. The study lasted for 12 weeks after which standard protocols were followed for all analyses and determinations.Results: The results show that both AEVA and MEVA at the tested concentrations resulted in significant (P < 0.05) weight loss (without affecting internal organs negatively), and significant (P < 0.05) improvement in some metabolic markers of obesity in the test rats compared to the negative control rats. MEVA 200 had the greatest anti-obesity effect while MEVA 50 was the least effective. All the test extracts compared well with Orlistat used as the positive control drug on all counts.Conclusion: The observed weight-loss benefits of AEVA and MEVA are attributable to the rich milieu of phytochemicals found in Vernonia amygdalina Del. Further studies to unlock the mechanisms through which the observed weight loss is mediated are warranted.Key words: High-fat diet, Obesity, Phytochemicals, Vernonia amygdalina extracts, Weight los

Health Implications of Occupational Exposure of Butchers to Emissions from Burning Tyres

Background: Flames from burning scrap tyres are used in de-furring animals for human consumption in most parts of Nigeria. Emissions from tyres are known to contain a myriad of toxic mixtures especially particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds, hazardous air pollutants, and inspirable metals, some of which are known human carcinogens. This cross-sectional study investigated the deleterious health effects of these emissions in occupationally-exposed workers at the Dei-Dei Abattoir, Abuja, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 156 respondents were divided into two groups. Group 1 (124 butchers) and group 2 [32 administrative staff (AS)]. Data from digital spirometry were used to determine the association between chronic exposure to tyre emissions and lung function. Urinary 1-Hydroxypyrene concentration, phenolic compounds levels and heavy metal concentrations were determined. Also ambient PM and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations at 3 delineated points in the abattoir were measured. Findings: Spirometry results showed significant deterioration of lung function in the butchers. The concentration of 1-Hydroxypyrene (μg/molCret) in the post-shift urine samples of the butchers was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in butchers relative to the AS (0.52 ± 0.13 Vs 0.20 ± 0.07, respectively). Similarly the concentrations of zinc and nickel (mg/l) were significantly higher in the butchers compared to the AS (zinc: 0.91 ± 0.19 Vs 0.31 ± 0.28, respectively; nickel: 0.11 ± 0.06 Vs 0.06 ± 0.02, respectively). Anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo-a- pyrene, and PM concentrations were significantly higher at the de-furring point when compared to the wash bay and the administrative building, especially between 8.00 and 8.30 am. Conclusion: Occupational exposure to scrap tyre emissions resulted in significant adverse health effects. The existing laws banning the use of burning tyres in meat processing should be enforced while the use of personal protective equipment should be encouraged in abattoirs

ANTI-OBESITY POTENTIALS OF AQUEOUS AND METHANOL EXTRACTS OF Vernonia amygdalina DEL. LEAVES IN HIGH-FAT DIET FED RATS

Background: Obesity is currently a global epidemic. Conventional treatments have not been very satisfactory to patients, warranting a search for alternative therapeutic options that are natural, safe and affordable. This study therefore investigated the anti-obesity potentials of aqueous and methanol extracts of Vernonia amygdalina Del (AEVA and MEVA respectively) in a rat model in which obesity was induced using a high-fat diet. Materials and Methods: Forty two Wistar rats were randomised into 7 groups of 6 rats each. One group served as the Normal Control group and obesity was induced in the other 6 groups. One of the 6 groups each served as Positive Control and Negative Control while the 4 test groups were designated AEVA100, AEVA500, MEVA50 and MEVA200, respectively. The study lasted for 12 weeks after which standard protocols were followed for all analyses and determinations. Results: The results show that both AEVA and MEVA at the tested concentrations resulted in significant (P < 0.05) weight loss (without affecting internal organs negatively), and significant (P < 0.05) improvement in some metabolic markers of obesity in the test rats compared to the negative control rats. MEVA 200 had the greatest anti-obesity effect while MEVA 50 was the least effective. All the test extracts compared well with Orlistat used as the positive control drug on all counts. Conclusion: The observed weight-loss benefits of AEVA and MEVA are attributable to the rich milieu of phytochemicals found in Vernonia amygdalina Del. Further studies to unlock the mechanisms through which the observed weight loss is mediated are warranted