Daily Allowance Research Articles

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.

The effects of spring feeding strategy on pasture productivity, sward quality, and animal performance within intensive pasture-based dairy systems

The objective of this research was to evaluate how different feeding strategies based on various pasture availability (PA) treatments within intensive seasonal production systems affected pasture production and utilization, sward quality, and the milk production, body weight (BW), and body condition score (BCS) of dairy cows. The performance data were obtained from a 3-yr experiment conducted previously (2018-2020, inclusive). In total, records from 208 spring-calving dairy cows were available for analysis. The animals were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 PA grazing treatments in spring that varied in average pasture cover (measured as herbage mass available above 3.5 cm) that was established via different pasture management strategies in the previous autumn. Thus, the opening average pasture cover across all paddocks on February 1 was 1,100 kg of dry matter (DM)/ha for high pasture availability (HPA), 880 for medium pasture availability (MPA), and 650 for low pasture availability (LPA), respectively. The measurements were taken over an 8-wk period during the first grazing rotation in spring, commencing on February 16 (±2 d) and finishing when all paddocks were grazed once on April 12 (±5 d). Paddocks that were part of the HPA treatment showed the highest pregrazing herbage masses and pregrazing sward heights (1,645 kg of DM/ha and 8.2 cm, respectively) compared with MPA (1,412 kg of DM/ha and 7.5 cm, respectively) and LPA (1,170 kg of DM/ha and 6.9 cm, respectively). Owing to the differences in PA, daily herbage allowance was greatest for HPA (11.7 kg of DM/cow), intermediate for MPA (10.2 kg of DM/cow), and lowest for LPA (8.8 kg of DM/cow), with the remaining feed deficit composed of additional daily grass silage supplementation (0.8, 1.5, and 2.8 kg of DM/cow for HPA, MPA, and LPA, respectively), while the daily concentrate and daily total feed allowance were equal between treatments during spring (2.7 and 15.0 kg of DM/cow). Despite salient differences in fresh pasture used, complementing pasture intake with grass silage did not affect daily or cumulative milk, solids-corrected milk, fat, or protein yield or milk constituents. Similarly, BW and BCS were also unaffected by PA treatment. The results highlight the importance of high spring pasture utilization and grazing efficiency achievable with higher pregrazing herbage masses, which also allow larger animal intakes from grazed pasture as the cheapest feed source during spring. Moreover, targeting an adequate pasture supply at the commencement of calving increases the grazing days per hectare and lowers the requirement for supplementary feed on farm, particularly when facing increasing variability in climatic conditions.

Food quality and nutritional status of school-going adolescents in the province of El Jadida in Morocco.

Dietary diversity and variety scores represent tools for measuring the overall quality of diets. In children, they are good indicators of their nutritional status and growth. The aim of this study was to assess the consumption and eating habits as well as the lifestyle of Moroccan adolescents attending school in the city of El Jadida. A sample of 463 children of both sexes, aged 9 to 17, attending four schools in the city of El Jadida was studied. Eating habits and information on socioeconomic level are assessed using questionnaires and weight and height were measured on participants. According to the dietary diversity score (DDS) classes, 2.4% of the children surveyed were with low DDS, 55.7% moderate and 41.9%, with high DDS. The mean DDS was 5.67 ± 1.03 in underweight children and 5.53 ± 1.5 in those with overweight (obesity included) and the food variety scores (DVS) were of 12.94±3.24 food items and 10.81±3.25 in the 2 groups respectively. In addition, data analyzes show that children from parents with a low level of education had higher averages of DDS and DVS (DDS: 5.54 ± 0.84; SVA: 10.65 ± 2.32) compared to those of parents with medium education level (DDS: 5.31±0.96; DVS: 9.72±2.62) or high level (DDS: 5.17±0.93; DVS: 9.36 ±2.42). In addition, children from parents of high economic level had a lower averages of DDS and DVS (DDS: 5.24 ± 0.88; DVS: 8.84 ± 2.10) compared to those of parents of low economic level (DDS: 5.36±1.00; DVS: 10.14±2.85). The sugary products were consumed by 56.3% of underweiht children, 75% of normal-weight children and 67% of overweight children (including obese). The estimated total energy intake (TEI) was higher than the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) in underweight 2933 Kcal/d and in overweight (including obese) children 3061.75 Kcal/d, while the mean daily intakes of folate, calcium, iron, potassium and zinc were lower than the (RDA). The food groups consumed by the majority of children were cereals (98.5%), fruits and vegetables (87.7%), and sweet products (69.8%) while oilseed products and fat were less consumed (9.7% and 7.8% respectively). The study data show that the adolescents diet were moderately diverse, little varied and poor in certainnutrients essential for their nutritional status and growth. The study draws attention to the need for parents to be aware ofthe benefits of improving the diet quality and weight status of adolescents.

Heavy Metals in Four Marine Fish and Shrimp Species from a Subtropical Coastal Area: Accumulation and Consumer Health Risk Assessment.

Trace-element or heavy-metal pollution has emerged as a serious concern in terms of both environmental and human health issues. This study measured six trace and toxic heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn) in four marine fish and shrimp species to assess their accumulation levels and evaluate the risks to human health. The mean concentrations of the metals in fish and shrimp species (Labeo bata, Sillaginopsis panijus, Platycepalus fuscus, and Penaeus monodon) followed the decreasing order of Zn (40.8 ± 9.7 μg/g) &gt; Cu (17.8 ± 7.1 μg/g) &gt; Pb (6.2 ± 1.8 μg/g) &gt; Ni (0.4 ± 0.3 μg/g) &gt; Cd (0.06 ± 0.02 μg/g &gt; Cr (below detection level). Among the metals, only Pb in finfish and Pb, Cu, and Zn in shrimp samples exceeded the national recommended limits, representing possible risks to consumers. The mean metal concentrations in the studied fish/shrimp species followed the descending order of P. monodon &gt; S. panijus &gt; P. fuscus &gt; L. bata, which implies that bottom dwellers and omnivores had higher levels of metals. However, the estimated daily intake (EDI) concentrations of Zn and Cu for the studied species were lower than the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance). In addition, the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI or TTHQ) values for all species were &lt; 1, indicating that consumers might not experience carcinogenic health risks. A strong significant (p &lt; 0.05) correlation between Cu and Pb (r = 0.623) and Zn and Cu (r = -0.871) indicated they were from the same source of origin. Cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated possible anthropogenic sources of toxic metals in the study area, specifically industrial wastes and agricultural chemicals.

Excess iodine exposure acutely increases salivary iodide and antimicrobial hypoiodous acid concentrations in humans

The lactoperoxidase (LPO)-hydrogen peroxide-halides reaction (LPO system) converts iodide and thiocyanate (SCN−) into hypoiodous acid (HOI) and hypothiocyanite (OSCN−), respectively. Since this system has been implicated in defense of the airways and oropharynx from microbial invasion, in this proof-of-concept study we measured the concentrations of these analytes in human saliva from a convenience clinical sample of 40 qualifying subjects before and after acute iodine administration via the iodinated contrast medium used in coronary angiography to test the hypothesis that an iodide load increases salivary iodide and HOI concentrations. Saliva was collected and salivary iodide, SCN−, HOI and OSCN− were measured using standard methodology. The large iodine load delivered by the angiographic dye, several 100-fold in excess of the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance for iodine (150 µg/day), significantly increased salivary iodide and HOI levels compared with baseline levels, whereas there was no significant change in salivary SCN− and OSCN− levels. Iodine load and changes of salivary iodide and HOI levels were positively correlated, suggesting that higher iodide in the circulation increases iodide output and salivary HOI production. This first of its kind study suggests that a sufficient but safe iodide supplementation less than the Tolerable Upper Limit for iodine set by the U.S. Institute of Medicine (1,100 µg/day) may augment the generation of antimicrobial HOI by the salivary LPO system in concentrations sufficient to at least in theory protect the host against susceptible airborne microbial pathogens, including enveloped viruses such as coronaviruses and influenza viruses.

Prevalence, Determinants, and Consumer Stance towards Dietary Supplements According to Sex in a Large Greek Sample: A Cross-Sectional Study.

A stratified random sampling technique was used in order to explore the prevalence of and the factors influencing dietary supplement (DS) use and the consumer stance towards DS by Greeks (n = 28,491, ≥15 years) according to sex. Additionally, we performed a Pearson’s chi-square to test within DS users for the dependence between sex and the examined factors, and binary logistic regression to create predictive DS user profiles. A history of DS use accounted for 55.5% and was more prevalent in women (58.4% vs. 52.3%, p < 0.001); multivitamins were the most popular DS used. The significant predictors for DS use for both sexes were age, education, employment status, exercise, and following a special diet, while BMI and monthly income were significant for women and men, respectively. The women and men DS users had mostly illness-health and fitness-related goals, respectively. Substantial proportions of the respondents had false beliefs about DS. A noticeable percentage of DS users displayed imprudent behavior regarding DS use, e.g., one out of five did not know the definition or did not take into consideration the recommended daily allowance. While several factors seemed to impact DS use, with certain differences between the sexes, the considerable lack of knowledgeable and responsible use of DS, with few differences between the sexes, observed can point state authorities and health professionals towards appropriate countermeasures.

Changes in plasma and milk choline metabolite concentrations in response to the provision of various rumen-protected choline prototypes in lactating dairy cows.

Choline feeding in the form of rumen-protected choline (RPC) has been shown to increase milk production and improve measures of metabolic health (e.g., liver triglyceride) in dairy cows. The objective was to characterize changes in plasma and milk choline and choline metabolite concentrations, including microbial-derived trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), in response to increasing ruminal spot-doses, different types of RPC, and ruminal stability of RPC in lactating cows. For experiment 1, 12 mid-lactation (121 ± 16.3 d in milk) Holstein cows were balanced by total plasma choline concentrations and milk yields. Cows were assigned to 1 of 3 lipid-encapsulated RPC products (main plots): prototypes P1, P2, and P3 (containing 59, 56, and 30% choline chloride, respectively). Within each main plot, cows were assigned to a sequence of doses in a 4 × 4 Latin square design: 0, 18, 36, or 54 g of choline chloride. Treatments were preconditioned with ground corn and administered as a single ruminal bolus once per experimental period 1 h postfeeding of a total mixed ration. For experiment 2, we compared a control (0 g of choline chloride) versus P2, and P4 and P5 (60 and 62% choline chloride, respectively) in a repeated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Experiment 2 followed a similar design as experiment 1 with modifications: 12 late-lactation (228 ± 7.10 d in milk) Holstein cows were used; treatments were administered as part of a premeal; and cows received a daily allowance of a total mixed ration as equal provisions every 4 h within 24 h before and after treatment. For both experiments, plasma and milk samples were collected for choline and choline metabolite quantification. Data were analyzed using a mixed model including fixed effects of treatment, period, and time. Contrast statements were used to test for linearity of dose and differences between prototypes for experiment 1 and 2, respectively. Plasma and milk TMAO concentrations increased with RPC dose (peak by h). Milk choline and betaine yields increased with RPC dose in a quadratic manner; albeit, dependent upon RPC type. Milk phosphocholine (PCho) and glycerophosphorylcholine (GPC) yields changed by select RPC dose (experiment 1), however Met, PCho, GPC, phosphatidylcholine, and total choline concentrations in milk, and plasma Met and sphingomyelin concentrations were not responsive. We conclude that plasma or milk choline, betaine, and TMAO concentrations are responsive to RPC type, dose, and stage of lactation evaluated.

Substitution of wheat flour with almond drink dregs-based flour and its effect on cracker quality

Cracker is one of the popular snacks in Indonesia. Not only are they easy to carry and ready to eat, but they are also inexpensive, have a long shelf life, and are consumed by all age groups. Typical snacks on the market are poor in nutritional value as they are majorly high in carbohydrates and fat, for example, fish crackers, bread, and sweet confectionaries. On the other hand, Indonesians' mean fibre intake is inadequate compared to the fibre Daily Allowance Intake in Indonesia. The increasing trend of vegetable-based drinks such as almond milk resulted in the rise of almond drink dregs – a by-product of almond milk resulting from the filtration step of almond milk processing. Incorporating almond drink dregs-based flour improved the nutritional profile of crackers, particularly the protein and fibre content, and did not affect the moisture content. The wheat and almond drink dregs-based flour ratio of 1:4 resulted in the highest protein and fibre content and the least force to deform the cracker. There was no significant impact of flour substitution on the organoleptic properties of crackers.