Daily consumption of galactooligosaccharide gummies ameliorates constipation symptoms, gut dysbiosis, degree of depression and quality of life among sedentary university teaching staff: A double-blind randomized placebo control clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Functional constipation affects approximately 10% of the Indian population and may reduce the quality of life (QOL) and increase gut dysbiosis. PURPOSE OF STUDY: The study aimed at assessing the impact of galactooligosaccharide (GOS) gummy supplementation on gut health, depression status and QOL of constipated subjects. METHODS: A double-blind placebo control clinical trial (CTRI/2021/10/037474) was conducted on sedentary constipated adults (n = 35), who were split into an experimental group (n = 17) and a control group (n = 18), supplemented with 10 g GOS and sugar gummies, respectively, for 30 days. Relative abundance of fecal gut microbes, including Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Clostridium and Bacteroides and phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes using real-time polymerase chain reaction and short-chain fatty acids, was analyzed pre and post supplementation. Constipation profile was studied using Rome IV criteria and the Bristol stool chart. Depression status was studied using the Becks Depression Inventory. The QOL was assessed using patient assessment of constipation. RESULTS: GOS gummy supplementation increased Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus by 1230% and 322%, respectively, (p < 0.001; p < 0.01) with reduced Clostridium by 63%, phylum Firmicutes by 73% and Bacteroidetes by 85% (p < 0.01). The GOS-supplemented group demonstrated a higher F/B ratio (4.2) indicating improved gut health (p < 0.01) with reduced gut dysbiosis and constipation severity. GOS gummies enhanced acetic acid and butyric acid levels compared to the control group (p < 0.01; p < 0.001). Post supplementation, there was 40% reduction in depression (p < 0.01) and 22% improvement in QOL (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This research validates the predicted beneficial benefits of short-term GOS consumption on constipation profile, gut microflora, depression status and quality of life of constipated subjects.

Usage of aluminum vessels in various types of cooking procedures by subjects aged 60 years and above residing in Urban Vadodara and its correlation with Alzheimer's disease.

Aluminum vessels are being used from a long time for various cooking purpose. Using cross-sectional study design, 90 participants, 30 in each category of normal, mild - moderate and severe Alzheimer's disease (AD), aged of 60 years and above were enrolled using SAGE scale. Data on the frequency of usage of aluminum vessel for various types of cooking such as frying, baking, boiling, roasting/sautéing, and packing of food using aluminum foil were collected using the pretested semistructured questionnaire. Results showed that severity of AD was significantly associated (P < 0.05) with usage of aluminum utensils for various cooking purpose in all the three groups, with least total score for usage of aluminum vessels in normal category (3.2) and highest in severe category (18.67). Frying (P < 0.001), boiling (P < 0.05), and roasting/sautéing (P < 0.01) of foods in aluminum vessels was be significantly associated with the AD score. Degree of AD positively correlated with usage of aluminum vessels.

Processing and storage of Indian cereal and cereal products alters its resistant starch content.

Resistant Starch (RS) is prebiotic in nature and is defined as the sum of starch and products of starch degradation not absorbed in small intestine of healthy individuals but later are fermented by natural microflora of the colon to produce short chain fatty acids. RS acts as a nutraceutical and its consumption leads to many health benefits. The aim of the study is to analyze the RS content in raw and processed cereals and cereal products and determine various processing and storage effects on the RS content. RS content in raw cereals ranged from 0.53 g% (pearl millet)-2.09 g% (rice). Of all the processing techniques applied in the study, roasting, baking and boiling increased the RS content followed by shallow frying. Steaming and frying showed a decrease in RS content. The puffed, flaked and extruded cereal products obtained from market when analyzed also showed very less retention of RS content. Storage of different cereal products at 4°C up to 12 and 24 h significantly increased RS content. Amylose showed a higher correlation with RS in maize produces than in other cereal products.

Complementary foods associated diarrhea.

The World Health Organization regards illness due to contaminated food as one of the most widespread health problems in the contemporary world. Food safety especially in the weaning groups is one of the major concerns that have posed a threat to health of the children. Millions of children in the world die each year from diarrheal diseases; hundreds of millions suffer from frequent episodes of diarrhea and consequent impairment of nutritional status. Contaminated foods play a major role in the occurrence of diarrheal diseases. Apart from food contamination, transmission of infection occurs by direct contact, highly favored by the habits and customs of the people. Improper storage and handling of cooked food is equally responsible for food-borne illnesses, as during storage especially at ambient temperature (28-38 degrees C) there is the risks of multiplication of pathogenic organisms increase. Food safety education is a critical prerequisite and is an essential element in control and prevention of diarrheal diseases. However, no preventive measures can ever be successful without the acute involvement of the caretakers, other family members and the community. To sensitize the community in a catalytic manner, health workers, community leaders and community volunteers can act as effective change agent, to bring about a behavior that can lead to improvement in their real life practices, thereby reducing the prevalence of diarrheal episodes in young children. Food Safety Education Programs that involve volunteers are cost effective as they can be reached to a maximum number of people through limited health personnels, and by this, the community can be made responsible for its own health problems.

Diarrhea prevention through food safety education.

OBJECTIVE: Food safety education (FSE) was imparted in order to reduce the prevalence of diarrhea in children and improving the knowledge, attitude and practices of mothers regarding safe feeding practices. METHODS: The study was conducted on mothers (n=200) of underprivileged children (6-24 months) through Anganwadi workers (AWW). The food safety education package incorporated three messages: washing hands with soap and water, avoid feeding leftover food and keep surrounding clean. These were imparted using lectures, slogans, posters, charts, flash cards, role-play. Calendars and leaflets were also handed over to the mothers as education material. After food safety education intervention, the households were studied again as at the baseline, on various aspects. RESULT: There was 52% reduction in the incidence of diarrhea. The environmental sanitation and personal hygiene scores of most of the households and mothers improved. Improvement in the practice of hand-washing and avoidance of feeding leftovers to children was seen. There was reduction in the microbial load in the hand rinse samples of both mothers and children. CONCLUSION: AWW proved to be effective change agents and FSE was successful in bringing about a positive behavior modification in mothers.