DIET FACTOR (Journal of Nutritional and Food Sciences)

Biotechnological Innovations in Sustainable Food Production

Manam Walait — 2024-03-31

This review article explores the critical role of biotechnology in addressing the global food security crisis aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic and Eastern European conflict. It starts by examining the profound impacts of these events on food supply chains and pricing, supported by relevant statistical evidence. The study then discusses agricultural biotechnology, comparing conventional and sustainable agriculture, with an emphasis on genome editing and modification techniques such as Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs), Oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis (ODM), and CRISPR. The application of RNA interference in agriculture and microbial biotechnology in promoting soil health and sustainable food production is discussed. Furthermore, the review shifts focus to the utilization of microbial biotechnology for soil health enhancement and sustainable food production, encompassing the development of pest-resistant and drought-tolerant crops and biotechnological methods for optimizing water use efficiency. Additionally, it examines biotechnology's applications in food processing, including enhancing nutritional content and improving shelf life and safety. The European Green Deal is analyzed, particularly its influence on agriculture through strategies like Farm to Fork, Biodiversity, and Circular Economy. Finally, the review concludes by addressing policy considerations, ethical challenges, and the necessity of international cooperation in biotechnology research, exemplified by projects like the Golden Rice and Heat-Tolerant Maize for Asia (HTMA), highlighting the multidisciplinary nature and global significance of biotechnological innovations in ensuring sustainable food production.

Healthcare Management of an Obese Person

Syeda Rida Baqir — 2024-03-31

Around the world, 1.6 million causalities are due to mortalities related to obesity. Obesity is the major cause of various health issues and diseases like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, hypertension, sleep loss, etc. The main causes of obesity in Pakistan are poor diet, lack of exercise, and a sedentary lifestyle. Body mass index is a measurement tool that can be used to measure the fat of the body by calculating the ratio of weight and height of males and females. The ratio of people living in urban areas is higher than people living in rural area. The objective of our study is to explore the knowledge of healthcare management of an obese person. This is an exploratory study extracted from various literatures to enhance the understanding related to multiple treatment options i.e.: surgical and non-surgical interventions for the management of obesity. It comprises of various national and international, cross-sectional surveys, and experimental researches. The study concluded that there are many conservative and non-conservative options for the management of obesity and the reduction of weight can improve the quality of life as well as reduce the risk of various diseases.

Potential Health Benefits, Agro-Wastes and Industrial Byproducts of Mango (Mangifera Indica Linn)

Afrah Jabeen — 2024-03-31

Mango (Mangifera indica Linn) fruit is widely consumed around the world, but mango leaves are gaining popularity due to their numerous medicinal effects. Mangoes (Mangifera indica L.) account for about half of all tropical fruits produced worldwide, and their net output is predicted to rise rapidly over the next two decades due to improved agro-industrial technologies, the marketing of new varieties, and demand from health-conscious customers. Mango production costs are far higher than those of its edible part due to the management, recycling, and disposal of agricultural wastes and food by-products; this is even before factoring in the costs related with the environment and human health. Raw mangoes are commonly used in salads and pickles. Because mango has the unique capacity to change sour food into sweet, its prospective benefits as a potent antioxidant and sweetness enhancer are encouraging. Mango fruits, fruit pulp, and leaves were used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years to treat a wide range of health problems and diseases. According to chemical research, mango and mango leaves include a variety of polyphenolic antioxidants and micronutrients. This review looks into mangiferin and parts of mango, which have multiple health advantages for human health and illness prevention

Investigating the Malnutrition in Children Under Five Years in District Umerkot, Sindh

Gulzar Usman — 2024-03-31

Malnutrition no doubt has turned into a major public health problem especially in under five children of developing countries, 45% of child mortality is directly linked to malnutrition in developing countries. The malnutrition rates in Pakistan are undoubtedly high as 44% of children under five are stunted. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malnutrition among children under five years of age in District Umerkot, Sindh. Methods: The study was designed as descriptive research and a non-probability convenient sampling technique was used to select respondents. A close-ended questionnaire was used to collect data from 164 respondents. Results: The findings of study revealed that stunting and wasting were the most frequently proved types of malnutrition which is highly prevailing among children under five years of age in District Umerkot. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the need for effective interventions to address malnutrition in this area and study to discover the cause of issue. The findings of this research might aid in directing efforts designed toward enhancing the diets of children under five in Sindh District Umerkot and might affect policy alternatives.

Assessment of Knowledge and Perceptions of Pakistani Adults about Non-nutritive Sweeteners

Aiman Naveed — 2024-03-31

Non-nutritive sweeteners are used as a substitute for sugar and have strong sweetening properties. They can be helpful in weight management, diabetes, and other insulin sensitivity-related metabolic disorders. Objective: This survey intended to analyze the knowledge and risk perceptions related to the safety and benefits of Non-nutritive sweeteners in a population of Pakistani adults. The impact of knowledge dissemination on the consumption of Non-nutritive sweeteners was also assessed. Methods: An online survey was conducted, and 680 responses were received. Results: Results indicated that 55.7% reported Non-nutritive sweeteners consumption, while 44.3% denied any usage. Only 27.4% of respondents showed trust in regulatory bodies while only 26.2% had any idea about the laws surrounding their use. The second part of the study aimed to examine the effect of knowledge dissemination on Non-nutritive sweeteners consumption, but the result showed that the participants were still not convinced about the safety levels of Non-nutritive sweeteners (p < 0.05). The only statement that participants were persuaded by was that Non-nutritive sweeteners does not pose any risk of cancer. The main reason for consumption was attributed to the low caloric properties of Non-nutritive sweeteners. Conclusions: The results showed that effective communication by regulatory authorities and health professionals via the internet, social media and leaflets can be beneficial in educating the public about Non-nutritive sweeteners. The role of health care professionals is also important to assure the public of the safety of Non-nutritive sweeteners.

Extraction and Characterization of Natural Antioxidants from Olive Leaves Powder

Muhammad Khalid Saeed — 2024-03-31

Olive (Olea europaea L.) leaves, which contain large amounts of phenols, are a common byproduct in the production of olive oil. When improperly processed, the by-products produced by the olive diligence can impairment the environment. Its leaves, which are made when olive trees are pruned and harvested and it is expected that foliage make up twenty five percent of pruning remains overall. These byproducts cost manufacturers money and have serious environmental implications. So, like other agronomical production wastes, partial reuse is something that should be pursued. These leftovers have a high concentration of beneficial chemicals, if isolated, may be used in food, cosmetics and nutraceutical sectors. Objectives: To extract the bioactive compounds polyphenols and flavonoids in 70% ethanol extract and its antioxidant activity was done. Methods: The polyphenols were quantified by Folin reagent and flavonoids by aluminum chloride methods respectively and the natural antioxidants were estimated by using free radical scavenging DPPH assay. Results: It was discovered that the 70% ethanol extract's total polyphenolic content was 65.50 ± 1.42 (mg GAE/g) and its total flavonoids were 11.85 ± 0.60 (mg QE/g). In 70% ethanol extract the % inhibition (DPPH) was 42.82±3.20-88.40±5.18 while BHT has the % inhibition (DPPH) 30.4 ± 2.50-80.50 ± 4.68 at concentration 0.1-0.5 mg/ml. Conclusions: The results indicating a noteworthy antioxidant activity in terms of radical scavenging activity. These results also wrapped up that the olive industry waste may be reutilized as a natural source of antioxidants in various sectors.

Tailoring the Use of Proso Millet in Preparation of Gluten Free Cupcakes

Nighat Raza — 2024-04-15

Celiac disease is the disorder of small intestine. It affects about 1% of the population. To meet dietary requirements of the affected population, the food industry must develop new food items with special health-improving properties. For people who are allergic to gluten, Proso millet is the ideal cereal owing to its gluten-free nature. Objective: To make gluten-free cupcakes using varying concentrations of Proso millet and rice flour. Methods: The gluten content, total phenolic content, and particle size distribution of the raw material were all measured. Next, 100% wheat flour, 80%, 85%, and 90% Proso millet flour, and 20%, 15%, and 10% rice flour were used to make cupcakes. The nutritional makeup of the cupcakes, including their moisture content, ash content, crude fiber, crude fat, crude protein, and mineral (Fe, Zn, Ca, and P) contents, was examined. Results: Based on the results, the optimal ratio of protein and fiber was found to be 90% Proso millet and 10% rice flour. The result for the sensory score of the cupcakes showed that all the treatments were acceptable by the consumer. Conclusions: Although the treatment having high concentration of Proso millet recorded the highest acceptability score. Therefore, Proso millet is useful cereal for any product development.

Click, Track and Eat: The Power of Nutrition Apps

Ammar Ahmad Khan — 2024-03-31

Nutrition apps enhances the nutrition guidance and suitability in balancing and tracking food intakes. They expand knowledge and awareness about nutrition as well. The modern technologies connect users to have wearable devices and data analytics with motivations, visions and support on their journey towards healthy lifestyles. Instead of hunting through books and contacting nutritionists, you can find all information about healthy lifestyles into single solution and easily assessable platforms.

As it provides more flexibility, it allows the users to interact at their own ease and make healthier choices by obtaining nutritious recipes and advices, which makes it more convenient and cost effective. In addition, these apps provide users to give real-time feedbacks and guidance, monitor their diet behaviors and physical activities and supplementation information They also facilitate them in weight calculations and calories-tracking to manage their whole diet plans. Furthermore, these offer several healthier activities like exercising and staying hydrated alerts.

However, nutrition apps have many limitations and challenges; users may consider it time consuming with recent study highlighting that the calorie and fitness tracking may be related to eating disorders [1]. Additionally, another study on eating disorders found that body dissatisfaction and preoccupations with body shape tend to be high in the individuals using nutrition apps [2]. Despite these issues, the accuracy of these app can vary depending on user’s capability to record their food intake.

Nevertheless, this does not deny the significance of dietary compositions in health and illness prevention and management. Appropriate nutritional intake is crucial to maintain a healthy life, avoid nutrient deficiencies and lower the risk of diseases. Therefore, it is imperative to establish effective methods so that the dietary can be tracked and thus improved. It is equally important to address the concerns related to negative impacts of nutrition apps such as unhealthy eating habits due to overdependence.

In conclusion, this editorial sheds light on the significance of nutrition apps that provide user-friendly interactions for improving dietary habits. While many of nutrition apps have positively improved user behaviors and diet quality, addressing challenges such as users’ annoyance and disengagements still remains. Looking forward, prioritizing user satisfaction and enhancing functionality is crucial to unlocking the nutrition apps potential for achieving long-term impacts in diet quality and promoting healthier lifestyles.