Aging is associated with increased risk of frailty and malnutrition. However, food insecurity has rarely been highlighted
in the elderly population, especially among the low income group. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted to
determine the association between nutritional status, food insecurity and frailty among elderly in low income residences
in Klang Valley. A total of 72 elderly individuals aged 60 years and above was selected (mean age 66 ± 6 years) through
convenient sampling. Participants were interviewed to obtain information on socio-demographic, health status, food
insecurity and cognitive status. Anthropometrics parameters and frailty assessments was measured using standard
criteria. Results showed that 75.0% of the participants had abdominal obesity. Nearly half of the participants were
overweight (41.7%), followed by normal (43.0%) and underweight (15.3%). With respect to food insecurity, most of them
reported that they had enough food (93.1%). There were significant correlation (p < 0.05) between food insecurity with
height (r = -0.263, p = 0.026). Most of the participants were pre-frail (58.3%), frail (27.8%) and followed by non-frail
(13.9%). Calcium intake is inversely associated with frailty (t = -2.62, p = 0.011). In conclusion, food insecurity was not
a problem, however, half of the subjects were overweight and pre-frail. Three out four subjects had abdominal obesity.
There is a need to investigate further the pathogenesis of fat frail in this low income elderly population and formulate
effective intervention strategies.
Citrus grandis or Citrus maxima, widely recognized as Pomelo is widely cultivated in many countries because of their large amounts of functional, nutraceutical and biological activities. In traditional medicine, various parts of this plant including leaf, pulp and peel are used for generations as they are scientifically proven to have therapeutic potentials and safe for human use. The main objective of this study was to review the different therapeutic applications of Citrus grandis and the phytochemicals associated with its medicinal values. In this article different pharmacological properties like antimicrobial, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiepileptic, stomach tonic, cardiac stimulant, cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and anti-diabetic activities of the plant are highlighted. The enrichment of the fruit with flavonoids, polyphenols, coumarins, limonoids, acridone alkaloids, essential oils and vitamins mainly helps in exhibiting the pharmacological activities within the body. The vitamins enriched fruit is rich in nutritional value and also has minerals like calcium, phosphorous, sodium and potassium, which helps in maintaining the proper health and growth of the bones as well as the electrolyte balance of the body. To conclude, various potential therapeutic effects of Citrus grandis have been demonstrated in recent literature. Further studies on various parts of fruit, including pulp, peel, leaf, seed and it essential oil could unveil additional pharmacological activities which can be beneficial to the mankind.