• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.62-65
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• 2008

Purpose: Vitamin $B_{12}$ and folic acid are type of water-soluble vitamin and those work as a secondary vital enzyme, but especially those are involved in the nuclear DNA synthesis. Those are mainly measured in order to diagnose megaloblastic anemia and to assess the storage of folic acid during pregnancy. It is generally known that the hemolyzed serum is useless for folic acid and vitamin $B_{12}$, but it is not easy to abide by this information because our lab (Samkwang Medical Laboratories) is reference laboratory. We tested how much the extent of hemolyzed serum had influence on the results. Materials and Method: We performed the tests of vitamin $B_{12}$, folic acid. For the hemolysis effect study, we used 40 cases. According to the level of A, B and C groups, each group had 10 samples which were mechanically hemolyzed serum. Results: Hemolysis did not affect the vitamin $B_{12}$ results. However in case of folic acid, the value increased according to the degree of hemolysis. And severe hemolyzed cases had the highest value (greater than 20 ng/ml). Conclusions: Preventing the hemolysis, it has to be informed that blood-collecting, separation and storage are performed more carefully. As you see from the above results, hemolyzed serum is not proper for folic acid test, and hemolysis does not affect the results of vitamin $B_{12}$. However, for the more accurate results, it is necessary to avoid hemolysis.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.717-726
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• 2010

This study was conducted to investigate health status and nutrient intakes among 5th grade elementary students at Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2010. This study was cross-sectional study on 1,384 children (687 boys, 697 girls) from nine elementary schools located in Seoul and Gyeonggi province. The average height, weight and BMI were 145 cm, 40.6 kg $19.2\;kg/m^2$ for boys and 145.4 cm, 38.2 kg, $18.0\;kg/m^2$ for girls. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 11.3%, 5.2%, respectively. Serum AST, ALT, glucose, HDL-Cholesterol and RBC levels were significantly higher, while TG levels was significantly lower for boys than for girls. The average energy intake was 1772.4 kcal, which was 98.7% of Estimated Energy Requirement (EER). The boys consumed more energy intake (1800.4 kcal) than the girls (1744.7 kcal). Also, they took insufficient calcium and folate (69.1% and 83.3% of Recommended Intake (RI)) and excess sodium (297.6% of Adequate Intake (AI)) and 85.1% of the subjects had breakfast everyday. In general, the proportion of the children who consumed fruits and vegetables at least once or more a day was low. There was a higher proportion of children in boys who had ramyun and milk with sufficient physical activity than those in girls. As a result of this study, we can find risk factors on obesity and metabolic disorders, and the results can be used for an evidence of nutrition education program and the intervention program.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.41 no.8
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• pp.718-732
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate nutrients or food factors related to cognitive function of elderly having Alzheimer's disease. In this study 38 subjects who were over 65 years old have participated in dementia clinic at A medical center. After they were diagnosed to Alzheimer's Disease (AD) through blood analysis, neuropsychological test, brain image and interview by medical specialist, we examined for their general information, anthropometry, blood pressure and dietary intakes. Dietary intakes were investigated using the 24-hour recall record. Energy intake was adequate and the energy composition of carbohydrate, protein and fat was 60.8 : 16.2 : 23.0, but dietary intakes of calcium, vitamin A and folate were less than 75% of the recommended intake levels for Koreans. The multiple regression analysis adjusted with age, sex and educational level showed that cognitive function was positively related to intakes of zinc, fishes and shellfishes, beans & nuts, sugars and fats, and negatively related to intakes of plant calcium and eggs. These results indicate that intakes of specific nutrients or food groups are associated with the specific domains of cognitive function in elderly with AD.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.41 no.8
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• pp.786-796
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• 2008

This study examined the influence of the nutrient intake status, dietary habit, and academic stress of elementary school children on their academic achievement. Two-hundred and twenty-four fifth-graders in Bucheon-si, Gyeonggido were surveyed. The study included the 24 hr-recall, anthropometric measurement, assessment of stress level and academic achievement. The subjects were normal in height, weight and Rohrer index, but higher percentage of underweight was seen in girls and vice versa in boys. The overall nutrient intake and dietary habits were fairly good, but Ca and folate intake was less than 75% KDRIs and dietary habits of boys were inferior. Academic stress level of all the subjects was not high. In terms of academic performance and its relations with nutrient intake, the more the amount of nutrient intake, the higher the academic performance. Especially, it was true for the energy, protein, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and n-6 fatty acid intakes (p < 0.05). The overall academic performance was higher for those who eating-out less frequently. Children with higher comprehensive dietary habit scores have shown better academic performance (p < 0.05). Less stress implied to those shown higher academic achievement while those with relatively poor academic performance showed high stress level since their grade did not improve as much as they anticipated. In conclusion, the academic achievement was higher for those who have a better nutritional status, better dietary habits, and lower stress levels. Therefore, it is critical for nutritionists, parents, and teachers to improve the nutritional status and dietary habits as well as to help them manage their stress levels, which will eventually contribute to an enhanced academic performance.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.55-67
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to compare the food behavior and nutrient intakes, and the analysis of constituent parts of blood related to iron nutrition conditions and to investigate the correlation between iron nutrition conditions and obesity. Each subject was assigned to one of such as normal(n=55) and obese groups(n=60) according to their obesity index. Their nutritional status, serum iron status were evaluated based in 24-hr dietary recalls, questionnaire and blood analysis. The mean age of the normal group(10.76 years) and that of the obese group(10.95 years) made little difference. The height(p<0.05), weight(p<0.001), and obesity index(p<0.001) in the obese group were higher than those of the normal group in every respect. The 63.55% of the subject of this study gave an answer 'They eat breakfast daily', and the frequency of eating breakfast made little difference. The average intakes of energy were 1669.44 kcal(84.19% of EER) in the obese group and 1673.59 kcal(86.72% of EER) in the normal group respectively, which made little difference between two groups. The intake of nutrients such as calcium and folate was as insufficient as below 75% of RI. The heme iron intake of the obese group was low that of the normal group(p<0.05). Among the major 20 iron resources the iron intake through animal food intake were 1.43 mg(12.00%) in the obese group and 1.93 mg(17.72%) in the normal group respectively. The rating of iron condition in the blood showed that the number of red blood cell(p<0.01), the hemoglobin(p<0.001), and hematocrit(p<0.01) of the obese group were lower than those of the normal group. These results suggest that there should be the right choice of food according to its bioavailability and nutritive guidance to appropriate food behavior, in addition to increasing iron intake to improve iron nutrition conditions of obese male elementary school students.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.111-126
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine the dietary habits and nutrient intakes of school-aged children participating in extracurricular classes, to with regards to class schedule. Three-hundred and two students from Seoul were selected and classified into two groups. One group attended extracurricular classes less than 12.43 hours per week, which was determined as the average number of hours per week(AELT, n=147). The other group attended extracurricular classes more than 12.43 hours per week(AEMT, n=155). The average student age in both the AELT and AEMT groups was 11.9 years, respectively. In terms of height and weight, there were no significant differences between the two groups. AELT received significantly more hours of sleep than AEMT(p<0.01), and there were significantly more responses with regard to lack of sleep in the AEMT group than in the AELT group(p<0.05). In a survey on 17 clinical symptoms regarding health, the AEMT group had significantly higher response rates than the AELT group in the following sections: no appetite (p<0.001), dizziness(p<0.001), headache(p<0.01), tiredness(p<0.01), cold symptoms(p<0.05), and sore eyes(p<0.05). Meal time irregularity was significantly higher than AEMT than in AELT(p<0.05). Approximately 50% of the subjects were picky eaters, and 40% and 20% skipped breakfast or dinner, respectively. The average energy intakes for AELT and AEMT were 2122.2 kcal and 2061.5 kcal, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. AEMT consumed significantly lower quantities of protein, animal fat, vitamin $B_6$, calcium, and phosphorus(each p<0.05) as compared to the AELT group. Beverage intake was significantly higher in AEMT than AELT(p<0.05). The number of hours in extracurricular classes showed a significant negative correlation with the intakes of protein, animal protein, animal fat, vitamin $B_6$, folate, calcium, plant calcium and phosphorus(each p<0.05). The number of hours in extracurricular classes also showed a significant negative correlation with soy foods intake(p<0.05). These results suggest that continuous and systematic nutritional education should be performed in order to prevent and improve the unbalanced diets and problematic of dietary habits that may result in students due to attendance in extracurricular classes.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.71-80
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• 2003

Food intake patterns and iron nutritional status of male and female college students were studied based on dietary iron density. Dietary data were collected using the method of 24-hour recalls for 3 consecutive days from 106 students, and fasting blood were drawn to measure iron nutritional status indicators such as total iron binding capacity, serum iron, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and red blood cell count. Mean daily iron intakes of male and female students were 13.3㎎ and 10.0㎎, which were 107% and 63% of the RDA, respectively. However, dietary iron density were similar between male and female students as 5.9㎎/1,000㎉ and 5.7㎎/1,000㎉, respectively. The diets were divided into two groups according to iron density; high iron density group (6㎎/1,000㎉ or more) and low iron density group (less than 6㎎/1,000㎉). The students in high density group had lower intakes of energy, especially fat, than those in low density group. Female students in high density group showed significantly higher intakes of iron, and non-heme iron and folate than those of low density group. The students in high density group consumed more rice, hamburger, and eggs, while those in low density group consumed more Ra-myon and alcoholic beverages. The students in high density group consumed greater proportions of iron from plant-origin foods. Vegetables, legumes and seasonings were the food groups that female students in high density group consumed significantly more than those in low density group. Also the percentages of female students with iron deficiency were higher in low density group. These results suggest that diet with high iron density is important to improve iron nutritional status of women, and further research about the effective way to increase iron density in our diet is needed.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.9 no.5
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• pp.589-596
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• 2004

This study was performed to investigate the anthropometric data, serum profiles, and nutrient intakes of high school students who are living in Seoul. Anthropometric data showed that mean height and weight were 174.1 cm and 66.6 kg in 99 male and 161.4 cm and 54.0 kg in 116 female students. Mean BMl for male and female students were 21.9 and 22.3 kg/$m^2$, and subjects with BMI > 25 kg/$m^2$ were 14 and 7%, respectively. Total cholesterol, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol of subjects were 149.6$\pm 3.1,\; 46.4 \pm 1.3,\; 86.4 \pm 2.3$,/TEX> mg/dl for males and 169.2 $\pm 3.1,\;50.7 \pm 1.0,\; 100.9 \pm 2.7 mg/dl$ for females, respectively. Hemoglobin (Hb) and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were 12.8 $\pm 0.1 g/dl, \;437.3 \pm 7.2\mug/dl\; in\; male\; and\; 11.9 \pm 0.1 g/dl,\; 439.4 \pm 5.7\mug/dl$ in female, respectively. Based on Hb classification, 45.6% of male and 45.0% of female students fell into anemic condition. Intakes of energy, Ca, Fe, Zn, riboflavin, and folate were below the Korean RDA. In particular Ca (male and female, respectively, 64.6 and 64.3% RDA) and Fe (male and female, respectively, 78.6 and 64.3% RDA) intakes were extremely low. Serum triglyceride was positively significantly correlated with weight (r =0.22), BMI (r =0.279), waist circumference (WC, r =0.235), triceps skin-fold thickness (TSF, r =0.197) and obesity index (OI, r =0.279). Hb concentration was positively correlated with height (r + 0.387), weight (r =0.349), BMI (r =0.191) and waistlhip ratio (WHR, r =0.380). As for the correlation between serum profiles and nutrient intakes, the Hb concentration was positively correlated with energy (r =0.163), protein (r =0.149), Na (r =0.153), vitamin A (r =0.165), thiamin (r =0.201) and niacin (r =0.192, p < 0.01). These result suggest that the prevalence of Ca and Fe deficiency of student is high and dietary guideline for prevent anemia in this age needs to contain the adequate intake of energy and its related vitamins.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.575-586
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• 2006

This study was performed to compare nutrient intakes, diet quality and serum indices (TG, Total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, RBC, Hb, Hct, Serum iron, ferritin, MCV) of obese and normal weight children. The subjects were 149 children living in the Seoul and Gyeonggi areas. Each subject was assigned to one of such as normal weight group ($15th{\le}BMI$ percentile < 85th, n = 82) or obese children ($85th{\le}BMI$ percentile, n = 67) according to their percentile of BMI by The Korean Pediatric Society. Data on dietary intakes, body composition and serum indices were obtained. Differences of all the above variables were assessed. Energy, carbohydrate, fat, cholesterol, total fatty acid, SFA, MUFA, PUFA, phosphate, potassium, zinc, vitamin $B_1$ and vitamin $B_6$ intakes of girls in the obese group were higher than those of the normal weight group (p<0.05). The intake of fiber was as insufficient as below 50% of KDRIs in both groups. Nutrient adequacy ratio of calcium, iron, phosphate, zinc and folate in obese boys were lower than those of normal weight boys (p<0.05). Energy intakes of grain and milk and dairy food in the obese girl group ($905.9{\pm}344.5kcal,\;210.9{\pm}166.4kcal$) were higher than those of normal weight girls ($671.2{\pm}360.7kcal,\;184.0{\pm}103.5kcal$) (p<0.05). HDL-cholesterol level of obese boys ($52.7{\pm}6.3mg/dL$) was significantly lower than that of normal weight boys ($65.3{\pm}15.6mg/dL$). Serum iron level of obese boys and girls (boys: $79.4{\pm}32.6mg/dL$, girls: $98.3{\pm}16.2mg/dL$) was significantly lower than those of normal weight children (boys: $104.8{\pm}38.6mg/dL$, girls: $106.7{\pm}28.9mg/dL$) (p<0.05). These results suggest that there should be sensible food selection and more intakes of fruit and vegetable are needed to improve the nutritional status in obese children.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.54 no.5
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• pp.567-572
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• 2010

5,10-Methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase from chicken liver was purified through 30-70% ammonium sulfate fractionation, Q Sepharose Fast Flow anion exchange and Source 15Phe hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Specific activities of cell extract, ammonium sulfate, Q Sepharose Fast Flow and Source 15Phe were 0.0085, 0.031, 0.80 and 1.27 U/mg, respectively. Purification fold activities of cell extract, ammonium sulfate, Q Sepharose Fast Flow and Source 15Phe were 1, 3.7, 94.1 and 149.4, respectively. HPLC gel permeation chromatography and SDS-polyacrylamide electrophoresis experiments indicated that the enzyme is a monomeric protein with a molecular weight of 22.8 kDa. Km for 5-methyl THF and Mg-ATP were $7.1\;{\mu}M$ and $63\;{\mu}M$, respectively. Optimum temperature and pH were $30^{\circ}C$ and 6.0, respectively. The data for metal ion specificity and stoichiometry showed that the maximum activity was obtained with a 1:l. ratio of $Mg^{2+}$. The ATP and Km values increased in the order of MgATP, MgCTP, MgUTP and MgGTP, and the maximum activities also decreased in the same order, indicating MgATP as the most efficient substrate. The enzyme was chemically modified only by tetranitrometane and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl)-carbodiimide, indicating that tyrosine and carboxylate are present in the active site.