Thyme is a Mediterranean herb widely used worldwide. However, it is produced in areas of high humidity and temperature which is favorable conditions for mold growth and mycotoxins production which pose public health risk. In Lebanon, no studies have been done to investigate aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination in thyme and thyme-based products. This study aimed at evaluating the incidence of AFB1 and OTA in those products, related dietary exposure and cancer risk for regular and high consumption. A total of 160 samples of thyme and thyme-based products were collected and ...

Introduction: Eating Disorders (ED) are currently among the most important mental disorders in adolescents and young adults. Contradictory results are observed when studying the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among people with ED. Moreover, this vitamin plays several important roles in the human body which makes its deficiency an additional concern. Objectives: To assess the prevalence and correlates (mainly vitamin D status) of a positive screen for ED among Notre Dame University (NDU) employees. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among 270 NDU employees working at the main, ...

Among people who are living in community homes for the aged, a psychological strategy to cope with daily living is belief in a just world. In this study our aim was to determine the relationship between old people’s belief in a just world (BJW) and the activities of daily living (ADL). We selected a sample of 253 cognitively able people aged 60 years and over who were living in a nursing home. We collected data through surveys using a translated and validated Arabic Self-Belief in a Just World Scale and an ADL instrument. ...

Background and objective: Glyphosate, a nonselective herbicide widely-used in crop production, persists in food products leading to residues. Research findings on the health effects of glyphosate are highly controversial due to a perceived conflict of interest by the majority of research funders who are glyphosate manufacturers themselves. Glyphosate residues are detected in various tested food products globally, but data about exposure in Lebanon is lacking. Bread is a stable food in the Lebanese diet and the extend of its contamination with glyphosate is unknown. This study aimed at determining ...

Background: Diabetes is a major health disease reaching epidemic levels in the Middle East Regions. It is associated with many complications that have an adverse effect on patient’s quality of life. Nutrition therapy is essential, where dietary modification and improved dietary habits are important for its management and control. Objective: This study aimed to assess the adherence to dietary recommendations of adult patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) diagnosed since at least one year residing in north Lebanon and to explore factors associated with this adherence. Methods: A cross-sectional ...

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment, have a higher risk to foodborne infections as compared to other populations. Oncology nurses, having a direct significant contact with these patients, could be the first information source concerning food safety and play a pivotal role in reducing these risks. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge regarding food safety among oncology nurses, as well as their attitudes and practices in private hospitals in Lebanon. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out, using a self-administered questionnaire, recruiting 134 oncology ...

Thyme intake assessment is gaining significance because thyme is becoming a global staple food and its use has been on the rise. Limited research has been done on the assessment of dietary patterns on thyme and thyme products in Lebanon. The aim of this study was conducted for this purpose, a developed FFQ was carried on a convenient sample of 1555 adult participants. Out of the total, 1523 persons (97.9%) consumed at least one thyme product. The mean consumption of thyme products was estimated to be 425.5 g/day, providing an estimated 31.4 g/day of thyme. Thyme pie had the highest mean intake ...

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between nutritional status and associated risk factors such as:, socio-economic, physical, pathological and psychological factors, among elderly residing in Lebanese nursing homes. Design/methodology/approach – This cross-sectional study was carried out in 36 elderly care nursing homes with 2,094 residents. Of these, only 221 (11 per cent) elderly met the inclusion criteria and successfully completed the interview question. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and health conditions: oral, nutritional, depression, ...

Lebanese bread is a staple food consumed with every meal and great vehicle for a range of nutrients. Nowadays, manufacturers use nutrition and health claims (NHC) to communicate the nutrients contents and benefits of the food while increasing sale and competitiveness. In absence of stringent standards regulations and control, misleading claims could jeopardize consumers’ public health. The aim of this study was to examine pre-packaged Lebanese breads in Mount Lebanon, to assess their compliance with the Lebanese (LIBNOR NL 661:2017) and/or international standard CODEX (CAC/GL 23-1997) to carry ...

Background: Constitutional thinness is characterized by a low body mass index, the absence of signs of under nutrition and is still misdiagnosed as anorexia nervosa. This rare entity was most often described in European countries. Data concerning their nutritional and psychological profile are missing in other populations or cultures, especially in the Middle East. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the psychological, nutritional, and hormonal status in a group of Lebanese constitutionally thin adults in comparison with a control group. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried ...