RESUMEN
Background: Moringa oleifera (MO) has been used in the treatment of the Diabetes Mellitus (DM) all over the world. However, studies in Pakistan which show impact of MO on the blood glucose are lacking. This study was aimed to assess the impact of the MO leaf powder capsules on post-prandial blood glucose levels in diabetic and non-diabetic participants. Methods: This pilot study was conducted in a health care center, Rawalpindi, Pakistan among 14 diabetic and 14 non-diabetic participants for one year from January 2021 to December 2022. All participants were asked to fast for 12 hours on two occasions and each time their blood glucose levels were assessed via glucometer after giving bread. On first visit without MO capsules and on next visit with MO capsules. Data analysis was done by applying descriptive and paired t-test via SPSS version 25. Results: The mean values for study population of age, fasting blood glucose level, and post-prandial blood glucose level without giving MO capsules were, 51.50 with SD±5.28 year, 136.94 with SD±39.64 mg/dL, and 306.31 SD±151.35 mg/dL respectively. After 90 minutes of Intake of MO leaf powder capsule, the reduction in post-prandial blood glucose level in diabetic patients was significant (p=0.03), however, in non-diabetic healthy participants, it was statistically insignificant (p=0.08). No side-effects of MO were observed in any participant. Conclusions: In short, this study showed that Moringa oleifera ingestion decreases post-prandial blood glucose level significantly among diabetic, while not in non-diabetic. Moreover, intake of MO has no side effects.
RESUMEN
Background: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neuropsychiatric disorder of children that affects almost all aspects of the life. The role of diet in the management of the ADHD is understudied in Pakistan. This study aimed to assess the impact of different types of diet on the symptoms of ADHD among the children with ADHD. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 58 children with ADHD in Rawalpindi. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Patients’ recruitment was done via developed criteria and Convenient sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA were used to determine the difference of ADHD severity among various frequencies of different included foods via Conner Parent rating scale-revised short form. Data analysis was performed by SPSS version 25.0. Results: The difference in hyperactivity index, impulsivity, and learning problems score on CPR-RS among various frequencies of carbohydrate, protein rich and fat foods, was statistically significant and with the increase intake of carbohydrate and protein rich foods, the score on CPR-RS of hyperactivity index, impulsivity, and learning problems also goes up. Whereas, with the increase intake of fat rich foods, the score of hyperactivity index, impulsivity, and learning problems goes down. Conclusions: In short, the high intake of carbohydrate and protein rich foods, increase the severity of the symptoms of ADHD, while, high intake of fat rich foods decreases the severity of the symptoms of ADHD among children.
RESUMEN
Background: Breastfeeding impacts the children physical and mental growth and development. The impact of breastfeeding on intelligence quotient (IQ) of children is under-researched in Pakistan. This study aimed to determine the impact of breastfeeding on the intelligence quotient among children of Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Methods: This comparative cross-sectional was performed among 88 children of the Rawalpindi. Patients’ enrolment in the study was done via non-probability convenient sampling and developed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ethical approval and informed consent were taken. Intelligence quotient was calculated through Wechsler intelligence scale for children (WISC). Data analysis was done via descriptive and inferential statistics by statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 25. Chi square test was used to assess the variables association. P value less than 0.05 was set as statistically significant. Results: The overall mean score on WISC of intelligence quotient was 106 with SD of ±39, whereas, mean score of intelligence quotient for breastfed children was 112 with SD of ±32 and mean score of intelligence for children who were on formula milk was 100 with SD of ±36. The association between the type of milk and intelligence quotient (p=0.003) and association between duration of breastfeeding and intelligence quotient (p=0.04) was statistically significant. Conclusions: Children who had been on breastfeeding had better IQ. Furthermore, children who were breastfed for longer duration had even better IQ than children who were on breastfeeding for shorter duration.