Effect of nutritional factors on urinary calcium excretion in a sample of Moroccan children and adolescents

In addition to age, gender, body weight, hormonal status as well as certain physiological and pathological states, other factors exert considerable effects on calcium (Ca) retention and therefore on its urinary excretion. Among these other factors, many dietary nutrients have all been discussed as factors affecting urinary Ca through different studies. Thus, our study aims to evaluate the impact of various nutritional factors on urinary Ca excretion among a sample of Moroccan children and adolescents aged from 6 to 18 years old. A total of 133 Moroccan children and adolescents aged between 6 and 18 years were involved in this study. Participants were required from public and private schools in Rabat-Salé-Kenitra region. For each participant, anthropometry data, food record and 24-h urine samples were collected. Urinary Ca was estimated using ICP-mass spectrometry. The urinary Ca average was 73.58±37.13 mg/day. Urinary Ca excretion had no significant association (p>0.05) with different studied nutrients (r=-0.082, r=0.118, r=-0.025, r=0.142, r=0.084, r=0.119 for Ca, proteins, vitamin D, sodium, phosphorus and magnesium intakes respectively).The current impact evaluation of various nutritional factors on urinary Ca excretion suggests that Ca requirement may be not influenced by nutrients intake but it is highly recommended for researchers to carry out more studies and define all factors that cause Ca deficiency in Moroccan children and adolescents

Factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding practices in rural areas in south Benin

This study is part of the national programme for the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and was technically supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency. It aimed to determine the factors leading to the cessation of EBF among mothers living in areas benefiting from an important breastfeeding promotion actions in southern Benin. The practice of EBF was measured using “deuterium oxide dose to the mother” technique in 105 mothers during 6 month’s post-partum. Factors influencing the duration of this practice were investigated through an individual interview with the mothers and their relatives. The prevalence of EBF practice in lactating mothers was 58.7%, 29.1%, and 2.4% at 1, 3, and 6 months postpartum respectively. The main factor favoring this practice at 1 and 3 months was sufficient breastmilk supply. Continuation up to 6 months was due to the support of the family and belief in its benefits. On the other hand, the principal factors that led to its interruption at 1 and 3 months were insufficient breastmilk production and the giving of herbal teas and water to the babies. After 6 months, the drastic drop of EBF was due to the lack of the support from fathers. Integrating these factors into EBF promotion actions might increase practice