Changes In Nutrient Composition Research Articles

302 Microgreen and sprouted sorghum as ingredients in raw meat diets for healthy adult cats

Abstract Germination has the potential to naturally enhance the nutritional value of grains, enabling its inclusion in raw diets without compromising their raw status. Germinated sorghum may offer additional value compared with other grains as a sustainable, gluten-free and non-genetically modified option. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of incorporating two forms of germinated sorghum, sprouted and microgreens, into raw diets on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of macronutrients and energy, and fecal characteristics of adult cats. Four complete and balanced raw diets were formulated based on a basal ration (70%), comprised of whole raw chicken, vitamins and minerals, with the addition of sorghum (30%) in four different forms: raw (SR), cooked (boiled; SC), sprouted (SS), and microgreens (SM). Diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and isonutritive; however, they were found to be slightly different in energy and protein content due to changes in nutrient composition during processing of the sorghum grain. Healthy adult shorthair cats [n = 11; 5.1 ± 1.0 kg, average body weight (BW)] were enrolled in an incomplete 4×4 Latin square design. Each experimental period consisted of a 5-d adaptation phase followed by a 5-d collection phase, during which total fecal collection and assessment of fecal score were performed. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with diet as fixed effect, and cat(square), square and period as random effects. One cat was removed from the study due to reasons unrelated to the treatments, while two cats refused to eat the SM diet. Cats fed the SM and SC diets exhibited less (P < 0.05) wet fecal output compared to those fed the SS and SR. Fecal score was affected by diet (P < 0.05), with loose stools (16.37%) observed in cats fed SS and both diarrhea (11.6%) and loose stools (20%) observed in those fed SR, which were absent in those fed the other treatments. Protein ATTD (average 90%) did not differ (P > 0.05) among dietary treatments. Dry matter, organic matter, and gross energy ATTD were 3 to 6% greater (P < 0.05) in cats fed the SC diet compared with those fed the other treatments; but digestibility coefficients remained within acceptable ranges (> 80%). Fat ATTD was affected P < 0.05) by diet, with cats fed SS having the greatest value and those fed the SC the least; however, the numerical differences (< 2%) were unlikely to have biological relevance. In conclusion, the inclusion of microgreen and sprouted sorghum at 30% in raw meat cat diets did not improve the ATTD of energy and macronutrients compared with when sorghum was added in its raw form. Nevertheless, microgreen sorghum led to an improvement in fecal quality in cats compared with when sorghum was provided in its raw form.

Changes of nutrient composition in the ovaries and hepatopancreas of mud crab Scylla paramamosain broodstock and their offspring performance at different salinities

The mud crab Scylla paramamosain is a major marine crab species for aquaculture in the southern coastal regions of China. This study investigated the differences in the quality of low-salt cultured and wild mud crabs and the the salinity tolerance and growth performance of their offspring. Ovarian development and fatty acid and amino acid compositions in the hepatopancreas and ovaries of mature low-salt and wild mud crabs were compared. The gonadosomatic index was significantly lower, but the hepatopancreatic index was significantly higher in the low-salt mud crab than in the wild mud crab. The contents of C18:1, C22:6n3 (DHA), DHA/EPA, and n-3/n-6 fatty acids in the ovaries and hepatopancreas of the low-salt mud crab were significantly higher than those of the wild mud crab. Except for proline in the hepatopancreas of the low-salt group, there were no significant differences in amino acids in the ovaries and hepatopancreas between the two groups. Although the survival rate of larval mud crabs in the low-salt mud crab was significantly higher than that in the wild mud crab when the salinity was 24‰, there was no significant difference in the juvenile survival between the two groups. However, the survival rate of larval and juvenile mud crabs in the low-salt group was significantly higher than in the wild group when the salinity was 5 ‰ and 3 ‰, respectively. The final body weight, average weight, weight gain, and specific weight gain rate of male and female offspring in the low-salt group were significantly higher than in the wild group. However, the weight gain and specific growth rate of male offspring in the low-salt group in September–October were significantly lower than those of male mud crabs in the wild group. This study indicates that the mud crab can be domesticated for culture and breeding at low salinity.

Patterns of the Nutrients and Metabolites in Apostichopus japonicus Fermented by Bacillus natto and Their Ability to Alleviate Acute Alcohol Intoxication.

The aim of this study was to understand the changes in nutrient composition and differences in metabolites in Apostichopus japonicus fermented by Bacillus natto and their function in alleviating acute alcohol intoxication (AAI) through in vivo studies. The results showed no significant difference between the basic components of sea cucumber (SC) and fermented sea cucumber (FSC). The SC proteins were degraded after fermentation, and the amino acid content in FSC was significantly increased. The differentially abundant metabolites of SC and FSC were identified by LC-MS/MS. The contents of amino acid metabolites increased after fermentation, and arachidonic acid metabolism was promoted. The results demonstrated that FSC alleviated AAI by improving the activities of alcohol-metabolizing enzymes and antioxidant enzymes in the liver but did not alleviate the accumulation of triglycerides. Our results will provide beneficial information for the development and application of new products from FSC.

Changes in nutrient composition and diet quality in the first 6 months following bariatric surgery: An observational cohort study.

Bariatric surgery (BS) may result in inadequate nutrient intake and poor diet quality, which can lead to nutritional complications. The present study aimed to evaluate changes in macro- and micronutrient composition and diet quality in the first 6 months following BS. One hundred seven participants undergoing BS (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: n = 87, sleeve gastrectomy: n = 20) completed 3-day food records before and 6 months after surgery. Changes in energy, macronutrient (carbohydrates, protein, fat, dietary fibre) and micronutrient intake (folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron) were evaluated. Diet quality was assessed by adherence to the Dutch food-based dietary guidelines. After BS, we observed a significant decrease in intake of energy and all macro- and micronutrients (p < 0.01 for all), except for calcium (-39.0 ± 404.6 mg; p = 0.32). Overall, nutrient composition slightly changed with an increase in the relative intake of protein (+1.1 ± 4.3 energy percentage [en%]; p = 0.01) and mono- and disaccharides (+4.2 ± 6.4 en%; p < 0.001) post-surgery. Consumption (median [Q1, Q3]) of vegetables (-50 [-120, 6] g day-1 ), wholegrain products (-38 [-81, -8] g day-1 ), liquid fats (-5 [-13, 2] g day-1 ), red meat (-3 [-30, 4] g day-1 ), processed meat (-32 [-55, 13] g day-1 ), sodium (-0.7 [-1.1, -0.2] g day-1 ) and unhealthy food choices (-2.4 [-5.0, 0.6] serves week-1 ) significantly decreased after BS (p < 0.01 for all). Our results demonstrate both favourable and unfavourable changes in macro- and micronutrient composition and diet quality in the first 6 months following BS. Insight into these changes can improve dietary counselling in this population. Future research into underlying causes, consequences and long-term changes in dietary intake is needed.

313 Efficacy of Vermifiltration to Treat Liquid Cattle Manure to Mitigate Carbon and Nitrogen Emissions

Abstract The objective was to determine the efficacy of a vermifiltration system that treats liquid cattle manure to alter methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), ammonia (NH3) emissions, and nutrient composition (potassium-K; phosphorus-P; nitrogen-N). Liquid manure was sampled as it entered the worm-bed (influent) and as it exited from the worm-bed (effluent) to measure changes in nutrient composition. Worm-bed surface fluxes of CH4 and N2O were measured in real-time for three distinct environmental temperatures (0 ˚C, 10 ˚C, and 20 ˚C) to examine seasonal variation at several locations in the 3.64 ha worm-bed using isolation chambers and cavity ring-down spectrometry. NH3 flux was measured from the chambers using a ChemComb 3500 Speciation Collection Cartridge and coated honeycomb denuders. NH3 samples were eluted within 4 h of collection and stored at -20 ˚C until colorimetric analysis. Duplicate NH3 measurements were made for each chamber location at each temperature. Examination of the influx and efflux data indicates reductions of 25% in K, 96% in P, 99% in total suspended solids, 92% in volatile solids, and 92% in total Kjeldahl N. Chamber CH4 concentrations at 0 ˚C (0.51 to 1.18 ppm) tended to be less at 10 ˚C (2.17 to 2.67 ppm) and 20 ˚C (1.6 to 2.45 ppm) but were not different across temperatures (P &amp;lt; .077) and reflected ambient concentrations (2.44 ppm). N2O concentrations at 0 ˚C (157.00 to 224.00 ppb) and 10 ˚C (86.3 to 176.5 ppb) were not different than ambient (358.5 ppb), but at 20 ˚C (400.0 to 655.0 ppb) concentrations tended to be greater (P &amp;lt; 0.07). NH3 concentrations at 0 ˚C (0.06 to 0.33 ppm) and 20 ˚C (1.35 and 2.21 ppm) were not different but at 10 ˚C (11.8 to 28.7 ppm) were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Fluxes were calculated for each sampling period. During 0 ˚C flux densities were 1.61 ± 0.17 mg· m-2· day-1 for N2O, 2.5 0.57mg m-2· day-1 for CH4, and 0.007± 0.00 mg m-2· day-1 for NH3. At 20°C flux densities were 1.98± 0.63 mg· m-2day-1 for N2O, 2.88± 0.755 mg m-2· day-1 for CH4, and 25.4 ± 0.0 mg· m-2· day-1 for NH3.Flux calculations and extrapolation of emission rates to the entire system indicates that vermifiltration is an effective strategy to alter nutrient concentrations and reduce CH4 emissions but not emissions of N2O and NH3.

Changes in nutrient composition and gene expression in growing mealworms (Tenebrio molitor)

Abstract Insects are of high interest as a sustainable source of nutrients to be included in the food production system. The larvae of Tenebrio molitor, commonly known as yellow mealworms (MW), have a high protein content, which means potential applications in the animal feed and human food sectors. However, previous reports have shown considerable variability in the nutrient composition of mealworms, which may in part, be due to harvesting at different developmental stages. A better understanding of the regulation of composition during development would potentially facilitate future attempts to manipulate nutrient content, perhaps through gene editing, to maximize commercial value. In the present study, mealworms were harvested at various time points within a 24 day period leading up to the start of pupation. At the earliest time points (between days −24 and −17), a 44% increase in fat content was seen, which was maintained throughout the rest of development. By day −12, protein content fell by 12%, a change that was also maintained. Throughout development there was a change in fatty acid composition, with a shift from oleic acid being the major fatty acid at day −24, to linoleic acid being predominant at later time points. In an attempt to better understand the genetic basis of these changes, an analysis of the transcriptome was undertaken. In the absence of a specific annotated genome for the mealworm, an Affymetrix GeneChip microarray for Drosophila was utilized. The hybridisation of RNA extracted from five developmental stages (larvae and pupae) showed differential gene expression; and some potential orthologs were identified which may be involved in regulating nutrient composition during development. However, we were unable to identify a significant proportion of the most highly regulated genes, highlighting the need for a fully annotated mealworm genome.

Changes in Nutrient Composition and Quality Characteristics of Peeled Citrullus Lunatus, Preserved in Different Packaging Materials.

Changes in Nutrient Composition and Quality Characteristics of Peeled Citrullus Lunatus, Preserved in Different Packaging Materials.

Variation in Wheat Quality and Starch Structure under Granary Conditions during Long-Term Storage.

As a globally distributed cereal, wheat is an essential part of the daily human dietary structure. Various changes in nutrient composition and starch structure can reflect the quality of wheat. In this study, we carried out a series of measurements to reveal the levels of wheat quality during long-term storage. We found that the deterioration of wheat was apparent after two years of storage: (1) the content of fatty acid increased from 12.47% to 29.02%; (2) the malondialdehyde content increased to 37.46%; (3) the conductivity significantly increased from 35.71% to 46.79%; and (4) other indexes, such as the amylopectin content, peak viscosity, and disintegration rate, increased noticeably during storage. Moreover, SEM images revealed a certain degree of damage on the surface of starch granules, and an X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed A-type crystalline starch of wheat. Additionally, FTIR spectra suggested that the ratio of amylose and amylopectin decreased with a decreasing content of amylose and increasing content of amylopectin. The ratio of amylose and amylopectin can lead to variations in wheat machining characteristics. Therefore, wheat should be kept at an average of 20 °C with safe water content for less than two years to maintain reasonable quality.

A ketogenic diet substantially reshapes the human metabolome

Western dietary habits (WD) have been shown to promote chronic inflammation, which favors the development of many of today's non-communicable diseases. Recently, ketogenic diets (KD) have emerged as an immune-regulating countermeasure for WD-induced metaflammation. To date, beneficial effects of KD have been solely attributed to the production and metabolism of ketone bodies. Given the drastic change in nutrient composition during KD, it is reasonable to assume that there are widespread changes in the human metabolome also contributing to the impact of KD on human immunity. The current study was conducted to gain insight into the changes of the human metabolic fingerprint associated with KD. This could allow to identify metabolites that may contribute to the overall positive effects on human immunity, but also help to recognize potential health risks of KD. We conducted a prospective nutritional intervention study enrolling 40 healthy volunteers to perform a three-week ad-libitum KD. Prior to the start and at the end of the nutritional intervention serum metabolites were quantified, untargeted mass spectrometric metabolome analyses and urine analyses of the tryptophan pathway were performed. KD led to a marked reduction of insulin (-21.45%±6.44%, p=0.0038) and c-peptide levels (-19.29%±5.45%, p=0.0002) without compromising fasting blood glucose. Serum triglyceride concentration decreased accordingly (-13.67%±5.77%, p=0.0247), whereas cholesterol parameters remained unchanged. LC-MS/MS-based untargeted metabolomic analyses revealed a profound shift of the human metabolism towards mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, comprising highly elevated levels of free fatty acids and acylcarnitines. The serum amino acid (AA) composition was rearranged with lower abundance of glucogenic AA and an increase of BCAA. Furthermore, an increase of anti-inflammatory fatty acids eicosatetraenoic acid (p<0.0001) and docosahexaenoic acid (p=0.0002) was detected. Urine analyses confirmed higher utilization of carnitines, indicated by lower carnitine excretion (-62.61%±18.11%, p=0.0047) and revealed changes to the tryptophan pathway depicting reduced quinolinic acid (-13.46%±6.12%, p=0.0478) and elevated kynurenic acid concentrations (+10.70%±4.25%, p=0.0269). A KD fundamentally changes the human metabolome even after a short period of only three weeks. Besides a rapid metabolic switch to ketone body production and utilization, improved insulin and triglyceride levels and an increase in metabolites that mediate anti-inflammation and mitochondrial protection occurred. Importantly, no metabolic risk factors were identified. Thus, a ketogenic diet could be considered as a safe preventive and therapeutic immunometabolic tool in modern medicine. German Clinical Trials Register; DRKS-ID: DRKS00027992 (www.drks.de).

The Differences of Nutrient Components in Edible and Feeding Coix Seed at Different Developmental Stages Based on a Combined Analysis of Metabolomics.

Coix lachryma-jobi L. is an excellent plant resource that has a concomitant function for medicine, foodstuff and forage in China. At present, the commonly used cultivar for both medicine and foodstuff is Xiaobaike, and the cultivar for foraging is Daheishan. However, differences in the internal composition of plants lead to the expression of different phenotypic traits. In order to comprehensively elucidate the differences in nutrient composition changes in Coix seeds, a non-targeted metabolomics method based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS) was used to analyze the metabolic changes in Coix seeds at different developmental stages. An edible Coix relative (Xiaobaike) and a feeding Coix relative (Daheishan) were selected as the research subjects. In the metabolome analysis of Coix seed, 314 metabolites were identified and detected, among which organic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleotides and flavonoids were the main components. As an important standard for evaluating the quality of Coix seed, seven lipids were detected, among which fatty acids included not only even-chain fatty acids, but also odd-chain fatty acids, which was the first time detecting a variety of odd-chain fatty acids in Coix seed. The analysis of the compound contents in edible and feeding-type Coix lachryma-jobi L. and the lipid content at the mature stage showed that, among them, arachidic acid, behenic acid, heptadecanoic acid, heneicosanoic acid and pristanic acid may be the key compounds affecting the lipid content. In addition, in the whole process of semen coicis maturation, edible and feeding Coix show similar trends, and changes in the third period show clear compounds in the opposite situation, suggesting that edible and feeding Coix not only guarantee the relative stability of species but also provide raw materials for genetic breeding. This study provides valuable information on the formation of the edible and medicinal qualities of Coix.

Effects of chemical additive and packing density on the fermentation profile and nutrient composition of ensiled cocktail forage mix

Recently, the use of cocktail forage mixes in dairy cattle rations has become more common because the mixtures are low-cost, fit well in rotation after a cereal grain forage, and can have similar yield and energy value compared with alfalfa silage. This experiment evaluated the effects of a chemical additive and packing density on the fermentation profile and nutrient composition of cocktail mix silage. The cocktail forage mix (brown-midrib sorghum-sudangrass, Italian ryegrass, red clover, berseem clover, and hairy vetch) was harvested, ensiled in laboratory silos (3.79-L plastic buckets), and allowed to ferment for 30 d. The experiment consisted of 6 treatments, 2 chemical additives [CON (30 mL of distilled water) or ADD (sodium sulfite, sodium metabisulfite, and fungal amylase)], and 3 packing densities [D100, D75, and D50 (100%, 75%, or 50% of the maximum material in laboratory silos, respectively)], for a total of 24 silos (4 replications per treatment combination). No interactions of additive by density were detected for any parameters evaluated. The addition of the chemical additive influenced fermentation profile, with reduced concentrations of total acids, lactic acid, acetic acid, and ethanol in ADD-treated silages. Moreover, D50 reduced concentrations of total acids, lactic acid, and acetic acid compared with D100, but had greater pH and yeast and mold counts. Minimal changes in nutrient composition were detected regardless of treatment. Overall, this study corroborates the importance of a well-packed silage during the ensiling process. Poorly packed cocktail mix silages may be more prone to spoilage based on yeast and mold counts.

Using dynamic modelling to enhance the assessment of the beef water footprint

Current water footprint assessment methods make a meaningful assessment of livestock water consumption difficult as they are mainly static, thus poorly adaptable to understanding future water consumption and requirements. They lack the integration of fundamental ruminant nutrition and growth equations within a dynamic context that accounts for short- and long-term behaviour and time delays associated with economically significant beef-producing areas. The current study utilised the System Dynamics methodology to conceptualise a water footprint for beef cattle within a dynamic and mechanistic modelling framework. The problem of assessing the water footprint of beef cattle was articulated, and a dynamic hypothesis was formed to represent the Texas livestock water use system as the initial step in developing the Dynamic Beef Water Footprint model (DWFB). The dynamic hypothesis development resulted in three causal loop diagrams (CLD): cattle population, growth and nutrition, and the livestock water footprint, that captured the daily water footprint of beef (WFB). Simulations and sensitivity analysis from the hypothesised CLD structures indicated that the framework was able to capture the dynamic behaviour of the WFB system. These behaviours included key reinforcing and balancing feedback processes that drive the WFB. It is extremely difficult to identify policy interventions (i.e., management strategies) for complex systems, like the U.S. beef cattle system, because there are many actors (i.e., cow-calf, stocker, feedlot) and interrelated variables that have delayed effects within and across the supply chain. Identification and understanding of feedback processes driving water use over time will help to overcome policy resistance for more sustainable beef production. Thus, the causal loops identified in the current study provide a system-level insight for the drivers of the WFB within and across each major segment of the beef supply chain to address freshwater concerns more adequately. Further, the nutrient scenarios and sensitivity analysis revealed that the high versus low nutrient composition of pasture, hay, and concentrates resulted in a significant difference in the WFB (2 669 L/kg boneless beef, P < 0.05). The WFB was sensitive to changes in nutrient composition and specific water demand (m3/t) for each production phase, not only phases with high levels of concentrate feed use. As models evolve, there is potential for the DWFB to integrate precision livestock data, further improving quantification of the WFB, precision water-efficient strategies, and selection of water-efficient livestock.

Study on the fermentation effect of Rhodotorula glutinis utilizing tofu whey wastewater and the influence of Rhodotorula glutinis on laying hens.

Tofu whey wastewater (TWW) is the wastewater of tofu processing, which is rich in a variety of nutrients. Rhodotorula glutinis can make full use of TWW to ferment and reproduce yeast cells, produce carotenoids and other nutrients, improve the utilization value of TWW, and reduce environmental pollution and resource waste. In this study, the nutrient composition changes of TWW treated by Rhodotorula glutinis were analyzed to reformulate TWW medium, and the optimal composition and proportion of TWW medium that can improve the biomass and carotenoids production of Rhodotorula glutinis were explored. Meanwhile, the Rhodotorula glutinis liquid obtained under these conditions was used to prepare biological feed for laying hens, and the effect of Rhodotorula glutinis growing on TWW as substrate on laying performance and egg quality of laying hens were verified. The results showed that the zinc content of TWW after Rhodotorula glutinis fermentation increased by 62.30%, the phosphorus content decreased by 42.31%, and the contents of vitamin B1, B2 and B6 increased to varying degrees. The optimal fermentation conditions of Rhodotorula glutinis in the TWW medium were as follow: the initial pH was 6.40, the amount of soybean oil, glucose and zinc ions was 0.80 ml/L, 16.32 g/L, and 20.52 mg/L, respectively. Under this condition, the biomass of Rhodotorula glutinis reached 2.23 g/L, the carotenoids production was 832.86 μg/g, and the number of effective viable yeast count was 7.08 × 107 cfu/ml. In addition, the laying performance and egg quality of laying hens fed Rhodotorula glutinis biological feed were improved. In this study, we analyzed the composition changes of TWW, optimized the fermentation conditions of Rhodotorula glutinis in TWW medium, explored the influence of Rhodotorula glutinis utilizing TWW on laying layers, and provided a new idea for the efficient utilization of TWW.

Coexistence of Synechococcus and Microcystis Blooms in a Tropical Urban Reservoir and Their Links with Microbiomes.

Bacteria play a crucial role in driving ecological processes in aquatic ecosystems. Studies have shown that bacteria-cyanobacteria interactions contributed significantly to phytoplankton dynamics. However, information on the contribution of bacterial communities to blooms remains scarce. Here, we tracked changes in the bacterial community during the development of a cyanobacterial bloom in an equatorial estuarine reservoir. Two forms of blooms were observed simultaneously corresponding to the lotic and lentic characteristics of the sampling sites where significant spatial variabilities in physicochemical water quality, cyanobacterial biomass, secondary metabolites, and cyanobacterial/bacterial compositions were detected. Microcystis dominated the upstream sites during peak periods and were succeeded by Synechococcus when the bloom subsided. For the main body of the reservoir, a mixed bloom featuring coccoid and filamentous cyanobacteria (Microcystis, Synechococcus, Planktothricoides, Nodosilinea, Raphidiopsis, and Prochlorothrix) was observed. Concentrations of the picocyanobacteria Synechococcus remained high throughout the study, and their positive correlations with cylindrospermopsin and anatoxin-a suggested that they could produce cyanotoxins, which pose more damaging impacts than previously supposed. Succession of different cyanobacteria (Synechococcus and Microcystis) following changes in nutrient composition and ionic strength was demonstrated. The microbiomes associated with blooms were unique to the dominant cyanobacteria. Generic and specialized bloom biomarkers for the Microcystis and downstream mixed blooms were also identified. Microscillaceae, Chthoniobacteraceae, and Roseomonas were the major heterotrophic bacteria associated with Microcystis bloom, whereas Phycisphaeraceae and Methylacidiphilaceae were the most prominent groups for the Synechococcus bloom. Collectively, bacterial community can be greatly deviated by the geological condition, monsoon season, cyanobacterial density, and dominant cyanobacteria.

Physicochemical properties, non-nutrients and phenolic composition of germinated freeze-dried flours of foxtail millet, proso millet and common buckwheat

The grains of foxtail millet (FM), proso millet (PM) and common buckwheat (CBW) germinated over a period of 1–4 days were freeze-dried to better understand the changes in their chemical composition. The dynamic changes in the proximate, minerals, non-nutrients and bound and free polyphenolic profile of germinated freeze-dried grain flours of FM, PM and CBW was studied. Germination caused a remarkable decrease in crude fat and non-nutrients, while protein, reducing sugar and crude fibre increased for all three grains. Among non-nutrients, germination caused the highest decline in saponins followed by tannins and phytic acid, with CBW exhibiting greater loss than millets. HPLC analysis revealed higher free phenolic acids in germinated grains and a greater accumulation of rutin, quercetin and (+)-catechin was observed in CBW. Overall, the changes in nutrient composition were more pronounced in germinated freeze-dried flour of CBW than FM and PM.

Improving nutrition through carbon reduction policies: an online randomized experiment

Abstract Background There has been increasing policy interest in changing dietary patterns to reduce diet-related diseases and improve population health. Meanwhile, the food choices people make every day have a determining impact on the climate change, with food systems responsible for a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. Current policies focused on dietary health are designed, implemented and evaluated in relative isolation, and there is a critical open question concerning the extent of possible synergy with an additional focus on carbon removal. Methods We analysed the changes in UK households’ food purchases from an online, randomized control experiment (n = 3933) designed to contrast respondents’ current food purchase behaviour with that under a range of potential tax and labelling policies targeting improvement in dietary health, alone or combined with those designed to reduce carbon emissions. We assessed changes in the healthiness of food baskets between interventions through indicators of: i) purchase of calories; ii) % of calories purchased from 23 food groups; and iii) relative changes in nutrient composition of food purchased. Results Food labelling and fiscal measures for both health and decarbonisation have a positive impact on dietary health, by reducing the calorie content of food purchases (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Adding carbon reduction considerations into health policies achieves nutritional improvement by further reducing fat and increasing fibre, resulting in a reduction of up to 193 kcal/person/day (95%CI: 172-214). Conclusions With an additional focus on planetary health, the combined (health + carbon) tax and food labelling policies could achieve a reduction in calorie content at a magnitude close to the Public Health England's estimate of average excess calories consumed by adults (195kcal). Key messages • Policies focused on achieving both nutrition and carbon reduction goals could achieve greater improvements in food choices and produce win-win scenarios. • There is a need for greater dialogue and policy development between public health and environmental researchers, practitioners and policy makers.

Distribution of energy and macronutrient intakes across eating occasions in European children from 3 to 8 years of age: The EU Childhood Obesity Project Study

PurposeWe aimed to characterize the distribution of energy and macronutrient intakes across eating occasions (EO) in European children from preschool to school age.MethodsData from 3-day weighed food records were collected from children at ages 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 years from Belgium, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain. Food intakes were assigned to EO based on country-specific daytimes for breakfast, lunch, supper and snacks (morning, afternoon). The average energy and nutrient intakes were expressed as percentage of total energy intake (%E). Nutrients were additionally expressed as percentage per EO (%EEO). Foods were assigned to food groups; variation in intake was calculated via coefficient of variation (CV). We analyzed age trends in diurnal intake using mixed-effects beta regression.ResultsThe 740 healthy children included in the analysis consumed the largest proportion of daily energy at lunch (31%E ± 8, M ± SD) and supper (26%E ± 8), followed by breakfast (19%E ± 7) and snacks [afternoon (16%E ± 8); morning (8%E ± 7)], with the most variable intake at morning snack (CV = 0.9). The nutrient composition at lunch and supper was highest for fat (36 ± 9%ELunch; 39 ± 11%ESupper) and protein (18 ± 5%ELunch; 18 ± 6%ESupper) and at breakfast and snacks for carbohydrates (54 ± 12%EBreakfast; 62 ± 12%ESnacks). High-sugar content foods were consumed in relatively large proportions at breakfast and snacks. Food intakes varied significantly with age, with lower snack intakes at later ages (p < 0.001).ConclusionPossibly unhealthy EOs with high-fat intakes and high-sugar-content foods were observed. Changes in nutrient composition of EOs may be beneficial for health.Trial registry: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00338689; 19/June/2006.

Evolution of harmful algal blooms in the East China Sea under eutrophication and warming scenarios

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) worldwide are experiencing obvious changes under the combined impacts of global warming, eutrophication, and other driving forces. In the East China Sea (ECS), large-scale blooms caused by dinoflagellates occurred since 2000 and there has been an apparent shift of bloom-causative microalgae from diatoms to dinoflagellates. To predict the future evolution of HABs in this region, a model was developed based on the competition between diatoms and dinoflagellates, which would serve to reproduce the seasonal succession of microalgal blooms driven by multiple environmental factors. The evolution features of HABs were then projected under different scenarios of eutrophication and global warming. Under the ‘business as usual’ scenario, dinoflagellate blooms are expected to become more frequent with higher peak biomass concentrations over the next 30 years. Changes in nutrient composition of the Changjiang riverine discharge may largely give rise to this phenomenon, and accelerated warming associated with climate change may result in earlier occurrence of dinoflagellate blooms. To prevent further intensification of dinoflagellate blooms, efforts could be made to reduce nitrogen inputs and maintain or even increase silicate inputs from the Changjiang river.

Determination of Nutrient Content of Guava Cv. ‘Pant Prabhat’ Affected by Different Canopy Heights and Planting Densities

The study was conducted to determine the changes in nutrient composition of both affected by canopy heights, planting densities, and their interactions in comparison with both rainy and winter seasons. The experiment was composed of 4 different canopy heights [1.25m (H1), 1.5m (H2), 1.75m (H3), and unpruned (H4)] and 3 planting densities [5555 (D1), 3333 (D2), and (D3) 4444 plants ha-1] with total 12 treatment combinations laid out in factorial RBD was conducted. Fruits from the winter season were high in the nutrient content than in the rainy season. Canopy height H1 (1.75 m) recorded the maximum N, P, K, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn (1.43%, 0.40%, 1.22%, 2.31 ppm, 2.28 ppm, 2.50 ppm and 1.31 ppm) in the winter season while, in the rainy season, maximum (0.88%, 0.35%, 0.98%, 2.07 ppm, 1.92 ppm, 2.14 ppm, 1.05 ppm) canopy height H3 (1.75m). Planting density D2 (3333 plant ha-1) recorded the maximum nutrient content for both seasons. It is therefore concluded canopy height H1 (1.25m) with planting density D2 (3333 plant ha-1) is best for producing fruits with high nutrient content for the winter crops.

Temporal changes of nutrient composition from pollen patty to bee bread with special emphasis on amino and fatty acids composition

• Bee bread is made from bee pollen or pollen patty. • Amino acid contents increase from pollen patty to bee bread. • Increase of amino acid, proline is prominent. • Fatty acid contents decrease with the storing time. • Biological and chemical processes involved in the transition. Bee bread is prepared from pollen sources and salivary secretions by honey bee workers to serves the nutritional purpose of colony members. However, changes in nutrient composition occurring in bee bread from the pollen sources including pollen patty are poorly understood. We, therefore, examined the nutrient contents of pollen patty, used as source pollen feed of honey bee colony, and bee bread prepared by honey bee from this source at different time interval. Results revealed that amino acid content was increased from pollen patty to bee bread but fatty acid content was decreased. Essential amino acids like valine, lysine, and nonessential amino acids such as proline and alanine increased significantly over time. Among fatty acids, oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid decreased significantly from pollen patty to bee bread. Minerals contents in bee bread did not show any significant change during the study period. These changes could be presumably justified due to addition of nectar, honey, gland secretions and also microbial symbionts which remains as a task of further study.