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Research Article
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Grain and Legume Vendors Regarding Mycotoxins and Toxigenic Molds in Mali
Sounkalo Konate,
Ousmane Diarra*
,
Christiane Dembele,
Salimatou Samake,
Atia Traore,
Sognan Dao,
Fassé Samake,
Fatoumata Faradji,
Amadou Hamadoun Babana,
Mamadou Wele
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
142-149
Received:
1 April 2025
Accepted:
15 April 2025
Published:
9 May 2025
Abstract: Mali relies heavily on agriculture and requires an annual growth rate of 6% or more in this sector to achieve sustainable development overall. However, the contamination of essential cereals and legumes—key to reducing food insecurity in Africa—exacerbated by the proliferation of toxigenic fungi, represents a major constraint to the availability of safe food. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cereal and legume vendors regarding mycotoxins and toxigenic molds in Mali. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 2024, involving 240 cereal and legume vendors across key production areas. Data were collected using questionnaires administered to the vendors. Among the respondents, 42.5% were aged between 36 and 45 years, with a minimum age of 15 and a maximum age of 75. Males made up the majority, accounting for 87.92%. Most vendors had a primary education level (24.16%), while 3.33% had higher education. Knowledge of fungi and mycotoxins was reported by 65% and 49% of respondents, respectively. Storage facilities were available for 96% of respondents, with 90% storing products for more than three months. Additionally, 52% of respondents dried their harvests directly in the field. Comprehensive, multisectoral approaches are needed to address the complex issues of fungi and mycotoxins, improve health outcomes, and enhance the incomes and livelihoods of farmers, farming households, and Malian consumers.
Abstract: Mali relies heavily on agriculture and requires an annual growth rate of 6% or more in this sector to achieve sustainable development overall. However, the contamination of essential cereals and legumes—key to reducing food insecurity in Africa—exacerbated by the proliferation of toxigenic fungi, represents a major constraint to the availability of...
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Research Article
Consumption Patterns and Nutritional Profiles of Non-Alcoholic Energy Drinks Among Students at Nangui ABROGOUA University in Côte d'Ivoire
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
150-157
Received:
14 April 2025
Accepted:
24 April 2025
Published:
29 May 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251403.12
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Abstract: Energy drinks (EDs) help consumers combat fatigue and enhance physical and mental performance. Nonetheless, they carry health risks and may contribute to tooth decay, obesity, and diabetes. This research aimed to investigate the consumption levels of non-alcoholic energy drinks among students at Nangui ABROGOUA University (UNA) and to assess the nutritional content of these beverages. Students completed a questionnaire, and we analyzed the biochemical composition (pH, titratable acidity, total sugars, and reducing sugars) of two widely consumed drinks, Cody's and Kapa, using AOAC methods. The contents of caffeine, taurine, and B-vitamins were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the corresponding energy value was calculated. The findings revealed that 86.7% of students consumed energy drinks, with Cody's and Kapa being the leading brands at 70% and 10%, respectively. The health risks mentioned included type II diabetes (59%) and cardiovascular disease (10.7%). The pH values for Cody's and Kapa were 4.13 ± 0.02 and 3.96 ± 0.01, respectively. Titratable acidity values were 157.78 ± 1.92 meq/L for Cody's and 141.11 ± 1.92 meq/L for Kapa. The measured values of total sugars in the two beverages are slightly higher than the label claims. Specifically, Cody's shows 13.62 g/100ml, while Kapa has 11.46 g/100ml. In contrast, the labels state the values as 12 g/ g/100ml for Cody's and 11 g/100ml for Kapa. Cody's had caffeine and taurine levels of 28.9±0.1 mg and 43±0.01 mg, while Kapa's levels were 32.73±0.06 mg and 35±0.01 mg, respectively. This study found that students frequently consume non-alcoholic energy drinks (EDs), which contain high levels of sugar and caffeine. Consequently, it is essential to inform students about the health risks linked to their consumption.
Abstract: Energy drinks (EDs) help consumers combat fatigue and enhance physical and mental performance. Nonetheless, they carry health risks and may contribute to tooth decay, obesity, and diabetes. This research aimed to investigate the consumption levels of non-alcoholic energy drinks among students at Nangui ABROGOUA University (UNA) and to assess the nu...
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Research Article
Nutrient Profiling and Health Benefits of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.) in Kenya
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
158-169
Received:
7 April 2025
Accepted:
30 April 2025
Published:
29 May 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251403.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Finger millet (Eleusine carocana L.) is a climate resilient cereal crop considered to be nutritionally rich with higher health benefits. However, there is limited information on the nutrients in Finger millet. Further, growing public awareness on nutrition and health care research substantiates the potential of finger millets as alternative crop. The objective of this study was to determine the macro and micro-nutrient profiles of 25 local and commercial varieties and new breeding lines from Egerton University, ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics), KALRO (Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization), Gene bank and local landraces. Laboratory experiment was conducted at University of Cologne Germany in 2023.Complete randomized design with 4 replications was used. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis was used to determine the concentration of nutrients. Data was analyzed using Statistical analysis software and the treatment means separated using least significant difference at p≤0.05. The results showed that the highest content of macro nutrients P (Phosphorus), K (Potasium), Mg (Magnesium), Ca (Calcium) and S (Sulfur) was 641.76, 1241.65, 402.03, 904.74 and 245.86 mg/100g for genotypes KAL ATARI, KNE 628, KAL ATARI, KAL ATARI and KNE 628, respectively. The micronutrient elements B (Boron), Mn (Manganese), Fe (Iron), Cu (Copper), Zn (Zinc), Mo (Molybdenum) and Al (Aluminium) was found to range from 0.94-1.26, 4.33-45.02, 2.69-10.43, 0.05-1.18, 2.58-10.41, 0.09-0.20, 0.12-3.85 and 0.19-0.29 mg/100g respectively. The most nutrient dense genotypes were KNE 628, KAL ATARI, KNE 628, KAL ATARI, KNE628, ICFX1420314-6-5, NKRFM1 and ICFX1420293-1-1-1-1, respectively. These genotypes recorded high levels of both macro and micronutrient elements. The study provided useful information on the potential health benefits of finger millets and the most nutritious genotypes that could be used for breeding to improve nutrient status of finger millet varieties in breeding programs.
Abstract: Finger millet (Eleusine carocana L.) is a climate resilient cereal crop considered to be nutritionally rich with higher health benefits. However, there is limited information on the nutrients in Finger millet. Further, growing public awareness on nutrition and health care research substantiates the potential of finger millets as alternative crop. T...
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