Browsing by Author "Raymond, Jofrey"

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Adequacy of micronutrient fortification in the mandatory fortified food vehicles in Tanzana
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2020-08-24) Kiwango, Flavia Andrew; Chacha, Musa; Raymond, Jofrey
Purpose This study aims to update the information on the current status of micronutrient fortification for iron, zinc, folic acid and vitamin A in mandatory fortified food vehicles such as cooking oil, wheat and maize flours in Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study was conducted in five regions to analyze the adequacy of micronutrient fortification in mandatory fortified food vehicles. Samples of fortified edible oil (n = 19), wheat flour (n = 12) and maize flour (n = 5) were sampled conveniently from local markets and supermarkets. Samples were analyzed for vitamins (vitamin A and folic acid) and mineral (iron and zinc) content using high-performance liquid chromatography and microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometer, respectively. Compliance acceptable ranges between the minimum and maximum levels for each nutrient were used as a basis for compliance. Findings The results showed that 83.3% and 80% of wheat and maize flour samples, respectively, complied with iron fortification standards (p = 0.05). Only 25% of wheat flour samples and 40% of maize flour samples were within the acceptable ranges for zinc fortification (p = 0.05). Nearly 17% and 20% of wheat and maize flour samples, respectively, were within the acceptable ranges for folic acid fortification (p = 0.05). Moreover, about 10.5% of the analyzed cooking oils were adequately fortified with vitamin A (p = 0.05). Except for iron in wheat and maize flours, the levels of other micronutrients in mandatorily fortified foods were out of acceptable ranges. Originality/value Mandatory fortification is still far from the established standards, and this calls for a review of the current fortification strategies regarding standards, training, monitoring and enforcement in Tanzania.
Analysis of nutritional adequacy of local foods for meeting dietary requirements of children aged 6-23 months in rural central Tanzania
(Archives of Public Health, 2017-08-17) Raymond, Jofrey; Agaba, Morris; Kassim, Neema; Jerman W, Rose; Mollay, Clara
Under nutrition remains a serious problem among children in Sub-Saharan Africa. Analysing how diets composed of local foods could achieve nutritional goals for infants and young children in low-income settings is essential. The objective of this study was to analyse how local foods can be used rationally and to what extent these foods can be supplemented to achieve nutrient requirements for children aged 6 – 23 months in resource-poor settings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to estimate dietary intakes of 400 children aged 6-23 months using a 12-h weighed dietary record, 24-h dietary recalls, and 7-days food records. Anthropometric measurements on each subject were also taken. Analyses were done to establish the level of nutrient intake, and nutritional status of the study population using Microsoft Excel 2013 and ProPAN software version 2.0. Results: The results showed that the prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight for children aged 6–23 months was 30–41%, 1.5–3% and 4–9%, respectively. In addition, the results showed that diets that were consumed by the subjects comprised of local foods met vitamin A, vitamin C, protein and energy requirements for children aged 6–23 months. However, the extent of deficit in iron, zinc and calcium in baseline diets was large and difficult to meet under the existing feeding practices. Conclusions: The study shows that local foods in the study area have a potential to achieve recommended dietary intakes of some essential nutrients, and that interventions are needed to meet the required amount of iron, zinc and calcium for children aged 6–23 months. The interventions we propose here may encourage changes in traditional feeding habits and practices of the target population. Possible intervention options are (1) supplementation of local foods with nutrient-dense foods that are not normally consumed in the locality (2) providing new avenues for increasing the production and wide consumption of local nutrient-dense foods, or optimizing the way local diets are constituted so as to achieve nutrient recommendations for infants and young children.
Assessment of heavy metals in soil and water from Bahi district, Tanzania
(Plos One, 2025-06-11) Sumary, Dominic; Raymond, Jofrey; Chacha, Musa; Banzi, Firmi; Gomezulu, Edwin
This study presents analysis of heavy metals concentrations in soil and water samples collected from villages near Bahi Swamp found in Bahi district, Tanzania. The research involved quantitative analyses methods of heavy metals in the laboratory and the use of descriptive statistical methods to draw conclusion. A total of 45 soil samples and 21 water samples were collected from five locations near Bahi Swamp which was pre-selected from northern and the eastern part. Heavy metals from soil and water samples were analyzed by using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) technique, respectively. The concentrations of nine heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Mn, Zr, Cu, As, Zn, Sr, Cs) in soil samples and three in water samples (Mn, Zn, Cu) were determined. The mean concentrations of heavy metal from soil samples were Pb (29.60 ± 7.50 mg kg-1), Cd (403.20 ± 507.44 mg kg-1), Mn (478.27 ± 245.86 mg kg-1), Zr (206.00 ± 79.47 mg kg-1), Cu (52.00 ± 5.24 mg kg-1), As (5.27 ± 1.66 mg kg-1), Zn (48.47 ± 31.18 mg kg-1), Sr (21.93 ± 36.99 mg kg-1), and Cs (34.00 ± 10.95 mg kg-1). Soil samples exhibited diverse trace element patterns, with concentrations following the order As
Association between weight gain, dietary practices and sociodemographic attributes among post-partum women in Arusha Urban, Tanzania
(INNSpub, 2024-07) Ngowi, Restituta; Raymond, Jofrey; Hancy, Adam; Martin, Haikaeli
Overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age are a concern of public health significance. In Tanzania, various cultures perceive post-partum period as a delicate period where women participate in various habitual and traditional rituals as a way to protect themselves and their newborns. Currently, there is minimal information on the magnitude of post-partum overweight and obesity. A prospective health facility-based study using a multistage sampling is implemented to determine the magnitude of overweight and obesity among post-partum women six to twelve weeks after childbirth and their associating factors among Arusha Urban. The findings demonstrate an association between participants’ sociodemographic characteristics such as age, marital status, education level, number of children, physical activities, contraceptive use, occupation and post-partum dietary practices and weight gain. Less than 50% of respondents achieved minimum dietary diversity (40.9%). The consumption of dark green leafy vegetables was significant (p < 0.01) to minimum dietary diversity, likewise to other fruits and vegetables; legumes, nuts and seeds; and eggs (p < 0.01). Overweight and obese participants were 54.3% at six weeks and 59.1% at 12 weeks. During pregnancy, 25.2% had recommended weight gain while 60.9% and 13.8% had inadequate and excessive weight gain respectively. The results show that gestational weight gain, maternal age, exposure to overweight messages, and minimum dietary diversity were significant with post-partum increase in BMI. The research suggests improving nutrition education, individual counseling, screening and routine monitoring of women’s nutrition status at service delivery points and in the community.
Bioaccumulation and distribution pattern of heavy metals in aquaculture systems found in Arusha and Morogoro regions of Tanzania
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2020-08-20) Nyamete, Frida; Chacha, Musa; Msagati, Titus; Raymond, Jofrey
The assessment of the current distribution and concentrations of As, Pb, Hg, Cd, and Cr in farmed catfish and tilapia, fish feed, and pond sediment in Tanzania is important in order to establish the potential dietary exposure to heavy metals from aquaculture sources. Thirteen fish ponds were selected from each of the 10 sites (villages) studied in Arusha and Morogoro regions. Representative samples collected were analysed using polarised energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence (PED-XRF) spectrometer. Human health risk from fish consumption was established by calculating the estimated daily intakes (EDI), target hazard quotients (THQ), total hazard indices (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR) of the heavy metals. Arusha had the highest concentrations (dry weight) of As (2.49–4.75 mg/kg) in the fish feed. Morogoro had the highest concentrations of Hg (1.65–2.69 mg/kg), Pb (4.59–5.64 mg/kg), and Cd (1.99–3.97 mg/kg) for sediment, fish feed, and fish muscles, respectively. Cr was the most accumulated heavy metal in the fish muscles sampled in Arusha (4.61–9.50 mg/kg) and Morogoro (2.53–5.57 mg/kg). Concentrations and EDI calculated based on mean fish consumption of 22.1 g per person per day by a 60 kg Tanzanian adult found heavy metal intakes were below the recommended daily dietary allowance (RDA) while THQ values were lower than 1, indicating no health risk related to consumption of the fish. The estimated HI was greater than 1, suggesting a potential significant non-carcinogenic health risk. The CR values were below 10−4, indicating no carcinogenic health risk in humans from fish consumption. This study recommends continued surveillance given potential bioaccumulation of these heavy metals in fish.
Computational analysis of Urolithin A as a potential compound for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neurodegenerative pathways
(Elsevier, 2025-02-01) Massaga, Caroline; Paul, Lucas; Kwiyukwa, Lucas; Vianney, John-Mary; Chacha, Musa; Raymond, Jofrey
Urolithin A, an active precursor derived from the metabolism of ellagitanins in rats and humans, is known for its potential health benefits, including stimulating mitophagy and promoting muscular skeletal function. While experimental studies have demonstrated Urolithin A's potential to enhance cellular health, the detailed molecular interactions through which Urolithin A exerts its effects are not fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory, antioxidation and neuroprotective abilities of Urolithin A in selected targets using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation methods. Molecular docking studies revealed the strong affinity for receptors involved in inflammation activities, including human p38 MAP kinase (4DLI) with −10.1 kcal/mol interacting with SER252, LYS249, and ASP294 residues. The binding energy in the 5KIR target was −8.6 kcal/mol, interacting with GLN203 through hydrogen bond, and lastly, 1A9U with an affinity of −6.8 with no hydrogen bond formed with Urolithin A and interacts with van der Waals interactions. In oxidant targets, the influence of Urolithin was observed in 1OG5 with −7.9 kcal/mol interacting with GLN185, PHE447. For the 1M17 target, the binding affinity was −7.7 kcal/mol interacting with THR95 residue and 1ZXM target at −7.4 kcal/mol interacting with TYR36, TYR216, and LEU234 residues. The neuroprotective ability of urolithin A was observed in selected targets for acetylcholinesterase; the binding energy was −9.7 kcal/mol interacting with van der Waals and π interactions; for the 1GQR target, the binding energy was −9.9 kcal/mol interacting with van der Waals and π interactions and for β-amylase (1iyt) the binding energy was −5.5 forming hydrogen bond with SER8, GLN15 residues. Molecular Dynamics simulations at 100 ns of Urolithin A compared with reference 4DLI. The Urolithin A-4DLI complex exhibited greater stability than the reference receptor, as confirmed by RMSD, RMSF, Radius of Gyration, Hydrogen bond, and SASA analyses.
Context-specific food-based approach for ensuring nutrition security in developing countries: a review
(Taylor & Francis Online, 2017-09-17) Raymond, Jofrey; Kassim, Neema; Rose, Jerman W.; Agaba, Morris
Sustainable food strategies for meeting nutrient needs in developing countries are not well established. The available evidence shows that more than one-third of the world’s population is facing under-nutrition, of which the most affected individuals are children and mothers from poor countries. In most developing countries, losses resulting from malnutrition are between 3 and 16% of the gross domestic product. This burden is far larger than the donor-driven and government programmes can tackle alone. As such, an innovative approach, which is independent and not donor-based, is needed to reduce the burden of malnutrition in low-income countries. In this review, we describe a context specific food-based approach for addressing malnutrition in developing countries. The approach deploys the hybrid public–private delivery model that enables cost sharing and efficiency gains in resource-poor countries. The model influences players to consider consumers’ perspectives, which often are neglected and truly engage them as key stakeholders.
Context-specific optimal dietary guidelines for managing cancer for hospitalized patients in Tanzania
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2022-06-23) Kisighii, Happyness; Raymond, Jofrey; Chacha, Musa
Purpose – The lack of food-based dietary guidelines for managing cancer among hospitalized patients has led to an increasing economic burden on the government and families in low- and middle-economy countries. There have been increasing medical costs due to delayed recovery, readmission and mortality. The purpose of this study is to contribute in reducing these effects by developing context specific food-based dietary guidelines to assist health-care professionals and caregivers in planning diets for cancer patients. Design/methodology/approach – For seven days, the dietary intakes of 100 cancer patients in the hospital were recorded using weighed food records. Data on the costs of commonly consumed foods during hospitalization were obtained from hospital requisition books as well as nearby markets and shops. The information gathered was used to create optimal food-based dietary guidelines for cancer patients. Findings – Most patients did not meet the recommended food group and micronutrient intake according to their weighed food records. Sugar intake from processed foods was (51 6 19.8 g), (13% 6 2%), and calories (2585 6 544 g) exceeded recommendations. Optimized models generated three menus that met the World Cancer Research Fund 2018 cancer prevention recommendation at a minimum cost of 2,700 Tanzanian Shillings (TSH), 3500TSH, and 4550TSH per day. The optimal dietary pattern includes nutrient-dense foods from all food groups in recommended portions and within calorie limits. Originality/value – Findings show that optimal dietary guidelines that are context-specific for managing cancer in hospitalized patients can be formulated using culturally acceptable food ingredients at minimum cost.
Development of Plant-Based Yoghurt Rich in Bioavailable Essential Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds from Ingredients Available in East Africa
(Enviro Research Publishers., 2022-03-25) Dusabe, Angelique; Chacha, Musa; Vianney, John Mary; Raymond, Jofrey
The main aim of the present study was to formulate a convenient plant based yoghurt (PBY) with essential nutrients and bioactive compounds comparable to that of cow's milk using locally available ingredients in East Africa. Linear programming (LP) was applied for ratios optimization. The fermentation technique was deployed using commercial yoghurt culture (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus) to develop a palatable and functional yoghurt. Laboratory analysis was conducted to validate the nutritional and functional values calculated by LP, and their relative difference was also calculated. PBY was analyzed for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) viability and storage stability for the 1st, 7th, and 14th day of refrigeration storage (4°C). Results showed that LP-optimized PBY could be formulated at a low cost of USD 0.9/kg, which is 60% cheaper than Alpro natural PBY. The formulation contained 37.87% and 18.88% of total Monounsaturated Fatty acids (MUFAs) and total Polyunsaturated Fatty acids (PUFAs), respectively. PBY riches in essential nutrients and functional properties enough to meet the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for 2-10-year old children. Formulated PBY were microbiologically stable for 14 days of storage and were found within acceptable standards specified by the Food Standard Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and the East African Standard for yoghurt (EAS33:2006). Plant-based yoghurt rich in nutrient bioavailability and bioactive compounds can be formulated using locally available ingredients and considered as an alternative to yoghurt.
Effect of lactic acid fermentation, boiling and soaking on selected nutrients and health promoting components of mango seed kernels
(International Journal of Biosciences, 2020-12) Runyogote, Joseph; Chacha, Musa; Ndabikunze, Bernadette; Raymond, Jofrey
Mango seed kernels are considered as wastes although they are rich in essential nutrients and bioactive compounds for human health. Lack of commercial application (unlike oil seeds) presence of antinutrients, difficulty in processing and little information on nutritional and functional values contribute significantly to their underutilization. These factors underscore the need for processing these seeds to enhance their utilization as food or functional food. The purpose of this study was to investigate which processing technique was capable of improving selected nutrients and bioactive compounds, and reduction of the antinutritional factors to acceptable levels. Selected vitamins, minerals and antinutrients, antioxidant activity and total phenols were determined using standard methods. All the processing methods at different set conditions significantly (p<0.05) reduced the antinutritional factors of the mango seed kernels to above 38%. The results showed that, lactic acid fermentation had no significant differences in all analyzed minerals while boiling and soaking reduced the contents of the minerals except for potassium and zinc on soaked samples. The maximum percentage increase of total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and ascorbic acid was observed in samples fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum and their values were 25%, 37% and 28% respectively. On contrast, boiled and soaked samples had a significant decrease in ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity and all employed processing techniques showed insignifant variations of α-tocopherol content. The results in this study indicated that lactic acid fermentation reduced the antinutrients to acceptable levels and improved the studied nutritional and bioactive compounds as compared to boiling and soaking methods, thus considered as a technique for processing mango seed kernels for functional foods.
Ethnobiological survey to determine the link between health benefits and qualities of Maasai traditional food system in Monduli, Arusha, Tanzania
(Taylor & Francis, 2023-07) Clement, Richard; Runyogote, Joseph; Raymond, Jofrey; Chacha, Musa
Although Maasai’s traditional food system (TFS) is claimed to keep a low prevalence of metabolic diseases (MD), the link between its qualities and health benefits is not well established. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted to determine the link between health benefits and qualities of the Maasai TFS in Monduli, Arusha, Tanzania. The survey involved 21 Maasai TFS practitioners (MTPs) and revealed that the TFS has varieties of 19 dishes and a diversity of 78 flora species. The diversity of dishes and species had various potential health benefits: nutrition like Fe and vitamin A; therapeutic and protective effects against ailments including MD like gout, pressure, indigestion, and kidney disorders. Some food processing technologies (FPT) like nixtamalization, and meat roasting had potential protective effects against the MD. Cultural preferences and restrictions (CPR) for the food selection insured individual nutritional and health needs are met, and reinforcement of Maasai socio-structure and cohesion. Integrated protection and promotion measures are required to prevent unplanned nutritional transitions away from the TFS. Further research on the nutritional and medicinal roles of some FPT and the frequently used species could facilitate the protection and use of the TFS for the health benefits of especially marginalized people.
Ethnobotanical Survey of Flora Used in Maasai Food System and Traditional Medicine against Gout-related and Other Human Ailments in Monduli, Arusha, Tanzania
(Research Square, 2021-09-01) Clement, Richard; Raymond, Jofrey; Chacha, Musa
Background: Flora used by Maasai practitioners (MSPs) in traditional medicine (TM) and food system (FS) were investigated in Monduli District, Arusha, Tanzania. The objective of this study was to document the knowledge on flora used by MSPs in their FS and TM against gout-related and other ailments. Methods: Ethnobotanical knowledge held by 21 MSPs was investigated following standard approaches. Guided field walk, free listing, rigorous individual-interviews and local market surveys were employed to obtain information. Use value (UV) index, relative frequency of citation (RFC), specific RFC (RFCs), fidelity level (FL) and informant consensus factors (ICF) matrices were involved to determine the knowledge on flora used in Maasai FS and TM against gout-related and other ailments. Results: A total of 101 plant species in 83 genera and 47 families, used in Maasai FS and TM were recorded. Food, food processing or storage, and medicinal plant (MPs) flora accounted 29, 32 and 80 species respectively. MPs treated more than 38 ailments. A high proportion of plants recovered, was trees 45.19%; while 88.79% were retrieved from the wild habitat. Roots were mostly used part (30.73%); preparations were made from fresh or dry material and 44-species involved decoction in meat broth or stock. The frequently route of delivery was oral, 85.19%. About 37.5% of the MPs were used to treat joints’ pain or inflammation (ICF = 0.52) whereas, mostly used was Rapanea melanophloeos (FL = 1.00; RFCs = 0.29) followed by Withania somnifera (FL = 0.5; RFCs = 0.24). Withania somnifera frequently used against other gout-related ailments. Vangueria infausta and Olea europaea subsp. Africana uses in FS ranked the highest. Conclusion: The study area is very rich in flora biodiversity, and the flora is an integral part of the indigenous foods’ and health care systems. The flora is exposed to various destructive anthropogenic activities; thus, integrated conservation measures are required. The rich ethnobotanical knowledge held by MSPs, requires an in-depth study and documentation. Investigations of flora used in the FS, and TM, with high FL, and RFCs could contribute to future nutraceuticals and drug discovery against gout and other ailments.
In Silico Analysis of Vitamin D Interactions with Aging Proteins: Docking, Molecular Dynamics, and Solvation Free Energy Studies
(MDPI, 2024-10-11) Tuntufye, Edna; Paul, Lucas; Raymond, Jofrey; Chacha, Musa; Paluch, Andrew; Shadrack, Daniel
Aging is a natural process that is also influenced by some factors like the food someone eats, lifestyle decisions, and impacts on general health. Despite the recognized role of nutrition in modulating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying aging, there is a lack of comprehensive exploration into potential interventions that can effectively mitigate these effects. In this study, we investigated the potential anti-aging properties of vitamin D by examining its interactions with key molecular targets involved in aging-related pathways. By using molecular docking and dynamics techniques, we evaluate the interactions and stability of vitamins D2 and D3 with key proteins involved in aging pathways, such as SIRT1, mTOR, AMPK, Klotho, AhR, and MAPK. Our results reveal promising binding affinities between vitamin D and SIRT1 forms, with energy values of −48.33 kJ/mol and −45.94 kJ/mol for vitamins D2 and D3, respectively, in aqueous environments. Moreover, molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the vitamin D3–SIRT1 complex exhibited greater stability compared with the vitamin D2–SIRT1 complex. The study calculated the solvation free energy to compare the solubility of vitamins D2 and D3 in water and various organic solvents. Despite their strong interactions with water, both vitamins exhibited low solubility, primarily due to the high energy cost associated with cavity formation in the aqueous environment. Compared with other solvents, water demonstrated particularly low solubility for both vitamins. This suggested that vitamins D2 and D3 preferred binding to aging receptors over dissolving in bulk aqueous environments, supporting their strong therapeutic interactions with these receptors. These findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying vitamin D’s potential anti-aging effects and lay the groundwork for developing nutraceuticals targeting aging and associated diseases. Understanding these mechanisms holds promise for future interventions aimed at promoting healthy aging and enhancing overall well-being.
In vivo evaluation of Spirulina platensis for nutrient bioavailability in mice
(Indian Journal, 2021) Tezera, Damessa Feven; Chacha, Musa; Vianney, John-Mary; Raymond, Jofrey
Spirulina, a photosynthetic blue-green alga (cyanobacterium), has drawn attention as a viable food supplement due to its suitable nutrient content. Despite its suitable nutrient composition, the bioavailability of nutrients Present in Spirulina is not well reported. In this study, the bioavailability of nutrients present in locally cultivated Spirulina platensis was evaluated by using in vivo method. A total of 54 mice, 5-8 weeks age were used. The mice were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 (n = 18) served as a control and received a basal diet. Group 2 (n = 20) served as a test and received Spirulina blended with a basal diet. Group 3 (n = 16) serves as a standard and received a basal diet supplemented with nutritional supplements. The study revealed that test diet had apparent absorption of protein 67%, calcium 50.6%, iron 43.8%, zinc 42%, and vitamin A 56.5%, which was higher (p < 0.01) than control diet but similar (p > 0.05) with standard diet. Given the higher bioavailability of nutritional supplements mixed into the standard diet, the resemblance in nutrient absorption between test and standard diets illustrated that Spirulina mixed into the test diet also has higher nutrient absorption.
Measuring Serum Toxicity Markers to Evaluate the Safety of Commercially Available Spirulina Products in Mice
(Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science, 2021-03-20) Damessa, Feven; Chacha, Musa; Vianney, John-Mary; Raymond, Jofrey
Spirulina a multicellular, blue-green alga has drawn attention as a viable food supplement due to its suitable nutrient composition, however, there is a dearth of information regarding its safety. This study aimed to measure the heavy metal concentrations in commercially available Spirulina products and evaluate the safety using the in vivo method. A total of 54 mice were randomly divided into three groups; Group 1 (n = 18) served as a control and received a basal diet. Group 2 (n = 20) served as a test and received Spirulina powder (15%) blended with a basal diet. Group 3 (n = 16) serves as a standard and received a basal diet supplemented with nutritional supplements. The findings showed that the concentration of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, cystatin C, and troponin I after consuming the experimental diets was not statistically different between groups (p > 0.05). The concentrations of mercury (0.000036 mg/kg), lead (0.0047 mg/kg), cadmium (0.00048 mg/kg), and arsenic (0.0046 mg/kg) was very little to cause toxic effect and the levels were below the European Communities Commission (EC) recommended maximum heavy metal levels in foodstuffs. Therefore, consumption of Spirulina at a proportion of 15% does not exert any hepatic, renal, and cardiac toxicities in the mice. However, evaluating the safety of higher doses (> 15%) is required.
Optimal dietary patterns designed from local foods to achieve maternal nutritional goals
(BMC Public Health, 2018-04-04) Raymond, Jofrey; Kassim, Neema; Rose W., Jerman; Agaba, Morris
Background: Achieving nutritional requirements for pregnant and lactating mothers in rural households while maintaining the intake of local and culture-specific foods can be a difficult task. Deploying a linear goal programming approach can effectively generate optimal dietary patterns that incorporate local and culturally acceptable diets. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether a realistic and affordable diet that achieves nutritional goals for rural pregnant and lactating women can be formulated from locally available foods in Tanzania. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted to assess dietary intakes of 150 pregnant and lactating women using a weighed dietary record (WDR), 24 h dietary recalls and a 7-days food record. A market survey was also carried out to estimate the cost per 100 g of edible portion of foods that are frequently consumed in the study population. Dietary survey and market data were then used to define linear programming (LP) model parameters for diet optimisation. All LP analyses were done using linear program solver to generate optimal dietary patterns. Results: Our findings showed that optimal dietary patterns designed from locally available foods would improve dietary adequacy for 15 and 19 selected nutrients in pregnant and lactating women, respectively, but inadequacies remained for iron, zinc, folate, pantothenic acid, and vitamin E, indicating that these are problem nutrients (nutrients that did not achieve 100% of their RNIs in optimised diets) in the study population. Conclusions: These findings suggest that optimal use of local foods can improve dietary adequacy for rural pregnant and lactating women aged 19–50 years. However, additional cost-effective interventions are needed to ensure adequate intakes for the identified problem nutrients.
Optimal formulations of local foods to achieve nutritional adequacy for 6–23-month-old rural Tanzanian children
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2017-07-30) Raymond, Jofrey; Kassim, Neema; Rose, Jerman W.; Agaba, Morris
Background: Achieving nutritional goals of infants and young children while maintaining the intake of local and culture-specific foods can be a daunting task. Diet optimisation using linear goal programming (LP) can effectively generate optimal formulations incorporating local and culturally acceptable foods. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to determine whether a realistic and affordable diet that achieves dietary recommended intakes (DRIs) for 22 selected nutrients can be formulated for rural 6–23-month-old children in Tanzania. Design: Dietary intakes of 400 children aged 6–23 months were assessed using a weighed dietary record (WDR), 24-hour dietary recalls and a 7-days food record. A market survey was also carried out to estimate the cost per 100 g of edible portion of foods that are commonly consumed in the study area. Dietary and market survey data were then used to define LP model parameters for diet optimisation. All LP analyses were done using linear program solver (LiPS) version 1.9.4 to generate optimal food formulations. Results: Optimal formulations that achieved DRIs for 20 nutrients for children aged 6–11 months and all selected nutrients for children aged 12–23 months were successfully developed at a twofold cost of the observed food purchase across age groups. Optimal formulations contained a mixture of ingredients such as wholegrain cereals, Irish potatoes, pulses and seeds, fish and poultry meat as well as fruits and vegetables that can be sourced locally. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that given the available food choices, it is possible to develop optimal formulations that can improve dietary adequacy for rural 6–23-month-old children if food budget for the child’s diets is doubled. These findings suggest the need for setting alternative interventions which can help households increase access to nutrient-dense foods that can fill the identified nutrient gaps.
Optimized method for processing avocado seeds to improve selected nutrients and functional values
(J-STAGE, 2021-01) Runyogote, Joseph; Chacha, Musa; Ndabikunze, Bernadette; Raymond, Jofrey
The objective of this study was to develop an optimal processing technique capable of reducing antinutrients to acceptable levels, retain nutrients and functional values of avocado seeds for human consumption. Different processing conditions for probiotic fermentation, boiling and soaking techniques were studied to establish optimal processing conditions for the seeds. The antinutrients, antioxidant activity, total phenolics and selected nutrients of avocado seeds were analyzed using analytical standard methods. All processing techniques significantly (p < 0.05) reduced over 50% of antinutrients. The highest total phenolics and antioxidant activity (IC50) were 33.3 mgGAE/g and 0.8 mg/mL respectively which were observed at a fermentation temperature of 37 °C. Soaking and boiling reduced the analyzed minerals to about 30% whereas probiotic fermentation retained 100% of minerals analyzed, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol. Moreover, probiotic fermentation demonstrated the best results in comparison to boiling and soaking thus, considered as an optimal processing method for improving nutritional and functional values of avocado seeds.
The prebiotic potential of brewers' spent grain on livestock's health: a review.
(Springer Nature Switzerland AG., 2020-03-01) Lao, Emanuel; Dimoso, Noel; Raymond, Jofrey; Mbega, Ernest
The increasing interest from the feed as a source of energy towards specific nutrient-yielding compounds in feeds is amongst the latest developments from scientific and industrial communities. Apart from brewers' spent grain (BSG) being relatively inexpensive feed source, nutritious with high crude protein and minerals, recent studies have explored its potential as a source of prebiotics. Prebiotics are certain feeds that are comprised of non-digestive polysaccharides that can be fed to animals and modulate the balance and activities of microbial populations in the gut. The BSG contains arabinoxylans and β-glucans whereby when consumed by animals, they promote the activity of beneficial bacteria particularly species from three genera of Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, and Lactobacillus. The increased degradation of fibrous feed accelerates the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) which serve as the primary energy sources for the anaerobic microbes. This elevated concentration of SCFA stimulates numerous physio-biological functions which include intestinal nutrients absorption, glucose balance, improvement of immunity, lipid metabolism, and suppression of pathogens such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli. To capitalize on the prebiotic potential of BSG, certain considerations need to be well taken care of and these include possible microbial dysfunctions such as rumen acidosis, different responses rates of animals due to variations in health status, age, and species as well as feed safety issues especially mycotoxin contamination which can jeopardize its inherited prebiotic benefits.
Radioactivity and dose assessment of naturally occurring radionuclides in terrestrial environments and foodstuffs: a review of Bahi district, Tanzania
(Taylor & Francis, 2023-07-15) Sumary, Dominic; Raymond, Jofrey; Chacha, Musa; Banzi, Firmi
In this review, the online searchable research articles were scrutinized for the data presented in line with radioactivity and dose estimates from both terrestrial environments and foodstuffs from Bahi district and other parts of Tanzania. The data on natural gamma ray dose rates from Bahi localities were observed with variations among researchers. The observed ranges of radioactivity concentrations (Bq kg−1) in soil were 226Ra (28.5–57.4), 232Th (38.1–521.3), and 40K (562.9–665.0). Deep closed water wells with installed pumps from Ilindi and Bahi Mission reported radioactivity concentration of 238U 3.08 Bq L−1 and Ilindi swamps reported radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra 15.35 Bq L−1, whereas radioactivity concentrations of 238U in cereals were within the annual tolerable limits of 0.001–0.02 Bq kg−1. The quantity and accessibility of published studies, as well as the diversity of the data, point to the necessity for additional studies to be carried out in order to obtain comprehensive baseline data.