Health, Wellness and Society Conference

I intend to submit an abstract to a definitive Health, Wellness and Society Conference, the site also contains an excellent knowledge resource.

I DID submit! http://w11.cgpublisher.com/proposals/106

I have also been asked to join the scientific advisory board for the conference and journal.

The paper was accepted


Sickle Cell and Nutritional Health: Can the Type of Food We Eat Help to Reduce the Sickle Cell Crisis? A Discussion About Access to Food Versus Supplementation
n.

In the UK most people with sickle cell are directed to take a supplementation of folic acid (usually 5mg daily). Folic acid is required by people who have sickle cell disease to help prevent anaemia that may be caused by the sickle red blood cells.

In a previous study (in press) we have demonstrated that 0.2mg of folic acid supplementation produced an increase in plasma folate status (5-meTHF) and a reduction in plasma homocysteine (tHcy - which is also associated with elevated risk of vascular disease and stroke). In the same study we also observed a comparable response in volunteers who had eaten food and drink equivalent to a 0.2mg folic acid supplement tablet for 12 weeks.

However, little is known about the nutrient profile of foods traditionally eaten by the UK African and Caribbean communities, or indeed what types of foods are being consumed. These communities are also more prevalent in the most deprived areas and have poor access to fresh fruit and vegetables.

Aims: To measure the folic acid content of key foods consumed in the UK and to map price and access in social deprived areas.

Results: We have measured that a 500 mL glass of fresh orange juice provides 0.13 mg folic acid and are now measuring levels in other food such as malt beer, yam, pomegranate, plantain, cherry cordial and a nutritional sickle cell product from Costa Rica. We have mapped local areas (food deserts) and food price and worked with 3rd sector community groups to create a cookbook. Additional results to be presented at a later stage.

Summary: Taken in parallel to folic acid supplements, the consumption of traditionally African and Caribbean foods, some of which are naturally high in folic acid, may be beneficial to people with sickle cell. However, the knowledge of such foods and access to them by the local community is restricted and thus wider policy may need to be addressed.

Keywords: Food Distribution, Food Accessibility, Community Food Security, Community Food Health, Nutrient Data Collection and Analysis, Ethnic Foods, Vitamin Supplementation / Fortification
Stream: A Healthy Society
Presentation Type: Virtual Presentation in English
Paper: A paper has not yet been submitted.


Dr. Graham Basten

Associate of School, School of Allied Health Sciences
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University
Leicester, Leicestershire, UK
I hold a doctorate (Ph.D.) from the UK Government's Institute of Food Research (http://tiny.cc/fios9) and over ten year's post doctoral research experience in nutrition and health from cells (molecular biology and cell culture), to physiological markers, to dietary data collection and implementation of policy (UK Food Standards Agency). I am currently particularly interested in the interface between clinical science and the application of these findings with target stakeholders. Hence, recent meetings with the UK NHS, charities and local and national government authorities and councils as well as Pepsi (health and wellness reformulation programme. My main interest is football (soccer) but don't mention the world cup!

Ref: W11P0106