Impacts of Some Trace Metals in Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758) and Tor soro (Valenciennes, 1842) on Human Health

Although fish are rich sources of various trace metals in their bodies, when these metals exceed health safety limits, it becomes a global concern. Fish exposed to trace metal pollution in their aquatic ecosystems can lead to bioaccumulation and transfer to consumers. Monitoring trace metal contamination of fish food is crucial because they can reach humans through the aquatic food chain, resulting in health problems. Therefore, a first attempt was made for the analysis of trace metals in two cyprinid fish species, namely Cyprinus carpio (Common carp) and Tor soro (Mahseer), which were abundantly found in Khanozai Dam and assessing their potential health impacts when consumed by humans. A total of 200 fish specimens were collected from this area. These specimens were divided equally between the two carp species, with 100 individuals from each species. The fish specimens were collected over 12 months, from June 2020 to May 2021 to determine the concentration of some trace metals, i.e. Manganese (Mn), Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Potassium (K), and Zinc (Zn), Sodium (Na), Phosphorus (P), Magnesium (Mg), and Chlorine (Cl) using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer with a multi-element hollow cathode lamp. The obtained results from the trace metal analysis of Cyprinus carpio and Tor soro in this study revealed that both calcium and phosphorus were present in higher concentrations. However, iron, manganese, and zinc were not detected in both species. Additionally, magnesium was also not detected in C. carpio. For Cyprinus carpio, the arrangement was Ca > P > K > Na > Cl, while for Tor soro, it was Ca > P > Na > K > Cl > Mg in decreasing order. The health risks associated with fish consumption were assessed using factors like estimated daily intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ). The THQ values for all analyzed trace metals in both carp species exceeded the maximum value of 1.0, except for Cl in Tor soro. This suggests the potential for various health-related diseases in regular consumers due to their elevated levels. In both species, the TTHQ factor also surpassed the standard value of 1.0, indicating an acute health risk for humans. Although EDI values did not surpass the recommended daily allowance (RDA), continuous consumption of these contaminated fish from this area could lead to severe health complications. Therefore, these results strongly indicated that the elevated levels of trace metals found in the highly abundant cyprinid species of Khanozai Dam could pose serious health-related issues for the local inhabitants.

Sodium: What is the right amount?

Sodium is an important nutrient for good health, but excessive amounts in the diet are known to cause an array of complications, including hypertension and exacerbating kidney disease. The purpose of this chapter is to analyze the most current evidence as it relates to sodium intake, since there have been some recent reports contradicting current recommended guidelines. Since the majority of people consuming a typical Western diet exceed recommended sodium levels, it is of utmost importance to determine if this is problematic in otherwise healthy populations, or if sodium should only be restricted in those with underlying health conditions. Sodium intake in children is also included in this chapter, as there is little evidence reported in this population. The impact of various dietary interventions, such as the DASH and Mediterranean diets, in terms of their ability to reduce blood pressure is also briefly discussed.

Elevated Blood Pressure and Associations with Sodium Intake Among Multiethnic Youth in Edmonton, Canada: Findings from WHY ACT NOW

INTRODUCTION

This study examined the prevalence of pre-hypertension (PHT) and hypertension (HT) in urban youth, and assessed the effects of sodium intake and obesity on blood pressure (BP) by ethnicity.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 557 multiethnic youth, aged 11-23 years, was recruited from 12 schools and institutions in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Participants were divided by self-identified ethnicity into four groups (Indigenous, African and Middle Eastern (AME), Asian, and European).

RESULTS

Between October 2013 and March 2014, one-on-one interviews were conducted to collect data on demographics, physical activity, diet, and Body Mass Index (BMI). BP was obtained at two different times during the interview and measured a third time in cases of high variability. The standard deviation scores (SDS) of systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were used to estimate associations with sodium intake (per 1000 mg/day). Overall, 18.2% and 5.4% of the participants had PHT and HT, respectively. Indigenous and AME participants showed the highest rates of PHT (23.1%). Indigenous and European participants showed higher rates of HT (8.3% and 5.3%, respectively) than other ethnic groups (AME = 4.4%, Asian = 3.9%). There was a positive association between 1000 mg/day increase in sodium intake and SDS of SBP by 0.041 (95% CI 0.007-0.083; p = 0.04) among pre-hypertensive participants. Over 85% of participants exceeded the recommended dietary sodium intake. Mean BMI and dietary sodium intake were higher among pre-hypertensive participants (4219 mg/day) than normotensive (3475 mg/day).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of HT varied by ethnicity. High dietary sodium intake was of concern. There is a need for culturally-tailored, population-based interventions to reduce sodium intake.

The Science of Salt: Updating the evidence on global estimates of salt intake

The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2010 study estimated national salt intake for 187 countries based on data available up to 2010. The purpose of this review was to identify studies that have measured salt intake in a nationally representative population using the 24-hour urine collection method since 2010, with a view to updating evidence on population salt intake globally. Studies published from January 2011 to September 2018 were searched for from MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase databases using relevant terms. Studies that provided nationally representative estimates of salt intake among the healthy adult population based on the 24-hour urine collection were included. Measured salt intake was extracted and compared with the GBD estimates. Of the 115 identified studies assessed for eligibility, 13 studies were included: Four studies were from Europe, and one each from the United States, Canada, Benin, India, Samoa, Fiji, Barbados, Australia, and New Zealand. Mean daily salt intake ranged from 6.75 g/d in Barbados to 10.66 g/d in Portugal. Measured mean population salt intake in Italy, England, Canada, and Barbados was lower, and in Fiji, Samoa, and Benin was higher, in recent surveys compared to the GBD 2010 estimates. Despite global targets to reduce population salt intake, only 13 countries have published nationally representative salt intake data since the GBD 2010 study. In all countries, salt intake levels remain higher than the World Health Organization's recommendation, highlighting the need for additional global efforts to lower salt intake and monitor salt reduction strategies.

Food sources of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar in the Physical Activity and Nutrition for Diabetes in Alberta (PANDA) trial

Diabetic patients may find it difficult to achieve recommended nutrient intakes embedded within dietary guidelines. The objective of this analysis was to document total sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar intake as well as the main food sources of these nutrients in Canadian adults with type 2 diabetes before and after an intervention focused on healthy eating. Participants were enrolled in a single-arm dietary intervention trial designed to improve glycemic control and adherence to dietary recommendations. A 4-week menu plan and recipes were provided for participants along with a 6-week educational curriculum. Three repeated 24-h dietary recalls were collected at baseline and 3 months. Food sources of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar were a secondary outcome derived from the dietary recalls. After 3 months, there was a reduction (p < 0.05) in sodium intake of 561 mg/day, which was mainly due to reduced consumption of processed meats, soups, and condiments. Significantly lower intake of processed meat contributed to -2.9 g/day saturated fat intake (p < 0.1) while added sugar intake declined by 7 g/day (p < 0.1), which was due to lower consumption of baked goods/desserts and chocolate (both p < 0.05). The intervention was beneficial for type 2 diabetes patients in terms of changing dietary habits. However, the majority of the participants still exceeded the dietary guidelines for sodium and saturated fat. In addition to the efforts of individuals and their healthcare providers, strategies to increase the nutritional quality of prepared foods could provide widespread benefits.

Cardiovascular health among two ethnic groups living in the same region: A population-based study

BACKGROUND

Poor cardiovascular health (CVH) among ethnic/racial minorities, studied primarily in the USA, may reflect lower access to healthcare. We examined factors associated with minority CVH in a setting of universal access to healthcare.

METHODS AND RESULTS

CVH behaviors and factors were evaluated in a random population sample (551 Arabs, 553 Jews) stratified by sex, ethnicity and age. More Jews (10%) than Arabs (3%) had 3 ideal health behaviors. Only one participant had all four. Although ideal diet was rare (≤1.5%) across groups, Arabs were more likely to meet intake recommendations for whole grains, but less likely to meet intake recommendations for fruits/vegetables and fish. Arabs had lower odds of attaining ideal levels for body mass index and physical activity. Smoking prevalence was 57% among Arab men and 6% among Arab women. Having four ideal health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose, smoking) was observed in 2% and 8% of Arab and Jewish men, respectively, and 13% of Arab and Jewish women. Higher prevalence of ideal total-cholesterol corresponded to lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol among Arabs. No participant met ideal levels for all 7 metrics and only 1.8% presented with 6. Accounting for age and lower socioeconomic status, Arabs were less likely to meet a greater number of metric goals (odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.62 (0.42-0.92) for men, and 0.73 (0.48-1.12) for women).

CONCLUSIONS

Ideal CVH, rare altogether, was less prevalent among the Arab minority albeit universal access to healthcare. Health behaviors were the main contributors to the CVH disparity.

Dietary assessment is a critical element of health research - Perspective from the Partnership for Advancing Nutritional and Dietary Assessment in Canada

Challenges and complexities associated with assessing dietary intakes are numerous, but not insurmountable. This opinion paper from Canadian researchers draws attention to the importance of building capacity and providing funding opportunities for research in dietary assessment methods in Canada and elsewhere. Such strategies would contribute to a better understanding of the roles played by diet in human health and better translation of this information into the most meaningful and effective dietary guidelines, policies, and interventions.

Dietary sodium intake deleteriously affects blood pressure in a normotensive population

Western dietary pattern, and particularly high dietary sodium intake (DSI), is recognized for its detrimental impact on blood pressure (BP). This paper examined the association of DSI with BP in Nunavik Inuit (Québec), a population known to have an optimal BP on average. In a population-based study, we recruited 421 normotensive participants aged 18-74 years from 14 coastal villages, situated north of the 55th parallel. BP, biochemistry and anthropometry were obtained. DSI was assessed by a 24-h dietary recall. Mean (s.e.) DSI was higher in men than in women (2358 (101) vs. 1702 (100) mg/d, P<0.0001). Similar gender difference was found in systolic BP (118 (0.7) vs. 111 (0.6) mm Hg; P<0.0001). After adjustment for confounders, we found a positive association between BP and DSI (all P<0.05). In a normotensive population, BP shows a linear relationship with DSI. Our results emphasize the potent deleterious impact of DSI on BP.