The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of types of protein-based microcapsules and storage at various ambient temperatures on the survival of Lactobacillus acidophilus during exposure to simulated gastrointestinal tract and on the change in thermo-tolerance during heating treatment. The encapsulating materials were prepared using emulsions of protein (sodium caseinate, soy protein isolate, or pea protein), vegetable oil, and glucose, with maltodextrin was used as a wall material. The formulations were heated at 90 °C for 30 min to develop Maillard substances prior to being incorporated with L. acidophilus. The mixtures were then spray dried. The microspheres were stored at 25, 30, and 35 °C for 8 wk and examined every 4 wk. The addition of proteins as encapsulating materials demonstrated a significant protective effect (P < 0.05) as compared to the control sample. Sodium caseinate and soy protein isolate appeared more effective than pea protein in protecting the bacteria after spray drying and during the storage at different room temperatures. Storage at 35 °C resulted in a significant decrease in survival at end of storage period regardless the type of encapsulating materials. The addition of protein-based materials also enhanced the survival of L. acidophilus during exposure to simulated gastrointestinal condition as compared to the control. After spray drying and after 0th wk storage, casein, soy protein isolate, and pea protein-based formulations protected the bacteria during heat treatment. In fact, a significant decrease in thermal tolerance was inevitable after 2 wk of storage at 25 °C.

Background Rural coastal communities in Sabah are still overly represented in the hardcore poor economic status. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia among adults, in relation to economic status. Methods A cross-sectional study using stratified random sampling was conducted in seven coastal villages in Semporna, Sabah: Kabogan Laut, Salimbangun, Pekalangan, Pokas, Tampi-Tampi Timbayan, Sum Sum and Selinggit. Socio-demographic data were obtained via interviewer administered questionnaires in Sabah Malay creole. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and blood lipids were obtained. Results A total of 330 adults (133 males, 197 females) completed the study. Mean age was 43.7 ± 15.8 years. Most participants (87%) were living below the Poverty Line Income. Median per capita household income was RM83.33/month (≈ USD20/month). The number of newly diagnosed cases of hypercholesterolemia was 40.6%, diabetes mellitus was 5.8%, and hypertension was 24.5%. Adults from the hardcore poor economic status (household income ≤RM760/month (≈USD183/month) were the most represented in those who did not have a blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipids check in the 12 months preceding the study (Χ 2 , p < 0.01). Adults from hardcore poor economic status were also the most represented in undiagnosed hypertension and uncontrolled blood pressure among those diagnosed (Χ 2 , p = 0.013). Among diabetics from the hardcore poor group, the undiagnosed fasting blood glucose was 11.2 ± 4.5 compared to 5.1 ± 0.6 mmol/L for diagnosed diabetics (p < 0.001). Among hypercholesterolemics from the hardcore poor group, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol values were significantly higher in the undiagnosed group compared to the diagnosed group (p < 0.001). Conclusion Many people in this rural coastal community were unaware that they had high cholesterol level (40.6%) and elevated blood pressure (24.5%). Routine health check is not common among low income adults in rural coastal communities in Semporna. The findings suggest public health initiatives should emphasize access to and the necessity of routine health checks for those aged 40 years.

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in many countries around the world.Preventing and treating obesity is becoming an increasing priority due to dissatisfaction with high costs and hazardous side effects of anti-obesity drugs. This study was designed to investigate the anti-obesity properties of the Sabah brown seaweed, Sargassum polycystum, on body weight and blood plasma levels of rats fed a high-fat diet supplemented with different doses of the seaweed powder. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups, representing control negative (CN) group,

The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant activity, total phenolics, and total flavonoid content of six freeze dried wild edible plants, namely Helminthostachys zeylanica, Schismatoglottis ahmadii, Heckeria umbelatum, Lasia spinosa, Gonostegia hirta, and Aniseia martinicense from Sabah, Malaysia. All leaves had higher levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity than stems and flowers for all extracts, except the stem of Gonostegia hirta. Integrated antioxidant activity index showed the leaf of Heckeria umbellatum and Aniseia martinicense possessed the highest antioxidant activity for all extracts. Principal component analysis identified that the phenolic group present in the hot water and methanolic extracts was the main factor for higher values observed in oxygen radical absorbance capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. These wild edible plants are good natural sources of antioxidants to be incorporated as functional ingredients in the food industry.

No abstract