Scientific Program

Day 1 :

Keynote Forum

David Kannar

Chairman, Founder & Chief Science Officer – Nutrition Innovation Group

Keynote: Nucane Lifeâ„¢ - a revolutionary new amorphous sugar ingredient platform offering up to 70% sugar reduction

Time : 10:00 AM to 10:40 AM

Biography:

Dr. David Kannar is Chairman, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Nutrition Innovation, who developed Nucane – the good sugar® https://nucanethegoodsugar.com.  Dr. Kannar is also a clinical pharmacologist and Adjunct Associate Professor at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.  His recent food research interests include the clinical study of phytochemicals in diabetes and obesity, the use of foods to prevent metabolic syndrome and improving gut microbiome.  Dr. Kannar has been recognised as one of Australia’s leading inventors with over 50 patent families lodged. 

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem:  Obesity and diabetes have been described as global epidemics [1], having a $2 trillion-dollar economic impact each year [2].  Over 63% of Australians are now overweight or obese [3].  Globally, refined foods and carbohydrates including white refined sugar, are thought to be causal in this crisis [4].  If sugar is the problem, can sugar also be part of the solution?  Reducing the glycemic response by consuming unrefined foods, can help maintain stable body weight and diabetics manage blood glucose levels, [5] but more is needed including significant sugar reduction.  Nucane™ is a standardised raw sugar, that retains natural antioxidant polyphenols of sugar cane [6]. Natural caramels retained in this less refined sugar, make Nucane sweeter, resulting in up to 20% added sugar reduction.  More recently, this discovery was extended into a new sugar reduction platform called - Nucane Life™, a range of less refined amorphous raw sugars.  The platform can replace refined white sugars and reduce added sugars by up to 70% in food and beverage recipes.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: To achieve substantial sugar reductions in food systems by using Nucane Life - a new ingredient platform, whilst maintaining sweetness and improved health outcomes. 

Finding: Unrefined sugar cane syrup was dried with an amorphous ‘low bulk’ density substrate, producing a range of new natural sugar powders called Nucane Life.  Trials were conducted to replace white refined sugar in various foods.  In chocolate, Nucane achieved a 70% reduction in sugar with no requirement for additional bulk filling, whilst maintaining taste and sweetness.  The Nucane Life platform can utilise a range of ‘low bulk’ density substrates that achieve significant sugar reduction.  These include dairy and vegetable proteins, fibers and intense-sweeteners.

Conclusion & Significance: Nucane Life provides a healthier, natural, scalable, efficient sugar reduction ingredient platform, to help address the world-wide battle against diabetes and obesity.  The Nucane Life platform focuses on making unrefined sugar the solution to the sugar crisis.

  • Public Healthcare and Nutrition

Session Introduction

Leena Raje

Principal, Smt. M.M.P. Shah College of Arts and Commerce, Matunga, Mumbai. Maharashtra, India.

Title: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Pregnancy Outcomes in Low Income Settings
Speaker
Biography:

Leena Raje is working in the field of nutrition and healthcare for the past 35 years. The wide range of research projects conducted by her and research publications exhibit her keen interest in the field of food and nutrition. She is actively engaged in guiding Ph.D and Masters research scholars for the past 10 years. As the leader of a multi-faculty educational institution, she has been instrumental in health-promotion programmes and activities for adolescent girls and young adults.

Abstract:

pregnancy. The incidence of GDM is increasing with an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in women of child bearing age. Maternal risk factors for pregnancies affected by GDM are excessive weight gain, preeclampsia and cesarean deliveries. Infants born to mothers with GDM are at risk of macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, respiratory distress syndrome, hyperbilirubinemia   and subsequent obesity and type 2 diabetes. The diagnosis and management of GDM is therefore very important and remains a challenge. The present study was conducted on 100 pregnant women from lower socio-economic strata in their second or third trimesters to observe the effects GDM on pregnancy outcomes. Women with poor glycemic control reported statistically significant differences in gestational period, type of delivery and neonatal birth weights (P < 0.001). Women with elevated blood glucose levels through the period of pregnancy reported a shorter period of gestation and/or delivery through c-section. Higher mean birth weight i.e. macrosomia was reported in mothers with higher blood glucose levels. The APGAR scores of all the infants were however reported to be normal. GDM, therefore was found to have some adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes in this study sample.

Keywords: Gestational Diabetes mellitus, Cesarean delivery, macrosomia

Amrita Behel

Assistant Professor, Smt. P. N. Doshi Women’s College, Ghatkopar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Title: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Pregnancy Outcomes in Low Income Settings
Speaker
Biography:

Abstract:

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been defined as any degree of glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. The incidence of GDM is increasing with an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in women of child bearing age. Maternal risk factors for pregnancies affected by GDM are excessive weight gain, preeclampsia and cesarean deliveries. Infants born to mothers with GDM are at risk of macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, respiratory distress syndrome, hyperbilirubinemia   and subsequent obesity and type 2 diabetes. The diagnosis and management of GDM is therefore very important and remains a challenge. The present study was conducted on 100 pregnant women from lower socio-economic strata in their second or third trimesters to observe the effects GDM on pregnancy outcomes. Women with poor glycemic control reported statistically significant differences in gestational period, type of delivery and neonatal birth weights (P < 0.001). Women with elevated blood glucose levels through the period of pregnancy reported a shorter period of gestation and/or delivery through c-section. Higher mean birth weight i.e. macrosomia was reported in mothers with higher blood glucose levels. The APGAR scores of all the infants were however reported to be normal. GDM, therefore was found to have some adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes in this study sample.

Keywords: Gestational Diabetes mellitus, Cesarean delivery, macrosomia

  • Dietary Endorsements/ Nutritional Neccessities

Session Introduction

Denise Kelly

Company Director

Title: The Art of Healthy Living
Speaker
Biography:

Abstract:

I have just written a book called ‘The Art of healthy living” which is about to be published in September 2019. It’s all about keeping the balance in life with happiness, correct food choices, meditation, exercise and surrounding yourself with the right people. This is something I am very passionate about. I have worked with thousands of clients all over the globe over the last 15 years and feel that all these factors are as important. There is an epidemic of obesity, mental health, cancers and we all need to be educated better. I have witnessed clients turn their health around with the simplest changes. This is what I will be talking to your audience about for 45 mins. I have done many presentations, seminars and conference talking over the years, and my mission in life is to make one person better every day. I can recommend the things that have worked with my clients and how much we can do in order to prevent disease, and also how we can help ourselves become healthier if the disease process has already set in. I will be recommending incredible superfoods that can be added to your daily routine, that will improve your immune system, help you to feel stronger mentally and physically, help you to stabilize weight and hormones and much much more. I use natural superfoods that are recognised by the body as a food, so we have the ability to absorb all the goodness that we need. Foods such as chlorella and baobab are up there with my top 10 recommendations.

This is a subject I am extremely knowledgably about. I write health columns for newspapers and have loyal followers. To give a talk like this is always such a pleasure and I hope it makes a significant difference to many people’s lives that are listening.

  • Food and Nutrition Surveys

Session Introduction

KOTUE TAPTUE Charles

UHC-University of Yaounde, Cameroon

Title: Socio-demographic, Anthropometric, Nutritional Assessment in HIV/AIDS patients in urban and peri-urban areas of Centre Region of Cameroon
Speaker
Biography:

KOTUE TAPTUE Charles holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Yaoundé I. His Research work is in the field of Food Science and Nutritional Biochemistry. The research group is active in the field of Nutritional surveys, natural products from food and edible plants to manage chronic diseases like Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), VIH/SIDA, Blood Cancer, and Diabete… This includes the extraction and isolation. The in vitro identification of biologically active fractions will use to produce Nutraceutics.  Health effects are evaluated in vivo using animal model and then chronic diseases patients. This knowledge will contribute to the development of Functional foods and Nutraceuticals that meet high quality standards, and are safe and efficacious.

Abstract:

Background: HIV/AIDS weakens nutritional status by compromising the immune system as well as the consumption, absorption and enhancement of nutrients. The availability of food and good nutrition are therefore crucial for keeping people living with HIV in better health. A stronger, healthier body can better withstand opportunistic infections that affect people living with HIV, especially in resource-poor settings where preventive health services are not always available.

Objective: The purpose of this present study was conducted to perform socio-demographic, anthropometric and nutritional parameters of people living with HIV/AIDS in urban and peri-urban areas of Centre region of Cameroon.

Methods: The investigation on their socio-demographic parameters and their anthropometric measurements were conducted through a questionnaire and materials for height, weight, hip circumference and waist circumference. Nutritional assessment (serum proteins, plasma protein, albumin and globulin) were determined by colorimetric method

Results: About socio-demographic parameters, urban population was more infected than peri-urban population. More populations infected were between 31 to 39 years in the two areas and had Catholicism as religion. For anthropometric measurements the present study revealed that Body Mass Index was significantly less in peri-urban group compared to the urban population. The serum proteins (71.18±11.19 g/L);  plasmatic proteins (71.03± 9.94 g/L); serum globulin (33.27± 12.81 g/L) level increased significantly in urban population compared to the serum proteins (69,59±11,94 g/L);  plasmatic proteins (69.53± 10.77 g/L); serum globulin (30.87± 13.77 g/L) of peri-urban population while serum albumin and iron values remained comparable.

Conclusion: These results are an important step towards finding effective building solutions for HIV / AIDS capacity of fight against.

  • Malnutrition

Session Introduction

Valeria Freccero

Prof Alejandro Posadas National Hospital

Title: Hematimetric indices cannot differenciate between iron deficiency anemia with or without concomitant deficiency of vitamin B12 and/or folate
Speaker
Biography:

Dr Valeria Freccero. I´m Biochemist graduated from University of Buenos Aires(2013). My first steps in this career were in emergency laboratory (3 years); working there I developed an incredible passion for hematology and nutrition. In 2015 I started working at the national hospital Professor Alejandro Posadas where I began to investigate micronutrient deficiency. In the same year I started my specialization in clinical biochemistry area hematology. I am currently a biochemist specializing in clinical biochemistry in the area of hematology with several presentations of scientific work and a publication in the journal of the Argentine Nutrition Society.

 

Abstract:

Background and objectives: Several reports indicate that concomitant micronutrient deficiencies are common in patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). However, in IDA patients’ vitamin B12 or folate deficiency are frequently undiagnosed. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of combined micronutrient deficiencies in IDA patients and to compare the hematimetric indices between IDA patients with or without concomitant deficiency of vitamin B12 and/or folate.  

Methods: Retrospective study that comprised the revision of 5477 laboratory reports informed during the years 2014-2015 in the Hematology-Anemias section, Hospital Posadas, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Selection criteria were adult patients (>18years), with IDA [hemoglobin (Hb) <120 g/l and ferritin<15ng/ml] and simultaneous measurement of the complete blood count (LH750, Beckman Coulter), ferritin, vitamin B12 and folate (chemiluminescence, Access, Beckman Coulter). 175 patients were eligible. The diagnoses associated with the presence of IDA were obtained through revision of the medical records. Vitamin B12 deficiency was defined as <200pg/ml and folate deficiency as <4ng/ml. Comparisons were made by ANOVA test and Chi-square test.

Results: From the 175 IDA patients (85% female), 44 presented concomitant vitamin B12 deficiency (IDA+B12) and 16 concomitant folate deficiency (IDA+FA). No differences in age, sex distribution, Hb, hematimetric indices and ferritin levels were observed between the groups (p>0.05). The diagnoses most frequently observed in each category were: a) IDA: infectious disease (17%); b) IDA+B12: autoinmune hypothyroidism (40%); and c) IDA+FA: celiac disease (67%). Elderly patients (age>65years) were more frequent in the IDA+B12 group (18%).

Conclusions: In IDA patients concomitant B12 and folate deficiency are frequent (34%) and might be undiagnosed as hematimetric indices cannot discriminate one condition from the other. In conclusion, the presence of microcytic anemia and iron deficiency cannot exclude B12 or folate deficiency; specially, in elderly patients or patients with celiac disease or autoimmune diseases.

 

  • Others

Session Introduction

Roshni Vakilna

The M.S. University of Baroda, India

Title: ASSOCIATION OF REPRODUCTIVE HISTORY, EARLY REGISTRATION OF PREGNANCY, ANTENATAL CARE (ANC) VISITS WITH PREGNANCY OUTCOME AND BIRTH WEIGHT AMONG ANGANWADI BENEFICIARIES OF SURAT CITY, GUJARAT, INDIA
Speaker
Biography:

Abstract:

Aim: To study the association of reproductive history, early registration of pregnancy, ANC visits with pregnancy outcome and birth weight
Study Design: The present study is a community based cross sectional study
Methodology: Mothers who enrolled at the Anganwadi Centre (AWC) under Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS) in the year 2016 were selected in the present study. Urban Surat had 1004 AWCs in the year 2016, 20 AWCs were randomly selected equally across 7 geographical zones and mother-child pair willing to participate in the study were enrolled (N = 968)
Results: The mean age of women enrolled was, 22.5 years. Most of them were multipara (57.85 %) and registered their pregnancy after 12 weeks of gestation (68%). The association of early registration of pregnancy with pregnancy outcome and birth weight was found to be statistically non- significant at 95 % CI; although the association with ANC visit was statistically significant with p value < 0.001.
Conclusion: Early registration of pregnancy is associated with increased number of ANC visits thus ensuring better utilization of ANC services and timely treatment with early detection of complications resulting in improved maternal and fetal health.

Day 2 :

Keynote Forum

Henri H. SOCLO

Assainissement et Contrôle Qualité

Keynote: Contribution of phthalate molecules in the reduction of food quality cooked and packaged in Plastic Bags

Time :

Biography:

Abstract:

In Benin, as in many sub-Saharan African countries, foods cooked and / or packaged in plastic bags are widely marketed through the streets, restaurants or during group events.

Phthalates, that are synthetic organic molecules produced in the polymer industry, are present in various objects of everyday use, including plastic bags and bottles of mineral waters. They are able to induce teratogenic, mutagenic, estrogenic and carcinogenic effects, and endocrine disturbances in human who ingests them by various means.

Using analytical technique based on high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detection system (HPLC / DAD; labs = 230nm, 254 nm and 270nm), phthalates were determined  and measured in various foodstuffs preserved or cooked in plastic packaging: drinking water and cooked corn paste samples.

The total phthalate contents (DMP + DEP + DNP + DALP + DisoP + DEHP) measured in about 100 water samples were ranging  660-8812 ng.L-1 with a mean value of 2161 ± 1867 ng.L-1, while in cooked corn pastes, phthalate contents were in the range of 10-350 μg.kg-1 dry. These concentrations, which are, in some cases, higher than the international guidelines established by WHO (2003) and USEPA (1999) for drinking water and food revealed the real existence of health threats for consumers.

Concomitant studies of trace elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn) and nutrients (Ca, Mg) in foods cooked in plastic packaging showed decreases in the levels of these elements in proportions of 15-30% compared to those cooked  in vegetable originated leaf packagings. These decreases of the nutritional value of food could be due to a possible adsorption of these chemical elements on plastic packagings, that was favored by the complexation process of metals or alkaline earth elements by phthalate molecules.

Keywords : Plastic bag, phthalates, drinking water, food, nutritional value

 

  • Clinical Nutrition

Session Introduction

El Bakkay Sellam

University Ibn Tofail

Title: Metabolic syndrome and its relationship with obesity in procreative women in Morocco
Speaker
Biography:

Abstract:

Introduction: The objective of this study was to define the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its relationship with obesity in the eastern region of Morocco.
Materials and methods: Our study was conducted in 2013, in the oriental region of Morocco (Oujda-Angad). The study included 624 women aged 20-49 years healthy and non-pregnant. Anthropometric measurements was determined according to WHO standards.The medical tests were conducted in a private testing laboratory in Oujda. Data of demographic and socioeconomic level were collected using a questionnaire.The data were processed on SPSS.
Results: The average age of the women surveyed was 33.42 ± 8.02 years. The BMI values indicated that the prevalence of obesity among women surveyed was 30,61% and the prevalence of overweight was 38,78%. The abdominal obesity affects 79,10% of women. the MS affects 21% (according to the definition of NCEP-ATP III) of women surveyed, while according to the definition of the IDF prevalence increases to 35%. The MS increases with age, was affects 25% of women aged between 20 and 29 years, and 37,5% of women aged between 40 and 49 years. All women with MS were overweight (obesity included) (p = 0.004). With the exception of level of education all socio-demographic factors were not associated with the MS.
Conclusion: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in our study was higher. The MS was more pronounced among obese and illiterate women. The results of this study will help in the planning of control of these problems in the future.
Keywords: obesity, metabolic syndrome, women of child procreated, Morocco

  • Public Healthcare and Nutrition

Session Introduction

Avra Pratim Chowdhury

Gauhati University, Assam, India

Title: A Case Study is Approached on Enzymatic Degradation of Biochemical Components due to Presence of contaminant Isolates in Sugarcane Juice by Automated Analysis for Food Safety Sampling in Assam, India
Speaker
Biography:

Avra Pratim Chowdhury (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh) currently worked at M.Phill research project on Dairy Microbiology in the Department of Microbiology, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh. Avra did Post Graduate Training and research on Medical Microbiology and Immunology in Assam down town University, Assam, during his M.Sc. project. Now Avra is pursuing PhD. under DR. Diganta Narzary, at Gauhati University, (Assam, India) on background of developing project in Molecular Microbiology entitled with "Screening and Characterization of Carcinogenic Bioactive Compound Producing Micro-flora from Traditionally Fermented Foods Used in Assam" 

Abstract:

Expected research based on newly implemented studies of enzymatic degradation that caused by harmful pathogens as contaminants of road side juices. Respective doctors and Practitioner carry out their treatment against this pathogen along with antibiotic supplements. Here researcher findings (Avra Pratim et al, 2019) are for to analyze and categorize the biochemical fermentation activities of pathogens with significant enzyme degrading analyzed from sugarcane juice against gut acting probiotics, responsible for food toxicity and intestinal disorder. Diagnostic microbial activities in well diffusion studies are followed by automated analysis for significant provoking of health status. Ten sampling sites were visited in metropolitan area of Guahati to collect thirty samples. Considering all the aspects discussed previously, the present study was undertaken to determine and compare the hygienic quality of collected samples. Identifying the causative organism or the microbial viability are responsible for the spoilage of sugarcane juice. Then the final isolates were condign for purification from samples to signify for public health assurance.

Key words: Automated analysis, Well diffusion.

 

Balram Paswan

International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India

Title: Prevalence and determinants of tobacco use among men and women in India: Evidence from National Family Health Surveys
Speaker
Biography:

Balram Paswan has been working as Professor and Head, Dept. of Population Policies and Programmes in International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India. Dr. Paswan has expertise in Population Policies and Programmes, Reproductive and Child Health, Family Panning, and Ageing. He has been involving in various National level large scale surveys. His research papers have been published in various national and international renewed journals. 

Abstract:

This study examines prevalence of smoking and smokeless tobacco among men and women in India and its socioeconomic and demographic correlates. This paper used National Family Health Survey data conducted during 2005-06 (NFHS-3) and 2015-16 (NFHS-4). The cross tabulation and binary logistic regression have been used in this study and maps have been prepared using GIS method. The use of tobacco in India has declined from 57% to 45% among men and from 11% to 7% among women from NFHS-3 to NFHS-4 respectively. Tobacco use have been found high in the north-eastern states than other states. Tobacco consumption is significantly higher among men and women with no education, lower wealth quintile, scheduled caste, urban area and in North-Eastern region. The use of tobacco is strongly related with poor socio-economic characteristics.

Keywords: Tobacco, smoking and smokeless, NFHS, India

  • Healthcare and Nutrition policies & implementation

Session Introduction

Majeda Hammoud

Kuwait University

Title: World Health Organization Infant and Young Child Feeding Indicators in Relation to Anthropometric Measurements
Speaker
Biography:

Majeda Hammoud is currently working as an Associate Professor at Kuwait University. Dr majeda received her MRCP/FRCPCH certificates Years 1987/2000 from UK. She then worked at Kuwait Ministry of Health for 10 years then in Monash Medical Center (Melbourne, Australia) for 3 years before joining Kuwait University, Faculty of medicine, Department of Pediatrics. Dr. majeda has authored several publications in various journals and books. Her publications reflect her research interests in the field of neonatal infections and infant nutrition. Dr. majeda is also a peer reviewer for many journals. Dr Majeda Hammoud main research is about infant Nutrition and mainly about Vit D also interested and working clinically in the field of Neonatal infections (most of her publications are related to this field) 

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: This study aimed to report World Health Organization (WHO) infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators from Kuwait; and investigate the association between these indicators and anthropometric measurements.  Methodology: Kuwait Nutritional Surveillance System collects data by face-to-face interview with mothers or child guardians using a structured questionnaire that was developed based on WHO IYCF indicators. Weight and length of infants and young children were measured using digital scales in a standardized manner. Setting: Vaccination centers in all governorates of Kuwait.  Participants: Infants and young Kuwaiti children aged 0-23 months (N=5,839). Findings: Exclusive breastfeeding was 8.0%. Minimum dietary diversity was 41.6%. The prevalence of stunting and wasting was 7.5% and 2.4%, respectively while the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 6.5% and 1.6%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, exclusive breastfeeding and age appropriate breastfeeding was positively associated with stunting, adjusted odds ratio 1.71 (95%CI: 1.08,2.70) (p=0.021) and 1.44 (95%CI: 1.01,2.06) (p=0.046), respectively.  While introduction of solid/semisolid or soft foods was negatively associated with stunting, adjusted odds ratio 0.52 (95%CI: 0.30,0.90) (p=0.021). Only age appropriate breastfeeding was negatively associated with overweight, adjusted odds ratio 0.62 (95%CI: 0.39,0.98) (p=0.043).  Conclusion: We have demonstrated that indicators of breastfeeding are low in Kuwait. Our study showed that different WHO IYCF indicators may have contradictory impact in terms of stunting and overweight, which highlights the need for better understanding of the impact of these indicators in both low- and high-income countries.