Present nutritional status of lactating mothers in Alexandria

The nutritional status of 160 lactating mothers from poor socioeconomic setting in Alexandria - was assessed. The assessment included examination for the clinical signs of nutritional deficiencies, anthropometry, haemoglobin determination and dietary intake study. Findings showed that the prevalence of nutritional deficiency signs was generally high and that signs suggestive of vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin iodine and iron deficiency were more prevailing. 74% of mothers were anaemic with haemoglobin levels less than 12gm%. The diet consumed was poor both qualitatively and quantitatively-being deficient in all nutrients [except thiamin]. The mean daily intake of calcium, vitamin A and riboflavin fell below 50% of the recommendations, while that of niacin and energy was below 80% of the recommendation. Iron consumption covered 81% of the requirement and that of protein 92% of it. This calls for better ante and post-natal care, nutrition education and family planning services

role of diet in development of diabetes mellitus

Forty six newly-diagnosed maturity-onset male diabetics from Diabetic Center of Health Insurance in Alexandria, and [44] of their non-diabetic siblings were studied. Their anthropometric measurements and dietary habits were recorded. Data revealed that obesity was more prevalent among the new diabetics than their non-diabetic relatives. The new diabetics generally ate more than their sibs with a striking difference in the consumption of total cereals, sugars, sweets and fats. The strongest and most impressive significant difference in the nutritive value of the diet of the two groups was in the consumption of total calories. The new diabetics ingested excessive amounts of food beyond their caloric expenditure. In Conclusion, this study has pointed the finger of suspicion at overeating as a prime factor associating the new emergence of maturity-onset diabetes. The suggestion that any specific dietary constituent is diabetogenic is difficult to conclude from such a study. However, consumption of total carbohydrates especially refined sugar is the more likely culprit