Department of Food Science and Nutrition

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Meat is the Meal and Status is by Meat: Recognition of Rank, Wealth, and Respect Through Meat in Turkana Culture
(Taylor and Francis, 2006-12) Lokuruka, Michael N. I.
Although milk is the main meal and major contributor to nutritional requirements of the Turkana nomads, livestock-meat increasingly becomes central to the diet whenever the milk supply declines, and as the dry season progresses. Major social obligations are performed and networks made, maintained, and extended using livestock-meat, whose apportionment is based on seniority and power, which are equated to age and the order of marriage for females at the homestead feast. Age, the position in the hierarchy of the generation-set, and wealth, are the considerations for meat distribution at the males-only meat feast. Being the rare, desirable and major food item donated, exchanged, or offered in social transactions and as the main food in the dry season elevates its status. The analysis suggests that livestock-meat, a high status food, reveals gender, rank, respect, and perceived status of the Turkana pastoralist on social occasions.
Role of Fatty Acids of Milk and Dairy Products in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review
(AJOL, 2007) Lokuruka, Michael N. I.
There are increasing global concerns about the role of foods in health and chronic diseases. Milk and dairy products are important sources of dietary protein and fat in the diets of many cultures including African communities. However, questions are being raised concerning the role of milk-nutrients in chronic diseases including CVDs. Also, the African public often does not have access to scientific information on the nutritional and health significance of nutrients in some of their major foods including milk and dairy products. This review of the literature was therefore conducted in order to provide information on the role of the fatty acids of milk and dairy products in respect of CVDs, with reference to some African communities. The fatty acids linoleic and alpha-linolenic are precursors of eicosanoids, whose excessive and/or imbalanced synthesis has been implicated in various pathological conditions including CVD. Due to the considerable amount of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol in milk, its consumption is often associated with mortalities from CVDs. Myristic and lauric acids are atherogenic, and raise the risk of CVD by increasing plasma cholesterol and LDL, although oleic, linoleic and linolenic reduce the increase. Palmitic acid does not seem to be strongly atherogenic, while stearic acid is largely neutral. Abundant intake of saturated fats increases plasma LDL and VLDL. Although considered high cholesterol foods, milk and dairy products may not be major contributors of dietary cholesterol, as whole milk contains 10-15 mg cholesterol/dL, while skimmed milk with 1% butter-fat contains less than 8 mg/dL cholesterol. Trans fats have been implicated as risk factors for CVD due to their hypercholesterolemic effect. The risks of CVD from trans fats intake in milk and its products are, however, lower compared to risks from the consumption of hydrogenated vegetable oils. Linoleic, α-linolenic and oleic acids are considered cardioprotective. The short and medium-chain fatty acids do not seem to influence plasma cholesterol levels; monounsaturated fats tend to have a neutral influence, while polyunsaturated fats tend to lower total cholesterol, but may also lower the “good” HDL. To lower cholesterol and saturated fatty acids intake from milk and dairy products, and to slow atherosclerosis progression, it is recommended that the consumption of full-fat milk be reduced while increasing that of skimmed milk and cheese. This can be achieved by integrating these findings into food processing practices, agricultural, and nutritional policy in Africa.
Role of Zinc in Human Health with Reference to African Elderly: A Review
(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2012-10) Lokuruka, Michael
This review of the literature was conducted to assess dietary zinc intake among the African elderly, discuss the potential impact of current levels of zinc intake on their health, and to recommend strategies for improving their dietary zinc intake. As zinc plays an ubiquitous role in human metabolism, determination of its dietary intake among African elderly is important from a health standpoint, if the consequences of widely reported deficiency are to be mitigated. Animal meats and seafood are rich sources of zinc, with nuts and legumes being relatively good plant sources. Zinc bioavailability is relatively higher in animal foods due to absence of inhibitors of zinc absorption and the presence of cysteine and methionine, which improve its absorption. Zinc in plant-based foods is less bioavailable for human metabolism due to presence of chelators, phytates and dietary fibre, which inhibit absorption. Individuals at the greatest risk of zinc deficiency include infants and children, pregnant and lactating women, patients being fed intravenously, malnourished individuals including those with protein-energy malnutrition and anorexia nervosa; others are individuals with chronic or persistent diarrhoea, malabsorption syndromes, those with alcoholic liver disease, sickle cell anemia, strict vegetarians, and the elderly aged 60 years and over. A reduced capacity to absorb zinc, increases the likelihood of disease states that may adversely alter zinc utilization, and increased use of drugs that increase zinc excretion, may all contribute to increased risk of mild to moderate zinc deficiency in the elderly. Also, in situations of diminished access to adequate and balanced diets, health care and good sanitation, the likelihood of developing mild to moderate zinc deficiency is high among poor African elderly. Due to the consequences of impaired immune system function in zinc deficiency in the elderly, it is critical to maintain an adequate zinc intake by this group. Despite mild zinc deficiency being unlikely to lead to severe zinc deficiency in individuals without a genetic disorder, zinc malabsorption or conditions of increased zinc loss such as severe burns can also result in mild to severe zinc deficiency. Diets for poor African children, pregnant and lactating women, and the elderly, are deficient in zinc. This is mainly due to low food intake, relatively lower intake of animal foods and high phytate and fibre content of the staple plant-based foods. Fortification of staples and inclusion of inexpensive and available animal protein sources, in plant-based diets for the elderly can increase their dietary zinc intake.
A Literature Review of Role of Obesity in Adult Health with Reference to Africa
(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2013) Lokuruka, Michael
Although obesity is a global epidemic that affects every socio-economic class, little is available in the literature on the status of the syndrome in Africa. This literature review was therefore written in order to highlight the causes, effects and potential mitigation measures of the syndrome with particular interest on the status of the condition in Africa. Obesity results from an incorrect energy balance leading to an increased store of energy, mainly as fat. The major factors that contribute to obesity include over-nutrition, physical inactivity, change of dietary habits, modernization, consumption of high fat, high carbohydrate foods, urbanization and in a minority of patients a physical condition or metabolic disturbance. Body mass index (BMI) is currently being used by competent authorities as an index of obesity. BMI differentiates classes of obesity, with class I, II and III being identified with BMI of ≥30 but <35, ≥35 but <40, and ≥40, respectively. A BMI of 18.5-25 is regarded as normal. However, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate obesity due to excess fat deposition and that due to muscle atrophy. Also, current procedures for estimating body fat percentage are not as accurate as they should and often give different results. Despite women tending to be more obese than men, they are less prone to hypertension, heart disease and type 2 diabetes than men before they reach menopause due to their fat deposition being predominantly sub-cutaneous rather than abdominal. In 2010, the WHO estimated that about 1.4 billion adults were overweight and obese, but 300-400 million were obese. The defining metabolic changes in obesity are decreased glucose tolerance, decreased sensitivity to insulin, hyperinsulinemia and reduced life expectancy. Obesity can be treated by restricting food intake and engaging in regular physical exercises. Other measures include the use of anorectic drugs and various forms of jejunoileostomy. Obesity is a controllable behavioural disorder, with regular exercise and sensible eating being the best ways to regulate body fat percentage and maintain a healthy body weight. As it is difficult to treat obesity, efforts should be directed towards prevention in order to keep it in check.
Prevalence and potential for aflatoxin contamination in groundnuts and peanut butter from farmers and traders in Nairobi and Nyanza provinces of Kenya
(2013-06-12) Ndung’u, J. W.; Makokha, A. O.; Onyango, C. A.; Mutegi, C. K.; Wagacha, J. M.; Christie, M. E.; Wanjoya, A. K.
Objective: Most of the peanut butter marketed in Nairobi is processed in cottage industry and its aflatoxin contamination status has not been documented. This study was therefore conducted to determine the status of aflatoxin contamination in groundnuts and peanut butter in Nairobi and Nyanza. Methodology and results: Eighty two fresh samples comprising raw and roasted groundnuts and peanut butter were obtained from market outlets and cottage processors in Nairobi and Nyanza regions. The marketers and processors were asked for information on the source of groundnuts. The incidence of Aspergillus section Flavi was determined using standard laboratory methods. Defective nuts in raw groundnuts were determined by manual sorting. Aflatoxin analysis was done using competitive ELISA technique. Groundnuts in Nairobi were imported from Malawi while those Nyanza were grown in the region. The fungal species isolated from the samples were: Aspergillus flavus (L and S strains), A. parasiticus, A. niger, A. tamari, A. alliaceus, A. caeletus and Penicillium spp. The percentage of defective nuts among all unsorted groundnuts ranged from 0.0% to 26.3%. The mean percent defective nuts was higher for Nairobi samples than Nyanza. Aflatoxin levels in all samples ranged from 0 to 2377.1 μg/kg. The mean aflatoxin level was higher for raw samples from Nairobi than Nyanza. The source of groundnuts and defective nuts were positively associated with aflatoxin levels. Conclusions and application of findings: The source of groundnuts and presence of defective nuts were identified as the main factors influencing increased aflatoxin contamination in the cottage industry. Mechanisms for inspection and certification of imported groundnuts should be put in place accompanied by effective monitoring for compliance to set aflatoxins standards. All the market players should sort their groundnuts before selling or processing in order to reduce aflatoxin contamination of peanut butter
Evaluation of Kenyan Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.) Purees for Functional Food Production
(Journal of Life Sciences, 2014-02) Muchiri, M.N.; McCartney, A.L.
Consumption of functional foods with health promoting benefits and/or disease prevention has been on the increase globally. The study aimed at evaluating the potential of utilizing Kenyan orange fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.) for functional food production with aesthetics benefits. Purees from three different varieties of orange fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) were analyzed for nutritional, physicochemical and microbial quality. The findings of the study show that the three purees were all microbiologically safe and of near neutral pH, but differed significantly (P < 0.05) in nutrient content (dry matter content, 12.76-28.23%; crude fiber, 1.37-2.90% fresh weight basis (FWB); β-carotene, 0.94-9.27 mg/100g dry weight basis (DWB); starch, 10.20-18.30% FWB & total sugar 27.08-31.76% DWB). The purees had attractive appearance (ranging from yellow to dark orange), with varying significantly different spectrophotometer hunters color scale (P < 0.05), and flow ability. Conclusions from the findings show great potential of utilizing the varying properties of OFSP puree to produce enriched functional food products such as probiotic/prebiotic dairy, beverages, bakery and baby foods.
Examining the balanced scorecard approach to measuring performance of Five Star Hotels in Nairobi, Kenya.
(2014-12) Gesage, , M. B.; Kuira, J.
Traditional models for determining the performance and effectiveness of employees rely heavily on financial accounting indicators. This study sought to measure the performance of five star hotels in Nairobi County using the balanced scorecard approach. The findings of the study revealed that 36% of the respondents used a balanced scorecard as a method of measuring performance. The use of a balanced scorecard for measuring performance resulted in improved quality of guest profiles for 73% of the managers in five star hotels in Nairobi County whereas 67% of the managers experienced an increase in training hours per employee.
Consumer preference of the mix of purple and ordinary green tea in Kenya
(2015) Kaburi, F.K.; Ng’ang’a, S.I.; Muraguri, E.K.
Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world after water. Processed tea is manufactured from young tender leaves of tea plant (Camellia sinensis). Black tea has mainly been processed from green coloured leaf tea cultivars. The Tea Research Foundation of Kenya (TRFK) released a purple (anthocyanin pigmented) tea variety, TRFK 306/1, in 2011. During the processing, the purple tea leaf is mixed with the ordinary green tea leaf resulting in a new product. The study aimed at assessing the consumers’ preference of the new tea product manufactured from a mixture of both green and purple tea leaves as compared to tea manufactured from purple leaf and green leaf separately. The study employed both descriptive survey and experimental research designs. Tea tasters were used to rank i) tea from green leaf, ii) tea from purple tea and iii) tea from the mix of purple and green leafs. Tea consumers were also asked to rank the three varieties of tea. The target population comprised of 30 respondents drawn from Kangaita Tea Factory region within Kirinyaga County. Tea tasters were drawn from factories in Kirinyaga County. Simple random sampling was employed for both tea tasters and consumers. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed using the Spearman Rank coefficient of correlation. The study found out that consumers would prefer the tea mix of purple and green. The study recommends extensive marketing and value addition strategies such as packaging, branding and blending in order to create awareness to potential consumers and maximizem returns to the smallholder tea farmers. In addition, the study recommends that further research be done in order to outline health benefits of this tea product.
Food Quality Perspectives in African Fish Products: Practices, Challenges and Prospects
(International Research Publication House, 2016) Lokuruka, Michael N. I.
A fishery value chain includes the handling, processing, marketing and sales of fishery products to consumers; in the African context, the major types of fishes harvested from the waters of the Continent shelf and which feature in the fishery value chain include: cods, herrings, basses, redfishes, hakes, Jacks, mullets and saurines (FAO, 1998). The oceans, lakes and rivers are still the most important source of fishery products for Africa’s fishing nations. Besides significant fish harvest from natural water courses, aquaculture is becoming an increasingly important fish production activity. Unlike other parts of the world, the African inland aquaculture industry does not largely culture prawns, cuttlefish, snails, lobster and other shellfish. However, wherebasket or cage farming is practiced in inshore coastal areas, crustaceans and shellfish are farmed on a small scale to cater for touristsand resident foreigners. However, farming molluscs and crustaceans has the potential for development into a prosperous commercial activity. Informal markets for the sale of fish are just as important and widely spread in Africa as they are in Asia. The preference for informal markets for fish supply is premised on the low-cost of the foods available at the markets, the extensive spread of markets and the availability of large amounts of similar and affordable commodities
Overview of dairy processing and marketing in East African dairy value chains: Opportunities and challenges
(African Journal of Food Science, 2016) Lokuruka, Michael N.I
Worldwide, the dairy sector is one of the fastest growing productive sectors. The global sector growth in the decade 2011 to 2020 is projected to be higher than that experienced in 2000 to 2010, mainly due to expected robust growth in developing countries. Global milk production in 2014 stood at about 800 million metric tons. India is the global leader in milk production accounting for 16% of output, with the USA coming second with 14.6% of global production, while Africa produces less than 10% of global output. Sub-Saharan Africa commands 0.2% of the global trade volume in the dairy sector. Egypt is the African Continental leader in milk output, as Africa remains the largest importer of milk powders, butter and ghee. The shortfalls in demand show potential investment opportunities and growth areas in the sector. The East African output of butter and ghee stands at about 15% of the African output of these products. Kenya and Uganda produce considerable amounts of processed dairy products, although, the milk processed rarely exceeds 12 to 15% of domestic milk supply, with most milk production being consumed at farm level. Tanzania produces more butter and ghee than other East African Community (EAC) members with Burundi been the least. Although, informal marketing channels, offering cheaper fresh milk are attractive, increasing decentralization of regulatory services, growing effectiveness of law enforcement and consumer awareness of the healthfulness of processed milk, will continue to reduce informal marketing of unprocessed fresh milk in EAC countries. Despite the quest for global export, the unmet domestic dairy products demand in EAC member states may slow entry into global markets. To meet the numerous requirements in export markets requires cautious, planned and systematic forays over time.
A Preliminary Survey of Animal Handling and Cultural Slaughter Practices among Kenyan Communities: Potential Influence on Meat Quality
(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2016) Lokuruka, Michael
Kenya is composed of over 40 ethnic communities who practice varied methods of animal handling and slaughter. Socio-cultural and religious traditions have the potential to influence animal handling and slaughter practices. These influences have, however, not been documented in the literature as far as the author is aware. Also, the literature has documented the connection between the manner of animal treatment and meat quality, but this is rarely discussed in the literature in Kenya; this connection is important as it informs modern meat trade practices by Kenyans as they trade in the global arena. This survey aimed to mainly establish and document the animal slaughter practices among Kenyan communities, and, to also highlight any current provisions related to meeting modern animal welfare requirements, animal handling procedures in the meat trade and discuss their potential influence on meat quality available in commerce in Kenya. This preliminary study surveyed the slaughter practices among 10 different Kenyan communities through a semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussions and individual interviews. The survey demonstrated that different Kenyan communities practice varied methods of animal slaughter depending on whether the animal being slaughtered is for public feasting, domestic consumption or commercial merchandizing. The Kenyan communities surveyed in this study depend mainly on males to slaughter livestock for females preparing it for domestic use using a number of instruments and methods. For small stock for domestic consumption, females may slaughter the animal except for Muslims whose males have to slaughter the animal with a special knife (a Khalef) according to Muslim rites to render it Halal. Large stock is invariably slaughtered by males irrespective of the community, and the manner of use of the carcass. Gender, age, religion, community and the size of the animal were the major determinants of the method of animal slaughter. The animal welfare issues highlighted in the survey and related to the handling and slaughter of livestock have important implications for meat quality during commercial merchandizing. There is an apparent need to provide education to herders, livestock handlers, employees and management in the livestock industry in Kenya on the relationship between animal welfare requirements, animal handling procedures and meat quality. Such awareness can potentially improve the quality and economic value of the meat available in commerce.
Development, Sensory Evaluation and Nutritional Qualities of a Millet based Food Replacer for Geophagy among Adolescent Girls
(2016-01) Waswa, Judith; Imungi, Jasper K.
Abstract Development, Sensory Evaluation and Nutritional Qualities of a Millet based Food Replacer for Geophagy among Adolescent Girls Millet grains (Eleusine coracana L), Amaranth grain (Amaranthus cruentus L) and Winged Termites (Macrotermes subhylanus R) are traditional foods among communities in Western province of Kenya. Although traditional foods have huge benefits to human health, they are generally uncultivated and under–utilized. The non-availability of ready to use processed millet based foods has limited the usage and acceptability, despite their nutritional superiority. The purpose of this study was to develop an iron- rich product from millet, amaranth and termites as replacer of soil for geophagists. The study further sort to establish the acceptability and nutrient content of the product. Linear programming was used to come up with four formulations of Finger millet, Amaranth and Termites in the proportions of 100:00:00; 70:15:15; 70:10:20 and 70:20:10 respectively. The flour made from the three ingredients was hydrated at a ratio of 500g of flour to 300ml of water; these were then mixed to a thick consistency. Approximate 8 mm thick layer of the dough was spread on baking trays then baked in an oven at 120°C for one and a half hours. The product was then dried in an oven at 40°C for one hour. The product was left to cool and stored in polythene bags and sealed. The sprinkles were subjected to a taste panel test to determine the most acceptable formulation. The most preferred formulation had a ratio of 70:20:10 (millet: amaranth: termites), it had high content of iron; one hundred grams of the product would provide more than the recommended dietary allowance for adolescent girls. The study recommends development of a program for commercial production of the soil replacer at community level or industrial level in order to offer a food alternative, which will not only help stop the practice but also supply essential nutrients to the users.
Geophagy amidst Compulsory Iron Supplementation among Pregnant Women Attending Ant-Natal Clinics in Likuyani Sub- County (Kenya)
(2016-05-26) Waswa, Judith; Asiko, L.; Ngugi, L. W.
Geophagy the deliberate and frequent ingestion of soil commonly regarded as a form of pica –an appetite for non-food substances is a widely reported practice, especially among people in the tropics. There are number of reasons put forward for the habit of consuming soil. There are three major postulates that have been advanced to explain the physiological causes of geophagy: among them, iron deficiency. In Kenya there has been a campaign on compulsory iron supplementation. However, it has not been established whether the supplementation has reduced the prevalence of anemia and its related health implications including geophagy. A cross-sectional study was carried out in three rural based health centers, in Likuyani sub County of Kakamega County. A sample of 180 respondents was used. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The healthcare providers were also interviewed on the access and coverage of iron supplements to the pregnant mothers. Data was analyzed using descriptive analysis, chi square and logistic regression. Results of this study indicated that 60% of pregnant women were geophagic. Age of the mother and spouse’s education level were the predictors of geophagy. More than two thirds of the respondents indicated that they have never received iron supplements in the health facility. Those who had ever received indicated that they were given tablets to last seven days at their first visit to the ante natal clinic. Interviews with the healthcare providers in the facility indicated that they had less supply of the supplements and therefore resulted to giving dietary advice to the pregnant mothers. The prevalence of geophagy in Kenya still remains high despite compulsory iron supplementation. Compulsory iron supplementation for pregnant women in Kenya has not been achieved since there are inadequate supplies in the rural areas.
In vitro investigation of orange fleshed sweet potato prebiotic potential and its implication on human gut health
(2017) Muchiri, Mary N.; McCartney, Anne L.
In vitro investigation of orange fleshed sweet potato prebiotic potential and its implication on human gut health
(Functional Foods in health and disease, 2017) Muchiri, Mary N.; McCartney, Anne L.
Some food ingredients (prebiotics) have been shown to promote a healthy gut by selectively stimulating growth/activity of beneficial gastrointestinal microbes and metabolites such as short chain fatty acids (SCFA) while inhibiting pathogens. Orange fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam; OFSP) root tuber is a starchy tropical crop and highly nutritious in terms of pro-vitamin A (beta carotene), dietary fibre, and natural sugars, with negligible amount of fats and cholesterol.
Physical characteristics, proximate composition and anti-nutritional factors in grains of lablab bean (Lablab purpureus) genotypes from Kenya
(2017-06) Kilonzi, Sheila M.; Makokha, Anselimo O.; Kenji, Glaston M.
Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the physical characteristics, nutritional composition and anti-nutritional factors of grains from three lablab bean varieties with different colours and size developed by The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) Methodology and results: The length, thickness and width were determined using Vernier callipers. Dry matter, protein, fat and ash were determined using standard association of official analytical chemists (AOAC) methods. Phytates were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while the tannins and trypsin inhibition were determined by UV spectrophotometry. The mean 100 seed weight was significantly different among the three varieties, and ranged from 26.1 g to 29.2 g. The length, thickness and width ranged from 9.7 for KAT/DL-3 to 10.7 mm for KAT/DL-1, 5.2 (KAT/DL-1) to 5.6 mm (KAT/DL-2) and 6.8 (KAT/DL-3) to 7.4 mm (KAT/DL-1), respectively. The hydration and swelling coefficients of the beans ranged from 130.7 in KAT/DL-2 to 147.2 in KAT/DL-1, and 125.1 in KAT/DL-2 to 153.3 (KAT/DL-1), respectively. The mean crude protein and energy contents varied from 22.5(KAT/DL-3) to 25.4 %,( KAT/DL-1) and 347.4 (KAT/DL-3) to 353.7 KCal/100g in KAT/DL-1, respectively, and differed significantly (p<0.05) among the varieties. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in the phytic acid and tannin levels, where KAT/DL-2 recorded the highest levels of 723.6 mg/100 g, and 0.33%CE, respectively. Conclusion and application of findings: These results indicate that KAT/DL-1 has the best physical characteristics in respect to cooking and nutrition quality. This variety had the highest protein and energy content with low anti-nutritional factors, thus could offer better nutritive value in comparison to KATDL-2 and KAT/DL-3
Non Communicable Diseases -The Elephant in the Room
(Research Journal of Food and Nutrition, 2018) Asiko, Lydia; Wairegi, Susan; Waswa, Judith
Non Communicable Diseases including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer have been listed as the leading causes of death worldwide; they hamper development hence undermining the attainment development goals. Furthermore, they exacerbate social inequality. It is estimated that more than 60% of all deaths worldwide are caused by Non Communicable Diseases. NCDs had been perceived as diseases of the affluent, however, the prevalence in developing countries has increased over the years. In 2008 it was reported that four out of five NCD deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries, an increase from what was reported earlier. According to a WHO report, NCD mortality rates in Africa are rising faster than anywhere else in the world. This paper reviews the causes, consequences and prevention strategies of NCDs. The burden of NCDs in developing countries is driven by the negative effects of globalization, for example, unfair trade and irresponsible marketing, rapid and unplanned urbanization and increasingly sedentary lives. People in developing countries eat foods with higher levels of total energy. Increasing NCD levels are influenced by many factors including tobacco use and availability, consumption of foods high in salt, fat and sugar. A considerable proportion of global marketing targets children and adolescents as well as women in developing countries to promote tobacco smoking and consumption of ‘junk’ food and alcohol. Developing countries also experience rapid and unplanned urbanization which changes people’s way of living through more exposure to the shared risk factors. NCDs are exacerbated in urban areas by changes in diet and physical activity, exposure to air pollutants (including tobacco smoke) and harmful use of alcohol. NCDs are preventable and we need to talk about them everywhere and every time to help avert the menace. Lifestyle change is the panacea to NCD prevention and Management. Cessation of smoking, healthy diets and exercise are listed as some of the important strategies. Early this year the government of Rwanda declared a car free day as part of a campaign strategy for prevention of NCD. Governments must take up the elephant by its horns and sensitize people in addition to enacting legislative laws with an aim of preventing and managing the diseases. Control of these diseases will be a major milestone in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG
The Effects of Food Support Interventions on Vulnerable Adolescents Girls Affected by HIV and AIDS in Ol-Joroorok Sub County, Kenya
(Scholars Middle East Publishers, 2018-07) Gichuhi, David; Wachira, Wanjugu; Wachera, Lydia M.
Abstract: The global HIV and AIDS pandemic have continued to change the lives of many people especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Both boys and girls have been affected by this menace. However, girls face considerable vulnerabilities and risks than boys that affect their health, food security, education status and general well-being. It is therefore critical to intervene before these challenges that girls face result to outcomes that are irreversible. Many development partners, Non- governmental organizations, Faith based organizations, Community based organizations and the government are taking considerable effort in providing services to the vulnerable adolescent girls in different sectors which includes; educational assistance, health, food aid, material support and other HIV and AIDS mitigation programs. Despite these different interventions in responding to the needs of these children, there is however little evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions in improving the well- being of adolescent girls affected by HIV and AIDS. This study sought to determine the influence of food interventions in reducing the effects of HIV and AIDS among adolescent girls affected by HIV and AIDS in Ol-Joroorok Sub- County of Nyandarua County. The research adopted a descriptive research design to collect primary data to answer questions concerning the status of the issues under investigations. Cluster and purposive sampling was used. A sample population of 123 respondents was selected. Descriptive data was analyzed using percentages, tables and bar graphs. Statistical analysis was conducted using Pearson product-moment correlations and Pearson Chi-Square tests. Results of the study revealed that food interventions had significant relationship in reducing the effects of HIV and AIDS in adolescent girls. Keywords: HIV and AIDS, intervention, Vulnerable Adolescent girls.
Effect of Citric Acid on the Total Monomeric Anthocyanins and Antioxidant Activity of Liquor Made from Unprocessed Purple Leafed TRFK 306 Kenyan Tea Clone
(Food and Nutrition Sciences, 2019) Kilel, Emily C.; Wanyoko, John K.; Faraj, Abdul K.; Ngoda, Peninah
A study was conducted to find out the effect of citric acid on total monomeric anthocyanins and antioxidant activity of liquor made from unprocessed purple-leafed TRFK 306 Kenyan tea, brewed at various time/temperature combinations. Most purple tea consumers usually brew the tea leaves then add some lemon juice before consuming it. Citric acid was used here to mimic the use of lemon juice. Documentation on the quality of such a brew is scanty and the effect of acid on its quality is equally scanty. The current study used brewing time/temperature combinations of 5, 10 and 15 minutes with 70˚C and 92˚C drinking water. Total monomeric anthocyanins were analysed using UV-1800 spectrophotometer (Shimadzu, Japan) while DDPH method was used to assay for antioxidant activity. Citric acid concentration of 0, 0.1% to 0.5% was used to check their effect on the brews with the highest total anthocyanins and antioxidant activity. The results showed that brewing temperature of 70˚C had 9.5 mg/L to 27.7 mg/L, with 5 minutes brewing time being the highest. Temperature of 92˚C had 37.5 mg/L to 92 mg/L with 5 minutes brewing time having the highest total monomeric anthocyanins. Antioxidant activity of 92˚C brewing temperature ranged from 90.7% to 92.0%. Total monomeric anthocyanins increased with increased citric acid concentration up to 0.3% before it decreases while for antioxidant activity, it decreased with addition of citric acid. It was concluded that for maximum anthocyanins extraction, 5 minutes brewing time is the best while ten minutes brewing time could give optimum antioxidant activity.
Effect of Some Processing Methods on Nutrient Content and Anti-Nutritional Factors of a Variety of Dolichos Lablab (Lablab Purpureus L.) Beans Grown in Kenya
(Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences Research, 2019) Kilonzi, Sheila M.; Makokha, Anselimo O.; Kenji, Glaston M.
This study aimed to determine the effect of different processing methods on the proximate composition and anti-nutritional factors of Dolichos lablab beans (Lablab purpureus) of Kenya. The seeds of KAT/DL-2 variety,sourced from Kenya Agricultural Livestock and Research Organisation, Katumani Dryland Research Station were sorted, then subjected to different processing methods (soaking, cooking and germination). The samples were analysed for proximate composition, tannins, phytates and trypsin inhibitory activity. The results showed a significant increase (2.0%) in crude protein content for germinated lablab beans while carbohydrates content was high in cooked samples. The variety KAT/DL-2 had high levels of phytates; 723.6 mg/100g and tannins 330.3mg/100g and trypsin inhibitor activity 1.3mg/100g. Cooking achieved the highest reduction of anti-nutrients with 88% reduction in TIU. The results revealed that the anti-nutrients in lablab beans can be reduced using different methods of processing. However, there is need to investigate the effect of combined methods on the nutrients and anti-nutrients.