Keyword: Diet

ABSTRACT: Background: Celiac disease is a chronic immune-mediated enteropathy caused by gluten exposure in genetically susceptible individuals, for which lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet remains the only validated treatment. Data on dietary adherence and health-related quality of life in North African pediatric populations remain limited. This study aimed to assess GFD adherence, HRQoL, and factors associated with poor adherence among Algerian children with CD.
Methods: This prospective observational cohort study was conducted in the Pediatric Department B of the University Hospital Center of Oran, Algeria, between January 2022 and June 2024. Children aged 2–16 years with confirmed CD (2020 ESPGHAN diagnostic criteria) were consecutively enrolled and prospectively followed at approximately three-month intervals (mean follow-up 18 ± 6 months). GFD adherence was assessed through structured dietary interviews; nutritional status was evaluated clinically and by laboratory assays (hemoglobin, ferritin, vitamin D); HRQoL was measured using the PedsQL and PROMIS pediatric measures. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with poor adherence, with odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and their 95% confidence intervals.
Results: Of 130 children assessed, 100 were included (mean age, 8.7 ± 3.4 years); 38% were classified as adherent and 62% as non-adherent. Children subsequently classified as non- adherent had lower baseline global quality-of-life scores than adherent children (59.7 ± 12.8 versus 78.4 ± 9.6; p < 0.001). Anxiety scores were higher in the non-adherent group among 84 children with available scores (57.2 ± 9.3 versus 46.8 ± 7.8; p < 0.001). Limited access to gluten-free products (adjusted odds ratio, 4.34; 95% confidence interval, 2.00–9.40), economic difficulties (3.70; 1.80–7.60), and psychological stress (2.60; 1.20–5.40) were associated with non-adherence. Nutritional abnormalities were present at enrollment in 72% of children and were associated with lower baseline quality-of-life scores (p < 0.001).
Conclusions: GFD adherence is suboptimal among Algerian children with CD and is associated with socioeconomic and psychosocial barriers and reduced HRQoL. Multidisciplinary management addressing nutritional, socioeconomic, and psychological factors is warranted. Given the observational design, the associations identified should not be interpreted as causal; larger multicenter longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings.

ABSTRACT: Galactosemia is a rare metabolic disease, and late diagnosis can lead to severe liver injury. We present a clinical case of galactosemia type I that manifested during the late neonatal period with vomiting, cholestatic liver injury, coagulopathy with hemorrhagic syndrome, and poor weight gain. Differential diagnoses included necrotizing enterocolitis and intestinal obstruction. The residual activity of the GALT enzyme corresponded to the biochemical variant but did not match the severity of the clinical presentation. On a lactose-free formula, the child's condition improved. Genetic testing identified two pathogenic heterozygous mutations in exons 3 and 6 of the GALT gene. Subsequent observation revealed delayed motor development by the end of the first year of life.

ABSTRACT: Background: Cancer is a public health challenge in Nigeria, with cases rising in recent times. Research shows that dietary patterns play a substantial yet underestimated role in cancer incidence and death. Some Nigerian diets, which feature high consumption of red and processed meats, deep-fried foods, and the use of plastic bags when preparing, have been identified as culprits in the increased exposure to dietary carcinogens and elevation of cancer risk. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains possess cancer-protective properties; however, their intake remains inadequate in combating diet-related cancers.
Aim: This review examines the relationship between diet and cancer in Nigeria, focusing on the current cancer burden of Nigeria, carcinogenic risks linked to food preparation, and preventive nutritional strategies.
Methods: Information was sourced from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate, alongside reports from global health agencies. Search terms included “diet,” “cancer,” “Nigeria,” “food,” “carcinogens,” and “prevention.” Only articles written in English language and that met predefined inclusion criteria were included.
Results: Evidence suggests that the consumption of carcinogens formed through traditional cooking methods increases the risk of cancer. Notable concerns include barbecue-style cooking, repeated use of cooking oils, and heavy metal contamination in local alcoholic beverages. Protective effects were observed in diets rich in fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion: Dietary practices in Nigeria significantly shape cancer risk. Targeted interventions promoting nutrition education, protective food intake, and safer cooking methods are essential to reduce carcinogen exposure and lower the national cancer burden.