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Research Article
Effects of Fe3+/Fe2+ on Glycation Reaction of
β-lactoglobulin
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
93-103
Received:
19 April 2026
Accepted:
6 May 2026
Published:
8 May 2026
Abstract: Iron ions (Fe2+ and Fe3+) are essential trace elements for the human body, and are often added to various foods, but their effects on protein glycation remain unclear. This study evaluated the differential influences of Fe2+ and Fe3+ on the glycation reaction of β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg)-D-ribose system in terms of glycation degree, protein conformation and the distribution of modification sites. Free amino group contents and HPLC HCD MS/MS analyses indicated that both Fe3+ and Fe2+ could catalyze the glycation process and increase the glycated sites. The system contain Fe2+ exhibited higher glycation degree and more glycation sites (8), and lesser glycation sites were identified in system contain Fe3+ (5) and system without ferric ions (2). Additional sites (L1, K14, K135) were facilitated glycation by Fe2+, and most glycation sites showed higher degree of substitution per peptide (DSP) values when with Fe2+. In comparison with Fe2+, Fe3+ caused more pronounced alterations on both secondary and tertiary protein structure, promoted the β-Lg unfolding, and changed the protein structure to a more unordered form. In conclusion, Fe2+ at a specified concentration was a better choice to promote glycation reaction while maintain the protein structure. This study provide a theoretical basis for protein glycation modification with iron ions at different valence states participated.
Abstract: Iron ions (Fe2+ and Fe3+) are essential trace elements for the human body, and are often added to various foods, but their effects on protein glycation remain unclear. This study evaluated the differential influences of Fe2+ and Fe3+ on the glycation reaction of β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg)-D-ribose system in terms of glycation degree, protein conformati...
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Research Article
Age, Socioeconomic Status and BMI Are Poor Predictors of Nutrient Adequacy Among Tribal Adolescent Girls of Central India
Meenakshi Surpande*
,
Rekha Sharma
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
104-111
Received:
20 April 2026
Accepted:
3 May 2026
Published:
14 May 2026
Abstract: Nutritional deficiencies among tribal adolescent girls remain a significant public health concern in India. This study assessed the anthropometric status and dietary nutrient adequacy of 383 tribal adolescent girls aged 13–18 years, purposively selected from four Ashram Shalas in Nagpur District, Maharashtra. Demographic profile was recorded using a structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements (height and weight) were recorded using standard procedures, and BMI was computed. Dietary intake was assessed by the 24-hour recall method, and nutrient adequacy ratios (NAR) were calculated and compared with ICMR-NIN Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) 2024 references. Results showed that the majority belonged to the Upper Lower class (73.8%) and the overall mean BMI of 18.39 kg/m2 indicated borderline nutritional vulnerability. The mean NAR showed that energy adequacy was critically low (35.11%), with calcium (17.55%), riboflavin (16.78%), and Vitamin D (4.37%) being the most deficient. Vitamin C (34.20%), Vitamin A (34.36%), and iron (45.84%) also showed substantial inadequacy. Thiamine (55.62%) and zinc (43.74%) were moderately deficient. The adequacy of protein (88.82%), magnesium (88.71%), and folate (85.85%) were adequate. Energy intake was critically low in 97.91% of participants, while protein adequacy was relatively better (76.24%). All subjects had low intakes of Vitamins A, D, riboflavin, and calcium across all age groups. Linear regression revealed that age, socioeconomic status, and BMI were collectively poor predictors of nutrient adequacy (R2<0.01), suggesting unmeasured factors such as dietary diversity and food security are more influential determinants. These findings highlight an urgent need for targeted nutritional interventions for tribal adolescent girls in this region.
Abstract: Nutritional deficiencies among tribal adolescent girls remain a significant public health concern in India. This study assessed the anthropometric status and dietary nutrient adequacy of 383 tribal adolescent girls aged 13–18 years, purposively selected from four Ashram Shalas in Nagpur District, Maharashtra. Demographic profile was recorded using ...
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Research Article
Contribution of Women in the Adoption of Organic Fertilizers Among Smallholder Maize Farmers in Bugangari Sub-County, Rukungiri District
Natukunda Allen*,
Fina Opio,
Nuwemuhwezi Gershom
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
112-121
Received:
12 May 2026
Accepted:
21 May 2026
Published:
30 May 2026
Abstract: Agriculture remains a central pillar of rural livelihoods, with smallholder farmers playing a key role in food production and household income. In many developing regions, women constitute a significant proportion of the agricultural labor force, yet their contributions often remain under recognized. The promotion of sustainable farming practices, such as the use of organic fertilizers, has gained attention due to their environmental and productivity benefits. However, gender-related constraints continue to influence the adoption and effective utilization of such innovations. The study was about the contribution of women in the adoption of organic fertilizers among Smallholder maize farmers in Bugangari Sub-County, Rukungiri District. The specific objectives included to; evaluate the role of women in adopting organic fertilizers on maize productivity, assess the challenges faced by women in the adoption of organic fertilizers, and suggest strategies for enhancing women’s contribution and adoption of organic fertilizers. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach that integrated both descriptive and cross-sectional survey designs employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches to data collection and analysis. Data was gathered from 201 smallholder maize farmers and key informants using both questionnaire and interviews. Data was managed and analyzed using SPSS version 20 to generate both descriptive and regression statistics. The study found out that women play a critical role in the adoption of organic fertilizers among smallholder maize farmers in Bugangari Sub-County. Their contributions span several areas including fertilizer preparation (16.9%), field application (15.4%), farm management (13.9%), labor provision (12.9%), and knowledge sharing (8.5%). Hese challenges include inadequate extension services (B = -1.284, p = 0.002), limited land ownership (B = -0.965, p = 0.009), lack of information (B = -1.133, p = 0.004), poor access to organic inputs (B = -0.847, p = 0.014), high costs (B = -1.056, p = 0.005), limited access to credit (B = -0.918, p = 0.011), and restrictive cultural norms (B = -0.774, p = 0.022). The study concluded that women played a vital role in the adoption of organic fertilizers among smallholder maize farmers in Bugangari Sub-County through activities such as fertilizer preparation, field application, farm management, labor provision, and knowledge sharing. The study recommends improving women’s financial access, knowledge, and institutional support since it is essential for increasing adoption levels.
Abstract: Agriculture remains a central pillar of rural livelihoods, with smallholder farmers playing a key role in food production and household income. In many developing regions, women constitute a significant proportion of the agricultural labor force, yet their contributions often remain under recognized. The promotion of sustainable farming practices, ...
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Research Article
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Expressing Breastmilk to Achieve Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Working Mothers in Kiambu County, Kenya
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
122-133
Received:
21 May 2026
Accepted:
5 June 2026
Published:
25 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261503.14
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Abstract: The Kenyan constitution entitles mothers to a three-month maternity leave, meaning that a Kenyan mother has a deficit of 3 months to achieve this recommendation. Expressing breastmilk is essential for Kenyan working mothers to achieve the recommended duration of exclusive breastfeeding (6 months). The study aimed to analyze the characteristics and practices of working mothers expressing breastmilk with an aim of achieving exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months. This study adopted a cross sectional study design. The study involved 203 working mothers with infants below six months, solicited from four hospitals in Kiambu County, Kenya. A researcher administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, knowledge and practice data. A five point Likert scale was used to collect data on the attitudes of the working mothers towards expressing breastmilk. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. More than half (59.4%) of the mothers had not received information on expressing breastmilk. Mothers expressed a positive attitude that breastmilk could be expressed by hand, stored breastmilk was ideal for feeding infants and storing breastmilk correctly could aid in achieving exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months. A minority of the participants (36.9%) had expressed breastmilk. Mothers who had knowledge on expressing were 8 times more likely to express breastmilk ([OR]: 8.224; CI 4.307-15.703; p<0.001). This demonstrated that knowledge levels on expressing had a significant association with the practice of expressing breastmilk. Therefore, dissemination of knowledge on expressing needs to be boosted, with an aim of improving expressing and breastfeeding outcomes.
Abstract: The Kenyan constitution entitles mothers to a three-month maternity leave, meaning that a Kenyan mother has a deficit of 3 months to achieve this recommendation. Expressing breastmilk is essential for Kenyan working mothers to achieve the recommended duration of exclusive breastfeeding (6 months). The study aimed to analyze the characteristics and ...
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