ABSTRACT
Although diabetic patients are recommended to increase their intake of fiber, there is evidence showing that these patients have a low fiber intake in Iran. The purpose of this qualitative research project was to investigate the benefits and barriers regarding consumption of high-fiber foods as perceived by type-2 diabetes patients. In this qualitative study, conducted in 2010, six focus group discussions [FGDs] were held with 55 type-2 diabetes patients 34-70 years old. Data analysis was done using the Strauss and Corbin's analytical method for qualitative studies. Perceived benefits of high-fiber food consumption included better blood sugar control, improved gastro-intestinal function, and prevention and control of some diseases. The main perceived barriers could be classified into 3 groups: personal [lack of awareness, lack of interest, lack of sufficient time, cost, dental problems, false beliefs, fear of hyperglycemia, fatigue, and gastrointestinal problems]; social [lack of awareness, lack of family support, and family pressure]; and educational [insufficient education and insufficient service accessibilty]. The results reveal the benefits of, and the barriers to, high-fiber food consumption as seen by type-2 diabetes patients. These findings can be used in designing educational intervention programmes based on the transtheoretical model, aiming at changing nutritional behavior of these patients leading to increased consumption of high-fiber foods
ABSTRACT
The role of ascorbic acid [AA] in plasma lead reduction under lead exposure conditions, has been investigated in both human and animal studies for several decades. These studies had contradictory results, especially concerning lead toxicokinetics. This investigation has been performed to study the effects of ascorbic acid supplementation on plasma lead levels of workers who were occupationally exposed to lead. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled clinical trial, a total of 24 men were randomly divided into two similar groups. Each group received one of the following daily supplements for two weeks 1000mg AA in cases and placebo [starch] in controls. At baseline, at the end of the 2 week supplementation, and also 4 weeks after the end of the supplementation, plasma and total blood ascorbic-acid levels as well as plasma lead levels were measured. The differences between the ascorbic acid, blood lead as well as plasma lead levels in 2 groups and also in different stages were assessed. Results indicated that at the end of a 2 week supplementation, lead plasma levels in cases significantly decreased compared to those of the controls [p<0.05] and also to baseline levels [p<0.01]. In addition, 4 weeks after the end of the supplementation, plasma levels of lead decreased significantly in case group compared to those of the controls [p<0.05] and also to baseline levels [p<0.05]. Using AA supplementation can be considered as a useful harmless, economical and convenient prophylactic agent for lead-exposed population