Amino Acid Intake Research Articles

EBNEO commentary: Early amino acids in extremely preterm infants and neurodisability at 2 years.

Preterm infants require nutritional support immediately after birth to prevent catabolism and support normal growth, often in the setting of increased energy requirements due to postnatal environmental conditions and critical illness. Observational studies in preterm infants have shown that there is a positive association between protein intake in the first month of life, short-term growth outcomes at NICU discharge1 and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.2, 3 However, a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials found that preterm infants with higher intake of parenteral amino acids demonstrated improved postnatal growth but did not show improvement in neurodevelopmental outcomes compared with infants who received lower intake of amino acids.4 Despite evidence for the benefit of early protein delivery on growth in the preterm infant, there are still many questions about the optimal dosing regimen of parenteral amino acids, including starting dose, maximal intake dose, timing and speed of increase in delivery. For example, there have been small, randomised controlled trials that have raised concerns for adverse effects from high-dose (>3 g/kg/day) parenteral amino acids advanced rapidly in the first week of life, including smaller head circumference at NICU discharge5, 6 and reduced growth through the first 2 years of life.7 In this multicenter, double-blind, randomised control trial, extremely low-birth-weight infants who received higher parenteral amino acid intake in the first 5 days of life (3.4 ± 0.6 vs 2.6 ± 0.6 g/kg/day) did not have improved survival without neurodevelopmental impairment at 2 years of corrected gestational age. In fact, higher amino acid intake was associated with higher rates of moderate-to-severe neurodisability than neonates who received lower amino acid intake. Although increased protein intake was associated with improved growth in the first month of life, there were no differences in growth at 2 years old. This study was adequately powered and is the largest study to date to test for differences in neurodevelopmental outcome as a result of amino acid dose in the first week of life. The investigators provided a difference of 0.8 g/kg per day of protein between groups, thus isolating its effect over other components of parenteral nutrition. Limitations included that additional amino acids were only administered for 5 days; it is unclear whether prolonged supplementation would change outcomes. Outcomes at 2 years old weakly predict outcomes in school-aged children. Plasma amino acid concentrations were not reported, but are critical to determine whether current paediatric amino acid solutions are adequate for preterm infants. In summary, increasing parenteral amino acid intake via the umbilical arterial catheter for 5 days after birth does not improve neurodevelopmental outcomes or growth at 2 years in preterm infants; higher protein intake may be associated with worse neurodevelopmental outcomes. The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition recommends that preterm infants should not receive more than 3.5 g/kg/day of parenteral amino acids unless administered in a clinical trial.8 This study supports that recommendation; clinicians should be cautious of excessive parenteral protein administration to preterm infants especially in the first 5 days of life. URL LINK: https://ebneo.org/ebneo-commentary-early-amino-acids-and-nd-outcomes/ None. None.

Higher dietary intake of aromatic amino acids was associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality in adult participants in NHANES III

Little is known about the associations between dietary aromatic amino acids (AAAs) intake and mortality from all causes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Accordingly, we evaluated these associations in the adult population of the United States using data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. This was a cohort study. Dietary intake of AAAs (tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan) was determined from the total nutrient intake document. We hypothesized that higher dietary AAA intake would lower all-cause and CVD mortality in adults in the United States. First, we categorized participants into quintiles based on their dietary intakes of total AAAs, tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan. Then, we established 4 Cox proportional-hazards models (models 1-4) and calculated hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals to estimate the associations between dietary intakes of total AAAs, tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan and all-cause and CVD mortality. Mortality status was primarily obtained from files linked to the National Death Index records up to December 31, 2015. After multivariate adjustment, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of CVD mortality in the highest quintiles of dietary total AAAs, tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan intake (reference: the lowest quintiles) were 0.66 (0.52-0.84), 0.65 (0.51-0.83), 0.66 (0.52-0.85) and 0.64 (0.50-0.82), respectively. In a nationally representative cohort, higher dietary intakes of total AAA and the 3 individual AAAs were independently associated with a lower risk of CVD mortality, and these associations were stronger in non-Hispanic White people than in other people.

Current parenteral nutrition practice and clinical outcomes of term and late preterm infants: A retrospective study

Limited studies have described parenteral nutrition (PN) practices and clinical outcomes in term and late preterm infants. The aim of this study was to describe the current practice of PN in term and late preterm infants and their short-term clinical outcomes. We conducted a retrospective study in a tertiary NICU between October 2018 and September 2019. Infants (gestation ≥34 weeks) admitted on the day of birth or the following day and received PN were included. We collected data on patient characteristics, daily nutrition, clinical and biochemical outcomes until discharge. A total of 124 infants [mean (SD) gestation: 38 (1.92) weeks] were included; 115 (93%) and 77 (77%) commenced on parenteral amino acids and lipids, respectively, by day 2 of admission. The mean parenteral amino acid and lipid intake on day 1 of admission was 1.0 (0.7) g/kg/day and 0.8 (0.6) g/kg/day respectively and increased to 1.5 (1.0) g/kg/day and 2.1 (0.7) g/kg/day by day 5, respectively. Eight (6.5%) infants accounted for 9 episodes of hospital-acquired infections. The mean z-scores for anthropometrics at discharge were significantly lower than at birth (Weight:-0.72 (1.13) vs - 0.04 (1.11); p<0.001; Head circumference:-0.14 (1.17) vs 0.34 (1.05); p<0.001; Length:-0.17 (1.69) vs 0.22 (1.34); p<0.001). A total of 28 (22.6%) and 16 (12.9%) infants had mild and moderate postnatal growth restriction (PNGR), respectively. None had severe PNGR. Thirteen infants (11%) experienced hypoglycaemia, whereas 53 (43%) experienced hyperglycaemia. The intakes of parenteral amino acids and lipids in term and late preterm infants were at the lower end of the currently recommended doses, especially in the first five days of admission. One third of the study population had mild to moderate PNGR. Randomised trials investigating the impact of initial PN intakes on clinical, growth and developmental outcomes are recommended.

Increased Dietary Intakes of Total Protein, Animal Protein and White Meat Protein Were Associated with Reduced Bone Loss—A Prospective Analysis Based on Guangzhou Health and Nutrition Cohort, South China

In this study, we aimed to prospectively investigate the relationships between different types of dietary protein and changes in bone mass in Chinese middle-aged and elderly people. Dietary intakes were evaluated by means of a validated food frequency questionnaire. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using a dual-energy bone densitometer at multiple bone sites. Multivariable regression models were applied to investigate the associations of the participants' dietary intakes of total protein, intakes of protein from various sources, and amino acid intakes with the annualized changes in BMD during a 3-year follow-up. A total of 1987 participants aged 60.3 ± 4.9 years were included in the analyses. Multivariable linear regression results showed that dietary intakes of total protein, animal protein, and protein from white meat were positively correlated with BMD changes, with standardized coefficients (β) of 0.104, 0.073, and 0.074 at the femur neck (p < 0.01) and 0.118, 0.067, and 0.067 at the trochanter (p < 0.01), respectively. With each increase of 0.1g·kg-1·d-1 in animal protein and white meat protein intakes, the BMD losses were reduced by 5.40 and 9.24 mg/cm2 at the femur neck (p < 0.05) and 1.11 and 1.84 mg/cm2 at the trochanter (p < 0.01), respectively. Our prospective data, obtained from Chinese adults, showed that dietary total and animal protein, especially protein from white meat, could significantly reduce bone loss at the femur neck and trochanter.

Increasing Muscle Mass in Elders through Diet and Exercise: A Literature Review of Recent RCTs.

This study aimed to review the current evidence on the independent and combined effects of diet and exercise and their impact on skeletal muscle mass in the elderly population. Skeletal muscle makes up approximately 40% of total body weight and is essential for performing daily activities. The combination of exercise and diet is known to be a potent anabolic stimulus through stimulation of muscle protein synthesis from amino acids. Aging is strongly associated with a generalized deterioration of physiological function, including a progressive reduction in skeletal muscle mass and strength, which in turn leads to a gradual functional impairment and an increased rate of disability resulting in falls, frailty, or even death. The term sarcopenia, which is an age-related syndrome, is primarily used to describe the gradual and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass (mainly in type II muscle fibers) and function. Multimodal training is emerging as a popular training method that combines a wide range of physical dimensions. On the other hand, nutrition and especially protein intake provide amino acids, which are essential for muscle protein synthesis. According to ESPEN, protein intake in older people should be at least 1 g/kgbw/day. Essential amino acids, such as leucine, arginine, cysteine, and glutamine, are of particular importance for the regulation of muscle protein synthesis. For instance, a leucine intake of 3 g administered alongside each main meal has been suggested to prevent muscle loss in the elderly. In addition, studies have shown that vitamin D and other micronutrients can have a protective role and may modulate muscle growth; nevertheless, further research is needed to validate these claims. Resistance-based exercise combined with a higher intake of dietary protein, amino acids, and/or vitamin D are currently recognized as the most effective interventions to promote skeletal muscle growth. However, the results are quite controversial and contradictory, which could be explained by the high heterogeneity among studies. It is therefore necessary to further assess the impact of each individual exercise and nutritional approach, particularly protein and amino acids, on human muscle turnover so that more efficient strategies can be implemented for the augmentation of muscle mass in the elderly.

Dietary Intake and Circulating Amino Acid Concentrations in Relation with Bone Metabolism Markers in Children Following Vegetarian and Omnivorous Diets.

Scientific studies reported that most vegetarians meet the total protein requirements; however, little is known about their amino acid intakes. We aimed to assess dietary intake and serum amino acid levels in relation to bone metabolism markers in prepubertal children on vegetarian and traditional diets. Data from 51 vegetarian and 25 omnivorous children aged 4-9 years were analyzed. Dietary intake of macro- and micronutrients were assessed using the nutritional program Dieta 5®. Serum amino acid analysis was performed using high-pressure liquid chromatography technique, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathormone-electrochemiluminescent immunoassay, and bone metabolism markers, albumin, and prealbumin levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Vegetarian children had a significantly lower intake of protein and amino acids with median differences of about 30-50% compared to omnivores. Concentrations of four amino acids (valine, lysine, leucine, isoleucine) in serum varied significantly by diet groups and were lower by 10-15% in vegetarians than meat-eaters. Vegetarian children also had lower (p < 0.001) serum albumin levels compared to omnivores. Among bone markers, they had higher (p < 0.05) levels of C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (CTX-I) than omnivores. Correlation patterns between amino acids and bone metabolism markers differed in the vegetarian and omnivore groups. Out of bone markers, especially osteoprotegerin was positively correlated with several amino acids, such as tryptophan, alanine, aspartate, glutamine, and serine, and ornithine in vegetarians. Vegetarian children consumed apparently sufficient but lower protein and amino acids compared to omnivores. In circulation these differences were less marked than in the diet. Significantly lower amino acid intake and serum levels of valine, lysine, leucine, and isoleucine as well as the observed correlations between serum amino acids and biochemical bone marker levels indicated the relations between diet, protein quality, and bone metabolism.

Early postnatal weight loss does not affect the 2-year neurodevelopment in preterm infants of less than 32 weeks.

It is still unclear if the magnitude of early postnatal weight loss (PWL) could be associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. We studied the association between PWL and neurodevelopment at 2-year corrected age in preterm infants. We retrospectively reviewed data of preterm infants with a gestational age between 24 +0 and 31 +6 weeks/days, admitted at the G.Salesi Children's Hospital, Ancona, Italy, between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2019. Infants with PWL greater than or equal to 10% (PWL ≥ 10%) were compared with those with PWL of less than 10% (PWL < 10%). A matched cohort analysis was also performed using gestational age and birth weight as matching variables. We analysed 812 infants: 471 (58%) PWL ≥ 10% and 341 (42%) PWL < 10%. A subgroup of 247 PWL ≥ 10% was closely match-paired with 247 PWL < 10% infants. There were no differences in amino acid and energy intakes from birth to day 14 of life and from birth to 36 weeks. Although at 36 weeks, body weight and total length were lower in PWL ≥ 10% than PWL < 10%, anthropometry and neurodevelopment at 2 years were similar between groups. Given similar amino acid and energy intakes on PWL ≥ 10% and PWL < 10% preterm infants of less than 32 +0 weeks/days, PWL does not affect 2-year neurodevelopment.

Abomasal Nitrogen Flow Affects the Relationship between Dietary Nitrogen and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I in Growing Lambs

Twelve abomasally cannulated wether lambs were fed isocaloric diets containing 9, 12 or 15% crude protein to determine insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) responses to altered abomasal nitrogen flow and nitrogen status. Lambs were offered 1100 g/d of their respective diets. Voluntary feed consumption was not affected by nitrogen intake. Ruminal and total tract digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter and nitrogen increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increased dietary nitrogen. Abomasal flows of total, bacterial and rumen escape nitrogen increased (linear, P < 0.01), whereas dry matter and organic matter flows decreased (linear, P < 0.01). Total amino acid flow was greater (linear, P < 0.01) in lambs fed additional nitrogen due to increased (linear, P < 0.01) flows of essential and nonessential amino acids. Nitrogen retention and blood urea nitrogen increased linearly (P < 0.01). Serum IGF-I concentrations and relative hybridization intensity of hepatic IGF-I mRNA increased (linear, P < 0.05) as lambs consumed more nitrogen. Serum IGF-I and hepatic IGF-I mRNA were correlated positively (P < 0.05) with nitrogen intake and abomasal flows of nitrogen and various amino acids. These data provide evidence of a relationship between abomasal amino acid flow, as influenced by nitrogen intake, and hepatic gene expression and serum concentrations of IGF-I in growing lambs.

Modifying Dietary Protein Impacts mTOR Signaling and Brain Deposition of Amyloid β in a Knock-In Mouse Model of Alzheimer Disease

BackgroundAlzheimer disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition defined by the build-up of amyloid plaques in the brain and intraneuronal tangles of the protein tau. Autophagy is a cellular cleaning process involved in the degradation of proteins, including proteins directly responsible for amyloid plaques, but its activity is compromised in AD. The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex (mTORC) 1 inhibits autophagy when activated by amino acids. ObjectivesWe hypothesized that reducing amino acid intake by decreasing dietary protein could promote autophagy, which in turn could prevent amyloid plaque deposition in AD mice. MethodsHomozygote (2-mo-old) and heterozygote (4-mo-old) amyloid precursor protein NL-G-F mice, a model of brain amyloid deposition, were used in this study to test this hypothesis. Male and female mice were fed with isocaloric low-protein, control, or high-protein diets for 4 mo and killed for analysis. Locomotor performance was measured using the inverted screen test, and body composition was measured using EchoMRI. Samples were analyzed using western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, mass spectrometry, and immunohistochemical staining. ResultsmTORC1 activity in the cerebral cortex was inversely covaried with protein consumption in both homozygote and heterozygote mice. Low-protein diet improved metabolic parameters and restored locomotor performance only in male homozygous mice. Dietary protein adjustment did not affect amyloid deposition in homozygous mice. However, in the heterozygous amyloid precursor protein NL-G-F mice, amyloid plaque was lower in male mice consuming the low protein compared with that in mice fed with the control diet. ConclusionsThis study showed that reducing protein intake reduces mTORC1 activity and may prevent amyloid accumulation, at least in male mice. Moreover, dietary protein is a tool that can be used to change mTORC1 activity and amyloid deposition in the mouse brain, and the murine brain’s response to dietary protein is sex specific.

Dietary consumption of branched-chain amino acids among Chinese middle-aged and elderly population aged 50 and over in 2015

To investigate the dietary consumption of branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs)intake status of middle-aged and elderly people 50 years and older in China, and to analyze the distribution differences between different ages, genders and regions. The research sample was derived from the 2015 Chinese adult chronic disease and nutrition monitoring data. The survey adopts the stratified multi-stage cluster random sampling method, and selects 298 monitoring points from 31 provinces(autonomous regions and municipalities), a total of 44 218 people aged 50 years and over were sampled. Condiment weighing method, 24-hour dietary review method, and weighing method were used to obtain individual dietary data, and the dietary BCAAs intake of middle-aged and elderly people was calculated based on the Chinese Food Composition Table. In 2015, the dietary BCAAs of middle-aged and elderly people in China accounted for 45.1% of leucine, 29.8% of valine and 25.1% of isoleucine. The top six dietary sources were cereals, red meat, vegetables, fish and seafood, beans and eggs. There were differences in the intake of three branched-chain amino acids(F=1926.67, P&lt;0.01), the intake of leucine was greater than that of valine, and the intake of valine was greater than isoleucine. There were statistically significant differences in dietary BCAAs intake between different age groups, genders, urban and rural areas and regions(P&lt;0.01), among which men were greater than women(t=12.89, P&lt;0.01), and the south was greater than the north(t=-6.36, P&lt;0.01), the eastern part was larger than the central part, and the central part was larger than the western part(F=82.42, P&lt;0.01). The intake of BCAAs decreased with the increase of age groups(F=22.69, P&lt;0.01), and there was no significant difference in age groups over 70 years old. The dietary intake of BCAAs was higher in the eastern coastal areas and Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang and Tibet. There were gender, age and geographical differences in dietary BCAAs intake among middle-aged and elderly people in China, and the contribution of various foods to dietary BCAAs was also different.

Cysteine and Methionine Supplementation Modulate the Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor α on Protein Synthesis, Glutathione and Zinc Concentration of Liver and Lung in Rats Fed a Low Protein Diet ,

The synthesis of cysteine-rich compounds such as glutathione and metallothionein is an integral part of the response to cytokines. To examine the essentiality of an adequate supply of sulfur amino acids during a response to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) we fed rats a low protein (8% casein) diet supplemented with either cysteine and alanine, methionine and alanine, or alanine alone, or a normal protein (20% casein) diet for 8 d before injection with TNF or saline. Those animals injected with saline were pair-fed the intake of their TNF-injected counterparts for the 24 h after injection. In a second experiment, control groups fed the same diets but receiving no treatment were also examined to establish baseline values. Although few significant differences between the non-injected animals consuming food ad libitum were apparent, TNF injection and pair-feeding resulted in differences between the dietary groups. Supplementation of the low protein diet with either cysteine or methionine improved growth and increased liver and lung glutathione concentration, zinc concentration, protein concentration and protein synthesis compared with results for the alanine-supplemented group. Lung polymorphonuclear cells were proportionally elevated in the TNF-treated, alanine-supplemented group compared with the other dietary groups treated with TNF. The changes in protein synthesis and glutathione concentration of the liver in response to TNF showed that sulfur amino acids may be partitioned to a greater extent into hepatic protein than into glutathione when sulfur amino acid intake is low. Consequently the adequacy of dietary sulfur amino acids will determine the extent to which antioxidant defenses are maintained during inflammation.

Is It Time to Reconsider the U.S. Recommendations for Dietary Protein and Amino Acid Intake?

Since the U.S. Institute of Medicine's recommendations on protein and amino acid intake in 2005, new information supports the need to re-evaluate these recommendations. New lines of evidence include: (1) re-analysis/re-interpretation of nitrogen balance data; (2) results from indicator amino acid oxidation studies; (3) studies of positive functional outcomes associated with protein intakes higher than recommended; (4) dietary guidance and protein recommendations from some professional nutrition societies; and (5) recognition that the synthesis of certain dispensable amino acids may be insufficient to meet physiological requirements more often than previously understood. The empirical estimates, theoretical calculations and clinical functional outcomes converge on a similar theme, that recommendations for intake of protein and some amino acids may be too low in several populations, including for older adults (≥65 years), pregnant and lactating women, and healthy children older than 3 years. Additional influential factors that should be considered are protein quality that meets operational sufficiency (adequate intake to support healthy functional outcomes), interactions between protein and energy intake, and functional roles of amino acids which could impact the pool of available amino acids for use in protein synthesis. Going forward, the definition of "adequacy" as it pertains to protein and amino acid intake recommendations must take into consideration these critical factors.

Clean Monascus pigments production from Chinese rice wine wastes through submerged fermentation

The potential for Monascus pigments (MPs) production in a mixture of Chinese rice wine lees, soaked rice wastewater and broken rice was explored. MPs production reached 120.1 U/mL with optimal solid-liquid ratio of culture medium 1:10 and 20 g/L broken rice addition at shake flask level. We further explored the effects of stirring speed on MPs production in 7.5 L agitated bioreactor. The stirring speed had a great impact on cell morphology and the maximum MPs concentration and yield were 128.4 U/mL and 8174 U/g respectively at 400 rpm. The soluble chemical oxygen demand for the soaked rice wastewater decreased by 78.7%, which was mainly due to the intake of carbohydrates, organic acids and amino acids. Furthermore, a simultaneous fermentation process and production system with two-stage stirring speed control strategy was further developed in the 50 L pilot scale, in which the MPs production reached 158.9 U/mL. Meanwhile, Chinese rice wine wastes were fully utilized without addition of organic solvents during the process and no generation of new waste. Our results showed that Monascus was capable of converting Chinese rice wine wastes into natural pigments by submerged fermentation, which could provide an economic and environmentally friendly approach to reduce the cost of wastes treatment as well as high-value utilization.

Dietary Protein Intake in Young Children in Selected Low-Income Countries Is Generally Adequate in Relation to Estimated Requirements for Healthy Children, Except When Complementary Food Intake Is Low

Background Previous research indicates that young children in low-income countries (LICs) generally consume greater amounts of protein than published estimates of protein requirements, but this research did not account for protein quality based on the mix of amino acids and the digestibility of ingested protein.Objective: Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of inadequate protein and amino acid intake by young children in LICs, accounting for protein quality.Methods: Seven data sets with information on dietary intake for children (6–35 mo of age) from 6 LICs (Peru, Guatemala, Ecuador, Bangladesh, Uganda, and Zambia) were reanalyzed to estimate protein and amino acid intake and assess adequacy. The protein digestibility–corrected amino acid score of each child's diet was calculated and multiplied by the original (crude) protein intake to obtain an estimate of available protein intake. Distributions of usual intake were obtained to estimate the prevalence of inadequate protein and amino acid intake for each cohort according to Estimated Average Requirements.Results The prevalence of inadequate protein intake was highest in breastfeeding children aged 6–8 mo: 24% of Bangladeshi and 16% of Peruvian children. With the exception of Bangladesh, the prevalence of inadequate available protein intake decreased by age 9–12 mo and was very low in all sites (0–2%) after 12 mo of age. Inadequate protein intake in children <12 mo of age was due primarily to low energy intake from complementary foods, not inadequate protein density.Conclusions Overall, most children consumed protein amounts greater than requirements, except for the younger breastfeeding children, who were consuming low amounts of complementary foods. These findings reinforce previous evidence that dietary protein is not generally limiting for children in LICs compared with estimated requirements for healthy children, even after accounting for protein quality. However, unmeasured effects of infection and intestinal dysfunction on the children's protein requirements could modify this conclusion.

Effects of beta-hydroxy beta-methyl butyrate calcium combined with exercise therapy in patients with cardiac disease: a study protocol for clinical trial

IntroductionThe current treatment for heart disease consists of exercise therapy in addition to pharmacotherapy, nutritional support and lifestyle guidance. In general, nutritional support focuses on protein, salt and energy restrictions,...

Contribution of Proteins to the Latin American Diet: Results of the ELANS Study.

Dietary protein intake is vital to life. Here we sought to characterize dietary sources of protein in eight Latin American countries. Survey data were collected for Estudio Latinoamericano de Nutrición y Salud (ELANS); participants were from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela (n = 9218, 15-65 years old). The primary aim of this analysis was to quantify per-person daily protein consumption by country and sociodemographic factors. Secondary aims: to quantify proportional intake of proteins by source, amount and processing, and to determine the adequacy of protein/essential amino acid intake. Younger groups (adolescents 15-19 years, adults 20-33 years) had the highest intake of proteins; middle-aged adults (34-49 years) had a lower intake, and older adults (50-65 years) had a strikingly lower intake. Protein consumption was higher in men than women. Animal proteins comprised nearly 70% of total daily protein intake in Argentina and Venezuela, contrasting with <60% in Peru, Chile, and Costa Rica. Brazil and Venezuela showed the highest protein intake within the highest education level. The higher the socioeconomic level, the higher the protein intake, except for Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Proportional intake of animal- and plant-based protein generally reflected the food availability by country. This study presents a pre-pandemic regional baseline and offers a perspective for future studies of changes related to government policies, climate, and dietary practices.

Effects of supplementary concentrate and/or rumen-protected lysine plus methionine on productive performance, milk composition, rumen fermentation, and bacterial population in Grazing, Lactating Yaks

Milk from yaks, also called “liquid gold”, is reputed to be very healthy for people, but the yield is relatively low. The intake of energy and amino acids, especially lysine and methionine, of grazing, lactating yaks are often below requirements and this could explain, at least in part, the low milk yield. We hypothesized that grazing, lactating yaks, supplemented with energy and/or amino acids, would improve their performance and the average daily gain (ADG) of their calves. Twenty-four multiparous yaks (218 ± 5.3 kg), blocked by bodyweight, were offered one of four dietary treatments (n = 6 yaks per treatments) as: 1) no supplement (CON); 2) 15.0 g/d rumen-protected lysine plus 5.0 g/d rumen-protected methionine (SA); 3) 1.20 kg/d concentrate (SC); and 4) both SA and SC (SAC). The ADG was greater (P < 0.001) in yaks with than without supplementary concentrate, whereas the greatest ADG for calves was in the SAC group (interaction, P = 0.034). The concentration of ruminal total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and of butyrate increased (P < 0.01) in yaks with supplementary concentrate, whereas iso-VFAs increased (P < 0.01) in yaks with supplementary rumen-protected lysine plus methionine (RPLM). The relative abundances of the ruminal bacteria Prevotella brevis and Ruminococcus albus increased (P < 0.01) in yaks with supplementary concentrate or RPLM, with the greatest abundance (interaction, P < 0.05) in the SAC group. Milk yield from hand-milking, and the concentrations of fat, protein, total solids and urea were not affected by dietary supplements, but lactose concentration increased (P = 0.021) with concentrate supplementation, whereas somatic cell count decreased (P < 0.01) when yaks received either supplementary concentrate or RPLM. Milk lysine and methionine, as proportions of total amino acids (TAAs), and concentration of TAAs increased with supplementary concentrate or RPLM. The milk concentrations of C16:1, C18:2n-6c and C18:3n-6 increased (P < 0.05) in yaks supplemented with concentrate, whereas, the concentrations of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were not affected (P > 0.05) by treatments. These results indicated that the ADG of calves improved, whereas the rumen fermentation capacity of the lactating yaks was enhanced with supplementary concentrate and RPLM. It was concluded that dietary supplements could be an effective management option to improve performance in grazing, lactating yaks and the ADG of their calves raised on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

Different patterns of changes in free 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations during intermittent fasting among meat eaters and non-meat eaters and correlations with amino acid intake

We prospectively assessed changes in free 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) among overweight adults who followed a pescatarian Orthodox intermittent fasting regimen (n = 59) and controls who followed a low-fat 12:12 diet (n = 46). Total and free 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone, VDBP, anthropometric data, and amino acid intake were evaluated in both groups at three time points: at baseline, 7 weeks after diet implementation, and 5 weeks after participants returned to their usual eating habits (12 weeks from baseline). An increase in amino acid intake between baseline and 12 weeks was independently correlated with higher free 25(OH)D values at 12 weeks for both groups. Our findings suggest that diet can affect free 25(OH)D concentrations, through variations in amino acid intake, independently of exposure to sunlight, providing novel mechanistic insights into the future planning of vitamin D supplementation strategies. However, this hypothesis needs to be tested in larger studies.

Knowledge-Based Dietary Intake Recommendations of Nutrients for Pediatric Patients with Maple Syrup Urine Disease.

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a metabolic disorder characterized by a difficulty to digest and process proteins necessary for growth. To monitor and maintain the ideal growth of children with MSUD, caregivers need to carefully control the consumption of harmful branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). The dietary limits of amino acids for MSUD patients are recommended and controlled by pediatricians and metabolic dietitians according to age, height, weight, and the prevailing percentage of amino acids in the body. This study introduces an intelligent dietary tool called MSUD Baby Buddy for caregivers of MSUD patients that tracks the amino acids intake out of baby formulas for babies 0-6 months old. This tool aims to provide accurate recommendations of the appropriate daily intake of protein and BCAAs based on the patients' data, plasma BCAAs, and formula preferences. We use a knowledge-based system, including knowledge acquisition and verification, as well as knowledge management tool validation, and the ripple-down rules are employed for building the system. MSUD Baby Buddy can support the maintenance of adequate amino acid levels and increase awareness about the control of BCAAs. The average usability of MSUD Baby Buddy is 84.25, indicating that the tool is intuitive and may help caregivers to easily determine the recommended doses of formula based on patients' biometric data and preferred formula. On the other hand, interviews with metabolic dietitians revealed some drawbacks, which were addressed to further improve the tool. MSUD Baby Buddy is expected to help caregivers of MSUD patients to independently track nutrient intake and reduce the number of visits to the pediatrician and metabolic dietitian.

Amino Acid Intake and Conformance With the Dietary Reference Intakes in the United States: Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001–2018

BackgroundThe lack of complete amino acid composition data in food composition databases has made determining population-wide amino acid intake difficult. ObjectivesThis cross-sectional study characterizes habitual intakes of each amino acid and adherence to dietary requirements for each essential amino acid (EAA) in the US population. MethodsFood and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies ingredient codes with missing amino acid composition data were matched to similar ingredients with available data so that amino acid composition could be determined for 100% of foods reported in the dietary intake assessment component of NHANES. Amino acid intakes during NHANES 2001–2018 (n = 72,831; ≥2 y) were calculated as relative (mg·kg of ideal body weight−1·d−1) intakes. Data from NHANES 2011–2018 were used to determine the percentage of population consuming less than that recommended by the DRIs for each EAA by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. ResultsRelative intakes of EAAs and NEAAs were greatest in those 2–3 y and lowest in older individuals (≥71 y or ≥80 y). In females aged 2–18 y, relative intakes of EAAs were lowest in non-Hispanic White (NHW; histidine, lysine, threonine, methionine, and cysteine) and non-Hispanic Black (NHB; valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and tyrosine) populations and highest in the Asian population. In females aged ≥19 y, relative intakes were lowest in NHW (lysine and methionine only) and NHB populations and highest in the Asian population. In males aged 2–18 y, relative intakes of EAAs were lowest in the NHB population and highest in the Asian population. In males ≥19 y, relative intakes were lowest in NHB and NHW (lysine only) populations and highest in the Hispanic population. Less than 1% of individuals aged ≥19 y did not meet the Estimated Average Requirements for each EAA. ConclusionsEAA intakes in the US population exceed recommended minimum population requirements. Future studies can use the method described here to quantify amino acid intake and examine relationships with health and disease.