A Review on Metabolic Syndrome and Nutrition
Pages 20-23
Banu Mesçi, Ayşe Erbakan and Özge Telci Çaklili

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2015.04.01.4

Published: 13 April 2015

Abstract: Metabolic syndrome can be defined as a disorder with occurrence of at least three out of five medical conditions including hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, high blood pressure, central obesity and low HDL cholesterol levels. In this review we will discuss how to improve poor eating habits which further escalates the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. To treat and moreover to prevent metabolic syndrome, we should make healthy life style changes as our priority goal. Macro and micronutrient composition and metabolically favorable food components have a profound influence on health outcomes. Though Mediterranean and DASH diets are referred as the healthiest diets, there are numerous diets that are as well successful. Positive effects of low carbohydrate diets on glycemic regulation have been shown. Nonetheless, personalized nutrition applications with persistent implementation of these changes are foundations for success. A successful approach also needs regular exercise and behavioral changes.

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.

Accuracy and Applicability of Resting Metabolic Rate Prediction Equations Differ for Women Across the Lifespan
Pages 50-63
Kathleen Woolf, Shirley Miller, Christine Reese, Leah Beaird and Maureen Mason

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2015.04.02.3

Published: 31 July 2015

Abstract: Background: Nutrition clinicians need accurate and reliable resting metabolic rate (RMR) assessments to determine energy needs and an appropriate nutrition care plan.

Material/Methods:This cross-sectional study compared the accuracy of eight RMR prediction equations (Harris-Benedict, Robertson and Reid, Cunningham 1980, FAO/WHO/UNU, Owen, Mifflin-St. Jeor, Cunningham 1991, and Nelson) to measured RMR by indirect calorimetry among young (n=57; age: 25±3 years), midlife (n=57; age: 44±3 years), and older (n=46; age: 68±5 years) women. Paired t-tests examined differences between predicted and measured RMR. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS (version 21), with significance defined as p<0.05. Bland-Altman plots displayed prediction bias and agreement. Prediction accuracy was defined when predicted RMR was ±10% of measured RMR. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone and follicle stimulating hormone concentrations were measured to assess thyroid function and ovarian reserve, respectively.

Results:The difference between predicted and measured RMR ranged from +0.6% (Owen) to +17.7% (Cunningham 1980) for the young, -2.8% (Nelson) to +18.1% (Cunningham 1980) midlife, and +2.8 (Nelson) to +26.7% (Cunningham 1980) older women. For the young women, only the Owen equation predicted RMR similar to measured RMR (p=0.905). For the older women, only the Nelson equation predicted RMR similar to measured RMR (p=0.051). All estimates using prediction equations were significantly different from measured values for midlife women.

Conclusion: Many RMR prediction equations have limited applicability for women at difference stages of the lifespan, thus impacting patient outcomes. Additional research is necessary to determine the appropriateness of RMR prediction equations among women of all ages.

Keywords: Resting metabolic rate (RMR), indirect calorimetry, RMR prediction equation, women, lifespan.

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Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Fruit Extract of Benincasa hispida
Pages 178-182
Deepak Kadam and Smita Lele

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2014.03.04.6

Published: 22 December 2014

Abstract: Benincasa hispida (Ash gourd, family: Cucurbitaceae) is well known for its medicinal property. In the Ayurvedic system, it is used as a rejuvenating agent and in the treatment of nervous disorders. Methanolic and petroleum fruit extracts was subjected to evaluation of phytochemicals and acute oral toxicity study. Further, Anti-inflammatory activity was performed using human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization assay and carrageenan induced paw edema in rat. Oral administration of methanolic extract of concentration (350 mg/kg) significantly reduced the paw edema (P < 0.05) in a dose dependent manner as compared to carrageenan induced rats.