The antioxidant activities of Chlorella in vitro and in vivo were investigated. Chlorella showed a strong antioxidant effect compared to various vegetables in a 1,1-diphe nyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. To evaluate the antioxidant and anti cataract effects in vivo, a 7.3% Chlorella powder was fed to rats with Streptozotocin-induced diabetes for 11wk. At the end of the experiment, Chlorella had decreased the blood glycated hemoglobin (hemoglobin Alc) and serum cholesterol levels significantly, however, it had not affected the serum glucose concentration. The serum lipid peroxide value (TBARS value) in the rats fed Chlorella was lower than that of the control rats. In the liver and kidney, Chlorella also reduced chemiluminescent intensities. In addition, it delayed the development of lens opacities. The lens lipid peroxide content of the rats fed Chlorella was lower than that of the control rats, however the differences were not significant. These results indicate that Chlo rella has antioxidant activity and may be beneficial for the prevention of diabetic complica tions such as cataracts.

SummaryThe dietary habits and nutritional status of Vietnamese primary school girls were investigated using a cross-sectional survey. We interviewed 348 girls aged 7 to 9 yr old, randomly selected from three rural (n=193) and two urban (n=155) primary schools. The nutritional status of the children was evaluated by anthropometric and biochemical data. Dietary data were calculated based on the results of a 24-h recall interview carried out for three consecutive days. The dietary macronutrient pattern of the rural group showed a deficiency of energy, fat, animal protein, and fiber content. On the other hand, high animal protein ratio, deficiency of fiber consumption, low polyunsaturated fatty acid, and high sat urated fatty acid proportions were typically found in the urban group. A high number of rural children skipped lunches, resulting in low energy consumption; however, frequently skipped breakfast in the urban group did not influence total energy consumption because of extra meals taken. The mean height of rural children was 5.8cm less than that of their urban counterparts. In addition, 11.4% of wasted rural children needed emergency inter vention with energy supplementation. Moreover, a high proportion of children with a high atherogenic index (AI) (41.5%0) and low HDL cholesterol (40.9%) were found in the rural group. In contrast, a tendency toward obesity, high cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and high AT was observed in a proportion of the urban children (5.2%, 15.5 %, 12.3%, and 2 9.0%, respectively).

The dietary patterns of indigenous Fijians are changing rapidly. Dietary relationships in regard to the prevalence of diabetes are poorly studied in Fiji. A survey was conducted to show the relationship of dietary patterns and other lifestyle factors for the development of diabetes among urban indigenous women in Fiji. A sample of 200 Fijian women aged 30-39 who agreed to participate were interviewed by the use of semiquantitative food frequency, 3 day-24 h recall study. Physical activity and ceremonial dietary customs were also taken into consideration. Anthropometry included measurements of height, weight, waist and hip. Total percentage bodyfat measurements and glycosuria tests were also conducted. The results showed high rates of obesity manifested in high percentage bodyfat, high body mass index (BMI) and high waist and hip ratio (WHR). The mean 24 h dietary intake exhibited a moderate intake of protein, high intake of fat and a low intake of carbohydrate. The carbohydrate reduction was a result from the decline in consumption of traditional staples. Consumption of cereals and related products favored the high intake of butter and margarine and also encouraged the use of cooking oil in frying varieties of flour products. The daily intake of anti-oxidant vitamins of beta-carotene and vitamin E were low, however there was a high intake of vitamin C. The food frequency study revealed cassava, bread and sugar were consumed daily as the main carbohydrate foods. Fish and meat were the most frequently consumed protein foods. The main beverage was sweet tea with whole-cream milk. Butter, margarine, coconut cream, cheap lamb flaps and cooking oil provided the main sources of fat. Levels of physical activity included high sedentary lifestyles with a high rate of subjects being overweight and obese. Ceremonial dietary customs showed a high consumption of meat and fish. Fruits were rarely consumed. Glycosuria existed among the age group under study. The impact of dietary transition, coupled with dietary excesses and physical inactivity, seem to be potential risk factors of diabetes among the indigenous women in the urban area.

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SummaryIn Vietnam, information about blood pressure, serum lipids and their factors is limited. To obtain some of this information, a cross sectional nutrition survey was carried out in an urban and rural area of Ho Chi Minh City with 217 participants aged 60-69y (148 females and 69 males). Anthropometry and blood pressure were measured. For three consecutive weekdays, 24h dietary recalls were performed. Single 24h urine was collected for sodium and potassium analysis. A fasting blood sample was taken and biochemical pa rameters were measured. Results indicate a high percentage of hypertension in urban (fe male: 35.5%, male: 43.8%) and rural areas (female: 22.2%, male: 35.1%). Blood pressure was correlated with body mass index (BMI) and 24h urinary sodium-to-potassium (Na/K) ratio. A high prevalence of serum total cholesterol (TC) above 220mg/dL (female: 55.3%, male: 31.3%) and overweight (female: 34.2%, male: 25.0%) were observed in urban resi dents. By contrast, 5.6% and 24.3% of rural females and males respectively had TC below 150mg/dL and both genders had the same prevalence of underweight (32.4%). TC was positively correlated with body weight, BMI, dietary protein and dietary lipids. Overweight might be a major risk factor for hypertension in our urban elderly. A high Na/K intake ratio might be a risk factor for hypertension in both areas. The high prevalence of elevated TC in the urban area might to be related to the high lipid intake, and the high prevalence of low TC in the rural area might to be related to the low lipid intake.