Abstract: The wide distribution of plant estrogens or 'phytoestrogens' in cereals, fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants raises questions concerning the possible health risks and benefits associated with the consumption of these compounds in the diet. This article provides a synopsis of the literature relating principally to the sources, metabolism and effects of phytoestrogens. The possible properties of the different phytoestrogens in relation to the menopause also are discussed. The studies included were restricted primarily to those with data pertinent to humans and to clinical practice. The evidence obtained from a review of these articles contends that phytoestrogens are among the dietary factors affording protective effects against cancer and heart disease in vegetarians. With this epidemiological and cell line evidence, intervention studies are now appropriate to assess the clinical effects of phytoestrogens, as there are potentially important health benefits associated with the consumption of these compounds. (Aust J Nutr Diet 1996;53:5-11)
Professional challenges in the Pacific region.
Brenda Sio, Jimaima Tunidau-Schultz, Mona Chand.

Abstract: A South Pacific regional organisation, called the Pacific Islands Nutrition and Dietetic Association (PINDA) was formed in 1992 to give support and set up a network to provide information and assistance to dietitians, nutritionists and nutrition educators in the region. Its formation was supported by the South Pacific Commission which provides technical advice, training and assistance in social, economic and cultural fields to 22 governments and administrations in the region. These countries are relatively small with more sea than land area and, although there are distinct differences in race and languages amongst the island groups, they still have many similarities which result from their geographical situation, historical and traditional backgrounds. The imapct of European contac and the influence of Western technology and material goods has produced similar results throughout the region, especially in the food, nutrition and health sector. The increase of non-communicable diseases and other diet-related health problems is a major concern for Pacific Island nutritionists. Many of these professionals have to work alone and in isolation. Despite the growing nutritional problems in this region there are only a few dietitians and/or nutritionists being trained to tackle the problems. (Aust J Nutr Diet 1996;53:13-19).
Reported dietary change amongst a group of Brisbane residents.
Robert G. Hughes, Margaret G. Lund-Adams, Peter F. Heywood.

Abstract: As part of a study on food habits, a random sample of Brisbane households was contacted by telephone in October 1992. In response to open-ended questions, 62% of 423 adults revealed that they had in the past made at least one dietary change. Significantly more females (67%) than males (52%) reported having made such a change (p=0.003). The most common changes, for both sexes, were: 1. decreased fat; 2 increased increased fruit and/or vegetables; 3. increased complex carbohydrate and/or fibre; and 4. decreased sugar. Significantly more females (38%) than males (23%) reported having decreased fat intake (p=0.023). The reasons most often given for making dietary change, for both sexes, were: 1. for health and fitness; 2. to lose weight; and 3. for medical problems. A significantly larger proportion of males (46%) than females (32%) gave 'health and fitness' as a reason for change (p=0.027). Women (32%) were motivated to change by wanting to 'lose weight' more often than men (15%) (p=0.003). Age, within both sex groups, also affected the type of changes and the reasons for making such changes. These results suggest that priority must be given to the development of different education and intervention strategies that are targeted at, and relevant to, specific sex and age groups. (Aust J Nutr Diet 1996;53:20-24)
Commercial frying fats and plasma lipid-lowering potential.
Manny Noakes, Paul J. Nestel, Peter M. Clifton.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects on plasma cholesterol levels of three types of cooking fats suitable for frying. Twenty-three hypercholesterolaemic men and women particiapted in a double blind, cross-over trial of 1. palm oil, a commonly used solid frying fat (51% saturated, 38% cis-monounsaturated, 10% polyunsaturated); 2. a high oleic genetic variant of sunflower oil (HOSO) (7% saturated, 89% cis-monounsaturated, 4% polyunsaturated); and, 3. a test blend, a newly developed semi-solid blend with moderate trans fatty acids (TFA) but designed to have lipid-lowering potential (15% saturated, 56% cis-monounsaturated, 20% trans, 9% polyunsaturated). The cooking fats provided 20% of energy in a diet containing 35% fat energy. Palm oil resulted in the highest plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration (4.18+/-).81 mmol/L) which was significantly different (p<0.001) from HOSO (3.77+/-0.58 mmol/L) and the test blend (3.88+/-0.70 mmol/L). High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was also highest on palm oil (1.25+/-0.33 mmol/L) which was significantly different from the test blend (1.18+/-0.3 mmol/L) and HOSO (1.22+/-0.32 mmol/L). The lowest HDL levels were seen with the test blend, in keeping with its TFA content, resulting in an LDL:HDL ratio similar to that produced by palm oil. Plasma triglyceride was lowest when subjects were taking HOSO (1.66+/-0.70 mmol/L) and significantly different (p<0.05) from the test blend (1.86+/-0.84 mmol/L). We conclude that HOSO is clearly preferable to palm oil in terms of lipid lowering for hypercholesterolaemic individuals. Further, it is possible to design formulations with modified fat blends, such as the test blend used in this study, which is partially solid by virtue of hydrogenation yet suitable for frying and inducing a lower plasma LDL cholesterol. (Aust J Nutr Diet 1996;53:25-30).
Food habits, body image and weight control practices of young male and female adolescents.
Jennifer A. O'Dea, Suzanne Abraham, Robert Heard.

Abstract: The food habits, body image and weight control practices of 470 young adolescents (173 male, 297 female) aged 11.1 to 14.7 years were studied by questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI kg/m2) ranged from 12.7 to 30.2 and 13.3 to 33.3 for males and females respectively. Females had a higher mean standard body weight (SBW) than males and males were taller than females. Females of Middle Eastern ethnicity were more likely to be 110% or more of SBW and females of Caucasian Northern Europaen background were more likely to be less than 90% of SBW (p<0.01). All of the weight control practices listed (with the exception of slimming pills among males) had been used by males and females. Females were more likely to use weight control practices but there were no gender differences for the mean number of potentially health damaging practices used. Pubescent adolescents had greater BMIs (p<0.05) and pubescent females were more likely to perceive themselves as overweight (p<0.001) and desire a lower body weight compared to prepubescent females (p<0.001). Participants in the 110% and greater SBW group were more likely to skip snacks, eat more when bored or sad, want to build up their bodies, be dieting and trying to lose weight, perceive themselves as overweight and desire lower body weights (p<0.05). The results suggest young male and female adolescents are involved in numerous weight control practices, some of which are dangerous, and that some adolescents receive inappropriate advice about their weight and their diet. (Aust J Nutr Diet 1996;53:32-38).