Pembentukan persamaan untuk menganggar berat badan dalam kalangan warga emas di Lembah Klang

Berat badan mungkin boleh dianggarkan dengan menggunakan persamaan yang dibentuk daripada pengukuran antropometri, apabila berat badan sukar untuk diukur dalam kalangan warga emas yang terlantar. Objektif kajian ini ialah untuk membentuk persamaan menganggar berat badan dalam kalangan warga emas yang tinggal di Lembah Klang daripada beberapa pengukuran antropometri. Kajian hirisan lintang ini dijalankan dalam kalangan warga emas yang tinggal di komuniti, berumur 60 tahun dan ke atas di kawasan Lembah Klang. Subjek direkrut berdasarkan kaedah persampelan mudah. Berat badan, ketinggian berdiri, ketinggian lutut (KH), demi-span (DS), lipatan kulit subskapula (SSF), ukurlilit betis (CC), ukurlilit pinggang (WC), ukurlilit pinggul (HC), ukurlilit pertengahan lengan atas (MUAC) dan ukurlilit pergelangan tangan (WrC) diukur mengikut protokol yang standard. Validasi silang telah dilakukan. 61% daripada jumlah subjek yang dipilih secara rawak adalah untuk pembentukan persamaan manakala 39% subjek adalah subjek kawalan. Persamaan dibentuk menggunakan analisis regresi berganda secara berperingkat. Seramai 164 orang warga emas telah terlibat dalam kajian ini terdiri daripada 39.0% subjek lelaki dan 61.0% subjek perempuan. Min umur subjek ialah 68.32 ± 5.79 tahun manakala min untuk berat badan yang diukur ialah 66.46 ± 11.98 kg. Persamaan yang dibentuk untuk menganggar berat badan ialah: anggaran berat badan = 5.149 (Jantina) – 0.082 (Umur) + 0.889 (Ukurlilit pinggul) + 1.112 (Ketinggian lutut) – 72.778 (R2 = 0.848, p < 0.001). Nilai korelasi bagi 61% subjek lebih tinggi (r = 0.921) berbanding nilai korelasi untuk 39% subjek (r = 0.883). Walau bagaimanapun, perbezaan antara berat badan yang diukur dengan berat badan anggaran adalah tidak signifikan (p = 0.798). Ini menunjukkan persamaan yang dibentuk boleh menganggar berat badan dalam kalangan warga emas, kerana nilai berat badan anggaran adalah hampir sama dengan nilai berat badan yang diukur. Kesimpulannya, persamaan yang dibentuk boleh digunakan untuk menganggar berat badan dalam kalangan warga emas, kerana nilai berat badan anggaran adalah hampir dengan nilai berat badan yang diukur. Persamaan yang dibentuk boleh digunakan untuk menganggar dalam kalangan warga emas di Malaysia. Namun begitu, kajian lanjutan ke atas populasi warga emas dalam latar klinikal diperlukan untuk memastikan bahawa persamaan yang dibentuk boleh digunakan untuk latar yang berlainan seperti dalam latar klinikal

Phenolic content and antioxidant activities of commercial pomegranate and date concentrates

The aim of this study was to determine the polyphenol content and antioxidant activities in commercialized date and pomegranate concentrates that are available in local market. A total of seven samples comprised of two brands of date concentrates (D1 and D2) and five brands of pomegranate concentrates (P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5) have been analyzed for their polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. The Folin-Ciocalteu assay was used to determine the polyphenol content (TPC) of the samples while 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays were used to determine the antioxidant activity. The results showed the commercialized date concentrate D2 contained the highest TPC (1243.00 ± 67.00 mg GAE/100 ml) and antioxidant activity using FRAP assay (2.67 ± 0.01 mmol TE/100 ml). Date concentrate D1 showed the highest antioxidant activity using DPPH assay (0.39 ± 0.02 mmol TE/100 ml). The pomegranate concentrate P5 showed the highest reading for TPC (3260.10 ± 428.70 mg GAE/100 ml), DPPH (1.61 ± 0.05 mmol TE/100 ml) and FRAP assays (20.98 ± 0.42 mmol TE/100 ml). As a conclusion, the studied commercial date and pomegranate concentrates available in the local market contained high polyphenol and antioxidant contents although the content levels were different from one brand to another. Further study is needed to identify the causes of this distinction. The results of this study could help the consumers to make a better selection of commercialized date and pomegranate concentrates that are available in local market in term of polyphenol content and antioxidant activity

More ulam for your brain: a review on the potential role of ulam in protecting against cognitive decline

Ulam is the South East Asian traditional vegetables which contains high total phenolic content and exhibits antioxidant activity. Several studies have reported the potential of neuroprotective effect of ulam. The objective of this review article was to highlight the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of ulam and the roles of phenolic content that can contribute to attenuation of cognitive decline. The review includes randomized controlled trial and experimental studies from year 2007 to 2017. In this review, PRISMA method was used to report the results (n=15). Phenolic compounds, ie plants’ second metabolites of selected ulam in South East Asia were also discussed in this review, with respect to its potential for health promotion which and reducing the risk of cognitive disease. Oenanthe javanica (selom), Ocimum basilicum (daun selasih) and Anacardium occidentale L. (pucuk gajus) were ranked in the top three highest TPC among all the selected ulam. In general, Polygonum minus (kesum), Anacardium occidentale L. (pucuk gajus) and Cosmos caudatus (ulam raja) exhibited high DPPH radical scavenging activity whereas Anacardium occidentale L. (pucuk gajus) exhibited highest ferric ion reducing potential (FRAP) among all the selected ulam in South East Asia countries. Overall, some studies had shown Centella asiatica (pegaga), Oenanthe javanica (selom), Polygonum minus (kesum), Ocimum basilicum (daun selasih) and Murraya koenigii (daun kari) are beneficial in improving cognitive status and mood. The bioactive compounds in ulam may exhibit neuroprotective effects but human studies are still lacking in exploring the relationship between ulam consumption and cognitive status

Relationship between traditional Malaysian vegetables (ulam) intake and cognitive status among middle-aged adults from low cost residential areas

Ulam is fresh traditional Malaysian vegetables which normally consumed in raw form or after a short blanching process. It contains high antioxidants and polyphenols. However, there is limited study about the relationship between ulam consumption and cognitive status. Thus, a cross sectional study was conducted to determine the relation with cognitive function among 132 middle-aged Malays adults (45-59 years old), recruited by convenient sampling from low income residences in Klang Valley. Respondents were interviewed to obtain data on sociodemography, dietary intake and total ulam intake and also measured for anthropometric parameters at respective community centres. Cognitive status was measured using Digit Span (attention and working memory), Rey auditory verbal learning test (RAVLT) (verbal memory) and comprehensive trail making test (CTMT) (cognitive flexibility). The average ulam intake by the respondents was 15.1 ± 8.2g/day and the top five highest consumed ulam were petai (68.1%), pucuk paku (62.9%), ulam raja (56.8%), pegaga (54.6%) and kesum (44.7%).There was a significant correlation between ulam intake with Digit Span (r = 0.265, p = 0.006), total immediate recall of RAVLT (r = 0.427, p < 0.001) and CTMT (r = 0.257, p = 0.007). Analysis of multiple regression indicated that total ulam intake was a significant predictor for Digit Span (R2 = 0.152, p < 0.05), RAVLT (R2 = 0.335, p = 0.001) and CTMT (R2 = 0.310, p < 0.001). In conclusion, this study showed that ulam has the potential to protect against cognitive decline, however, randomized control trials should be conducted to determine the efficacy of the ulam as neuroprotective agent

Influence of fruit and vegetable intake on satiety and energy intake: a review

Fruit and vegetable are the natural foods that contained various nutrients vital for good health and help in weight loss by suppressing an individual’s appetite. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate the acute effect of fruit and vegetable intake on satiety and energy intake. We included randomized controlled trial or experimental designs measuring fruit and/or vegetable intake on satiety using subjective appetite rating and appetite related hormone and energy intake among healthy adults, published in English-language. The use of extract, powder form or concentrated fruit and/or vegetable and animal study were excluded. Twelve studies were identified from Pubmed, Science Direct and Cochrane from the year 1995 to August 2017, consists of six studies on fruit and six studies on vegetable. This review discussed the preload of fruit and vegetable in promoting satiety and reducing the energy intake. Manipulating energy density rather than portion size was effective in reducing total energy intake and promotes satiety. Fruit and vegetable in solid form had a greater satiety effect and significantly reduce energy intake compared to liquid or pureed form. The variation in time interval between fruit and/or vegetable intake and the test meal may also account a significant effect on satiety up to 2 h and diminished 3 h onward. The satiety effect of fruit and vegetable would be beneficial in body weight management

Which aging group prone to have inadequate nutrient intake?: TUA study

Older adults quite often had an inadequate diet leading to micronutrient deficiencies and impaired immune response with subsequent development of degenerative diseases. This study aimed to determine the adequacy of energy and nutrient intake and its distribution among three aging groups i.e. successful aging (SA), usual aging (UA) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This is a cross-sectional study involving a large sample size (n = 2322) of older adults recruited through multistage random sampling from four states of Malaysia. An interview was conducted to measure dietary intake, neurocognitive status and functional status by using the Diet History Questionnaire (DHQ), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Rey Auditory Learning Test (RAVLT), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL) and Quality of Life Questionnaire. For comparison of dietary intake, a sub-sample of 173 respondents from each aging groups were matched and selected using a comparative cross-sectional approach. Women in SA group had the highest mean intake of vitamin A, calcium (p <0.05), vitamin C, riboflavin and iron (p<0.001). The same aging group also achieved the highest RNI percentage for the same nutrients. More than 80% of respondents for all aging groups did not met the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for vitamin E, thiamin, niacin, folate, calcium and zinc. In women, MCI respondents were more likely to have an inadequate intake of vitamin A, C, riboflavin and iron followed by UA and SA. Inadequate vitamin E, niacin, folate and calcium were prevalent among all gender and aging groups. There is a need to further distinguish specific dietary patterns associated with these three aging groups to promote optimal nutrient intake for cognitive health

Hubungan antara status mood dan fungsi kognitif dalam kalangan warga emas yang mempunyai kecelaan kognitif ringan

Terdapat beberapa bukti menyatakan bahawa status mood mampu mempengaruhi fungsi kognitif dari segi ingatan episodik, ingatan kerja dan penyelesaian masalah. Kajian ini dijalankan untuk menilai hubungan antara status mood dan fungsi kognitif dalam kalangan warga emas yang mempunyai Kecelaan Kognitif Ringan (MCI). Kajian ini melibatkan 12 orang lelaki dan 37 orang wanita dari Lembah Klang yang berusia 60 tahun ke atas. MCI ditakrif berdasarkan kriteria yang dicadangkan oleh Peterson. Fungsi kognitif subjek dinilai dengan menggunakan ujian Mini Mental State (MMS), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning (RAVL), Digit Span, Digit Symbol Substituition (DSS) dan Visual Reproduction; Manakala status mood termasuk ketegangan, kemurungan, kemarahan, kecergasan, penghargaan diri, keletihan dan kekeliruan dinilai melalui soal selidik Profile of Mood States (POMS). Jumlah skor subskala positif dan negatif serta jumlah gangguan mood (Total Mood Disturbance) juga dikira. Hasil kajian ini menunjukkan korelasi positif antara ketegangan (r = 0.325, p = 0.30), kecergarsan (r = 0.235, p = 0.036) dengan ingatan episodik lisan yang dinilai dengan ujian RAVL. Di samping itu, korelasi positif juga dapat diperhatikan antara kecergasan (r = 0.228, p = 0.035) dan skor subskala positif (r = 0.237, p = 0.025) dengan ujian DSS yang menilai kelajuan pemprosesan kognitif. Ujian regresi berganda juga menunjukkan bahawa subjek mempunyai penghargaan diri yang tinggi [OR = 0.390, 95% CI [0.069-0.711], p = 0.019) dan ketegangan (OR = 0.253, 95% CI [0.075-0.431) p = 0.007) mempunyai ingatan episodik yang lebih baik. Skor subskala positif yang lebih tinggi juga mempunyai berhubungkait dengan kelajuan pemprosesan kognitif yang lebih pantas (OR = 0.856, 95% CI [0.099-1.614], p = 0.028). Kesimpulannya, warga emas yang mempunyai mood yang lebih positif adalah lebih cenderung kepada ingatan jangka pendek yang lebih baik dan kelajuan pemprosesan yang lebih cekap

Acute modulatory effects of apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, lemon and honey mixture, with and without exercise on postprandial glycemia innon-diabetic females

Postprandial hyperglycemia is independently related to cardiovascular disease. Garlic, ginger, lemon, honey and apple cider vinegar are known to have anti-glycemic properties. However, the effectiveness of combination of these natural products on reducing postprandial glycemia is uncertain. The aim of the present study was to investigate the glucose-lowering effect of a novel mixture consisting of apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, lemon, and honey; alone and in combination with exercise in response to a high-carbohydrate meal in non-diabetic individuals. Ten, female subjects (mean age: 25 ± 2.67 years, mean BMI: 22.6 ± 3.5 kg/m2) participated in this randomised, cross-over intervention consisting of four trials: control (CON), mixture only (MIX), exercise only (EX), and exercise + mixture (EX-MIX). All trials involved consumption of a high-carbohydrate breakfast, then followed by rest in CON, consumption of natural product mixture in MIX, brisk-walking exercise in EX, and combination of mixture and exercise in EX-MIX. Blood glucose was measured at fasting, and at 30, 60, 90, 120 minutes post meal. Postprandial glucose response was calculated as area under the glucose curve. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant group and time interaction (p < 0.001). Compared to CON, postprandial glucose responses were 8%, 13% and 15% lower in MIX (p = 0.049), EX (p = 0.001) and EX-MIX (p = 0.005) respectively. Postprandial glucose was 8% lower in EX-MIX compared to MIX (p = 0.002). In conclusion, consuming natural product mixture containing garlic, ginger, lemon, honey and apple cider vinegar reduced postprandial glycemia to a certain extent, however, combining mixture with exercise produced a greater attenuation effect compared to consuming mixture alone. This finding is indicative of a potential benefit of the novel mixture as a complementary management of hyperglycemia in high-risk individual

Mood, cognitive function and quality of life improvements in middle aged women following supplementation with Polygonum minus extract

Polygonum minus is a plant rich in flavonoids and antioxidants beneficial for reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in neuronal membranes. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the potential benefits of P. minus extract (LineMinusTM) towards improving cognitive function, mood status and quality of life. Thirty five middle-aged women (35-55 years old) were randomized into intervention (n=17) and control group (n=18). Two capsules of P. minus (250 mg) or placebo (100 mg maltodextrin) each were taken once daily for six weeks. Cognitive tests, mood and anthropometric measurements were measured at baseline, week 3 and week 6, whilst biomarkers were measured at baseline and week 6. Parameters related to mood and quality of life including energy/fatigue, social functioning and general health significantly improved from baseline to week 6 in the intervention group (p<0.05). Mean score for cognitive tests (i.e. digit span, comprehensive trail making test (CTMT) and three domains of CNS vital sign (CNSVS)] improved significantly in both intervention and control groups (p<0.05). There was a significant decrease of mean uric acid, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), total cholesterol and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) in the intervention group from baseline to week 6. P. minus supplementation has the potential to improve mood and quality of life and no adverse effects were reported by the participants after 6 weeks supplementation

Dietary intake, levels of trace elements and intelligence quotient (IQ) among huffaz students from selected tahfiz schools in Selangor

Tahfiz education has been well accepted by Muslims in Malaysia. Memorizing the Quran through rote learning can assist in improving the brain ability to process, store information and build memory. In addition, dietary intakes were reported to contribute in the process of memorizing the Quran and to increase the levels of intelligence (IQ) among huffaz students. This cross-sectional study was conducted to measure and to determine the correlation between IQ and dietary intake as well as between IQ and the level of trace elements among students in selected tahfiz schools and non-tahfiz school in Selangor. Questionnaires were used to obtain demographic data. Dietary intake was assessed via 3 days dietary record. Levels of trace elements in the nail samples were analyzed by using ICP-MS. Test for intelligence using WASI-II was conducted to measure the students’ IQ. The results showed that there was a moderate positive correlation between IQ and carbohydrate (r = 0.425, p < 0.001, a weak positive correlation between IQ and energy (r = 0.260, p < 0.05), vitamin B6 (r = 0.189, p < 0.05), vitamin B12 (r = 0.207, p < 0.05) and vitamin C (r = 0.211, p < 0.05). The levels of trace elements in nail samples showed no correlation with IQ, whereas there were moderate positive correlations between IQ and dietary zinc (r = 0.375, p < 0.001) as well as between IQ and dietary iron (r = 0.303, p < 0.001). There was also a moderate positive correlation between IQ and the level of memorization (r = 0.375, p < 0.001). The results of stepwise multiple linear regression showed that al-Quran memorization influence the level of IQ by 20 %. As a conclusion, dietary intake of certain nutrients including energy, vitamins and selected trace elements can potentially improve memorization activities and also IQ