Prapasri Puwastien

Edible insects in Thailand: An unconventional protein source?

People in urban areas of Thailand are facing overnutrition, while those in rural areas suffer from undernutrition, especially protein‐energy malnutrition (PEM). In rural communities of Northern and Northeastern Thailand, where over half of the Thai population reside, sociocultural and economic limitations often obstruct the use of more common protein sources such as pork, beef, poultry, milk and eggs. Alternatively, edible insects are readily available and commonly eaten by rural people and can thus serve as an important protein source. In Thailand, over 50 species of insects are edible and can be consumed throughout the year. The most popular are silk worm pupae, bamboo worms, locusts, beetles, crickets, red ants, and other insects. These insects and others require certain collection methods; for example locusts, crickets and other types of insects are collected by using a light to lure them into nets. While these insects are commonly eaten, data on their nutritive values are scarce, though some informat...

Issues in the development and use of food composition databases

OBJECTIVES To share experience on the development of national and regional food composition tables (FCTs) and the issues and problems involved. DESIGN Food composition data analysed at national and regional levels were compiled. Systematic development of FCTs detailing specific criteria and characteristics following the INFOODS and ASEANFOODS guidelines was conducted. SETTING The national FCT was developed using the Thai FCT as a study model. For the regional level, the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) FCT was developed. SUBJECTS About 3000 analysed datasets of about 1000 food items on proximate composition, minerals, vitamins and other available components from various sources in Thailand and about 4500 analysed datasets of 1700 food items on the same components from various countries in ASEAN were compiled. The national and regional FCTs were then developed systematically. RESULTS The developed Thai FCT contains 24 nutrients of 1055 food items and the ASEAN FCT contains 21 nutrients of about 1740 food items. Issues and problems regarding the development and use of national and regional food composition data are listed. CONCLUSION Food composition databases have become increasingly important in the international health arena. Systematic compilation of the data is necessary and the use of INFOODS tag names is strongly recommended. This is to indicate the methods of nutrient analysis and calculation, and to facilitate international and regional data interchange. Users are also recommended to read the Explanatory Notes and Information to the Users. Collaboration among data generators, users and compilers at national and regional levels, as well as support from international organisations, is essential.

Laboratory performance on analysis of mandatory nutrients and preparation of nutrition labelling

This study assessed the performance of 17 laboratories in Thailand in analysing mandatory nutrients in salted, fried broad bean and in using data to prepare nutrition labels. Nutrient levels in the test material, as robust mean (x(∗)) and robust standard deviation (s(∗)), were assigned in line with ISO 13528. Data obtained from the laboratories were statistically evaluated against these values. Laboratories with satisfactory, questionable and unsatisfactory results for each nutrient were identified based on robust z-score. Laboratories achieving satisfactory analytical results (z-score⩽2) were for lipid, 82%; protein, 85%; Na, 82%; Ca, 62%; Fe, 81%; ash, 70%; and moisture, 62%. Reference values for some nutrients in broad bean powder were developed using data from satisfactorily performing laboratories. Less than 20% of the laboratories demonstrated good performance in preparing nutrition labels. Common mistakes were the nutrition information format, estimation of serving size and serving(s) per package.

Inulin content of fortified food products in Thailand

This study examined inulin content in 266 samples. They were 126 dried, 105 liquid and 27 semi-solid of twelve commercial inulin fortified food products and 8 samples of natural dried sunchoke. For dried food products, inulin content ranged from 3.0 ±0.8g/100g fresh weight (FW) in milk powder to 83.7± 17.8g/100g FW in inulin powder. The levels in a descending order are the powder of inulin, weight control diet, coffee mixed, instant beverage, supplemented food products for pregnant and milk. For liquid fortified foods, inulin at the level of 0.3± 0.1g/100mL FW was found in UHT milk, and up to 13.5± 4.1g/100mL FW in weight control diet beverage. The level of 2.0-2.3g/100g FW of inulin was found in beverage with different flavours, soybean milk and fruit juice. For semi-solid food, cream yoghurt, inulin at 3.9± 1.1g/100g FW was found. A serving of most products contributes inulin at 11-33% of the recommended daily intake of dietary fibre.

Activities of the ASEAN network of food data system (ASEANFOODS)

Asia is the largest continent with a population of more than 2 billion. Within its subregions, great diversity exists in its socio-economic development, culture and lifestyle including food consumption patterns, beliefs and habits. As a result of this diversity, each region is now responsible for developing its own food composition data system while maintaining a flow of information between subregions via the ASEAN Network of Food Data System. This paper discusses the network and is meant to serve as a source of information for users worldwide.