The age-associated loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia) has been shown to increase the risk of injury due to falls and incidence of metabolic complications including insulin resistance and diabetes, which subsequently becomes a significant factor to disability among the elderly population. Nutrient intake is the most important anabolic stimulus for skeletal muscle. Specifically, the amino acid leucine and meal-induced insulin both independently stimulate muscle protein synthesis. However, age-specific changes in muscle anabolic responses to leucine become apparent when sub-maximal amounts of amino acids are administered in older subjects. Furthermore, insulin resistance of muscle protein metabolism with aging has been demonstrated in healthy non-diabetic older subjects. Resistance exercise is another anabolic stimulus which increases myofibrillar muscle protein synthesis in both young and older individuals. The increased muscle anabolism is apparent within 2-3 h after a single bout of heavy resistance exercise and remains elevated up to 2 d following the exercise. The mTOR signaling pathway in skeletal muscle is associated with an increased rate of muscle protein synthesis during the early recovery phase following a bout of resistance exercise. Finally, recent evidence on the cumulative effect of resistance exercise in combination with nutritional supplement on muscle protein metabolism will be discussed to propose a possible preventative measure against sarcopenia.

View full abstract

Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension. Many modern people have a tendency to overeat owing to stress and loosening of self-control. Moreover, energy expenditure varies greatly among individuals. Scientific reduction of obesity is important under these circumstances. Furthermore, recent research on molecular levels has clarified the differentiation of adipocytes, the level of subsequent fat accumulation, and the secretion of the biologically active adipokines by adipocytes. Adipose tissues and obesity have become the most important target for the prevention and treatment of many chronic diseases. We have identified various food-derived compounds modulating nuclear receptors, especially peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor(PPAR), in the regulation of energy metabolism and obesity. In this review, we discuss the PPARs that are most important in obesity and energy metabolism.

View full abstract

Obesity-induced inflammation is closely associated with the development of metabolic complications such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Several immune-signaling receptors and their counterpart ligands are known to be crucial for crosstalk between the adaptive and innate immune system, and they are implicated in various inflammatory pathologies. In this mini-review, I will discuss the involvement of the immune costimulatory molecule 4-1BB and its ligand in obesity-induced inflammation and metabolic complications.

View full abstract

Developments in food science and technology have accelerated the production and availability of health foods. Although consumers may acquire health benefits from some products, they may also suffer adverse health effects and economic losses. Unlike medicine, which is administered by health professionals, foods are chosen directly by the consumer and can be used at their own discretion. Food labeling plays a major role in providing consumers with proper information when choosing the desired products; however, the food labeling system is complex and inadequately understood by consumers. Moreover, there are some products that do not follow food labeling laws and contain ingredients that have not undergone proper effectiveness and safety evaluations. With the increasing popularity of health foods, it is becoming more important to ensure that they are effective and safely used. The biggest concern is that some consumers may mistake health foods for medicines that can cure or prevent diseases. The main reason that consumers are confused and misled is due to the vast amount of information that is available. This paper provides an overview of the following four approaches that we have taken in order to develop countermeasures against health foods being used improperly by consumers: (1) conducting a survey of actual health food use; (2) collecting data on adverse events suspected to be caused by health foods, and evaluating the causal relationship with methods suited to investigating health foods; (3) examining the safety of natural ingredients used in health foods; and (4) constructing an online database that compiles information on the safety and effectiveness of health foods and/or ingredients, and sharing such information with consumers and health professionals.

View full abstract

US dietary supplements classified as foods are regulated under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) and other rules. After the DSHEA established in 1994, the supplement market grew by about 4 times and reached $32 billion as of 2012. One of the major reasons for this market expansion is that consumers can recognize functions of the supplements by the structure/function (S/F) claims. S/F claims must not be false or misleading, and must be based upon reliable scientific evidence, especially clinical studies. At the same time, disclaimers must be shown on the package, which are “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.” Both the FDA and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are responsible for label claims and advertisement of dietary supplements. S/F claims are not medical claims, but these may have impact on people’s mindset to be healthier. Recent research shows utilizing dietary supplements in 4 major areas with 10 popular ingredients could hypothetically reduce medical costs by over $50 billion in the US in the period of 2013-2020. Predicted fewer health problems and reduced medical cost information will further increase awareness of supplement usage and thus may raise quality of life. These may reduce the medical cost significantly, if the products are used appropriately with sufficient consumer education.

View full abstract

Skeletal tissue is formed during the first two decades of life; then a constant bone mass is maintained until 40 y of age. In the case of women, the bone mass is rapidly reduced at menopause at around 50 y of age. After that, bone mass slowly decreases in both men and women who have passed the 70-y-old mark. The National Institute of Health Consensus Conference adopted the definition of osteoporosis as a skeletal disorder that is characterized by compromised bone strength leading to a predisposition for and an increased risk of fracture. Since osteoporotic fractures are the third-highest cause for becoming bedridden, the maintenance of healthy bones is an important factor in extending a person’s healthy lifespan. Bone mass is influenced by many factors, such as nutrition, physical activity, smoking and alcohol intake, as well as by genetic factors. Thus, a healthy diet providing balanced nutrients including calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K and protein, regular physical activity, and not smoking help maintain bone health and delay or prevent osteoporosis. Some functional foods containing soy isoflavones, milk basic protein and n-3 fatty acid may help promote bone health.

View full abstract

New Zealand is a rich source of food components that may have bioactivity on bone. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from fish oil has been shown to maintain bone in ovariectomised (OVX) rats. Kiwifruit, a source of fibre and carotenoids, may also affect bone via a prebiotic as well as direct cell-based mechanisms. We aimed to 1) ascertain the effects of DHA on two cell models, including interactions with soy isoflavones; 2) and investigate the specific effects of carotenoids from kiwifruit as well as whole kiwifruit in cell-based and rodent models as well as in a human study. RAW 264.7 mouse monocytes or mouse bone marrow was used to generate osteoclasts (OC). Cells were exposed to the agents between 5 and 21 d and formation and activity of OC measured, including molecular markers. DHA inhibited OC formation in both cell models, including expression of cathepsin K, NFATc1 as well as actin ring formation. Combination with isoflavones enhanced these effects. In OVX rats and mice fed with kiwifruit for 8 wk, green kiwifruit reduced the rate of bone loss after OVX, and in mice it reduced C-telopeptide of Type 1 collagen (CTX) levels and RANKL expression while in menopausal women, green kiwifruit affected blood lipids and bone markers positively.

View full abstract

Pyridine nucleotide coenzymes (PNCs) are involved in over 500 enzyme reactions. PNCs are biosynthesized from the amino acid L-tryptophan (L-Trp), as well as the vitamin niacin. Hence, “true” niacin-deficient animals cannot be “created” using nutritional techniques. We wanted to establish a truly niacin-deficient model animal using a protocol that did not involve manipulating dietary L-Trp. We generated mice that are missing the quinolinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase (QPRT) gene. QPRT activity was not detected in qprt^−/−mice. The qprt^+/+, qprt^+/− or qprt^−/− mice (8 wk old) were fed a complete diet containing 30 mg nicotinic acid (NiA) and 2.3 g L-Trp/kg diet or an NiA-free diet containing 2.3 g L-Trp/kg diet for 23 d. When qprt^−/−mice were fed a complete diet, food intake and body weight gain did not differ from those of the qprt^+/+ and the qprt^+/− mice. On the other hand, in the qprt^−/− mice fed the NiA-free diet, food intake and body weight were reduced to 60% (p<0.01) and 70% (p<0.05) of the corresponding values for the qprt^−/− mice fed the complete diet at day 23, respectively. The nutritional levels of niacin such as blood and liver NAD concentrations were also lower in the qprt^−/− mice than in the qprt^+/+ and the qprt^+/− mice. Urinary excretion of quinolinic acid was greater in the qprt^−/− mice than in the qprt^+/+ and the qprt^+/− mice (p<0.01). These data suggest that we generated truly niacin-deficient mice.

View full abstract

Folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism is an important therapeutic target of human diseases. We extensively investigated how gene-nutrient interactions may modulate human cancer risk in 2 major folate metabolic genes, MTHFR and GNMT. The biochemical impacts of MTHFR and GNMT on methyl group supply, global DNA methylation, nucleotide biosynthesis, DNA damage, and partitioning of the folate dependent 1-carbon group were carefully studied. The distinct model systems used included: EB virus-transformed lymphoblasts expressing human MTHFR polymorphic genotypes; liver-derived GNMT-null cell-lines with and without GNMT overexpression; and HepG2 cells with stabilized inhibition of MTHFR using shRNA, GNMT wildtype, heterozygotous (GNMT^het) and knockout (GNMT^nul) mice. We discovered that the MTHFR TT genotype significantly reduces folate-dependent remethylation under folate restriction, but it assists purine synthesis when folate is adequate. The advantage of de novo purine synthesis found in the MTHFR TT genotype may account for the protective effect of MTHFR in human hematological malignancies. GNMT affects transmethylation kinetics and S-adenosylmethionine (adoMet) synthesis, and facilitates the conservation of methyl groups by limiting homocysteine remethylation fluxes. Restoring GNMT assists methylfolate-dependent reactions and ameliorates the consequences of folate depletion. GNMT expression in vivo improves folate retention and bioavailability in the liver. Loss of GNMT impairs nucleotide biosynthesis. Over-expression of GNMT enhances nucleotide biosynthesis and improves DNA integrity by reducing uracil misincorporation in DNA both in vitro and in vivo. The systematic series of studies gives new insights into the underlying mechanisms by which MTHFR and GNMT may participate in human tumor prevention.

View full abstract

Cholesterol is a major component of membrane lipids. Thus, adjusting the membrane cholesterol composition is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Cholesterol biosynthesis and uptake by LDL receptors are tightly regulated at the transcriptional level through negative feedback control, which is mediated by sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs). In particular, SREBP-2 is activated in a cholesterol-dependent manner and, thus, is significantly involved in regulating the expression of those genes associated with cholesterol metabolism. Cholesterol metabolites such as oxysterols are involved in regulating sterol metabolism by binding to the nuclear receptor, liver X receptor (LXR). Cholesterol catabolites, i.e., bile acids, are agonists for another nuclear receptor, farnesoid X receptor (FXR), and a bile acid receptor, TGR5. Activated FXR regulates bile acid metabolism and TGR5 improves glucose metabolism through the actions of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).

View full abstract

Cholesterol is vital for human life, but its levels must be tightly regulated. Too little cholesterol leads to developmental disorders, but too much is widely appreciated as contributing to heart disease. Levels are regulated through the coordinated control of cholesterol synthesis, uptake and efflux. Here, we focus on cholesterol synthesis. The cholesterol synthesis pathway involves more than twenty enzymes, but most research so far has focused on a very early enzyme, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), a well characterised control point. This is largely because HMGCR is the target of the successful cholesterol-lowering drugs, the statins. Our recent work has examined several other enzymes in the pathway and revealed complex regulatory mechanisms that also contribute to the control of cholesterol synthesis. In this review, we discuss the transcriptional regulation of the two terminal enzymes, 7- and 24-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7 and DHCR24), where we have found that a cooperative transcriptional program exists. We also discuss the post-translational regulation of another critical enzyme, squalene monooxygenase (SM), which has its protein levels controlled by cholesterol, and DHCR24, which has its activity affected by sterols and related compounds, as well as via phosphorylation/signalling. There is an unforeseen complexity in the regulation of cholesterol synthesis which requires further investigation.

View full abstract

Bioactive food factors are considered to be critical for health promotion and play an important role in the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases. Metabolic syndrome, a typical common disease, is a cluster of metabolic disorders, such as abdominal obesity, the combination of hypertriglyceridemia and lower level of HDL, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, that contribute to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In addition, the incidence of metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely linked with the increase in inflammation and the disorders of lipid metabolism. The pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and related diseases is complicated. However, food factors have been recognized as contributing factors in the development and prevention of these diseases. Provocative evidence profoundly supports the preventive role of dietary bioactive lipids, polyphenols and other food ingredients. Recent studies suggest the central role of nuclear transcription factors in the pathogenesis of obesity and NAFLD. The goal of the present symposium is to enhance our understanding of cellular and molecular effects of bioactive food factors against obesity related pathogenesis.

View full abstract

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic disorders that contribute to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome is complicated, dietary lipids have been recognized as contributory factors in the development and the prevention of cardiovascular risk clustering. We investigated the physiological functions and molecular actions of functional lipids, especially omega3-polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-containing lipids, in the development of metabolic syndrome using obese model animals. Feeding of omega3-PUFA-containing lipids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, tetracosahexaenoic acid, and omega3-phosphatidylcholine, alleviated hepatic lipid accumulation through the suppression of lipogenic gene expression in the liver. Additionally, dietary omega3-PUFA-containing lipids increased serum adiponectin levels in obese animal models. Their molecular actions in the prevention and alleviation of metabolic syndrome could be attributed to the regulation of the activity or abundance of several transcriptional factors in the liver and adipose tissue. Dietary functional lipids would be useful to prevent or alleviate metabolic syndrome in obese animals. In particular, the function of omega3-containing lipids as dietary adiponectin inducers deserves attention with respect to alleviation of metabolic syndrome by dietary manipulation.

View full abstract

Kyoto cuisine has a long history and its traditions have been practiced for hundreds of years. In Kyoto, a group of scientists and renowned chefs strives to better understand traditional Kyoto cuisine in order to foster culinary innovation within traditional Kyoto cuisine. We launched a research project in April 2009 using a specially equipped “laboratory-kitchen” located in Kyoto University. Chefs chose a variety of topics related to basic concepts and techniques for cooking. We conducted culinary experimentation, thorough analysis, and diligent discussion on each topic for approximately 6 mo. In the symposium, chefs will present the results of their experiments, discussing their techniques and bringing samples of final products.

View full abstract

Kyoto’s chefs have reacted proactively to changes brought about by the most recent phase of globalization, hoping to ensure the continued existence and resonance of Kyoto cuisine by using science to adapt it to contemporary circumstances. These chefs are breaking new ground in their pursuit of a scientific understanding of how Kyoto cuisine works. They meet once a month in a kitchen laboratory at Kyoto University to present and analyze culinary experiments in keeping with a predetermined theme. They use their acquired knowledge to more precisely hone their culinary skills and to explain Kyoto cuisine to a global audience. Chefs visit local elementary schools, appear on national television, and welcome chefs from abroad into their kitchens so that people across the world will better understand what authentic Kyoto cuisine consists of. Although these chefs’ efforts are groundbreaking, there is also remarkable continuity to their approach. Not only has Kyoto cuisine always been in a steady state of transformation, but the chefs in the Laboratory are engaging with science and a global audience specifically so that they can ascertain Kyoto cuisine’s continued existence and importance. Though their means of understanding and articulating what Kyoto cuisine is differs from that of their predecessors, concepts like shun (seasonality) and hin (refinement) still guide chefs today. Ultimately, then, based on interviews and participant observation conducted in and outside of the Japanese Cuisine Laboratory in 2012 and 2013, I argue that by engaging with contemporary food science, Kyoto’s chefs achieve a strategic balance of protecting their culinary heritage while adapting it to contemporary circumstances.

View full abstract

Salt is an essential ingredient to enhance the flavour of food products. However, high salt intake has been linked to cardiovascular diseases. Methods to reduce salt in food products based on product structuring have gained increasing attention in the past few years. These methods attempt to deliver as much salt as possible from the food products to the taste buds without increasing the salt content in the products. This paper gives a brief review of the different product structuring methods that influence how the salt is released from the food matrix and/or how the salt is transported to the taste receptors.

View full abstract

Consumers are becoming increasingly fastidious in demanding food products with improved quality and functionality. This largely relies on rational design of food structures. As the two key food ingredients, protein and polysaccharides play important roles in food structuring. The combination of protein and polysaccharide provides rich opportunities for food structure and function designs through molecular interaction and assembly. This paper provides a brief review on the formation and characterization of protein/polysaccharide electrostatic complexes and their applications in stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions, particularly those containing polyunsaturated fatty acids.

View full abstract

Recently, the associations between insufficiency of fat soluble vitamins and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been reported. Vitamin D affects the cardiovascular system via several pathways, such as suppression of parathyroid hormone, the renin- angiotensin-aldosterone system and vascular endothelial growth and the immune system. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have shown the association between the concentration of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), which is a vitamin D metabolite indicating nutritional vitamin D status, and hypertension, myocardial infarction, heart failure and CVD mortality. On the other hand, the association between vitamin K status and CVDs, especially vascular calcification, has been also reported. Cross-sectional and cohort studies show that high vitamin K status is associated with reduced coronary artery calcification, CVDs and mortality risk. Epidemiological and basic studies indicate that vitamin K possesses a benefit in the prevention of the progression of coronary artery calcification via activation of matrix-gla protein (MGP). While these data in epidemiological and basic studies suggest the protective role of vitamin D and K in CVDs, the benefits of supplementation of both vitamins have not been validated in randomized controlled trials. Further basic and interventional studies are needed to confirm the benefit of both vitamins in protection against CVDs.

View full abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasing problem worldwide. The number of end-stage renal disease patients requiring treatment by dialysis is estimated to be increasing by 10,000 patients per year in Japan. Furthermore, an estimated 13 million people are living with CKD in Japan. Various complications are associated with CKD, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). More than one-third of CKD patients die from CVD. Thus, prevention of CVD is a primary concern for the treatment of CKD patients. CKD-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is a serious complication that typically leads to CVD. Hyperphosphatemia is thought to be a central-risk factor for CKD-MBD. Therefore, managing hyperphosphatemia is crucial to prevent CKD-MBD and CVD. It is difficult to achieve the target serum phosphate level through dietary modifications alone in patients with hyperphosphatemia, because most foods contain phosphate. Thus, phosphate binders such as calcium carbonate are commonly prescribed to CKD patients with hyperphosphatemia, but these have undesirable side effects. Inhibition of intestinal phosphate transport activity has also been investigated as an alternative approach for controlling serum phosphate levels in CKD patients. Nicotinamide, which is the amide of niacin, can inhibit intestinal phosphate transport. Niacin and related compounds have also been developed as drugs for hyperlipidemia conditions, especially hypertriglyceridemia with low high-density lipoprotein. This type of dyslipidemia is frequently observed in CKD patients and is a modifiable risk factor for CVD. Thus, niacin and related compounds may have utility for the treatment of both hyperphosphatemia and dyslipidemia in CKD patients to prevent CVD.

View full abstract

Viewed from a global perspective, Japan is often considered a country where the progression towards a low birthrate and longevity has been prominent. In 2007, the ratio of the aged population reached 21.5%, propelling Japan into the classification of a super aging society. The long-term care insurance system in Japan was initiated in the year 2000, as a general long-term care service system for the whole society, covering the nutrition, medical care, and welfare fields. The goal of nutrition in an aged society is the extension of healthy life expectancy. The ratio of elderly citizens with malnutrition is high. Due to the loss of teeth, and a decrease in digestive and physical functions, there is often a decrease in appetite, and the inability to obtain enough nutrition for physical homeostasis is related to such conditions as frailty and the partial loss of physical functions due to sarcopenia, as well as a decrease in the quality of life (QOL). The elderly can easily fall into a state of protein and energy malnutrition (PEM), due to a variety of causes. Accordingly, it is important to adopt an appropriate approach that ensures a correct understanding of the causes of malnutrition and the special characteristics of malnutrition in the elderly.

View full abstract

Background: One of the National Center for Geriatric Health-Research Institute (NCGH-RI) mission is to be the leader in innovative health care approaches to improve the quality of life of the Senior Citizens in the country, and one of its strategies to attain its mission is to look into at how it can promote clinical outcomes in conditions that are prevalent in this population. One such condition that has been identified is “Sarcopenia” which up to this point has been the subject of intensive research both in basic and clinical levels. However, it is still not part of the daily routine clinical experience of medical providers both in the ambulatory or out-patient and acute or in-patient encounter. To achieve this, the NCHG-RI has included it in the screening for geriatric syndromes using the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA).

View full abstract

Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology are applied to Food and Nutrition. Various delivery systems include nanoemulsions, microemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, micelles, and liposomes. The nanoscale systems have advantages, such as higher bioavailabitity, and other physicochemical properties. The symposium will provide an overview of the formulation, characterization, and utilization of nanotechnology-based food and nutrition.

View full abstract

More than 2 billion individuals globally suffer some degree of deficiency of one or more micronutrients, with the largest numbers in Africa and Asia. Fortification of foods with vitamins and minerals is a proven public health intervention. In Asia, salt iodization, fortified flour and condiments such as fish sauce and soy sauce are reaching hundreds of millions. However, many individuals still do not have adequate intakes of numerous micronutrients, and better fortification strategies and practices will help to alleviate these deficiencies. The International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) has supported research and scientific dialog about technical and health issues related to micronutrients. Recent studies have indicated widespread vitamin D deficiency among children in SE Asia, and in India. A new trial shows the efficacy of vitamin D-fortified milk in addressing deficiencies, which may have applicability in school feeding programs in India and other parts of Asia. Infant nutrition is also critical, and complementary foods can play an important role after exclusive breastfeeding in providing critical nutrients. A formulation developed in China, Ying Yang Bao, has shown significant reduction of anemia and improved growth in infants. Fortification in Asia has the potential to greatly reduce micronutrient deficiencies and improve health, but more structured efforts are needed to achieve these goals.

View full abstract

Ying Yang Bao (YYB) is a soybean powder-based complementary food supplement containing vitamin A, D, B₁, B₂, B₆, folic acid, calcium, iron and zinc. YYB can be used as a home fortification product in complementary feeding through adding it to porridge, noodles and other homemade complementary foods. YYB has been evidenced improving nutrition status such as a decrease in anemia, low weight and stunting, while demonstrating an increasing cognitive performance in 6- to 24-mo-old infants in a series of observations in poor rural regions in China. In 2012, the Ministry of Health initialed the project “Improving Children’s Nutrition in Poor Regions,” targeted to cover all 6- to 24-mo-old infants with YYB in poor rural counties integrated with distribution of nutrition knowledge to the guardians. By the end of 2014, Chinese government had continuously invested 400 million RMB for purchase of YYB product and distribution to the families in 300 poor counties and 12 million infants had been covered. Monitoring and evaluation data conducted by China CDC in 1,800 infants and their guardians from 6 counties in Shanxi, Yunnan and Hubei provinces showed on average: the anemia rate significantly dropped from 32.9% to 26.0%, the stunting rate from 10.1% to 8.4%, the diarrhea rate from 14.2% to 9.4%, and the cost for clinic payment from 98.8 RMB to 74.4 RMB, while the nutrition knowledge of guardians increased from 29.6% to 38.5% after 1 year’s intervention of the project from March, 2013 to March, 2014. The consumption duration is 7.2 mo, coverage of YYB is 85.9% and application of YYB is 52.0%. The project planned to invest 500 million RMB for 2015 to enlarge the coverage to 341 counties, and about 137 million infants will benefit.

View full abstract

In the recent years there has been a proliferation of initiatives to classify food products according to their nutritional composition (e.g., high in fat/sugar) to better guide consumer choices and regulate the food environment. This global trend, lately introduced in Asia as well, utilizes nutrient profiling (NP) to set compositional criteria for food products. Even though the use of NP to set targets for product reformulation has been proposed for years, to date only two NP systems have been specifically developed for that purpose. The majority of the NP applications, especially in Asia, focus on marketing and/or health claim regulation, as well as front-of-pack labeling. Product reformulation has been identified, by the World Health Organization and other official bodies, as a key tool for the food industry to help address public health nutrition priorities and provide support towards the reduction of excessive dietary sugar, salt and fats. In the United Kingdom, the Responsibility Deal is an excellent example of a public-private collaborative initiative that successfully reduced the salt content of products available in the supermarkets by 20-30%, resulting in an estimated 10% reduction in salt intake at the population level. Validation of NP systems targeted towards reformulation supports the hypothesis that, by adopting them, the industry can actively support existing policies in the direction of lowering consumptions in public health-sensitive nutrients. The symposium presented a discussion on the current NP landscape in Asia, the importance of reformulation for public health and the Nestlé approach to improve the food environment in Asia through NP.

View full abstract

Food intake studies have a long history. However, until a few decades ago, there was limited quantitative data on feeding patterns and food intake in infants and children living in South Asia. The recent SEANUT study and MING study have provided several new insights into the dietary patterns of children living in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The complexity and variety of Asian diets makes the collation of dietary information a challenge. The double burden of under-nutrition and over-nutrition is prevalent in many Asian countries. Compared to obesity, stunting is widespread in South East Asia. Our future challenge is to develop food intake assessment techniques which can be refined and made available as a common dietary assessment tool across this region. Successful nutritional intervention can only be achieved if we know what Asian children eat. Dietary intake research will be a key factor in realizing our goal to eradicate malnutrition in this region.

View full abstract

Over a third of all deaths of children under the age of five are linked to undernutrition. At a 90% coverage level, a core group of ten interventions inclusive of infant and young child nutrition could save one million lives of children under 5 y of age (15% of all deaths) (Lancet 2013). The infant and young child nutrition package alone could save over 220,000 lives in children under 5 y of age. High quality proteins (e.g. milk) in complementary, supplementary and rehabilitation food products have been found to be effective for good growth. Individual amino acids such as lysine and arginine have been found to be factors linked to growth hormone release in young children via the somatotropic axis and high intakes are inversely associated with fat mass index in pre-pubertal lean girls. Protein intake in early life is positively associated with height and weight at 10 y of age. This paper will focus on examining the role of protein and amino acids in infant and young child nutrition by examining protein and amino acid needs in early life and the subsequent relationship with stunting.

View full abstract

Prevention of malnutrition in infants and children is multifaceted and requires the following: access to and intake of nutritious food starting at birth with exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 mo of life, continued breastfeeding in combination with complementary foods from 6-24 mo of age, access to clean drinking water and sanitation, and access to preventive and curative health care (including prenatal). Nutrient-dense complementary foods can improve nutritional status and have long-term benefits; however, in a review of plant-based complementary foods in developing countries, most of them failed to meet many micronutrient requirements. There is need to provide other cost-effective alternatives to increase the quality of the diet during the complementary feeding stage of the lifecycle. This paper provides an overview of the development, testing, efficacy and effectiveness of the delivery of KOKO Plus on the growth and nutritional status of infants 6-24 mo of age.

View full abstract

It is widely documented that the intake of a micronutrient-dense food can be a challenge in environments where populations do not have sufficient purchasing power, full access to affordable nutritious foods, nutrition knowledge, or access to safe water, healthcare and hygienic living conditions. Micronutrient deficiencies during the critical 1000-day period have negative consequences for the cognitive and physical development of children, as well as longer-lasting effects on productivity and economic potential during adulthood. Accurate data on nutrition and health is largely lacking in many countries, which compromises the targeting of nutrition interventions to those in need. To overcome the problems of targeting the interventions, countries rely on the sketchy data that is available at the national level and lean also on international information systems. One of the efforts to stimulate greater investments and attention from policy- and decision-makers to eliminate micronutrient deficiencies in high-burden countries is the Hidden Hunger Index (HHI) launched in 2013 by Sight and Life, and recently updated to provide net changes from 1995-2011. The HHI and maps capture the magnitude of micronutrient deficiencies in countries and their contribution to the disease burden and social and economic development. These analyses are also critical for informing and tracking the impact of policy and programmatic efforts to reduce micronutrient deficiencies, and to advance the global and national nutrition agenda. Finally, our work highlights the lack of data available to measure and track micronutrient status. There is an urgent need to invest in (micronutrient) nutrition data collection to develop comprehensive information systems.

View full abstract

Micronutrient deficiencies are still a public health problem in Vietnam. The Government of Vietnam has taken several steps to improve the situation through issuing supportive policy documents over the last several decades. Food fortification is an important complementary strategy to help bridge the nutrient gap in the population. Currently technical regulations are in place and food fortification is taking place on a voluntary basis, along with other complementary targeted programs including home fortification of complementary foods with micronutrient powders and a communications campaign to reach adolescent girls. These have been built on innotative partnerships with industries on a voluntary, market basis. Other innovative targeted nutrition programs are also being piloted, including a micronutrient supplement project in four provinces and a campain to reach adolescent girls through sports. High level political commitment and resources is a crucial element to scale up in Vietnam. A micronutrient survey planned in 2015 will help provide the evidence to support a possible mandatory decree on food fortification. Vietnam has built a solid foundation in order to scale up its national food fortification program in the future to reach the majority of the population with improved intakes of iron, vitamin A, zinc, and iodine.

View full abstract