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Instead of highlighting new materials from AFIC this month, here is a reminder of availability of some old favourite AFIC leaflets:

• What you should know about caffeine’ For a hard copy, contact the AFIC office or download

• ‘What you should know about diabetes’ for a hard copy, contact AFIC directly, or download

• ‘What you should know about sugar’ for a hard copy contact AFIC directly, or download

• ‘What you should know about food biotechnology’ for a hard copy contact AFIC directly or download

• ‘What you should know about food-borne illness; for a hard copy, contact AFIC directly, or download

 Note: These figures are based on simple counting method of topic headings and do not allow for differences in length or depth of feature articles.

Interest in the topic of functional foods appears to be rising rapidly. 11 months ago, this topic gained less than 5% of overall coverage on food safety and nutrition. A wide range of subjects covered during the month tracked, including, macrobiotic diets; sources of minerals such as selenium, magnesium and iodine; fruit and vegetables; rice varieties; beneficial herbs and tea. 

Establishing long-term healthy habits, the benefits of breakfast, nutrition for the elderly, and the contribution specific foods such as fish and peppers can make to balanced diet all featured. 11 months ago, this topic gained 22% of coverage (in January 2003 coverage tracked down to 15%). The apparent decline can largely be accounted for by a shift to more specialized topics such as prevention of heart disease, diabetes, functional foods and other health promoting advice features.

11 months ago, this topic gained a similar proportion of coverage (15% in 2002, 11% in 2003). The focus last year was on general health benefits of physical activity. This remains an important focus, perhaps reflecting both increasing international awareness and Thai government initiatives to raise awareness of the multiple benefits of regular physical activity. In addition the benefits of walking and running are highlighted in the 2003 magazine features, as well as the importance of hydration. This topic is featured in the latest issue of Food Facts Asia also.

Interest in this subject has grown enormously in recent months. In AFIC’s analysis of Thai magazine coverage 11 months ago, this topic gained less than 5% coverage. The very significant rise in interest is largely fuelled by concerns over rapidly rising overweight and obesity rates amongst children both in Thailand and elsewhere. The latest issue of Food Facts Asia also addresses this topic, and continued heightened interest from media and public interest seems very likely.

This topic achieved 6% of coverage both in AFIC’s 2002 analysis and January 2003. Focus on adult overweight ranges from articles questioning the risks (despite the wealth of established scientific evidence that overweight is a significant risk factor in many non-communicable chronic and degenerative disease) to advice on how to lose weight. Also some advice on prevention of weight gain, although much of the advice on obesity prevention and weight control is threaded through articles which focus primarily on other topics such as the benefits of exercise and prevention of heart disease.

Interest in this topic also appears to be growing with the main body of articles suggesting that sugar should be avoided. However, one article describes how moderate amounts of sugar can be included in a balanced diet. Sweeteners also come under scrutiny, as does human preference for sweet tastes. 

Another topic that appears to be gaining popularity. About half the articles tracked discuss both the pros and cons of using nutrient and herbal supplements, and the other half recommend the use of supplements.