Alternative Nutritional Strategies Research Articles

What would happen in the United States if there were no cow milk-based preterm infant nutritional products: historical perspective and evaluation of nutrient-related challenges

Recent litigation has led to a situation where preterm cow milk-based infant nutritional products (PCMBPs) may soon have limited or no availability in the United States. Given their limited availability, similar products based only on human milk are unlikely to meet the needs of most preterm infants requiring such products, especially those born >1500 g or very preterm infants born at <1500 g after they reach 34–35 wk postmenstrual age. Alternative nutritional strategies, used before the introduction of specialized preterm products, would require modular nutrient additions to a formula designed for full-term infants and donor or maternal milk. The addition of modular products would require careful calibration to provide needed macro and micronutrients which would expose infants to risks of contamination, poor growth, and limited bioavailability of some of these modulars. Substantial risks of metabolic derangements, and ultimately, poor outcomes would occur. In the long-term greater availability and support for the use of human milk-based products is needed. However, policymakers cannot assume that PCMBPs will not be critically needed and should identify strategies for their continued marketplace availability.

Effect of pineapple peel addition on sorghum ensilage

Silage mixed with forage and byproducts is an alternative nutritional strategy for ruminant production. This study aimed to characterize chemical–nutritional aspects, fermentative profile, and digestibility of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) silage with different contents of pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr.) peel inclusion at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or 80% of fresh matter. The experimental design was completely randomized with five replicates per treatment. Mixed feeds were ensiled in experimental silos for 65 days, subsequently opened, and samples were analysed. The increase in the proportions of pineapple peel caused a linear increase in dry matter, crude protein, mineral matter, ether extract, soluble carbohydrate, cellulose, lignin, and in vitro digestibility of dry matter in sorghum silage. The mean concentrations of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) had a negative quadratic relationship with the inclusion of pineapple peel, reducing from 0% to 40% (-2.56% for NDF and -3.14% for ADF) followed by stabilization at subsequent contents. Silage pH was not influenced, however, acetic and propionic acids increased linearly, while butyric acid decreased linearly with pineapple peel inclusion. The highest losses in gases and effluents were obtained in silage with 0% pineapple peel inclusion (1.77% of dry matter and 4.06 kg t-1 of dry matter), which resulted in lower dry matter recovery (93.56%). Adding pineapple peel to sorghum benefits composition, fermentation, in vitro digestibility, and decreases silage losses. An inclusion of 40–80% sorghum can be recommended.

Host-associated Bacillus velezensis T20 improved disease resistance and intestinal health of juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

The development of host-derived probiotics offers an alternative nutritional strategy for aquaculture. Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.) is an important cultured fish in the world. However, research on its host-associated probiotics is limited. The present study evaluates the probiotic potential of Bacillus velezensis T20 (T20) isolated from the intestine of turbot. In the experiment, turbots were fed with two diets: the control diet (CON) and CON supplemented with 1 × 108 CFU/g T20 for 8 weeks. Results showed that the addition of T20 did not affect the growth performance of turbot, but significantly decreased the mortality of turbot challenged by Edwardsiella tarda. Moreover, T20 could survive in the intestine of turbot, it might contribute to the improved intestinal antioxidant capacity, physical barrier and digestive enzymes activities of turbot. In terms of intestinal microbiota, T20 modulated intestinal microbiota communities. Specifically, T20 increased the relative abundances of Bacillus and B. velezensis in both intestinal mucosa and digesta, and decreased potential pathogen such as Mycoplasma, Staphylococcus and Weissella in intestinal digesta. In conclusion, the present study showed that dietary B. velezensis T20 could enhance the disease resistance, improve the communities of intestinal microbiota and promote the intestinal health of turbot.

Cromo e restrições alimentares como estratégias alternativas a ractopamina para suínos em terminação

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated chromium and quantitative and qualitative feed restriction as alternative nutritional strategies to ractopamine in finishing barrows. Fifty barrows, genetically similar, with an initial body weight of 99.0 ± 4.3 kg and a final body weight of 117.2 ± 5.8 kg were used. The animals were distributed in a randomized complete block design with five nutritional treatments (Control; Rac = 10ppm ractopamine; Chromium = 0,8mg chromium yeast; Quality = qualitative restriction, 7.5% less net energy in the diet; Quanti = 15% quantitative reduction in feed supply), with five replicates and two animals per replicate. Chromium supplementation and quantitative feed restriction reduced feed, lysine, net energy, and crude protein intakes (P &lt; 0.05). Chromium, ractopamine, and quantitative restriction improved feed conversion (P &lt; 0.05). Supplementation with chromium and ractopamine and feed restriction did not influence the carcass characteristics of the pigs (P &lt; 0.05). Quantitative feed restriction and supplementation of 0.8mg of chromium yeast are presented as potential alternatives to ractopamine in the diet of finishing pigs.

A single dose of microencapsulated cocoa supplementation attenuated eccentric exercise-induced endothelial dysfunction

In the present study, it was evaluated whether microencapsulated cocoa supplementation could attenuate endothelial dysfunction caused by eccentric exercise in healthy subjects. Thirteen volunteers were enrolled in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), blood flow and muscle O2 saturation (StO2) were evaluated by ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), respectively, before and after microencapsulated cocoa supplementation. The eccentric exercise was performed after microencapsulated cocoa supplementation to generate vascular dysfunction. Eccentric exercise significantly reduced FMD in the PLA condition, but cocoa attenuated this exercise effect. No significant effect was observed on muscle StO2 and blood flow after eccentric exercise and nutritional supplementation. In conclusion, the present study showed that a single dose of microencapsulated cocoa ingestion attenuated FMD-induced eccentric exercise. These findings suggest that a single dose of microencapsulated cocoa may be an alternative nutritional strategy to attenuate vascular dysfunction induced by eccentric exercise in healthy individuals.

Tropical tree foliage supplementation in ruminants improves rumen fermentation and the bacterial profile and decreases methane production

The main of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of tropical tree foliage in ruminant diets on the in vitro fermentation, bacterial population, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and enteric CH4 production. Seven experimental diets were evaluated: a control treatment of Pennisetum purpureum (T7) and six treatments of P. purpureum supplemented (30%) with the foliage of Neomillspaughia emargiata (T1), Tabernaemontana amygdalifolia (T2), Caesalpinia gaumeri (T3), Piscidia piscipula (T4), Leucaena leucocephala (T5), and Havardia albicans (T6). The T2, T7, and T5 treatments had the highest (p < 0.05) digestibility of dry matter. Overall, supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the concentrations of propionic and butyric acid and decreased acetic acid. Methanogenic bacteria decreased (p < 0.05) in T1, T2, T5, and T6. Ruminococcus albus decreased in T1, T2, T3, and T5 and Selenomonas ruminiantum increased in T3. Fibrobacter succinogenes increased, except in T5. Methane production decreased (p < 0.05) in T1, T4, T5, and T6. The supplementation with Leucaena leucocephala, Tabernaemontana amygdalifolia, Neomillspaughia emargiata, Piscidia piscipula, Havardia albicans, and Caesalpinia gaumeri is a potential alternative nutritional strategy for ruminants that results in positive changes in VFAs profile, a decrease on CH4 production and methanogenic bacteria, and changes on fibrolytic and non-fibrolytic bacteria composition. HIGHLIGHTS Tropical tree foliage supplementation increased propionic and butyric acid and decreased acetic acid concentrations. Fibrolytic, non-fibrolytic, and Methanogenic bacteria were selectively modulated with the supplementation of tropical tree foliage. The enteric methane (CH4) production decreased with the supplementation of tree foliage. The supplementation of Tabernaemontana amygdalifolia and Leucaena leucocephala had the highest digestibility and is a potential alternative nutritional strategy for ruminants.

The Impact of a Single Exhaustive Training Session with Protein Supplementation on Muscle Damage Markers in Young Cyclists

This study aimed to investigate thei of a single exhaustive training session with protein supplementation on muscle damage markers in young cyclists. Twenty professional cyclists with experience at local and national championship levels were recruited using a convenience sampling method. They were divided into an experimental group (n=10; mean age 21.4±4.7 years; body mass index (BMI) = 20.56±2.12 kg/m2) and a placebo group (n=10; mean age 19.1±4.1 years; BMI = 21.48±3.96 kg/m2). Blood samples were collected in a fasted state to measure phospho creatine kinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. The experimental group consumed a solution containing 400 mg of protein powder (100 mg per kilogram of body weight) with 400 cc of water, while the placebo group consumed a solution containing maltodextrin powder (100 mg per kilogram of body weight). A second blood sample was taken one hour after supplementation. Participants did not engage in any physical activity during the supplementation period. After a 10-minute warm-up, the Wingate test was performed, and blood samples were collected 24 and 48 hours after the test. The findings indicated that one exhaustive training session with protein supplementation did not have a significant effect on CPK (p=0.126) and LDH (p=0.526) concentrations in professional cyclists. Post-CPK and LDH concentrations were highest at 24 and 48 hours after strenuous activity. Based on this study, a single exhaustive training session with protein supplementation did not significantly impact muscle injury markers in young cyclists. Therefore, alternative nutritional recommendations and strategies should be considered.

Phylotranscriptomic Analyses of Mycoheterotrophic Monocots Show a Continuum of Convergent Evolutionary Changes in Expressed Nuclear Genes From Three Independent Nonphotosynthetic Lineages.

Mycoheterotrophy is an alternative nutritional strategy whereby plants obtain sugars and other nutrients from soil fungi. Mycoheterotrophy and associated loss of photosynthesis have evolved repeatedly in plants, particularly in monocots. Although reductive evolution of plastomes in mycoheterotrophs is well documented, the dynamics of nuclear genome evolution remains largely unknown. Transcriptome datasets were generated from four mycoheterotrophs in three families (Orchidaceae, Burmanniaceae, Triuridaceae) and related green plants and used for phylogenomic analyses to resolve relationships among the mycoheterotrophs, their relatives, and representatives across the monocots. Phylogenetic trees based on 602 genes were mostly congruent with plastome phylogenies, except for an Asparagales + Liliales clade inferred in the nuclear trees. Reduction and loss of chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthetic gene expression and relaxation of purifying selection on retained genes were progressive, with greater loss in older nonphotosynthetic lineages. One hundred seventy-four of 1375 plant benchmark universally conserved orthologous genes were undetected in any mycoheterotroph transcriptome or the genome of the mycoheterotrophic orchid Gastrodia but were expressed in green relatives, providing evidence for massively convergent gene loss in nonphotosynthetic lineages. We designate this set of deleted or undetected genes Missing in Mycoheterotrophs (MIM). MIM genes encode not only mainly photosynthetic or plastid membrane proteins but also a diverse set of plastid processes, genes of unknown function, mitochondrial, and cellular processes. Transcription of a photosystem II gene (psb29) in all lineages implies a nonphotosynthetic function for this and other genes retained in mycoheterotrophs. Nonphotosynthetic plants enable novel insights into gene function as well as gene expression shifts, gene loss, and convergence in nuclear genomes.

Effect of Dietary Blue-Green Microalgae Inclusion as a Replacement to Soybean Meal on Laying Hens' Performance, Egg Quality, Plasma Metabolites, and Hematology.

Simple SummaryIn recent years, a variety of natural products and medicinal plants have been widely implemented as alternative nutritional strategies for poultry production. This study aimed to investigate the possible impact of different dietary levels of spirulina microalgae on the productive performance, egg traits, blood metabolites, and hematological parameters of laying hens. Based on the findings, the spirulina could be contained within the layer diets as an alternative source of protein, with positive impacts on the laying hens’ production and physiological performance.Spirulina platensisis (SP) is a blue-green microalgae with a high value for animal and poultry nutrition. The study employed 250 40-week-old, HY-Line W-36 commercial laying hens. The layers received one of five experimental diet substitutes in five groups for 10 consecutive weeks (five replicates of 10 hens each group); a soybean-corn basal diet formulation without SP (Control group) or the soybean partially substituted with 3% SP, 6% SP, 9% SP, and 12% SP (for the remaining four groups). The results showed that dietary SP treatment significantly (p < 0.05) improved the productive performance, egg quality, blood metabolites, and hematological parameters of laying hens. In addition, there were linear and quadratic effects for increasing the levels of SP inclusion into the layer diets; however, the highest values of most parameters were observed when using 9% SP (90 g/kg of the layer diets). Furthermore, the results showed that 4.7% of the soybean meal ingredient in the layer diet could be replaced by 1% of SP. In conclusion, the partial replacement of soybean meal by SP into layer diets could be used as a promising nutritional approach to optimize the performance of laying hens.

Changes on the physicochemical and fatty acid profile of meat induced by inclusion of biscuit bran in lamb diet.

The animal feed science is in constant search for new products that bring economic return, without harming the quality of the final product. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of substitution of corn by biscuit bran in lamb diet upon the fatty acid profile of its meat and its physicochemical and sensory characteristics. Twenty-four male lambs divided in four treatments were used. The treatments consisted in increasing levels (0, 15, 30, and 45%) of substitution of corn by biscuit bran in lamb diet. The significance of the treatments was determined by ANOVA and the adjusted means were compared by Tukey test at 5%. The effects were determined by linear and quadratic responses. The use of up to 45% biscuit bran sweet type did not modify the physical and sensory characteristics of meat, just as it did not affect nutrient and dry matter intakes and animal performance. A replacement of 45%, reduces the cholesterol (P = 0.03) and the total content of saturated fatty acid (P = 0.002), not modifying other physicochemical characteristics. The replacement of corn by biscuit bran sweet type in the feeding represents an alternative nutritional strategy for sheep meat production with desirable organoleptic and quality characteristics.

Osmotrophy of dissolved organic carbon by coccolithophores in darkness.

Summary The evolutionary and ecological story of coccolithophores poses questions about their heterotrophy, surviving darkness after the end‐Cretaceous asteroid impact as well as survival in the deep ocean twilight zone. Uptake of dissolved organic carbon might be an alternative nutritional strategy for supply of energy and carbon molecules.Using long‐term batch culture experiments, we examined coccolithophore growth and maintenance on organic compounds in darkness. Radiolabelled experiments were performed to study the uptake kinetics. Pulse–chase experiments were used to examine the uptake into unassimilated, exchangeable pools vs assimilated, nonexchangeable pools.We found that coccolithophores were able to survive and maintain their metabolism for up to 30 d in darkness, accomplishing about one cell division. The concentration dependence for uptake was similar to the concentration dependence for growth in Cruciplacolithus neohelis, suggesting that it was taking up carbon compounds and immediately incorporating them into biomass. We recorded net incorporation of radioactivity into the particulate inorganic fraction.We conclude that osmotrophy provides nutritional flexibility and supports long‐term survival in light intensities well below threshold for photosynthesis. The incorporation of dissolved organic matter into particulate inorganic carbon, raises fundamental questions about the role of the alkalinity pump and the alkalinity balance in the sea.

A novel botanical formula improves eye fatigue and dry eye: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

With the frequent use of video display units, eye fatigue is becoming more common globally. An alternative nutritional strategy is needed to prevent the aggravation of eye fatigue symptoms. The objective was to evaluate the protective effect of a novel botanical combination of lutein ester, zeaxanthin, and extracts of blackcurrant, chrysanthemum, and goji berry on adults with eye fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. We randomly allocated 360 participants into 4 groups to receive placebo and 3 doses of our formula (chewable tablets, containing 6 mg, 10 mg, or 14 mg of lutein) once daily for 90 d. Each participant had 3 visits at baseline (V1), 45 d (V2), and 90 d (V3) during the study. Intervention with the formula improved individual scores of eye fatigue symptoms, including eye soreness, blurred vision, dry eye, foreign body sensation, and tearing. Compared with placebo, the formula at all 3 doses significantly decreased the total score of eye fatigue symptoms and increased the visuognosis persistence time at both V2 and V3. According to the Schirmer test, both 10-mg and 14-mg lutein formula groups had improved tear secretion at V3 compared with the placebo. The keratography results indicated that the first tear break-up time, average tear break-up time, and tear meniscus height were significantly increased after formula intervention. The formula at all 3 doses significantly increased the macular pigment optical density at V2 and V3 compared with the placebo, whereas optical coherence tomography showed no significant difference in retinal thickness and retinal volume across all groups at both visits. Our botanical formula improves eye fatigue, dry eye, and macular function without changing the retinal structure, and thus it could serve as an effective nutritional strategy in improving eye fatigue without causing serious side effects.Clinical Trial Registry: chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR1800018987).

The Anticipated Effect of Both Zamzam Water and Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) Separately on Tongue Tissues and Lingual Salivary Glands of Diabetic Albino Rats.

 Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticipated effect of both Zamzam water and Epidermal growth factor (EGF) separately on tongue tissues and associated lingual salivary glands of diabetic albino rats,( Histological and Ultrastructure evaluation) Materials and Methods Eighteen male albino rats were selected and divided into four groups. Group I (control group) received no drugs, while rats of group II (diabetic group) received a single dose of alloxan intraperitoneal injection. Moreover, rats of group III diabetic and received zamzam water for 3 months and group IV diabetic and received EGF. All rats were sacrificed; tongue was dissected and processed for hematoxylin &eosin and transmission electron microscopy evalution. Results The diabetic group showed histological & ultrastructural changes in the tongue epithelium and underlying lamina propria, a condition which almost restored to normal in zamzam treated group and relatively restored in EGF group. Concolusion Zamzam water provides safer alternative nutritional strategy in restoring the integrity of the damaged epithelium of the tongue tissues after degenerative effect of DM. EGF cause relatively improvement of the damaged epithelium especially in basal cell layer, keratin layer and blood vessels in lamina propria of tongue tissue.

The combination of wheat peptides and fucoidan protects against chronic superficial gastritis and alters gut microbiota: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

Chronic gastritis is observed in almost half world population. Traditional medications against chronic gastritis might produce adverse effects, so alternative nutritional strategies are needed to prevent the aggravation of gastric mucosal damage. The aim of this study is to evaluate the protective effect of the combination of wheat peptides and fucoidan (WPF) on adults diagnosed with chronic superficial gastritis in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants were randomized to receive WPF (N = 53) or placebo (N = 53) once daily for 45days. Pathological grading of gastric mucosal damage was scored using gastroscopy. Fecal samples were collected for the determination of calprotectin, short chain fatty acids (SCFA) levels and metagenomics analysis. Questionnaires for self-reported gastrointestinal discomforts, life quality and food frequency were collected throughout the study. WPF intervention reduced gastric mucosal damage in 70% subjects (P < 0.001). Significantly less stomach pain (P < 0.001), belching (P = 0.028), bloating (P < 0.001), acid reflux (P < 0.001), loss of appetite (P = 0.021), increased food intake (P = 0.020), and promoted life quality (P = 0.014) were reported in the WPF group. WPF intervention significantly decreased fecal calprotectin level (P = 0.003) while slightly increased fecal SCFAs level (P = 0.092). In addition, we found altered microbiota composition post-intervention with increased Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum (P = 0.032), Eubacterium siraeum (P = 0.036), Bacteroides intestinalis (P = 0.024) and decreased Prevotella copri (P = 0.055). WPF intervention could be utilized as a nutritional alternative to mitigate the progression of chronic gastritis. Furthermore, WPF played an important role in altering gut microbial profile and SCFA production, which might benefit the lower gastrointestinal tract.

The Combination of Wheat Peptides and Fucoidan Protects Against Chronic Superficial Gastritis and Regulates Gut Microbiota: A Double-blinded, Placebo-controlled Study (P06-104-19)

ObjectivesChronic gastritis is observed in almost half world population. Traditional medications against chronic gastritis might produce adverse effects, so alternative nutritional strategies are needed to prevent the aggravation of gastric mucosal damage. The aim of this study is to evaluate the protective effect of the combination of wheat peptides and fucoidan (WPF) on adults diagnosed with chronic superficial gastritis in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. MethodsParticipants were randomized to receive WPF (N = 53) or placebo (N = 53) once daily for 45 days. The pathological grading of gastric mucosal damage was scored using gastroscopy. The fecal samples were collected for the determination of calprotectin, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) levels and metagenomics analysis. The questionnaires for self-reported gastrointestinal discomforts, life quality and food frequency were collected throughout the study. ResultsWPF intervention reduced gastric mucosal damage of subjects (P < 0.001). Significantly less stomach pain (P < 0.001), belching (P = 0.028), bloating (P < 0.001), acid reflux (P < 0.001), loss of appetite (P = 0.021), increased food intake (P = 0.020), and promoted life quality (P = 0.014) were reported in the WPF group. WPF intervention significantly decreased fecal calprotectin level (P = 0.003) while slightly increased fecal SCFAs level (P = 0.092). Mechanistically, we found a shifted microbiota profile post-intervention with significantly increased bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum (P = 0.032), eubacterium siraeum (P = 0.036), bacteroides intestinalis (P = 0.024) and decreased prevotella copri (P = 0.055). ConclusionsIn conclusion, WPF intervention could be utilized as a nutritional alternative to reverse the progression of chronic gastritis. Furthermore, WPF played an important role in the regulation of gut microbiota and SCFA production, which might benefit the lower gastrointestinal tract. Funding SourcesNutrilite Health Institute funded this research. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs▪

Early Nutrition Programming (in ovo and Post-hatch Feeding) as a Strategy to Modulate Gut Health of Poultry.

Healthy gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is crucial for optimum performance, better feed efficiency, and overall health of poultry. In the past, antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) were commonly used to modulate the gut health of animals. However, considering the public health concern, the use of AGP in animal feeding is banned or regulated in several jurisdictions around the world. This necessitates the need for alternative nutritional strategies to produce healthy poultry. For that, several alternatives to AGP have been attempted with some success. However, effective modulation of the gut health parameters depends on the methods and timing of the compound being available to host animals. Routinely, the alternatives to AGP and other nutrients are provided in feed or water to poultry. However, the GIT of the newly hatched poultry is functionally immature, despite going through significant morphological, cellular, and molecular changes toward the end of incubation. Thus, early growth and development of GIT are of critical importance to enhance nutrients utilization and optimize the growth of poultry. Early nutrition programming using both in ovo and post-hatch feeding has been used as a means to modulate the early growth and development of GIT and found to be an effective strategy but with inconsistent results. This review summarizes the information on in ovo and post-hatch-feeding of different nutrients and feeds additives and their effects on gut development, histomorphology, microbiology, and immunology. Furthermore, this review will provide insight on the future of early nutrition programming as a strategy to enhance gut health, thereby improving overall health and production so that the poultry industry can benefit from this technique.

Comparative effectiveness of elemental formula in the early enteral nutrition management of acute pancreatitis: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundAlthough enteral nutrition has become one of the standard therapies for patients with acute pancreatitis, the optimal formulae for enteral nutrition have been under debate. Elemental formula is assumed to be suitable in the treatment of patients with acute pancreatitis because it has less stimulating effects for exocrine secretions of the pancreas, simultaneously maintaining gut immunity; however, clinical studies corroborating this assumption have been scarce.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using a Japanese national administrative database between 2010 and 2015. Patients with acute pancreatitis who received enteral feeding within 3 days of admission were identified and divided into two groups according to whether elemental formula was administered. We assessed the impact of elemental formula for the outcomes (primary, in-hospital mortality; secondary, development of sepsis, hospital-free days at 90 days, and total health-care costs) using a multivariate mixed-effect regression analysis and propensity score matching analysis adjusted by a well-validated case-mix adjustment model. Analysis for the subpopulation of patients with severe acute pancreatitis was also performed.ResultsOf 243,312 patients with acute pancreatitis, 948 patients were identified and classified into the elemental formula group (N = 382) and the control group (N = 566). No significant differences were observed for in-hospital mortality [10.2% in the elemental formula group vs. 11.0% in the control group; adjusted adds ratio (95% confidence interval; CI) = 0.94 (0.53–1.67)], sepsis development [5.0 vs. 7.1%; adjusted adds ratio (95% CI) = 0.66 (0.34–1.28)], mean hospital-free days [54 days vs. 51 days; adjusted difference (95% CI) = 2 days (− 2 to 5)], and mean total health-care costs [$29,360 vs. $34,214; adjusted difference (95% CI) = − $4250 (− 8643 to 141)]. Similar results were also observed in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.ConclusionsThe results of our retrospective cohort study using a large-scale national database did not demonstrate the benefit of elemental formula compared to semi-elemental and polymeric formulae in patients with acute pancreatitis. Further assessment of alternative nutritional strategy is expected.

P-392 - (−)−Epicatechin modulates fatpads changes associated to a high-fatdiet in mice

This work focuses on the effects of (-)-epicatechin (EC) on fat pads changes induced by high-fat (HF) diet. C57BL/6 male mice were divided in 4 groups receiving: control diet (10% calories from fat), HF diet (60% of calories), and these diets added with 20 mg EC/kg bw for 15 w. Even when caloric intake was not different among groups, HF increased mice weight. In white fat pads, inflammation (IL-6 and iNOS expression) and oxidative stress (gp91phox expression and MDA content) increases were associated with fat pad expansions. Adipocyte size was not different in HF respect to C group. On the other hand, HF diet induced expansion of aortic perivascular adipose tissue (aPVAT), with an increase of adipocyte size. Adipocytes/area were significantly lower in HF respect to C group. Changes in vacuolization patterns suggest a shift to white adipocyte phenotype, confirmed by a lower UCP-1 expression. All the observed changes in aPVAT were attenuated by EC. Since aPVAT dysfunction is relevant for hypertension and atherosclerosis, the effects of EC support an alternative nutritional strategy to avoid the progression of vascular dysfunction associated to the development of obesity.

A comparison of isomaltulose versus maltodextrin ingestion during soccer-specific exercise

PurposeThe performance and physiological effects of isomaltulose and maltodextrin consumed intermittently during prolonged soccer-specific exercise were investigated.MethodsUniversity soccer players (n = 22) performed 120 min of intermittent exercise while consuming 8% carbohydrate–electrolyte drinks (equivalent to ~ 20 g h−1) containing maltodextrin (Glycaemic Index: 90–100), isomaltulose (Glycaemic Index: 32) or a carbohydrate-energy-free placebo in a manner replicating the practices of soccer players (i.e., during warm-up and half-time). Physical (sprinting, jumping) and technical (shooting, dribbling) performance was assessed.ResultsBlood glucose and plasma insulin (both P < 0.001) concentrations varied by trial with isomaltulose maintaining > 13% higher blood glucose concentrations between 75 and 90 min versus maltodextrin (P < 0.05). A decline in glycaemia at 60 min in maltodextrin was attenuated with isomaltulose (−19 versus −4%; P = 0.015). Carbohydrates attenuated elevations in plasma epinephrine concentrations (P < 0.05), but isomaltulose proved most effective at 90 and 120 min. Carbohydrates did not attenuate IL-6 increases or reductions in physical or technical performances (all P > 0.05). Ratings of abdominal discomfort were influenced by trial (P < 0.05) with lower values for both carbohydrates compared to PLA from 60 min onwards.ConclusionsAlthough carbohydrates (~ 20 g h−1) did not attenuate performance reductions throughout prolonged soccer-specific exercise, isomaltulose maintained higher blood glucose at 75–90 min, lessened the magnitude of the exercise-induced rebound glycaemic response and attenuated epinephrine increases whilst maintaining similar abdominal discomfort values relative to maltodextrin. When limited opportunities exist to consume carbohydrates on competition-day, low-glycaemic isomaltulose may offer an alternative nutritional strategy for exercising soccer players.

A Novel Combination of Wheat Peptides and Fucoidan Attenuates Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Damage through Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Pro-Survival Mechanisms.

Gastritis or peptic ulcer is believed to affect about half of people worldwide. Traditional medications can lead to adverse effects, therefore, alternative nutritional strategies are needed to prevent the development of gastric mucosal damage. A novel combination of two food-grade ingredients, wheat peptides and fucoidan (WPF), was prepared to treat male Sprague Dawley rats for 30 days before gastric mucosal damage was induced by oral administration of ethanol. The serum levels of biomarkers were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Biomarkers in stomach tissue were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. In addition, human gastric epithelial cell line (GES-1) was used to investigate protein expression by Western blot. WPF could attenuate ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage in an inverse dose-dependent manner, with both ulcer index and pathological index improved. WPF increased superoxide dismutase level and decreased malondialdehyde level. WPF also decreased the levels of interleukin-8, platelet-activating factor, and Caspase 3, while increasing the levels of prostaglandin E-2, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and EGF receptor (EGFR). Furthermore, phosphorylation of EGFR and extracellular signal–regulated kinases was induced by WPF in GES-1 cells. In conclusion, the novel combination of wheat peptides and fucoidan attenuated ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage in rats through anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-survival mechanisms.