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Welcome to the June edition of AFICNews.

AFICNews is a free monthly e-bulletin, providing updates on current food safety, health and nutrition news trends around the Asia Pacific region. If you are not already subscribed, but would like your own monthly copy, please send a blank email to aficnews-subscribe@afic.org. If you do not wish to receive AFICNews, simply send a blank email to aficnews-unsubscribe@afic.org, and your name and address will be automatically removed from the list. In case of difficulties email info@afic.org with your request to subscribe or unsubscribe, and we can do the rest.

Dates for Your Diary

New from AFIC

On May 27, AFIC presented the findings from AFIC’s quantitative consumer research on nutrition labeling to the Thai FDA. The research has been conducted in Bangkok and Shanghai in October and November 2007 and provides insights in the main factors driving food choice and on current usage and understanding of nutrition information provided on food packaging. The Thai government is developing strategies to address the rising incidence of obesity in the country. The introduction of an understandable food label to help consumers make more informed food choices is part of the strategy. The results of AFIC’s consumer research in Bangkok are considered very valuable information on how food labels influence food choice and behaviour.

A summary of the research findings will be published in the July edition of Food Facts Asia.  

 Food in the News:

Survey of Nutrition and Food Safety Features in Indian Magazines for Sale in April 2008

Note: These figures are based on simple counting method of topic headings and do not allow for

differences in length or depth of articles.

Comments on Frequently Reported Topics in Indian Lifestyle Magazines

Healthy Eating/Lifestyle (32% of total coverage)

This remains the most popular topic in the lifestyle magazine survey sample. The range of articles covers advice for smart snacking; calorie cutting tips; information on foods rich in iron to prevent iron deficiency anemia; the importance of regular physical activity; and general healthy eating recommendations with focus on the consumption of fruits and vegetables, reducing fat and refined sugars intake, drinking sufficient volumes of water.  Several of the tracked articles also give anti-ageing dietary advice. To learn more about diets and lifestyles in relation to longevity and AFIC’s recommendations that can help contribute to a longer life read our article ‘The Secrets to a Longer Life’ in English, ภาษาไทย or 中文

Functional Foods (16% of total coverage)

Coverage in the lifestyle magazines on foods offering ‘better for you’ benefits beyond basic nutrition increased.  The majority of the tracked articles highlights the health benefits of anti-oxidant rich fruits like apples, watermelon, guava, star fruit and berries. Other functional foods featured include green tea, soy, garlic and honey.

Scientific understanding of the health protective effects of natural anti-oxidants is rapidly evolving and communication about this emerging science to improve public understanding is challenging. To assist the communication process, AFIC recommends the guidelines on ‘Communicating the Emerging Science of Dietary Components for Health’ developed by AFIC’s sister organization in the US.

Fats/Heart Disease/Cholesterol (12% of total coverage)

Many of the tracked articles focus on the risk factors such as high cholesterol and hypertension for heart attack and stroke, and propose several diet tips and life-style changes to help reducing the risk. Most diets recommended for the prevention of cardio vascular disease (CVD) concentrate focus on using the right fat and make reference to foods low in saturated fats and trans fats, but rich in healthful fats such as omega 3 fatty acids. A number of articles also highlight the benefits of consuming foods rich in anti-oxidants such as quercetin. Daily exercising for a good heart health is recommended.

Recent data about the rapid increase of CVD in India confirm the importance of educating consumers how a healthy diet and lifestyle can maximise the chances of avoiding CVD. For AFIC’s recommendations for a heart-healthy diet, read our article ‘Beating Cardiovascular Disease and Enjoying Life’ in English, ภาษาไทย or 中文.

Diabetes & Diet (8% of total coverage)

Recommendations on how to manage diabetes by adapting the daily diet are the most common topic in the articles tracked under this category. The focus is mainly on the importance of low glycemic index (GI) fibre rich foods, such as wholegrain bread and brown rice, to control blood sugar levels. The importance of physical activity, the role of magnesium to improve insulin sensitivity and the emphasis on regular screening for diabetes for persons at risk were also highlighted.

AFIC developed a self-assessment tool intended to help you raise your awareness of what you can do to reduce your chances of developing diabetes, how much at risk you may be and what to do if you find you are at increased risk. To access the on line tool click Diabetes self-assessment

Supplements (6% of total coverage)

A few articles surveyed recommend a moderate daily intake of vitamin and mineral supplements for overall health benefits. The majority of the tracked articles however report on recent study findings indicating negative health effects of high doses of certain vitamins or multivitamin supplements. The studies, often referring to vitamin doses exceeding the daily recommended intake, can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. The following article from AFIC includes several tips a reader could use to decide if a study is relevant, useful or credible: ‘Science is Evolutionary, not Revolutionary!’ in English, ภาษาไทย or 中文.