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Research Article
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome Among Obese Children in Cote d’Ivoire
Fossou Assamala Francoise*
,
Brou Paterne Evrard,
Allo Yapo Fulgence,
Batai Nemahiouon Francis,
Kanga Akoua Jeanne,
Doubran Djoman Prisca Joelle,
Ahui Bitty Marie Louise
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
271-280
Received:
31 July 2026
Accepted:
14 August 2026
Published:
8 September 2026
Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among school-aged children in three municipalities of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and to analyze its anthropometric and biological determinants. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,251 children aged 5 to 15 years. Among them, 64 children (31 obese and 33 normal-weight) underwent biological testing. Anthropometric measurements (BMI, waist circumference, abdominal circumference), blood pressure, and biochemical parameters (blood glucose, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol) were collected. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was based on the NCEP ATP III criteria. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 20, employing Student’s t-test, the chi-square test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Results: Obese children had significantly higher values for weight, BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 25%, with a higher frequency among girls (20.3%) than among boys (4.7%). Abdominal obesity, hypertension, and low HDL cholesterol were the most common abnormalities. A positive correlation was observed between BMI and waist circumference (r = 0.788, p = 0.001), as well as between waist circumference and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.493, p = 0.004). Hyperuricemia was strongly associated with metabolic syndrome, suggesting its potential role as an early biomarker of cardiovascular risk. Conclusion: This study highlights a concerning prevalence of metabolic syndrome among obese children in Ivorian schools, particularly among girls. Abdominal obesity and hyperuricemia appear to be key factors in the development of cardiometabolic complications. These results underscore the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies, including early screening, the promotion of a balanced diet, and physical activity, in order to reduce the future burden of cardiovascular disease in Côte d’Ivoire.
Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among school-aged children in three municipalities of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and to analyze its anthropometric and biological determinants. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,251 children aged 5 to 15 years. Among them, 64 children (31 obese and 33 norm...
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Research Article
Comparative Proximate Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of the Freshwater Apple Snail Pila Globosa During Active and Aestivation Periods
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
281-295
Received:
15 August 2026
Accepted:
28 August 2026
Published:
20 September 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jfns.20261405.12
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Abstract: Pila globosa, a freshwater apple snail widely consumed in South and Southeast Asia, represents a promising alternative source of high-quality protein and essential fatty acids. However, limited information is available on how physiological dormancy (aestivation) influences its nutritional composition and lipid profile. This study compared the proximate composition and fatty acid profile of P. globosa during active and aestivation periods to evaluate the biochemical adaptations associated with dormancy and their nutritional implications. Proximate composition and fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analyses were performed using standard analytical methods. During the active period, carbohydrate was the predominant component (40.55%), followed by protein (32.00%), ash (18.21%), moisture (6.40%), and fat (2.84%). In contrast, aestivation was characterized by a marked decline in carbohydrate content, accompanied by increases in protein, ash, moisture, and a nearly threefold increase in fat content (7.97%), indicating the utilization of carbohydrate reserves and metabolic adjustment during prolonged food deprivation. Fatty acid analysis revealed that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) constituted the major lipid fraction during the active period (40.51%), followed by monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA, 29.36%) and saturated fatty acids (SFAs, 23.70%). Linoleic acid was the predominant PUFA, whereas oleic acid was the principal MUFA. During aestivation, the proportion of SFAs increased markedly, while MUFA and PUFA declined. PUFA declined from 40.51 to 15.55, resulting in a decrease in the PUFA/SFA ratio from 1.71 to 0.34 and in the n-6/n-3 ratio from 6.75 to 2.76. These findings demonstrate that P. globosa is a nutritionally valuable freshwater food resource rich in protein and essential fatty acids. Moreover, the pronounced biochemical alterations observed during aestivation reflect adaptive metabolic strategies for survival under adverse environmental conditions and highlight the importance of physiological state when evaluating the nutritional quality and optimal harvesting period of this species for human consumption.
Abstract: Pila globosa, a freshwater apple snail widely consumed in South and Southeast Asia, represents a promising alternative source of high-quality protein and essential fatty acids. However, limited information is available on how physiological dormancy (aestivation) influences its nutritional composition and lipid profile. This study compared the proxi...
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Research Article
A Study on Nutritional and Anti-nutritional Factors in Black Gram (Vigna mungo)
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
296-306
Received:
17 August 2026
Accepted:
31 August 2026
Published:
20 September 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jfns.20261405.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Black gram (Vigna mungo) is a significant pulse crop, valued for its nutritional benefits and role in sustainable agriculture. Black gram varieties may differ in physical and nutritional properties based on husk and processing. This study evaluates the nutritional compositions of four black gram varieties: whole with husk (WBGH), whole without husk (WBGoH), split with husk (SBGH), and split without husk (SBGoH), focusing on nutritional (moisture, ash, carbohydrates, protein, fat, dietary fiber) and anti-nutritional elements (oligosaccharides, phytic acid, tannins, and trypsin inhibitors). Samples were acquired from local markets in Tarnaka, Hyderabad, Telangana, cleaned, and prepared for analysis. The analysis revealed that black gram without husk exhibited the highest levels of ash, protein, and carbohydrates, while whole black gram with husk had the most dietary fiber. Tannin and phytic acid levels were elevated in black gram with husk, and the split black gram without husk contained the highest trypsin inhibitors. Verbascose was the predominant oligosaccharide across samples, followed by stachyose, sucrose, and raffinose. Understanding the nutritional differences among these black gram varieties is crucial for enhancing their application in food products and promoting their health benefits. Future research should further explore the nutritional and anti-nutritional profiles, as well as the prebiotic potential of whole black gram.
Abstract: Black gram (Vigna mungo) is a significant pulse crop, valued for its nutritional benefits and role in sustainable agriculture. Black gram varieties may differ in physical and nutritional properties based on husk and processing. This study evaluates the nutritional compositions of four black gram varieties: whole with husk (WBGH), whole without husk...
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