Consumption Of Sprouts Research Articles

Outbreak of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O104:H4 Associated With Organic Fenugreek Sprouts, France, June 2011

On 22 June 2011, 8 patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or bloody diarrhea were reported in France. All 8 were attendees of a community center event on 8 June near Bordeaux. Three Escherichia coli cases were confirmed by isolation of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O104:H4 stx2 aggR producing a cefotaximase (CTX-M) β-lactamase (STEC O104:H4); the same rare serotype caused the outbreak in Germany in May-July 2011. An investigation was initiated to describe the outbreak, identify the vehicle for infection, and guide control measures. We conducted a retrospective cohort study among all adults attending the event, including food handlers. A standardized questionnaire was administered to participants. A case was an attendee who developed HUS or diarrhea between 8 and 24 June. Cases were confirmed by isolation of STEC O104:H4 or O104 serology. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by exposure were calculated using a Poisson regression model. Twenty-four cases were identified (14% attack rate). Of these, 18 (75%) were women, 22 (92%) were adults, 7 (29%) developed HUS, 5 (21%) developed bloody diarrhea, and 12 (50%) developed diarrhea. Ten (42%) cases were confirmed. Fenugreek was the only sprout type with an independent association to illness (RR, 5.1; 95% CI, 2.3-11.1) in multivariable analysis. This investigation identified a point-source STEC O104:H4 outbreak associated with consumption of fenugreek sprouts. Comparison of results from French and German STEC O104:H4 outbreak investigations enabled identification of a common food vehicle, fenugreek sprouts, and resulted in implementation of Europe-wide control measures in July 2011.

Epidemic Profile of Shiga-Toxin–ProducingEscherichia coliO104:H4 Outbreak in Germany

We describe an outbreak of gastroenteritis and the hemolytic-uremic syndrome caused by Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli in Germany in May, June, and July, 2011. The consumption of sprouts was identified as the most likely vehicle of infection. We analyzed data from reports in Germany of Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli gastroenteritis and the hemolytic-uremic syndrome and clinical information on patients presenting to Hamburg University Medical Center (HUMC). An outbreak case was defined as a reported case of the hemolytic-uremic syndrome or of gastroenteritis in a patient infected by Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli, serogroup O104 or serogroup unknown, with an onset of disease during the period from May 1 through July 4, 2011, in Germany. A total of 3816 cases (including 54 deaths) were reported in Germany, 845 of which (22%) involved the hemolytic-uremic syndrome. The outbreak was centered in northern Germany and peaked around May 21 to 22. Most of the patients in whom the hemolytic-uremic syndrome developed were adults (88%; median age, 42 years), and women were overrepresented (68%). The estimated median incubation period was 8 days, with a median of 5 days from the onset of diarrhea to the development of the hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Among 59 patients prospectively followed at HUMC, the hemolytic-uremic syndrome developed in 12 (20%), with no significant differences according to sex or reported initial symptoms and signs. The outbreak strain was typed as an enteroaggregative Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli O104:H4, producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase. In this outbreak, caused by an unusual E. coli strain, cases of the hemolytic-uremic syndrome occurred predominantly in adults, with a preponderance of cases occurring in women. The hemolytic-uremic syndrome developed in more than 20% of the identified cases.

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) Sprouts and Extracts Rich in Glucosinolates and Isothiocyanates Affect Cholesterol Metabolism and Genes Involved in Lipid Homeostasis in Hamsters

This study investigated the effects of broccoli sprouts (BS) on sterol and lipid homeostasis in Syrian hamsters with dietary-induced hypercholesterolemia. Treatments included freeze-dried BS containing 2 or 20 μmol of glucoraphanine (BSX, BS10X), glucoraphanine-rich BS extract (GRE), sulforaphane-rich BS extract (SFE), and simvastatin. Each experimental diet was offered to eight animals (male and female) for 7 weeks. Hepatic cholesterol was reduced by BS10X and SFE treatments in all animals. This correlated with a down-regulation of gene expression of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBP-1 and -2) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) caused by GRE and SFE diets. BS10X caused changes in gene expression in a gender-specific manner; additionally, it increased coprostanol excretion in females. With the same concentration of glucoraphanin, consumption of broccoli sprouts (BS10X) had more marked effects on cholesterol homeostasis than GRE; this finding reinforces the importance of the matrix effects on the bioactivity of functional ingredients.

A foodborne outbreak of Salmonella Bareilly in the United Kingdom, 2010

We report the preliminary findings of the investigation of an outbreak of foodborne Salmonella Bareilly. Between August and November 2010, there were 231 laboratory-confirmed reports of S. Bareilly in the United Kingdom. A case–control study showed that consumption of bean sprouts was significantly associated with illness. The investigation concluded that raising public awareness to ensure the correct preparation of raw bean sprouts during cooking was the principal means of preventing further cases.

Induction of Detoxification Enzymes by Feeding Unblanched Brussels Sprouts Containing Active Myrosinase to Mice for 2 Wk

In cruciferous vegetables, myrosinase metabolizes the relatively inactive glucosinolates into isothiocyanates and other products that have the ability to increase detoxification enzyme expression. Thus, maintaining myrosinase activity during food preparation may be critical to receiving the maximum benefit of consumption of Brussels sprouts or other cruciferous vegetables. To test the importance of maintaining myrosinase activity for maximizing bioactivity, experimental diets containing 20% unblanched (active myrosinase) or 20% blanched (inactivated myrosinase) freeze-dried Brussels sprouts and a nutrient-matched control diet were evaluated in vitro and in vivo for their ability to induce detoxification enzymes. Treatment of immortalized HepG2 human hepatoma cells with the unblanched Brussels sprout diet caused a greater increase quinone activity compared to the blanched Brussels sprout diet. C3H/HeJ mice fed the unblanched Brussels sprout diets for 2 wk had significantly higher plasma sulforaphane concentrations. Liver expression of CYP1A1 and epoxide hydrolase, measured using real-time PCR, was correlated with the plasma concentration of sulforaphane. In the lung, expression of epoxide hydrolase, thioredoxin reductase, UDP glucuronosyltransferase, quinone reductase, heme oxygenase, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1 were also correlated with the plasma concentration of sulforaphane. Together these data demonstrate that, as predicted by the in vitro experiment, in vivo exposure to Brussels sprouts with active myrosinase resulted in greater induction of both phase I and phase II detoxification enzymes in the liver and the lungs that correlated with plasma sulforaphane concentrations.

Aneugenic 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA) and 2,4-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIBOA) in sprouts of Triticumaestivum cultivars – A ‘safety health food’?

The concentrations of the benzoxazinoids (BAs), 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA) and 2,4-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIBOA) were determined in four selected Triticum aestivum cultivars. The impact of the cultivation period on the overall concentrations in the cultivars was determined by HPLC. Furthermore, the distribution of the two BAs was analysed in aerial and subterranean parts of the seedlings after different time periods. The highest levels were detected after 3 days. Subsequently, the levels of DIMBOA declined in all cultivars (reduction between 84% and 93%), while DIBOA was not detectable after 7 days. The distribution between aerial parts and roots varied substantially in the different cultivars. In addition, DIMBOA amounts, expressed in per cent, as well as in mg per seedling, were determined in one selected cultivar during the entire time course for better understanding of eventual dilution effects during plant growth. Our findings indicate that the consumption (up to several 100 g) of fresh sprouts (as suggested by suppliers) may already lead to exposure levels of up to 470 mg DIMBO and 190 mg of DIBOA per 100 g each. The potential adverse health effects of these doses are discussed.

Abstract A62: Increased histone acetylation, but no inhibition of HDAC activity, by kale sprout intervention in a human prostate cancer xenograft model

Abstract Cruciferous vegetable consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. These vegetables such as broccoli and kale are rich in glucosinolates, which are converted to isothiocyanates (ITCs) by myrosinase. ITCs have cancer preventive potential through various mechanisms including anti-proliferative effects. ITC metabolites have been recently identified as inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDAC), which have the potential to turn on epigenetically silenced genes, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In the present study we investigated the effect of kale sprouts commercially available as a food supplement to inhibit the growth of human LNCaP prostate cancer cells in a xenograft model. We were interested whether kale sprout intervention would affect histone acetylation and in studying underlining mechanisms, e.g. HDACs and histone acetyltransferases (HAT). LNCaP human prostate cancer cells were injected to male nude Balb/c mice (10 per group). Mice were fed with either regular rodent chow or chow supplemented with 20% kale sprouts (containing about 60 µmol glucosinolates per 5 g chow consumed daily, together with active myrosinase) from a week before cell injection until sacrifice. 7.5 weeks after injection, tumor tissue was collected. Kale sprout intervention did not significantly inhibit tumor growth in the xenograft model. However, global acetylation levels of histone H4 detected by Western blotting were increased in the kale sprout-treated group, whereas acetylated histone H3 levels were not significantly changed. The increase of H4 lysine 5, 8, 12 and 16 acetylation was individually confirmed. Among them, acetylated H4 K12 was most abundant. Even though global acetylation of H3 did not change, acetylated H3K9 was significantly increased. Unexpectedly, HDAC activity in nuclear extracts of tumor tissue determined by using ZMAL substrate was not significantly inhibited in tumor tissue by kale sprout intervention. Also, protein expression of HDAC family members HDAC1-5 was not changed overall, although HDAC 5 expression was reduced while HDAC2 expression was increased. Instead, kale sprout treatment significantly increased mRNA levels of PCAF and CBP quantified by qRT-PCR, by 36% and 23%, respectively, in tumor tissue (p<0.001), which may contribute to increased H4 acetylation. Taken together, our results indicate that dietary consumption of kale sprouts increased global acetylation of histone H4 in LNCaP prostate cancer xenograft model, possibly by induction of HAT expression rather than inhibition of HDAC activity. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):A62.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 - An Emerging Pathogen in foods of Animal Origin

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is an emerging public health concern in most countries of the world. E. coli O157:H7 was known to be a human pathogen for nearly 24 years. EHEC O157 infection is estimated to be the fourth most costly food borne disease in Canada and USA, not counting the cost of possible litigation. E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella are the leading causes of produce related outbreaks, accounting for 20 and 30% respectively. The authority of the Federal Meat Inspection Act, FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service) declared Escherichia coli O157:H7, an adulterant in raw ground beef and enforced “zero tolerance” (USDA-FSIS, 17 December 1998). Because of the severity of these illnesses and the apparent low infective dose (less than 10 cells), Escherichia coli O157:H7 is considered one of the most serious of known food borne pathogens. Escherichia coli O157:H7 is mainly pathogenic to human but in cattle and other animals, it did not induce any clinical disease except diarrhea. So, these animals act as carriers to Escherichia coli O157:H7. The majority transmission is through eating of undercooked contaminated ground meat and consumption of raw milk, raw vegetables, fruits contaminated by water, cheese, curd and also through consumption of sprouts, lettuce and juice. The conventional isolation procedure includes growth in enrichment broth like modified EC (E. coli) broth or modified tryptic soy broth (mTSB) Since the infection primarily occurs via faeco-oral route, the preventive measures include food hygiene measures like proper cooking of meat, consumption of pasteurized milk, washing fruits and vegetables especially those to be eaten raw and drinking chlorine treated water and personnel hygiene measures like washing hands after toilet visits.

Proteome alterations induced in human white blood cells by consumption of Brussels sprouts: Results of a pilot intervention study

Epidemiological studies indicate a correlation of cruciferous vegetables consumption with reduced incidence of cancer. This study was designed to investigate molecular mechanisms, which may help to understand the beneficial effects of Brussels sprout consumption. In order to avoid the limitations of in vitro model systems, we performed a dietary intervention study with five participants. We investigated, whether sprout consumption affects the proteome profile of primary white blood cells. In order to achieve maximal sensitivity in detecting specific adaptive proteome alterations, we metabolically labelled freshly isolated cells in the presence of (35) S-methionine/cysteine and performed autoradiographic quantification of protein synthesis. Proteins were separated by 2-DE and spots of interest were cut out, digested and identified by MS. After the intervention, we found a significant up-regulation of the synthesis of manganese superoxide dismutase (1.56-fold) and significant down-regulation of the synthesis of heat shock 70 kDa protein (hsp70; 2.27-fold). Both proteins play a role in malignant transformation of cells. Hsp-70 is involved in the regulation of apoptosis, which leads to elimination of cancer cells, while SOD plays a key role in protection against reactive oxygen species mediated effects. Our findings indicate that the alteration of the synthesis of these proteins may be involved in the anticarcinogenic effects of cruciferous vegetables, which was observed in earlier laboratory studies with animals.

Outbreak of Salmonella Stanley in Sweden associated with alfalfa sprouts, July-August 2007

The Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control (SMI) and the Swedish Regional Centres for Communicable Disease Control recently completed the investigation of a nationwide outbreak with 51 cases of Salmonella Stanley infection. A matched case-control study (using telephone interviews) was performed that strongly indicated an association between consumption of alfalfa sprouts produced in Sweden and S. Stanley infection (OR 28.6, 95% CI 3.8-216.4).

Phytochemical Quality and Bioactivity of Edible Sprouts

Edible sprouts are phytonutrient-rich plant foods, good source of flavonoids, other polyphenols, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, proteins, minerals and vitamins. The increasing consumption of sprouts requires optimisation of their quality, palatability and bioactivity. Multiple genetic and environmental factors (growth conditions, stress, elicitors) affect the production and accumulation of phytochemicals in these foods, offering the basis for further research on the improvement of the nutritional and health-relevant functional value of edible sprouts. In the present review, we focus on the phytochemical characteristics of edible sprouts, which can be regarded as a safe and promising a new dietary source of natural products for human health.

Monte Carlo simulation of pathogen behavior during the sprout production process.

Food-borne disease outbreaks linked to the consumption of raw sprouts have become a concern over the past decade. A Monte Carlo simulation model of the sprout production process was created to determine the most-effective points for pathogen control. Published literature was reviewed, and relevant data were compiled. Appropriate statistical distributions were determined and used to create the Monte Carlo model with Analytica software. Factors modeled included initial pathogen concentration and prevalence, seed disinfection effectiveness, and sampling of seeds prior to sprouting, sampling of irrigation water, or sampling of the finished product. Pathogen concentration and uniformity of seed contamination had a large effect on the fraction of contaminated batches predicted by the simulation. The model predicted that sprout sampling and irrigation water sampling at the end of the sprouting process would be more effective in pathogen detection than seed sampling prior to production. Day of sampling and type of sample (sprout or water) taken had a minimal effect on rate of detection. Seed disinfection reduced the proportion of contaminated batches, but in some cases it also reduced the ability to detect the pathogen when it was present, because cell numbers were reduced below the detection limit. Both the amount sampled and the pathogen detection limit were shown to be important variables in determining sampling effectiveness. This simulation can also be used to guide further research and compare the levels of effectiveness of different risk reduction strategies.

Analysis of Published Sprout Seed Sanitization Studies Shows Treatments Are Highly Variable

Consumption of raw sprouts has caused many foodborne illness outbreaks in the last decade, and most outbreaks have been linked to contaminated seeds. Many seed sanitization treatments have been studied as a means to reduce the risk of illness associated with sprouts. Published data on seed sanitization were analyzed collectively to identify factors that influenced the efficacy of seed sanitization and to determine the variability associated with various sanitization processes. Temperature and duration of the sanitization treatment were found to produce a negligible effect on log microbial reductions. Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and total aerobic microorganisms were all inactivated at similar rates. Data were fit to triangular or uniform distributions for 16 different chemical treatments. Among the most effective treatments were 8% hydrogen peroxide (uniform distribution [2.5, 4.5]), 20,000 ppm of chlorine (triangular distribution [1, 2.5, 6.5]), and 1% Ca(OH)2 (triangular distribution [0.5, 4, 5]). Chemical treatments where more published data were available showed more variability.

Detection and Elimination of Salmonella Mbandaka from Naturally Contaminated Alfalfa Seed by Treatment with Heat or Calcium Hypochlorite

In 1999, consumption of alfalfa sprouts contaminated with Salmonella Mbandaka led to a multistate outbreak of salmonellosis. In this study, the implicated alfalfa seed lot (no. 8119) was confirmed to be contaminated with Salmonella Mbandaka at a detection frequency of approximately 72% per replicated 100 g of seed. The sensitivity of detection was improved by a combination of nonselective and selective enrichment of 5.0 ml of germination effluent, followed by immunomagnetic separation. Detection of low levels of viable cells with nonselective enrichment, employed to enhance the recovery of stressed or injured cells, was facilitated by the application of Salmonella-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). With PCR assays, Salmonella Mbandaka was detectable on seed stored at 5°C for at least 11 months, but at an increasingly diminishing frequency. Using conventional techniques, viable populations were detected in the seed germination effluent from seeds stored for up to 8 months. Seed treatments with buffered (to pH 7) and unbuffered solutions of calcium hypochlorite, providing approximately 2,000 and 20,000 ppm of free chlorine, for 10 min were equally effective in eliminating viable populations of Salmonella Mbandaka. However, aqueous heat treatments at up to 85°C for 1 min did not eliminate the naturally occurring contaminant from the seed. Reductions of >15% in germination were observed following heat treatments of 65°C for ≥6 min or 70°C for ≥4 min. On the basis of these results, aqueous heat treatments alone do not appear to be a viable alternative to hyperchlorination as an effective method to eliminate Salmonella from alfalfa seed.

Effects of cruciferous vegetables and their constituents on drug metabolizing enzymes involved in the bioactivation of DNA-reactive dietary carcinogens

Epidemiological studies give evidence that cruciferous vegetables (CF) protect humans against cancer, and also results from animal experiments show that they reduce chemically induced tumor formation. These properties have been attributed to alterations in the metabolism of carcinogens by breakdown products of glucosinolates, which are constituents of CF. The present article gives an overview on the present state of knowledge on the impact of CF and their constituents on enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of DNA-reactive carcinogens. The development of in vitro models with metabolically competent cell lines led to the detection of potent enzyme inducers contained in CF such as sulforaphane. Recently, we showed that Brassica juices induce glutathione- S-transferases (GST) and cytochrome P-450 1A2 in human hepatoma cells (HepG2) and protect against the genotoxic effects of B(a)P and other carcinogens. Earlier in vivo experiments with rodents indicated that indoles and isothiocyanates, two major groups of glucosinolate breakdown products, attenuate the effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrosamines via induction of GST and inhibition of cytochrome-P450 isoenzymes, respectively. Our own investigations showed that CF are also protective towards heterocyclic amines (HAs): Brussels sprouts- and garden cress juices attenuated IQ-induced DNA-damage and preneoplastic lesions in colon and liver of rats. These effects were paralleled by induction of uridine-di-phospho-glucuronosyl transferase (UDPGT) which is very probably the mechanism of protection against HAs by cruciferous vegetables. There is also evidence that consumption of CF might protect humans against cancer. In matched control intervention studies with these vegetables, it was shown that they induce GST-activities in humans but overall, results were inconclusive. Recently, we carried out crossover intervention studies and found pronounced GST-induction upon consumption of Brussels sprouts and red cabbage, whereas no effects were seen with white cabbage and broccoli. Furthermore, we found that the isoenzyme induced was GST-π which plays an important role in protection against breast, bladder, colon and testicular cancer. No induction of the GST-α isoform could be detected. Urinary mutagenicity experiments gave further evidence that CF affect drug metabolism in humans. Consumption of red cabbage led to changes in the pattern of meat-derived urinary mutagenicity. Overall, CF are among the most promising chemopreventive dietary constituents and further elucidation of their protective mechanisms and the identification of active constituents may contribute to the development of highly protective Brassica varieties.

Use of Spent Irrigation Water for Microbiological Analysis of Alfalfa Sprouts

Numerous outbreaks of foodborne illness have been linked to the consumption of raw sprouts. Sprout producers have been advised by the Food and Drug Administration to include microbiological testing of spent irrigation water during production as part of an overall strategy to enhance the safety of sprouts. Alfalfa sprouts and irrigation water were analyzed to show the feasibility of using irrigation water for monitoring the microbiological safety of sprouts. Sprouts and water were produced and harvested from both commercial-scale (rotary drum) and consumer-scale (glass jars) equipment. Rapid increases of aerobic mesophiles occurred during the first 24 h of sprouting, with maximum levels achieved after 48 to 72 h. The counts in irrigation water were on average within approximately 1 log of their respective counts in the sprouts. Similar results were obtained for analysis of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in irrigation water and sprouts grown from artificially inoculated seeds. Testing of spent irrigation water indicated the contamination status of alfalfa sprouts grown from seeds associated with outbreaks of Salmonella infection.

Chronic Radiation Enteritis: Women's Food Tolerances after Radiation Treatment for Gynecologic Cancer

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To identify foods that commonly affect bowel activity after abdominal radiotherapy. Chronic Radiation Enteritis (CRE) can occur in patients who receive abdominal radiotherapy (ART). The literature suggests low residue, low fat, and low lactose diets in the management of CRE symptoms but does not provide definitive guidelines. Twenty-six women with documented CRE and 21 with no documentation of CRE (control group) completed a nutrition questionnaire developed by a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist. The questionnaire sought to identify specific foods that affected bowel symptoms after ART. Seventy percent of the CRE group identified excess bloating, gas, abdominal cramps and diarrhea post ART compared to 24% of the control group. Fifty percent of the CRE patients reported an increase in symptoms upon consumption of bran muffins, berries, cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli, tossed salad, caesar salad, baked beans, lentils, and nuts in contrast to 14% of the controls. A significant difference was seen in the portion sizes of these foods tolerated between the two groups. Eighty-five percent of the CRE group could only tolerate very small portions of these foods (less than a diabetic food exchange) while the controls consumed large portions before symptom exacerbation. In conclusion, smaller, more frequent portions of foods are better tolerated and an individualized approach is critical in the nutritional management of CRE.

Reduction of Salmonella spp. and Strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by Gamma Radiation of Inoculated Sprouts

There have been several recent outbreaks of salmonellosis and infections with Escherichia coli O157:H7 linked to the consumption of raw sprouts. Use of ionizing radiation was investigated as a means to reduce or to totally inactivate these pathogens, if present, on the sprouts. The radiation D value, which is the amount of irradiation in kilograys for a 1-log reduction in cell numbers, for these pathogens was established using a minimum of five doses at 19 ± 1°C. Before inoculation, the sprouts were irradiated to 6 kGy to remove the background microflora. The sprouts were inoculated either with Salmonella spp. cocktails made with either meat or vegetable isolates or with E. coli O157:H7 cocktails made with either meat or vegetable isolates. The radiation D values for the Salmonella spp. cocktails on sprouts were 0.54 and 0.46 kGy, respectively, for the meat and vegetable isolates. The radiation D values for the E. coli O157:H7 cocktails on sprouts were 0.34 and 0.30 kGy, respectively, for the meat and vegetable isolates. Salmonella was not detected by enrichment culture on sprouts grown from alfalfa seeds naturally contaminated with Salmonella after the sprouts were irradiated to a dose of 0.5 kGy or greater. Ionizing radiation is a process that can be used to reduce the population of pathogens on sprouts.

Chronic Radiation Enteritis: Women's Food Tolerances After Radiation Treatment for Gynecological Cancer

LEARNING OUTCOME: To identify foods that commonly affect bowel activity after abdominal radiotherapy. Chronic Radiation Enteritis (CRE) can occur in patients who receive abdominal radiotherapy (ART). The literature suggests low residue, low fat, and low lactose diets in the management of CRE symptoms but does not provide definitive guidelines. Twenty-six women with documented CRE and 21 with no documentation of CRE (control group) completed a nutrition questionnaire developed by a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist. The questionnaire sought to identify specific foods that affected bowel symptoms after ART. Seventy percent of the CRE group identified excess bloating, gas, abdominal cramps and diarrhea post ART compared to 24% of the control group. Fifty percent of the CRE patients reported an increase in symptoms upon consumption of bran muffins, berries, cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli, tossed salad, caesar salad, baked beans, lentils, and nuts in contrast to 14% of the controls. A significant difference was seen in the portion sizes of these foods tolerated between the two groups. Eighty-five percent of the CRE group could only tolerate very small portions of these foods (less than a diabetic food exchange) while the controls consumed large portions before symptom exacerbation. In conclusion, smaller, more frequent portions of foods are better tolerated and an individualized approach is critical in the nutritional management of CRE.

Cyanide content of two Nigerian local sprouted millet cultivars

The seeds of two popular Nigerian cultivars (Gero and Maiwa) of millet grains (Pennisetum americanum) used in the semi-arid region contained 1.38 ±0.3 and 1.43 ± 0.1mg/100g of potential ionic cyanide. The grains of the same cultivars were sprouted for periods up to 96 h in the dark at 38d`C. After 96h sprouting, Maiwa had a higher cyanide content (1.82 ± 0.1mg/100g) than Gero (1.33 ± 0.1 mg/100g), relative to the weight of ungerminated dry millet grains. The lowest cyanide values for ‘Gero’ and ‘Maiwa’ occurred after 60 h and 72 h of sprouting, respectively. The consumption of millet sprouts may not be hazardous. The levels of cyanide detected in this study are safe and fall within the acceptable safe human limits (10–20 mg CN per 100 g sample or 0.5–0.8 mg/kg body weight).