nutrition

Nutrition plays an essential role in the maintenance of a healthy immune system. The body requires a variety of essential nutrients to support the development and function of the immune system. A balanced diet that includes a variety of vegetables, whole grains, fruit, and lean proteins can provide the necessary nutrients for optimal immune health. Additionally, research has shown that certain dietary components may have specific immunomodulatory effects. This review will discuss the evidence linking nutrition to immunity and highlight recent findings on the potential benefits of certain dietary components for immune health. 

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding has great benefits for both the mother and the child. Few studies have been carried out on interventions to improve Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) practice by childbearing mothers. No study has formulated and/or implemented a hospital-based maternal counseling guide intervention to improve EBF practice. This baseline study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of EBF on mothers who were enrolled in antenatal clinics for a cluster randomized trial and the disparity in the knowledge of EBF based on lactation, age, sex, and source of income.Methods: We formulated a hospital-based counseling guide on exclusive breastfeeding, which is under implementation by prenatal and nursing mothers, to promote EBF practice in the study area. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two hospitals randomly selected from twelve hospitals in Anambra State. The study was among pregnant women who were in their second trimester. The data collection took place from March to April 2022. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-Square. The test of significance was set at p < 0.05.Results: The control and the intervention arms had an equal number of enrolees (144) each and more than half of the participants were between the ages of 23 – 32 years. The majority of the participants showed adequate knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding as over 90% knew that EBF is important and capable of improving their baby's immunity. The participants demonstrated a positive attitude to exclusive breastfeeding and they had a significantly high level of practice of daily consumption of galactagogues. The study suggested that the majority did not practice breast milk extraction mainly because the process of extraction is painful and some do not know how to carry out the extraction.Conclusion: The mothers have the requisite knowledge of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding to their infants and themselves. However, they do not practice EBF. Interventions to improve EBF practice should focus on educating mothers on proper breast milk extraction and storage techniques.

Proper feeding practices at an early age are the key to improving a child’s overall health and achieving developmental milestones. In Bangladesh, a large portion of rural girls become mothers before the age of 18. Past records show that most interventions are designed to improve infant and young child feeding practices targeting older mothers. That is why, this study has been designed with an aim to explore the perceptions and practices of infant and young children feeding among rural Bangladeshi mothers aged <19 years old. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and group discussions with a total of 40 adolescent mothers who have children aged 0-3 years. Data has revealed that the majority of the mothers hold very limited knowledge of nutrition and child nutrition but those who are educationally a bit ahead hold a little better knowledge. Participants are aware of breastfeeding but they all misinterpret the term ‘exclusive breastfeeding’ with other liquid food. It has also emerged that most of the mothers know the ideal timing of starting complementary feeding but very few of them actually understand what to feed children. In spite of having misconceptions and superstation rural adolescent mothers practice responsive feeding instead of force-feeding. No gender discrimination has been found regarding child feeding. The findings of the study pinpointed that mothers are unable to practice proper infant and child feeding due to a lack of knowledge and limited affordability. Educating girls & young mothers and improving financial security could be an effective way to promote improved infant feeding practices.

In developing countries, malnutrition represents a public health problem, which affects many children under five, during their complementary feeding period. One way to overcome this problem is through the supplementation of complementary flours with locally available food resources, such as Moringa oleifera leaf (MOL). An experimental study was conducted from June through November 2019 in the southern-Benin, with moderately acutely malnourished (MAM) children, using a porridge made of a mixture of corn, malted sorghum, soybean, peanut, milk, and moringa leaf powder. A total of 150 MAM children aged 12-59 months were recruited and divided into two groups, an intervention group (48) and a control group (75). The intervention group received the test food, a porridge made of maize flour supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf flour (MOL-flour), at least 5 times/week for 6 months. The control group, whose mothers received nutritional education sessions on food diversification as well as the different ways of preparing MOL meals. Sensory evaluation, anthropometric and dietary diversity data were collected. Z-scores Weight/Height, Weight/Age et Height/Age were determined before and right after the intervention. Results showed that 70% of the children and more than 75% of the mothers assessed the porridge as palatable. A significant average weight gain of 1.720 g (p < 0.005) was observed in the intervention group at the end of the experimentation, with a reduction of the prevalence of underweight by 1,33% (p > 0.05), and the number of acute Malnutrition children by 10,42% (p < 0.005).

During this period of time, mushroom experience changes in functional aspects and consumption areas. Due to its magnificent role in promoting health, it was considered one of the most healthy sources of food. Agaricus spp., Marcrolepoita spp., Auricularia spp, Armillaria spp, Pholoita, Hericium, Grifola spp, Flammulina, and Hypsizygus spp. are some most commonly consumed mushrooms in the world. They provide inexpensive means of nutritious and tasty food worldwide. However, ancient people are also very much aware of their holistic function towards health and that was why they used mushrooms for medicinal purposes in the past onwards. Mushroom plays an important role in the treatment of some lethal diseases like cancer, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, allergy, hypertension, arthritis, hyperglycemia, atherosclerosis, and many more. Meanwhile, researchers still focus on other functions of mushrooms in health science and also explore their anticancerous activity. However, many findings are left to be found in the future. This review paper throws light on the various important mushrooms and their functions related to human health, and also ongoing research towards treating some critical diseases.

Background information: Cultural practices play an important role on the development of pathogens (Datnoff, et al. 2007). In this context, several authors have been interested in studying the effects of mineral nutrition on the resistance of vegetables and fruits to fungi during storage, especially nitrogen.The purpose of the study: In this work we tested the effects of three contrasted regimes of nitrogen supply, with nitrate concentrations in the nutrient solutions of 2 mM (low), 10 mM (normal) and 20 mM (high) on the susceptibility of Lactuca sativa L towards Botrytis cinerea (BC87) and Sclerotinia minor (SM) during storage.Once harvested, the outerleaves of the plants derived from the three nitrogen regimes were inoculated with either Botrytis cinerea (BC87) or Sclerotinia minor (SM). Data showed that the resistance to this two pathogens increase when plants were developed under low nitrogen concentration. This resistance observed is correlated with low values in oxidative stress indicators (MDA and H2O2) and high values in total phenols.

Bronchiolitis is one of the most common respiratory infections in children under 2 years of age predominantly caused by Respiratory syncytial virus and other viruses like influenza, Para influenza, and Adenovirus. Rhinovirus, etc. Most children have mild symptoms however bronchiolitis has also been well linked to severe morbidities and mortalities. Even though bronchiolitis has been well recognized for many years, there are still very few therapeutic strategies available beyond supportive management. There are many controversies about therapeutic management in bronchiolitis published in standard guidelines and research in this area. Management can be divided into pharmacological and supportive therapy. Evidence suggests that the current management of bronchiolitis is purely supportive consisting of oxygen supplementation, frequent suctioning, and maintaining good hydration and nutrition. Regarding pharmacological therapy, neither bronchodilators nor corticosteroids have significant efficacy in the treatment of bronchiolitis. However, some studies suggest that adrenaline and nebulizer 3% saline showed some benefit only in terms of outcome. The current recommendation also supports the use of Palivizumab as prophylaxis in certain groups of infants and young children.

Introduction: In our fast-paced world, children’s dietary habits and behaviour are increasingly concerning, with a tendency toward indulging in sweets and snacks. Insights are derived from observations of 20 children at a crèche facility.Temptation of sweets: Children’s inherent attraction to sweet and salty snacks challenges maintaining a healthy diet. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues, recognizing the pivotal role parents and caregivers play in guiding children toward healthier choices.Significance of a balanced diet: A well-rounded and nutritious diet is crucial for a child’s physical and mental development. Providing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is essential.Role of activities: Diversifying a child’s routine with engaging activities is a powerful strategy to redirect their focus from unhealthy snacks. Sports, arts, outdoor play, and educational games promote physical fitness, creativity, and cognitive development, contributing to a well-balanced lifestyle.Strategies for encouraging healthy choices:•    Lead by example: Modelling healthy habits inspires children to adopt similar behaviour.•    Educate about nutrition: Imparting knowledge about the nutritional value of foods equips children to make informed choices.•    Make healthy options accessible: Stocking the kitchen with nutritious snacks makes it convenient for children to opt for healthier alternatives.•    Limit unhealthy choices: Setting clear limits on sugary snacks helps children develop moderation and self-control.•    Create a fun and active environment: Fostering an enjoyable environment involves family outings, games, and making exercise a natural part of daily life.Results: Encouraging results were observed among the 20 children. Two children, aged around 12, demonstrated awareness of healthy habits. Excluding these two, others showed positive changes in behaviour towards sweets and snacks through activities and counselling.Conclusion: Maintaining a balance between a child’s consumption of sweets and snacks and engaging in diverse activities is crucial for overall development. A combination of nutritious choices and engaging activities guides children toward a path of health and happiness

Introduction: The individual program of rehabilitation and (or) habilitation of children with disabilities (IPRH) is mandatory for execution by the relevant state authorities, local self-government bodies, as well as organizations regardless of organizational-legal forms and forms of ownership.Objective: To conduct a pilot analysis of the implementation of the IPRH contingent of patients of children with disabilities in an urban children’s clinic.Patients and methods: There were 366 reports on the implementation of measures provided for by an IPRH for a disabled person (disabled child) of 222 disabled. The organization of the study was in the nature of a continuous sample. The criterion for the inclusion of patients in it was the passage of an IPRH in a disabled child within a specified time frame. The following techniques were used: grouping, absolute and relative values, average values, detailing, and generalization. The threshold error probability for statistically significant differences was set at a level of 0.05.Results: The structure of the results of the control of the performance of IPRH in 222 disabled children according to the classes of diseases that caused the onset of disability (ICD) was as follows 1) G00-G99 - 35.47 ± 3.13%; 2) Q00-Q99 - 23.50 ± 2.77%; 3) 11.11 ± 2.05%; 4) C00-D48 - 10.25 ± 1.98%; 5) H60-H95 - 7.26 ± 1.67%; 6) M00-M99 - 2.99 ± 1.11%; 7-8) H00-H59 and P00-P96 - 2.14 ± 0.95%; 9-10) K00-K93 and S00-T98 - 1.29 ± 0.74% each; 11-12) I00-I99 and N00-N99 - 0.85 ± 0.60% each; 13-14) J00-J99 and L00-L99 - 0.43 ± 0.42% each.Conclusion: 1. In the structure of IPRH in 222 disabled children, according to the classes of diseases that caused disability (ICD), the following prevailed: 1) VI Diseases of the nervous system G00-G99 – 35.47%; 2) XVII Congenital anomalies, chromosomal disorders Q00-Q99 - 23.50%; 3) IV Diseases of the endocrine system, nutritional disorders, and metabolic disorders E00-E90 – 11.11%; 4) II Neoplasms C00-D48 - 10.25%; 5) VIII Diseases of the ear and mastoid process H60-H95 - 7.26%; 6) XIII Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue M00-M99 - 2.99%; 7-8) VIII Diseases of the ear and mastoid process H60-H95 and VII Diseases of the eye and its adnexa H00-H59 - 2.14% each.2. The effectiveness of medical rehabilitation of disabled children was as follows: 1) Improvement - 23.26%; 2) Stabilization - 74.88%; 3) Deterioration - 1.86%. Dynamic observation was carried out on 94.26% of disabled children, drug therapy - 77.32%, non-drug therapy - 66.93%, and other types of medical rehabilitation were received by 14.48% of patients. Reconstructive operations were performed on 11.26% of disabled children.3. Prosthetics and orthotics were performed on 38.74% of disabled children. 32.43% of disabled children in need received sanatorium treatment, and 30.18% are currently in line to receive a voucher. For various reasons, 24.32% refused this type of rehabilitation; 3.60% of patients had contraindications at the time the voucher was provided.4. The obtained research results become the initial everyday statistical tool for objectifying the process of rehabilitation of patients and determining the strength and means of a medical institution to monitor and successfully implement an individual rehabilitation/habilitation program for a disabled person.

Neurologic diseases are recognized to have multifactorial origins well beyond mere genetic predisposition. Nutritional burdens have been identified to contribute to neurodegeneration. Healthy diets are becoming increasingly appreciated to potentially play key roles in both the developing and developed world of reducing incidences of neurologic diseases, while unhealthy diets are acknowledged to be contributing to their rise.

Nutritious and safe foods are essential to meet normal physiological and metabolic functions. This study evaluated heavy metals in selected food products for newborns and toddlers. These substances may result in adverse health risks and young children are extremely vulnerable due to their immature immune systems and organs. Industrialization and technological advancement have contributed to an increase in heavy metals in the soil; therefore, entering the food system in potentially harmful amounts. Safe levels have been established by monitoring agencies to reduce the presence of heavy metals. Ten national brands of baby foods were analyzed for selected heavy metals. The main ingredients ranged from vegetables, fruits, dairy, poultry, meats, and grains. The products were analyzed in triplicates using QQQ-ICP-MS instrumentation to detect the presence of arsenic, cadmium, zinc, lead, nickel, aluminum, and chromium. Based on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry [1] guidelines for safe quantities, aluminum (4.09 µg/g and 2.50 µg/g) and zinc (33.5 µg/g 69.5 µg/g, and 30.2 µg/g) exceeded the recommended levels of 1 µg/g/day and 2 - 3 µg/g /day respectively. Mixed model analysis found significant differences in metal concentrations (F6,24 = 2.75, p = 0.03) with an average metal concentration of 0.96 µg/g. However, no significant correlations were found between the packaging materials used and the observed metal concentrations in the food samples. The study concluded that the presence of heavy metals may be due to food type and the soil on which it is grown and not the packaging materials, establishing food system contamination by heavy metals.

Inflammation is a natural response of the body to defend itself against potential threats and can be reduced through physical activity, proper nutrition, and the use of herbal medicines, which are medicinal plants. In the study, we aim to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of the volatile and ethanolic fractions of two commonly used medicinal plants, Equisetum arvense, and Baccharis trimera. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation of the fresh leaves of the plants, while the ethanolic extracts were obtained using classical methodologies. All fractions were tested for anti-inflammatory activity, evaluating their ability to stabilize the red blood cell membrane and inhibit the spreading, and phagocytosis by macrophages, at concentrations varying from 200 to 600 µg mL-1. The results of the experiments suggest that the ethanolic fraction of B. trimera shows promising results compared to the positive controls. Our investigations thus contribute to the specialized literature on the use of herbal medicines around nutrition, providing guidance for future studies on these fractions.

Weight gain can be good or bad for health. Benefits include increased health for overweight people, disease or surgical recovery, and more. Health concerns, joint and musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory issues, metabolic abnormalities, cardiovascular health, psychological impact, reduced mobility, digestive troubles, hormonal changes, and cancer risk are negative impacts. Weight gain outcomes depend on heredity, weight distribution, and health. Maintaining a healthy weight needs a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management. A doctor or nutritionist can offer personalized weight management advice. Stress chemicals like cortisol trigger weight gain. ACTH stimulates adrenal glands to release cortisol, which increases hunger, fat storage, insulin resistance, and muscle loss. Understanding how stress hormones like cortisol affect weight gain is vital to reducing chronic stress’s health risks. Stress reduction, a balanced diet, regular exercise, proper sleep, social support, and professional treatment can mitigate these outcomes. Ultimately, stress hormones like cortisol can cause weight gain, but a holistic strategy tackling physical and psychological stress can help people maintain a healthy weight.

Millets are physiologically and therapeutically healthy with high nutritious value and are in rising demand in emerging markets like India, China, Africa, and other developing countries including the Western world. Germinated Millets have high digestibility and are used as healthy food for children’s growth and development. Climate change resilience technology, high nutritional value, and the announcement of the year 2023 as “International Millet Year” have made it very popular. Bakery items based on Millet, particularly cookies, are becoming more popular in both urban and rural areas. Jaggery is raw sugar prepared from sugarcane juice and is considered superior to white sugar. It offers numerous nutritional and therapeutic benefits, including anti-carcinogenic with antitoxic actions. Hence, this study aimed to prepare healthy food items with germinated finger and pearl Millets for better nutritional quality that are attracting the attention of health-conscious people on a worldwide scale. Cookies made from blends of germinated wheat flour (GWF), germinated finger millet flour (GFMF), and germinated pearl millet flour (GPMF) were examined for their physicochemical qualities, in vitro digestibility, antioxidant activity, and overall acceptability by consumers. In vitro protein digestibility (62.24-82.34%), starch digestibility (47.48-62.41%), total phenolic content (11.45–49.12 mg GAE/100 g), and antioxidant activities significantly increased as the proportion of GFMF and GPMF flour increased in the cookie samples, whereas total starch, dietary fiber, carbohydrate, and phytic acid decreased. The physical qualities of the cookies were also improved by the addition of GFMF and GPMF flours. Cookies with acceptable sensory properties, including taste, aroma, appearance, mouthfeel, crispiness, and overall acceptability, were produced by blending 60% GWF, 20% GFMF, and 20% GPMF (T2). This study demonstrated that GFMF and GPMF flour blends may be used as functional ingredients to create superior goods.

Aquaculture may simply be referred as “Underwater Agriculture.”India is a major maritime state and an important aquaculture- based country in the worldhaving major aquaculture activitiesin the production of Carp from Freshwater,Shrimp from Brackish water, etc. Feed requirements of fish vary in quantity and quality according to the feeding habits, physiological stages of the species and environmental variations viz., temperature; amount and type of natural food availability in the culture system.A nutritious and cheap feed is a pre requested for profitable aquaculture. Though, use of commercially available feed is in practice in many countries. The feed cost consumes more Than half of running expenditure. Therefore, the search of nutritionally well-balanced feed Prepared from very cheap locally available ingredients in progress in all the aqua farming countries. In the present study, an attempt has been made to well-balanced nutritious feed Particularly from the locally available cheaper ingredients. The objectives of the present study are: to assess the effect of feed on the growth of finfish and shellfish in the laboratory, to prepare the conventional feed with traditional ingredients and to check the effect of feed on the growth performance of ornamental fish - Guppy, Poecilia reticulata.

Background: Globally, severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains a major killer of children under 5 years of age. The highest magnitude is seen in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Hypoglycemia is the most common complication of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and the most life-threatening condition in pediatric society. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypoglycemia and its associated factors among under-five children with severe acute malnutrition.Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted among 378 randomly selected samples who were admitted to public hospitals in the East Gojjam zone from 2018 to 2021. Data was extracted from the medical records of the children and entered into SPSS version 26, Variables with a p – value < 0.25 in the Bivariate analysis were candidates for multivariable logistic regression and those with a p – value < 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were considered as having a statistically significant association with hypoglycemia among severe acute malnutrition.Results: Out of 378 respondents, 50 (13.2%) had hypoglycemia with severe acute malnutrition patients. Children admitted between the ages of 0-6 months were 2.93 (AOR = 1.57-6.25, p = 0.000), shocks were 4.6 (AOR = 1.25-17.42, p = 0.034), and fully immunized children were (AOR: 2.61 (1.01- 6.77, p = 0.048) was significantly associated with hypoglycemia with severe acute malnutrition. Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of hypoglycemia with severe acute malnutrition was 13.2%. We also recommend a longitudinal study should be done among children who develop hypoglycemia with severe acute malnutrition to determine the long-term consequences, especially the neurodevelopmental sequelae associated with this condition.

Nutrition is the process of supplying the organism with substances that have certain useful characteristics for the organism. It is through the process of nutrition that the organism receives the necessary amount of energy required for normal life activity. The cell is a structural and functional unit of the human body, and it is from a set of similar formations that tissue, organ, and organ systems are formed. Consequently, each cell of the body must receive the necessary supply of nutrients in order to continue its normal functioning. Cellular nutrition is the ability of each cell of the human body to consume nutrient molecules in the amount they need. In this case, the object of the study is just that nutrition, which begins with the nourishment of an individual cell. This article presents the results obtained by analyzing the data regarding the process of making the cell's consumption of the right nutrients while taking into account how the transition to cellular nutrition affects the environment and its constituents.

Severe alcoholic hepatitis is an ethical and clinical conundrum, wherein a liver transplant is often recommended. The adequacy of medical treatment versus the risk of recidivism after transplant is often debated. Complete recovery in 26 of 27 patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis was observed, and hence the data was retrospectively analysed.Methods: 27 patients, with severe alcoholic hepatitis, with Maddrey's discriminant function between 59.7 to 165.2 (mean 107.53), from June 2017 to May 2022, were followed up for between 11 months to 6 years. INR ranged from 1.99 to 3.7 (mean 2.709), and bilirubin was between 7.6 to 37.01, (mean 20.859). 8 patients had pre-existing liver cirrhosis. All patients received probiotics, nutritional support, physical rehabilitation, saturated fat (clarified butter/ desi ghee) supplementation, and anti-oxidant support. At 90 days, total bilirubin improved to between 1.0 to 6.8 (mean 2.625). ALT (Alanine Transaminase/ SGPT) ranged from 65 to 550 (mean ALT – 197); and AST (Aspartate Transaminase / SGOT) ranged from 58 to 810 (mean AST – 271.51). Both the AST and ALT were near normal after 90 days. One patient died due to bacterial pneumonia and sepsis; the remaining 26 patients made a complete recovery. All patients including those with diagnosed liver cirrhosis, had complete resolution of their ascites, and near-normal liver function. At the last outpatient visit, none had ascites, edema, or encephalopathy, and had normal albumin levels and INR values. Conclusion: Probiotics, nutrition, a saturated fat diet, and exercise; all have shown benefits in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis when tested individually. Concomitant use of all the above has not been reported in the treatment of alcoholic hepatitis. The role of nutrition alone versus the contribution of nutritional deficiencies and the role of gut-derived endotoxemia need to be studied in detail. How to identify patients who need a transplant, if it is needed at all, remains a challenge.

Atherosclerosis Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease (ASICD), one of the leading causes of global deaths, is mainly caused due to the development of plaque on the inner walls of arteries of the human heart. Ischemia refers to the lack of enough oxygen (O2), nutrient delivery, and improper waste removal in the cardiac cells. About 90% of cardiovascular diseases in the present world are due to the formation of lipid/cholesterol-based plaques that can form under the lining of the smooth epithelial blood cells. In the US, a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology estimated that poor diet is responsible for about 45% of Cardiovascular Disease. Atherosclerosis doesn’t cause much effect until and unless the plaque becomes unstable due to the accumulation of thrombus that shows Acute Coronary Syndrome. Acute Coronary Syndrome is the result of blockage of blood vessels leading to Myocardial Infarction (Unstable Angina Pectoris). Cardiac Cells require a sufficient amount of Oxygen to function properly. Thus, the demand and supply of oxygen to the cardiac cells should be properly balanced. Atherosclerosis Ischemic Cardiovascular syndrome can worsen if the person is more involved in exercise or emotional stress because at that time their body requires higher oxygen but blood flow gets disrupted due to the formation of plague. Later in the paper, we will discuss the New York Heart Association classification, followed by the top 3 poor diets that are considered to be increasing the cases of cardiovascular disease around the world.

Introduction: Nutrition is increasingly recognized as a key component of optimal sports performance. On the other hand, insufficient and continuous food intake can compromise athletic performance and success where Nutritional Knowledge can play a leading role.Methods: One hundred and three youth athletes from 6 different clubs belonging to the District, Honor, and National Championship participated in this study. To assess Nutritional Knowledge, consumption of alcohol and tobacco the Abridged Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire was applied.Results: The percentage of Nutritional Knowledge obtained in the District Championship was 31.25%, in the Honors it was 35.56% and in the National Championship it was 35.02%. No significant differences were found between the Nutritional Knowledge of athletes. In turn, there were statistical differences in the consumption of alcohol and tobacco among the athletes of the 3 Championships, with the District division having the highest percentage of smokers (100%) and alcohol consumers (42.6%).Conclusion: It is essential to increase the Nutritional Knowledge observed in these young athletes since it can have an influential role in their food choices.