Iftikhar Alam

Abstract: The major micronutrients and heavy metals accumulation in soil and leaves irrigated with wastewater in Loquat, Peach, Apricot, Plum and pear orchards at Pandu (in district Peshawar) were studied during 2004. The soil samples were collected from two depths 0-30cm and 30-60cm. A total of 10 composite soil samples (mixing of 10-15 sampling) each for both depths from each orchard, along with 5 composite plant leaves and water samples were collected. All the samples were analyzed for macronutrients (N, P, and K) and micronutrients (Cu, Zn, and Mn) and heavy metals (Ni, Cd, and Pb). The average values of N, P, K, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, Cd, and Pb were found to be 0.04%, 1.04, 49.25, 2.50, 0.27, 2.09, 0.47, 0.32 and 1.09 mg kg-1 , respectively in 0-30cm soil depth where as 0.03%, 0.66, 78.01, 3.55, 0.35, 2.27, 0.47, 6.26 and 1.52 mg kg-1 , respectively were found in 30-60cm soil depth. The differences in nutrients accumulation were non- significant (using t-test at P< 0.05) between these two soil depths for all micronutrients except P. The macronutrients (N, P and K) in soil, and only N in leaves were deficient; where as P and K accumulation in leaves were adequate. Micro nutrients accumulations in leaves of various orchards were adequate in comparison to P(0.13-0.35), K(2.5-3.0), N(2.0-2.5), Zn(2-150), Cu(5-20), Mn(20-50), Ni(6-10), Cd(0.02), and Pb(2.0) mg kg-1 critical values in plants leaves , while Ni and Cd were high. Cu, Zn, and Mn concentration in wastewater were adequate where as Ni, Cd, and Pb was higher than the standard. Additional N application along with micronutrients and wastewater application may be better to use for improving nutritional status of the study area.

Abstract: Aims: To find out the dietary patterns and nutrient and energy intakes of school going children and nursing mothers from the Christian minorities of Peshawar. Methods: A total of 259 individuals (186 children mean age 7.21±1.28 yrs and 73 nursing mothers mean age 37.6 ±4.7 yrs) of 68 families were included in the study. Information regarding dietary patterns and food intakes were obtained and recorded in a pre-tested questionnaire. Nutrients were calculated using food composition tables . Percent adequacy for each nutrient was calculated dividing the total nutrient content by the value of recommended daily allowance(RDA) for that nutrient and multiplying with 100. Results: Children and mothers of the Christian communities consumed almost the same types of diets that are consumed by the general population of the country. Rice, wheat bread, meat, pulses, vegetable curry, and tea were the main constituents of the diets used by these subjects. The nutrients were calculated from actual ingredients used for dish preparation and the quantity of food consumed by the families. The % adequacy of energy, protein, Ca, Fe, vitamin A, D, C and niacin, were respectively 85.8, 68.9, 49, 5, 65.2, 44.8, 48, and 70 % of the RDA for children. While in case of nursing mothers, the % adequacy for these nutrients were 75.8, 70.4, 34.5, 56.2, 54.2, 68, 7 and 80.2 %, respectively. Conclusion: Children and nursing mothers of the Christian community suffer from malnutrition and have poor nutritional status when compared to the rest of their counterparts of the country.

Abstract: Data for ingredient formulation and ingredient composition of nineteen types of biscuits, available at 106 randomly selected bakers’ shops of Peshawar and Mardan divisions, was collected. Samples of these biscuits, collected from 10% of the 106 randomly selected bakers shops, were analyzed for chemical composition. The caloric values of these biscuits were determined by multiplying the protein, carbohydrate and fat contents of these biscuits with 4, 4 and 9. The major raw ingredients used for preparation of biscuits were flour, water, sugar, egg, milk and milk products. The minor ingredients, which usually gave name to the biscuit type, were vanilla, peanut, almond, ginger, cinnamon, jam, chocolate The average ingredients composition of biscuits was 44% flour, 23% sugar, 3% milk, 11% fat and 4% egg. The minor ingredients, used for taste and quality development of biscuits were added in trace amounts. The average chemical composition of biscuits was 5.58% protein 28.05% fat, 0.47% ash, 1.46 fiber % and 57.27% carbohydrates. The average energy content of biscuits was 518 Kcal/100g. In general, the biscuits analyzed were low in protein, high in fat and energy. Obese individuals are advised to use biscuits with care because it will enhance their obesity. It is a good supplementary food for energy malnourished children and adults. INTRODUCTION Biscuits are important ready to eat food products. Biscuits are mainly used as supplementary food items for growing children. The adults use them as snacks between meals. Biscuits are also used as refreshment item in meetings and for guests’ entertainment. Matz, (1985) and Kardar (1993) have reported that the major raw ingredients used for the preparation of biscuits are flour, fat, oil, sugar eggs, milk and milk products. Hanneman (1980) has reported that food colors, nuts and spices are added to biscuits as minor ingredients. These authors have not reported the ingredient composition of biscuits. Some researchers (Hussain, 1985; Aurangzeb et al. 1989; Goplan et al. 1981) have reported the chemical composition of some selected biscuits in particular areas. There is a need to investigate the formula, chemical composition and energy content of all biscuits available in the bakery and confectionery shops of Peshawar and Mardan divisions. Formulation, chemical composition and caloric values of biscuits are important for businessmen in the field of bakery and confectionery for the purpose of their business and for consumers, nutritionists and dieticians for the purpose of health. This study reports the formulation, chemical composition and caloric values of biscuits available in Peshawar and Mardan divisions (NWFP). MATERIAL AND METHODS Location and Sample Selection for the Study The study was conducted in the Districts of Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera (Peshawar Division), Mardan and Swabi (Mardan Division). Three cities/towns were selected in each district. Because bakers and confectioners are mainly located in cities/towns, so the capital city/town and two other cities/towns from each district were selected in a way that the selected sample covered the geographical locations and ethnic differences. The list of bakers and confectioners in each selected city/town was prepared. Thirty three percent (33%) shops from each district/town were selected for the purpose of survey. In total there were 307 bakery and confectionery shops in the area of the study and 106 were selected for the study. Information about ingredients, and ingredient composition were collected from the cook men of the bakery and confectionery shops. The weight of ten biscuits of each type in each selected shop was determined using a digital balance.

Abstract: The objective of present study was to evaluate diets of prisoners’ women and children in Pakistan. Data on dietary scales were collected from Pakistan Prison Rules (PPR). Nutrients were calculated from these dietary scales using food composition tables. A survey of PPR indicated that for prisoner non-pregnant non-lactating (PNPNL) women foods like milk (58 g), tea leave (2.5 g), sugar (29 g) and wheat flour (58 g), pulses (43 g), vegetables (56 g) vegetable ghee (12 g) salt (7 g), turmeric (0.58 g), garlic or onion (2.16 g) and chilies (1.16 g) are sanctioned. The prisoner pregnant (PP) and prisoner lactating (PL) women get some extra foods in addition to those sanctioned for PNPNL women. For PP women the additional foods sanctioned are milk (467 g) and sugar (29 g), while for PL women the additional foods are milk (700 g), fresh fruits (233 g) and fresh vegetables (233 g). Children (<1 yr) get milk (467 g), sugar (29 g) and children (> 1 yr) get milk (467 g), sugar (29 g), rice (117 g), pulses (29 g) and ghee (12 g). Data on % adequacy of nutrients were: protein 175, energy 123, Ca 165 and Fe 66 % (for PP women); and 148, 128, 63, and 141%, respectively for PL women. Percent adequacy of these nutrients for the children (< 1 yr) meals were 1.6, 63.3, 3.9, and 7.4 %, respectively; while for children (>1 yr) meals were 76, 42.6, 7.6, and 10 %, respectively. In conclusion, the diets of prisoners’ women were insufficient in Fe and those of children were insufficient in protein, energy, Ca, and Fe. There is a need to include rich protein, iron and calcium sources in their daily diets.

Abstract:

Abstract: Aims: To find out the dietary patterns and nutrient and energy intakes of school going children and nursing mothers from the Christian minorities of Peshawar. Methods: A total of 259 individuals (186 children mean age 7.21±1.28 yrs and 73 nursing mothers mean age 37.6 ±4.7 yrs) of 68 families were included in the study. Information regarding dietary patterns and food intakes were obtained and recorded in a pre-tested questionnaire. Nutrients were calculated using food composition tables . Percent adequacy for each nutrient was calculated dividing the total nutrient content by the value of recommended daily allowance(RDA) for that nutrient and multiplying with 100. Results: Children and mothers of the Christian communities consumed almost the same types of diets that are consumed by the general population of the country. Rice, wheat bread, meat, pulses, vegetable curry, and tea were the main constituents of the diets used by these subjects. The nutrients were calculated from actual ingredients used for dish preparation and the quantity of food consumed by the families. The % adequacy of energy, protein, Ca, Fe, vitamin A, D, C and niacin, were respectively 85.8, 68.9, 49, 5, 65.2, 44.8, 48, and 70 % of the RDA for children. While in case of nursing mothers, the % adequacy for these nutrients were 75.8, 70.4, 34.5, 56.2, 54.2, 68, 7 and 80.2 %, respectively. Conclusion: Children and nursing mothers of the Christian community suffer from malnutrition and have poor nutritional status when compared to the rest of their counterparts of the country.

Abstract: The Holy Qur-an has provided vast information on various stages of human embryology.. It has been stated that man has been created from the elements provided mainly from water and soil. Quran states that after fertilization, nutfah (zygote) rests in the mother`s womb for some time, where it gets its nourishment and protection from the outside stresses. It grows into alaqa (a clot of congealed blood) and then into mudgha (fetus lump). Then the mudgha is converted into izaman (mass of bones). Then the mother gives birth to the child. The term used in Quran for giving birth is nukh-raja-kum tiflan (expulsion of the baby). The newborn feeds on the mother`s breasts for at least two years or two and a half years, as Allah states in the Holy Quran.

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the nutritional intake of the infants through nasogastric (NG) feeding and the associated complications. Methods: Ten infants (mean age=17.3± 9.3 days, mean wt=2.1± 0.5 Kg) were included in the study. Nutrients and energy were calculated from the NG feed using food composition tables. Monitoring protocol and complications were observed. Results: The mean total energy intake was 114.62 ± 9.48 Kcal/day (47% of RDA). The mean protein intake was 1.25 ± 0.07 g/day, fulfilling only 27 % of the requirements. The mean per day intakes of Ca, P, Zn, Fe, and Mg and mean per day intake of vitamins A, D, E, B6, B12, folate, thiamin, and ascorbic acid from NG tube were much lower than RDA. Aspiration, reflux, tube blockage, tube displacement, gut infection and diarrhea were noted. Monitoring of NG feed was satisfactory. Conclusion: The intake of protein and energy and frequency of most of complications is an issue of concern. Stress must be placed to increase the energy and nutrients intake (particularly protein), further strengthening monitoring and to minimize associated complications of NG feeding in neonates.

Abstract: Islam is a universal religion and a comprehensive way of life that cannot be separated from patients. Muslim patients are not just passive recipients of medical decisions, but have their own religious views and beliefs about how they would like to be cared for by the medical profession. With the increasing Muslim population in the west, problems arise when a Muslim patient is admitted to a hospital with non-Muslim health caregiver, particularly related to dietary and nutritional issues. The health team should be aware of the religious prohibitions in Islam such as wine or alcohol, flesh of swine, reptiles, birds with talons, canine animals or scavenging creatures, intoxicants etc. The guidelines presented in this paper would enable the health provider to serve their Muslim patients in the most appropriate manner.

Abstract: Breastfeeding is the feeding of an infant or young child with breast milk directly from human breasts rather than from a baby bottle or other container. Babies have a sucking reflex that enables them to suck and swallow milk. Most mothers can breastfeed for six months or more, without the addition of infant formula or solid food. Human breast milk is the most healthful form of milk for human babies. There are a few exceptions, such as when the mother is taking certain drugs or is infected with tuberculosis or HIV. Breastfeeding promotes health, helps to prevent disease and reduces health care and feeding costs. In both developing and developed countries, artificial feeding is associated with more deaths from diarrhea in infants. Experts agree that breastfeeding is beneficial, but may disagree about the length of breastfeeding that is most beneficial, and about the risks of using artificial formulas. This new and important book gathers the latest research from around the globe in the study of breastfeeding with a focus on such topics as: breastfeeding during crises and emergencies, breastfeeding physiology and anatomy, the contraceptive role of breastfeeding, religion and breastfeeding and others.

Abstract: Breastfeeding is the feeding of an infant or young child with breast milk directly from human breasts rather than from a baby bottle or other container. Babies have a sucking reflex that enables them to suck and swallow milk. Most mothers can breastfeed for six months or more, without the addition of infant formula or solid food. Human breast milk is the most healthful form of milk for human babies. There are a few exceptions, such as when the mother is taking certain drugs or is infected with tuberculosis or HIV. Breastfeeding promotes health, helps to prevent disease and reduces health care and feeding costs. In both developing and developed countries, artificial feeding is associated with more deaths from diarrhea in infants. Experts agree that breastfeeding is beneficial, but may disagree about the length of breastfeeding that is most beneficial, and about the risks of using artificial formulas. This new and important book gathers the latest research from around the globe in the study of breastfeeding with a focus on such topics as: breastfeeding during crises and emergencies, breastfeeding physiology and anatomy, the contraceptive role of breastfeeding, religion and breastfeeding and others.