Beneficial Physiological Effects Research Articles

Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related toLactobacillus rhamnosusGG and maintenance of defence against pathogenic gastrointestinal microorganisms pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following an application from Valio Ltd., submitted pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Finland, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and maintenance of defence against pathogenic gastrointestinal (GI) microorganisms. LGG is sufficiently characterised. The Panel considers that the health claim refers to the defence against GI pathogens in the general population without GI infections and does not include the treatment of GI infections. Maintenance of defence against pathogenic GI microorganisms is a beneficial physiological effect. Only one out of five human intervention studies showed an effect of LGG consumption on the development of GI infections, two human intervention studies did not show an effect of LGG consumption on the stimulation of protective immune responses after oral (viral) vaccination and, in the absence of evidence for an effect of LGG consumption on the development of GI infections in the general population, studies on the treatment of GI infections, on diarrhoea during antibiotic use, or mechanistic studies, cannot be used as a source of data for the scientific substantiation of the health claim. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of LGG and maintenance of defence against pathogenic gastrointestinal microorganisms.

Increased serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in women with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease

It has been suggested that hypercortisolism contributes to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), based on the fact that excess glucocorticoid exposure has potent adverse effects on the central nervous system. In contrast, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has been linked to a broad range of beneficial physiological effects including neuronal excitability and neuroprotection and even memory enhancing properties. Of note, proinflammatory cytokines are present in neuritic plaques (a hallmark of AD) and may regulate cortisol/DHEA release. In this exploratory study, we hypothesized that there is a flattened diurnal curve of cortisol and DHEA in mild to moderate AD, linked to increased cytokine levels. Diurnal profiles of cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and DHEA were studied in 15 patients with mild to moderate AD (7 men and 8 women, 75.6 ± 5.5 years) and 15 healthy elderly controls (7 men and 8 women, 73.3 ± 5.8 years, respectively). Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and soluble TNF receptors were analyzed. Women with AD had significantly increased morning levels of ACTH, DHEA, and IL-6 compared to healthy elderly women. Cortisol levels were significantly increased in men with AD at 0300 h versus healthy elderly men, in spite of slightly decreased ACTH levels. Our data suggest important sex differences in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation and steroid hormone clearance in patients with AD. Increased secretion of IL-6 may have a contributory role in this difference.

Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to ProteQuine® and bovine lactoferrin and increasing suppressed concentrations of secretory IgA and reducing the risk of common cold with sore throat pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (

Following an application from SVUS Pharma a.s. submitted pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of the Czech Republic, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to ProteQuine® and bovine lactoferrin and defence against microbial and viral pathogens. The scope of the application was proposed to fall under a health claim referring to disease risk reduction. The Panel considers that the food constituents, ProteQuine® and bovine lactoferrin, the combination of which is the subject of the health claim, are sufficiently characterised. The Panel considers that increasing suppressed concentrations of secretory IgA might be a beneficial physiological effect in the context of reducing the risk of common cold with sore throat. Two published human studies, and four unpublished reports on ProteQuine® and one published human study and three review papers on lactoferrin were identified by the applicant as being pertinent to the health claim. The Panel notes that none of the published and unpublished studies and reports provided investigated the combination of ProteQuine® and bovine lactoferrin. The Panel considers that no conclusion can be drawn from the evidence provided for the scientific substantiation of the claimed effect of the combination of ProteQuine® and bovine lactoferrin. On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of the combination of ProteQuine® and bovine lactoferrin and increasing suppressed concentrations of secretory IgA and reducing the risk of common cold with sore throat.

Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to ProteQuine® and increasing suppressed concentrations of secretory IgA and reducing the risk of influenza and common cold pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following an application from SVUS Pharma a.s. submitted pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of the Czech Republic, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to ProteQuine® and initiation of the appropriate innate and adaptive immune responses aiming at the defence against pathogens. The scope of the application was proposed to fall under a health claim referring to disease risk reduction. The Panel considers that the food constituent, ProteQuine®, which is the subject of the health claim, is sufficiently characterised. The Panel considers that increasing suppressed concentrations of secretory IgA might be a beneficial physiological effect in the context of reducing the risk of influenza and common cold. Two published human studies and five unpublished reports were identified by the applicant as being pertinent to the health claim. The Panel notes that no evidence has been provided that increasing suppressed concentrations of secretory IgA is accompanied by a reduced incidence, severity or frequency of upper respiratory tract infections, including influenza and common cold. On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of ProteQuine® and increasing suppressed concentrations of secretory IgA and reducing the risk of influenza and common cold.

Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to alpha linolenic acid and contribution to brain and nerve tissue development pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following an application from HiPP GmbH & Co Vertrieb KG submitted pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Germany, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to alpha-linolenic acid and contribution to brain and nerve tissue development. Alpha-linolenic acid is considered to be sufficiently characterised. Contribution to brain and nerve tissue development is considered to be a beneficial physiological effect. Alpha-linolenic acid is the parent fatty acid of the longer chain n 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid, which is the major structural lipid in brain tissue and the central nervous system. Deficiency of alpha-linolenic acid results in adverse clinical symptoms including neurological abnormalities and poor growth. The Panel notes that for normal brain and nerve tissue development, alpha-linolenic acid, like other essential nutrients, is needed in adequate amounts. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid and contribution to brain and nerve tissue development. The following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “Alpha-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid, contributes to brain and nerve tissue development.” The target population is infants and children up to three years. © European Food Safety Authority, 2011

Dexmedetomidine Controls the Hemodynamic Manifestations of Tourniquet Pain

Dexmedetomidine is an α2-adrenergic agonist that is Food and Drug Administration-approved for the provision of short-term (less than 24 hours) sedation of adults during mechanical ventilation. Given its beneficial physiological effects, including sedation and anxiolysis, various applications have been reported in the perioperative period. We report the use of dexmedetomidine to control the hemodynamic consequences of tourniquet pain in three patients having either orthopedic or plastic surgical procedures requiring the use of tourniquets. In all cases, dexmedetomidine controlled the hemodynamic responses to tourniquet pain, including tachycardia and hypertension. The use of dexmedetomidine in this scenario is discussed, and its potential advantages over other agents, including opioids, are reviewed.

Assessment of health claims in the field of bone: a view of the Group for the Respect of Ethics and Excellence in Science (GREES)

SummaryHealth claims for food products in Europe are permitted if the nutrient has been shown to have a beneficial nutritional or physiological effect. This paper defines health claims related to bone health and provides guidelines for the design and the methodology of clinical studies to support claims.IntroductionRegulation (EC) no. 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims targeting food products was introduced in Europe stating that health claims shall only be permitted if the substance in respect of which the claim is made has been shown to have a beneficial nutritional or physiological effect. The objective of this paper is to define health claims related to bone health and to provide guidelines for the design and the methodology of clinical studies which need to be adopted to assert such health claims.MethodsLiterature review followed by a consensus discussion during two 1-day meetings organized by the Group for the Respect of Ethics and Excellence in Science (GREES).ResultsThe GREES identified six acceptable health claims related to bone health based on the potential of food products to show an effect on either the bioavailability of calcium or osteoclast regulatory proteins or bone turnover markers or bone mineral density or bone structure or fracture incidence. The GREES considers that well-designed human randomized controlled trial on a relevant outcome is the best design to assess health claims. The substantiation of health claim could also be supported by animal studies showing either an improvement in bone strength with the food product or showing the relationship between changes induced by the food product on a surrogate marker and changes in bone strength.ConclusionThe consensus reached is that the level of health claim may differ according to the surrogate endpoint used and on additional animal studies provided to support the claim.

Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to “Lactobacillus plantarum TENSIA™ in the semi‐hard Edam‐type “heart cheese” of Harmony™” and maintenance of normal blood pressure pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following an application from Piimandusühistu E-Piim, submitted pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Estonia, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim, based on newly developed scientific evidence and including a request for the protection of proprietary data, related to Lactobacillus plantarum TENSIA™ and maintenance of normal blood pressure. The food constituent, the strain L. plantarum TENSIA™, which is the subject of the health claim, is sufficiently characterised. The Panel considers that the maintenance of normal blood pressure is a beneficial physiological effect. The applicant provided a total of 38 publications as being pertinent to the claim. The Panel notes that none of these publications addressed the effects of L. plantarum TENSIATM and considers that no conclusions can be drawn from these references for the scientific substantiation of the claim. Four unpublished reports on human intervention studies (identified as proprietary by the applicant) investigating the effects of the L. plantarum TENSIATM strain on blood pressure were provided. In weighing the evidence, the Panel took into account that the only randomised, placebo controlled human intervention study provided did not show an effect of consumption of L. plantarum TENSIATM in Edam-type cheese on blood pressure. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of L. plantarum TENSIA™ in the semi-hard Edam-type “heart cheese” of Harmony™ and maintenance of normal blood pressure.

Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to thiamin and maintenance of normal neurological development and function pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following an application from HiPP GmbH submitted pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Germany, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to thiamin and maintenance of normal neurological development and function. Thiamin is a well recognised nutrient and is measurable in foods by established methods. Thiamin is considered to be sufficiently characterised. Maintenance of normal neurological development and function is considered to be a beneficial physiological effect. It is well recognised that the clinical signs of thiamin deficiency include mental changes, such as apathy, decrease in short-term memory, confusion and irritability as well as polyneuritis and paralysis of the peripheral nerves. All essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, are required for normal development of infants and children. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of thiamin and maintenance of normal neurological development and function. The following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “Thiamin contributes to the maintenance of normal neurological development and function.” The target population is infants and children up to 3 years.

Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to calcium‐containing fruit juices and the reduction of tooth demineralisation pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following an application from FrieslandCampina submitted pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of The Netherlands, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to acidic calcium-containing fruit juices and the reduction of tooth demineralisation. The scope of the application was proposed to fall under a health claim referring to reduction of disease risk. The Panel considers that the food, acidic calcium-containing fruit juices and comparative products, conventional fruit juices (not containing added calcium), are sufficiently characterised. The Panel considers that reducing tooth demineralisation resulting from erosive potential of a food is a beneficial physiological effect, provided that it is not accompanied by tooth demineralisation resulting from acid production in plaque through the fermentation of carbohydrates. A total of 37 pertinent studies were identified by the applicant, including observational studies, reviews, intervention studies on the erosive potential of fruit juices and other acidic drinks with and without added calcium in situ, in vitro studies on the erosive potential of acidic drinks with and without added calcium, and an animal study on the effect of calcium added to acidic drinks on dental erosion. The Panel notes that the potential of fruit juices with and without added calcium for demineralisation of dental enamel by acid production in plaque as a result of sugar fermentation was not assessed in any study. The Panel considers that the potential of fruit juices with and without added calcium for demineralisation of dental enamel, including the possible effects of both acids and sugars, has not been assessed appropriately. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of acidic calcium-containing fruit juices in replacement of fruit juice without added calcium and the reduction of tooth demineralisation.

Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to water and reduced risk of development of dehydration and of concomitant decrease of performance pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following an application from Prof. Dr. Moritz Hagenmeyer and Prof. Dr. Andreas Hahn, submitted pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Germany, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to water and reduced risk of development of dehydration and of concomitant decrease of performance. The scope of the application was proposed to fall under a health claim referring to disease risk reduction. The food, water, which is the subject of the health claim, is sufficiently characterised. The claimed effect is “regular consumption of significant amounts of water can reduce the risk of development of dehydration and of concomitant decrease of performance”. The target population is assumed to be the general population. The Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 defines reduction of disease risk claims as claims which state that the consumption of a food “significantly reduces a risk factor in the development of a human disease”. Thus, for reduction of disease risk claims, the beneficial physiological effect results from the reduction of a risk factor for the development of a human disease. The Panel notes that dehydration was identified as the disease by the applicant. Dehydration is a condition of body water depletion. The Panel notes that the proposed risk factors, “water loss in tissues” or “reduced water content in tissues”, are measures of water depletion and thus are measures of the disease. The Panel considers that the proposed claim does not comply with the requirements for a disease risk reduction claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.

Dietary fiber type reflects physiological functionality: comparison of grain fiber, inulin, and polydextrose

Dietary fiber is a nutritional concept based not on physiological functions but on defined chemical and physical properties. Recent definitions of dietary fiber differentiate inherent plant cell wall-associated fiber from isolated or synthetic fiber. For the latter to be defined as fiber, beneficial physiological effects should be demonstrated, such as laxative effects, fermentability, attenuation of blood cholesterol levels, or postprandial glucose response. Grain fibers are a major natural source of dietary fiber worldwide, while inulin, a soluble indigestible fructose polymer isolated from chicory, and polydextrose, a synthetic indigestible glucose polymer, have more simple structures. Inulin and polydextrose show many of the same functionalities of grain fiber in the large intestine, in that they are fermentable, bifidogenic, and laxative. The reported effects on postprandial blood glucose and fasting cholesterol levels have been modest, but grain fibers also show variable effects. New biomarkers are needed to link the physiological functions of specific fibers with long-term health benefits.

Medicinal benefits of coriander(Coriandrum Sativum L)

Medicinal plants have therapeutic potential due to the presence of natural antioxidants functioning as reducing agents, free radical scavengers and quenchers of singlet oxygen. Majority of their antioxidant activity is due to bioactive compounds viz. flavones, isoflavones, flavonoids, anthocyanins, coumarins, lignans, catechins and isocatechins. Currently there has been an increasing interest to identify the antioxidants that are pharmacologically potent with low or no side effects for use in preventive medicine. Spices have been recognized to possess several medicinal properties (diuretic, expectorant, laxative, anti-bacterial, anti-pyretic etc.) and have been effectively used in the indigenous systems of medicine in India and other countries. Apart from the traditional use, a no. of beneficial physiological effects have been identified by extensive animal studies. Among these are their beneficial effects on lipid metabolism, efficiency as antidiabetics, ability to stimulate digestion and to inhibit platelet aggregation, antioxidant, antilithogenic and anti-inflammatory potential. Many spices and their active principles are reported as excellent nutraceuticals. Coriander is among such most commonly used spices, possessing the nutritional as well as medicinal properties, widely distributed and mainly cultivated for the seeds which contain an essential oil and the monoterpenoid-linalool. Coriander is used in the preparation of many household medicines to cure bed cold, seasonal fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach disorders and also used as a drug for indigestion, against worms, rheumatism and pain in the joints. Many of healing properties of coriander can be attributed to its exceptional phytonutrients and hence, it is often referred to as store house for bioactive compounds.

Spices as Functional Foods

Spices and aromatic herbs have been used since antiquity as preservatives, colorants, and flavor enhancers. Spices, which have long been the basis of traditional medicine in many countries, have also been the subject of study, particularly by the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries, because of their potential use for improving health. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated how these substances act as antioxidants, digestive stimulants, and hypolipidemics and show antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancerigenic activities. These beneficial physiological effects may also have possible preventative applications in a variety of pathologies. The aim of this review is to present an overview of the potential of spices and aromatic herbs as functional foods.

Food Applications for Flaxseed and its Components: Products and Processing

Flaxseed is the richest plant source of omega-3 fatty acid (α-linolenic acid) and the phytohormone lignans. It is also an essential source of high-quality protein and dietary fiber. Additionally, flaxseed has potential to be a source of phenolic compounds. Because of the beneficial physiological effects of its components, this seed is considered a functional food. It can contribute to the reduction of several diseases such as diabetes mellitus, arteriosclerosis and cancer. Food products and processing with regards to flaxseed are presented in this article. The article also presents some promising patents on food applications for flaxseed and its components. In addition, some potential opportunity areas are also discussed along with the impact of the use of this seed and its components in foods.

Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to oat beta glucan and lowering blood cholesterol and reduced risk of (coronary) heart disease pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following an application from CreaNutrition AG submitted pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of the United Kingdom, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to oat beta glucan and lowering of blood LDL and total cholesterol. Oat beta-glucan is sufficiently characterised. Lowering blood LDL-cholesterol concentrations is a beneficial physiological effect by decreasing the risk of coronary heart disease. The applicant identified a total of 22 references, which included three meta-analyses and 19 randomised controlled trials, as being pertinent to the health claim. In weighing the evidence, the Panel took into account that most of the trials investigating the effects of oat beta-glucan at doses of at least 3 g/d have shown a statistically significant decrease in LDL-cholesterol concentrations, and that there was strong evidence supporting the biological plausibility of the effect. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of oat beta-glucan and lowering of blood LDL-cholesterol concentrations. The following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “Oat beta-glucan has been shown to lower/reduce blood cholesterol. Blood cholesterol lowering may reduce the risk of (coronary) heart disease”. The Panel considers that, in order to bear the claim, foods should provide at least 3 g of oat beta-glucan per day. This amount can reasonably be consumed as part of a balanced diet. The target population is adults who want to lower their blood cholesterol concentrations.

Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei DN‐114 001 plus yoghurt symbiosis (Actimel®), and reduction of Clostridium difficile toxins in the gut of patients receiving antibiotics and reduced risk of acute diarrhoea in patients receiving antibiotics pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following an application from Danone Produits Frais France submitted pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of France, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to a fermented milk drink Actimel® containing Lactobacillus casei (Lc) DN-114 001 and reduction of the presence of Clostridium difficile toxins in the gut which reduces the incidence of acute diarrhoea. The Panel considers that the food constituent, Actimel®, which is the subject of the health claim, is sufficiently characterised. The Panel considers that reducing the risk of Clostridium difficile diarrhoea by reducing the presence of C. difficile toxins is a beneficial physiological effect. In total the applicant indicated seven publications on human studies, three unpublished human studies, eight published and one unpublished non-human studies to be pertinent for the claimed effect. In weighing the evidence, the Panel took into account that human and animal studies showed partial survival of Lc DN-114 001 during its gastrointestinal passage, that one human intervention study with Actimel® which showed a statistically significant risk reduction for CDAD had considerable limitations, that there were only limited data on the effect of Actimel® on the reduction C. difficile toxins (the risk factor) in humans, that one study which showed an inhibitory effect of Lc DN-114 001 on the growth of C. difficile in vitro does not predict the occurrence of an effect against C. difficile in humans, that five further human studies do not support the proposed mechanisms by which Actimel® could exert the claimed effect, and that the evidence provided from a further two animal and three in vitro studies does not establish that effects of Actimel® or Lc DN-114 001 in these model systems related to immune function and infection can predict the occurrence of such effects in humans. The Panel concludes that the evidence provided is insufficient to establish a cause and effect relationship between the consumption of Actimel® and a reduction of the risk of C. difficile diarrhoea by reducing the presence of C. difficile toxins.

Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to “toothkind” drinks and reduction of tooth demineralisation pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following an application from GlaxoSmithKline, submitted pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of the United Kingdom, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim based on newly developed scientific evidence and including a request for the protection of proprietary data related to “toothkind” drinks and reduction of tooth demineralisation. The food constituent, “toothkind” juice drinks, which is the subject of the health claim, is sufficiently characterised. The Panel considers that reduction of tooth demineralisation is a beneficial physiological effect. The applicant identified 25 human intervention trials and 10 in vitro studies as being pertinent to the health claim. In weighing the evidence for reduced potential of “toothkind” juice drinks for demineralisation of dental enamel by reducing plaque pH, the Panel considers that “toothkind” juice drinks reduced tooth demineralisation when compared to sugar solution (10 g/100 ml) at an exposure frequency of seven times daily. No evidence has been presented for an effect at lower exposure frequencies. In weighing the evidence for reduced erosive potential, the Panel considers that “toothkind” juice drinks reduced tooth demineralisation when compared to typical conventional juice drinks at an exposure frequency of four times daily. No evidence has been presented for an effect at lower exposure frequencies. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of “toothkind” juice drinks and reduction of tooth demineralisation when compared to typical conventional juice drinks at an exposure frequency of four times daily and when compared to typical sugar-containing acidic non-alcoholic beverages at an exposure frequency of seven times daily.

Naturally occurring monoepoxides of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are bioactive antihyperalgesic lipids

Beneficial physiological effects of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are widely accepted but the mechanism(s) by which these fatty acids act remains unclear. Herein, we report the presence, distribution, and regulation of the levels of n-3 epoxy-fatty acids by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and a direct antinociceptive role of n-3 epoxy-fatty acids, specifically those originating from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The monoepoxides of the C18:1 to C22:6 fatty acids in both the n-6 and n-3 series were prepared and the individual regioisomers purified. The kinetic constants of the hydrolysis of the pure regioisomers by sEH were measured. Surprisingly, the best substrates are the mid-chain DHA epoxides. We also demonstrate that the DHA epoxides are present in considerable amounts in the rat central nervous system. Furthermore, using an animal model of pain associated with inflammation, we show that DHA epoxides, but neither the parent fatty acid nor the corresponding diols, selectively modulate nociceptive pathophysiology. Our findings support an important function of epoxy-fatty acids in the n-3 series in modulating nociceptive signaling. Consequently, the DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid epoxides may be responsible for some of the beneficial effects associated with dietary n-3 fatty acid intake.

Arabinoxylan oligosaccharides (AXOS) as a potential sucrose replacer in sugar-snap cookies

The impact of incorporation of arabinoxylan oligosaccharides (AXOS), a potential novel prebiotic, on the quality of a sugar-snap cookie type was investigated by replacing part of either the flour or the sucrose. Flour replacement by AXOS yielded unacceptable products. However, replacing up to 30% of the initial sucrose level by AXOS resulted in cookies with comparable diameter and height and only a slightly darker color than had control cookies. The present results indicate a possible role of AXOS as sucrose replacer, which has practical implications from a health point of view, since AXOS can be used to produce cookies with reduced sucrose and increased fibre levels, a reasonable consumption of which can exert beneficial physiological effects.