This article reports the effect of site and variety on some physicochemical characteristics of tigernuts (Cyperus esculentus) and consequently on its milk production. Two varieties (black and brown) from three different sites (Guily, Mémé and Mayo‐Oulo) in the Far North Province of Cameroon and three milk‐processing conditions (grain size, soaking temperatures and grinding time) were assessed in the study. Results show that site and variety had a significant influence on the chemical composition of the tuber and its oil. The sample with the best overall performance in terms of its contents of proteins, lipids, ash, total sugars, saponification values and iodine values was the brown variety of tubers from Méme. Water absorption is at its maximum between 80 and 100C and for a period of 5 h. For temperatures lower than this, water absorption is slower. Extraction is influenced by soaking temperature, grain size and grinding time. Except for proteins, grinding time and temperature of soaking reduce significantly the different parameters analyzed. Thus, in terms of performance, milk extracted from the largest tubers soaked at 60C and ground for 20 min is the best condition for extraction. At this temperature, the maximum quantity of proteins is extracted.
Background: Vitamin A deficiency is a public health problem in Cameroon. Data on the bioavailability of carotenoid in fruits currently consumed in Cameroon are scarce. Objective: To assess the systemic levels of carotenoids from mangoes and papaya consumed as juice, fresh or dried slices. Methods: Two groups of seven healthy volunteers (24 and 25 years of age; body mass index: 21 and 22 kg/m 2 respectively for subjects fed mango and papaya), were submitted to three types of meal treatments (juice, fresh and dried fruit). On the experiment day, meals served to fasting subjects during breakfast, included bread, yogurt and one of the three forms of fruit. All the treatments lasted only one day during which blood samples were collected three times; during fasting (T 0 ), 4 h (T 4 ) and 8 h (T 8 ) after the test meal. The carotenoids and retinol contents were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography method. Results: From the major carotenoids present in papaya and mangoes, lutein, a-carotene and b-carotene were found in considerable amounts. Lycopene and cryptoxanthin that were the major carotenoids in papaya samples appeared in low amounts in the chylomicrons. Significant correlations were observed between these carotenoids (at T 0 , T 4 and T 8 ). The three forms of consumption contributed to the rise of serum retinol levels. A comparison between the three forms revealed that papaya and mangoes consumed in form of juice or fresh fruit are the best forms because they had higher bioavailability values. Conclusion: Association of these different forms of consumptions could lead to a better availability of these fruits throughout the year and therefore efficiently contribute to improve vitamin A status of the population.
Background: Vitamin A deficiency is still a major health problem mostly affecting people in developing countries. It contributes to increased mortality and morbidity through current infection. In Cameroon, it is a public health problem mostly in the northern part where palm oil, which is a principal source of provitamin A in the south of the country, is not consumed. Aim: We carried out this research to discover the relationship between vitamins (A and E) and blood lipids in a normal rural population living in vitamin A-deficiency area. Design: A cross-sectional study with 81 healthy volunteers (40 men and 41 women) aged 3–61 (mean 18.32 ± 1.63) years and living in two neighboring villages (Doyan and Larao) in the northern part of Cameroon, where previous studies revealed a prevalence of vitamin A deficiency of 33.3%. Methods: Serum concentrations of vitamins A and E were measured by fluorometric methods. Serum cholesterol and lipids were assayed by enzymatic methods. Results: The mean ± standard error for vitamin A and E were 15.09 ± 0.82; 526.99 ± 29.57 µg/100 ml, respectively. The concentrations of the serum parameters analyzed were similar for both sexes, whereas the atherogenic ration of cholesterol (ARC) was significantly (p < 0.036) higher in women. Serum lipids (total lipids, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and phospholipids) correlated with vitamins A and E (p < 0.05). Vitamins A and E were highly correlated with each other (r = 0.42, p < 0.001). Age was positively associated with vitamin A (r = 0.42, p < 0.001) and vitamin E (r = 0.29, p < 0.01). Deficiency of vitamins A and E constitutes a public health problem with more than 56% of the subjects having low levels of these vitamins, while subjects tested had a low risk for cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion: In this population we noticed normal lipid levels and vitamin A deficiency probably resulting from diets poor in provitamin A.
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