Dietary fibre: Challenges in production and use of food composition data

Dietary fibre is a heterogeneous group of components for which several definitions and analytical methods were developed over the past decades, causing confusion among users and producers of dietary fibre data in food composition databases. An overview is given of current definitions and analytical methods. Some of the issues related to maintaining dietary fibre values in food composition databases are discussed.     

Antioxidant capacity, phenolic content and vitamin C in pulp, peel and seed from 24 exotic fruits from Colombia

Twenty-four exotic Colombian fruits were evaluated for antioxidant activity and total soluble phenolics (TP) (edible part, seed and peel) and ascorbic acid content (edible part). The antioxidant activities were evaluated by ABTS (free radical-scavenging capacity) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) methods. The ABTS, FRAP, TP and ascorbic acid values in the edible part were 3.25 to 175 ??M Trolox equiv/g fresh weight (FW), 6.29 to 144 ??M Trolox equiv/g FW, 15.7 to 1018 mg gallic acid equiv/100 g FW, and 0.53 to 257 mg ascorbic acid/100 g FW respectively. There were positive correlations between antioxidant activity (assessed by both ABTS and FRAP) and TP and ascorbic acid with the FRAP and ABTS methods. The edible part of banana passion fruits (P. tarminiana and P. mollisima) exhibited the highest values of antioxidant activity and total phenolics, while the highest level of ascorbic acid was recorded in the edible part of guava apple and cashew. The seeds with the highest values of antioxidant activity and total phenols were cashew, algarrobo, arazá and coastal sapote, while the peel of coastal sapote and algarrobo had the highest values of antioxidant activity and total phenolics. To the best of our knowledge, this paper reports the first evaluation of pulp, seed and skin of Colombian tropical fruits with a view to their knowledge utilization for the development of novel functional food products.     

Establishing quality management systems for European food composition databases

As part of the activities of EuroFIR (European Food Information Resource Network), the scientific validation and exploitation of food composition data will be assured by a quality framework. This paper outlines the processes and procedures implemented during the initial development of this quality framework for national food composition data compilers and for laboratories generating new data. EuroFIR’s strategic quality objectives are based upon requirements of national food composition data compilers, laboratories, and users/stakeholders. To implement thorough quality principles, a range of standard procedures and tools are being developed. Elements of a quality management system include criteria for quality control and quality assurance of the compilation process and the computerised systems in which data are hosted, as well as data quality assessment models. The results and findings obtained so far for the proposed quality framework indicate that existing guidelines and standards for laboratories should be updated to meet EuroFIR requirements. The generic compilation process has been described, including the identification of critical stages of the data compilation process and standard operating procedures are being prepared. A data quality assessment system has been developed for application to all nutrients and has been tested by national compilers within the EuroFIR network. The development of the EuroFIR quality policy through open and constructive discussions among food composition data compilers, laboratories, and users, strengthens the proposed quality standards and procedures and is fundamental to improving quality of data exchanged across Europe and beyond.     

Food composition databases: The EuroFIR approach to develop tools to assure the quality of the data compilation process

One of the aims of the EuroFIR project is to establish a quality framework for national food composition databases. This paper discusses quality requirements of the data compilation process. Following the analytical production of food composition data, the compilation process is the next most important step in production of food composition data. The internationally recognised and recommended systematic approach to the identification, evaluation and control of significant hazards, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), was used as a starting point. All steps in the compilation process are listed and presented as a generic EuroFIR flowchart describing the overall food data compilation process and identifying hazards and critical control points. The flowchart and standard operating procedures, documenting how to assure hazards at critical control points, are considered mandatory elements of the EuroFIR quality framework.     

Training aspects in the use and production of food composition databases. The EuroFIR experience

An increasing number of national food databases have been published on the internet. However, these internet databases can only be searched individually, and the data have been compiled at a national level, resulting in incompatibilities. To resolve these problems, the Network of Excellence EuroFIR develops an internet based platform for online access to various national authoritative sources of food composition data in Europe. Training is essential for its use, and for the development of harmonised procedures of data production, evaluation, compilation, and retrieval. The training program developed within EuroFIR consists of individual training, supported by exchange grants, and a collection of workshops and training courses. Supportive E-learning modules are under construction. Procedures for the evaluation of each training activity have been made to measure its efficacy, and to learn about new training needs. Attention is given to special training needs of compilers in central and eastern European countries.     

Ascorbic acid contribution to ORAC values in berry extracts: An evaluation by the ORAC-pyrogallol red methodology

An oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method based on pyrogallol red bleaching (ORAC-PGR) was used to evaluate the scavenging activity of berry extracts (blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry). Among berry extracts, only raspberry protected pyrogallol red through a clear induction time, related exclusively to ascorbic acid. The lag time allowed an estimation of the ascorbic acid concentration and its contribution to the total ORAC value, estimating that 66% of the ORAC-PGR value of raspberry is related to ascorbic acid. Also, from the induction time, an ascorbic acid concentration of 36 mg per 100 g of fresh weight was estimated for raspberry samples. The ORAC-PGR procedure could be considered as a fast and specific methodology for an estimation of ascorbic acid concentrations in complex samples.     

Spanish food composition database: A challenge for a consensus

Food composition tables have become important tools to estimate and monitor the nutritional composition of foods next to chemical analysis. However, as analytical methods, calculation methods and obtained results differ significantly within various sources of food composition information. Because calculation methods and obtained results differ significantly within various sources of food composition information, it is indeed a challenge to build, harmonise and compile a food composition database from scattered resources and hard copy tables. This situation has been challenged and addressed in Spain with the support of EuroFIR and governmental bodies (Spanish Food Safety and Nutrition Authority, AESAN), and the Spanish Food Composition Database Network (RedBDECA) has been set up. The proposed aims of the initiative are: to identify and evaluate the main sources of food composition data in Spain; to promote communication within national groups and with EuroFIR; to design and develop a web page for the dissemination of its activities; and to create a consortium to ensure the sustainability of the Spanish Food Composition Database.     

Voluntary food fortification with folic acid in Spain: Predicted contribution to children’s dietary intakes as assessed with new food folate composition data

The Spanish market offers a significant number of folic acid (FA) voluntarily fortified foods. We analysed FA and (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid ((6S)-5-CH₃-H₄PteGlu) content in ready-to-eat cereals (RTEC) (n = 68) and cow’s milk (n = 25) by a previously validated affinity chromatography–HPLC method. Contribution to potential FA intakes for children aged 2–13 years, was assessed using food consumption data from a representative nationwide study, folate Recommended Dietary Intakes (RDI), and Upper Levels (UL). Results showed that at all food fortification levels obtained, fortified products provided more than tenfold FA than (6S)-5-CH₃-H₄PteGlu. For RTEC, the high fortification level provided 6–21%, per serving, of RDI and ?32% of ULs at 90th percentile of RTEC consumption (P90). Milk products fortified at the higher level reached on average 54–136% of RDI per serving and only exceeded UL at P90 of milk consumption in children aged 2–5 years.     

牡丹种皮、种子及几种干果油脂的脂肪酸组成分析

摘 要: 目的 明确牡丹种皮油的脂肪酸组成及相对含量,并与牡丹籽油和4种常见干果（核桃、巴旦木、杏仁、开心果）的脂肪酸组成进行比较,为牡丹种皮油的开发利用提供科学依据。方法 采用索氏抽提法对4种干果中的脂肪进行提取,以硫酸-甲醇法对6种油脂样品甲酯化,采用GC-MS检测结合峰面积归一化法测定脂肪酸的组成及相对含量。 结果 牡丹种皮油与牡丹籽油中均含有棕榈酸、棕榈油酸、油酸、亚油酸、亚麻酸5种脂肪酸,其不饱和脂肪酸比例均超过90%,尤其是亚麻酸的含量分别高达51.1%和44.7%;而核桃中含有棕榈酸、油酸、亚油酸、亚麻酸4种脂肪酸,亚油酸是其主要成分;而巴旦木、杏仁、开心果中主要含有棕榈酸、油酸、亚油酸3种脂肪酸,以单不饱和脂肪酸油酸含量最高。 结论牡丹种皮油中含有大量多不饱和脂肪酸,其中亚麻酸的含量尤其突出,较牡丹籽油含量更高,是一种优质的保健食用油。     

A screening method for the determination of ascorbic acid in fruit juices and soft drinks

A simple and rapid liquid chromatographic method based on a new stationary phase Teknokroma, Tr-010065 Mediterranea sea₁₈ (15 cm × 0.4 cm, id 3 μm), to determine ascorbic acid in beverages is reported. With the proposed method the samples were analysed by direct injection without a previous treatment. The total analysis time does not exceed 6 min. The method showed a good repeatability (RSD < 2%: n = 6) and an excellent sensitivity (LOD = 0.01 mg/l). Seventeen samples were analysed, including fruit juices, soft drinks and isotonic beverages. Ascorbic acid contents ranged from 6.6 to 840 mg/l. The ascorbic acid stability in some beverages during their shelf-life was also evaluated. Degradation of about 54% was observed in a tea drink.     

Breeding strategies for improving the performance and fruit quality of the pepino (Solanum muricatum): A model for the enhancement of underutilized exotic fruits

The pepino (Solanum muricatum Aiton) is a neglected Andean crop that has elicited an increasing interest from exotic fruit markets. The pepino is highly diverse and, by using appropriate breeding strategies, it has been possible to develop new improved materials. Here we review more than a decade of efforts and advancements made in the genetic improvement of the pepino for several traits, with special emphasis on fruit quality. Different strategies, like the use of a wide diversity of genetic resources, exploitation of genotype × environment interaction, use of clonal hybrids, and introgression of genes from wild species, have facilitated significant developments in enhancing the commercial potential of the pepino, and have allowed the development of new cultivars and breeding materials adapted to new agroclimatic conditions. Agronomic performance of the pepino has been improved by the use of genetic parthenocarpy, selection for resistance to Tomato Mosaic Virus, and by developing hybrids, that manifested heterosis, but also did not have lower quality fruit. Breeding for quality has been focused mostly on the improvement of flavor (sweetness and aroma) and nutritional value (ascorbic acid content; AAC). Despite the limited intraspecific diversity available for sugar content, materials with high soluble solids content (SSC) have been selected. Strategies for further increases of SSC and titratable acidity have been based in the use of wild relatives. The study of variation within the cultigen was also helpful in the selection of hybrid genotypes with improved aroma profiles and high AAC values. As a result of the breeding efforts, several cultivars with improved agronomic performance and fruit quality have been produced. The use of biotechnological tools represents an opportunity to use the extensive genomic information compiled for related species, like tomato or potato, for the future improvement and enhancement of pepino quality. The results obtained in the pepino show that ample opportunities exist for improving the commercial potential of under-utilized fruits by means of breeding based on the exploitation of genetic diversity.     

竹节人参中氨基酸含量及组成分析

以竹节人参根为原料,采用氨基酸自动分析仪对样品各种氨基酸的含量进行检测,并对其组成进行比较与分析：结果表明,竹节人参中总氨基酸含量较高,各种人体必需氮基酸种类齐全,且凡比例均衡。在各种人体必需氨基酸中,第一限制氨基酸为蛋氨酸＋胱氨酸。     

Application of ethnic food composition data for understanding the diet and nutrition of South Asians in the UK

Lack of food composition data, recipe information and portion sizes for ethnic foods are commonly reported problems for dietary assessment of ethnic minority groups. One of the main aims of this study was to use food composition data to validate portion sizes, identify important sources of nutrients and describe the characteristics of the South Asian diet. The top five ethnic foods containing highest levels of selected nutrients were lamb balti (3 mg/100 g iron), lamb kebab (3.2 mg/100 g zinc), mixed dhal (62 μg/100 g folate), fish curry (1.4 μg/100 g vitamin D), ghee (968 μg/100 g retinol) and toor dhal (9.1 g/100 g dietary fibre). Typical adult South Asian diets included traditional cereals (chapatti, rice and paratha) and low consumption of meat dishes; with vegetable curries contributing most towards energy intake. A higher consumption of full fat milk and fruit juices by toddlers and school children were observed when compared with the National Diet and Nutrition Survey of the UK.     

Exploiting locally available resources for food and nutritional security enhancement: wild fruits diversity, potential and state of exploitation in the Amhara region of Ethiopia

This paper features the composition of wild fruits, their exploitation and their potential contribution to improved food and nutritional security in three districts of the Amhara region of Ethiopia. Data were gathered through structured, semi-structured and key-informant interviews which were administered to the heads of 92 randomly chosen households. Focus group discussions and direct field explorations by the researchers were also undertaken. The results revealed that altogether 44 wild fruit species are available for use in the study areas. The fruits are rich in valuable nutrients and are accessible year-round with significant overlap at times of acute food and nutrient scarcity. Nevertheless, owing to the peoples’ cereal-based dietary habits, cultural perceptions and attitudes, the current state of fruit utilization is very low. Consequently, the potential nutritional contribution of wild fruits to the people’s diets remains largely unexploited. In order to remedy this situation, a wider and sustained acceptance of wild fruits as important dietary components must be fostered.

Variability in the intercomparison of food carotenoid content data: A user's point of view

The availability of reliable information on food composition is essential both for the evaluation of diet and for nutritional research to relate diet to health or disease. In this article, we compare the total and individual carotenoid contents and the retinol equivalents in fruits and vegetables reported in several food composition tables and HPLC studies. The impact of the variability in carotenoid intake was evaluated on the basis of Spanish National Consumption Statistics and on the values for a standard diet. We identify, from a user's point of view, errors concerning identification of the items and the terms used to refer to the compounds. Food composition tables overestimate (by 2 to 48%) the retinol equivalent intake, whereas they underestimate (by 30 to 50%) the total carotenoid intake according to HPLC data. We study the effect of these main sources of error, their impact on dietary assessment and on the classification of relevant contributors, and the possible consequences with respect to proper diet in terms of nutritional assessment and epidemiological studies. Given the different dietary habits among populations and the fact that certain items may be over‐ or underestimated in databases, the use of a single database may be misleading as to the rate of carotenoid consumption and the “true” nutrient intake in a given population, thus weakening the reliability of the study and resulting in erroneous conclusions.     

Association between polymorphisms of the heart fatty acid binding protein gene and intramuscular fat content,fatty acid composition,and meat quality in Berkshire breed

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between polymorphisms of the heart fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) gene and variation in intramuscular fat (IMF) content, fatty acid composition, and meat quality in Berkshire breed. We detected an association between IMF content and H-FABP HinfI restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) genotype. The HH genotype showed the greatest IMF content among the genotype classes (P < 0.05). Regarding meat quality traits, only drip loss was significantly different among the H-FABP HinfI RFLP genotype classes (P < 0.01). In the case of fatty acid composition, the degree of saturation of fatty acids was greater in hh-genotype pigs than in HH and Hh genotypes. The H-FABP MspI RFLP genotype affected unsaturated fatty acid content, and the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acid to saturated fatty acid (P < 0.05), whereas the H-FABP HaeIII RFLP genotype had no effect on fatty acid characteristics.     

A comparison of organic and conventionally-produced lamb purchased from three major UK supermarkets: Price, eating quality and fatty acid composition

Organic and conventional lamb loin chops, labelled as British lamb, were bought from three major UK supermarket chains (designated A, B and C) in the Bristol area on 10 occasions over a six week period. Samples (n=360) were from unknown production systems but representative of what is available to UK consumers. The nutritional quality of muscle was assessed in terms of its fatty acid composition and eating quality was assessed by a trained sensory panel. Lamb prices varied between ￡9 and ￡12.50 per kg, with a relatively modest price differential between organic and conventional lamb chops of ￡1.10, ￡1.88 and ￡1.16 ￡/kg for supermarkets A, B and C, respectively. On average, organic chops were 20g heavier than conventional chops. Chops were relatively lean, having just 14% of subcutaneous fat, approximately half that of a similar survey 10 years ago. Organic lamb had a better eating quality than conventional lamb in terms of juiciness (p<0.05), flavour (p<0.05) and overall liking (p<0.05) thus providing some evidence for the perception among consumers that organic products 'taste better'. Differences in juiciness were attributed to the higher intramuscular fat content of organic meat whilst differences in flavour were attributed to differences in fatty acid composition, in particular, the higher level of linolenic acid (18:3) and total n-3 PUFA in organic chops. Conventional chops had a higher percentage of linoleic acid (18:2). Chops from both productions systems had a favourable n-6:n-3 ratio. The most important difference between the three supermarkets was that lamb flavour was significantly lower in chops from supermarket A, probably due to differences in their 'display until' dates. Chops from supermarket A were also the cheapest.     

Survey of benzoic acid in cheeses: contribution to the estimation of an admissible maximum limit

Benzoic acid and its salts are commonly used additives in the food industry. Their use is not allowed in dairy products even though they can be found naturally. In this work, 100 cheese samples were tested to establish the maximum concentration that can be considered as “natural” and, therefore, permitted in cheeses. Analyses were carried out by a validated ion chromatography method and “positive” samples were confirmed by two other HPLC methods. Benzoic acid concentrations higher than the method LOQ (8.8?mg?kg^?1) were found in 18 samples, ranging from 11.3 to 28.7?mg?kg^?1, with a mean value of 20.5?mg?kg^?1. Taking into account the distribution of benzoic acid concentrations observed in “positive” samples, it is plausible to estimate a maximum admissible limit of 40.0?mg?kg^?1 for benzoic acid in cheese. Below this value, samples can be considered “compliant”.     

A novel miniaturised electrophoretic method for determining formaldehyde and acetaldehyde in food using 2-thiobarbituric acid derivatisation

A novel miniaturised capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical detection (mini-CE-ED) method has been developed for fast determination of formaldehyde (FA) and acetaldehyde (AA) in several food products without preconcentration. Because FA and AA usually exist as uncharged molecules with zero electrophoretic mobility, plus the fact that these two compounds lack of chromophore for sensitive ultraviolet (UV) detection, effective and sensitive determination of FA and AA in real samples is often a challenging task. In this work, an electroactive compound 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) was selected as the ideal derivatisation reagent to facilitate the electrochemical determination of FA and AA. Under the optimum conditions, FA-TBA and AA-TBA adducts can be well separated by mini-CE-ED with low detection limit of 9.10 × 10⁻⁹ g/mL (13.2 fg) for FA (S/N = 3). The proposed method should find a wide range of analytical applications in food products as an alternative to conventional and microchip CE approaches.     

Effects of dietary fats differing in n-6:n-3 ratio fed to high-yielding dairy cows on fatty acid composition of ovarian compartments, follicular status, and oocyte quality

The objectives were to determine the incorporation of dietary encapsulated fats differing in n-6:n-3 ratio into milk fat, plasma, and various ovarian compartments and to examine the effects on ovarian follicular status, preovulatory follicle characteristics, and oocyte quality. Twenty-four multiparous Israeli Holstein cows, averaging 114 d in milk, were assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: 1) control (n = 7), in which cows were fed a lactating cow diet; 2) E-FLAX (n = 8), in which cows were fed a lactating cow diet that consisted of 1 kg/d of encapsulated fat (3.8% of dry matter) containing 40.8% flaxseed oil, providing 242.2 g of C18:3n-3 (low n-6:n-3 ratio); or 3) E-SUN (n = 9), in which cows were fed a lactating cow diet that consisted of 1 kg/d of encapsulated fat (3.8% of dry matter) containing 40.8% sunflower oil, providing 260.0 g of C18:2n-6 (high n-6:n-3 ratio). Ovaries were monitored by ultrasonography for follicular status, and after synchronization, follicles >7 mm were aspirated and evaluated. Ovum pickup was performed (19 sessions for the control and E-FLAX groups and 11 for the E-SUN group), and in vitro maturation and oocyte fertilization were conducted. The E-FLAX treatment increased the proportions of C18:3n-3 (5.8 fold), C20:5n-3, and C22:5n-3 (approximately 4-fold) in milk fat as compared with the other 2 treatments. The proportion of C18:3n-3 fatty acid in plasma increased dramatically with the E-FLAX treatment, from 1.43 and 1.49% in the control and E-SUN groups, respectively, to 7.98% in the E-FLAX group. Consequently, the n-6:n-3 ratio in plasma was reduced from approximately 42 in the control and E-SUN groups to 6.74 in the E-FLAX group. Proportions of C18:3n-3 in follicular fluid and granulosa cells were approximately 5-fold higher in the E-FLAX group than in the other 2 groups. The percentage of C18:2n-6 in cumulus-oocyte complexes of cows in the E-SUN group was 54% higher than that in the E-FLAX group and was 2.4-fold higher than that in the control group; the proportion of C18:3n-3 in the E-FLAX group was 4.73% and was not detected in the other groups. The average numbers of 2- to 5-mm follicles on d 5 and 9 of the cycle were higher in the E-FLAX group than in the E-SUN group, whereas the average numbers of follicles ≥10 mm on d 5, 9, and 13 were higher in the E-SUN group than in the other 2 groups. The estrous cycles of the cows were synchronized and PGF_2α was injected on d 16 to 17 of the cycle. The interval from PGF_2α injection to behavioral estrus was longer in the E-FLAX group than in the E-SUN group, and the beginning of the luteal phase of the subsequent cycle was delayed. Concentrations of estradiol in follicular fluid of the preovulatory follicles were higher in the E-SUN group than in the E-FLAX group. The number of follicles aspirated by ovum pickup was higher in the E-FLAX group than in the control group, and the cleavage rate in the E-FLAX group was higher than in the control group, but not the E-SUN group. In conclusion, dietary n-3 fatty acids influenced the follicular status and increased the cleavage rate of oocytes as compared with those of control cows. These findings could be related to modifications of the fatty acid composition in plasma and ovarian compartments in response to dietary supplementation.