DIET FACTOR (Journal of Nutritional and Food Sciences)

Tech-Driven Evolution of Trait Performance in Oilseed Crops: A Contemporary Perspective

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Targeted nucleases are resilient genomic tools that accurately modify the intended genome of living cells, regulating functioning genes with great precision. Gene editing techniques (GETs), especially CRISPR-cas9, are utilized for genetic manipulation with greater efficacy, versatility, cost-efficiency, and capacity for high-throughput applications in the fields of medicine, biology, agriculture, and biotechnology. It has been successfully used for the treatment of genetic diseases in humans and oilseed crop improvements such as disease resistance, reducing seed shattering, herbicide resistance, and improving oil quality and quantity. The purpose of this review is to summarize the potential application of GETs to bring improvements to oilseed crops. In the current study, three different methodologies to incorporate desire traits in oilseed crops are discussed, mainly for the needs of farmers and consumer demands. The methodologies included conventional plant breeding (CPB), mutagenesis plant breeding (MPB), and the advanced gene editing tool CRISPR-cas9. Ongoing inventions in the agriculture field and in the last decade (ten years) are focused. Results: Mechanistic representation in detail was given for editing plant genomes using various strategies such as PEG-mediated, biolistic, and agro-bacterium-mediated plant transformation. The modification of agricultural crops was required to increase the nation's economic condition. In the future, to overcome food security issues, researchers from multidisciplinary fields can plan their work in oilseed crops or relevant disciplines for the betterment of humanity.

Assessment of Stunting and Its Associated Factors in Children Under 2 Years of Age in Tehsil Umerkot

Shahzad Farid Khan, Ume Sughra, Marriam Suleman, Najm Us Sabah — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Stunting, a key indicator of chronic undernutrition, remains a critical public health challenge in Tehsil Umerkot, Pakistan, reflecting underlying socioeconomic and nutritional deficits. Objective: To find stunting in children under 2 years old and its association with sociodemographic variables in Tehsil Umerkot Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at urban Tehsil Umerkot, Pakistan. A total of 385 respondents were selected from 4 different public healthcare facilities of District Umerkot, through a simple random sampling technique. SPSS version 26.0 was utilized for data entry and analysis. An anthropometric assessment was carried out for the children and height for age was calculated. All children with a z-score below -2 S.D of WHO standards were considered stunted. Pearson Chi-Square was used to investigate the variables linked with stunting. Results: Among the 385 respondents, the majority of the children were female (n= 202, 53%). Mothers of the majority of the children were illiterate (n= 293, 76%). It was found that the majority of the children were stunted (n=360, 96%) out of which 8% (n=30) were severely stunted. Breastfeeding, duration of exclusive breastfeeding, and fruit and vegetable consumption were found statistically significant with stunting (p value<0.05). Conclusions: The majority of the children under 2 years of age in Umerkot were stunted. Various factors were identified that play a protective role against stunting among them exclusive breastfeeding, and fruit and vegetable consumption were important. Routine nutritional assessment and interventions are needed to prevent stunting in Pakistan.

Melamine a Potent Carcinogen: Detection in Packed and Unpacked Milk Samples Collected from Different Regions of Lahore, Pakistan by ELISA Method

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Melamine is a nitrogen-rich compound often added to milk to enhance its protein contents. The European Commission has established a permissible limit of 2.5mg/kg for melamine, as excessive amounts can lead to kidney stones and other health risks for both infants and adults. Objective: To assess melamine concentrations in both packed and unpacked milk samples from various regions in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: An experimental study was conducted using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique to detect melamine levels in milk samples. Measurements were obtained at a wavelength of 450 nm, following standard ELISA protocols. Results: The analysis revealed that one unpackaged milk sample contained melamine levels exceeding the permissible limit at 6.3+0.1mg/kg, while the other samples were deemed safe for consumption. Additionally, while melamine was detected in packed milk samples, all were within safe consumption levels. Conclusions: In conclusion, melamine was not found in the packaged milk samples, adhering to the acceptable limits set by the European Commission in 2009; however, one unpackaged milk sample showed a concerning level of melamine.

Whole Orange Powder as A Rich Source of Polyphenols, Flavonoids and Antioxidants

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

On a global scale, consumers’ faith in dietary therapy for illness remediation has been bolstered by health claims for phytochemical-containing foods, including fruits and vegetables. Thanks to their antioxidant capabilities and chemical variety, polyphenols gave dietary supplements and nutraceuticals new life. Objectives: To investigate the antioxidant activity and phytochemicals (TPC and TFC) of the entire orange powder while extracted in water, ethanol and methanol. Methods: Each extract was tested for its total flavonoid composition using the aluminium chloride technique and its total polyphenolic content using the Folin reagent. The DPPH test was used to measure the antioxidant activity. Results: Results demonstrated that whole orange powder water extract had the lowest total phenolic content values (167.2 ± 3.3 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (35.8 ± 0.2 mg QE/g) whereas methanol extracts displayed the highest values (350.8 ± 6.3mg GAE/g; 72.5 ± 2.2 mg QE/g) and ethanol extracts showed the moderate values (283.4 ± 5.2 mg GAE/g; 57.4 ± 1.8mg QE/g) respectively. At a concentration of 20-100μg/ml, the methanol extract had the greatest antioxidant% inhibition value, 38.50 ± 1.3-87.67 ± 2.4%, followed by the ethanol extract (28.70 ± 1.1-65.40 ± 2.1%) whereas the water extract had the lowest antioxidant% inhibition value, 17.95±0.3-52.25 ± 1.6% and it showed a statistically significant difference values (p<0.05) among the extracts. Conclusions: It was concluded that the antioxidant levels, polyphenols and flavonoids in whole orange powder were strongly affected by the solvent type employed for extraction, with methanol being the solvent of choice.

Development of an Excel Spreadsheet for Dietary Data Analysis and Calculation of Dietary Inflammatory Index Value for Researchers

Iftikhar Alam, Falak Zeb, Haseeb Ur Rahman — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Dietary Inflammatory Index is a measure of the inflammatory load in an individual's diet, based on intake of certain nutrients, food groups, and bioactive compounds. However, computation of the DII is time-consuming and labor-intensive, necessitating precise nutritional information. Objectives: To design an Excel spreadsheet for easy calculations of the dietary inflammatory index. Methods: Development of the tool was completed in two phases. In phase 1, the Excel spreadsheet was created for nutrients calculation using dietary data, and then using these nutrients for further calculation of dietary inflammatory index, applying a universally referenced dietary inflammatory index, and inflammatory effect scores. In phase 2, validity of the tool was evaluated through different methods, i.e., internal consistency and formula verification, test-retest Reliability, and Statistical Validation. Results: The Excel tool was created using the established dietary inflammatory index methodology in seven distinct 7 steps. Face Validity was determined by a three-member panel of expert academic nutritionists who judged the structure, reasonableness, and functionality of the spreadsheet. Content Validity was established by cross-referencing listed nutrient parameters with those that need to be included in peer-reviewed dietary inflammatory index development protocols. The mean difference between dietary inflammatory index scores from the Excel tool and reference manual calculation was near zero (mean bias=0.03), and 95% limits of agreement were -0.21 to +0.27, showing minimal systematic bias. Conclusions: It was concluded that the spreadsheet demonstrated strong agreement, high correlation, and statistical reliability, validating it as a practical tool for dietary inflammatory index computation in dietary studies.

Evaluation of Nutritional Knowledge and Lifestyle Habits of Orphan Children Residing in Different Institutes of Peshawar City

Abdul Basit, Iftikhar Alam — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The nutritional status of orphaned children residing in Peshawar orphanages is scantily documented. Objectives: To assess the eating habits, awareness of nutrition, and dietary status of children living in orphanages in the Peshawar area of Pakistan. Methods: The study involved 120 children, ages 5 to 15, and was conducted at three separate orphanages in Peshawar city. Food frequency questionnaires were used to collect data on the orphan children's socioeconomic situation, anthropometric measures (weight and height), eating patterns, physical activity, and food preferences. Additionally, data on biochemical tests used to measure hemoglobin levels (Hb) were gathered. To determine the orphans' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours about dietary guidelines, another Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) questionnaire was used. SPSS-26 was used to analyze the data that were collected. Results: According to the findings, 4%, 9%, and 3% of the children in the study were underweight, overweight, and obese, respectively. Additionally, 12% of the orphans were anemic, and 13% were stunted. Carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, meat, legumes, dairy products, nuts, and beverages were consumed by the majority of the orphans. However, they also have a great preference for chips, pickles, and fast food. Conclusions: It was concluded that the current findings indicated poor diet habits and the occurrence of malnutrition among various children's orphanages of Peshawar. The present study reveals the link between malnutrition in orphans and the absence of particular care, which indicates the importance of intervention strategies to diminish the risk of malnutrition for this vulnerable group in the district of Peshawar.

The Diet Dynamics in Holy Month of Ramadan

Shakira Ghazanfar — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Ramadan, one of Islam's five pillars, is a period of frugality from dawn to sunset that lasts a lunar month (29-30 days). In Ramadan, millions of Muslims deepened their relationship with God by fasting, praying and spiritual devotion. Fasting every day before dawn and after sunset, families break their fast together shortly before sunset. Not only is this sacred practice deeply religious, it also provides health benefits that researchers are studying to see how the rhythms of fasting affect our wellbeing. Therefore, it is very helpful in understanding the routine of fasting and nourishment during Ramadan.

Fasting during the whole day means going without food and water for long hours. If sufficient nutrition is not maintained throughout this time, it might result in weakness, dehydration, and a decline in energy levels. The body’s normal functioning is greatly affected due to absence of frequent meals. Hence it is essential for individuals to have nutritious foods during non-fasting hours. Many people overeat at iftar and intake high fat and sugar rich foods which causes weight gain and fatigue.

It is essential to consume well-balanced diet at Suhoor that will maintain energy levels throughout the day. Mostly, it is advised to have foods high in complex carbs, proteins such as whole grains, eggs, rice that will keep one satisfied for longer and retain muscle strength. Dehydration can be prevented by the intake of plenty of fluids and eating fruits with high water content such as watermelon etc.

Moreover, A balanced iftar is also recommended to avoid health haphazard. Dates and water have been traditionally used at time of iftar which have both religious and scientific benefits. Individuals should take fiber rich and healthy foods. People should avoid using fried items which will cause digestive discomfort and uneasiness later on. People should maintain proper hydration at night since fasting limits fluid intake during the day.

During this Holy month, the biggest challenge encountered by people is their tendency to overeat at iftar. The extended hours of fasting can lead to increase the appetite for oily and sugary foods which causes indigestion and bloating. Mindful diet plan and portion control can help in maintaining general health and avoiding unwanted weight gain.

Besides spiritual benefits, fasting in Ramadan also have vast physical benefits. It helps in digestion, detoxification and improves health management. According to different studies, fasting boosts insulin sensitivity and metabolic flexibility, which lowers the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Ramadan diet dynamics focus on mindful eating, water, and balanced nourishment.