Nutrition & Food Science

Ayenampudi, Surendra Babu; Verma, Riya; Adeyeye, Samuel Ayofemi Olalekan

doi: 10.1108/nfs-05-2022-0146pmid: N/A

Jamun is an underutilised fruit crop of India whose utilization needs to be considerably increased. Despite its impressive nutritional profile and several health benefits, its cultivation is still very limited. Hence, this study aims to highlight the essential nutrients, health benefits and value-added products of jamun fruit and seed.Design/methodology/approachMajor sources of bibliometric information such as Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar were extensively searched with keywords such as nutritional composition of jamun, bioactive compounds, health benefits and jamun-based food products to obtain a database of 317 papers. Thirty four publications met the criteria for review.FindingsJamun fruit (Syzygium cumini L.) is known for its attractive colour, astringent taste, enormous nutrients and nutraceutical properties; nevertheless, this fruit is seasonal, perishable and underutilised. Furthermore, the fruit is used for the treatment of diabetes and also possess anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and cardio-protection properties. Investigations were done on the production of value-added food products such as read-to-serve beverages, jam, cookies and cake from jamun due to their several health benefits. The present review was an attempt to provide spotlights on the health benefits and food product applications of jamun fruit and its by-products.Originality/valueThis review systematically collates evidence from various published sources regarding the nutritional profile, development of food products from jamun and their health benefits. The compiled information will help researchers and professional become aware of the significance of jamun fruit and thereby enhances its processing and applications in food systems.

Mohammadi, Mohammad Reza; Mostafavi, Seyed-Ali; Khalkhali, Aref

doi: 10.1108/nfs-04-2022-0127pmid: N/A

Nutrition Bio Shield (NBS) supplement is a natural product that is processed from whole wheat grains. This study aims to determine its effects on depression, anxiety, stress and food craving in women with depression and obesity in a double-blind randomized clinical trial.Design/methodology/approachFifty-six eligible clients with body mass index ≥ 25 and mild or moderate depression signed the informed consent form. They were randomly assigned to receive daily 5 g of NBS or placebo. The assessments included the depression, anxiety and stress-21 questionnaire, food craving questionnaire, visual analogue scale for appetite, precise anthropometric measurements and body composition analyses. The assessments were conducted at the baseline and repeated after four and eight weeks. One month after the study completion, the participants’ weight was assessed. The authors analyzed the data by independent sample t-test, repeated measures analysis of variance and multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVA).FindingsAt the baseline, no significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the main and demographic variables. After four weeks, stress reduced significantly in the NBS group (p = 0.04), and after eight weeks, anxiety (p = 0.02), stress (p = 0.008) and food craving (p = 0.05) reduced significantly in the NBS group compared with the placebo. After controlling for the demographic variables and baseline measurements, MANCOVA model revealed a significant effect of NBS in reducing anxiety (Eta-squared = 0.28; p = 0.001) and stress (Eta-squared = 0.19; p = 0.009). Fisher’s exact test showed no significant difference regarding side effects between NBS and placebo (p = 0.47).Originality/valueNBS supplement is a patent and natural product that is processed from whole wheat grains. This product was efficient in reducing stress and anxiety after controlling for demographic variables and baseline measurements compared with the placebo and was safe.

Clarke, Chantelle; Abel, Kate; Best, Talitha

doi: 10.1108/nfs-02-2022-0066pmid: N/A

There is growing awareness internationally of the need to reduce intake of added sugars. The purpose of this study was to examine consumer sugar knowledge and food label use.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional online survey included 229 adult participants (85% female and 15% male). Participants completed measures of demographics, sugar knowledge, interest in food and nutrition, food choice motivations and beliefs and food label use. The sample of convenience showed that participants were from Australasia (n = 90), the USA (n = 90) and other Western (Europe and Canada, n = 49) countries.FindingsOverall, participant sugar knowledge predicted nutrition label use over and above individual demographic and psychological characteristics (interest in food and nutrition, health beliefs and food choice motivations) (p < 0.001). Country comparisons revealed that those in Australasia reported lower sugar knowledge compared to the USA (p =< 0.001) and other Western countries (p = 0.028).Research limitations/implicationsOverall, participant sugar knowledge predicted nutrition label use over and above individual demographic and psychological characteristics (interest in food and nutrition, health beliefs and food choice motivations) (p < 001). Country comparisons revealed that those in Australasia reported lower sugar knowledge compared to the USA (p =< 0.001) and other Western countries (p = 0.028).Originality/valueThis study explored sugar knowledge as a unique predictor of food label use, taking into account individual characteristics in demographics, food choice motivations and health beliefs.

Kenger, Emre Batuhan; Ozlu, Tugce; Agopyan, Ani; Ergun, Can; Uslu, Aysenur; Dinsel, Berfin; Disli, Dilhan; Akdeniz, Nezihe

doi: 10.1108/nfs-08-2022-0268pmid: N/A

There are limited studies on the effects of coffee consumption, which has become part of popular culture and is highly common among young people, on the attention levels of female university students. This paper aims to examine the effects of caffeine consumption given at different doses (0, 100 and 200 mg) to female university students (n = 100) studying at the faculty of health sciences on attention performance with the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT).Design/methodology/approachParticipants' test completion time, number of errors and corrections were tested. In addition, the frequencies of weekly coffee consumption were also recorded.FindingsIt was found that consumption of coffee containing 200 mg of caffeine reduced the time to complete the sections of the SCWT test (p < 0.05), as well as the total test completion time (55.81 ± 8.67 s) compared to no coffee consumption (58.25 ± 9.46 s) and coffee consumption with 100-mg caffeine (57.56 ± 8.87 s) (p < 0.05; effect size: 0.268). The effect of caffeine on attention level was induced by 200-mg caffeine consumption, but was unapparent at 100-mg dose. In addition, SCWT completion times were reduced in the student group with more weekly coffee consumption (=3 cups/week) at 200-mg caffeine dose.Originality/valueIn this context, caffeine dose is a factor that should be taken into account in determining the performance of individuals in the SCWT test. It is thought that coffee consumption can increase the concentration of students and have positive effects on academic achievement.

Abu Zeinah, Zeinah; Al Sayyed, Hiba; Al-Awwad, Narmeen

doi: 10.1108/nfs-04-2022-0131pmid: N/A

The authors developed and validated a questionnaire called “The Jordanian Food Purchasing Habits Survey” (JFPHS). The purpose of this questionnaire was to explore Jordanians’ food purchasing habits and the factors which may affect these habits among a convenient sample of people. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no such questionnaires have been developed to measure these factors for the Jordanian population. This paper aims to describe the reasoning behind and the process of developing the (JFPHS).Design/methodology/approachThe JFPHS investigated meal preparation and grocery shopping behaviors, nutrition label use and factors affecting purchasing of 13 (n = 13) food groups. A two-step process, a pilot test and validity study, were used to validate the questionnaire. Internal consistency (split-half reliability) tests were run on the factors in each individual food group producing Spearman–Brown correlation coefficients.FindingsA convenient sample of 483 individuals (118 males, 365 females) participated in the study. Spearman–Brown correlation coefficients were < 0.7 for bread and between 0.7–0.8 and 0.8–0.9 for other food groups. The ingredients list grid and the expiry date grid had Spearman–Brown coefficient values > 0.9.Social implicationsThis questionnaire is a valid tool to assess food purchasing behavior. Results from our questionnaire, when published, may be used to monitor trends in food consumption.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, no such questionnaires been developed to measure these factors for the Jordanian population.

Khajebishak, Yaser; Madani, Sadra; Faghfouri, Amir Hossein; Soleimani, Ali; Ilaei, Sara; Peyrovi, Said; Payahoo, Laleh

doi: 10.1108/nfs-06-2022-0186pmid: N/A

Meteorin like-peptide (Metrnl) modulates energy hemostasis and relieves inflammation and oxidative stress. This study aims to investigate the relationship between Metrnl levels and inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress biomarkers and body composition parameters in obese type 2 diabetic patients.Design/methodology/approachThis analytical cross-sectional study was carried out between August 2020 and March 2021on 93 people (n = 32 obese type 2 diabetic patients, n = 31 healthy obese, n = 30 healthy normal weight). Serum Metrnl levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity were measured using standard methods. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. p-Value less than 0.05 was considered significant.FindingsSerum Metrnl levels were lower in obese diabetic patients than in healthy normal-weight subjects (82.5 [72.4–94.5] ng/mL compared to 154 [129–189] ng/mL). The difference in Metrnl levels between the two groups was significant (p < 0.001). The difference in Metrnl levels between the two groups was significant. Moreover, a significant correlation between Metrnl level and both TNF-a and hs-CRP was detected (p = 0.006 and p < 0.001, respectively) and the correlation between Metrnl and IL-6 was borderline (p = 0.051). A negative correlation was revealed between Metrnl level and anthropometric measurements and body composition (p < 0.05) with the exception of fat-free mass and skeletal muscle mass.Originality/valueTo discover sufficient evidence for the therapeutic function of Metrnl and its use as a prognostic biomarker in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, future clinical studies are needed to highlight other factors influencing Metrnl serum levels.

Kalpana, Kommi; Khanna, Gulshan Lal

doi: 10.1108/nfs-06-2022-0183pmid: N/A

The potential problems of Kho-Kho players have been less studied. Considering eating disorders a public health problem, but also in particular for athletes, as it can cause serious health and performance decrements if left unmonitored. This study aims to determine the prevalence of disordered eating attitude and their relationship with mental health among Indian Kho-Kho players.Design/methodology/approachFifty-two male Kho-Kho players aged 16–31 years were assessed for disordered eating attitude using Eating Attitude Test (EAT)-26 and mental health using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and t-test were computed to know the difference between positive and negative disordered eating attitude.FindingsThe disordered eating attitude was prevalent among 11.5% of players. The players with disordered eating attitudes showed a significantly (p < 0.01) higher score for EAT-26 subscales related to dieting and oral control. Players were involved in binging (21.2%), purging (5.8%), use of laxatives (1.9%), extra exercise (>1 h) (34.6%) and lost >20 pounds of body weight in the last six months (13.5%). Depression, anxiety and stress were higher in the group with a disordered eating attitude. However, a significant difference (p < 0.01) was found only for depression.Research limitations/implicationsThe disordered eating attitude was present among Kho-Kho Players and linked with depression. Health care service providers are encouraged to monitor and guide the players with disordered eating attitudes to take active measures to ensure optimum health and performance.Originality/valueThe present paper provides evidence of disordered eating attitude linked with depression among Kho-Kho players.

Diana, Rian; Martianto, Drajat; Baliwati, Yayuk Farida; Sukandar, Dadang; Hendriadi, Agung

doi: 10.1108/nfs-05-2022-0150pmid: N/A

This systematic review (SR) aims to investigate plate waste quantity, determinant factors, and food waste costs in Indonesian hospitals.Design/methodology/approachThis SR was conducted by searching for articles published on the Web of Science, PubMed, Emerald insight, ScienceDirect and hand-searching on nationally accredited journals in Indonesia which consist of 29 journals in nutrition, environment and public health. The inclusion criteria in this review were peer-reviewed articles, original research, research locations in hospitals in Indonesia and articles in English or Bahasa (Indonesian language).FindingsThere were 21 studies (17 observational studies and 4 experimental studies) included in this systematic review. Results from 17 observational studies showed that the median plate waste was 27.6% (14.8%–88.7%). High plate waste was found in this review, particularly in pediatric patients and patients who receive liquid diet orally. Staple food and vegetables have a high contribution to patients’ plate waste. Economic costs of plate waste were $0.07–$0.5 per capita per day. Determinant factors of patient’s plate waste were patient clinical conditions, food taste and environmental conditions of hospital food service. Results from four experimental studies showed that meal replacement and smaller food portion intervention could reduce significant plate waste. Nevertheless, there is no conclusive evidence for food waste reduction intervention because of small intervention studies in Indonesia.Research limitations/implicationsThere was a high disparity in the quantity of plate waste and economic costs between studies included in this review.Practical implicationsImproving food sensory and adjusting food portions particularly for staple food and vegetables can be done as a way to reduce patient’s plate waste.Originality/valueThis SR is the first review of Indonesian hospital plate waste.

Junco, Rodrigo Cavalcante; Prates, Sarah Morais Senna; Anastácio, Lucilene Rezende

doi: 10.1108/nfs-03-2022-0103pmid: N/A

This study aims to evaluate the carbohydrate content, ingredient profile and degree of processing of supposedly “low-carb” foods in the Brazilian market.Design/methodology/approachInformation was collected from physical supermarkets in Divinópolis, Minas Gerais and on websites throughout Brazil between July and September/2020. The carbohydrate content was assessed in g/100 g, and ingredient lists were investigated for the presence of carbohydrate-rich ingredients. The degree of processing of the products was evaluated by NOVA classification to determine whether the term “low carb” had been translated into Portuguese.FindingsThis study evaluated a total number of 164 products, the most frequent were bakery products (34.7%), granola and cereal bars (19.5%) and candies and desserts (14.0%). This claim was also found in low-carb foods such as cheese and chicken. Most food products evaluated (56.0%) were classified as ultra-processed, with the group having the highest carbohydrate content (20.0; 3.0–47.5g/100g), compared to products classified as processed foods (p < 0.01). The ingredient lists showed items rich in carbohydrates, such as cassava and corn derivatives. In 162 products, a low-carb claim was displayed without translation into Portuguese. These data demonstrate that most of these products are ultra-processed and have a high glycidic content.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study was a pioneer investigation of the ingredients of “low-carb” foods, their carbohydrate composition and their degree of processing based on the NOVA classification.

Arslan, Nurgul; Akbulut, Gamze; Süleymanoğlu, Muhammed; Alataş, Hacer; Yaprak, Bülent

doi: 10.1108/nfs-06-2022-0177pmid: N/A

This study aims to determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score in patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and to evaluate the results in this context.Design/methodology/approachThis was a prospective cohort study of ACS patients admitted to a cardiac care unit in high specialization hospital's cardiology service. The study included 140 men aged >35 years who were diagnosed with ACS.FindingsThe mean age of the individuals participating in the study was 61.4 ± 10.9 years old. The mean BMI of the individuals was 25.3 ± 6.6 kg/m2, and the mean value of the waist/hip ratio was 0.85 ± 0.01. Individuals were divided into four quarters according to the GRACE score. It was determined that individuals with the highest GRACE score were very underweight or morbidly obese according to their BMI values (p = 0.04).Originality/valueIt has been observed that there is a U-shaped relationship between the GRACE score and the BMI in individuals diagnosed with ACS. The risk of death of ACS patients with very high or very low BMI values was found to be close to each other. Although there is a relationship between BMI and GRACE score, it is concluded that it is insufficient to determine the risk in coronary disease alone, and body fat distribution should be examined together with BMI.