Daily Allowance Research Articles

The lack of evidence behind over-the-counter antioxidant supplements for male fertility patients: a scoping review.

What is the evidence for over-the-counter antioxidant supplements for male infertility? Less than half of over-the-counter antioxidant supplements for male fertility patients have been tested in a clinical trial, and the available clinical trials are generally of poor quality. The prevalence of male infertility is rising and, with this, the market for supplements claiming to improve male fertility is expanding. Up to now, there is limited data on the evidence for these over-the-counter supplements. Amazon, Google Shopping and other relevant shopping websites were searched on 24 June 2022 with the following terms: 'supplements', 'antioxidants', 'vitamins', AND 'male fertility', 'male infertility', 'male subfertility', 'fertility men', 'fertility man'. All supplements with a description of ingredients in English, Dutch, French, Spanish, or German were included. Subsequently, Pubmed and Google Scholar were searched for studies that included the supplements. Inclusion criteria were supplements with antioxidant properties, of which the main purpose was to improve male fertility. Included supplements must be available without a doctor's prescription. Supplements containing plant extracts were excluded, as well as supplements of which the content or dosage was not clear. The ingredients, dosage, price and health claims of the supplements were recorded. We assessed whether substances in the supplements exceeded the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) or tolerable upper intake level (UL). All clinical trials and animal studies investigating included supplements were selected for this review. Clinical trials were assessed for risk of bias with a risk of bias tool appropriate for the study design. There were 34 eligible antioxidant supplements found, containing 48 different active substances. The average price per 30 days was 53.10 US dollars. Most of the supplements (27/34, 79%) contained substances in a dosage exceeding the recommended daily allowance (RDA). All manufacturers of the supplements made health claims related to the improvement of sperm quality or male fertility. For 13 of the 34 supplements (38%), published clinical trials were available, and for one supplement, only an animal study was found. The overall quality of the included studies was poor. Only two supplements were tested in a good quality clinical trial. As a consequence of searching shopping websites, a comprehensive search strategy could not be formulated. Most supplements were excluded because they contained plant extracts or because supplement information was not available (in an appropriate language). This is the first review that gives an insight into the market of male fertility supplements as available to infertility patients and other men seeking to improve their fertility. Earlier reviews have focused only on supplements with published clinical trials. However, we show that more than half of the supplements have not been tested in a clinical trial. To our knowledge, this review is the first to assess the dosage of supplements in relation to the RDA. In agreement with the literature, we found that the evidence on male fertility supplements is generally of poor quality. This review should urge pharmaceutical companies to evaluate their products in randomized controlled trials in order to provide people with substantiated information. The research position of W.R.d.L. is funded by an unrestricted grant from Goodlife Pharma. W.R.d.L., K.F., and J.P.d.B. are in the research team of a clinical trial on Impryl®, one of the supplements included in this review. N/A.

Processed foods, socio-economic status, and peri-urban obesity in India

The ‘State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2020′ report states that switching to healthy diets will both prevent backsliding into hunger and help countries meet their sustainability goals. In 2019–2020, 17 percent of India’s adult population was undernourished. At the same time, however, 23 percent of all adults were obese. The increasing prevalence of obesity implies that improving diets and reducing risks for obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a major food security challenge for India in the coming years. Overconsumption of calories from processed foods is known to increase the risk of obesity. To gain insights into the dietary transition and its relationship with obesity, we use cross-sectional data from a primary socio-economic survey conducted in the rural-urban interface of Bangalore, a mega-city in India that is characterized by high economic development. We show that for women in lower-middle socio-economic status (SES) groups, higher share of calories from semi-processed foods (SPF) is associated with a higher prevalence of obesity, while excess consumption of calories from ultra-processed foods (UPF) is associated with a higher obesity prevalence among women in higher SES groups. Older women and women who consume above the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of calories are more vulnerable to excess calories from SPF consumption than younger women and women who consume less than the RDA of calories. Furthermore, a lower prevalence of obesity is observed among women who consume excess calories from SPF but engage in labor-intensive occupational activity. These results speak to the need for interventions that incentivize weight loss and increased physical activity. The result that SPF consumption is associated with an increased prevalence of obesity especially among lower-middle SES group calls for interventions that increase access to and affordability of healthy diets. Policy instruments such as diversifying the public distribution system (PDS) are important to improve accessibility and affordability of healthy diets. In addition, increasing sugar and processed food taxes and incentivizing companies to invest in culturally sensitive food labeling should be considered to shift consumer demand towards healthier diet choices.

Evaluation of α-tocopherol microencapsulation stability with either coconut oil or canola oil cores in Greek yogurt and butter

Worldwide vitamin-E consumption is below the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Therefore, the present work developed functional yogurt/butter with α-tocopherol microencapsulated in canola (α-CAN) or coconut oil (α-COC), using ora-pro-nobis mucilage and whey protein isolate as natural wall material. The primary hypothesis is that α-tocopherol degrades faster than its microencapsulated counterpart in whole food systems. Physical characteristics, pH and color remained constant over 28 days. Color varied from the control, with the total color difference (ΔE) ranging from 0.29 (α-free) to 0.87 (α-CAN) for yogurt and 5.07 (α-CAN) to 6.14 (α-free) for butter. The antioxidant activity of yogurt significantly increased from 15.99 (control) to 34.84% (α-COC), and for butter, it increased from 28.94 (control) to 67.03% (α-COC). The α-tocopherol decreased from 16.60 to 12.70 mg/100 g for yogurt and from 15.40 to 12.83 mg/10 g for butter. No significant differences (p>0.05) presented for α-COC, α-CAN, or α-free; hence microencapsulation did not significantly improve α-tocopherol stability. α-tocopherol degradation was greater for yogurt than butter due to the dissolution of the wall material, as both the continuous phase and wall material are hydrophilic, causing the release and oxidation of α-tocopherol. In butter, the fortification was more effective when the core contained coconut oil.

Organic dry pea (Pisum sativum L.): A sustainable alternative pulse-based protein for human health.

Dry pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a cool-season food legume rich in protein (20-25%). With increasing health and ecosystem awareness, organic plant-based protein demand has increased; however, the protein quality of organic dry pea has not been well studied. This study determined the genetic variation of individual amino acids (AAs), total AAs (liberated), total protein, and in vitro protein digestibility of commercial dry pea cultivars grown in organic on-farm fields to inform the development of protein-biofortified cultivars. Twenty-five dry pea cultivars were grown in two USDA-certified organic on-farm locations in South Carolina (SC), USA, for two years (two locations in 2019 and one in 2020). The concentrations of most individual AAs (15 of 17) and the total AA concentration significantly varied with dry pea cultivar. In vitro protein digestibility was not affected by the cultivar. Seed total AA and protein for dry pea ranged from 11.8 to 22.2 and 12.6 to 27.6 g/100 g, respectively, with heritability estimates of 0.19 to 0.25. In vitro protein digestibility and protein digestibility corrected AA score (PDCAAS) ranged from 83 to 95% and 0.18 to 0.64, respectively. Heritability estimates for individual AAs ranged from 0.08 to 0.42; principal component (PCA) analysis showed five significant AA clusters. Cultivar Fiddle had significantly higher total AA (19.6 g/100 g) and digestibility (88.5%) than all other cultivars. CDC Amarillo and Jetset were significantly higher in cystine (Cys), and CDC Inca and CDC Striker were significantly higher in methionine (Met) than other cultivars; CDC Spectrum was the best option in terms of high levels of both Cys and Met. Lysine (Lys) concentration did not vary with cultivar. A 100 g serving of organic dry pea provides a significant portion of the recommended daily allowance of six essential AAs (14-189%) and daily protein (22-48%) for an average adult weighing 72 kg. Overall, this study shows organic dry pea has excellent protein quality, significant amounts of sulfur-containing AAs and Lys, and good protein digestibility, and thus has good potential for future plant-based food production. Further genetic studies are warranted with genetically diverse panels to identify candidate genes and target parents to develop nutritionally superior cultivars for organic protein production.

Nutritional, Sensory, and Microbial Quality of Cookies Produced by Partial Replacement of Wheat Flour with Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) and Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) Flours

Nutritional, sensory, texture, and microbiological load analyses were made of cookies consisting of a partial replacement of wheat flour with plantain (Musa paradisiaca) or cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) flour. There were slight differences in the amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrate. Accordingly, the nutritional values per 100 g of the cookies correspond to 10-14% protein and 19-21% energy of the recommended daily allowance. In contrast, cookies containing either cocoyam or plantain flour have 20% and 30% more fiber, respectively, compared to cookies containing wheat flour alone. Similarly, plantain and cocoyam cookies’ iron and zinc contents were, respectively, 1-16% and 2-9% more than ( p < 0.05 ) the control. The levels of aerobic plate count in the cookies were lower than recommended thresholds for such food products. Those cookies containing 20% and 40% of either plantain or cocoyam flour had comparable sensory, texture, and color quality compared to the control. The effect of intake of plantain and cocoyam cookies is likely to eliminate population mineral deficiencies, particularly iron, and zinc. These results underline the potential of enabling food security crops such as plantain and cocoyam in sustaining cookies production, utilization, nutritional value, and the role of such crops in addressing food and nutrition insecurity.

Functional properties of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and Pumpkin seed flours and protein isolate

The current study was intended to evaluate the chemical composition, functional properties, of some cucurbits seed. watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), and Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), were studied. Proximate analysis gave 17.09% -17.07% protein, 35.55%-39.0% fat,6.00% - 5.5% total ash, 24.9%-2.6% crude fibre, and 10.60% - 28.83% carbohydrate, for Pumpkin and Watermelon seed flour respectively. The seeds are rich in protein, crude fat, and crude fiber. nutritional value in the seed can be recommended on daily allowance, maintenance of good nutritional status and good health. The functional properties of the seed revealed that water and oil absorption capacities for the seed were 3.20 - 5.60 (Ml/g) and 3.93 -3.50 (Ml/g) for Watermelon and Pumpkin seed flour respectively. Foam capacity and bulk density for the seed were 9.67 % -19.0 % and 0.77 (g/ml) -1.5(g/ml). for Pumpkin and Watermelon seed flour respectively. Water and fat absorption capacities, and foam capacity were fairly good in all seeds. However, Pumpkin seed flour gave good functional properties compare to watermelon seed flour. The oil of watermelon and Pumpkin are acceptable according to its chemical properties. The seeds contained high amounts of K, Mg, Na, P and Ca. The obtained results revealed that the seeds presented an alternative source of vegetable oil. Seeds could be added to food systems such as bakery products.

Composition, Organoleptic Characteristics, Fatty Acid Profile and Oxidative Status of Cow's Milk and White Cheese after Dietary Partial Replacement of Soybean Meal with Flaxseed and Lupin.

The effect of partial substitution of soybean meal by equal quantities of flaxseed and lupins in diets of Holstein dairy cows and heifers was investigated. A total of 6 animals (30 multiparous and 30 primiparous) were allocated into two equal groups in a randomised block design and fed control (group CO) or modified (group FL) TMR diets from three weeks prior to calving until day 40 postpartum. The TMR of group CO contained corn, barley, soybean meal, rapeseed cake, corn silage, and Lucerne hay, whereas in group FL equal quantities of whole flaxseed and lupins were used to replace 50% of the soybean meal in the TMR. All animals were fed twice daily with a daily allowance of 24 kg dry matter intake per animal. Milking was carried out three times daily and milk yield was recorded during every milking. Milk samples were analysed for chemical composition and SCC content. White cheeses were manufactured from bulk milk of each group at industrial level. Bulk milk and white cheese were analysed for chemical composition and fatty acid profile; cheese was also assessed for its organoleptic properties. Results indicate that milk yield did not differ among groups. Lipid oxidation values were similar among the groups, for both milk and cheese. However, FL inclusion resulted in lower (p < 0.05) protein carbonyls and higher (p < 0.05) phenolic compounds in both milk and cheese samples. Milk from the FL group had decreased palmitic (p < 0.05) and myristic (p < 0.05) and increased oleic (p < 0.05) and linolenic acid (p < 0.05) when compared to group CO. White cheese from group FL showed a decrease in saturated fatty acids (SFA) (p < 0.05), an increase in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (p < 0.05), and a higher increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (p < 0.05) when compared with that of group CO. The white cheese of cows fed diets with flaxseed and lupins showed compositional and organoleptic properties quite similar to control group cheese; aroma, texture, and color were acceptable and desirable in both cheeses. However, increased levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were found in the cheese of FL fed animals. The substitution of soybean meal by flaxseed and lupins in diets of Holstein cows warrants further investigation, especially towards the production of cheese that meet the consumers' demand for novel and healthier dairy products.

Associations Between Dietary Vitamin C, Serum Ascorbic Acid, and GSTT1 Genotype and Premenstrual Symptoms

Objective Premenstrual symptoms are a cyclically occurring combination of adverse psychological and somatic symptoms that impact the quality of life for most females of childbearing age. Growing evidence suggests that diet may attenuate premenstrual symptoms; however, the relationship between vitamin C and premenstrual symptoms remains unclear. The aim of the research was to determine the association between different measures of vitamin C status and premenstrual symptoms. Method Females (n = 555) aged 20 to 29 years from the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health Study completed a General Health and Lifestyle Questionnaire, capturing 15 premenstrual symptoms. Dietary intake was measured using a 196-item Toronto-modified Harvard food frequency questionnaire. Serum ascorbic acid concentrations were measured, and participants were categorized into deficient (<11 µmol/L), suboptimal (11–28 µmol/L), and adequate (>28 µmol/L) ascorbic acid levels. DNA was genotyped for the GSTT1 (Ins/Del) polymorphism. Using logistic regression, odds of experiencing premenstrual symptoms were compared between vitamin C intake levels above and below the recommended daily allowance (75 mg/d) between ascorbic acid levels and between GSTT1 genotypes. Results Increased vitamin C intake was associated with premenstrual appetite changes (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.01–2.68). Compared to deficient ascorbic acid levels, suboptimal levels were associated with premenstrual appetite changes (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.02–6.58) and bloating/swelling (OR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.09–8.22). Adequate serum ascorbic acid levels were not associated with premenstrual appetite changes (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 0.73–3.94) or bloating/swelling (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 0.79–4.67). Those with the GSTT1 functional variant (Ins*Ins) had an increased risk of premenstrual bloating/swelling (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.10–3.48); however, the interaction between vitamin C intake and GSTT1 was not significant for any premenstrual symptoms. Conclusions Our findings suggest that indicators of higher vitamin C status are associated with increased premenstrual appetite changes and bloating/swelling. The observed associations with GSTT1 genotype suggest that these observations are not likely due to reverse causation.

Nutritional impact of excluding red meat from the Canadian diet

The objective of the study was to examine differences in nutrient intake between consumers and non-consumers of red meat and to assess nutritional adequacy of consumers relative to Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) in Canada. Matching estimators were used to identify differences in nutrient intake between the two groups. Statistically significant differences were observed in nutrient intake between red meat consumers and non-consumers, including lower daily intake of protein, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin D, and zinc and a higher daily intake of dietary fiber, folate, and magnesium among Canadians who did not consume red meat. Further, red meat consumers and non-consumers had nutrient intakes below RDA for dietary energy, fiber, and calcium. While individuals who did not consume red meat were at increased risk of calcium, vitamin D, energy, and potassium inadequacy, those who consumed red meat were at increased risk of dietary fiber, vitamin A, and magnesium inadequacy.

Assessment of the quality of inpatient meals and nutrition and dietetics service processes in select Philippine public hospitals.

The nutrition and dietetics service in Philippine public hospitals was implemented by the Department of Health in 2016 to standardise the daily allowance and nutritional content of inpatient meals. Five years later, it is timely for the Department of Health to assess the quality of inpatient meals and mandated nutrition processes in areas such as staffing, food service, and outcomes monitoring. A mixed-method sequential explanatory design was employed using (1) quantitative assessment through a facility survey (n=193 hospitals) and (2) qualitative exploration of quantitative results through 6 focus group discussions (n=36 hospitals). Philippine public hospitals were unequipped with the inputs necessary to implement processes that produce high-quality meals for patients. The hospitals were unable to comply with the required minimum meal allowance (51%), nutritional content of meals (40%), and food service standards. Moreover, they had insufficient human resources and inefficient food procurement practices. The quality of nutrition care and inpatient meals in Philippine public hospitals, who serve mostly people on low incomes, is a neglected problem in the Philippines. Moving forward, a systems approach involving the Department of Health, its regional offices, and hospital management is necessary to equip Philippine public hospitals with the inputs and structures necessary to provide high-quality nutrition care and inpatient meals that will facilitate patient recovery and overall patient health.

Dietary intake and socio-economic predictors of inadequate energy and nutrient intake among women of childbearing age in Karamoja sub-region of Uganda

BackgroundKaramoja sub-region is the most food insecure part of Eastern Africa. The poor status of food security in the sub-region is reflected in the high rate of undernutrition among women of childbearing age (WCBA) and children under 5 years (CUFY). The sub-region is unique in Uganda in terms of cultural diversity, agro-ecology and rainfall pattern and agricultural practices. However, the influence of these unique characteristics on dietary intake of WCBA in the sub-region is less understood. Therefore, this study examined dietary intake and socio-economic predictors of inadequate energy and nutrient intake among WCBA in Karamoja sub-region.MethodsA longitudinal study design was used involving 755 WCBA in the harvesting season where 635 were followed-up in the planting season. Data were collected using 24-h recall, dietary diversity and socio-economic and demographic questionnaires.ResultsIntake of energy and nutrients were generally significantly higher (p < 0.05) during the planting season than in the harvesting season. Irrespective of the district, physiological status and season, household consumption of plant-based foods was far higher than intake of animal-based foods dominated by starchy stables (76–100%), dark green leafy vegetables (70–100%) and legumes, nuts and seeds (22–97%) depending on the district. Majority of the respondents had two meals (breakfast: 65–100%; supper: 90–100%) with up to 45% of WCBA who consumed alcohol across meal times. .Overall on average, 57.7, 66.6, 78.5, 60.3, 67.7 and 93.7% of WCBA did not meet the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for energy, protein, calcium, iron, zinc and folic acid, respectively. Binary logistic regression revealed that inadequate intake of energy and nutrients significantly increased (p < 0.05) with the status of being lactating/breastfeeding and was influenced by age of WCBA, number of women married, education level and occupation of the household head depending on season.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that dietary intake of WCBA in Karamoja sub-region was inadequate. Age of WCBA, number of women married, education level and occupation of the household head and spouse and being a lactating/breastfeeding mother were the key socio-economic and demographic factors that influenced inadequate intake of energy and nutrients among WCBA.

Fluoride Concentration in Baby Milk Formulas Available in Riyadh Pharmacies, Saudi Arabia

Purpose: This study aimed to ascertain the fluoride concentrations in infant formula (baby milk) sold in pharmacies situated in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and to confirm the accuracy of the fluoride quantities declared on the package. Methods: 26 different infant formulae product samples from 13 manufacturers were obtained from pharmacies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Two different products from the same manufacturer measured fluoride concentrations (one product for the 0-6 months age group and one for the 1-3 years age group) using a combination fluoride-ion-selective electrode. Results: The average concentration of fluoride for all the samples measured was 0.987 µg/g. In all but one sample, there was a wide difference between the declared Fluoride concentrations and what was measured. The difference was smallest in Humana Bebemil 1 which had 0.84 µg/g (measured) and 0.75 µg/g (declared). The average intake of fluoride is way below the recommended daily allowance. The quantities of fluoride that can potentially be consumed, depending on the brand, ranged from 0.115 mg/day to 0.206 mg/day. Conclusion: All the analyzed infant formulae did not reveal fluoride concentrations above the recommended daily allowance. One can cautiously assume that there is no risk for children to suffer from over-exposure to fluoride.

Changes in Body Mass, Physical Activity, and Dietary Intake during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdowns in Canadian University Students.

This study examined changes in body mass and body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and dietary intake in Canadian university students during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Two self-reported recall surveys were conducted: after the first lockdown in September 2020 (T1) and following the second lockdown in March 2021 (T2). Eligible participants were full-time undergraduate students attending a Canadian university and residing in Canada during the first year of the pandemic. At T1, 510 students (99 male, 411 female) completed the survey, and of those, 135 (32 males, 103 females) completed the survey at T2 (73% attrition). At both T1 and T2, most participants were 18-24 years of age (93% and 90%, respectively), Caucasian (73% and 78%, respectively), and resided in the province of Ontario (79% and 80%, respectively). Body mass increased from T1 to T2 (+0.91 ± 3.89 kg t(132) = -2.7, p = 0.008). BMI also increased from T1 to T2 (+0.30 ± 1.33 kg/m2 [t(130) = -2.5, p = 0.012), with a greater number of participants within the overweight range (19.8% versus 24.4%, respectively). At T1, 38% of the participants reported a decrease in physical activity, while the number of students reporting a decrease in activity increased to 56% at T2. Dietary energy intake decreased from 1678 ± 958 kcal/day at T1 to 1565 ± 842 kcal/day at T2 [c2(1) = 7.2, p = 0.007]. Diet quality also decreased, with participants not meeting the recommended daily allowance for essential macro and micronutrients. A decrease was observed in daily servings of fruits (-27%, p < 0.001), vegetables (-72%, p < 0.001), and grains (-68%, p < 0.001). In conclusion, despite a small decrease in dietary energy intake, a modest weight gain occurred during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in this cohort of Canadian university students, which was potentially related to decreased physical activity and diet quality.

Vitamin D: determinants of status, indications for testing and knowledge in a convenience sample of Irish adults.

Vitamin D deficiency is common in Irish adults, though there is limited research on its determinants, knowledge of vitamin D or indications for testing. We aimed to explore the determinants of vitamin D status in adults and examine knowledge and reasons for testing. The study population comprised adults who had serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D tested by general practitioners request at a Dublin Hospital in 2020. Questionnaires detailing dietary intake, sun exposure, ethnicity, biophysical factors and vitamin D knowledge were sent to a sample stratified by age, sex and vitamin D status. In total, there were 383 participants, mean age 56·0 (sd 16·6) years. Wintertime deficiency disproportionally affected non-white v. white (60 % v. 24 %, P < 0·001). The greatest predictors of deficiency were low vitamin D intake (< 10 μg/d) (P < 0·001) and non-white ethnicity (P = 0·006), followed by sun avoidance (P = 0·022). It was also more prevalent in those with lower body exposure when outdoors. The majority (86 %) identified vitamin D as important for bone health. However, 40 % were tested for non-clinical indications and half were not aware of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Low vitamin D intake was the most important determinant of deficiency, but ethnicity and sun exposure habits were also significant predictors. The majority had no clear indication for testing and were not aware of the RDA. Public health policies to improve knowledge and vitamin D intake, especially for those of non-white ethnicity and with reduced sun exposure, should be considered.

Individual feed intake and performance of finishing steers on ryegrass pasture supplemented with increasing amounts of corn using an automated feeding system

Beef production in subtropical areas is mainly based on extensive grazing systems. During the winter, a drop in the forage quantity is common, energy supplementation may help maintain desired production levels. To measure the effect of increasing levels of corn supplementation on the individual forage intake and feed efficiency of finishing steers, we conducted a 99-d experiment during the winter-spring season in Uruguay. Sixty Aberdeen Angus steers (average BW 464.0 ± 29.7 kg) with access to the same sward of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) were managed under a strip-grazing system (sward height post-grazing: 5 cm) and access to an automated supplement feeder until slaughter. Steers were blocked by BW and previous supplement intake and randomly assigned to one of four groups of 15 animals: control (CON, 0.1% BW of corn), low supplementation (LS, 0.4% BW of corn), moderate supplementation (MS, 0.8% BW of corn), and high supplementation (HS, 1.2% BW of corn). Corn was pelleted with TiO2 to estimate fecal production. Diet digestibility was estimated with acid-insoluble ash concentration. The average daily forage allowance was 3.6 kg DM/100 kg BW per day. Supplement intake was 0.5, 1.8, 3.6, and 4.3 kg DM/d for CON, LS, MS, and HS group, respectively. Corn added at 0.4% BW resulted in a greater (P ≤ 0.01) forage intake than other treatments. A quadratic response was observed for forage (P ≤ 0.05) and total diet (P ≤ 0.01) intake to increasing rations of supplements. Total diet digestibility was greater (P ≤ 0.01) for CON and LS steers than for those from MS and HS; and an inverse, linear relationship with supplementation levels was observed (P ≤ 0.01). Steers grew faster with increasing amounts of supplementation (P ≤ 0.01) in comparison to CON cattle, responding quadratically (P ≤ 0.05) to added corn. Cattle from the CON group showed the lowest hot carcass weight (P ≤ 0.01). Finishing cattle on ryegrass pasture (low post-grazing sward height) using 0.6 to 0.8% BW of corn supplementation is the best option to obtain a better intake, performance, and carcass weight, being an alternative to reduce days on fattening and/or the cost of feeding animals.

The nutritional composition of the vegetable soybean (maodou) and its potential in combatting malnutrition.

Global malnutrition continues to be a canker owing to poor eating habits and over-reliance on the major staple crops. Vegetable soybean (maodou) is gaining popularity globally as an affordable snack and vegetable. In this study, we profiled the nutritional composition of 12 soybean cultivars at the vegetable (R6-R7) and mature (R8) stages. We also conducted an RNA-seq analysis during seed development, focusing on key biosynthesis enzymes for quality traits. The results showed that 100 g of maodou contained 66.54% moisture, 13.49% protein, 7.81% fatty acids, 2.47% soluble sugar, abundant content of minerals, and micronutrients, including folate (462.27 μg FW) and carotenoids (3,935.41 μg FW). Also, the isoflavone content of maodou ranged between 129.26 and 2,359.35 μg/g FW. With regard to the recommended daily allowance, 100 g fresh weight of maodou can contribute 26.98, 115.57, and 11.60% of protein, folate, and zinc, respectively, and significant proportions of other nutrients including linoleic acid (21.16%), linolenic acid (42.96%), zinc (11.60%), and iron (18.01%). On a dry weight basis, maodou has two to six folds higher contents of folate, tocopherol, and carotenoid than the mature soybean. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis revealed that key biosynthesis enzymes of quality traits are differentially expressed during seed development and may contribute to variations in the content of quality traits at the vegetable and mature stages. Correlation analysis of quality traits at both stages revealed that protein only correlated positively with zinc at the vegetable stage but negatively correlated with total tocopherol and total fatty acid at the mature stage. Complex associations among folates, soluble sugar, and isoflavones were also identified. This study provides insight into the nutritional contents of vegetable soybean and demonstrates that maodou is essential for meeting the nutritional requirements of most countries.

Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Food Consumption in Household Kitchen of Rural Haryana: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Food availability is essential for addressing malnutrition. However, nutritional adequacy, which includes both the quantity and quality of food, is equally important. In India, the household serves as the fundamental unit of food consumption, and the health of all household members reflects the nutrient adequacy at this level. Aim: To assess the quantity and quality of food prepared in household kitchens in rural India. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2021 to June 2022 in village Juan, Haryana, India. Ninety households were selected using systematic random sampling. A dietary assessment was conducted to evaluate the food consumed at the household level. Additionally, a general physical examination was performed on all household members (n=405). The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0, and the Chi-square test was applied to identify associations between micronutrients (iron, calcium, and folic acid) and socio-demographic variables (social caste, socioeconomic status, and household size). Results: Out of the 90 households, the majority (52.2%) followed a lacto-vegetarian diet and had adequate calorie intake (more than the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)) (80%), protein intake (97.8%), and fat intake (86.7%). However, only 34.4% (n=31) and 20% (n=18) of households had sufficient iron and folic acid intake, respectively, resulting in over half (51.1%) of the household members being clinically anaemic. Approximately one-third (31%) of the household members were found to be overweight. Conclusion: Despite the majority of households having an adequate quantity of food, there was a high prevalence of anaemia and malnutrition. Therefore, it is not only the quantity of food that is crucial for an individual’s health but also the quality and source of food.

Kudzu (&lt;i&gt;Pueraria lobata&lt;/i&gt;) vine isoflavones, at a dose lower than the recommended daily allowance in Japan, prevents bone loss in ovariectomized mic

Kudzu (&lt;i&gt;Pueraria lobata&lt;/i&gt;) vine isoflavones, at a dose lower than the recommended daily allowance in Japan, prevents bone loss in ovariectomized mic

A simple and universal headspace GC-FID method for accurate quantitation of volatile amines in pharmaceuticals.

Volatile amines are reagents commonly used in pharmaceutical manufacturing of intermediates, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and drug products as participating regents for chemical reactions and optimization of product yield. Due to their compound specific daily allowable intake, residual volatile amines are required by regulatory agencies to be monitored and controlled in pharmaceutical products intended for human consumption. However, the accurate quantification of residual volatile amines in pharmaceutical entities can often be challenging as these analytes may chemically react and/or interact with the sample matrix. Herein, we describe a simple and universal headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (HS-GC-FID) method capable of separating 14 commonly used volatile amines. The chemical activity of the volatile amines with the API matrix were mitigated by using 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) as an additive to reduce matrix effects in conventional high-boiling diluents. The addition of DBU drastically improved the detectability and method accuracy of the residual volatile amines in an acidic API, namely, Ketoprofen®. Additionally, DBU was employed as a GC deactivation reagent to ensure interfacial adsorption of the analytes to GC components were reduced, thereby improving method precision. Method validation showed acceptable linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, solution stability, precision, and robustness. Separation specificity, evaluated by observing the chromatographic resolution of the volatile amines with one-another and against a set of 23 common residual solvents, were shown to be acceptable for most peak pairs.

Comparative study of the functional compounds and antioxidant properties of different cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) leaf cultivars after in vitro digestion

SummaryTraditionally, cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) leaves are consumed by the sub‐Saharan population. Carotenoids and phenolic compounds in cowpea leaves possess great antioxidant properties; however, their bioaccessibility is affected by digestion. This study investigated the influence of in vitro digestion on carotenoids, antioxidant and antidiabetic capacity of three cowpea cultivars (VOP1, VOP3 and VOP4). Among the cowpea cultivars, VOP1 showed the highest 9‐cis‐β‐carotene (21.13%) bioaccessibility, VOP3 showed the highest all‐trans β‐carotene (32.11%) and α‐carotene (21.75%) bioaccessibilities and VOP4 showed the highest lutein (17.70%) and zeaxanthin (32.03%) bioaccessibilities. The ferric‐reducing antioxidant power, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging (DPPH) activities, 2,2′‐azino‐bis‐3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid), α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory effects decreased in the small intestinal phase. The cowpea cultivars demonstrated a high ability to meet the recommended daily allowance for carotenoids. As a result, the findings of this study show that cowpea leaves have the potential to be used as functional ingredients.