Olive oil consumption and reduced incidence of hypertension: The SUN study

Olive oil, a major component of the Mediterranean diet, has been associated in some small clinical trials and cross-sectional studies with a reduction in blood pressure. The objective of this study was to assess the association of olive oil consumption with the incidence of hypertension in an epidemiologic cohort, the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra (SUN) study. The SUN Project is a prospective cohort study whose members are all university graduates. The recruitment and follow-up of participants is made using mailed questionnaires. Diet was assessed using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire previously validated in Spain, with 136 items. Outcomes of interest were newly diagnosed cases of hypertension, as reported by participants in the follow-up questionnaires. Logistic regression models were fit to assess the risk of hypertension associated with olive oil consumption. For the present analysis, we have taken in consideration the first 6,863 participants, with at least 2 yr of follow-up. After a median follow-up time of 28.5 mon, the cumulative incidence of hypereension was 4.7% in men and 1.7% in women. A lower risk of hypertension was observed among participants with a higher olive oil consumption at baseline, but the results were not statistically significant (P=0.13 for the linear trend test in the multivariate model). However, among men, the adjusted odds ratios (OR) (95% confidence intervals) of hypertension for the second to fifth quintiles of olive oil consumption, compared with the first quintile, were 0.55 (0.28–1.10), 0.75 (0.39–1.43), 0.32 (0.15–0.70), and 0.46 (0.23–0.94), respectively (P=0.02 for linear trend). No association was found between olive oil consumption and the risk of hypertension among women. In conclusion, in a Mediterranean population, we found olive oil consumption to be associated with a reduced risk of hypertension only among men. The lack of association observed among women might be attributed to the overall lower incidence of hypertension found among females and the resulting lower statistical power.     

Fish oil supplementation of lactating mothers affects cytokine production in 2 1/2-year-old children

n−3 PUFA influence immune functioning and may affect the cytokine phenotype during development. To examine whether maternal fish oil supplementation during lactation could modify later immune responses in children, 122 lactating Danish mothers with a fish intake below the population median were randomized to groups supplemented for the first 4 mon of lactation with 4.5 g/d of fish oil (equivalent to 1.5 g/d of n−3 long-chain PUFA) or olive oil. Fifty-three mothers with a fish intake in the highest quartile of the population were also included. The FA composition of erythrocyte membranes was measured at 4 mon and at 2 1/2 yr. Plasma immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and cytokine production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated whole-blood cultures were determined at 2 1/2 yr. Erythrocyte n−3 PUFA at 4 mon were higher in infants from the fish oil group compared with the olive oil group (P<0.001) but were no longer different at 2 1/2 yr. The median production of lipopolysaccharide-induced interferon γ(IFN-γ) in the fish oil group was fourfold higher than that in the olive oil group (P=0.034), whereas interleukin-10 (IL-10) production was similar. The IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio was twofold higher in the fish oil group (P=0.019) and was positively correlated with 20∶5n−3/20∶4n−6 in erythrocytes at 4 mon (P=0.050). The percentages of atopic children and plasma IgE were not different in the two groups, but the study was not designed to look at atopy. Cytokine responses and erythrocyte FA composition in children of mothers with a high fish intake were intermediate in comparison with those in the randomized groups. Fish oil supplementation during lactation resulted in increased in vitro IFN-γ production in the children 2 yr after the supplementation was given, which may reflect a faster maturation of the immune system.     

Obesity, physical activity and inactivity among adolescents in Morelos, Mexico: a longitudinal study

The prevalence of obesity in childhood and adolescence has increased in Mexico. This increase can be explained partly by a decrease in physical activity. The objective of this study was to assess the association between the prevalence of obesity and overweight with physical activity and inactivity among Mexican adolescents. We analyzed data from a longitudinal study with baseline and follow-up measures in 446 adolescents 12 to 17 years old, attending public schools in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. We collected information on weight, physical activity and demographic characteristics. Obesity and overweight were determined using as indicador the body mass index, and the cutoff points proposed by the International Obesity Task Force. The baseline prevalence of obesity or overweight was 37.22% (42.99% for males and 30.95% for females), and in the final measure 34.30% (38.46% for males and 32.28% for females). The median time of TV viewing was 3.90 h/d, with 0.73 h/d dedicated to vigorous physical activity and 0.58 h/d to moderate physical activity. Using logistic regression, after adjustment for obesity in the baseline measure, sex and clustering by school, we found no significant associations between the prevalence of obesity or overweight with time dedicated to TV viewing, vigorous or moderate physical activity. However, when conducting the analysis with an interaction term by sex, we found significantly lower risk of obesity or overweight associated with an increase in vigorous physical activity among males only (beta = 0.22, 95% CI (0.05, 0.89). Results suggest that vigorous physical activity may reduce the risk of obesity or overweight among male adolescents.     

Olive oil and modulation of cell signaling in disease prevention

Epidemiological studies show that populations consuming a predominantly plant-based Mediterranean-style diet exhibit lower incidences of chronic diseases than those eating a northern European or North American diet. This observation has been attributed to the greater consumption of fruits and vegetables and the lower consumption of animal products, particularly fat. Although total fat intake in Mediterranean populations can be higher than in other regions (ca. 40% of calories), the greater proportion is derived from olive oil and not animals. Increased olive oil consumption is implicated in a reduction in cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and, to a lesser extent, a variety of cancers. Olive oil intake also has been shown to modulate immune function, particularly the inflammatory processes associated with the immune system. Olive oil is a nonoxidative dietary component, and the attenuation of the in-flammatory process it elicits could explain its beneficial effects on disease risk since oxidative and inflammatory stresses appear to be underlying factors in the etiology of these diseases in man. The antioxidant effects of olive oil are probably due to a combination of its high oleic acid content (low oxidation potential compared with linoleic acid) and its content of a variety of plant antioxidants, particularly oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and tyrosol. It is also possible that the high oleic acid content and a proportionate reduction in linoleic acid intake would allow a greater conversion of α-linolenic acid (18∶3n−3) to longer-chain n−3 PUFA, which have characteristic health benefits. Adoption of a Mediterranean diet could confer health benefits in high-risk populations.     

Dietary lipid supply in Lebanon: Does it fit the Mediterranean diet profile?

Lipids supply between 30–40% of total energy intake of Lebanese people and about 40% of this is derived from imported vegetable oils (soybean, sunflower, and corn oils). In Lebanon, olive oil, mostly locally produced, contributed to a consistently low percentage of total energy intake (2.2% on average) for the past forty five years. Although Lebanon borders the Mediterranean Sea, the Lebanese diet is far from the traditional Mediterranean diet. Compared to other Mediterranean countries, Lebanon has one of the lowest fish and seafood consumption rates. This pattern of consumption favors an increased ratio of omega‐6:omega‐3 with a concomitant low intake of omega‐9. Efforts should focus on ways to increase fish and olive oil consumption.     

Maternal fish oil supplementation in lactation: Effect on visual acuity and n−3 fatty acid content of infant erythrocytes

Studies on formula-fed infants indicate a beneficial effect of dietary DHA on visual acuity. Cross-sectional studies have shown an association between breast-milk DHA levels and visual acuity in breast-fed infants. The objective in this study was to evaluate the biochemical and functional effects of fish oil (FO) supplements in lactating mothers. In this double-blinded randomized trial, Danish mothers with habitual fish intake below the 50th percentile of the Danish National Birth Cohort were randomized to microencapsulated FO [1.3 g/d long-chain n−3 FA (n−3 LCPUFA)] or olive oil (OO). The intervention started within a week after delivery and lasted 4 mon. Mothers with habitual high fish intake and their infants were included as a reference group. Ninety-seven infants completed the trial (44 OO-group, 53 FO-group) and 47 reference infants were followed up. The primary outcome measures were: DHA content of milk samples (0, 2, and 4 mon postnatal) and of infant red blood cell (RBC) membranes (4 mon postnatal), and infant visual acuity (measured by swept visual evoked potential at 2 and 4 mon of age). FO supplementation gave rise to a threefold increase in the DHA content of the 4-mon milk samples (P<0.001). DHA in infant RBC reflected milk contents (r=0.564, P<0.001) and was increased by almost 50% (P<0.001). Infant visual acuity was not significantly different in the randomized groups but was positively associated at 4 mon with infant RBC-DHA (P=0.004, multiple regression). We concluded that maternal FO supplementation during lactation did not enhance visual acuity of the infants who completed the intervention. However, the results showed that infants with higher RBC levels of n−3 LCPUFA had a better visual acuity at 4 mon of age, suggesting that n−3 LCPUFA may influence visual maturation.     

Obesity in Mexican school age children is associated with out of-home food consumption: in the journey from home to school

The objective of our study was to evaluate the association between consumption of food during the journey from home to school and back, with overweight and obesity, in a nationwide representative sample of school children. We assessed consumption outside the home in 9537 children, with information on availability and consumption of selected groups of food and beverages. Height, weight, total energy consumption, and sociodemographic variables were also obtained. We developed logistic regression models, and tested interactions with sociodemographic variables. The results of our study show that the prevalence of overweight and obesity was positively associated with dairy consumption in girls (OR:1.70; p = 0.01), as well as fried snacks consumption in school children living in Mexico City (OR: 1.68; p = 0.06). Consumption of fruits and vegetables in medium and high socioeconomic levels was negatively associated with the prevalence of overweight and obesity (OR: 0.54; p = 0.01 and 0.59; p = 0.07, respectively). We concluded that children during their stay away from home have a high availability of energy dense foods, which can influence their consumption and contribute to the development of overweight and obesity, so it is important to investigate this association in prospective studies.     

Fish Oil Supplementation During Late Pregnancy Does Not Influence Plasma Lipids or Lipoprotein Levels in Young Adult Offspring

Nutritional influences on cardiovascular disease operate throughout life. Studies in both experimental animals and humans have suggested that changes in the peri- and early post-natal nutrition can affect the development of the various components of the metabolic syndrome in adult life. This has lead to the hypothesis that n-3 fatty acid supplementation in pregnancy may have a beneficial effect on lipid profile in the offspring. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of supplementation with n-3 fatty acids during the third trimester of pregnancy on lipids and lipoproteins in the 19-year-old offspring. The study was based on the follow-up of a randomized controlled trial from 1990 where 533 pregnant women were randomized to fish oil (n = 266), olive oil (n = 136) or no oil (n = 131). In 2009, the offspring were invited to a physical examination including blood sampling. A total of 243 of the offspring participated. Lipid values did not differ between the fish oil and olive oil groups. The relative adjusted difference (95% confidence intervals) in lipid concentrations was −3% (−11; 7) for LDL cholesterol, 3% (−3; 10) for HDL cholesterol, −1% (−6; 5) for total cholesterol,−4% (−16; 10) for TAG concentrations, 2%(−2; 7) for apolipoprotein A1, −1% (−9; 7) for apolipoprotein B and 3% (−7; 15) in relative abundance of small dense LDL. In conclusion, there was no effect of fish oil supplementation during the third trimester of pregnancy on offspring plasma lipids and lipoproteins in adolescence.     

Postprandial and short-term effects of dietary virgin olive oil on oxidant/antioxidant status

It is generally believed that virgin olive oil consumption has beneficial effects, but little is known about its effects postprandially on oxidant/antioxidant status. The aim of this study was to determine changes in oxidative stress biomarkers and lipid profile after a single dose of virgin olive oil and after 1 wk of daily consumption. Sixteen subjects (9 men, 7 women) ingested 50 mL of virgin olive oil in a single dose. Blood samples were collected from 0 to 24 h. Thereafter, 14 participants (8 men, 6 women) followed a 1-wk 25 mg/d virgin olive oil dietary intervention. Blood samples were collected at the end of this period. Serum TAG (P=0.016), plasma FA (P<0.001) and lipid peroxidation products in plasma (P<0.001) and VLDL (P=0.007) increased, reaching a peak at 4–6 h, and returning to baseline values at 24 h after oil ingestion. The opposite changes were observed in plasma glutathione peroxidase (P=0.001) and glutathione reductase (GR) (P=0.042). No changes in LDL lipid peroxidation or resistance to oxidation were observed postprandially. At 24 h, plasma oleic acid remained increased (P<0.05) and resistance of LDL to oxidation improved (P<0.05). After 1 wk of virgin olive oil consumption, plasma oleic acid (P=0.031), resistance of LDL to oxidation (P<0.05), and plasma GR activity (P=0.005) increased. These results indicate that changes in oxidant/antioxidant status occur after oral virgin olive oil. Virgin olive oil consumption could provide short-term benefits for LDL resistance to oxidation and in glutathione-related enzyme activities.     

Overweight and obesity related factors in schoolchildren in Santa Catarina State, Brazil

The purpose of this study is to determine the correlation of socioeconomic, dietary, and anthropometric-nutritional variables of parents and their children to overweight (including obesity) in schoolchildren in Santa Catarina State, Brazil. This is a transversal study conducted on 4,964, 6 to 10-year-old schoolchildren registered in 345 Santa Catarina elementary schools. The following data were acquired: the children's current weight and height, birth weight and length, duration of breastfeeding, age at which water, herbal tea and other foods were introduced to their diet; parental income, education level, age, weight and height were also obtained. The prevalence of overweight and obese children were estimated by point and by interval with a 95% confidence; prevalence rates were obtained based on the Poisson model. An hierarchical approach was used, in which variables were adjusted within blocks and included in the model when they presented p < 0.05 at the outcome (overweight including obesity). The results indicate that 47.8% of the subjects were male. The prevalence of overweight and obese students was 15.4% (C195%: 14.4%-16.5%) and 6.1% (C195%: 5.4%-6.7%) respectively and were statistically similar among sexes and age ranges. BMI values were higher in males and among older children (p < 0.05). After adjustment within and among blocks, the variables per capita household income and parents' BMI values remained associated with overweight (including obesity). Overweight (including obesity) in schoolchildren is associated with a higher per capita household income and parental overweight and obesity.     

The n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in rat tissue lipids increase in response to dietary olive oil relative to sunflower oil

In the present study, changes in phospholipid compositions of liver microsomes, erythrocyte membranes, platelets, aorta, cardiac muscle and brain of rats fed olive oil were compared with those of rats fed sunflower oil. Four groups of rats starting at weaning were fed for four weeks a basal diet containing 5 or 25% olive oil or sunflower oil. We found that oleic acid was higher and linoleic acid was lower in membrane phospholipids of olive oil fed rats compared to sunflower oil fed rats. Polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n−3 series were markedly elevated in all tissues of rats on the olive oil diets relative to those on the sunflower oil diets. The results are consistent with a lower linoleic/linolenic acid ratio induced by the olive oil diets, suggesting a positive correlation between olive oil ingestion and n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in cell and tissue lipids. The study suggests that an adequate intake of olive oil may enhance the conversion of n−3 fatty acids.     

Relationship between maternal anthropometry and weight gain with birth weight, and risks of low birth weight, small for gestational age and prematurity at an urban population of Buenos Aires, Argentina

To asses the relationship between body mass index and net weight gain during pregnancy with birth weight and the risks of low birth weight, small for date and prematurity 9613 records from Sardá's Perinatal Database between 1994-1995 were reviewed. Exclusion criteria were fetal death, twin pregnancy, congenital malformations, lack of prenatal visits and lack of preconceptional weight and height. 9.6% of mothers and 15% of adolescents presented with low preconceptional BMI (median: 24.8 +/- 4.3 kg/m2); in contrast, 28% were overweight and obese. Net weight gain (median 9.25 +/- 4.9 kg) accounted for 16% of previous weight and was higher with lower BMI (p = 0.001). Birth weight (median 3375 +/- 467 g) decreased with lower BMI (p = 0.001) and the risks of low birth weight (p < 0.05), small for date (p < 0.05), and prematurity (p = 0.05) was independently associated with BMI, and increased (p < 0.001) when lower the net weight gain was. The best predictors for low birth weight, small for date and prematurity risks were low preconceptional weight (40-51 kg) (adjusted OR 1.72; [95%CI 1.48-1.95], 2.12 [1.82-2.41] and 1.46 [1.12-1.79] respectively). Net weight gain and several predictive variables did not explain more than 10.8% of the variability of birth weight. Preconceptional weight should have important implications for the design of future nutritional strategies at a poblational level, especially for adolescents.     

Triglyceride composition of olive oil,cottonseed oil and their mixtures by low temperature crystallization and gas liquid chromatography

Crystallization and gas liquid chromatography (GLC) have been used to characterize the triglyceride composition of olive and cottonseed oil and their precipitates from acetone or methanol/acetone (10:90, v/v) at −2 C. The precipitate obtained after a 24 hr crystallization of a 5% (w/v) solution of the sample in acetone or methanol/acetone (10:90, v/v) at −2 C was named Precipitate I (P-I); that isolated after 2 successive crystallizations under identical conditions was named Precipitate II (P-II). In each case, the ratio of oleic to linoleic acid (O/L) was calculated and proved to be a useful index for detecting adulteration of olive oil with cottonseed oil. In olive oil, the ratio O/L increased from the original sample to its precipitates, whereas in cottonseed oil and the adulterated samples the ratio O/L was lower in the precipitates than in the original sample. For olive oil P-II, the lowest value of the ratio O/L was 8.4; for the adulterated samples it was 7.6. On the basis of this index, adulteration of olive with cottonseed oil as low as 10% can be detected. Hydrolysis of P-1 by porcine pancreatic lipase and analysis of the fatty acids of the sn-2 position showed that the enrichment factor of linoleic acid varied between 1.11–1.30 for olive oil and between 1.55–1.90 for the adulterated samples. Even for adulteration with 5% cottonseed oil, the enrichment factor appears to increase (1.55–1.57) and can be used as a criterion for adulteration.     

Obesity-Related Changes in High-Density Lipoprotein Metabolism and Function

In obese individuals, atherogenic dyslipidemia is a very common and important factor in the increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Adiposity-associated dyslipidemia is characterized by low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and an increase in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Several factors and mechanisms are involved in lowering HDL-C levels in the obese state and HDL quantity and quality is closely related to adiponectin levels and the bioactive lipid sphingosine-1-phosphate. Recent studies have shown that obesity profoundly alters HDL metabolism, resulting in altered HDL subclass distribution, composition, and function. Importantly, weight loss through gastric bypass surgery and Mediterranean diet, especially when enriched with virgin olive oil, is associated with increased HDL-C levels and significantly improved metrics of HDL function. A thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms is crucial for a better understanding of the impact of obesity on lipoprotein metabolism and for the development of appropriate therapeutic approaches. The objective of this review article was to summarize the newly identified changes in the metabolism, composition, and function of HDL in obesity and to discuss possible pathophysiological consequences.     

Fractionation of tallow fatty acids. Preparation of purified oleic acid and an inedible olive oil substitute

Summary Tallow fatty acids have been fractionally crystallized from acetone at temperatures ranging from 0° to −60° C. By crystallizing at 0° to −20° C., a saturated acid fraction which amounts to 40 to 50% by weight of the starting material has been obtained. This fraction corresponds to “double- or triple-pressed stearic acid.” The filtrate acids from the crystallization at −20° C. contain over 90% of the oleic acid present in the starting material, and in fatty acid composition this mixture is similar to olive oil. From this fraction. which amounts to about 50% by weight of the starting material, a synthetic triglyceride with, properties approximating those of olive oil has been prepared. By low-temperature crystallization of this oleic-acid-rich fraction at −50° to −60° C., followed by fractional distillation, a good yield of purified oleic acid (oleic acid content, over 95%) has been obtained. One of the laboratories of the Bureau of Agricultural and Industrial Chemistry, Agricultural Research Administration, United States Department of Agriculture.     

Chemical structure of long-chain esters from “sansa” olive oil

The major objective of this study was to determine the chemical structure of long-chain esters present in lower-grade olive oil. The classes of esters composing the hexanediethyl ether (99∶1) extract of the wax fraction from a pomace olive oil were: (i) esters of oleic acid with C₁−C₆ alcohols, (ii) esters of oleic acid with long-chain aliphatic alcohols in the range C₂₂−C₂₈ and (iii) benzyl alcohol esters of the very long-chain saturated fatty acids C₂₆ and C₂₈. The analysis and the structure assignments were carried out by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and by comparison with synthetic authentic model compounds. This work provided precise data on the chemical nature of the wax esters present in olive oil and should represent a means to detect adulteration of higher-grade olive oil with less expensive pomace olive oil and seed oils.     

Antagonism of croton oil inflammation by topical emu oil in CD-1 mice

Emu oil is derived from the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), which originated in Australia, and has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation was induced in anesthetized CD-1 mice by applying 50 μL of 2% croton oil to the inner surface of the left ear. After 2 h, the area was treated with 5μL of emu, fish, flaxseed, olive, or liquified chicken fat, or left untreated. Animals were euthanized at 6 h postapplication of different oils, and earplugs (FP) and plasma samples were collected. Inflammation was evaluated by change in earlobe thickness, increase in weight of EP tissue (compared to the untreated ear), and induction in cytokines interleukin (IL)-1α and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in EP homogenates. Al-though reductions relative to control (croton oil) were noted for all treatments, auricular thickness and EP weights were, significantly reduced (−72 and −71%, respectively) only in the emu oil-treated group. IL-1α levels in homogenates of auricular tissue were significantly reduced in the fish oil (−57%) and emu oil (−70%) groups relative to the control group. The cytokine TNF-α from auricular homogenates was significantly reduced in the olive oil (−52%) and emu oil (−60%) treatment groups relative to the control group. Plasma cytokine levels were not changed by croton oil treatment. Although auricular thickness and weight were significantly correlated with each other (r=0.750, P<0.003), auricular thickness but not weight was significantly correlated with cytokine IL-1α (r=0.750, P<0.006) and TNF-α (r=0.690, P<0.02). These studies indicate that topical emu oil has anti-inflammatory properties in the CD-1 mouse that are associated with decreased auricular thickness and weight, and with the cytokines IL-1α and TNF-α.     

Dietary cod liver oil decreases arachidonic acid in rat gastric mucosa and increases stress-induced gastric erosions

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of long-term feeding of dietary fat rich in either n−3 or n−6 fatty acids on the availability of arachidonic acid (20∶4n−6) in major phospholipids of gastric mucosa in rats. Three groups of male Wistar rats were fed either a standard diet, a cod liver oil-enriched diet (10% by weight), or a corn oil-enriched diet (10% by weight) for 8 mon. Dietary cod liver oil significantly reduced the level of 20∶4n−6 in phosphatidylcholine (PC) and in phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) of gastric mucosa. The loss of 20∶4n−6 was compensated for by eicosapentaenoic acid (20∶5n−3) in PC, whereas the decrease in 20∶4n−6 in PE corresponded to the increase in three n−3 fatty acids: 20∶5n−3, docosapentaenoic acid (22∶5n−3), and docosahexaenoic acid (22∶6n−3). The level of 20∶5n−3 was higher than the level of 22∶6n−3 both in PC and PE of mucosa in rats fed cod liver oil. Diets supplemented with corn oil increased the level of 18∶2n−6 but decreased the monoene fatty acids 16∶1 and 18∶1n−7 in PC but not in PE of gastric mucosa. The 20∶4n−6 levels of both PC and PE were markedly reduced by dietary cod liver oil, to about one-third of control levels. Similar changes were also observed in the stomach wall. Gastric erosions were observed in all rats exposed to restriction stress, but this form of stress induced twice the number of erosions in rats fed fish oil compared to control rats or rats fed corn oil. We conclude that a diet rich in fish oil altered the balance between n−6 and n−3 fatty acids in major gastric mucosal phospholipids, markedly reduced the availability of 20∶4n−6, and increased the incidence of gastric erosions induced by restriction or emotional stress.     

Detection of pressed hazelnut oil in admixtures with virgin olive oil by analysis of polar components

Analysis of the polar fraction from virgin olive oil and pressed hazelnut oil by high-performance liquid chromatography showed marked differences in the chromatograms of the polar components in the two oils. Six commercial samples of pressed hazelnut oil and 12 samples of virgin olive oil (or blended olive oil including virgin olive oil) were analyzed. The phenolic content of the pressed hazelnut oil samples was 161±6 mg·kg⁻¹. Inspection of the chromatograms showed that the pressed hazelnut oil extracts contained a component that eluted in a region of the chromatogram that was clear in the olive oil samples, and consequently this component could be used to detect adulteration of virgin olive oil by pressed hazelnut oil. The component had a relative retention time of 0.9 relative to 4-hydroxybenzoic acid added to the oil as an internal standard. The ultraviolet spectrum of the component showed a maximum at 293.8 nm, but the component could not be identified. Analysis of blends of oils showed that adulteration of virgin olive oil by commercial pressed hazelnut oil could be detected at a level of about 2.5%.     

Anemia in relation to body mass index and waist circumference among chinese women

Background

This study aimed to investigate the relationship of anemia and body mass index among adult women in Jiangsu Province, China. Data were collected in a sub-national cross-sectional survey, and 1,537 women aged 20 years and above were included in the analyses. Subjects were classified by body mass index (BMI) categories as underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese according to the Chinese standard. Central obesity was defined as a waist circumference?≥?80 cm. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin concentration?<?12 g/dl. Prevalence ratios (PRs) of the relationship between anemia and BMI or waist circumference were calculated using Poisson regression.

Findings

Overall, 31.1% of the Chinese women were anemic. The prevalence of overweight, obesity and central obesity was 34.2%, 5.8% and 36.2%, respectively. The obese group had the highest concentrations of hemoglobin compared with other BMI groups. After adjustment for confounders, overweight and obese women had a lower PR for anemia (PR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.62-0.89; PR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.43-0.79). Central obesity was inversely associated with anemia.

Conclusion

In this Chinese population, women with overweight/obesity or central obesity were less likely to be anemic as compared to normal weight women. No measures are required currently to target anemia specifically for overweight and obese people in China.