Nutritional Factors Associated with Anaemia in Pregnant Women in Northern Nigeria

This study was conducted to assess the relative contribution of iron, folate, and B12 deficiency to anaemia in pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. In total, 146 pregnant women, who attended two antenatal clinics in Gombe, Nigeria, were recruited into the study. The majority (54%) of the women were in the third trimester. Blood samples were obtained for determination of haematocrit and for measurement of serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, ferritin, folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine. Malaria was present in 15 (9.4%) women. Based on a haemoglobin value of <105 g/L, 44 (30%) women were classified as anaemic. The major contributing factor to anaemia was iron deficiency based on the serum concentration of ferritin (<10 ng/mL). The mean homocysteine concentration for all subjects was 14.1 μmol/L, and homocysteine concentrations were inversely correlated with concentrations of folate and vitamin B12. The serum homocysteine increased markedly at serum vitamin B12 levels below 250 pmol/L. The most common cause of anaemia in the pregnant women in northern Nigeria was iron deficiency, and the elevated concentrations of homocysteine were most likely due to both their marginal folate and vitamin B12 status

Phase angle correlates with n-3 fatty acids and cholesterol in red cells of Nigerian children with sickle cell disease

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cholesterol content and fatty acid composition of red cell membrane phospholipids (PL) of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and to correlate these levels with whole body phase angle that is related to the integrity and function of cell membranes. STUDY DESIGN: Blood samples were obtained from 69 children with SCD and 72 healthy age- and gender-matched controls in Nigeria for the determination of the cholesterol content and proportions of fatty acids in red cell PL. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to obtain resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) from which phase angle was calculated as arctan Xc/R. Cholesterol (normalized to lipid phosphorus) and the proportions of individual fatty acids were correlated with phase angle. RESULTS: The proportions of palmitic (p < 0.001), stearic acid (p = 0.003) and cholesterol (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the red cells of children with SCD, whereas the proportions of arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were reduced (p = 0.03 and < 0.001, respectively) compared to controls. The phase angle was inversely correlated with the proportions of palmitic acid (p = 0.03) and oleic acid (p < 0.001) and cholesterol (p = 0.003). Three n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids-eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid- were positively correlated with phase angle (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The fatty acid composition and cholesterol content of tissue membranes in SCD correlate with the phase shift measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Phase angle measurements may provide a non-invasive method for monitoring interventions aimed at altering the lipid composition of membranes

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease and Diet of Urban and Rural Dwellers in Northern Nigeria

Over the last 30 years, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including stroke and myocardial infarction, have increased in developing countries. Serum lipids and diet of the Fulani, a rural Nigerian population, were previously studied. Despite their consumption of a diet rich in saturated fat, the overall blood lipid profiles of Fulani men and women are generally favourable. However, Fulani males in the same study had mean serum levels of homocysteine, an emerging risk factor for CVD, that exceeded the upper limit of the homocysteine reference range. The authors were interested in knowing if these findings in the Fulani nomads were representative of the biochemical parameters of CVD risk in other ethnic groups in the same region of Nigeria. To address this question, the nutrient content of diets of 55 men, aged 20-75 years, and 77 women, aged 20-70 years, who were inhabitants of a large urban centre in northern Nigeria, was assessed, and their serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and homocysteine were determined. These data were compared with those of the same rural Fulani population studied previously. Urban subjects consumed more calories than rural subjects (men: 2,061 vs 1,691 kcal; women: 1,833 vs 1,505 kcal) and had a significantly higher mean body mass index (BMI) and percentage of body fat than rural subjects. Both urban males and females had carbohydrate intakes that were greater than those of Fulani pastoralists (men: 56% vs 33% total calories; women: 51% vs 38% total calories), but had a significantly lower dietary intake of total fat and saturated fat (men: 36% vs 51% of total calories; women: 40% vs 51% of total calories). With the exception of HDL-cholesterol levels, which were significantly lower in the rural population, the blood lipid profiles of rural subjects were more favourable compared to those of urban subjects. Both urban and rural males had homocysteine levels above the upper limit of the reference range for healthy adults (urban males-12.7\u3bcmol/L; rural males-15.2 \u3bcmol/L). The dietary intakes of folate and vitamin B12 were lower for rural Fulani subjects, and this was reflected in their significantly lower serum concentrations of these two vitamins. Results of this study suggest that, although the lipid profiles of urban and rural men and women in northern Nigeria indicate a relatively low risk for CVD, their elevated serum homocysteine levels are a cause for concern. The high homocysteine levels among rural men and women could be explained in part at least by their marginal status with respect to folate and vitamin B12

Nutritional Factors Associated with Anaemia in Pregnant Women in Northern Nigeria

This study was conducted to assess the relative contribution of iron, folate, and B12 deficiency to anaemia in pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. In total, 146 pregnant women, who attended two antenatal clinics in Gombe, Nigeria, were recruited into the study. The majority (54%) of the women were in the third trimester. Blood samples were obtained for determination of haematocrit and for measurement of serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, ferritin, folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine. Malaria was present in 15 (9.4%) women. Based on a haemoglobin value of &lt;105 g/L, 44 (30%) women were classified as anaemic. The major contributing factor to anaemia was iron deficiency based on the serum concentration of ferritin (&lt;10 ng/mL). The mean homocysteine concentration for all subjects was 14.1 \ub5mol/L, and homocysteine concentrations were inversely correlated with concentrations of folate and vitamin B12. The serum homocysteine increased markedly at serum vitamin B12 levels below 250 pmol/L. The most common cause of anaemia in the pregnant women in northern Nigeria was iron deficiency, and the elevated concentrations of homocysteine were most likely due to both their marginal folate and vitamin B12 status

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease and Diet of Urban and Rural Dwellers in Northern Nigeria

Over the last 30 years, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including stroke and myocardial infarction, have increased in developing countries. Serum lipids and diet of the Fulani, a rural Nigerian population, were previously studied. Despite their consumption of a diet rich in saturated fat, the overall blood lipid profiles of Fulani men and women are generally favourable. However, Fulani males in the same study had mean serum levels of homocysteine, an emerging risk factor for CVD, that exceeded the upper limit of the homocysteine reference range. The authors were interested in knowing if these findings in the Fulani nomads were representative of the biochemical parameters of CVD risk in other ethnic groups in the same region of Nigeria. To address this question, the nutrient content of diets of 55 men, aged 20-75 years, and 77 women, aged 20-70 years, who were inhabitants of a large urban centre in northern Nigeria, was assessed, and their serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and homocysteine were determined. These data were compared with those of the same rural Fulani population studied previously. Urban subjects consumed more calories than rural subjects (men: 2,061 vs 1,691 kcal; women: 1,833 vs 1,505 kcal) and had a significantly higher mean body mass index (BMI) and percentage of body fat than rural subjects. Both urban males and females had carbohydrate intakes that were greater than those of Fulani pastoralists (men: 56% vs 33% total calories; women: 51% vs 38% total calories), but had a significantly lower dietary intake of total fat and saturated fat (men: 36% vs 51% of total calories; women: 40% vs 51% of total calories). With the exception of HDL-cholesterol levels, which were significantly lower in the rural population, the blood lipid profiles of rural subjects were more favourable compared to those of urban subjects. Both urban and rural males had homocysteine levels above the upper limit of the reference range for healthy adults (urban males-12.7μmol/L; rural males-15.2 μmol/L). The dietary intakes of folate and vitamin B12 were lower for rural Fulani subjects, and this was reflected in their significantly lower serum concentrations of these two vitamins. Results of this study suggest that, although the lipid profiles of urban and rural men and women in northern Nigeria indicate a relatively low risk for CVD, their elevated serum homocysteine levels are a cause for concern. The high homocysteine levels among rural men and women could be explained in part at least by their marginal status with respect to folate and vitamin B12

Serum Lipid Profiles, Homocysteine Levels And Cardiovascular Disease Risk In Pregnant Nigerian Women

Objectives: To compare the levels of lipids and homocysteine in the serum of third- trimester pregnant women and health , age –matched non pregnant controls. Methods: We compared the levels of these lipids {total cholesterol, particularly lipoproteins such as LDL} and homocysteine in the serum of third- trimester pregnant women healthy, age –matched non –pregnant controls. Blood samples were obtained by venipuncture and the samples were allowed to clot at room temperature for 45 minutes before centrifugation to separate the serum. Result: Compared to the controls, the following substances were significantly elevated in the pregnant women: total cholesterol, 212vs.191mg/dL{p=0.02}; triglycerides, 153vs. 89.5 mg/dL{p=0.004};and hdL,67.0vs.56.6 mg/dL{p=.004}.the mean LDL-cholesterol levels of the pregnant {116mg/dL}and non pregnant controls{110mg/dLwere not significantly different. However, the mean homocysteine concentration of the pregnant women was about 30% lower compared with the controls group {7.1vs.10.1m01/L,

Fatty Acid Content Of The Smoked, Fresh-Water Fish Clairas Gariepinus (Wanka Harwada, Hausa) In Northern Nigeria

Since the healthful n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are underrepresented in the diets of many people who live in the hot semi-arid regions of West Africa, we were interested in knowing the fatty acid content and composition of the oil of Clairas gariepinus (wanka harwada, Hausa), a dried, fresh-water fish that is consumed widely in northern Nigeria. Dried C. gariepinus, purchased in the central market in Jos, Nigeria was divided into the head, mid-section, and tail sections, vacuum-dried to constant weight, and extracted with chloroform-methanol to provide the lipid fraction. After methylation of the lipid fraction, the individual fatty acid methyl esters were separated and quantified by gas-liquid chromatography. The fatty acid content and fatty acid composition of each of the three sections of the fish were very similar. Overall, fatty acids accounted for 9.43-11.5% of the true dry weight of C. gariepinus. The amounts of EPA and DHA were relatively low, 1.14 and 3.78 mg/g dry weight, respectively. The arachidonic acid, linoleic acid and &#945;-linoleic acid contents were 4.52, 9.00, and 3.76 mg/g dry weight, respectively. Compared to marine fish such as salmon and herring that are rich sources of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, C. gariepinus appears to be unsuitable as a source of healthful quantities of EPA or DHA. Highland Medical Research Journal Vol.2(1) 2004: 8-1

Review Article: Pregnancy and CVD Risk Factors

Elevated concentrations of total cholesterol, particular lipoproteins (e.g., LDL) and homocysteine are risk factors for cardiovascular disease and vascular dysfunction that can adversely affect the health of a pregnant woman and her fetus. Although it has been documented in many populations worldwide that the serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels increase substantially by the third trimester, there are few reports of the levels of these risk factors in pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. We therefore compared the levels of these lipids and homocysteine in the serum of third-trimester pregnant women (n=18) and healthy, age-matched non-pregnant controls (n=38) in Abuja, Nigeria. Relative to the controls, the following substances were significantly elevated in the pregnant women: total cholesterol, 212 vs. 191 mg/dL (p=0.02); triglycerides, 153 vs. 89.5 mg/dL (p=0.004); and HDL, 67.0 vs. 56.6 mg/dL (p=0.004). The mean LDL-cholesterol levels of the pregnant (116 mg/dL) and non-pregnant controls (110 mg/dL) were not significantly different. However, the mean homocysteine concentration of the pregnant women was about 30% lower compared with the control group (7.1 vs. 10.1 &#61549;mol/L,

Lipid Profiles and trans Fatty Acids in Serum Phospholipids of Semi-nomadic Fulani in Northern Nigeria

The Fulani are semi-nomadic pastoralists of West Africa whose diet, culture, and economy are centred on cattle. Previous studies have shown that the Fulani of northern Nigeria derive 50% of their total calories from fat and 30% of their calories from milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter oil that contain significant amounts of trans fatty acids (TFAs), primarily vaccenic acid, which raise total serum cholesterol and low-density lipoproteincholesterol (LDL-C), and lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). The study was conducted to know how the consumption of relatively large amounts of dairy products by adult Fulani affected the TFA content of their serum phospholipids. Blood samples were collected from 22 male and 29 female Fulani, aged 35-60 years, who were living in rural areas of Gombe state in northeastern Nigeria. The total serum phospholipid fraction was isolated, and its fatty acid composition was determined. Surprisingly, vaccenic acid was not detected, and three other TFAs—18:1-t6, 18:1-t9, and 18:2-t9,t12—together accounted for only 0.16% of the total fatty acid. The mean serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglyceride concentrations of the subjects were within the normal range for populations in developed countries; however, at 32 mg/dL, the mean serum HDL-C concentration of the Fulani males was slightly below the lower limit of the reference range. No correlations were observed between the total TFA percentage or that of the three individual TFAs and any of the parameters of the serum lipid profile. These findings indicate that, with respect to TFAs at least, the fatty acid pattern of the serum phospholipids of Fulani pastoralists does not reflect the high TFA content of their traditional diet. Despite the consumption of rumenic acid-rich dairy products, for unknown reasons, the semi-nomadic Fulani manage to maintain a low level of TFAs in their blood and a relatively healthful serum lipid profile. While the mechanism that accounts for this disconnect between the consumption of TFAs by Fulani pastoralists and the proportion of TFAs in their serum phospholipids is obscure, possibilities include discrimination against rumenic acid during the process of triglyceride synthesis and chylomicron synthesis in the intestine and the preferential oxidation of TFAs by Fulani the people compared to other ethnic groups