Assessment of the Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome in Physically Active and Sedentary Adult Women
Pages 93-102
Luisa Muller Arruda, Luana Selaimen Martins and Thaís Rodrigues Moreira

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2016.05.04.2

Published: 01 Feburary 2017

Abstract: To assess the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and the nutritional status of physically active and sedentary adult women. This case-control study included 60 women, aged 18 to 35 years, recruited from two fitness centers or from an outpatient nutrition clinic. Four evaluations were conducted, on the follicular and luteal phase in two months. Questionnaires were applied to collect information about the socioeconomic condition and PMS symptoms. Weight and height were measured to calculate body mass index. Electrical bioimpedance was used to determine body composition, and food consumption was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. The Student's t test and Chi-square test were applied to compare means and proportions between the groups. The occurrence of PMS was observed in 63.3% of women in the physically active group and 86.7% of participants in the sedentary group (p=0.074). Analysis of results relative to food consumption showed in the physically active group a low calorie consumption in 53.3% and 33.3% of the participants in the pre- and post-menstrual phases, respectively (p=0.039). In the sedentary group, a high calorie consumption was observed in 43.3% and 23.3% of the participants in the pre- and post-menstrual phases, respectively (p=0.007). The sedentary group presented carbohydrate consumption of 281.9 ± 61.1 grams and 252.1 ± 55.9 grams in the pre- and post-menstrual phases, respectively (p=0.001); increased consumption of lipids was also observed in these phases, 74.4 ± 23.4 grams 63.2 ± 19.4 grams, respectively (p=0.001). The results show that the sedentary group presents an increased frequency of PMS and increased consumption of calories, carbohydrates, lipids and sodium. In the physically active group there was association between reactance and fat percentage.

Alterations in Lipid-Lipoprotein Fractions and Antioxidant Status by Lycopene and its Blends with Rice Bran Oil in Nutritionally Induced Hyperlipidemic Animal Model
Pages 103-114
Komal Chauhan

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2016.05.04.3

Published: 01 Feburary 2017

Abstract: Nutrition Transition in the latter half of 20^th century has prompted profound shift from traditional dietary pattern of fibre rich foods to increased consumption of energy dense, high fat and low fibre foods. Resultant oblivious nutritional environment coupled with physical inactivity has abridged the gap between health and chronic diseases. Consequently, the paradigm of treatment from pharmaceuticals has shifted to neutraceuticals and a large proportion of populace is resorting to cost effective treatments from natural sources that can contribute effectually in combating these dreadful diseases. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of blends of lycopene and rice bran oil (RBO) on alteration in lipid metabolism and oxidative stress biomarkers in high fat high cholesterol diet fed albino rats. The rats were supplemented with lycopene (30mg/kg/day) singly and blend of lycopene (30mg/kg/day) and rice bran oil (100ml/kg/day) for 6 weeks. Results indicate that lycopene enriched diets significantly (p≤0.05) improved altered parameters, however, the effect was more pronounced in animals reared on blends of lycopene and RBO. The therapeutic potential of lycopene and RBO can be tapped as preventive and protective therapy against the detrimental effects of high fat diets consumed globally.