The role of biofortification in the reduction of micronutrient food insecurity in developing countries

Micronutrient malnutrition is a global public health problem, especially in developing countries. Hunger and starvation which are causative agents of malnutrition are occasioned by poor food supply and low income purchasing power for the expensive animal sources of micronutrients. Access to adequate, safe and nutritious food required for a healthy and active life by all people at all times is limited, resulting in micronutrient food insecurity. The quantity and quality of food available for consumption to people determine their micronutrient security level. Inadequate quantity and quality of food available for consumption are causative agents for macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies. Bio-fortification is an emerging method to increase the micronutrient values of crops in order to eradicate hidden hunger in developing nations. This paper therefore describes the contribution of biofortification in fighting micronutrient malnutrition in developing countries.Keywords: Micronutrient food insecurity, biofortification, developing nations, Micronutrients.African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(37), pp. 5559-556

Corrupt practices negatively influenced food security and live expectancy in developing countries

Abstract Malnutrition is a global public health problem more prevalent in developing countries than in developed countries. Indicators of malnutrition include household food security and life expectancy. Corruption might be one of socio-political problems fuelling malnutrition in developing countries. The aim of this paper is to compare influence of corruption on food security, live expectancy (LE) and population in developed and developing countries. Thirty two least corrupt countries (LCC) and most corrupt countries (MCC) representing developed and developing countries were systematically selected using Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). Countries' data on population, food security index (FSI) and LE scores were obtained from Global food security index (GFSI) and Population reference bureau. T-test, Multivariate (Wilks' Lambda), Pearson product moment analysis were performed to determine relationship between CPI, FSI, LE, and population in LCC and MCC at p<.05. Data were presented in tables, means and percentages. Mean CPI, Population, FSI, and LE in LCC and MCC were 71.5% and 24.2%; 34.8 and 41.7million; 75.0% and 37.4%; and 78.4years and 62.4years. There was a significant difference between CPI, FSI and LE in LCC and MCC (p<0.05). CPI had a significant positive relationship with FSI and LE in LCC not MCC. There was also a significant relationship between FSI and LE in MCC. Low CPI influenced high FSI and LE in LCC while Low LE was associated with low FSI in MCC. Policies discouraging corrupt practices and promoting good governance should be embraced to eradicate malnutrition in developing countries

Stability of Vitamin a in Selected Nigerian Bread Made From Commercial Fortified Wheat Flour

Abstract Purpose: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a public health problem in Nigeria. Stability study was carried out to determine vitamin A contents of selected brands of commercial wheat flour and bread. Methods: Retinyl Palmitate content of three samples of commercial wheat flour and bread randomly selected were analyzed at 0, 5 (bread) and 0, 60 days (flour) respectively at room temperature using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Results: Vitamin A contents of wheat flour and bread were 7.1 to 10.1 i.u. /g (wheat flour) and 0-3.4 i.u./g (bread). Significant difference existed between the mean vitamin A content of wheat flour and label declaration (30 i.u/g) (P< .05). Vitamin A stability was 0-91% (wheat flour) after 60 days and 0-68% (bread) after 5days. Mean stability was better in bread than in flour. Conclusion: Wheat flour and bread contain vitamin A lower than the standard (30 i.u/kg)

Statistical Properties and Application of Bagui-Liu-Zhang Distribution

This paper extended the work of Bagiu et al. (2020) who defined the probability density function of a new oneparameter continuous distribution through the moment generating function approach. The new distribution called Bagiu-LiuZhang distribution is the distribution of the exponential mixture of the shifted exponential random variable. Properties ofthe distribution such as its cumulative distribution function (cdf), moments, coefficients of skewness and kurtosis,reliability function and hazard rate function were derived. The maximum likelihood estimator of the model parameter was also determined. We illustrated the usefulness of the distribution by comparing its fit to a real data set to the fit of the exponentialdistribution to the same data. The numericalresults obtained indicate that thedistribution can be a more suitable model forsome continuous data than the exponentialdistribution and several one-parameterdistributions

The Comparative Effects of Azanza garckeana Fruit Pulp and Melatonin on Serum and Testicular Oxidative Stress Changes, Live Sperm Cells and Spermatozoa Abnormalities Evoked by Chronic Administration of Bisphenol A in Rabbit Bucks

The study aimed to elucidate serum and testicular oxidative stress changes induced by bisphenol A (BPA) and their amelioration by Azanza garckeana (AG) pulp extract and melatonin. Adult New Zealand White rabbit bucks (n = 42), with average live weight of 1.2 ± 0.03 kg and aged 10-18 months were fed ad libitum on a commercial diet. They were randomly divided into seven groups of six (6) bucks each. Group A was administered distilled water (1.5 mL); group B, BPA (100 mg/kg); group C, AG (500 mg/kg); group D, melatonin (1.0 mg/kg); group E was pre-dosed for six weeks with BPA (100 mg/kg), then AG (500 mg/kg) for another six weeks; group F was pre-dosed for six weeks with BPA (100 mg/kg ), then melatonin (1.0 mg/kg) for another six weeks; and group G was pre-dosed for six weeks with BPA (100 mg/kg), then AG (500 mg/kg) and melatonin(1.0 mg/kg) for another six weeks. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the activities of both serum and testicular superoxide dismutase and catalase, concentrations of and reduced glutathione concentration as well as a decrease in MDA concentration in treatment groups. Percentage dead sperm, spermatozoa abnormalities such as detached sperm heads, free, coiled and bent tails in the groups exposed to BPA increased significantly (p < 0.05) compared to controls. It is concluded that BPA-induced oxidative stress. The administration of AG only ameliorated this negative effects better than melatonin. However, optimum results was seen when both substances were administered synergistically