Institute of Nutrition and Food Science

Association of socioeconomic condition with serum uric acid, urea & creatinine profile of women reproductive age in some selected areas of Bangladesh

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Association of socioeconomic condition with serum uric acid, urea & creatinine profile of women reproductive age in some selected areas of Bangladesh Ara, Ferdous Background: In the human body the kidney plays a significant role in the homeostatic mechanism. Any disruption in kidney functionality is reflected through high levels of serum creatinine, urea and uric acid. Disruption in kidney functionality can be associated with the nutritional status of a population and their socioeconomic conditions. However, information is limited on the association between socioeconomic conditions and abnormal kidney function markers in women of reproductive age (WRA). Therefore, the goal of the study was to determine the association of socioeconomic condition and nutritional status with serum uric acid, urea and creatinine of WRA in selected areas of Bangladesh. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was directed among 178 WRA in different places of Bangladesh (rural Chittagong, rural Gazipur, Meherpur and Kushtia, Shatkhira). Data on demographic, socioeconomic and anthropometric variables were collected. Blood samples were also collected. DIALAB GmbH semi-automatic biochemistry analyzer DTN-405 (Austria) was used to conduct biochemical tests of the blood samples. Logistic regression analysis was used to control the association between kidney function abnormalities and associated factors. Results: The study results showed that about 23.6% of the study participants were underweight, 56.7 % had normal body mass index (BMI) whereas 19.7% of participants were overweight or obese. The average (mean ± SD) serum levels (mg/dl) were 5.74±2.07 for uric acid, 17.93±9.83 for urea, and 0.89±0.28 for creatinine and 92.18±35.86 mL/min/1.73 m² for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Elevated levels of creatinine, uric acid, and urea were observed in 27%, 31.5%, and 41% of the participants, respectively. Additionally, chronic kidney disease (CKD) vi was identified in 18% of the participants. Overall, normal kidney function markers were found among about 31% of the respondents, while 5% showed elevated levels for all three markers. The odds of having at least one or more elevated kidney function markers were significantly higher (AOR=2.8; 95% CI: 1.22-6.42; p < 0.05) among individuals with a BMI greater than 18.5 kg/m² compared to underweight women. After adjusting for related factors, BMI was found to be significantly associated with the risk of elevated kidney function markers. Conclusion: The study found that only one-third of the WRA had all normal kidney function markers. After adjusting for related factors BMI was found to be significantly associated with the risk of elevated kidney function markers. The findings highlight alarming information about women’s health and suggest that routine analysis is desirable to improve women’s health in our country. Further studies are required with a larger sample size to understand deeply and assist the relevant ministries in policy making. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy.

Diet Quality and Affordability of Healthy Diets among Workers of Selected Garments Industries in Bangladesh

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Diet Quality and Affordability of Healthy Diets among Workers of Selected Garments Industries in Bangladesh Afrin, Shazia Background: The ready-made garment (RMG) sector is key to Bangladesh's economy, significantly contributing to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign exchange earnings. However, RMG workers, predominantly women, face critical challenges related to health, nutrition, and productivity. Despite their socio-economic importance, research on diet quality and the affordability of nutritious diets by RMG workers remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the diet quality as well as the affordability of healthy diets among RMG workers of selected garment industries in Bangladesh. Methods: This study used baseline survey data from the “Strengthening Workers' Access to Pertinent Nutrition Opportunities” (SWAPNO) project, funded by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). A secondary analysis was conducted on cross-sectional data collected from 801 RMG workers (333 males and 468 females) employed in two apparel industries in Dhaka and Mymensingh. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, dietary intake (assessed using the 24-hour recall method), nutrient adequacy, and micronutrient intake expressed as a percentage of the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) were evaluated, along with anthropometric measurements. Nutritional status was assessed using body mass index (BMI) classified according to both World Health Organization and Asian-specific criteria. The affordability of a healthy diet was evaluated, and statistical analyses were performed to examine associations between diet quality, nutritional status, mean probability of adequacy (MPA), and relevant socioeconomic factors. Results: Among the 801 RMG workers studied, 58.4% were female, and 90.3% were aged 18 to 34 years. Female workers generally had lower educational attainment and income levels compared to males. The dietary analysis showed a heavy reliance on calorie-dense foods, particularly rice, with a low intake of fruits, vegetables, and pulses. Macronutrient distribution indicated excessive carbohydrate intake (67.0% of total energy), while fat intake was often below ideal levels in 43.4% of participants (less than 15% of total energy). Calcium consumption among RMG workers was alarmingly low, with most consuming less than 50% of the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). Similarly, intakes of iron, zinc, riboflavin, and vitamin A are at or below the EAR, viii indicating a high risk of inadequacies. While niacin and folate exceeded the EAR, vitamin C intake was highly variable. A dual burden of malnutrition was observed, with 7.4% of workers underweight and 21.5% overweight or obese based on Global WHO BMI standards, while it was 44% overweight or obese based on WHO Asian BMI standards. The logistic regression analysis showed that the mean probability of adequacy (MPA) for micronutrients was significantly higher among RMG workers in Mymensingh (AOR 1.68, p = 0.004) and among those aged 25 to 34 years (AOR 1.40, p = 0.049), while other socio-economic factors had no significant effect. Regarding the affordability of healthy diet, this study found that most workers could afford energy-sufficient diets; however, 68% of the workers were unable to afford a healthy diet due to economic constraints. Logistic regression analysis further showed that higher income (BDT > 13,000), smaller household size, and the presence of multiple earning members were significantly associated with better affordability of a healthy diet. Conclusion: This study highlights significant nutritional challenges among RMG workers in Bangladesh, marked by widespread micronutrient inadequacy and a dual burden of malnutrition, particularly among female workers. Economic barriers remain a critical impediment to accessing healthy diets. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve diet quality, address micronutrient inadequacies, and promote balanced macronutrient intake while addressing affordability constraints. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy.

Composition of plant polyphenolics in local cereals and pseudograins and their bioactivity

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Composition of plant polyphenolics in local cereals and pseudograins and their bioactivity Rupa, Anjum Zerin Cereals and pseudocereals are increasingly acknowledged for their abundant polyphenolic chemicals, which exhibit advantageous health-promoting qualities, particularly in the prevention and management of non-communicable illnesses such as hyperlipidemia. Due to their higher profiles of antioxidants, flavonoids, dietary fibers, and other bioactive constituents, these grains are frequently utilized as functional foods globally. Cereal crops, including rice, wheat, maize, oats, barley, bajra, and millets (proso and foxtail), are extensively cultivated and consumed in Bangladesh, supported by established agronomic systems and governmental agricultural initiatives. In contrast, pseudocereals—quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), chia (Salvia hispanica), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), and amaranth—exhibit limited production, consumption, and research activity. Despite their nutritional and medicinal benefits, pseudo-cereals are significantly undervalued in Bangladeshi cuisine. Current market trends indicate a probable transition towards an expanded national grain inventory as domestically cultivated pseudograins—such as chia, quinoa, cheena, and kaon—become increasingly accessible. A thorough nutritional and phytochemical analysis of both conventional cereals and novel pseudograins growing in Bangladesh is urgently required to facilitate this transformation. The ethnographic study examined the production, utilization, and socio-cultural significance of several cereals and pseudograins in Bangladesh, alongside their functional potential through biochemical analysis. The research examined the macronutrient composition of grains, total flavonoid and phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity. The in vitro assessment of their lipase inhibitory properties facilitated the determination of their potential function in regulating lipid metabolism. The study intends to ascertain the functional importance of cereals and pseudocereals in dietary management, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, and the prevention of v chronic diseases, particularly hyperlipidemia, in Bangladesh by integrating ethnographic knowledge with biochemical investigation. Methodology A qualitative, exploratory, longitudinal ethnographic study was undertaken to evaluate the production, consumption, and distribution patterns of cereals and pseudocereals throughout Bangladesh. Focus group discussions were employed to identify the patterns in local agriculture and utilization. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the proximate composition, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total tanin content (TTC), antioxidant activity (via DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays), and polyphenol profiles employing HPLC-DAD screening. The lipase inhibitory activity was evaluated using the ELISA technique, and the I ₅₀ values were derived rom the absorbance o sample extracts at varying concentrations. Regression analyses were conducted to ascertain the correlation between the dose-dependent sample concentration and lipase enzyme inhibition. Results Ethnographic research indicated that 85% of black rice, 80% of red rice, and 99% of buckwheat were sold locally, while 100% of quinoa and chia production was still in the experimental phase. Cheena and kaon had the greatest protein content among cereals, at 13.48% and 13.55%, respectively, although chia and quinoa revealed elevated amounts of protein, fat, and dietary fiber, with chia at 22.40% protein. Black rice and yellow buckwheat exhibited enhanced antioxidant capabilities and phenolic contents. The highest concentration of TPC, TFC, TAC and TTC were observed in two pigmented rice sample extracts (red and black) among cereal samples and two types of buckwheat extracts (yellow and black) among pseudograin samples, respectively. HPLC profiling verified elevated concentrations of epicatechin in quinoa and red vi rice. Lipase inhibition experiments indicated that black rice (I ₅₀ = 10.25 ± 1.06 mg/mL) and yellow buckwheat (I ₅₀ = 15.69 ± 1.09 mg/mL) exhibited significant inhibitory effects relative to the standard epicatechin (I ₅₀ = 0.320 ± 0.90 mg/mL). Regression analysis demonstrated substantial correlations (P < 0.05) between polyphenolic content and lipase inhibition in red aman rice (R² = 0.9685), quinoa (F) (R² = 0.9646) and yellow buckwheat (R² = 0.9442), signifying robust predictive associations. Conclusion This extensive investigation shows that Bangladeshi cereal and pseudograins contain bioactive compounds with nutritional and therapeutic significance. Black rice, red aman rice, chia, quinoa, and yellow buckwheat displayed high total phenolic and flavonoid contents, strong DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP tests, and increased reducing power. HPLC profiling identified the presence of distinct polyphenols, including (-) epicatechin in red aman rice and quinoa. Several grains, including black rice (I ₅₀ = 10.25 mg/mL), yellow buckwheat (15.69 mg/mL), and quinoa (23.70 mg/mL), showed significant pancreatic lipase inhibition, suggesting a role in lipid metabolism. A regression research ound strong correlations (R² > 0.94, P < 0.05) between polyphenol content in methanolic extracts and lipase inhibition activity in red aman rice, quinoa, and yellow buckwheat. Despite their health advantages, pseudocereals are underrepresented in national agriculture and food systems. The results clearly imply including nutrient-dense, bioactive-rich cereals and pseudocereals in public nutrition and agro-food policy frameworks in Bangladesh to boost dietary diversity, chronic illnesses (hyperlipidemia) and sustainable agriculture This thesis is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Effects of Vitamin-D 3 Supplement on the Cognitive Status in Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Neuropsychiatric Phenomenon

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Effects of Vitamin-D 3 Supplement on the Cognitive Status in Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Neuropsychiatric Phenomenon Sultana, Nasreen Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complicated autoimmune illness that affects several organ systems, including the central nervous system. Neuropsychiatric (NP) SLE (NPSLE) is characterized by neurological and psychiatric symptoms such as cognitive dysfunction, mood problems, and seizures, and has been linked to severe impairments in memory, attention, and executive functioning can lead to altered brain perfusion. Vitamin D3 has shown promise in neuro-protection and cognitive improvement, which may benefit NPSLE patients. This study investigates the effects of Vitamin D3 supplementation on cognitive function and brain perfusion in NPSLE patients. Material & Methods This randomized controlled trial (RCT) included NPSLE patients (N=72), divided into an intervention group (n=34) receiving Vitamin D3 supplementation, and a control group (n=38) without supplementation. Baseline and six-month evaluations of serum Vitamin D levels, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, and brain perfusion using Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging (Z-scores) were conducted at National Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Science (NINMAS), Dhaka. The intervention group received 40,000 IU of Vitamin D3/week for six weeks, followed by a maintenance dose of 2000 IU/day for three months, along with standard SLE management. Both verbal and written informed consent was obtained, and adherence was encouraged through weekly reminders via text or calls. After six months, outcomes were analyzed to assess the impact of Vitamin D3 on cognitive function and brain perfusion in NPSLE patients. xv Results Baseline characteristics (age, gender, BMI, and waist-to-hip ratio/WHR) were indifferent (P>0.05) between groups (Control vs. cases). No significant differences (P>0.05) were found between groups in age (28.24±7.18 vs. 26.32±7.94,), gender distribution (predominantly female), BMI (19.0±1.4 vs.19.2±2.0,), and waist-to-hip ratio (0.78±0.11 vs. 0.76±0.10). Moreover, at baseline, vitamin D levels were low and similar across both groups (14.5±5.3 ng/ml vs. 16.2±4.9, p=0.173). After the study period, a significant (p<0.001) increase in vitamin D3 levels (28.3±5.3 ng/ml) was observed in the intervention group as compared to controls (15.1±3.4 ng/ml), indicating effective supplementation. Moreover, at baseline, MMSE scores were similar (24.1±1.7 vs. 24.3±1.5) between groups (P=0.677) while at the end line, the intervention group (26.5±1.4) showed a significant improvement in MMSE scores than control (23.8±2.25; p<0.001). This suggests a positive effect of Vitamin D3 supplementation on cognitive function. Brain perfusion was analyzed using SPECT imaging techniques (Z-scores), and at baseline, abnormal perfusion was prevalent in both groups (81.6% vs. 88.2%, P=.522), primarily in the frontal, parietal lobes, and precuneus regions (z-score: 1.4 vs. 1.46, P=0.549). This baseline homogeneity indicates effective randomization and establishes comparable initial conditions between the study groups. However, at the end line, mean z-scores were insignificantly (P=.457) higher in the control group (n=13, z-scores=1.84) than intervention group (n=21, z- scores=1.66) while 65.8% (n=25) of the Brain SPECT of the controls were not available at end line, as compared to cases (n=13). On top of that, significant between-group differences emerged in performing perfusion test results (Fisher’s exact test= 6.997, p = 0.028) when considered comparison in missing cases between groups, which indicates among available controls (n=13), eleven xvi showed abnormal brain perfusion. Furthermore, the intervention group demonstrated distinct patterns of perfusion compared to controls, suggesting a potential effect of Vitamin D3 supplementation on cerebral perfusion parameters. These findings suggest that despite the study groups (intervention vs. control) exhibited indifferent (all P>0.05) vitamin D3 levels, MMSE scores, and perfusion characteristics at the baseline, significant differences emerged between groups especially in the MMSE-scores (small effect size, Partial eta squared=.460 for MMSE between case and. control) attributable to the effective vitamin D3 supplementation (High effect size, Partial eta squared=.714 for Vitamin D, Case vs. control) following the intervention period (6-months). Conclusion Vitamin D3 supplementation led to substantial improvements in serum vitamin D levels, cognitive function (MMSE scores), and brain perfusion in the intervention group. These findings support the potential role of Vitamin D3 as an adjunctive therapy in NPSLE, enhancing cognitive performance and cerebral perfusion. Further studies are recommended to validate these results and assess the long-term benefits of Vitamin D3 in managing NPSLE-related cognitive impairment This thesis is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.