Gun-Hee Kim

Korean consumers' perceptions of health/functional food claims according to the strength of scientific evidence

In this study, we investigated that consumers could differentiate between levels of claims and clarify how a visual aid influences consumer understanding of the different claim levels. We interviewed 2,000 consumers in 13 shopping malls on their perception of and confidence in different levels of health claims using seven point scales. The average confidence scores given by participants were 4.17 for the probable level and 4.07 for the possible level; the score for the probable level was significantly higher than that for the possible level (P < 0.05). Scores for confidence in claims after reading labels with and without a visual aid were 5.27 and 4.43, respectively; the score for labeling with a visual aid was significantly higher than for labeling without a visual aid (P < 0.01). Our results provide compelling evidence that providing health claims with qualifying language differentiating levels of scientific evidence can help consumers understand the strength of scientific evidence behind those claims. Moreover, when a visual aid was included, consumers perceived the scientific levels more clearly and had greater confidence in their meanings than when a visual aid was not included. Although this result suggests that consumers react differently to different claim levels, it is not yet clear whether consumers understand the variations in the degree of scientific support.

Effects of Elsholtzia splendens and Cirsium japonicum on premenstrual syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome is a common chronic disorder in most women of reproductive age. The main symptoms are depression, anxiety, tension, feeling out of control, and mastalgia. In premenstrual syndrome, the effects of aromatic edible Elsholtzia splendens and Cirsium japonicum were investigated for over 3 months in 30 women participants in their twenties. In the Elsholtzia splendens capsule treated group, scores of depression and anxiety were significantly lower than those in the Cirsium japonicum capsule treated group. Moreover, instability of the premenstrual assessment form was significantly decreased in the Elsholtzia splendens capsule treated group. Our results suggest that Elsholtzia splendens could be an effective plant material in relieving symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Quality Characteristics of Tomato Packaged with Functional Film Applied to Essential Oil of Artemisia Princeps Pampanini

This research was conducted to investigate the effect of essential oil (EO) from Artemisia Princeps Pampanini on quality of tomato during storage. EO was extracted by steam distillation and diluted by 1 and 2%. Total phenolic contents and antioxidative activities of EO were analyzed. Tomato was packaged corrugated box covered with polypropylene (PP) film containing EO (1 and 2%) and then stored at room temperature for 10 days. During storage, appearance, weight loss rate, soluble solid contents, pH and a (redness) value were measured for tomato. Total phenolic contents of EO increased in a dose-dependence. The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities also showed a concentration-dependent increase. The weight loss rate was lowest using the film packaged in 1% EO. During the storage period, soluble solid contents and pH increased in all treatments. The a value increased regardless of EO concentration in films. Especially, tomato packaged with EO film showed a lower a value than non EO-packaged ones. This result suggests that application of EO to film is effective for tomato quality preservation.

Obesity Rate and Nutrient Intakes of 20- to 69-year-old Women Living in Rural Kampong Spue Province in Cambodia

The purpose of this study was to determine anthropometric measurements, dietary nutrient intakes, simple food intake frequencies, and rates of obesity in Cambodian women. A total 186 women, aged 20-69 years, living in Kampong Spue province of Cambodia and having the responsibility to prepare family meals participated in this study. Height and weight were measured body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and one-day 24-hour recall and food frequency questionnaires were conducted. In total, 18.8% were underweight, 49.5% were normal weight, 13.4% were overweight, and 18.3% were obese according to the World Health Organization BMI standard for Asians. No significant difference in height by obesity level was determined (). The mean energy intake was 1571.2 kcal/day and protein intake was 43.6 g/day. There were significant differences in protein, niacin, and vitamin C intakes by obesity level (p. Approximately 50% of subjects reported intake frequency of bread, cookies, and chips. In total, 35% indicated no intake of beans or bean products. For intake frequencies of carbonated beverages and sports drinks, there was a significant difference by obesity level (p