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Reducing Salt and Sugar in Campus Foods: A Malaysian Study
Sponsor: Sunway University
Summary
This project aims to address the significant burden of cardiovascular disease in Malaysia, especially the high prevalence of hypertension with excessive salt and sugar intake. The study targets the university campus community, recognizing reliance on out-of-home food options and the potential impact of reducing salt and sugar in campus foods on overall health. The project aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to salt and sugar intake among students, staff, and campus canteen staff. Through a combination of surveys, dietary assessments, urine analysis, and body composition measurements, the study aims to generate valuable insights into effective strategies for reducing salt and sugar intake and improving cardiovascular health among the campus population.
Official title: An Interventional Study of Salt and Sugar Reduction in Foods Sold On a University/College Campus in Malaysia
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
300
Start Date
2024-07-01
Completion Date
2026-12-31
Last Updated
2024-06-25
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Reduction in Salt and Sugar
150 participants who are grouped under interventions, their data will be collected according to the alterations of sodium and sugar intake and then compared with the control group. Instruments include urine analysis, providing two spot urine samples - first-morning void and last void in the evening before leaving campus, at three-time points - at the start of the study, after 3 months, and after 6 months. This will yield a total of 300 × 2 × 3 = 1800 samples. Urine electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) and creatinine will be measured using the potentiometry method (Alinity Abbott) at the laboratory department of Sunway Medical Centre, Bandar Sunway.
The potentiometer
The potentiometer is utilized for the quantitative analysis of electrolytes present in urine samples. The potentiometer used for urine electrolytes analysis is a specialized device equipped with electrodes and sensors designed to detect and measure the concentration of specific electrolytes in urine samples. It employs potentiometric principles to generate electrical signals proportional to the concentration of ions present in the sample.
Dry Ashing Method Followed by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS)
Dry ashing method involves heating the food samples in a controlled environment to remove organic matter and moisture, leaving behind inorganic residues (ashes) containing the salts and minerals present in the food. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometryis utilized to measure the levels of sodium and potassium (components of salt) as well as carbon and hydrogen (components of sugar) in the ashed food samples. By determining the concentrations of these elements, the salt and sugar content of the food samples can be quantified accurately.