Tạp chí Dinh dưỡng và Thực phẩm

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN QUERCETIN AND HEALTH FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF EPIGENETICS

Nguyễn Hoàng Nam — 2024-11-11

Background: Research on free radicals has been one of the topics that have attracted scientific and medical attention for decades, especially about ageing, disease, and infectious and non-infectious diseases. Exposure to free radicals from daily pollution and unhealthy lifestyles accelerates bodily damage and aging. These factors are primary contributors to gene and chromatin dysregulation, leading to chronic diseases such as metabolic disorders, allergies, cancer, etc. Scope and approach: In the present literature, quercetin has been shown to have the ability to neutralize free radicals, reduce the formation of inflammatory cytokines, induce histamine release, and induce cell damage. At the same time, they have been shown to inhibit the growth of some inflammatory bacteria in the body, reversing the epigenetic mechanism of the disease. Moreover, quercetin has also been shown to have the ability to improve the body's immune system, help the body stay healthy, and overwhelm health hazards from the external environment. These roles of quercetin in health are reviewed from the latest advances in epigenetics. Key findings and conclusions: Quercetin plays an important role in the treatment of human diseases through epigenetic mechanisms. Quercetin's potential to reverse the epigenetic mechanism for pathology requires further investigation to obtain a general view.

NUTRITIONAL ROLE OF RICE BRAN IN CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

Tiến sĩ Lâm Khắc Kỷ — 2025-01-09

Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of death globally, including in Vietnam. In recent years, there has been a rise in younger people developing cardiovascular diseases due to unhealthy lifestyles and diets. The rice bran, a byproduct of rice milling, was traditionally used as animal feed. However, recent research has shown that rice bran contains valuable nutrients such as lipids (15-22%), carbohydrates (34.1-52.2%), fiber (7-14%), and protein (10-16%), as well as beneficial bioactive compounds like flavonoids, ferulic acid, policosanol, and feruloylated oligosaccharides. These components have demonstrated potential in preventing and managing cardiovascular diseases. This review presents the nutritional components of rice bran, the rice bran products available on the market, and research on how rice bran affects cardiovascular health. Based on this research, rice bran could be incorporated into food products to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

EFFECT OF TOTAL SOLUBLE SOLIDS AND pH ON SOME QUALITY PARAMETERS OF FERMENTED BEVERAGE FROM BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)

Vi Nhã Trân — 2024-12-05

Aims: to investigate the effects of total soluble solids and pH on the physical and chemical composition, as well as the sensory quality of fermented blueberry beverages (Vaccinium corymbosum L.). Methods: The study investigated the effects of pH levels (3.8, 4.0, and 4.2) and total soluble solids (18, 20, and 22°Brix) on the quality attributes of the beverage. Results: The optimal fermentated conditions were found to be 20°Brix and pH 4.0. Under these conditions, the beverage showed high alcohol content (4%Vol.), low residual sugar (7.43%), total acidity (0.3%), and anthocyanin content (58.36mg%) after 4 days of fermentation. The 20°Brix - pH 4 treatment received high sensory scores across all attributes: appearance (4.54), color (4.46), aroma (4.43), and taste (4.66). This resulted in a product characterized by a balanced sweet-and-sour flavor, a vibrant red color, and a moderate ethanol content. Unlike wine, the ethanol level was not overly high, aligning well with current preferences for fermented beverages. Conclusion: Both pH and total soluble solids significantly influenced key quality indices. The fermentation process of blueberry beverages was identified with the optimal total soluble solids and pH values.

NUTRITION STATUS OF THYROID CANCER PATIENTS UNDERGOING RADIOACTIVE IODINE ABLATION THERAPY

Hoàng Khắc Tuấn Anh — 2025-03-04

Aims: This study aims to determine the characteristics of patients indicated for I-131 treatment following complete thyroidectomy. The findings will assist Vietnamese nutritionists in developing appropriate guidelines and intervention methods. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Hanoi Oncology hospital from April 2021 to December 2022. Body weight, height, arm and calf circumference were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) was assessed. The 24-hour dietary recall was assessed in comparison to patient’s energy and protein daily requirements. Results: The study revealed that 15.3% of patients were overweight or obese, while 9.6% were malnourished based on BMI. Arm and calf circumferences were effective in identifying malnutrition risk, similarly to the PG-SGA classification. Nearly 40.3% of patients experienced weight loss, despite no dietary changes among 91.1% of them. Difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, and fatigue were common symptoms. The dietary intake covered 60,6 ± 24,6% of energy and 48,8 ± 20,6% daily protein requirements. Hospital dietitians should develop strategies to prevent weight loss from pre- to post- operative periods. Conclusion: Thyroid cancer patients showed a low rate of malnutrition (9.6%) but high rate of overweight/obesity (33.1%). Their energy and protein intake are inadequate. Dietary counseling is recommended to ensure iodine restriction, adequate nutrition, and prevent weight gain after I-131 treatment.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN STUNTING AND CALCIUM INTAKE IN CHILDREN WITH NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

TS.BSCK2 NGUYEN Thi Thu Hau — 2024-09-15

Aims: To determine the association between stunting and calcium intake in children with nephrotic syndrome. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 53 pediatric patients diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome at the Department of Nephrology - Endocrinology, Children Hospital No.2, from April 25 to June 26, 2022. Stunting and height faltering were classified according to the height-for-age and sex standards of World Health Organization. Calcium intake from the diet and medications was collected through dietary logs, prescription reviews, and calculated using the Eiyokun software, based on the Vietnamese food composition table and the recommended calcium intake by the Vietnamese National Institute of Nutrition. Other data such as blood albumin levels, disease duration, and corticosteroid resistance status were collected from inpatient and outpatient treatment records. Results: The prevalences of moderate stunting and severe stunting were 20.8% and 13.2%, respectively. The rate of height faltering was 30.2%. Fulfillment of the recommended daily calcium intake was 50.1% from diet alone and 75.5% after supplementation with medications. There was a significant association between stunting and calcium intake from diet at level >50% of the requirement (OR=0.28, p=0.001). Conclusion: Stunting and height faltering were commonly observed in children with nephrotic syndrome at Children Hospital No.2. Those with calcium intake exceeding 50% of the daily requirement had a lower prevalence of stunting. It is essential to educate and counsel both the family and the children on appropriate nutrition, emphasizing the importance of adequate calcium intake from daily dietary sources.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE INTENTION TO USE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AMONG STUDENTS IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Trần Thị Hoà — 2024-12-28

Mục tiêu: Xác định các yếu tố ảnh hưởng đến ý định sử dụng thức uống có cồn của sinh viên tại TP. Hồ Chí Minh. Phương pháp: Sử dụng phương pháp định tính qua phỏng vấn chuyên gia và định lượng bằng phân tích nhân tố khám phá (EFA) và hồi quy tuyến tính, nghiên cứu thu thập số liệu từ 252 sinh viên thuộc các trường đại học và cao đẳng trên địa bàn thành phố theo phương pháp lấy mẫu thuận tiện. Kết quả: Có bốn yếu tố chính ảnh hưởng đến ý định sử dụng thức uống có cồn: Thái độ về lợi ích đối với việc sử dụng thức uống có cồn, Môi trường xã hội, Thái độ về tác hại của thức uống có cồn, và Yếu tố sẵn có của thức uống có cồn. Trong đó, Thái độ về lợi ích đối với thức uống có cồn có ảnh hưởng mạnh nhất (β = 0.371). Kết luận: Nghiên cứu đề xuất tăng cường giám sát, quản lý, cùng các hoạt động xã hội và hỗ trợ tâm lý để giảm ý định sử dụng thức uống có cồn của sinh viên, góp phần nâng cao ý thức và hạn chế hậu quả tiêu cực.

SUBOPTIMAL HEALTH STATUS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG STUDENTS AT HANOI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY IN 2024

Lê Thị Thanh Trúc — 2025-01-16

Aims: Suboptimal Health Status (SHS) has been defined as a state of low-quality health, not quite illness but a risk factor for future disease. This study investigated SHS and its related factors among medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on Hanoi Medical University students using the SHSQ-25 tool from December 2023 to February 2024. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identy factors associated with SHS. Results: Forty two percent of 513 students were in SHS. Females were 2.33 times more likely to be in SHS than males. Students with average academic performance were 1.92 times more likely to be in SHS than those with excellent performance. Electronic cigarette users had 3.16 times higher odds of SHS. Conclusion: Gender, academic performance, and electronic cigarette use were associated with SHS among medical students. To improve health, it is essential to reduce unhealthy lifestyles, especially electronic cigarette use, and enhance academic performance.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN OVERWEIGHT/OBESITY AND DIET QUALITY AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN AN URBAN DISTRICT AT HO CHI MINH CITY

Đỗ Thành Tài — 2025-01-21

Aims: To determine the rate of overweight/obesity, and their correlation with diet quality among women aged 18-49 in an urban district at Ho Chi Minh City. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 284 women aged 18-49 living in District 6, Ho Chi Minh City from March to April 2024. Data were collected through direct interviews with participants using a semi-structured questionnaire and directly measured anthropometric indexes. Overweight and obese were evaluated by using BMI according to the IDI-WPRO standard. Results: The rate of overweight and obesity was 19,7% and 20,1%, respectively. Factors associated to overweight/obesity included age, religion, ethnicity, marital status, Global Dietary Recommendations (GDR) scores and GDR-Limit score. Conclusion: The trend of overweight and obesity was increasing in the urban and it was associated with diet quality scores. Therefore, a comprehensive nutritional assessment and dietary intervention are needed for reproductive-aged women, along with further studies to improve diet appropriately.

ASSOCIATION OF ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICES, NUTRITIONAL HABITS, AND LIFESTYLE FACTORS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME IN ELDERLY IN NGHE AN PROVINCE

ThS Nguyễn Hoàng Trung — 2025-02-06

Aims: To investigate the association of anthropometric indices, nutritional habits, and lifestyle factors with MetS (MetS) in elderly. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 652 elderly residing in two communes of Nghi Loc district, Nghe An province, from September 2020 to October 2021. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to investigate the association. Results: The strongest associated factors with MetS were increased total cholesterol (OR=25.6, p=0.001), smoking >10 cigarettes/day (OR=4.30, p=0.005), frequent consumption of salty foods (OR=3.20, p=0.012), and dyslipidemia (OR=2.45, p=0.01). The moderately associated factors were found to be smoking >10 years (OR=2.05, p=0.02), consumption of animal fat (OR=1.95, p=0.022), diabetes (OR=1.95, p=0.025). Inactive physical activity, consumption of sweets/sugar, consumption of animal organs, increased blood pressure, and other lipid profile were also factors associated with MetS (OR=1.10-1,85). Conclusion: There is a significant association of anthropometric indices, lipid profile, and dietary habits with MetS among the elderly.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG DIABETIC PATIENTS AT THE GENERAL HOSPITAL OF VINH CITY

Nguyễn Thị Anh Trúc — 2025-02-10

Aims: This study aimed to determine the nutritional status and quality of life among diabetic patients and assess the relationships between the two aspects. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 151 diabetic patients aged 40 years and older, who being treated at the General Hospital of Vinh City from February to September 2024. Nutrition status was assessed by body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) tool. Quality of life was assessed by EQ-5D-5L. Results: The rate of overweight-obesity was relatively high among the study population (45.03%). A large majority (80.13%) of the participants were well-nourished according to SGA. Both male and female diabetic patients had waist-hip ratio higher than the recommended level at a very high rate (male: 75% and female: 95.18%). Mobility and pain/discomfort were the 2 dimensions in which most patients had to deal with. Median EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS scores were respectively 0.7787 and 60. SGA and BMI categories wee negatively associated with participants’ quality of life. Conclusion: Nutritional status is associated with quality of life among diabetic patients. Therefore, it is necessary to create great actions on improving nutritional caring for patients with the disease.

SARCOPENIA AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENTS UNDERGOING CHEMOTHERAPY

Phạm Đức Minh — 2025-02-14

Aims: This study aimed to explore the relationship between sarcopenia and clinical, biochemical factors in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing chemotherapy. Specifically, the study focused on the role of BMI in assessing sarcopenia risk in this patient population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 68 patients with HNC undergoing chemotherapy at a tertiary hospital. Inclusion criteria included confirmed diagnosis of HNC, active chemotherapy treatment, availability of clinical and biochemical data, and voluntary consent to participate. Data were collected on clinical factors (age, gender, BMI, ECOG status), Complete Blood Count and biochemical markers (lymphocytes, hemoglobin, albumin, , potassium, sodium, chloride, creatinine, AST, ALT). Sarcopenia was assessed using the AWGS 2019 criteria. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associations between sarcopenia and clinical/biochemical variables. Results: The mean age of participants was 58.12 ± 12.25 years, with males comprising 76.5% of the cohort. The average BMI was 21.13 ± 3.44 kg/m². Sarcopenia prevalence was 51.5% overall, with rates of 100% in patients with BMI < 18.5, 54.1% in those with BMI 18.5–23, and 5.9% in BMI ≥ 23. Logistic regression revealed a significant inverse association between BMI and sarcopenia (p = 0.005, OR = 0.60), indicating that lower BMI strongly predicts sarcopenia. Other factors such as age, gender, and albumin levels showed no significant association. Conclusion: The study underscores that BMI, while unable to differentiate fat mass from lean mass, remains a practical and valuable tool for monitoring sarcopenia in HNC patients undergoing chemotherapy. Nutritional interventions to maintain an optimal BMI could mitigate sarcopenia risk, thereby improving treatment outcomes and overall prognosis in this vulnerable population.

NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND PREVALENCE OF SARCOPENIA USING THE DIFFERENT CLASSIFICATION SCALES AMONG THE ELDERLY IN A RURAL COMMUNE IN THAI BINH PROVINCE

Phạm Thị Kiều Chinh — 2025-04-22

Aims: To describe the prevalence of sarcopenia using different classification scales among the elderly in Dong Hoang commune, Dong Hung district, Thai Binh province. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 224 elderly people in the study area. The nutritional status of the participants was assessed and classified using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Body Mass Index (BMI), and physical activity levels (IPAQ-SF). Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on criteria from AWGS, SARC-F, SARC-CalF, and Ishii. Results: The prevalence of malnutrition, based on BMI and MNA criteria, was 12.9% and 19.6%, respectively. The highest sarcopenia diagnosis rate was observed when using the Ishii criteria (49.1%), followed by SARC-CalF (42.4%), AWGS 2019 (39.3%), and SARC-F (33.5%). The prevalence of sarcopenia was highest in the ≥80 age group. Chronic energy deficiency, low physical activity levels, and malnutrition based on MNA were statistically significantly associated with sarcopenia (p<0.05). Conclusion: Sarcopenia is common among the elderly and increases rapidly with age. Malnutrition, chronic energy deficiency, and low levels physical of activity are key factors associated with sarcopenia. Enhancing screening for early detection and implementing nutritional interventions, and physical activity promotion are essential to reducing the risk of sarcopenia in this population.