Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism - Volume 16, issue 1

Authors: Silva Cambranis, Hilda Del Carmen | Valencia Gutierrez, Marvel Del Carmen | Meneses López, Rafael Enrique | García Ramírez, Maria Del Jesus | López Méndez, Magnolia Del Rosario

Article Type: Brief Report

Abstract:  Nutritional education in Mexico is a necessary strategy to address the serious public health problem that is currently being experienced, since the population is suffering from chronic degenerative diseases, such as obesity, dyslipidemias, arterial hypertension and pathologies that unfortunately are already present in children thanks to a poor and unbalanced diet. Seeking alternatives for food orientation and for reducing these health problems, the Mediterranean diet was taken as an inspiring model. This healthy pattern, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, is characterized by several structural elements, such as the promotion of regional …and seasonal food, the respect of the nature, the cooking food at home, the consumption of a moderate amount of food, the promotion of family ties and communication, the practice of daily physical exercise and adequate rest. The proposal for a Mediterranean-based Mayan diet model also aims to integrate the entity’s native resources, promote food security in the southeast region of Mexico nd preserve the ancient recipes that have been inherited from our Mayan ancestors. Show more

Keywords: Mediterranean diet, food security, nutritional education

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-230023

Citation: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 1-6, 2023

Authors: Makena, Wusa | Hambolu, Joseph Olajide | Umana, Uduak Emmanuel | Iliya, Abdullahi Ibrahim | Timbuak, James Abrak | Bazabang, Sebastine Anthony

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The liver is a vital organ responsible for regulating the normal glucose homeostasis in the body system, and hepatic glucose metabolic dysregulation is one of the most critical elements in the pathogenesis of DM. METHOD: Twenty-five healthy rats aged seven weeks were divided into the following main groups; non-diabetic, diabetic untreated, diabetic treated with 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of MC fruit, and diabetic treated with Metformin (500 mg/kg). Different models of in vitro antioxidant assays of MC fruit were also determined. RESULTS: The results showed that MC fruit has high antioxidant potential against DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, …hydroxyl radicals, good reducing ferric power, significant Inhibition of lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant activities. The FBG levels decreased significantly in MC fruit treatment groups compared to diabetes control (DC) rats. The histology of the hepatic tissue of the diabetic untreated rats revealed a marked depletion in glycogen granules and hepatic DNA. These negative features were ameliorated in the MC fruit treated rats, as consistent glycogen granule storage and improved hepatic DNA presence were observed in the MC fruit treated rats. CONCLUSION: MC fruit reduces blood glucose levels in a diabetic rat model, and it also preserves the hepatic DNA and glycogen granules. MC fruit has a significant in vitro antioxidant activity. Show more

Keywords: Momordica charantia, Type 2 diabetes, streptozotocin, liver, high fat diet, glycogen granules

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-220035

Citation: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 7-19, 2023

Authors: Mekki, Siham | Belhocine, Mansouria | Bouzouina, Mohamed | Chaouad, Billel | Mostari, Abassia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Medicinal plants offer an important therapeutic resource in treatment of male infertility. We aim to evaluate the possible therapeutic effects of Salvia balansae on metabolic disorders and testicular dysfunction resulting from a high-fat diet (HFD). Antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of S. balansae leaves was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, 2,2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assay and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assay. Antidiabetic activity was determined by α-amylase inhibition. In vivo , HFD was administered in Wistar rats for 18 weeks and aqueous extract of S. balansae for the last 6 weeks (200 mg/Kg of body weight/day). At the …term of experimentation, testosterone and some plasma parameters were analyzed and removed testes were subjected to a histomorphometric study. Our results show high levels of phenolic components in aqueous extract of S. balansae and significant antioxidant and antidiabetic activity. HFD increases body weight, causes type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, liver failure and inflammation. Also, HFD decreases testosterone and alters testis histological structure (seminiferous tubular degeneration, impaired spermatogenesis and interstitial fibrosis). Treatment of HFD rats with extract of S. balansae normalizes body weight and plasma parameters, increases testosterone and regenerates testicular structure and function. In summary, S. balansae could reduce metabolic complications induced by HFD and serve the basis for developing a new therapy for testicular dysfunction. Show more

Keywords: High-fat diet, Salvia balansae, antidiabetic, antioxidant, testicular dysfunction

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-220094

Citation: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 21-39, 2023

Authors: Baltacı, Pelin | Tanrıöver, Özlem | Yavuzer, Hakan | Erdinçler, Deniz Suna | Eyupoglu, Ozan Emre

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In this study, our aim was to investigate the quality of dietary intake of elderly individuals and to identify the factors that may be associated with their diet quality. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 198 elderly participants. Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was used to evaluate nutritional status. The frequency of dietary intake was assessed using the Elderly Diet Index (EDI) score. RESULTS: The median age of study population was 76.0 years. The median EDI score was 27.0, moreover, only 27.3%of the study population had moderate or high diet quality. The results of the …univariate analysis revealed that having an average or a poor appetite reduced the diet quality in the elderly which was statistically significantly (p  = 0.010 and p  = 0.019, respectively), and each point increase in the MNA score statistically significantly increased the chance of moderate/good diet quality by 1.16 times. CONCLUSIONS: The poor diet quality of the elderly was associated with their education, appetite, nutritional, and smoking status. Show more

Keywords: Older adult, elderly dietary index, nutrition, dietary intake

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-220112

Citation: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 41-54, 2023

Authors: Guzmán, Carla | Muñoz, Gloria | Araneda, Paola | Arancibia, Paulina | Gacitúa, Felipe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Polyphenols are a group of compounds distributed in foods of plant origin and have been considered as effective protective agents against chronic diseases. To date, there are limited data on polyphenol intakes worldwide. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to describe the intake of polyphenols and their subclasses in Chile based on data extracted from the National Food Consumption Survey 2010 –2012 (ENCA). METHODS: A total of 3658 participants were selected from whom information on food consumption frequency, anthropometric, clinical, socioeconomic and lifestyle variables were available. RESULTS: The mean intake …value of total polyphenols was 979.5 + 695.5 mg/day. A higher intake was observed in men than in women. In addition, among adults, there is a higher consumption in the South macrozone. An increase in the intake of total polyphenols was evidenced when the population belonged to the high socioeconomic stratum, and the most consumed types were flavonoids and phenolic acids. CONCLUSION: Due to the growing evidence that shows a protective effect of polyphenol consumption, it is necessary to carry out more research related to the consumption of these compounds, promoting the consumption of foods that provide them and thus contributing to improve the current epidemiological. Show more

Keywords: Chilean population, polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-230010

Citation: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 55-69, 2023