Ines Banjari

Antidiabetic Effects of Aronia melanocarpa and Its Other Therapeutic Properties

Diabetes is a global pandemic which warrants urgent attention due to its rising prevalence and economic burden. Thus, many alternative therapies are being researched for antidiabetic properties, given the inefficacy of current medicinal treatments. From this perspective, Aronia melanocarpa or black chokeberry has been investigated for its therapeutic properties in many studies, especially for its ability to combat hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and the macrovascular complications of diabetes including cardiovascular disease. Though A. melanocarpa is native to the eastern areas of North America, it has been planted extensively in Europe and Asia as well. Several in vivo studies have displayed the antioxidant properties of A. melanocarpa berry juice and plant extract in rat models where oxidative stress markers were observed to have significant reductions. Some of the potent bioactive compounds present in the fruits and other parts of the plant were identified as (−)-epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, and cyanidin-3-galactoside. Overall, A. melanocarpa could be considered a good source of antioxidants which is effective in combating hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress.

Longitudinal observational study on diet quality during pregnancy and its relation to several risk factors for pregnancy complications and outcomes.

Aims: A mother’s diet during pregnancy is considered one of the most important external factors affecting health of her child further in life. Unfavourable diet, together with advanced maternal age, high pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), and excessive pregnancy weight gain are considered to be significant risk factors for adverse pregnancy complications and outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine correlations between pre-pregnancy BMI, quality of nutrition during pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with an excessive weight gain during pregnancy. Study Design: Randomized, observational, prospective, long-term study. Methodology: The study included pregnant women from the area of the city Osijek, eastern Croatia. The subjects were monitored throughout pregnancy to labour and 6 weeks postpartum. Analysis included anthropometry, blood glucose, incidence of gestosis (i.e. hypertension, gestational diabetes, edemas and proteinuria) and delivery outcomes (e.g. mode of delivery, birth weight) and a24-hour dietary record was used to asses nutrition quality. Based on the risk factors for adverse pregnancy complications and outcomes, two groups of women were selected for the sub-group analysis. The first group of women with a normal pre- pregnancy BMI and an excessive pregnancy weight gain (n=47), and the second group of women with an overweight/obese BMI (BMI≥25 kg/m2) and an excessive pregnancy weight gain (n=43). Results: For women with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI, the balance of specific carbohydrates had the greatest importance on pregnancy complications and outcomes. On the other hand, for women starting pregnancy at-risk ; with an overweight/obese BMI, the total dietary intake of fats and the balance in specific fatty acids had the greatest impact on pregnancy complications and outcomes. Conclusion: The present study provides important data on how specific dietary components influence pregnancy complications and outcomes. This information may be useful in creating specific timed interventions for women of reproductive age, ensuring a healthy pregnancy, and a healthy child.

Food and Bioterrorism – The Case of Airline Catering

Food is the essence of life but food is also at the top of the list of potential means for a bioterroristic attack. Today, more than ever, the threat to the food supply chain seem more vivid. But what have we learned from several well-documented historical examples of the bioterroristic attacks via food? 9/11 has changed how we perceive security, safety and our daily routine. This was the turning point. We have developed and effectively implemented a number of hygienic measures to ensure the safety of the food supply chain, reaching the top level of food security with the introduction of the food defence in 2002. Still, this is a somewhat new concept in many of the world’s countries. Some branches specifically adapted the existing standards to fit their needs. Airline catering is one of them. Airline catering is probably one of the most complex operational systems in the world. In light of the constant increase of a number of passengers and flights operated every year, more focus should be put on food security on-board. Food handlers, both ground and on-board staff represent the basis of the food security on-board. Investing in people (continuous education) should be accompanied with procedures that could be introduced to the existing system to improve the security and safety of everyone, not only people on-board but also those on ground.

Comparison of diet in women of reproductive age with and without diagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome: Pilot study

INTRODUCTION This study was aimed at comparing diets, dietary patterns and lifestyle habits of women with polycystic ovary syndrome and controls in Croatia. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this pilot, matched pair study, the participants were women of reproductive age: 12 with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and 16 healthy (between the ages of 18 and 41 years). The following data sets were collected and a,nalysed:.nutrient intake, dietary habits and physical activity, polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms, anthropometry and biochemical records. RESULTS The analyses of dietary habits showed a significantly (p=0.030) higher score for the controls (92.4?8.7 points) compared to the women with polycystic ovary syndrome (83.3?12.2 points). There was a significant correlation between the age and intake of total carbohydrates, and intake of plant protein in the women with polycystic ovary syndrome. A significant correlation was found between the age and total fats intake, as well as intake of different types of fats, and energy intake in the controls. The free time activity index showed a significant difference (t-test: p=0.043, ANOVA: p=.004) in favour of the control group of women who were more active. CONCLUSIONS This study has shown that Croatian women with polycystic ovary syndrome compared to the controls have significantly poorer dietary habits characterised by high Glycaemic Index diets, they are less physically active during free time. and have positive significant correlation between the age and carbohydrate intake whereas the controls have positive significant correlation between the age and fat intake.