ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES@#Recently, the recommended nutrient intakes (RNI) for vitamin D for Malaysian aged 1–70 yrs has been revised from 5 µg/day to 15 µg/day. This study is aimed to assess the adequacy of vitamin D intake based on revised RNI and to recommend several dietary strategies to increase total vitamin D intake. @*SUBJECTS/METHODS@#Vitamin D intake from both food and supplement of 217 pregnant women was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Hypothetical effect of expanded supplementation and food fortifications strategies were modelled using the consumption data. @*RESULTS@#The results revealed that more than half (67.7%) of pregnant women had inadequate vitamin D intake (RNI < 15 µg/day). The modelling results demonstrated the potential of universal provision of 10 µg/day of multivitamins supplements in increasing vitamin D intake.Moreover, mandatory fortification of both milk and malted drink at single level of 5 µg/serving would lead to increase in vitamin D intake of Malaysians, particularly pregnant women. @*CONCLUSIONS@#The outcome of this study can be used as a reference for public health professionals to re-evaluate the existing Malaysian food fortification policies and supplementation recommendation for vitamin D for pregnant women.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES@#Recently, the recommended nutrient intakes (RNI) for vitamin D for Malaysian aged 1–70 yrs has been revised from 5 µg/day to 15 µg/day. This study is aimed to assess the adequacy of vitamin D intake based on revised RNI and to recommend several dietary strategies to increase total vitamin D intake. @*SUBJECTS/METHODS@#Vitamin D intake from both food and supplement of 217 pregnant women was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Hypothetical effect of expanded supplementation and food fortifications strategies were modelled using the consumption data. @*RESULTS@#The results revealed that more than half (67.7%) of pregnant women had inadequate vitamin D intake (RNI < 15 µg/day). The modelling results demonstrated the potential of universal provision of 10 µg/day of multivitamins supplements in increasing vitamin D intake.Moreover, mandatory fortification of both milk and malted drink at single level of 5 µg/serving would lead to increase in vitamin D intake of Malaysians, particularly pregnant women. @*CONCLUSIONS@#The outcome of this study can be used as a reference for public health professionals to re-evaluate the existing Malaysian food fortification policies and supplementation recommendation for vitamin D for pregnant women.
ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection world wide caused by the bacterial agent named Chlamydia trachomatis. Long term chlamydial infection has a negative impact on the female reproductive system and often leads to infertility. We determined the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and its associated factors among subfertile couples attending the Lembaga Penduduk dan Pembangunan Keluarga Negara (LPPKN) Subfertility Clinic. Method: Blood samples were collected from 95 couples (190 respondents) for Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibody testing. The Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique was used to detect outer membrane protein complexes of Chlamydia trachomatis in the assay. Results: Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibody seropositivity was detected in 14 husbands (14.7%) and 17 wives (17.9%). The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis among these couples was 22.1%. Our findings found no significant association between Chlamydia trachomatis and its associated factors, but the prevalence rate among the studied population is of concern. Conclusion: The screening of Chlamydia trachomatis among couples is recommended for integration in the subfertility investigation procedure. It is crucial, particularly for women with tubal factor infertility (TFI).