Food Insecurity and Dietary Intake among Rural Indian Women: An Exploratory Study

Food insecurity is an important contributor to health and a factor in both underweight and malnutrition, and overweight and obesity. Countries where both undernutrition and overweight and obesity coexist are said to be experiencing a double burden of malnutrition. India is one example of a country experiencing this double burden. Women have been found to experience the negative impacts of food insecurity and obesity, however, the reasons that women experience the impact of malnutrition more so than men are complex and are under-researched. This current research employed a mixed methods approach to begin to fill this gap by exploring the dietary intake, anthropometric characteristics, and food security status of rural Indian women. In total, 78 household were surveyed. The average waist measurement, waist to hip ratio, and BMI were all above WHO recommendations, with two thirds of participants categorized as obese. Contributing to these findings was a very limited diet, high in energy, and low in protein and iron. The findings of this research suggest that the rural Indian women in this study have a lack of diet diversity and may be at risk of a range of non-communicable diseases.

Nutrient-imbalanced Conditions Shift the Interplay Between Zooplankton and Gut Microbiota

Nutrient stoichiometry of phytoplankton changes frequently with aquatic ambient nutrient concentrations, which is mainly influenced by environmental factors and the dynamics of ecosystems. Consequently, the stoichiometry of phytoplankton can markedly alter the metabolism and growth of zooplankton. However, the effects of nutrient-imbalanced prey on the interplay between zooplankton and their gut microbiota remain unknown. Using metatranscriptome sequencing, neutral community model (NCM), and experimental validation, we investigated the interactions between Daphnia magna and its gut microbiota on nutrient-imbalanced algal diet. Our results showed that in nutrient depleted water, nutrient-enriched zooplankton gut stimulated the accumulation of microbial polyphosphate and the assimilation of ammonia under phosphorus and nitrogen limited diet, respectively. Comparing with nutrient replete group, both N and P limitation had markedly promoted the gene expression of gut microbial for organic matter degradation but repressed that for anaerobic metabolisms. Besides, with N and P limited diet, the gut microbial community exhibited a higher fitting to NCM, suggesting increased ambient-gut exchange process favored by compensatory feeding of D. magna. This process also elevated oxygen level in the gut and explained the repressed anaerobic metabolism of gut microbes. Further axenic grazing experiment revealed that bacteria can still benefit D. magna to achieve a better growth under nutrient-imbalanced diet by enhancing their digestion capability. Together, these results demonstrated that under nutrient-imbalanced diet, the microbes not only benefit themself by absorbing excess nutrients inside zooplankton gut but also benefit zooplankton to achieve a better adaptation.

Social Stratification, Diet Diversity and Malnutrition among Preschoolers: A Survey of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

In Sub-Saharan Africa, being overweight in childhood is rapidly rising while stunting is still remaining at unacceptable levels. A key contributor to this double burden of malnutrition is dietary changes associated with nutrition transition. Although the importance of socio-economic drivers is known, there is limited knowledge about their stratification and relative importance to diet and to different forms of malnutrition. The aim of this study was to assess diet diversity and malnutrition in preschoolers and evaluate the relative importance of socioeconomic resources. Households with children under five (5467) were enrolled using a multi-stage sampling procedure. Standardized tools and procedures were used to collect data on diet, anthropometry and socio-economic factors. Multivariable analysis with cluster adjustment was performed. The prevalence of stunting was 19.6% (18.5–20.6), wasting 3.2% (2.8–3.7), and overweight/obesity 11.4% (10.6–12.2). Stunting, overweight, wasting and limited diet diversity was present in all social strata. Low maternal education was associated with an increased risk of stunting (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.8; 1.4–2.2), limited diet diversity (AOR: 0.33; 0.26–0.42) and reduced odds of being overweight (AOR: 0.61; 0.44–0.84). Preschoolers in Addis Ababa have limited quality diets and suffer from both under- and over-nutrition. Maternal education was an important explanatory factor for stunting and being overweight. Interventions that promote diet quality for the undernourished whilst also addressing the burgeoning problem of being overweight are needed.

Lokale opfattelser af diarré i Baluchistan

Diarrhoea is one the most common diseases among children in rural Baluchistan and contributes to a very high child mortality rate. A study in which 60 mothers were interviewed shows that humoral theories of hot and cold food play a prominent role in local people’s beliefs about causes of childhood diarrhoea. However, data on management of diarrhoea show that the humoral balance is not redressed by intake of cold food. Instead parhaiz, a limited diet, is used as treatment. Also biomedical anti-diarrhoeal drugs are becoming popular. Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) has a very limited popularity because the qualities ascribed to it by the local population do not fit into a humoral perception of treatment. This study from Baluchistan and other similar studies belong to a medical anthropological tradition where specific biomedical symptoms or diseases are studied. It is suggested that our understanding of how humoral theories are applied today would benefit if analysed in a wider anthropological context.

Terminal Reproductive Investment, Physiological Trade-offs and Pleiotropic Effects: Their effects produce complex immune/reproductive interactions in the cricket Gryllus texensis

1. Should females increase or decrease reproduction when attacked by pathogens? Two hypotheses provide opposite predictions. Terminal reproductive investment theory predicts an increase in reproduction, but hypothesized physiological trade-offs between reproduction and immune function might be expected to produce a decrease. There is evidence for both hypotheses. What determines the choice between the two responses remains unclear. We examine the effect of age on the reproductive response to immune challenge in long-wing females of the Texas field cricket, Gryllus texensis, when fed an ecologically valid (limited) diet. 2. The limited diet reduced reproductive output. However, immune challenge had no effect on their reproductive output either in young or middle-aged crickets, which is contrary to either prediction. 3. Flight muscle maintenance correlated negatively with reproductive output, suggesting a physiological trade-off between flight muscle maintenance and reproduction. Within the long-wing variant there was considerable variability in flight muscle maintenance. This variability may mask physiological trade-offs between immunity and reproduction. 4. Middle-aged crickets had higher total phenoloxidase (PO) activity in their hemolymph, compared to young females, which is contrary to the terminal investment theory. Given that PO is involved in both immunity and reproduction, the increased PO may reflect simultaneous investment in both functions. 5. We identified four proPO transcripts in a published RNA-seq dataset (transcriptome). Three of the proPO genes were expressed either in the fat body or the ovaries (supporting the hypothesis that PO is bifunctional); however, the two organs expressed different subsets. The possible bifunctionality of PO suggests that it may not be an appropriate immune measure for immune/reproductive trade-offs in some species. 6. Increasing age may not cue terminal reproductive investment prior to senescence.

Abstract P238: Remission/Cure of Autoimmune Diseases by a Lectin Limite Diet Supplemented With Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Polyphenols

All autoimmune diseases are highly associated with increased rates of coronary artery and vascular disease secondary to immune cell attack on epithelial cells. The causes of autoimmune disease (AID) seem to be multifactorial. However, the idea that derangement of the microbiome, breaches of the intestinal barrier (leaky gut) and introduction into the human diet of plant defense molecules such as lectins, which are capable of molecular mimicry, prompted our group to investigate the application of a lectin limited diet, coupled with probiotics and prebiotics (The Pant Paradox Protocol) to impact biomarker proven autoimmune disease activity in humans and their impact on endothelial biomarkers of inflammation. One hundred and two consecutive patients with immunoassay markers of autoimmune disease activity, i.e., RF, anti-CCP, ANA, Histone, etc, and signs and symptoms of RA, Lupus, Sjogrens, Crohns, Colitis, Scleroderma, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, and biomarkers of endothelial inflammation, were enrolled into a program of elimination of major dietary lectins, consisting of all grains and pseudo grains, beans and legumes, peanuts, cashews, nightshades, squashes, and Casein A1 milk products (The Plant Paradox Program), supplemented with probiotics and prebiotics including resistant starches and polyphenol supplements. All pts initially low Vit D levels and low Omega 3 index and adiponectin levels above 16mg/dl. Biomarkers of inflammation, hs-CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-6, fibrinogen, myeloperoxidase and autoimmune markers were measured every 3 months. 95/102 patients achieved complete resolution of autoimmune markers and inflammatory markers within 9 months. The other 7/102 patients all had reduced markers, but incomplete resolution. 80/102 patients were weaned from all immunosuppressive and/or biologic medications without rebound. We conclude that a lectin limited diet, supplemented with pro and prebiotics, and polyphenols are capable of curing or putting into remission most autoimmune diseases.

Thomas Loves: A Rhyming Book about Fun, Friendship – and Autism by J. Welton

Welton, Jude. Thomas Loves: A Rhyming Book about Fun, Friendship – and Autism. Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publications, 2015. Print.This picture book introduces the day-to-day life of a happy kid, who happens to be autistic. The book starts out presenting Thomas like any other boy, playing with a train. Slowly we learn that he likes to repeat strange sounding words, can't stand loud noises, has a limited diet, flaps his hands if stressed, and requires a picture-plan of what is going to happen each day. The author does not try to make you feel sorry for Thomas or pity him. It is just an introduction to this particular boy. The book is aimed at pre-school children, and both the cartoon pictures by Jane Telford and the rhymed text by Jude Welton will make the book attractive to small children. It would be a good book to use with children who are in a classroom with an autistic child. At the end of the book there are author notes that provide facts about autism. I highly recommend this book for elementary schools, day cares and public libraries.Highly Recommended: 4 stars out of 4Reviewer: Sean BorleSean Borle is a University of Alberta undergraduate student who is an advocate for child health and safety.

Abstract 404: A High Dose Olive Oil, Polyphenol, and Lectin Limited Diet Reverses and/or Stabilizes Advanced Coronary Artery Disease

Introduction: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is thought to be progressive; standard treatment protocols call for instituting a low fat/low cholesterol diet program, exercise, and lipid lowering agents. This results in an approximate 30-40% new event rate in 5 yrs. We evaluated our treatment strategy to reverse CAD with The Corus Score (CS) (Cardiodx, Redwood City, Ca), proven to quantify coronary artery obstructive plaque by the expression of 23 genes. Methods: Based upon using a Lectin-limited diet to prevent/reverse Metabolic Syndrome and CAD, we have enrolled and followed 800 pts (aged 42-89 yrs) with known CAD, defined as previous MI, stent, CABG, or positive stress test/angiogram, positive CS greater than 30, into a physician coached program, which reduces grains, legumes, nightshades, seeded vegetables, Casein A1 milk, (the all lectin containing food groups),and fruits; emphases consumption a liter of olive oil/wk, large amts of green vegetables, and 4 oz amts of proteins, avoiding commercial poultry (Matrix Protocol). All Apo E 4 genotypes avoided animal fats and cheeses. Pts were instructed to take 4,000 mg of high DHA fish oil, 200mg of Grape Seed Extract, and 25 mg of Pycnogenol per day, and consume polyphenol rich coffee and/or teas and 1 oz dark chocolate/day. Diets/supplements were individualized based on results of Advanced Cardiovascular Risk Markers (ACRM), which were sent to two core labs. Yearly assessment of CAD severity was measured by Corus Score (possible range 1-40). Any score above 30 was assessed by Nuclear Stress testing. Results: Pts have been followed for 1.5 to 6 years (mean 4.5 yrs). Only 6/800 pts (0.5%) have received a new stent, all 6 had rising Corus scores: two also had a rising Lp-PLA2, 2 had rising Cardiac Troponin I levels; one pt required CABG: . There have been no MI’s, unstable angina. Corus scores at baseline decreased from 34+/-4 (range 6-36) to 24+/-3, P<0.01. Only 64/800 pts (8%) had a rise in Corus scores/ 736/800 pts’ CS declined or remained stable (92%). Only 6/64 Corus scores had positive Stress tests. Conclusions: Simple Nutrigenomic-based dietary interventions, based upon ACRM's and Corus Scores, represents a quantum leap forward in preventing/modifying Cardiovascular events in known CAD patients.