Bio-demographic characteristics of children with Down syndrome, their siblings, and their parents in Moroccan population

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we present the results of bio-demographic characteristics of households and associated factors with Down syndrome (DS) birth in Morocco.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective survey between 2014 and 2017 addressed to 277 families with 925 siblings and at least one child with DS (279 with DS). The data are collected using a standardized questionnaire in Marrakech-Safi region. Data were entered and analyzed using the statistical program SPSS statistics software for Windows (version 20.0). Chi-square (χ2) and student t tests were used for testing statistical significance. Differences were considered significant when the p-value <0.05.

RESULTS

The binary logistic regression analysis between DS and non-DS children in their bio-demographic characteristics studied (sex, breastfeeding, duration of exclusive breastfeeding, birth weight, maternal age at birth, paternal age at birth, oral contraceptive use, duration of oral contraceptive use before pregnancy, child age and rank of birth) showed that only maternal age and paternal age at birth, duration of exclusive breastfeeding, birth weight and child age (OR= 1.08; 95%Cl: 1.04-1.13, OR= 1.04; 95%Cl: 1.00-1.08, OR= 0.95; 95%Cl: 0.92-0.98, OR= 0.31; 95%Cl: 0.22-0.44 and OR= 0.90; 95%Cl: 0.87-0.93, respectively). In the other hand, the comparison between some of socio and bio-demographic characteristics of households studied with data from National Population Survey and Family health (2018) showed a higher level of education in women and men in our sample. Similar results were shown in proportion of men and women in paid employment, the proportion of smoking and alcohol consumption among men and the rate of oral contraceptive use before pregnancy among women.

CONCLUSION

Highlighting the bio-demographic characteristics of people with DS will help families to take good care of this group.  .

Assessment of phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Moroccan propolis

Background

Despite the extensive literature focused on propolis extract, few data exists on the bioactive compounds and biological activities in the Moroccan propolis and its economic value is low.

Objective

In this research, the aim was to evaluate the total content of phenols and flavonoids as well as the antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activities of Moroccan propolis.

Material and Methods

The polyphenol and flavonoid content of the Moroccan propolis from three geographic regions, was quantified in the ethanolic extract by colorimetric methods using folin-ciocalteu and aluminum chloride. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH test and expressed as IC50. Disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods were used to examine in vitro antimicrobial activity against known human microorganism pathogens.

Results

The obtained data revealed that Moroccan propolis samples presented significant variations in total polyphenols and flavonoids. All samples showed significant antioxidant activity with IC50 values ranging from 4.23±0.5 to 154±0.21 μg/ mL. A strong correlation between total phenolic activity, flavonoids and antioxidant activity was found. The in vitro study of antibacterial activity showed that the propolis samples exhibited a range of growth inhibitory actions against all bacterial strains tested with the highest activity against gram-positive bacteria. Only propolis from the Sidi Bennour region demonstrated an antifungal activity.

Conclusion

The study data show that Moroccan propolis extracts have a promising content of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds that could be exploited to prevent certain diseases linked to oxidative stress and pathogenic infections.

Parents' perceptions of morbidities and some functional abilities in people with down syndrome in Morocco

Objective

This study aimed to assess parental perceptions of morbidity and certain functional abilities in people with Down syndrome (DS) and their variability according to age and sex in Morocco.

Material and Methods

A retrospective and analytical survey was conducted between May 2014 and November 2017, and addressed to the parents of 279 individuals with DS, including 161 boys (57.7%) aged 1-40 years. The sample was subdivised to tree age groups, children under 10 years old, adolescents aged 10-18 years and adults aged ≥ 18 years. Information about the identity of parents, age and sex of people with DS, their morbidity during the two years preceding the survey, and some functional abilities was collected. Data were entered and analyzed using the statistical program SPSS statistics software for Windows (version 20.0). Chi-square (χ2) test was used for testing statistical significance. Differences were considered significant when the p-value < 0.05. The multivariate analysis were used to identify the causes of morbidies independently associated with age and sex of child. Associations were measured in Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% Cl).

Results

The most common factors of morbidity registered in the study sample with DS, included respiratory infections, visual disturbances, oral pathologies, and cardiac problems (75.4%, 72.1%, 59.3%, and 44.9%, respectively). The hearing deficit, cardiac problems, respiratory infections, and oral pathologies showed statistically significant differences among the three age groups. According to the participants parents' perceptions, half of them (50%) were able to walk at 30 months, talk at 72 months, sit at 16 months, crawl at 16 months and eat alone at 48 months old.

Conclusion

People with DS at different ages present a set of potentially treatable diseases that require multidisciplinary medical monitoring. They also need early paramedical care to improve their functional abilities.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in two Moroccan populations living at different distances from the Mediterranean Sea

Background

There is growing strong scientific evidence over the past few decades that the Mediterranean diet (MD) has protective effects on cardiometabolic health.

Objective

This study aimed to assess MD adherence and its association with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors among women living in two Moroccan provinces, El Jadida and Tetouan, located at different distances from the Mediterranean Sea.

Material and methods

It is a cross-sectional study involved 355 subjects of which 55.8% reside in the province of El Jadida, and data on socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle, cardiovascular risks, medical history and of food frequency consumption were collected. Compliance with the MD was assessed with a simplified MD adherence score based on the weekly frequency of consumption of eight food groups.

Results

The overall mean Simplified Mediterranean Diet Score was 4.37 ± 1.47 with inadequate compliance in 55.2% of the sample. No significant association was found between adherence to MD and geographic, socio-demographic, lifestyle or the major cardiovascular risk factors. However, the participants do not comply with half of the recommendations based on the Mediterranean diet pyramid. The lowest level of compliance was observed for olive oil, followed by sweets, eggs, potatoes, fruits, red meat, vegetables, legumes, olives, nuts and seeds. The increased contribution of sugars, dairy products and meat to the overall food intake is significant in the category with high adherence to MD.

Conclusion

The study data indicate that Mediterranean Diet is far from being a global pattern in this Moroccan population. The study draws attention to the need for a promoting intervention to maintain this pattern as the original diet in the region.

Opinion on weight management in the age of new technologies

In a Moroccan context characterized by the resurgence of metabolic diseases and over nutrition, an emergence of digital media in the daily life of individuals, has led to the expansion of the use of digital diets for therapeutic or aesthetic purposes. This work raises the question of the effectiveness of unguided nutritional approaches and the associated consequences, with potential effects on the health of individuals.

Factors influencing cooking method, frequency, and duration of meal preparation in Moroccan households

Background

The construction of the consumer's identity is dependent on how they prepare their meals.

Objective

Study the cooking methods, frequency, and duration of meal preparation in Moroccan households as well as the associated factors.

Materials and methods

This work is a part of a study with a validated conceptual and methodological framework that was conducted in 507 households in the region of Rabat-Salé-Kenitra in Morocco. The characteristics of the population and data on the cooking methods, frequency, and duration of meal preparation were collected by a survey. Associations between variables were studied by univariate logistic regression with a significance level of p<0.05.

Results

The majority of the population was aged between 35 and 65 years (76%) and lived in urban areas (70%). The univariate analysis showed that the urban area was a factor that hindered stewing (p=0.009), while the work status (p=0.04) and the marital status "Married" (p=0.04) were favorable factors; the household size (p=0.02) is a factor favoring steaming method; urban area (p=0.04), work status (p 0.03), nuclear family type (p<0.001), and household size (p=0.02) are factors hindering the use of oven cooking; urban area (p=0.02) and higher education level (p=0.04) are factors favoring the use of fried food, age category [20-34] years (p=0.04), higher education level (p=0.01) and work status (p=0.01) were factors that favored the use of grilling; nuclear family type, (p=0.04) and household size (p=0.03) were factors that hindered the preparation of breakfast; urban area (p=0.03) and Arab ethnicity (p=0.04) are factors hindering snack preparation; urban area (p<0.001) is a factor favoring dinner preparation; household size (p=0.01) and use of stewing at least four times a week (p=0.002) are factors hindering meal preparation time, while use of baking (p=0.01) is a favoring factor.

Conclusion

The study results point towards the implementation of a nutritional education strategy based on combining habits, preferences, and good cooking practices.

Bio-demographic characteristics of households and risk factors for Down Syndrome in Morocco

Background

The most studied risk factors for Down Syndrom (DS) were: region of residence, exposure to chemicals, parents' education level, cigarette and alcohol use by father or mother or both, and oral contraceptive (OC) use.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare certain variables considered as risk factors on DS such as parental age at birth, OC use, child's sex, and rank of birth between children with DS and their siblings without DS as well as to determine the socio-bio-demographic characteristics of the families studied compared with the general Moroccan population.

Material and Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 277 families with 925 siblings and at least one child with DS (279 with DS) between 2014 and 2017. The data are collected using a standardized questionnaire in MarrakechSafi region. Data were entered and analyzed using the statistical program SPSS statistics software for Windows (version 20.0). Chi-square (χ2) and Student t tests were used for testing statistical significance. Differences were considered significant when the p-value <0.05.

Results

The binary logistic regression analysis between DS and non-DS children in their bio-demographic characteristics studied (sex, maternal age at birth, paternal age at birth, oral contraceptive (OC) use, length of oral contraceptive use before pregnancy and rank of birth) showed that only maternal age and paternal age at birth and OC use were associated with DS birth (OR= 1.16; 95% CL: 1.11-1.21, OR= 1.05; 95%CL: 1.01-1.09 and OR= 0.01; 95%CL: 0.00-0.003, respectively). In the other hand, the comparison between socio and bio-demographic characteristics of households studied with data from National Population Survey and Family health (2018) showed a higher level of education in women and men in our sample. Similar results were shown in rate of men and women in paid employment, the rate of smoking and alcohol consumption among men and the rate of OC use before pregnancy among women.

Conclusion

These results will help to sensitize the Moroccan population about risk factors for DS.

Nutritional composition and bioactive compounds of a local variety of Vitis vinifera L. cultivated in Morocco

Background

The vine is considered one of the most important and popular fruits in the world thanks to its high nutritional value and high fiber content.

Objective

This study aim was to evaluate the nutritional composition in a local variety 'Doukkali' grape (Vitis vinifera L.) in the perspective of their suitability for pharmaceutical and agri-food use.

Material and methods

The proximate composition and minerals were determined using AOAC methods, the total sugar by HPLC method. The total phenolic compounds using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, the total flavonoids using aluminum chloride colorimetric method and tannins by the method of vanillin.

Results

The analysis of the raisin of this variety revealed a high carbohydrate content of 61% with high levels of glucose (31.6%), fructose (30.4%), dietary fiber (13.92%) and minerals including potassium (445.50 mg/100 g DM), calcium (193.26 mg/100 g DM), sulfur (171.63 mg/100 g DM), sodium (137.50 mg/100 g DM), phosphorus (99.79 mg/100 g DM), magnesium (54.74 mg/100 g DM) and iron (2.39mg/ g DM). Analysis of bioactive compounds showed significant content of polyphenols varying from 43 to 309.1 mg GAE/g DM, flavonoids from 1.0 to 23.8 mg CEQ/g DM and tannins from 2.5 to 50.45 mg TAE/g DM.

Conclusions

The study shows that the local variety of Doukkali grape has an important nutritional potential that can contribute to the nutritional needs and the fight against malnutrition as well as to the dietary diversity of the local population.

Food purchasing habits at traditional and modern markets and consumption of natural and processed foods in Moroccan households

Background

The locations of food purchase have an impact on the quality of food consumed.

Objective

To examine food purchasing habits at traditional and modern markets, their associated factors, and their effects on consuming natural and processed foods.

Material and methods

This work used a validated conceptual and methodological framework of a study conducted among 507 households in the Rabat-Salé-Kenitra region in Morocco. Data on sociodemographic and economic characteristics and the frequency of food purchasing were collected from household representatives through a population survey. The food frequency questionnaire was used to collect frequency of consumption of 20 foods, including 10 natural and 10 processed. The associations between the variables were studied by the Chi-square test with a level of significance of p <0.05.

Results

Among the households 70% were urban, 62% have nuclear families, 51.5% a size of 5 to 12 members, 41% middle standard of living, 87% frequented markets and souks (MS), and 19% frequented large and medium-sized stores (LMS) at least once a week. The households have in majority a frequency of natural foods consumption ≥ 3 times/week, including fresh vegetables (91%), olive oil (85%), and fresh fruit (84%); and processed foods, such as refined flours (68%), industrial cheese (65%) and industrial yoghurt (52%). MS and LMS frequentation were associated with environment (p<0.001), family type (p=0.01 and p=0.002, respectively), household size (p=0.04 and p=0.002 respectively) and standard of living (p<0.001). Foods whose consumption was associated with both MS and LMS frequentation included fresh vegetables (p<0.001) as natural foods and baked goods as processed foods (respectively, p=0.01 and p=0.04).

Conclusion

The results of this study argue for implementing a nutrition education strategy based on the choice of food purchase locations as well as the consumption of natural or processed foods as part of a sustainable Mediterranean diet.

Meal intake in an adult Moroccan population: determinants and implications for weight status

Background

In recent decades, the Moroccan population has changed its dietary practices, particularly those related to meal-taking. It is about irregular meal schedules, reduced frequency and shorter time of meal taking times, as well as a decrease in family meal-taking. All these factors are likely to influence its nutritional status.

Objective

The aim is to study meal-taking practices, their determinants and their implications on weight status. In this study, meal-taking practices are defined by the regularity of the schedule, the frequency and the duration of the meals as well as the family commensality.

Material and Methods

This work data are part of a study conducted among 507 households in the region of Rabat-SaléKenitra in Morocco, with a validated conceptual and methodological framework. The questionnaire was completed with one member of each household and the body mass index (BMI) was determined by an impedance meter.

Results

The main results indicate that the majority of the surveyed population was aged 35 years (59%), female (52%), urban (70%), with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (51%), took usually three meals a day (89%), spent less than 90 minutes a day in meals and snacks (60%), had irregular meal schedule (69%), and usually eat at least two meals or snacks a day with family (49%). The univariate analysis showed that urban area was a factor favoring variations of meal times, the male sex was a factor favoring three meals a day, the level of higher education was a factor penalizing the daily duration of meals, and that marital status "married" was a factor favoring family commensality. In addition, variable meal times were revealed as a factor contributing to overweight/obesity, and meal times ≥90 min were revealed as a protective factor of overweight/obesity.

Conclusion

The study identified factors associated with meal times, frequency and duration. The results obtained will serve as a basis for the development of educational actions for a change in behavior conducive to health.

Dietary behavior of pregnant women in the province of El Jadida and impact of low birth weight on the anthropometric status of newborns. Case-control study

Background

Low birth weight (LBW) is a major health problem responsible for neonatal mortality and morbidity such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease in adulthood.

Objective

This case-control study aims to compare data on the intake of energy, macro and micronutrient in two groups of pregnant women, who gave birth to low birth weight (LBW) babies named cases and those who gave birth to babies of normal weight (NW) called controls.

Material and methods

The collection of information was done using an established questionnaire for 400 pregnant women, allowing the collection of data on socio-demographic and obstetrical factors. Nutritional intake was obtained by recording food consumption using the 24-hour recall method. Anthropometric measurements of parturient and fundal height (FH) were measured before delivery.

Results

The mean FH of the cases was 25.69±0.13 and that of the controls was 31.83±0.06. The gestational age of the cases was on average 31.65±0.21 week of amenorrhea (WA) against 38.04±0.08 WA for the controls. 37% of LBW newborns had an Apgar score < 7 (p< 0.001) and 71% were hospitalized in neonatal intensive care (p<0.001). Micronutrient deficiency was raised and concerned calcium 34.02% vs 60.65%, folates 48.32% vs 68.01% and iron 50.85% vs 66% in cases and controls respectively. Newborns from NW had a weight of 3395.5±15.99 against 1957.25±30.72 for those from LBW.

Conclusion

This study shows that the nutritional intake did not cover all the nutrient needs of the pregnant women studied and that newborns with LBW are associated with an altered anthropometric status. Improving the living conditions of mothers, good monitoring of pregnancy, and good nutritional education can significantly improve the nutritional status with the same food intake and should be integrated into the nutritional intervention strategies.

Sociodemographic, nutritional and health status factors associated with adherence to Mediterranean diet in an agricultural Moroccan adult's population

Background

Numerous studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) on many chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the adherence of a rural population to the Mediterranean diet, to identify the sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants and to analyze the association between adherence to MD and CKD.

Material and Methods

In a cross-sectional study, data on sociodemographic, lifestyle factors, clinical, biochemical parameters and diet were collected on a sample of 154 subjects. Adherence to MD was assessed according to a simplified MD score based on the daily frequency of intake of eight food groups (vegetables, legumes, fruits, cereal or potatoes, fish, red meat, dairy products and MUFA/SFA), using the sex specific sample medians as cut-offs. A value of 0 or 1 was assigned to consumption of each component according to its presumed detrimental or beneficial effect on health.

Results

According to the simplified MD score, the study data show that high adherence (44.2%) to MD was characterized by intakes high in vegetables, fruits, fish, cereals, olive oil, and low in meat and moderate in dairy. Furthermore, several factors such as age, marital status, education level, and hypertension status were associated with the adherence to MD in the study population. The majority of subjects with CKD have poor adherence to the MD compared to non-CKD with a statistically insignificant difference.

Conclusions

In Morocco, maintaining the traditional MD pattern play crucial role for public health. More research is needed in this area to precisely measure this association.

Assessment of diet quality in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Background

Micronutrient malnutrition is a serious public health problem in most developing countries, including Morocco, due to poor and therefore lower quality diets that lack dietary diversity.

Objective

The present study aimed to assess dietary diversity and variety and their relationship with micronutrient adequacy in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was carried among 240 children and adolescents with T1D. Weight and height were measured and BMI was calculated. Dietary intake data were obtained from two 24-h recalls. A Dietary diversity (DDS) and dietary variety scores (DVS) and mean adequacy ratio (MAR) and nutritional adequacy ratios (NARs) were calculated and compared according to sociodemographic/anthropometric categories.

Results

52.1% of the patients were female. The mean age of the patients was 8.49 ± 4.1 years. The mean BMI was 19.44 ± 5.24 kg/m2; the mean DDS was 4.62±1.20 and the mean MAR was 0.66 ± 0.11. Older children living in rural areas have a low DDS/DVS. Parental education and income level are associated with DDS/DVS. General and central obesity were significantly elevated in children with high DDS. In addition, a high intake of vegetables, eggs, fiber and micronutrients (Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Zinc, Phosphorus and Vit B1) is associated with a high DDS; however, high DVS is associated with high consumption of dairy products, carbohydrates and low intake of protein and fat. There are also positive correlations between DDS/DVS and NARs for various nutrients.

Conclusion

The quality of the respondents' diets are moderately diversified. DDS or DVS can be used as indicators of micronutrient adequacy in Moroccan T1D children. Nutritional education needs to be strengthened to improve dietary diversity in children, especially in rural areas.

Food quality and nutritional status of school-going adolescents in the province of El Jadida in Morocco

Background

Dietary diversity and variety scores represent tools for measuring the overall quality of diets. In children, they are good indicators of their nutritional status and growth.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the consumption and eating habits as well as the lifestyle of Moroccan adolescents attending school in the city of El Jadida.

Material and methods

A sample of 463 children of both sexes, aged 9 to 17, attending four schools in the city of El Jadida was studied. Eating habits and information on socioeconomic level are assessed using questionnaires and weight and height were measured on participants.

Results

According to the dietary diversity score (DDS) classes, 2.4% of the children surveyed were with low DDS, 55.7% moderate and 41.9%, with high DDS. The mean DDS was 5.67 ± 1.03 in underweight children and 5.53 ± 1.5 in those with overweight (obesity included) and the food variety scores (DVS) were of 12.94±3.24 food items and 10.81±3.25 in the 2 groups respectively. In addition, data analyzes show that children from parents with a low level of education had higher averages of DDS and DVS (DDS: 5.54 ± 0.84; SVA: 10.65 ± 2.32) compared to those of parents with medium education level (DDS: 5.31±0.96; DVS: 9.72±2.62) or high level (DDS: 5.17±0.93; DVS: 9.36 ±2.42). In addition, children from parents of high economic level had a lower averages of DDS and DVS (DDS: 5.24 ± 0.88; DVS: 8.84 ± 2.10) compared to those of parents of low economic level (DDS: 5.36±1.00; DVS: 10.14±2.85). The sugary products were consumed by 56.3% of underweiht children, 75% of normal-weight children and 67% of overweight children (including obese). The estimated total energy intake (TEI) was higher than the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) in underweight 2933 Kcal/d and in overweight (including obese) children 3061.75 Kcal/d, while the mean daily intakes of folate, calcium, iron, potassium and zinc were lower than the (RDA). The food groups consumed by the majority of children were cereals (98.5%), fruits and vegetables (87.7%), and sweet products (69.8%) while oilseed products and fat were less consumed (9.7% and 7.8% respectively).

Conclusion

The study data show that the adolescents diet were moderately diverse, little varied and poor in certain nutrients essential for their nutritional status and growth. The study draws attention to the need for parents to be aware of the benefits of improving the diet quality and weight status of adolescents.

Mediterranean diet pyramid of an adult Moroccan population: comparison with the recommendations of the updated Mediterranean diet pyramid

One of the illustrations selected for the presentation of the nutritional recommendations of the Mediterranean diet (DM) is the food pyramid (FP). The aim of this work was to design a food pyramid illustrating the dietary pattern of an adult Moroccan population and compare it to the recommendations of the Mediterranean diet pyramid (MDP) updated in 2020 by a group of experts. The study was carried out over the period of 2018 to 2022, on 507 adults from the Rabat-Salé-Kenitra region in Morocco. Socio-demographic data, usability, and toxic habits were collected using a questionnaire. Physical activity was assessed by the Marshal questionnaire. Food intake and food diversity have been determined by food history and food variety by food frequency questionnaires. The majority of the study population was over 34 years old (59%), resides in urban areas (70%), of which women (52%), sufficiently active (57%) and without any toxic habits (99.9%). A proportion of 31% still participate in meal preparation within the household, and 48.9% have at least two meals with the family daily. The population’s energy and protein intakes are higher (p<0.001) while their dietary fiber and water intakes are lower than the recommended intakes (p<0.001). The FP constructed according to the population’s food consumption comprises, from the bottom to the top, 1) water, 2) cereals and starchy foods, 3) sugars and sweet products, 4) fruits and vegetables, 5) dairy products, 6) olive oil, and 7) pulses, dried fruits, red meat, fish, chicken, eggs, and olives. The hierarchy and frequency of the consumption of certain foods and food groups differ from the recommendations of the updated MDP, reflecting a shift from sustainable diet.

Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of extracts from Moroccan fresh fava beans pods (Vicia Faba L.)

Background

In Morocco, fava beans are widely used as a main meal or as an ingredient in various traditional recipes, in the form of fresh ripe seeds or dry seeds. In the past, the tender skin of bean pods was also used in certain specific dishes, thus diversifying the diet. However, the peels of the tender bean pods are currently less or not used and considered waste. In Moroccan, fava bean pods peels, traditionally used in food in the past, are today considered as waste. The valorization of fresh fava bean pods could revitalize the use of the specific dishes and diversify the diet. For this reason, the research aimed to assess the nutritional values and biological compounds of the whole fresh fava bean pods (Vicia faba L.).

Objective

Evaluate the content of nutrients, total phenolic, flavonoids and tannin contents and antioxidant activity in different extracts of the tender pods of the fava bean (Vicia faba L.).

Material and methods

The proximate composition and minerals were determined using AOAC methods. The total phenolic compounds by the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, the total flavonoids were analyzed using aluminum chloride colorimetric method, the tannins by method of vanillin in an acidic medium and the antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH method.

Results

The results show that the fresh fava bean pods have a moisture content of 87.31 ± 0.25%, ash 4.67 ± 1.03, and protein 29.11 ± 3.20 g/100 g. The legume samples also contain potassium (1946.8±4.61), phosphorus (483.8 ± 3.14), and calcium (399.6 ±2.25) mg/100 g of dry matter representing at last 40-50% of the RDI. The content of the different extracts of (Vicia faba L) varied from 49.5 to 594.4 mg GAE/ g for the total phenols, from 0.7 mg to 3.4 mg QE/g for flavonoids, and from 4.9 mg to 73.91 mg TAE/g dry weight for tannins. The evaluation of the antioxidant activity in the various extracts revealed a better activity in the methanolic extract (IC50=491.2 μg/mL) compared to others extracts: the MeOH/water extract (IC50=606.61 μg/mL), DCM/ MeOH extract (IC50 = 642.67 μg/mL) and DCM extract below of 50%.

Conclusions

This study shows that fava bean pods, traditionally used in food, are rich in macro and micronutrients and bioactive substances, which demonstrates their potential contribution to human food and nutritional security.

Weight status and its determinants among Moroccan adolescents in the province of El Jadida

Background

Despite the efforts of health systems, the prevalence of malnutrition reflected by weight status still poses challenges for many countries around the world. In fact, with the decrease in undernutrition, excess weight and obesity are gradually increasing in parallel with that of chronic diseases. Among school-going adolescents, however, weight status is less studied, particularly in developing countries.

Objective

The objective of this research is to examine the situation and the determinants of the weight status of adolescents in the province of El Jadida in Morocco.

Material and methods

The study was carried out on a sample of 463 students from the province of El Jadida of which 58.1% are boys and 41.9% girls, ages 9 and 17. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric measurements including height, weight and waist and hip circumference. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated to determine underweight, overweight and general obesity and waist circumference and the waist circumference to hip circumference ratio were used to determine abdominal obesity.

Results

The results indicate that only 59.6% of students had normal weight status, 40.4% had abnormal BMI values corresponding to thinness in 18.8% and overweight (overweight and obesity) in 21.6%. A significant difference in the prevalence of abnormal weight status by sex and level of physical activity was found. The results of the present study reveal an abnormal weight status in a large proportion of adolescents linked in addition to the peculiarities of the puberty phase to the sedentary lifestyle in the study population.

Conclusions

The results obtained revealed the coexistence of over-nutrition and undernutrition which require a prevention policy based on regular monitoring of weight status as well as on nutritional education and the promotion of physical activity for children and parents.

Study of the association of the nutritional profile of pregnant women with the birth weight of newborns in Morocco

Background

Low birth weight (LBW) is an important predictor of neonatal morbidity and mortality. It reflects the nutritional status of the mother and the quality of health care services during pregnancy.

Objective

The objective of this study is to determine the factors associated with low birth weight of children born to Moroccan pregnant women in the province of El Jadida.

Material and Methods

This cross-sectional case-control study was carried out in the maternity ward of El Jadida provincial hospital on 344 parturient women, half of whom had given birth to children with an LBW and the other half of children with normal weight (NW) at birth. Information on maternal gestational and socioeconomic characteristics as well as eating habits was collected using a questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were taken on the newborns.

Results

The study identified 172 parturient who gave birth to newborns with LBW and 172 parturient who gave birth to newborns of NW. The proportions of LBW are greater in first-time mothers (50.6%) and professionally inactive (86.6%). The mean weight of LBW newborns is 2013.95 ± 372.95g compared to 3380 ± 217.59g for NW newborns. The determined factors associated with LBW are the low socio-economic level (OR = 3.18; 95% CI: 1.09-9.23), insufficient monitoring of prenatal consultation (OR = 2.91; 95% CI: 1, 71-4.95), origin from rural areas (OR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.30-0.91) and lack of nutritional education (OR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0, 09-0.34). The daily calcium intake in mothers of newborns with LBW is 33.82% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA), the daily iron requirement coverage was 50%, folates 66, 16% and zinc 87.72% of the RDA.

Conclusions

Well-targeted and coordinated education and awareness-raising actions on early pregnancy and feeding pregnant women could have a positive impact on improving the birth rate of children with a weight deficit.

Nutritional status of sub-Saharans residing in the city of El Jadida - Morocco: weight in relation to socio-economic status

Background

Onset of overweight and obesity has been previously reported as a result of population migration to western countries.

Objective

To determine the nutritional status, weight status and their association with socioeconomic status in sub-Saharan settled in El Jadida city in a Mediterranean country Morocco.

Materials and methods

A descriptive study was carried out in 2018 on 256 sub-Saharans migrants living in the city of El Jadida in Morocco. Information on socio-economic and socio-demographic characteristics as well as anthropometric measurements was collected. The body mass index (BMI) and abdominal obesity by measuring waist circumference (WC) and waist circumference to hip ratio (WHR) and the distribution of body fat by calculating the sum of skin folds are determined.

Results

Analysis results indicate that height, waist circumference, hip circumference, sum of trunk skinfolds, total sum of skinfolds, and BMI increase with age. The prevalence of underweight decreases with age, overweight was 38.7% in the youngest age group (18-25 years) and reached higher values after 35 years (44.10%). In addition, the prevalence of general obesity (based on BMI) increased with age and abdominal obesity (based on WHR and WC) was more marked in sub-Saharan people aged 26 to 35 years. These results also reveal the coexistence of underweight, overweight and obesity in all age groups. The analysis revealed a significant association between several variables and obesity. Significant associations were found between age and BMI (P=0.04), between level of education (university) and WHR (p=0.02), between sex and WHR, and between sex and WC (p=0.049). The study revealed also that the majority of the study sample gained weight after their settling in the host country.

Conclusions

The study data show that obesity including overweight and abdominal obesity were prevalent among sub-Saharan migrants residing in the city of El Jadida. This prevalence is associated with socio-demographic and socioeconomic factors.

Association of Metabolic Syndrome and Chronic Kidney Disease in Moroccan Adult Population

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors that may promote the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this research was to determine the prevalence of MetS and its components and, to study their association with CKD among Moroccan adult population living in an agricultural province. Materials and Methods: The study involved 210 adult participants of 18 and over years, of both sexes, sampled from urban and rural areas of Sidi Bennour province in Morocco. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, weight, height, and waist circumference were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Blood total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and serum creatinine were determined. Subsequent glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated by the modification of diet in renal disease formula and the CKD was defined by an estimated GFR (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m². The diagnosis of MetS was based on the National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP ATP III) report. Results: The mean age of the participants was 54.18 ± 13.45 years, the prevalence of MetS and CKD were 38% and 4.4%, respectively. Abdominal obesity was the strongest risk factor of MetS among the studied population (71%), followed by increased fasting plasma glucose (40.5%), high blood pressure (35.2%), hypercholesterolemia (31.0%), and hypertriglyceridemia (23.8%). The prevalence of these comorbid factors increased with age (P = 0.000), BMI (P = 0.000), and decreased with education level (P = 0.012). The presence of MetS was significantly associated with decreased eGFR (P = 0.022), hence the prevalence of CKD was markedly greater in subjects with MetS than those without. Conclusions: Our finding indicates that MetS is a serious public health problem in the study population and that its individual components are involved in decreasing the eGFR and the progression of renal dysfunction. The study results support the need of the development of a strategy to control and prevent worsening of the MetS individual components and development of CKD.

Nutritional status of Moroccan pregnant women and the birth weight of their newborn: a case-control study in the province of El Jadida

<abstract><sec> <title>Background</title> <p>Maternal malnutrition is a global concern whose consequences for newborns are intrauterine growth retardation, fetal hypotrophy and exposure to risks of pathologies in adulthood.</p> </sec><sec> <title>Objective</title> <p>The aim of this study was to assess and compare the diet quality and nutritional status of pregnant women at the time of childbirth while assessing their newborn's weight at birth.</p> </sec><sec> <title>Materials and methods</title> <p>The study involved 400 parturient, divided into two groups of 200 each, the controls who have just given birth to newborns of normal weight and the cases who have just given birth to babies of low birth weight (LBW). Information on food intakes and dietary habits were collected using questionnaires and anthropometric parameters were measured.</p> </sec><sec> <title>Results</title> <p>The mean body mass index (BMI) of the cases was 25.93 ± 2.64 kg/m² vs. 28.25 ± 2.75 kg/m² in the controls. The dietary diversity and variety scores were higher in the controls than in the cases. Indeed means were 6.87 ± 1.30 vs. 8.88 ± 1.35 food groups for the diversity scores and 11.77 ± 1.57 vs. 15.90 ± 2.09 food items for the variety scores in the cases and the controls respectively. The average daily intakes of folates, calcium, iron and zinc were lower than the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) for both groups. The daily calcium intake represents only 1/5th of the RDI for the cases and 1/3 for the controls. Average dietary iron intake was insufficient at only 49% of the daily requirement for cases vs. 66.88% for controls while folates accounts for 64.33% of the RDA for the cases.</p> </sec><sec> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>Data from this study shows that the diets of women who have given birth to low birth weight infants are poorly diversified, poorly varied, and poor in certain nutrients essential for a successful pregnancy and childbirth.</p> </sec></abstract>

Prevalence of gestational diabetes and associated risk factors in the population of Safi Province in Morocco

INTRODUCTION

the association of diabetes with pregnancy is a frequent gestational situation that constitutes a real public health problem with prevalence and risk factors varying according to the population type. The present study aims to determine the prevalence of gestational diabetes (GD) and associated risk factors (socio-demographic characteristics, medical and obstetric history) in pregnant women from the Moroccan province of Safi.

METHODS

this cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was conducted during the period from October 2018 to February 2019, on 208 pregnant women, attending the antenatal consultation services of four health centers equally distributed between urban and rural areas of Safi Province in Morocco. The data on blood glucose levels and the risk factors for gestational diabetes generally described in the literature were collected. The statistical Chi-square test and the logistic regression were used to check the association between gestational diabetes and the risk factors.

RESULTS

the mean age of the pregnant women sample was 28.9 ± 6.8 years and the prevalence of GD was 24.5%. Using multivariate logistic regression, the most significantly associated risk factors were the diabetic inheritance of a primary relative (OR=2.616 [95% CI: 1.281-5.341]; p=0.008) and the high education level (OR=2.301 [95% CI: 1.123-4.716] p=0.023).

CONCLUSION

the results show that gestational diabetes is a frequent pathology among the study population. The data revealed also that the diabetes inheritance (primary relative) and the high level of education are the main risk factors of this pathology in the surveyed pregnant women in the study province.

Updating the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid towards Sustainability: Focus on Environmental Concerns

BACKGROUND

Nowadays the food production, supply and consumption chain represent a major cause of ecological pressure on the natural environment, and diet links worldwide human health with environmental sustainability. Food policy, dietary guidelines and food security strategies need to evolve from the limited historical approach, mainly focused on nutrients and health, to a new one considering the environmental, socio-economic and cultural impact-and thus the sustainability-of diets.

OBJECTIVE

To present an updated version of the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid (MDP) to reflect multiple environmental concerns.

METHODS

We performed a revision and restructuring of the MDP to incorporate more recent findings on the sustainability and environmental impact of the Mediterranean Diet pattern, as well as its associations with nutrition and health. For each level of the MDP we provided a third dimension featuring the corresponding environmental aspects related to it.

CONCLUSIONS

The new environmental dimension of the MDP enhances food intake recommendations addressing both health and environmental issues. Compared to the previous 2011 version, it emphasizes more strongly a lower consumption of red meat and bovine dairy products, and a higher consumption of legumes and locally grown eco-friendly plant foods as much as possible.

Screening of the antimicrobial activity of some extracts of edible wild plants in Morocco

Background: Despite the availability of cultivated food crops and processed food, a large part of the Moroccan population, more particularly the populations of rural areas, still depend on the traditional use of wild plants, which constitute an important component of their food system. However, there is a lack of information on these plants and their medicinal and pharmacological properties, this is why our study aims to detect the antimicrobial activity of certain wild edible plants.Methods: disc diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of extracts of Mercurialis annua L, Papaver rhoeas L, Foeniculum vulgare Mill, Chenopodium mural L, and Scolymus hispanicus L against the bacterial species Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonassp, and against the yeasts Cryptococcus neoformans, and Candida albicansResults: The results showed that the crudeextracts from all the plants studied showed more or less important antimicrobial activities on one or other of the pathogenic microorganisms tested, except for the extract of M. annua, which showed no activity against all microbial strains. The highest antibacterial activity was observed for Scolymus hispanicus L extract against Escherichia coli (diameter of the inhibition zone: Ø=9mm ), the highest antifungal activity was marked for Foeniculum vulgare Mill extract against Candida albicans (Ø=8mm), and the extract of Scolymus hispanicus L against Cryptococcus neoformans(Ø=8mm).Conclusion: These results reveal that, in addition to the role they play in the diet, the food plants studied have an additional biological value due to their bioactive compounds.Keywords: In vitroantibacterial activity; Antifungal activity; Food wild plants; crude extract, Morocco 

Undiagnosed chronic kidney disease and its associated risk factors in an agricultural Moroccan adult's population

INTRODUCTION

Chronic kidney disease is among the major non-communicable diseases with increasing prevalence. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and its associated risk factors among Moroccan population sample from Sidi Bennour province.

METHODS

An observational, descriptive and analytical study was conducted in an agricultural community of Morocco. A sample of 182 subjects aged 18 or older, randomly selected from the province health care centers. The information on the participants was collected using a structured questionnaire, blood samples were collected and the serum creatinine was determined. Subsequent glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated by the modification of diet in renal disease formula and the chronic kidney disease was defined by an eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m².

RESULTS

The participants mean age was 53.58±12.06 years, with a sex ratio of 0.30 and the prevalence of chronic kidney disease was 4.4%. The risk factors associated with chronic kidney disease were age, hypertension, and nephrotoxic treatment, that are significantly correlated with renal impairment (P=0.006 for age, P=0.008 for hypertension and P=0.001 for nephrotoxic medication used respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The study data show that chronic kidney disease should be of important consideration in any strategy to address non-communicable diseases and associated risk factors.

Food security and women's roles in Moroccan Berber (Amazigh) society today

Traditionally, the Berber diet was part of a semiautarkic economy. The suitability of the diet to the regional ecosystem has guaranteed food security for the Berber tribes of Morocco and other countries of North Africa. As part of a patriarchal model, Berber dietary patterns are historically embedded in a social system where women's and men's roles are complementary at all stages of food production, processing, and conservation. Women have played a dominant role in the conservation of Berber dietary patterns through the preservation of biodiverse seeds and local varieties, the transmission of the Berber language through generations, and the sharing of knowledge on food, medicinal plants, and cultural practices related to diet and food security. Political, social, demographic, economic, and cultural factors have affected the Berber dietary model and the role of women in its preservation. The shift from a semiautarkic traditional model to a model within a market economy has led to food importation, the erosion of culinary components such as wild edible plants and dietary homogenization. Despite these changes and the associated nutrition transition, the Berber diet remains a cultural heritage because of its rich diversity. Berber women play a crucial role in the preservation and sustainability of Berber culinary heritage and food security.

A Consensus Proposal for Nutritional Indicators to Assess the Sustainability of a Healthy Diet: The Mediterranean Diet as a Case Study

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence of the multiple effects of diets on public health nutrition, society, and environment. Sustainability and food security are closely interrelated. The traditional Mediterranean Diet (MD) is recognized as a healthier dietary pattern with a lower environmental impact. As a case study, the MD may guide innovative inter-sectorial efforts to counteract the degradation of ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, and homogeneity of diets due to globalization through the improvement of sustainable healthy dietary patterns. This consensus position paper defines a suite of the most appropriate nutrition and health indicators for assessing the sustainability of diets based on the MD.

METHODS

In 2011, an informal International Working Group from different national and international institutions was convened. Through online and face-to-face brainstorming meetings over 4 years, a set of nutrition and health indicators for sustainability was identified and refined.

RESULTS

Thirteen nutrition indicators of sustainability relating were identified in five areas. Biochemical characteristics of food (A1. Vegetable/animal protein consumption ratios; A2. Average dietary energy adequacy; A3. Dietary Energy Density Score; A4. Nutrient density of diet), Food Quality (A5. Fruit and vegetable consumption/intakes; A6. Dietary Diversity Score), Environment (A7. Food biodiversity composition and consumption; A8. Rate of Local/regional foods and seasonality; A9. Rate of eco-friendly food production and/or consumption), Lifestyle (A10. Physical activity/physical inactivity prevalence; A11. Adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern), Clinical Aspects (A12. Diet-related morbidity/mortality statistics; A13. Nutritional Anthropometry). A standardized set of information was provided for each indicator: definition, methodology, background, data sources, limitations of the indicator, and references.

CONCLUSION

The selection and analysis of these indicators has been performed (where possible) with specific reference to the MD. Sustainability of food systems is an urgent priority for governments and international organizations to address the serious socioeconomic and environmental implications of short-sighted and short-term practices for agricultural land and rural communities. These proposed nutrition indicators will be a useful methodological framework for designing health, education, and agricultural policies in order, not only to conserve the traditional diets of the Mediterranean area as a common cultural heritage and lifestyle but also to enhance the sustainability of diets in general.

Population health and Mediterranean diet in southern Mediterranean countries

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

In recent decades, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disorders has increased worldwide; the objective here is to describe the situation in southern Mediterranean countries.

RESULTS

Data derived from surveys in the region countries showed that in 2002 more than 60% of all deaths in the southern Mediterranean region are attributed to NCDs. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) caused from about 34.3 to 52% of all deaths, making it the major killer among NCDs. In almost all of the southern Mediterranean countries, CVD risk factors increased with age, affected more women and urban area and were significantly associated with obesity. The Mediterranean dietary pattern, generally recognised, as a healthy diet is still the model for southern Mediterranean population; however, following the rapid process of urbanisation, southern Mediterranean populations have changed their lifestyle and food habits and tend to shift from traditional food habit. Indeed, intake trends illustrate the fall in whole-grain intake with a rise in animal sources and vegetable oils. Dietary energy has been steadily increasing by approximately 1000 kcal per capita per day between 1965 and 2000, exceeding per caput energy requirements. Protein and carbohydrate contribution to the energy intake show only small deviations and fat contribution to the energy intake is low, whereas fibre intake is generally low and that of SFA is high. Also, sedentarity appears to play a critical role in the development of body fat and may be a risk indicator for features of metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSION

The major goal to prevent CVD should begin by preventing obesity through physical exercise and healthy nutrition. The nutritional prevention policy required should encourage population to adhere to the Mediterranean model.

High blood pressure in urban Moroccan Sahraoui women

OBJECTIVE

To examine the associated risk factors of hypertension and the relationship between blood pressure and three anthropometric measurements for obesity (body mass index, waist circumference and waist-hip ratio) in women of the Sahraoui ethnic group.

METHODS

Data were collected from a randomized sample (n = 239) of adult women aged 20 years and older, nonpregnant, who visited the public health centers during the immunization campaign of Laayoune city in South Morocco. Only individuals identified as of Sahraoui origin were eligible for this investigation. Body weight, height, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides and physical activity were measured.

RESULTS

The results show that high blood pressure (> 130/85 mmHg) was detected in 29.8%. All hypertensive women were at high risk of hyperglycemia (22.1% were hyperglycemic, among which 11.8% were diabetic), hypertriglyceridimia (27.8%), hypercholesterolemia (19.2%) and metabolic syndrome (44.1%). Bivariate correlation showed that age and obesity (body mass index, waist-hip ratio and waist circumference) were positively associated with blood pressure whereas education level and time spent in walking activity were negatively associated with blood pressure. Logistic regression analyses also show that education level and waist-hip ratio were independently associated with hypertension.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate a high prevalence of hypertension among Sahraoui women, and that waist-hip ratio may be the best predictor for high blood pressure in the adult Moroccan Sahraoui ethnic group. A hypertension control program can detect nondiagnosed hypertensive individuals and thereby significantly reduce the cases of stroke, cardiac failure, renal failure and peripheral vascular disease.

Nutrient intake and food consumption among pregnant women from an agricultural region of Morocco

This study aimed to assess dietary intake and nutrient adequacy in pregnant women selected from an agricultural region of Morocco. On a sample of 172 pregnant women from rural and urban area, data on socio-demographic characteristics and dietary habits by a quantified food frequency were collected using questionnaires. Mean daily intakes of energy and nutrients were estimated and compared to reference nutrient intakes (RNI). The results show that the mean daily intakes of energy (3110.9 kcal in urban; 2707.5 kcal in rural) and some nutrients were adequate. However, iron, folate, zinc and calcium intakes were inadequate for the majority of women and more markedly in rural area. Education level appeared to affect nutrient intakes while no differences were registered across pregnancy stages or according to household size. The study suggests that an education program should be conducted to improve dietary intakes in order to prevent risks for pregnancy outcome in this population.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of undiagnosed diabetes among adult Moroccan Sahraoui women

OBJECTIVE

The goal of the present work was to examine the prevalence and associated risk factors of undiagnosed diabetes among urban Moroccan Sahraoui women.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Randomised sample of adult women living in the city of Laayoune in south Morocco who visited public health centres during an immunisation campaign. Body weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglycerides, dietary intake and physical activity were collected.

SUBJECTS

Data were obtained on 249 urban women aged 15 years and older, who were not pregnant. Only subjects identified as of Sahraoui origin were eligible for this investigation.

RESULTS

The prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) was 5.5% and that of undiagnosed diabetes 6.4%. Diabetes and IFG were more common among older and obese women as well as among women with hypertension or a family history of diabetes. In addition, sucrose intakes were higher in women with diabetes than in those with normal FPG. Also, physical activity estimated as the time spent in walking was negatively associated with FPG. Regression analyses showed an independent association of age, obesity, family history of diabetes and triglycerides with diabetes.

CONCLUSION

The high proportion of unknown diabetes suggests the need for increased diabetes awareness in this population. The data suggest also the involvement of obesity in diabetes and the potential importance of intervention strategies to reduce population adiposity for the prevention and management of cardiovascular risk factors.

Anthropometry of women of childbearing age in Morocco: body composition and prevalence of overweight and obesity

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of obesity and body fat distribution of Moroccan women of childbearing age, using a panel of anthropometric measurements.

Design and setting:

A cross-sectional survey conducted in 1995 in an agricultural community, El Jadida province of Morocco. Weight, height, waist and hip circumferences and triceps, biceps, subscapular and supra-iliac skinfold thicknesses were measured. Body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio (WHR), sum of all and sum of trunk skinfold thicknesses were determined.

Subjects:

In total, 1269 women aged 15–49 years from urban and rural areas were surveyed.

Results:

The means of all anthropometric measurements including body fat were higher in urban than in rural women and increased with age. Trunk fat contributed 50% of total fat. Globally, 4.7% of women were underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg m−2), 35.2% were overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg m−2), 10.1% were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg m−2) and 16.8% had central obesity (WHR > 0.85). The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in the urban than in the rural area. Underweight prevalence decreased with age, whereas that of overweight and obesity increased. All anthropometric parameters adjusted for age increased with the increase of BMI and WHR.

Conclusions:

Although undernutrition is still prevalent, there is an alarming prevalence of overweight and obesity in Moroccan women of childbearing age. The results indicate a shift in this country from the problem of dietary deficiency to the problem of dietary excess, and alert one to the necessity of establishing an intervention to prevent obesity-related diseases. It is necessary to address which of the anthropometric variables studied here is the best predictor of obesity-related diseases in this population.

Prevalence of obesity in Morocco

Data on measured heights and weights indicate that the prevalence of obesity has increased among Moroccan population over the past 15 years. In 1984/1985, 4.1% of the adult population was obese, and the prevalence increased to 10.3% in 1998/1999. In the most recent survey in the year 2000, 13.3% of individuals aged 20 years and more were obese (22% among women and 8% among men). Excessive weight is more prevalent in urban than in rural areas, varies by geographical residence, positively associated with age and negatively with education level. The increasing prevalence of obesity poses challenges for researchers and policy makers.

Body size preferences and sociocultural influences on attitudes towards obesity among Moroccan Sahraoui women

The purpose of this investigation was to study body size preferences and to examine the influence of sociocultural factors on obesity among 249 Moroccan Sahraoui women. Participants rated their ideal body size and the size they thought to be "healthy," using a figural scale consisting of nine images ranging from thin to obese. They also noted which particular sociocultural influences affected their body size ratings. The results indicated that women's rating of ideal body size (4.88) was significantly larger than their rating of healthy body size (4.33). The desire to lose weight was very low even among the majority of obese women, and educational level did not affect desire to lose weight. Women not satisfied with their body size were more likely to report trying to gain weight rather than to lose it. The major factors reported to influence body size ideal were mothers, men, and traditional clothing. It is an enormous challenge for the health institutions of Morocco to prevent obesity and its complications. Prevention programs should include teenagers and key family members.

Fattening practices among Moroccan Saharawi women

To study obesity in Moroccan Saharawi culture, 249 women were questioned about their desired body size and diet practices. The majority of women (90.4%) reported wanting to gain weight currently or at some time in the past. To gain weight, women used a fattening period (tablah) of at least 40 days of overeating with a reduction of physical activity and special traditional meals. Appetite enhancers (therapeutic drugs or fenugreek) and traditional suppositories were also used. Some women used corticosteroids to gain weight rapidly. The study highlights the need for health education about the dangers of obesity and steroid use in this culture.

Making bread with sourdough improves iron bioavailability from reconstituted fortified wheat flour in mice

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a diet prepared with traditional sourdough (TS) on iron status. Levels of blood hemoglobin (Hb), Hematocrite (Ht), serum ferritin and serum iron as well as excreted iron were determined in three groups of mice fed with: TS bread (TS group), baking yeast bread (BY group) or bread with no starters (control group), respectively. The results show that the levels of Hb, Ht, ferritin and iron were significantly higher in the TS compared to the BY and control groups. Also a significant decrease in the excreted iron levels was observed in the mice fed with TS compared to the others dietary groups. In conclusion, the study results indicate an improvement of iron status indicators in mice when they were fed sourdough bread as compared to baking yeast bread and bread with no starters.

Lipoprotein profile and prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in urban Moroccan women

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to characterize the lipid and apolipoprotein profile and the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a population of urban adult women of Morocco.

DESIGN

A total of 213 women 25-55 y old were sampled from an agricultural province of Morocco: El Jadida. The following parameters of lipid and apolipoprotein profile were measured: plasma triglycerides (TG), plasma cholesterol (TC), triglyceride-rich lipoprotein triglycerides (TRL-TG), TRL-cholesterol (TRL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and apolipoproteins A1, B, B48, CIII and E. Waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) were also determined.

RESULTS

The women studied showed the following pattern: elevated TC, LDL-C levels and TC/HDL-C in 10, 19.4 and in 43.8%, respectively; low HDL-C levels in 45.3% (<0.9 mmol/l) or in 95% (when the cutoff <1.3 mmol/l is used), elevated TG levels in 11.8%. Elevated TRL-C (>0.6 mmol/l) and TRL-TG (>0.8 mmol/l) were observed in 13.4%. Obesity and hypertension were highly prevalent in 23.9 and 16.5%, respectively. Plasma triglyceride concentrations were closely correlated with plasma concentrations of TRL-TG (R = 0.86, P = 0.0001), apoB (R = 0.50, P = 0.0001) and apoCIII (R = 0.52, P = 0.0001) and moderately correlated with HDL-C levels (R = -0.3, P = 0.0001) and BMI (R = 0.4, P = 0.0001). The association between BMI and systolic blood pressure was statistically significant (R = 0.3, P = 0.0001). Obesity, BP, TRL-C, TRL-TG, TG, apoB and apoCIII increased with age.

CONCLUSION

There is a high prevalence of some risk factors for cardiovascular disease including altered lipid and lipoprotein profiles in the Moroccan urban women studied, some of these risk factors are associated with age.

Metabolic syndrome among Moroccan Sahraoui adult Women

Factors related to metabolic syndrome were investigated in a sample of 249 Moroccan Sahraoui women, ages 15 years and older. Body weight, height, waist and hip circumference, total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, and blood pressure were measured. The results indicate that central obesity was the most common comorbid factor (75%) followed by hypertension (28.6%), hypertriglyceridemia (22.4%), hyperglycemia (11.9%), and hypercholesterolemia (11.6%). The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 16.3%, and it was more prevalent in obese, older, married, and women without education than nonobese, younger, single, and educated women. Also, the prevalence of all metabolic syndrome components decreased with physical activity. The results suggest that prevention of obesity, particularly central obesity, could be the most direct route to prevention of this syndrome and its complications.

Effect of dietary crude proteins on the reproductive function in the postpartum dairy cow

The study was conducted on 216 dairy cows. Samples of feeds distributed to cows were collected monthly for the purpose of determining their content in dry matter, energy, crude proteins and mineral matter. Milk samples were collected weekly for every cow from newly calved cows until confirmation of pregnancy by rectal palpation at least 2 months after artificial insemination. These samples were used for progesterone assays in skimmed milk, in order to assess the interval between calving and return to ovarian activity [C-ROA], calving and first insemination [C-I1], calving and conception [C-C] and number of inseminations per conception (nI/C). Results have shown a significant negative correlation between the duration of [C-ROA] and [C-C] intervals and the dietary content in crude proteins (r = -0.720, p < 0.05 and r = -0.914, p < 0.01 respectively).

Involvement of insulinemia in the postprandial hypotriacylglycerolemia induced by prazosin in the rat

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the role of insulin as a possible mediator of the hypotriacylglycerolemic effect of alpha 1-adrenergic blockade. To this end, determinants of triacylglycerol (TG) metabolism were measured in animals having normal postprandial fluctuations in insulin levels (intact rats) and in others having invariable insulin concentrations (insulin-depleted rats infused long-term with insulin-delivering minipumps). Postprandial changes in plasma TG level, TG secretion rate (TGSR), TG elimination rate (TGER), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity of white (WAT) and brown (BAT) adipose tissues, vastus lateralis muscle (VLM), and heart were measured in animals acutely injected or not with the alpha 1-antagonist prazosin 1 hour before the intake of a high-sucrose, fat-free meal. In intact rats, postprandial increases in glucose and insulin levels were potentiated by administration of prazosin before meal intake. The postmeal increase of plasma TG level was abolished by prazosin in intact animals, whereas this effect was absent in animals with invariable insulin levels. Intact animals treated with prazosin displayed both a lower TGSR (P < .01) and a higher TGER (P < .01) than their saline-injected counterparts. In animals with invariable insulin, both TGSR and TGER remained unaffected by prazosin treatment. Prazosin treatment of intact animals did not affect LPL activity in WAT, but increased enzyme activity in BAT (P < .02). In insulin-infused animals, prazosin increased LPL activity in WAT (P < .02) and BAT (P < .03). alpha 1-Adrenergic blockade had no effect on LPL in VLM and heart. These results confirm that alpha 1-adrenergic blockade prevents the postprandial increase in plasma TG level that follows the ingestion of a high-sucrose meal both by decreasing TGSR and by increasing TGER. The findings also demonstrate that these effects of prazosin are indirect and that their occurrence requires the postprandial increase in circulating insulin levels.

Postprandial plasma triacylglycerols in rats under alpha 1-adrenergic blockade

The present studies evaluated the effect of prazosin, a selective alpha 1-adrenergic antagonist, on some metabolic determinants of triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins. Plasma triacylglycerols (TG), TG secretion rate, TG removal rate, plasma insulin, and glucose were evaluated postprandially in animals fed a high-sucrose meal. In the fasted state plasma TG, glucose, and insulin concentrations were minimally affected by prazosin. There was a significant postprandial elevation in plasma TG levels that was larger after ingestion of a meal containing corn oil than after intake of a fat-free meal. Prazosin totally blunted the postprandial elevation in plasma TG independently of the presence (P < 0.004) or absence of dietary fat (P < 0.01). In the postprandial phase after ingestion of a fat-free, high-sucrose meal, prazosin decreased the rate of secretion of TG into the circulation (-54%, P < 0.0003) and accelerated twofold the clearance of an injected fat emulsion (P < 0.02). The postprandial elevations in plasma insulin and glucose were significantly potentiated by administration of prazosin before intake of the fat-free meal. These results indicate that prazosin prevented the postprandial elevation in plasma TG that followed the ingestion of a high-sucrose meal. The results also demonstrate that the alpha 1-blocker exerted its action both by decreasing TG secretion and by increasing the rate of removal of circulating TG.

Alpha-1 adrenergic blockade interacts with dietary carbohydrates on triacylglycerol metabolism in rats

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of prazosin, an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist, on determinants of triacylglycerol metabolism in rats fed chronically diets high in starch or sucrose. Hepatic triacylglycerol secretion rate (HTGSR), lipoprotein lipase in white and brown adipose tissues, red vastus lateralis muscle and heart, as well as serum triacylglycerol concentration, were assessed in the post-prandial state, after injection of prazosin or saline. Post-prandial triacylglycerolemia was higher in the sucrose-fed than in the starch-fed rats. After the injection of prazosin, triacylglycerol concentrations were decreased in both dietary groups. This effect was more marked in sucrose-fed than in starch-fed rats (diet x blocker interaction: P < 0.0003). HTGSR was higher in rats fed sucrose than in starch-fed rats (+49%, P < 0.01). Prazosin decreased HTGSR (-45%) in the sucrose-fed rats but not in animals fed starch. Lipoprotein lipase activities in brown adipose tissue, vastus lateralis muscle and heart in rats injected with prazosin were enhanced compared with those of the saline-treated rats, but no change was found in enzyme activity in white adipose tissue. This effect of prazosin was independent of the type of diet. These results suggest that prazosin reduced serum triacylglycerol concentrations after food ingestion at least partly by enhancing lipoprotein lipase activity in several tissues. In addition, the prazosin-induced decrease in HTGSR in sucrose-fed rats, which was absent in starch-fed animals, probably accounted for the greater magnitude of the hypotriacylglycerolemic effect of the blocker in animals given sucrose.

Modulation of lipoprotein lipase activity in the rat by the β2-adrenergic agonist clenbuterol

This study evaluated the effects of β2-adrenoceptor stimulation on some determinants of triglyceride metabolism. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were injected twice daily with clenbuterol (30 μg∙kg−1) for 7 days, or with an equivalent volume of vehicle. Serum triglycerides, hepatic triglyceride secretion rate, and lipoprotein lipase activity in white and brown adipose tissues as well as in red vastus lateralis muscle and heart were evaluated in the fasting state and following a fat-free, high-sucrose meal, 3 h after the last agonist injection. In rats killed in the fasting and postprandial states, clenbuterol reduced the mass of white adipose tissue (−25 and −12%, respectively; p < 0.02), whereas it increased the mass of vastus lateralis muscle (+11 and +7%; p < 0.002) and heart (+13 and +10%; p < 0.0001). In vehicle-injected animals, the fasting state was associated with lower lipoprotein lipase activity in white and brown adipose tissues, and higher enzyme activity in vastus lateralis and heart, compared with the postprandial state. Postprandially, treatment with clenbuterol reduced lipoprotein lipase activity in white adipose (−24%), whereas it increased enzyme activity in brown adipose (+107%) as well as in vastus lateralis (+35%). In fasted animals, no significant variation of enzyme activity in these tissues was observed following clenbuterol treatment, whereas in the heart, a decrease of lipoprotein lipase activity was observed (−22%). Clenbuterol lowered serum triglycerides significantly (−23%), but not their rate of secretion, whereas the agonist decreased the insulin to glucagon ratio only in the postprandial state. These results suggest that modulation of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein metabolism, particularly tissue-specific alterations in lipoprotein lipase activity, may be one of the pathways through which clenbuterol affects partitioning of lipid substrates.Key words: triglyceride, lipoprotein lipase, tissue specificity, meal intake, β2 agonist.