D3 Content Research Articles

The impact of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on the cream composition: insight into changes of vitamin D3 content and fatty acid composition

The impact of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on the cream composition: insight into changes of vitamin D3 content and fatty acid composition

Nutritional properties of commercially important cephalopods from the south-west coast of India

Cephalopods are widely regarded as healthy and nutritionally rich seafood resources. This study focuses on analysing the nutritional composition of six commercially important edible cephalopod species viz., Cistopus indicus, Amphioctopus marginatus, Amphioctopus aegina, Sepia pharaonis, Sepia elliptica and Sepia aculeata, from the Malabar coast of the Indian peninsula. The selected cephalopods were determined to be a rich source of protein ranging from 12.41 to 19.02 g 100 g-1. The amino acid profile demonstrated a balanced ratio of essential to non-essential amino acids (0.93-1.63) with a higher concentration of essential amino acids, attributing enhanced biological value of proteins in these cephalopods. S. pharaonis recorded the highest arginine-to-lysine ratio (~1.77), indicating excellent cholesterolemic index. Notably, octopus species had the lowest total cholesterol content (~100 mg 100 g-1) compared to cuttlefish species which recorded higher cholesterol levels (~160 mg 100 g-1). A. marginatus recorded more significant quantities of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (36.85% total fatty acids) among all the species studied. Octopus species exhibited significantly greater Σn-3/Σn-6 ratio than cuttlefish species. The ideal atherogenicity/thrombogenicity indices (<1.0) in the edible tissues of the studied cephalopods qualify these species as potentially healthy food. A. aegina was found to exhibit greater vitamin E (α-tocopherol) contents (17.84 IU), whereas ascorbic acid was pronounced more in A. marginatus (47.06 μg 100 g-1). The higher vitamin D3 content in A. aegina (96.23 μg 100 g-1) among the species studied, highlights its potential role in preventing osteoporosis in adults. Among microelements such as iron and zinc were found in significant quantities in the cephalopod species studied. The findings from the current study provide valuable insights into the nutritional benefits of these species, positioning them as promising candidates for the seafood industry as possible healthy dietary options. Keywords: Amino acid composition, Atherogenicity index, Cephalopods, Fatty acid composition, Thrombogenicity index

Fluorescence of Intrinsic Milk Chromophores as a Novel Verification Method of UV-C Treatment of Milk.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved the use of a 1045 J/L UV-C dose as an adjunct to pasteurization to increase the shelf life and vitamin D3 content of milk. However, there are no verification methods analogous to the alkaline phosphatase test for pasteurized milk to ensure that the desired UV-C dose has been correctly applied. The aim is to develop a real-time in-line detector based on fluorescence spectroscopy. In this study, 22 different UV-C doses (ranging from 0 to 2000 J/L) were applied to milk to assess the impact of photooxidation on intrinsic photosensitive chromophores. Fluorescence spectroscopy (90°-angle) was employed as the method of analysis for monitoring the changes in the fluorescence spectra of chromophores in milk without sample pretreatment. Three important chromophore areas (CAs) were identified: CA 1 (riboflavin), CA 3 (vitamin A and dityrosine) and CA 4 (tryptophan), with statistically significant changes at around 1045 J/L and 1500 J/L. The findings of our preliminary study support our hypothesis that the fluorescence of intrinsic chromophores can be used as verification of the applied UV-C dose.

Optimization of the QuEChERS-UPLC-APCI-MS/MS method for the analysis of vitamins D and K nanoencapsulated in yogurt

A novel approach was developed to simultaneously determine the contents of vitamins D2, D3, K1, and K2 in yogurt fortified with nanoencapsulated vitamins D and K. This method combines QuEChERS extraction with UPLC-APCI-MS/MS analysis. Optimization of the QuEChERS process included fine-tuning the addition of salts using response surface methodology based on the Box–Behnken design. Under the optimized conditions, the developed method exhibited an excellent linearity (R2 > 0.999) across concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 500 µg/L. The limits of detection and quantification (LOD and LOQ) were found to be 0.01–0.04 µg/L and 0.04–0.11 µg/L, respectively, with precision, accuracy, and recovery rates exceeding 94.88 %, and accompanied by acceptable relative standard deviations. Comparative analysis with traditional methodologies revealed the significant advantages of the proposed approach. Previous techniques such as liquid–liquid extraction combined with saponification are time-consuming and require high sample quantities. In addition, dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction requires a long analysis time and exhibits a poor sensitivity, particularly in terms of its LOD and LOQ values. In contrast, our method offers a straightforward, efficient, and reliable sample preparation technique suitable for detecting vitamins D2, D3, K1, and K2 in a yogurt matrix. This study not only demonstrates the feasibility of applying the QuEChERS method for stable vitamin quantification in yogurt, but it also represents an innovative contribution to enhancing the detection sensitivity and efficiency in food analysis. By emphasizing these methodological advancements and comparative benefits, this research underscores the significance of adopting advanced analytical approaches in food science.

Cadmium in Market Pork Kidneys: A Study on Cadmium Bioavailability and the Health Effects Based on Mouse Models.

Edible offal of farmed animals can accumulate cadmium (Cd). However, no studies have investigated Cd bioavailability and its health effects. Here, based on mouse models, market pork kidney samples exhibited high Cd relative bioavailability of 74.5 ± 11.2% (n = 26), close to 83.8 ± 7.80% in Cd-rice (n = 5). This was mainly due to high vitamin D3 content in pork kidney, causing 1.7-2.3-fold up-regulated expression of duodenal Ca transporter genes in mice fed pork kidney compared to mice fed Cd-rice, favoring Cd intestinal absorption via Ca transporters. However, although pork kidney was high in Cd bioavailability, subchronic low-dose (5% in diet) consumption of two pork kidney samples having 0.48 and 0.97 μg Cd g-1 dw over 35 d did not lead to significant Cd accumulation in the tissue of mice fed Cd-free rice but instead remarkably decreased Cd accumulation in the tissue of mice fed Cd-rice (0.48 μg Cd g-1) by ∼50% and increased abundance of gut probiotics (Faecalibaculum and Lactobacillus). Overall, this study contributed to our understanding of the bioavailability and health effects associated with Cd in edible offal, providing mechanistic insights into pork kidney consumption safety based on Cd bioavailability.

Vitamin D3 formation in milk by UV treatment – Novel insights into a rediscovered process

Vitamin D3 is essential for several functions in the human body and the demand is usually covered by natural reactions in skin with UV radiation delivered by the sun. But living beyond a latitude of 35° can lead to a lack of sufficient exposition to the deciding wavelength. Here, many countries fortify their milk prophylactically with artificial vitamin D3. However, the precursor molecule of vitamin D3 (7-deydrocholesterol) is already naturally located in the milk fat globule membrane. Thus, this study deals with the transformation of the naturally occurring 7-dehydrocholesterol into vitamin D3 through UV treatment of the milk - a mechanism that was observed a century ago only indirectly. Different parameters such as temperature (10 - 50°C), fluid flow regimen (turbulent vs. laminar thin film, i.e., 0.6 mm) and wavelength (254, 280 and 313 nm) were investigated in this study for their efficiencies. The UV dose of each experiment was measured with chemical actinometry delivering the actually applied dose reaching the milk. Thus, the connection between applied UV dose and generated vitamin D3 content in the milk measured quantitively with LC-MS/MS was evaluated here that both were not possible a hundred years ago. The experimental results revealed that temperature generally promotes the vitamin D3 formation at 254 nm. Further, a turbulent flow is not as efficiently treated as a laminar thin film flow that is as narrow as 0.6 mm. As expected from absorbance spectra of the precursor molecule 7-dehydrocholesterol, 280 nm turned out to be the most efficient wavelength, followed by intermediate success through irradiation with 254 nm and almost no effect by 313 nm. Generally, it was shown that vitamin D3 concentration of milk was easily increased by UV treatment with today's technologies and that adjustment of certain physical parameters have a significant effect on the efficiency.

Improving of vitamins C and D3 content of medicinal pumpkin plant grown under organic farming programs

This study aimed to evaluate the application of different farming programs. Three organic farming (P2, P3, P3) were used and compared with traditional programs (P1, chemical). Their effect in improving medicinal pumpkin seeds quality was examined. As a quality addition of supplying chain, the quantitative and qualitative content of vitamins C and D3 were assayed. This plant seeds are considered of healthy and medical importance, and have their marketing placement. A big amount of the seeds have been consumed directly by human year round. Using the seeds in food production processes increased their nutritional value. The field experiment was conducted on two dates. The design used was the randomized complete block design. All data were collected and analyzed according to ANOVA table using Duncan’s multiple range test at P= 0.05. The results obtained showed significant distinguish of the organic farming program (P3) compared to the rest the programs used. This treatment had significant increase of vitamins C and D3 content in the seeds in the two dates (0.0883 mg l-1, 0.08671 mg l-1, 12.38 mg l-1 and 12.32 mg l-1 respectively). The other two organic programs (P2, P4) were significantly distinct compared to the traditional one (P1). The study concluded that these studied organic programs can be an effective choice to improve seed quality of this crop. The healthy and nutritional value are enhanced, and the side effects of traditional agriculture on the environment are reduced

A study on the effects of vitamin D supplementation on hematological parameters and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D in healthy dogs

BackgroundLimited studies are available on vitamin D supplementation in dogs. This study evaluates the effect of a commercial vitamin D3 supplement on serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D as well as selected biochemical and hematological parameters in healthy dogs. Eight intact male adult dogs with a mean body weight of 20 kg from mixed breeds were included in the study. After adaptation period, dogs received vitamin D3 supplement at the dose of 50 IU/kg body weight per day. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 14, 28 and 42 of supplementation. Food was used for analysis of vitamin D3 content.ResultsSignificant increase in serum level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 was detected since day 14 of supplementation. Changes in serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 concentration during time showed an upward significance (p < 0.05). Vitamin D3 content of the food was 2900 IU/kg dry matter. Changes in serum phosphorus levels were upward significant. No dog showed calcium or phosphorus levels above the highest reference level. Liver and kidney parameters remained in the reference range during the experiment. A gradual significant increase was observed in hemoglobin and hematocrit which was started from day 14. Vitamin D3 supplementation had no significant effect on neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes percent during the study.ConclusionsVitamin D3 supplementation at 50 IU/kg BW daily, increases serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in healthy dogs fed with a diet containing proper amount of this vitamin. It also increases hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in a time dependent manner without inducing adverse effects.

Evaluation of Designer Chicken Eggs Enriched with Vitamin D3 and Zinc

Designer poultry eggs can be produced in various ways. In the present study chicken eggs were enriched with vitamin D3 and zinc by UVB (Ultra Violet Blue) light exposure (3 h/day) and dietary zinc supplementation (75 mg/kg) respectively. The study was conducted in thirty-two crossbred (White Leghorn N strain and Desi) layer birds. The trial was commenced from 29 weeks of age and conducted for 12 weeks. The current research work pointed out the enriching influence of UVB radiation and dietary zinc supplementation on concentration of vitamin D3 and zinc in eggs. Vitamin D3 and zinc concentrations in egg and serum were significantly higher (p&lt;0.01) compared to the control group. UVB exposure and zinc supplementation also had a significant (p&lt;0.01) impact on serum calcium and phosphorus levels. However, Liver enzyme activities of birds were not influenced either by UVB light exposure or by zinc supplementation. The dietary supplementation of hens with zinc is an effective approach to supply consumers with foods from animal sources that are enriched with zinc. Current findings showed that feeding of zinc supplemented diet to chickens offered a promising alternative to fortify egg with zinc. Furthermore, UVB light exposure would be a better choice for enhancing vitamin D3 content of eggs and to produce designer eggs enriched with vitamin D3. It increased the serum vitamin D3 level which was indicative of its transport from skin to ovaries after synthesis. The use of UVB exposure and zinc supplementation as an easy, cheap and safe procedure for producing dual enriched designer eggs with vitamin D3 and zinc is recommended as this would offer additional health benefits to consumers.

Enhancing the texture and nutritional value of pumpkin dessert/jam through vacuum impregnation pre-treatment with calcium and vitamin D3.

This study involved fortifying pumpkin slices with calcium and vitamin D3 using vacuum impregnation (VI) pre-treatment and assessing the quality characteristics of the resulting desserts/jams. Slices were subjected to immersion or VI pre-treatments for 30, 60, and 90 min in a solution containing calcium oxide and vitamin D3. Calcium ions contributed to the hardness of desserts, with VI reducing processing time. The highest impregnated calcium (58.17 mg/100 g fw) and vitamin D3 contents (6.02 mg/100 g dm) were determined in slices pre-treated by VI for 90 min. VI was more effective than immersion in terms of calcium and vitamin D3 transition into pumpkin tissues. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images indicated that calcium oxide particles were noticeable in slices pre-treated by VI. Immersing fruit slices for 90 min produced desserts with a textural hardness of 11.04 N, while VI pre-treatment for the same duration increased their hardness value to 18.92 N. Desserts produced with VI-pre-treated slices exhibited superior texture and sensory attributes, with no adverse taste resulting from calcium oxide. In conclusion, VI pre-treatment shows significant potential for the industrial production of desserts/jams with enhanced structural integrity for fruits.

Vitamin D3 Bioaccessibility from Supplements and Foods-Gastric pH Effect Using a Static In Vitro Gastrointestinal Model.

Vitamin D3 deficiency is a global phenomenon, which can be managed with supplementation and food fortification. However, vitamin D3 bioaccessibility may depend on factors such as matrix composition and interactions throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This research focused on the effect of different matrices on vitamin D3 content during digestion, as well as the effect of pH on its bioaccessibility. The INFOGEST protocol was employed to simulate digestion. Three different types of commercial supplements, two foods naturally rich in vitamin D3, and three fortified foods were investigated. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography was used to determine the initial vitamin D3 content in the supplements and foods, as well as after each digestion stage. The results indicate that the foods exhibited higher bioaccessibility indices compared to the supplements and a higher percentage retention at the end of the gastric phase. The pH study revealed a positive correlation between an increased gastric pH and the corresponding content of vitamin D3. Interestingly, exposing the matrix to a low pH during the gastric phase resulted in an increased intestinal content of D3. Vitamin D3 is more bioaccessible from foods than supplements, and its bioaccessibility is susceptible to changes in gastric pH. Fasting conditions (i.e., gastric pH = 1) enhance the vitamin's bioaccessibility.

Investigating the stability of vitamin D3 and Bifidobacterium lactis nanoparticles coated with polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol-polycaprolactone triblock copolymer in Iranian white cheese and determining its physicochemical and sensory properties

ObjectiveTo investigate the stability and efficacy of vitamin D3 and Bifidobacterium lactis nanoparticles coated with polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol-polycaprolactone (PCL-PEG-PCL) in enhancing the nutritional value of Iranian white cheese and to assess their impact on the cheese's physicochemical and sensory properties. MethodsBifidobacterium lactis and vitamin D3 were encapsulated using PCL-PEG-PCL. The particle size was analyzed using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Five different cheese groups were produced and analyzed over two months. This included assessing microbial viability in simulated gastric and intestinal environments, quantifying vitamin D3 content, and evaluating physicochemical and sensory characteristics using a 9-point hedonic scale. ResultsThe Cheese with Bifidobacterium lactis coated with PCL-PEG-PCL and vitamin D3 nanoparticles (BCND3), showed a marked improvement in the stability of both Bifidobacterium lactis and vitamin D3. Specifically, the coated bacteria maintained a concentration of 106 cfu/g until day 45 in the intestinal model, demonstrating effective protection against the acidic gastric environment. The vitamin D3 nanoparticles displayed enhanced stability within the cheese matrix, contributing to the nutritional value and potentially extending the shelf life. Physicochemically, initial pH reduction due to lactic acid production stabilized by day 60, aligning with other groups. Sensory evaluation revealed a preference for the softer texture of cheese with vitamin D3 nanoparticles, suggesting a positive impact on consumer acceptability. ConclusionThe application of PCL-PEG-PCL coating significantly improved the stability of probiotics and vitamin D3 in cheese. This method proved effective in protecting Bifidobacterium lactis from harsh gastrointestinal conditions and in sustaining vitamin D3 content, with a notable impact on the cheese's sensory qualities. These findings highlight the potential of this coating technique in food fortification strategies.

"Portrait" of a patient with vitamin D deficiency in the blood (according to one of the clinics in Tyumen)

Introduction. This work is devoted to the analysis of parameters (social and laboratory data) that allowed creating a profile of a patient with vitamin D deficiency. It is known that vitamin D is not only involved in the regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism, but also has extra-bone effects. However, disorders in these processes do not always have specific manifestations that make the doctor and the patient think about vitamin D deficiency. The study found that 64 % of the patients had vitamin D deficiency in their blood. Considering the above, a doctor of any specialty should remember about the ambiguous clinical picture of vitamin D deficiency and have a certain alertness when diag nosing this condition. Objective: to evaluate the social and laboratory data available in the medical record compiling a profile of a patient with vitamin D deficiency. Materials and methods. The work was carried out on the basis of a multidisciplinary clinic of the Tyu men State Medical University in the period of 2019–2020. The study included 231 medical records. The D3 content in the blood was determined by laboratory immunological method of quantitative determination of the D3 level in vitro. The ELISA method was used. The results were calculated based on a standard calibration curve. Results. In the course of the study, it was possible to make a profile of a patient with vitamin D defi ciency in the blood. Conclusion. When managing a patient with a particular pathology, determining the level of vitamin D in the blood plays an essential role as this, among other things, will allow having an individual approach to patient treatment and examination.

Seasonal changes of vitamin D3 and ovarian steroidogenesis in the wild ground squirrels (Citellus dauricus Brandt)

There is mounting evidence that vitamin D3 regulates female reproductive function critically, while little is known about the function of seasonally variable vitamin D3 in regulating ovarian steroidogenesis. This study examined the seasonal expressions of vitamin D receptor (VDR), vitamin D metabolic molecules (CYP2R1, CYP27B1, and CYP24A1), and steroidogenic enzymes (P450scc, 3β-HSD, P450c17, and P450arom) in the ovaries of the wild ground squirrels (Citellus dauricus Brandt) during the different breeding seasons. VDR, CYP2R1, CYP27B1, and CYP24A1 were shown to be localized in different types of ovarian cells in the wild ground squirrels during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of VDR, CYP2R1, CYP27B1, CYP11A1, HSD3B1, CYP17A1, and CYP19A1 in the ovaries were remarkably higher in the breeding season. Furthermore, RNA-seq data of ovaries revealed that 6036 genes were differentially expressed genes (DEGs); further analysis revealed that several DEGs known to be involved in ovarian steroidogenesis pathway and cellular response to vitamin D pathway were identified. In addition, during the breeding season, the concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone, and 17β-estradiol were greater in the serum of the wild female ground squirrels. This observation was positively correlated with seasonal changes in the concentration of 25(OH)D3, supporting the fact that the 25(OH)D3 content in the ovaries was significantly higher in the breeding season. These findings suggested that seasonal changes in vitamin D3 might regulate the ovarian steroidogenesis of the wild female ground squirrels.

Vitamin D(3) and methylenebisphosphonic acid in the correction of mineral metabolism disorders and bone remodeling associated with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

The study was aimed at evaluating therapeutic efficacy of vitamin D3 (VD3, 1000 IU/kg of b.w., 30 days) and sodium salt of methylenebisphosphonic acid (MBPA, 17 mg/kg of b.w., 30 days) monotherapies as well as their effect in combination in preventing mineral metabolism and bone remodeling disturbances associated with glucocorticoid(GC)-induced osteoporosis. Osteoporosis in rats was induced by long-term (30 days) administration of the synthetic glucocorticoid prednisolone (5 mg/kg of b.w.). Calcium and inorganic phosphate levels, activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum, bone tissue and bone marrow were determined spectrophotometrically. The protein levels of VD3 receptor (VDR), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK), its ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in bone tissue were determined by Western blotting. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) content was assayed by ELISA. It was shown that prednisolone caused the development of hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia, increased the alkaline phosphatase activity in the blood serum, while downregulating its activity in bone tissue and bone marrow. GC-induced osteoporosis was accompanied by a profound deficiency of VD3 and a decrease in the content of VDR. Evaluation of the NF-κB-associated cytokine axis RANK/RANKL/OPG, which regulates the balance of osteoblasts/osteoclasts, showed a simultaneous decrease in the RANK content and OPG/RANKL ratio. Vitamin D3 restored mineral metabolism and 25OHD3 level that led to the normalization of VDR-mediated signaling­ and RANK/RANKL/OPG functions in bone tissue. It has been shown that the administration of MBPA had a corrective effect on the content of mineral components in the blood serum and bone tissue, as well as on the activity­ of alkaline phosphatase only in combination with vitamin D3, indicating a low efficiency of bisphosphonate monotherapy in GC-induced vitamin D3 deficiency and osteoporosis. Keywords: bone remode­ling, glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, methylenebisphosphonic acid, RANK/RANKL/OPG axis, vitamin D3

Endosymbiotic bacteria from donkeys milk in the inhibition of human pathogens

Donkey milk is known for its beneficial aspects such as low fat and cholesterol, total protein and casein content, high lactose, whey protein, calcium, selenium and vitamin D3 content. It also has nutraceutical and utilitarian properties that can boost invulnerability, regulate digestion and conveniently change gut microbiota. The current study was focused on the effect of probiotic bacterial metabolites from donkey milk against human bacterial pathogens. The effective isolate VITRAAJ14 was found to be non-hemolytic and was tolerant to acid, NaCl and bile salt. Antibacterial activity by cross streak method showed maximum zone of inhibition. Well diffusion method also exhibited effective inhibition against Escherichia coli (MTCC No. 9721), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC No. 3160) and Salmonella enterica (MTCC No. 8587) with fractions obtained from chloroform: ethyl acetate. The metabolites capable of inhibiting pathogens were identified as oleyl alcohol by Gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GCMS). Lead compounds detected in GCMS was studied for its functional group by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which revealed the presence of alcoholic stretch, carboxylic acid OH stretch, alkene and amide bond. The isolate VITRAAJ14 was identified to be the closest neighbour of Bacillus species (MH100985) by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. To our knowledge, current study is the first-time report on the presence of Bacillus sp. from donkey milk showing antibacterial activity due to its ability to produce oleyl alcohol. Scanning electron microscopic images revealed the presence of rod-shaped morphology of the effective bacterium VITRAAJ14.

Genotype-dependent impact of dietary vitamin D3 on laying hens

ABSTRACT Vitamin D3 has an integral part in calcium and phosphorus homoeostasis, which in turn plays a key role in egg production of hens. The present study aimed to investigate whether an additional vitamin D3 supplementation improves the laying performance and egg quality of hens according to their genetic potential. For this purpose, four layer lines (low performing: R11 and L68; high performing: WLA and BLA) supplemented either with 300 or 3000 IU vitamin D3 per kg feed were compared concerning serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD3), calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), laying performance and egg quality. The higher supplementation of vitamin D3 increased 25-OHD3 serum concentrations in all genotypes, except for R11 and WLA hens in week 49, and also elevated vitamin D3 and 25-OHD3 content in the egg yolk (p < 0.05). In week 29, 3000 IU vitamin D3 decreased pooled least squares means (LSMeans) of serum calcium concentrations considering all genotypes and increased the ALP concentrations in BLA hens (p < 0.05). Considering the whole experimental period daily egg mass of R11 hens was increased by an additional vitamin D3 supplementation (p < 0.001). Regarding all genotypes and the whole experimental period the pooled LSMeans of breaking strength of eggs from hens fed 3000 IU vitamin D3 were higher than those of hens fed 300 IU (p = 0.044). In conclusion, present results give evidence that the higher vitamin D3 supplementation might have genotype-dependently beneficial effects on calcium and phosphorus homoeostasis of hens, which might improve feed efficiency in the early laying period and promote the persistence of the laying period irrespectively of genotype. The increase of serum 25-OHD3 by the higher vitamin D supplementation supported the higher transfer of vitamin D in the egg yolk and improved genotype-dependently the breaking strength of the eggshell.

Donkey Milk: An Overview of its Chemical Composition and Main Nutritional Properties or Human Health Benefit Properties.

The donkey milk has a remarkable similarity to human milk, in addition to its valuable nutritional composition and content of numerous immune factors. The donkey milk is the subject of research worldwide, and data from the literature suggest significant differences with respect to the contents of individual components. However, some basic characteristics of donkey milk have been established: low contents of fat and cholesterol, total proteins and casein and high contents of lactose, whey proteins, calcium, selenium, and Vitamin D3. The donkey milk is rich in various protective proteins (α-lactalbumin, lysozyme, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, and immunoglobulins), and shows strong antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, hypoglycemic, antiparasitic, and antitumor activity. Donkey milk can be considered functional food, having in mind that its fatty-acid profile and content of essential fatty acids are beneficial for cardiac health. The total fat content in donkey milk is low compared to human milk, and for this reason it is necessary to enrich donkey milk with other fat in order to provide enough calories in a diet for children. Commercialization of donkey milk and dairy products is still limited due to low production levels, that is lack of products on the market, and lack of product information. Considering the research data from the literature, there is a need for human clinical trials in order to obtain a stronger evidence of the therapeutic properties of donkey milk.

Effects of Dietary Phosphorus Deficiency and High Phosphorus Content on the Growth Performance, Serum Variables, and Tibia Development in Goslings

Understanding how dietary phosphorus (P) regulates the growth and skeletal development of goslings is essential for fully utilizing P in the production of geese. We aimed to study the effects of dietary P deficiency and high P content on growth performance, serum variables, tibia quality, and mRNA expression of osteogenesis-related genes in tibia to reveal how dietary P regulates bone development in goslings. Two hundred and sixteen one-day-old Jiangnan White male geese were fed corn-soybean meal diets for 14 days. The diets were set with the same calcium (Ca) level (0.80%) and three non-phytate P (NPP) levels: 0.08% (P deficiency), 0.38% (P control), and 0.80% (P high content). Each treatment consisted of six replicates with 12 goslings in each replicate. The P deficient group had a high cumulative mortality of 26.67% with lower body weight (BW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), serum P contents, tibia width, tibia length, tibia fresh weight at d 14 as compared with the control and high P content group (p ≤ 0.05). Dietary P deficiency caused a reduction in the goslings’ tibia strength, tibia ash content, tibia Ca content, and tibia P content during d 4–d 14 (p &lt; 0.05). The P deficiency reduced tibia mRNA expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) on d 7 (p &lt; 0.05), whereas up-regulated serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcitonin (CT) content, and the tibia mRNA ratio of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RNAKL)/OPG during d 7–d 14 (p &lt; 0.05). The serum 1,25-(OH2)D3 content, serum bone Gla-protein (BGP), and the mRNA relative expression of RNAKL and BGP in tibia were decreased in the NPP 0.08% and 0.80% groups compared with the control on d 14 (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, dietary P deficiency induced acute rickets in goslings as early as the fourth day. A P deficiency hindered the tibia and body growth partly due to poor skeletal calcification caused by a down-expression of osteogenesis-related genes regulated by high serum ALP activity and calcitonin contents and lower serum BGP and skeletal P contents.

Efficacy of High Dose Vitamin D on Pulmonary Artery Pressure in Thalassemia Patients Undergoing Blood Transfusion: A Randomized Trial

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) may result in cardiomyopathy which is a major cause of death in thalassemia patients. Vitamin D is associated with benefits in cardiovascular disorders. Our purpose was to study effects of vitamin D on pulmonary artery pressure in thalassemia major and intermedia patients.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This randomized trial was performed on 26 patients with thalassemia major (TM) and intermedia (TI) in Amir-Kabir Hospital, Arak, Iran in 2019-2020. Patients were randomized 1:1 to intervention group (vitamin D 50,000 IU/week) and control group (received no supplement) for 20 weeks. Echocardiography was used to measure pulmonary artery pressure and assess cardiovascular function. The levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, ferritin, and cardiac iron content were measured in study groups.&#x0D; Results: After 20 weeks, pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), tricuspid regurgitant velocity (TRV), and pulmonary regurgitant velocity (PRV) significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group (P= 0.010, P= 0.003, and P= 0.001, respectively). Moreover, ejection fraction (EF) had significant increase in the intervention group compared to the control group (P= 0.008), although vitamin D supplementation had no significant impact on cardiac T2* values (P= 0.827), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P= 0.388 and P= 0.509, respectively) and serum hemoglobin and ferritin levels (P= 0.557 and P= 0.620) as compared to the control group. However, the levels of 25-OHD3 significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group (P= 0.036).&#x0D; Conclusion: This study showed that vitamin D 50000 IU/week can improve PAP in patients with thalassemia. Sufficient intake of vitamin D may prevent cardiomyopathies related to PAH.