Response of growth and hematological indices to different feeding patterns in infants supported by nutrition education

In the present study, response of growth and heamatological indices in infants 5-12 months [mo], to different feeding patterns supported by nutrition education was evaluated. A sample of 121 infants-frequent visitors of Banha health care centers-were classified into four groups; group one [23.0%] was breast-fed; group two [27.0%] was breast-fed supplemented with formula; group three [31.0%] was fed on fortified formula and group four [19.0%] was fed on unfortified formula. The study period lasted for 16 weeks [wk], started with nutrition education [at wk 1] on proper breast feeding practice and proper method of formula preparation. Data collected included infants' weight, length and frequency of infection. Blood was collected at wk I and 16 for haematological assessment and maternal data were collected as well. Results of the study revealed low income and education levels of mothers. About 40% of them did not get iron supplement during pregnancy. High percentages of infants were stunted and wasted and 21.5% of them had low birth weight [<2.5 kg]. In this study, significant weight and length increments were achieved. Haematological indices in infants were significantly enhanced as well. At the beginning of the study [wk 1], all the infants had hemoglobin concentrations<12 g/dL [levels ranged from 10.68 g/dL for unfortified formula-fed infants to 11.64 g/dL for fortified formula-fed infants]; while at wk 16 the levels were 11.26 to 11.96 g/dL. Percentages of transferring saturation [TS%] were 15.6 to 19.7 and 17 to 20.97 at weeks 1 and 16 respectively. Anaemia indices [Hb<11 g/dL and TS<15%] was indicated in 26.0% of the infants and decreased by about 50% at the end of the study. The frequency of diarrhea and lower respiratory tract infection reported by infants' mothers was quiet high, proper nourishing infants markedly reduced frequency of illness. The current study revealed that nutrition education to mothers supporting the infants' feeding patterns significantly improved both growth and haematological indices of their infants. The study recommended that nutrition counselling and intervention programs on large scale, especially in low socioeconomic areas should be conducted by the local health authorities to allow normal growth rates of infants and protect them from iron deficiency anemia

Effects of different levels of dietary protein on controlling diabetes and oxidative stress status in rats

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary protein at different levels on controlling diabetes and antioxidant stress status in rats. Thirty-five male rats [average weight 181.6 + 5.8 g] were used in this study. Rats were divided into five groups [7 rats each]; group 1 received basal diet until the end of the study while the other rats were made diabetic by Streptozotocin injection and assigned to four groups: group 2 [diabetic control] fed a basal diet, whereas groups [3], [4] and [5] fed diets containing different levels of protein [5, 20 and 30% of energy respectively]. Initial blood glucose and insulin levels were determined on day 1. Initial weight and once weekly and daily food intakes [FI] were .recorded. After 4 weeks [wk], rats were sacrificed and.blood was collected and analyzed for various biochemical parameters. Diabetic rats on the high-protein diet [30%] had average daily FI and percentage change in body weight [Wt] significantly higher [p<0.05] than that of the diabetic control [10.55 g; 14.77% vs. 8.33 g; -17.89%]. T. ptn and Alb levels in diabetic rats fed the high-protein diet significantly increased [6.766; 4.453 vs. 5.726; 3.503 g/dL for diabetic control]. Glucose and insulin levels significantly improved [190.286 mg/dL; 17.41 mU/L vs. 236.754 and 11.96 for diabetic control]. The high-protein diet did not alter Crn and BUN levels, indicating unaffected kidney functions [0.937 mg/dL; 16.81 mmol/dL vs. 1.113; 20.401 mmol/dL for diabetic control]. Lipid profiles of diabetic rats on high-protein significantly improved. Serum levels of T.chol, TGs, HDLc and LDL-c were 180; 90.714; 55.572 and 106.286 respectively vs. 208.571; 111.713; 44.57 and 141.657 mg/dL for diabetic control. Oxidative stress induced by diabetes was favorably altered due to increased protein intake. Blood levels of GSH, TBARs and vitamin E in the high-protein fed rats were 51.433 mg%; 0.513 nmol/ml and 17.803 mg/dL vs. 41.301mg%; 0.771 nmol/ml and 12.161 mg/dL for the diabetic control. Considering all the tested parameters, the 20% protein diet was not as effective as the 30% in achieving these favorable alterations, while the 5% protein diet worsened the diabetic state as well as the oxidative status in diabetic rats. Results of this study indicated that increasing dietary protein up to 30% of energy intake in diabetic rats maintained and improved Wt, improved fasting blood glucose, insulin and lipid profiles without adverse effects on kidney functions. In addition, it improved oxidative status in diabetic rats. Long-term dietary studies are necessary to ensure the safety of high protein on controlling diabetes