The effects of different methods of cooking on proximate, mineral and heavy metal composition of fish and shrimps consumed in the Arabian Gulf

This study analyzed eight cooked species of fish and one species of shrimps (grilled, curried, fried and cooked in rice) commonly consumed in Bahrain for their proximate, mineral and heavy metal content. The results reveled that the protein content was in the range of 22.8-29.2 g/100g, while the fat content was between 2.9-11.9 g/100g. The energy content was the highest in the fried Scomberomorus commerson being 894.2 KJ/100g, followed by Scomberomorus commerson cooked in rice (867.3 KJ/100g). The samples also had a considerable content of sodium ranging from 120-600 mg/100g, potassium (310-560 mg/100g) phosphorous (200- 330 mg/100g), magnesium (26-54 mg/100g) and zinc (0.4-2.0 mg/ 100g), while the other minerals were present to a lower extent. Lead was present to an extent of 0.30 μg/g in the grilled Plectorhinchus sordidus while Lethrinus nebulosus cooked in rice contained 0.35 μg/g of mercury. Cadmium levels were constant at <0.02 μg/g. It can be concluded the traditional methods of cooking fish and shrimps have an effect on their nutrient composition and heavy metal content hence, it is advisable to avoid excessive frying and use minimal salt. In addition, consuming of a wide variety of species of fish and alternating between the various modes of cooking is the best approach to achieve improved dietary habits, minimizing mercury exposure and increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake

Nasal insulin gel as an alternate to parenteral insulin: Formulation, preclinical, and clinical studies

The objective of the present study was to formulate insulin gel for intranasal administration and to evaluate with respect to in vitro release studies and hypoglycemic activity in animal model and healthy human volunteers. The insulin gel was formulated using the combination of carbopol and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as gelling agent. The in vivo efficacy of insulin gel administered intranasally was assessed by measuring the blood glucose levels and serum insulin levels at specified time intervals in rats and humans. The use of bioadhesive nasal gel containing insulin not only promoted the prolonged contact between the drug and the absorptive sites in the nasal cavity but also facilitated direct absorption of medicament through the nasal mucosa. Absorption of the drug through the nasal mucosa was high in the first 0.5 to 1.5 hours of the study with a sharp decline in blood sugar and rise in insulin values corresponding to that decline in blood sugar. This study further demonstrates that administration of insulin intranasally in gel form is a pleasant and painless alternative to injectable insulin