Chemical and sensory characterization of cakes enriched with dietary fiber and micronutrient for the elderly

This study presents the development of individual cakes enriched with dietary fiber (lupin and oat fiber), vitamins and minerals; as recent research has shown that the average daily dietary fibre intake of the elderly population in Chile is only 12 g. Each cake contains 4.8 g of dietary fibre and a 30% of the RDA of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, E, nicotinamide and folic acid, 40% of the RDA of vitamin D3, 15% of the RDA of calcium, 12% of the RDA of magnesium and 3% the RDA of zinc. Polydextrose and sorbitol were added to improve flavor and texture. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used for optimization, based on a two-variable composite design. Thirteen experimental runs were carried out, with polydextrose (1 to 40% based on flour content) and sorbitol (1 to 30% based on flour content) as independent variables. The response variable was sensory quality obtained by the Karlsruhe test. Sensory attributes of texture and overall quality showed a good fitting with high determination coefficients and were used for optimization. The optimized cake contained 11.5% polydextrose and 4.4% sorbitol (both based on flour content). Quality of the optimized product was controlled by means of physical, chemical, microbiological and sensory analyses. Overall sensory quality was 8.18 ("very good") and good quality and nutritive value were achieved. In an acceptance test carried out with 150 adults, 100% acceptability was obtained in the hedonic scale categories "like it" and "like it very much". A shelf life study performed with cakes packaged in polypropylene bags of 30 microns thickness indicated a shelf life of 13 days stored at room conditions (25 degrees C and 55-60% R.H.).     

Protective factors for iron deficiency anemia: prospective study in low-income infants

This study was performed to assess both risk and protective factors associated with iron deficiency anemia in 130 infants with age below 24 months, with low socio-economic status and followed since their births by a primary health care program in the city of S?o Paulo, Brazil. Growth, morbidity and dietary factors were analysed as well as hemoglobin levels (Hb) at regular intervals (6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months). The portable Hemocue photometer was employed to measure hemoglobin levels and anemia was considered when Hb values were below 11 g/dL. Simple logistic regression was used with socio-economic variables, age group, nutritional status, morbidity, breastfeeding and food intake. Risk factors for anemia in the studied group were intake of cow's milk at 4 months and who has 3 or more old brothers (OR approximately = 2). The protective factors for anemia were age between 18 and 24 months and intake of infant formula, vitamin C, meat and beans at 6 months (OR approximately = 0.5). The prevention of iron deficiency anemia includes encouraging healthy feeding practices starting at 6 months of life.     

Relation between erythrocyte free protoporphyrins and usual iron intake in a group of University of Buenos Aires students

In order to analyze the interrelationships between free erythrocyte protoporphyrins and the usual iron intake in adult students, biochemical, and hematological values, and dietary daily intake, obtained using the recall method during seven days, were studied. Hematocrit (Hto.), hemoglobin (Hb) and free erythrocyte protoporphyrins (FEP) were determined in a group of 145 female university students, healthy according to the standard parameters of the Buenos Aires University Health Department. Mean iron intake was 23.0 +/- 1.5 mg per day, about 44% being provided by animal sources; 74.5% of the population was within the recommended daily intake according to FAO/WHO; only 0.7% of the population did not cover protein requirements while 35% did not cover energy needs. Hto. and Hb were below normal levels in 7.8% of the population when compared with standards according to ICNND. To obtain information about normal values to FEP, expressed as microgram/100 ml red cells (FEP% r.c.) and FEP/Hb ratio, the group of students with adequate intake of energy and proteins who had normal values for Hb and Hto. was selected. This group, including 94 women, had a mean FEP% r.c. of 15.71 +/- 7.26 and a mean FEP/Hb ratio of 0.44 +/- 0.21. There was observed an inverse correlation between FEP% r.c. and FEP/Hb with total iron intake (r = 0.80 and r = 0.78, respectively) and between FEP% r.c. and Hb concentration (r = 0.81). These results confirm the usefulness of the free erythrocyte protoporphyrins determination as a good index of iron stores and usual intake of this population.     

Zinc nutrition in young Chilean adults

To evaluate the effect of dietary factors on plasma zinc levels, dietary zinc intake was estimated and plasma levels were measured in 37 healthy young adults of low and middle socioeconomic status. Our study included 16 males aged 29 +/- 7 and 21 females aged 26 +/- 6 years. Dietary intake of zinc and protein was determined from a 24-hour dietary recall survey. Plasma zinc was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Alkaline phosphatase (AP) in plasma was also measured and the weight/height percentage for each subject calculated according to Jelliffe's standards. The average diet was composed of cereals, legumes, eggs, bread and noodles, caloric intake was 2051 +/- 154 kcal/day for men and 1767 +/- 158 (x +/- SD) kcal/day for women. The daily intake of zinc was 8.3 +/- 3.0 mg/day for males, and 9.7 +/- 2.0 mg/day for females. Cereals were the main source of zinc for men, while egg and dairy products were for women. Plasma zinc values were 82 +/- 22 micrograms/dl for men and 94 +/- 19 micrograms/dl for women (p less than 0.01). For the whole group plasma zinc concentration was 89 +/- 21 micrograms/dl. Seven males and two females had low plasma zinc values (70 micrograms/dl or less). Alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels were 110 +/- 10 IU for males and 71 +/- 4 IU for females (p less than 0.001). These values did not correlate with the zinc levels. Average weight/height was 99 +/- 18 for men, and 108 +/- 18 for females. Results indicate that on the average, in our study group plasma zinc levels were within the normal range, although they were significantly lower in men. Dietary intake of zinc was below the recommendations, being higher for women as related to values presented by men. The observed low plasma levels of zinc may be caused by a low intake, and/or poor bioavailability.     

Food intake of students graduating from basic education in the metropolitan area of Santiago, Chile

This study pursued to evaluate the adequacy of the dietary intake of students graduating from Basic Education in the Metropolitan Area of Santiago, Chile. A random sample of 258 students from public and non-public schools (1:1), of both sexes (1:1) and from high, medium and low socioeconomic level (SEL) (1:1:1), was selected. Standard procedures for 24-hr dietary recall individual interviews were used to collect data. The students' dietary intake was then compared with the FAO/WHO 1973 Recommended Dietary Allowances. Results revealed that 53.5% and 62.0% of the sample registered a deficient and excessive intake for energy and protein, respectively. Protein contributed 13.2% of the dietary energy, fat, 27.1%, and carbohydrates, 59.8%. Animal and vegetable protein intake was found in the proportion of 1:1. As findings indicated, the dietary intake of students differed significantly according to SEL. Deficiencies in energy, vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin and calcium intake were observed, in both sexes, besides iron deficiency in the female group. It is considered that results could be useful for food and nutrition planning in school feeding programs.     

Dietary evaluation of pregnant adolescents during first, second and third trimester

In order to identify risk of inadequate intake of calories and nutrients during pregnancy, 75 pregnant adolescents (14 to 18 years old) apparently healthy, from low socioeconomic level, in their first prenatal control (12 weeks) were studied by two 24 hour recalls and a food frequency questionnaire at each trimester. Nutritional status was assessed by body mass index (pregestation weight/height) and classified according to American Medicine Institute reference. Paired t-test, frequency distribution and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Low weight was found in 34.6% of adolescent at the first visit and 5.3% were overweight. Even though, caloric intake was below recommendation, significant increases were observed between first and second trimester for energy, carbohydrates, niacin and zinc (p < 0.001) and for fat, proteins, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin C, calcium and iron (p < 0.05). From second to third trimester, differences (p < 0.05) were significant only for vitamin A. Between first and third trimester, differences were significant (p < 0.05) for energy, proteins, carbohydrates, niacin, riboflavin, zinc and for thiamin, vitamin A and calcium (p < 0.05). A high proportion of pregnant adolescent did not reach recommendations for energy, folate, calcium and zinc. Food intake pattern did not change significantly among trimesters. Mean total weight gain was 9.2 kg and 0.412 +/- 0.4 g/week. Newborn's mean weight was 3.221 +/- 418 grams. It is concluded that adolescents are at high nutritional risk and deficiency of dietary intake should be followed. Attention should be addressed from the preconceptional period to postpartum in order to improve maternal and fetal conditions.     

Interaction Between Marginal Zinc and High Fat Supply on Lipid Metabolism and Growth of Weanling Rats

The impact of a moderate Zn deficiency on growth and plasma and liver lipids was investigated in two 4-week experiments with male weanling rats fed fat-enriched diets. Semisynthetic, approximately isocaloric diets containing 3% soybean oil were supplemented with either 7 or 100 mg Zn/kg diet and with 22% beef tallow (BT) or sunflower oil (SF). In Experiment 1, which compared the dietary fat level and the fat source in a factorial design of treatments, all diets were fed ad libitum to 6 × 8 animals, whereas intake of the high-Zn BT and SF diets was restricted in Experiment 2 (5 × 6 rats) to the level of intake of the respective low-Zn diets. The low-Zn SF diet consistently depressed food intake and final live weights of the animals to a greater extent than the other low-Zn diets, while intake and growth were comparable among the animals fed the high-Zn diets. The marginal Zn deficit per se did not alter plasma triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations nor hepatic concentrations of triglyceride, cholesterol and phospholipids. The fatty acid pattern of liver phospholipids did not indicate that chain elongation and desaturation of fatty acids was impaired by a lack of zinc. It was concluded that dietary energy and fat intake, and fat source have a greater effect on plasma and liver lipids than a moderate Zn deficiency. Marginally Zn-deficient diets enriched with sunflower oil as a major energy source cause a greater growth retardation than diets rich in carbohydrates or beef tallow.     

Influence of Diet,Menstruation and Genetic Factors on Iron Status: A Cross-Sectional Study in Spanish Women of Childbearing Age

The aim of this study was to investigate the combined influence of diet, menstruation and genetic factors on iron status in Spanish menstruating women (n = 142). Dietary intake was assessed by a 72-h detailed dietary report and menstrual blood loss by a questionnaire, to determine a Menstrual Blood Loss Coefficient (MBLC). Five selected SNPs were genotyped: rs3811647, rs1799852 (Tf gene); rs1375515 (CACNA2D3 gene); and rs1800562 and rs1799945 (HFE gene, mutations C282Y and H63D, respectively). Iron biomarkers were determined and cluster analysis was performed. Differences among clusters in dietary intake, menstrual blood loss parameters and genotype frequencies distribution were studied. A categorical regression was performed to identify factors associated with cluster belonging. Three clusters were identified: women with poor iron status close to developing iron deficiency anemia (Cluster 1, n = 26); women with mild iron deficiency (Cluster 2, n = 59) and women with normal iron status (Cluster 3, n = 57). Three independent factors, red meat consumption, MBLC and mutation C282Y, were included in the model that better explained cluster belonging (R² = 0.142, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the combination of high red meat consumption, low menstrual blood loss and the HFE C282Y mutation may protect from iron deficiency in women of childbearing age. These findings could be useful to implement adequate strategies to prevent iron deficiency anemia.     

Nutritional and antioxidant status of an institutionalized elderly group in Murcia (Spain)

The aging of the population is giving rise to a large number of studies aimed at improving the quality of life, considering diet as a major contributing factor in this life stage. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the nutritional status of a group of institutionalized elderly in Murcia, Spain, and to relate the diet to anthropometric and biochemical indices, paying special attention to total antioxidant status. The dietary evaluation showed excessive intakes of proteins and lipids, and deficiencies in those of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, zinc, iodine and vitamins A, E and D. The high proportion of overweight observed were not significantly correlated to the energy intakes. Although total plasma antioxidant status was low (0.62 mM eq Trolox and 0.98 mM eq Fe(II)) compared with reference values, estimated oxidative risk in this group of elderly was low according to plasma levels of vitamins C, A & E.     

Progress in the diagnosis of hypovitaminosis A: clinical and biochemical correlations

Hypovitaminosis A is a widespread problem, especially among preschool children in many parts of the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, about 100,000 children become blind every year, and many are dying due to vitamin A deficiency while millions of others are suffering from other consequences of vitamin A deficiency such as growth retardation and increased susceptibility to infection. It is, therefore, very important that not only the severe cases of hypovitaminosis A be diagnosed for immediate treatment, but also the marginal cases of vitamin A deficiency in vulnerable populations be diagnosed as early as possible so that appropriate preventive measures be implemented. Available methods for the diagnosis of vitamin A deficiency can be classified into four categories: clinical, biochemical, functional, and dietary. Clinical diagnosis is based on examining ocular and extraocular signs of hypovitaminosis A, and is only useful for the detection of severe cases. Biochemical methods are based on the plasma concentrations of retinol and retinol-binding protein (RBP), and liver reserve of vitamin A whenever possible. Two other commonly used diagnostic tests are: functional testing for nightblindness using dark adaptation time, and pathological testing for ocular signs of conjunctival xerosis, with or without the use of Rose Bengal or lissamine green dye. Dietary method for the diagnosis of vitamin A deficiency is based on the estimation of dietary intake of vitamin A and carotenoids. In addition, there are newer methods such as isotope dilution and relative dose response (RDR) techniques which have been recently proposed for the diagnosis of vitamin A deficiency. RDR appears to be a reliable and sensitive indicator of marginal vitamin A. However, the most desirable approach to diagnosis may be one based on multiple indicators for the accurate assessment of vitamin A status in the community. The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the problems of diagnosis, to recent advances and to our Brazilian experience in this important area of vitamin A research with significant global implications.     

Unveiling the Metabolic Effects of Glycomacropeptide

For many years, the main nitrogen source for patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) was phenylalanine-free amino acid supplements. Recently, casein glycomacropeptide (GMP) supplements have been prescribed due to its functional and sensorial properties. Nevertheless, many doubts still persist about the metabolic effects of GMP compared to free amino acids (fAA) and intact proteins such as casein (CAS). We endeavour to compare, in rats, the metabolic effects of different nitrogen sources. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were fed equal energy density diets plus CAS (control, n = 8), fAA (n = 8) or GMP (n = 8) for 8 weeks. Food, liquid intake and body weight were measured weekly. Blood biochemical parameters and markers of glycidic metabolism were assessed. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) was analysed by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Food intake was higher in rats fed CAS compared to fAA or GMP throughout the treatment period. Fluid intake was similar between rats fed fAA and GMP. Body weight was systematically lower in rats fed fAA and GMP compared to those fed CAS, and still, from week 4 onwards, there were differences between fAA and GMP. None of the treatments appeared to induce consistent changes in glycaemia, while insulin levels were significantly higher in GMP. Likewise, the production of GLP-1 was higher in rats fed GMP when compared to fAA. Decreased urea, total protein and triglycerides were seen both in fAA and GMP related to CAS. GMP also reduced albumin and triglycerides in comparison to CAS and fAA, respectively. The chronic consumption of the diets triggers different metabolic responses which may provide clues to further study potential underlying mechanisms.     

Conjugated Linoleic Acid Supplemented Diet Influences Serum Markers in Orchidectomized Sprague‐Dawley Rats

Conjugated isomers of linoleic acid have beneficial effects on human health, with demonstrated anticarcinogenic, antiatherogenic, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory properties. Previous studies have shown that the loss of sex hormones induced by orchidectomy affects vascular function and serum lipids. The objective of this work is to evaluate the effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on serum lipids, cardiac, renal, and hepatic markers in orchidectomized Sprague‐Dawley rats. Male sex hormone deprivation is induced by orchidectomy to 24‐week‐old rats. The rats are fed a diet containing 1.8% w/w CLA, or a control diet for 8 weeks. At the end of the treatment, serum markers are measured using commercially available kits. The concentrations found in the orchidectomized‐CLA (ORX‐CLA) group of total cholesterol, low‐density lipoproteins (LDL), as well as the atherogenic index, concentrations of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, C‐reactive protein, glucose, urea, uric acid, creatinine, albumin, calcium, total protein, and bilirubin are significantly lower compared to the orchidectomized‐control (ORX‐C) group. The concentrations of high‐density lipoproteins (HDL), calcium, total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin are significantly higher in the ORX‐CLA group than in the ORX‐C group. The CLA‐supplemented diet exerts a beneficial effect on different biochemical parameters negatively affected by orchidectomy, which may result in vascular protection. Practical Applications: The relationship between testosterone deficiency and the alteration of serum lipids is demonstrated; however, it is demonstrated in this study that the markers of renal damage, cardiac damage, and oxidative stress are also negatively affected by the lack of this hormone. This information has enriched the understanding about the relationship between testosterone deficiency and the development of different diseases such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, kidney failure, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. On the other hand, CLA has been studied mainly as a nutraceutical and sports supplement; the information in this study will help to expand the knowledge about the benefits of these isomers of linoleic acid, providing guidelines for its use as a protection against negative effects triggered by orchidectomy.     

Dietary factors associated with obesity indicators and level of sports participation in Flemish adults: a cross-sectional study

Background  

Obesity develops when energy intake continuously exceeds energy expenditure, causing a fundamental chronic energy imbalance. Societal and behavioural changes over the last decades are held responsible for the considerable increase in sedentary lifestyles and inappropriate dietary patterns. The role of dietary fat and other dietary factors in the aetiology and maintenance of excess weight is controversial. The purposes of the present study were to investigate the dietary factors associated with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), and to analyse whether dietary intake varies between subjects with different levels of sports participation.     

A new alternative for estimating recommendations of protein intake in humans. Protein requirements of an adult population fed with a diet based on rice and beans

This paper proposes a new approach to estimate the protein needs of a population; recommendations are also made on the protein intake of adults fed diets based on rice and beans. For this purpose, the nitrogen balance data previously reported for 40 adult human subjects who had participated in 160 nitrogen balance periods fed diets based on rice and beans, with and without animal protein and/or energy supplementation were used. The proposed method is based on the curvilinear response between nitrogen intake and its nitrogen balance. The second degree equation describing the relationship between nitrogen balance and intake is calculated. Using the mathematical concept of the first and second derivatives, the point of inflexion is obtained, and interpreted as that condition wherein the individual utilizes with maximum efficacy the ingested nitrogen; nitrogen ingestion, which corresponds to that point, is therefore taken as the dietary nitrogen recommendation for the individual. When the values obtained by means of the quadratic equation are compared to those obtained by the traditional linear equation, values were found to be statistically equal (p less than 0.05) for both calculation methods. The recommended protein intake of an adult population fed a diet based on rice and beans was 0.80 and 0.77 g/kg/day for the quadratic approach, and for the conventional method, respectively. When this diet was supplemented with 10% milk protein and with the same energy level, the calculated values were 0.64 and 0.71 g protein/kg/day for both methods, in this same order. The essential amino acid intake and absorption values were also calculated from the protein levels recommended by both methods to be in nitrogen balance, from a diet based on rice and beans. Findings revealed, in all cases, that the intakes of each and all essential amino acids met those levels indicated by FAO/WHO, with the exception of isoleucine and the sulphur-containing amino acids, which apparently limit the quality of the diet.     

Serum homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 in venezuelan elderly

The anatomical and physiological changes of aging make elderly people a vulnerable group to malnutrition and specific deficiencies of nutrients such as vitamin B12 and folate. This study was aimed to establish relationships among serum vitamin B12, folate, homocysteine concentrations and dietary intake and adequacy. Fifty five male and female elderly (60 and more years), free-living, were assessed. Measurements were: serum vitamin B12 and folate by radioimmunoanalysis (RIA), homocysteine by polarized fluorescence immunoassay, nutrient intake by three 24 hours recalls and food frequency questionnaire. Nutritional status was determined by Body Mass Index (BMI). Serum vitamin B12 and folate were at normal range (423,3+/-227,6 pmol/l and 6,4 +/- 4,5 mg/ml), but 17,5% of elderly had B12 deficiency and 12% had folate deficiency. Serum homocysteine was higher than reference values (15,8+/-4,4 mmol/l), but 47,5% showed concentrations above 15 mmol/L, male population showed higher mean value (p: 0,01). Nutrient intake was inadequate by deficiency. BMI indicated 11,8% of undernutrition, 29,4% of overweight and 20,6% of obesity A negative and inverse correlation between homocysteine and serum folate was found. Results suggest a biochemical deficiency of B12 and folate that is expressed as elevated homocysteine levels. These finding represent a high cardiovascular risk factor for this elderly group.     

Ameliorative Effects of a Rhenium (V) Compound with Uracil-Derived Ligand Markers Associated with Hyperglycaemia-Induced Renal Dysfunction in Diet-Induced Prediabetic Rats

Kidney disease is characterised by the improper functioning of the kidney as a result of kidney damage caused by hyperglycaemia-induced oxidative stress. The moderate hyperglycaemia seen in prediabetes can be treated using a combination of metformin and lifestyle interventions (low-calorie diets and exercising). However, patients have been reported to over-rely on pharmacological interventions, thus decreasing the efficacy of metformin, which leads to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this study, we investigated the effects of a rhenium (V) compound in ameliorating renal dysfunction in both the presence and absence of dietary modification. Kidney function parameters, such as fluid intake and urine output, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), kidney injury molecule (KIM 1), creatinine, urea, albumin and electrolytes, were measured after 12 weeks of treatment. After treatment with the rhenium (V) compound, kidney function was restored, as evidenced by increased GRF and reduced KIM 1, podocin and aldosterone. The rhenium (V) compound ameliorated kidney function by preventing hyperglycaemia-induced oxidative stress in the kidney in both the presence and absence of dietary modification.     

High-Protein Weight Loss Diets and Purported Adverse Effects: Where is the Evidence?

Results of several recent studies show that high-protein, low-carbohydrate weight loss diets indeed have their benefits. However, agencies such as the American Heart Association (AHA) have some concerns about possible health risks. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the scientific validity of AHA Nutrition Committee's statement on dietary protein and weight reduction (St. Jeor ST et al. Circulation 2001;104:1869–1874), which states: "Individuals who follow these [high-protein] diets are risk for ... potential cardiac, renal, bone, and liver abnormalities overall. Simply stated, there is no scientific evidence whatsoever that high-protein intake has adverse effects on liver function. Relative to renal function, there are no data in the scientific literature demonstrating that healthy kidneys are damaged by the increased demands of protein consumed in quantities 2–3 times above the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). In contrast with the earlier hypothesis that high-protein intake promotes osteoporosis, some epidemiological studies found a positive association between protein intake and bone mineral density. Further, recent studies studies suggest, at least in the short term, that RDA for protein (0.8 g/kg) does not support normal calcium homeostasis. Finally, a negative correlation has been shown between protein intake and systolic and diastolic blood pressures in several epidemiological surveys. In conclusion, there is little if any scientific evidence supporting above mentioned statement. Certainly, such public warnings should be based on a thorough analysis of the scientific literature, not unsubstantiated fears and misrepresentations. For individuals with normal renal function, the risks are minimal and must be balanced against the real and established risk of continued obesity.