Dietary Fortification Research Articles

Harnessing the Power of a Novel Triple Chelate Complex in Fermented Probiotic Dairy Products: A Promising Solution for Combating Iron Deficiency Anemia.

This study discovered and examined novel triple chelate complexes involving iron, ascorbic acid, and essential amino acids (AsA-Fe-AmA triple chelate complexes) for the first time. The mechanism of complex formation was studied using FTIR spectroscopy and quantum chemical modeling. The produced complexes were shown to be suitable for fortifying food items with a pH of 3-7 that have not been exposed to heat treatment at temperatures over 75 °C for more than 15 min. Thus, it can be said that the concentration for milk fortification should be 0.005 mol/L or less. In vivo experiments in rats models revealed that the synthesized complexes increased serum iron levels after a single application to reference values within 24 h of oral administration. The iron level increased by 14.0 mmol/L at 2 mL dose of the complex. This fact makes it possible to consider the use of developed complexes and developed fermented dairy products for the prevention of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. Research on the effect of discovered compounds on the physicochemical and organoleptic qualities of milk was conducted. Furthermore, iron ascorbate threoninate, iron ascorbate methioninate, iron ascorbate lysinate, and iron ascorbate tryptophanate all had a beneficial effect on Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus at concentrations as low as 0.0005 mol/L, which is significant for milk fermentation. A study of fermented milk products revealed that the most effective AsA-Fe-AmA triple chelate complex is iron ascorbate lysinate, which might be further investigated as a viable molecule for dietary fortification in iron deficiency anemia. It was found that fortified fermented milk products had a titratable acidity of 67 ± 1°T, pH of 4.38 ± 0.05, and a viscosity of 2018 ± 142 Pa·s.

271 The effects of supplementing diets with 25-OH-D3, with or without increased vitamin E, on the performance of nursery pigs

Abstract A total of 1,440 pigs (Camborough × line 800, PIC Canada) were weaned [(20 d of age, 5.5 kg body weight (BW)] and used to compare the effects of 3 dietary fortification strategies for vitamin D and vitamin E, specifically, on growth performance from d 0 to 42 post-weaning. The 3 vitamin fortification strategies were fed over 3 dietary phases; d 0 to 7 (P1), d 7 to 21 (P2), and d 21 to 42 (P3); and consisted of 1) Control (C), “industry-type” diet that met or exceeded NRC (2012) requirement estimates for each diet phase with 1,500 IU vitamin D3 and 70 IU vitamin E/kg diet; 2) HyD, C with 50 μg 25-OH-D3 added per kg diet; and 3) HyD+E, HyD with 140 IU vitamin E/kg diet. There were 16 pens of 28 to 32 pigs allotted to each fortification strategy in a RCBD based on initial BW. Pens were weighed and feed consumption for each was recorded weekly, and average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed to gain (F/G) were calculated for each week, diet phase, and the overall period. During P1, ADFI was greatest (P < 0.05, 137 g/d) for pigs fed HyD, and pigs fed HyD or HyD+E had greater (P < 0.05) ADG compared with C (117, 110, and 103 g/d, respectively). Pigs fed HyD were heavier (P < 0.05, 6.37 kg) on d 7 compared with pigs fed C (6.27 kg), with pigs fed HyD+E intermediate (6.31 kg), but there were no differences in F/G during P1. During P2, ADFI was greatest (P < 0.05, 502 g/d) for pigs fed HyD, and pigs fed HyD or HyD+E had greater (P < 0.05) ADG compared with C (419, 412, and 401 g/d, respectively). Pigs fed HyD or HyD+E were heavier (P < 0.05) on d 21 compared with pigs fed C (12.22, 12.13, and 11.91 kg, respectively), but there were no differences in F/G during P2. There were no differences in growth performance during P3 or overall (d 0 to 42). Nevertheless, in conclusion, performance differences during P1 and P2 resulted in pigs fed HyD or HyD+E having numerically greater BW (+0.34 kg) and Income-Over-Feed-Cost (+CA $0.31/pig) on d 42 when compared with pigs fed C.

Comparative effect of ethanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaf and Boo-Sta Plus on the body weight and haematological indices of Wister albino rats

The comparative effects of ethanol extract of Moringa oleifera and Boo-Sta Plus on the red blood cell indices and body weight of Wistar albino rats were investigated. Fortification of food is not just trending in the human diet but also in the animal diet. Boo-Sta Plus have been employed in dietary fortification to achieve better results in meat quality, protein mass and weight gain, however, these artificial fortification causes antibiotic resistance and may have other negative health implications. Focus is now being directed on plant-based alternatives such as Moringa oliefera to curb these negative effects. Fresh leaves of Moringa oleifera were washed, oven dried and ground. Twenty (20) Wistar rats weighing (150-170 g) were divided into four groups containing five rats in each group (A, B, C and D). Rats in group A (control) received normal rat chow feed and water. Group B was fed 200 mg/kg body weight Moringa extract (low dose), Group C received 400 mg/kg body weight (high dose) and Group D received Boo Sta-Plus. All the experimental groups received their respective treatment in addition to feeding and water. Weekly body weight was recorded during the duration of 21 days of administration of leaf extract. At the end of 21 days of treatment, blood samples were obtained through cardiac puncture and analysed for haematological indices. The results show that Moringa oleifera leaf extract (low dose) and Boo-Sta Plus caused a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the RBC, Hb, PCV, whereas a high dose of the leaf extract caused a decrease in the red blood cell indices when compared with the control. The administration of extract caused weight increase at a high dose comparatively to the Boo-Sta Plus and control. It is therefore concluded that ethanol extract of Moringa oleifera has positive effects on blood parameters and body weight and could serve as a substitute for Boo-Sta Plus thereby curbing the adverse health implications of artificial boosters.

Effect of a Combination of Ultrasonic Germination and Fermentation Processes on the Antioxidant Activity and γ-Aminobutyric Acid Content of Food Ingredients

Whole-grain food ingredients enable the most balanced food products to be obtained, thus forming an important part of a healthy and sustainable diet. Wheat and barley grains are a traditional source of food ingredients for breads, breakfasts, drinks, and snacks in Russia. Such foods are suitable for all ages with many health benefits. However, the modern metropolitan citizen consumes large quantities of refined cereal products, thus impoverishing their diet. An alternative in dietary fortification could be sprouted and fermented food ingredients with an increased nutritional value. The present work was carried out to study the effect of a combination of germination with ultrasound treatment and fermentation with a complex starter of cereal crops on antioxidant activity and γ-aminobutyric acid content of food ingredients with the possibility of using them in the matrix of food products. In order to obtain germinated food ingredients, we used crops with the highest yield in the Ural region (Russia): two samples of soft spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and a sample of spring barley grain (Hordeum vulgare L.). Obtaining food ingredients was divided into successive stages: ultrasonic treatment (22 ± 1.25 kHz) was performed by means of changing power and length of time (245 W/L, intensity for 5 min); germination and fermentation used complex starter “Vivo Probio”. The proposed technology of germination with haunting fermentation of cereal crops resulted in food ingredients with a more uniform distribution of granulometric composition, a low proportion of fine particles (4.62–104.60 µm) (p < 0.05) and large particles (418.60–592.00 µm) (p < 0.05). The particle size range (31.11–248.90 μm) (p < 0.05) was predominant. The germination and fermentation process resulted in 26 to 57% (p < 0.05) lower phytic acid content, 35 to 68% (p < 0.05) higher flavonoid content, 31 to 51% (p < 0.05) higher total antioxidant activity, 42.4 to 93.9% (p < 0.05) higher assimilability, and 3.1 to 4.7 times (p < 0.05) higher γ-aminobutyric acid content, which will allow production of food products with pronounced preventive action. The data was analyzed via one-way ANOVA analysis of variance using the free web-based software. The combination of the germination process with ultrasound treatment and subsequent fermentation with a complex starter can be used to support the development of healthful food products with increased GABA and antioxidant activity.

Growth And Dietary Efficiency of Artificial Nutrients Fortification of Bombyx Mori (L).

Sericulture has been serving the humanity by providing natural animal silk for several centuries. The quality as well as the quantity of mulberry leaves along with environmental factors have a direct influence on the production of raw silk spun by Bombyx mori L. Larvae before pupation in the form of cocoons. Study on the nutritional aspect of the silkworm is an essential prerequisite for its proper commercial exploitation. Silkworm nutrition is the sole factor which has almost individually augmented the quality and quantity of the silkworm cocoon production and productivity. Despite the balancing of the silkworm nutrients by the mulberry leaf, the quantity available is not sufficient for the larval growth owing to variation in mulberry plant and in its management. This created a requirement for the dietary fortification with good quality mulberry leaves in optimum quantity for successful cocoon production. In this study, mulberry leaves were fortified with Honey, Glucose, B- complex, Lemon and Calciferol and the growth and dietary efficiency of the larvae fed with the fortified diet were evaluated. The results indicated improvement in terms of growth as well as cocoon parameters. Our studies support the concept of dietary fortification the Mulberry leaves fed to silkworm for netter production of silk.

Nutritional and General Awareness of Vitamin D Status among Adult Population in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Kurdistan Region, Iraq: A Cross-Sectional Study

The health benefits of vitamin D are widely acknowledged by scientific and public health specialists. In Iraq, vitamin D deficiency and inadequacy are highly prevalent. However, public knowledge on this problem is scarce. This research aimed to evaluate the participants' knowledge about vitamin D, particularly their nutrition-related understanding and behavior, along with their overall attitude toward sun exposure. A descriptive cross-sectional survey of Iraqi adults over 18 was performed with a collection of serum 25(OH)D result between June and September 2022. The observed serum vitamin D indicated that only 25% of the participant had healthy (>30 ng/ml) vitamin D levels. The majority of participants, 90.9%, were aware of vitamin D. Media and primary health care centers were major vitamin D information sources (57.3 and 32%, respectively). Despite believing sunshine is the principal source of vitamin D (90.2%), respondents lacked understanding about the duration (26.3%) and frequency (30%) of sun exposure. In addition, less than 10% of individuals attributed vitamin D shortage to kidney and liver problems, fat malabsorption, obesity, and bariatric surgery. Nevertheless, more than two-thirds (83.3%) of participants defined the positive role of vitamin D in preventing osteoporosis and immune system strengthening (61%). Furthermore, nutritional awareness among the participants was variable. Approximately, 75% misrepresented the percentage of vitamin D supplied by food, over 50% believed that fruit and vegetables are vitamin D sources, 43% of vegetarians are not at risk for vitamin D deficiency, and rather plants considered (70.3%) as an approach to lessen vitamin D deficiency. Additionally, optimal daily intake was recognized by only 10%. Similarly, only 18.3% was aware of the optimal level of serum vitamin D. Notably, 54% was entirely ignorant of the benefits of dietary fortification. Although 55% of the surveyed population used vitamin D supplements, and 76% acknowledged it through their doctor's recommendation, exceeding two-thirds incorrectly anticipated that drinking tea would impair vitamin D absorption. Therefore, 90% would buy supplements without a prescription if needed. Implementing nutrition education initiatives, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and supporting vitamin D examination should be included in Iraq's health care system.

Modulation of Immune-Related Gene Expressions in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) by Dietary Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) Extract

To promote fish's immunity against pathogens in the aquaculture industry, fish dietary fortification with additives or compounds has increasingly attracted attention. In the present study, zebrafish (Danio rerio) was used as an animal model to investigate the effects of purslane, Portulaca oleracea, extract (PE) on the relative expression level of some immune-related genes. A total of 300 zebrafish were randomly divided into four treatment groups and fed for 8weeks with the basal diets supplemented with 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2% of PE. The control group was fed with a basal diet without PE. At the end of 8weeks, the mRNA expression levels of interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β), interleukin 10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lysozyme (LYZ) in the fish were evaluated. The results showed that the mRNA expression level of IL-1β was significantly upregulated in the fish fed with 1 and 2% PE compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the evaluation of the mRNA expression level of TGF-β was significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner in the 1.5 and 2% fed groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, the IL-10 was significantly downregulated in all treated groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The expression of the TNF-α gene was not affected amongst all groups by the inclusion of PE in the zebrafish diet (p > 0.05). Based on the results, the diet supplemented with 1.5 and 2% PE significantly upregulated the mRNA expression levels of LYZ and SOD, respectively, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary inclusion of PE may result in beneficial effects on some immune responses via upregulation of some immune genes in zebrafish.

β-sitosterol as an alternative to oxytetracycline: Effect on growth performance, feed intake and utilization efficiency and viscera macromorphometry of Cobb 500 broiler chickens

Antibiotics are used to fortify broiler chicken feeds as growth promoters. Chronic antibiotic use pollutes the environment and causes the development of antibiotic resistance. Natural alternatives that mimic the properties of antibiotics, without causing health and environmental challenges are required. β-sitosterol has antimicrobial, antioxidant, digestive and immune system modulating and growth stimulating activities. We evaluated its potential to replace oxytetracycline as a growth-promoter in broiler chicken feeds. Two hundred and forty, one-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to four diets where β-sitosterol replaced oxytetracycline at 0 mg/kg (control; fortified with 50 mg/kg oxytetracycline), 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg (w/w) feed and fed for 6 weeks: 2 weeks for each growth phase. Each diet was replicated thrice with 20 chicks per replicate. Initial, weekly and terminal body mass (TBM) and daily feed intake (FI) were measured. Body mass gain (BMG), average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio were computed. Terminally, the chickens were fasted for 4 h then slaughtered and dressed. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and GIT accessory viscera masses and small and large intestine lengths were measured. Dietary fortification with β-sitosterol had similar effects (P > 0.05) to oxytetracycline on the chickens’ TBM, BMG, ADG, FI and utilisation efficiency and GIT organ macromorphometry. In conclusion, β-sitosterol can replace oxytetracycline in Cobb 500 broiler chicken feeds without compromising growth performance, feed intake and utilisation efficiency and GIT organ growth and development.

Fortification of diets with omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids enhances feedlot performance, intramuscular fat content, fat melting point, and carcass characteristics of Tattykeel Australian White MARGRA lambs.

Meat eating quality indices such as intramuscular fat content (IMF) and fat melting point (FMP) of the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle and the feedlot performance, carcass traits, and commercial wholesale cuts of lot-fed Tattykeel Australian White (TAW) MARGRA lambs as a result of dietary fortification of the diet with omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) were evaluated. A total of 75 TAW MARGRA lambs at 6 months of age with an average liveweight of 30 ± 1.2 kg were used. The lambs were randomly allocated to the following three dietary treatments of 25 lambs each in a 47-day feeding trial using a completely randomized experimental design: (1) control diet of hay plus pellets without omega-3 oil, (2) hay plus commercial whole grain pellets (MSM) without omega-3 oil, and (3) hay plus pellets fortified with omega-3 oil. It was hypothesized that dietary supplementation with omega-3 fortified pellets will improve feedlot performance, meat-eating quality indices of IMF, FMP, and carcass characteristics. Lot-fed lambs on the MSM whole grain had the highest feed intake of 1.69 kg/day, followed by the control at 1.57 kg/day and the lowest in the omega-3 diet at 1.01 kg/day (p = 0.0001). However, the omega-3 diet had the highest average daily gain of 230 g/head/day (p = 0.0001), indicating the greatest feed efficiency since it had the best growth response with minimal feed intake. Post-slaughter evaluation of the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle revealed significant treatment variations in IMF (p = 0.0001), FMP (p = 0.0001), pH (p = 0.0380), and wholesale French rack primal cut (p = 0.0001). Strong correlations (p < 0.05) between liveweight, temperature, pH, FMP, and IMF were observed. Similarly, significant correlations between carcass characteristics of total saleable meat yield, lean trim, fat trims, bones, and leg shank were evident (p < 0.05). However, there were no treatment differences in the final liveweight, GR fat depth, hot standard carcass weight, or dressing percentage. The findings indicate that feedlot performance, meat-eating quality traits such as IMF and FMP, and commercial wholesale French rack cuts can be further improved during feedlot finishing of TAW MARGRA lambs through dietary supplementation with omega-3 oils, and hence the tested hypothesis of improved meat quality attributes is partially confirmed.

Potential of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle for Dietary Fortification in Yoghurt: Physicochemical, Microbiological, Rheological and Textural Analysis

Background: Yoghurt is a widely consumed dairy product all over the world. It has been used as an apt fortification and nutrient delivery medium in recent years. Methods: The present study aimed to assess the suitability of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle as a potential source of fortification of zinc in yoghurt. Three different levels of ZnO nanoparticles, as well as micro-sized ZnO, were added in yoghurt. Physicochemical, sensory, microbiological, rheological and textural characteristics of yoghurt were determined during 7 days of storage at 7±1°C. Result: Significant differences in physicochemical properties were observed in yoghurt samples during storage. All the yoghurt samples showed non-Newtonian characteristics. Zinc oxide nanoparticle added @ 75 ppm was found best for yoghurt fortification and showed advantages over fortification with conventional micro-sized ZnO. In this study, the effects of fortification of yoghurt with zinc oxide nanoparticle during storage were investigated. The FFA content of yoghurt was found to be 0.46% oleic acid and the Peroxide Value was found to be 0.32 Milli equivalent/kg fat, which was found to increase during storage. The tyrosine value at zero day was found to be 2.2 mg/g. The LAB count was 10.59 log10 CFU/g. Plastic viscosity of yoghurt was found to be 10.8.3 cP. Fortification of yoghurt with zinc oxide nanoparticle proved to be advantageous over fortification with micro-sized zinc oxide in terms of physico-chemical, microbiological, rheological and textural characteristics. Fortification of yoghurt with zinc oxide nanoparticle proved to be highly promising for zinc enrichment in the food system.

Linoleic Acid-Rich Oil Alters Circulating Cardiolipin Species and Fatty Acid Composition in Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ScopeHigher circulating linoleic acid (LA) and muscle‐derived tetralinoleoyl‐cardiolipin (LA4CL) are each associated with decreased cardiometabolic disease risk. Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs with low LA4CL. Whether LA‐rich oil fortification can increase LA4CL in humans is unknown. The aims of this study are to determine whether dietary fortification with LA‐rich oil for 2 weeks increases: 1) LA in plasma, erythrocytes, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC); and 2) LA4CL in PBMC in adults.Methods and resultsIn this randomized controlled trial, adults are instructed to consume one cookie per day delivering 10 g grapeseed (LA‐cookie, N = 42) or high oleate (OA) safflower (OA‐cookie, N = 42) oil. In the LA‐cookie group, LA increases in plasma, erythrocyte, and PBMC by 6%, 7%, and 10% respectively. PBMC and erythrocyte OA increase by 7% and 4% in the OA‐cookie group but is unchanged in the plasma. PBMC LA4CL increases (5%) while LA3OA1 CL decreases (7%) in the LA‐cookie group but are unaltered in the OA‐cookie group.ConclusionsLA‐rich oil fortification increases while OA‐oil has no effect on LA4CL in adults. Because LA‐rich oil fortification reduces cardiometabolic disease risk and increases LA4CL, determining whether mitochondrial dysfunction is repaired through dietary fortification is warranted.

Management of Malnutrition Based on Multidisciplinary Team Decision-Making in Chinese Older Adults (3M Study): A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Study Protocol.

BackgroundIn hospital settings, malnutrition affects 30–50% of aged inpatients and is related to a higher risk of hospital complications and death. This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of a tailored optimum nutritional therapy in malnourished, elderly inpatients based on multidisciplinary team recommendations in hopes of decreasing the incidence of deleterious clinical outcomes.Methods and DesignThis trial will be a multicenter, open-label, randomized control trial conducted in the geriatric wards of at least five hospitals in five different regions. We aim to include 500 inpatients over the age of 60 with or at risk of malnutrition based on a Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF) score of ≤ 11 points and the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition with an expected length of stay of ≥ 7 days. Eligible inpatients will be randomized into a 1:1 ratio, with one receiving a multidisciplinary team intervention and the other receiving standard medical treatment or care alone. A structured comprehensive assessment of anthropometry, nutritional status, cognition, mood, functional performance, and quality of life will be conducted twice. These assessments will take place on the day of group allocation and 1 year after discharge, and a structured screening assessment for elderly malnutrition will be conducted at 3 and 6 months after discharge using the MNA-SF. The primary outcome will be nutritional status based on changes in MNA-SF scores at 3, 6 months, and 1 year. The secondary outcome will be changes in cognition, mood, functional status, length of hospital stay, and all-cause mortality 1 year after discharge.DiscussionGuided by the concept of interdisciplinary cooperation, this study will establish a multidisciplinary nutrition support team that will develop an innovative intervention strategy that integrates nutritional screenings, evaluations, education, consultation, support, and monitoring. Moreover, nutritional intervention and dietary fortification will be provided to hospitalized elderly patients with or at risk of malnutrition. The nutrition support team will formulate a clinical map for malnutrition in elderly patients with standardized diagnosis and treatment for malnutrition in this population.Clinical Trial Registration[www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [ChiCTR2200055331].

Chronic and acute hypervitaminosis A are associated with suboptimal anthropometric measurements in a cohort of South African preschool children

Excessive vitamin A (VA) can cause bone resorption and impair growth. Government-mandated VA supplementation (VAS) and adequate intake through dietary fortification and liver consumption led to excessive VA in South African children. We evaluated the relation between VAS and underlying hypervitaminosis A assessed by retinol isotope dilution (RID) with measures of growth and bone turnover in this cohort. Primary outcomes in these children (n=94, 36-60 mo) were anthropometric measurements [height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and weight-for-height (WHZ) z scores], serum bone turnover markers [C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (P1NP)], and inflammation defined as C-reactive protein (CRP; ≥5mg/L) and/or α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP; ≥1g/L). VA status was previously measured by RID-estimated total body VA stores (TBSs) and total liver VA reserves (TLRs), and serum retinol and carotenoid concentrations, before and 4 wk after children were administered 200,000 IU VAS. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 was measured by ultra-performance LC. In this largely hypervitaminotic A cohort, HAZ, WAZ, and WHZ were negatively associated with increasing TLRs, where TLRs predicted 6-10% of the variation before VAS (P < 0.05), increasing to 14-19% 4 wk after VAS (P < 0.01). Bone resorption decreased after VAS (P < 0.0001), whereas formation was unaffected. Neither CTX nor P1NP were correlated with TLRs at either time. Serum carotenoids were low. One child at each time point was vitamin D deficient (<50nmol/L). CRP and AGP were not associated with growth measurements. Excessive TLRs due to dietary VA intake and VAS are associated with lower anthropometric measures and bone resorption decreased after supplementation. VA supplementation programs should monitor VA status with biomarkers sensitive to TLRs to avoid causing negative consequences in children with hypervitaminosis A. This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02915731.

The enormity of the zinc deficiency problem and available solutions; an overview

The societal cost of micronutrient deficiency (MND) or the “ hidden hunger ” is in millions of dollars/year, reducing the GDP of some countries by as much as 11%. Zn is an important micronutrient for both plants and animals. An estimated 17% of the world population, or around 1.1 billion people, are at the risk of zinc (Zn) deficiency. The deficiency has been related to adverse pregnancy outcomes, stunted growth, premature deaths, immune system dysfunctions, neuro-behavioral disorders, and recently with the failure to recover from COVID-19. These health risks associated with Zn deficiency have compelled FAO and WHO to recommend Zn fortification of diet. Correcting Zn deficiency is a challenge due to several reasons. Close to half of the agricultural soils are Zn deficient, and chemical Zn fertilizers are costly and ineffective. Developing Zn-rich crops through plant breeding and genetic engineering is challenging. Zn-dense diet is costly and cannot be implemented in the low-income region most affected by Zn deficiency. Lack of consensus among regulatory bodies on defining and diagnosing Zn deficiency in plants and Humans. Awareness and other sociocultural issues. Among the most important available solutions are zinc biofortification of the cereal crops, use of zinc biofertilizers, development of Zn-efficient crops with reduced phytate content. The use of Zn supplements, dietary modification, and diversification, especially with fish, are proposed as the most accessible and affordable solutions. Awareness programs in areas suffering the most from Zn deficiency are required. Despite the suggestions from FAO and WHO, global efforts to combat Zn deficiency matching those for combating diseases like HIV are not in place. Coordinated efforts of the international community, especially policy-makers, agricultural scientists, dieticians, physicians, and others, are required to address the issue of hidden hunger.

Pleiotropic Beneficial Effects of Dietary L-Ascorbic Acid Fortification in Middle-Aged Mice

Background: An enhanced knowledge of the multiple effects of ascorbic acid (AA) in health can broaden our understanding of the impacts of its deficiency. Method: Mice (10-12 month old) were either fed standard rodent feed or AA-fortified diet at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of feed, respectively for 8 weeks. On completion of the study, animals were sacrificed, following which haematological, inflammatory/apoptotic marker, oxidative stress markers, and markers of hepatic/renal integrity were assessed. Results: Across the groups, AA fortified diet was associated with an increase in food consumption; however, body weight reduction occurred at the lowest concentration, while weight gain was observed at the higher concentrations. Haematological indices (white cell count, granulocytes, lymphocytes, and red cell count) increased at the highest concentration; while some other red cell parameters decreased. A concentration-dependent improvement in antioxidant status, with the greatest benefit at the highest concentration, was observed. Also, a concentration-dependent modulation of inflammatory markers, lipid peroxidation, lipid profile, and biochemical markers of liver and kidney function was observed. Conclusion: Dietary fortification with AA in middle-aged mice impacted several measurable parameters in a concentration dependent manner. In addition to its antioxidant effects, it was also associated with anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects.

EFFECTS OF ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS AND/OR OCIMUM BASILICUM SUPPLEMENTATION ON INDUCED DIABETES IN ADULT MALE ALBINO RATS

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic syndrome that is rising in prevalence worldwide in both humans and animals. It is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and is caused either by inadequate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, impaired insulin signaling, or both. Objective: To evaluate the possible protective effects of rosmarinus officinalis and/or ocimum Basilicum on induced diabetes in adult male albino rats. Material and methods: The present work was carried out form 15th of June to 30th of July 2021. Fifty adult male albino rats of local strain weighing 135 - 150 g were chosen to be the model of the present study and kept in suitable cages (45 x 30 x 30 cm, 5 rats per cage). They were divided into five equal groups: Group I (Control group) received no treatment; Group II (Diabetic group) was subjected to induction of diabetes by intraperitoneal alloxan injection (120mg/kg BW for two days), Group III (Rosemary group) subjected to induction of diabetes and received Rosemary fortified diet (at 0.05%) for four weeks, Group IV (Basil group) subjected to induction of diabetes and received Basil fortified diet (at 0.05%) for four weeks, and Group V (combined group) subjected to induction of diabetes and received Rosemary and Basil fortified (0.025% each) diet for four weeks. Checking of blood glucose was done, rats with high blood glucose (250 mg/dl or more) were considered diabetic. At the end of the study, blood samples were withdrawn and serum was separated for determination of serum fasting glucose, insulin, glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results: Rats of groups III, IV and V showed significant decreases in serum glucose levels in comparison to the control group. In addition, dietary fortification with Rosemary and/or Basil significantly increased glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels, while values for malondialdehyde and lactate dehydrogenase were decreased. Conclusion: Dietary fortification with Rosemary and/or Basil leaves powder at 0.05% separately or 0.025% in combination might be used as promising modulators of blood glucose levels as well as nutritional management tools for the prevention and control of diabetes mellitus.

Concentration-dependent Effects of Dietary L-Ascorbic Acid Fortification in the Brains of Healthy Mice

Ascorbic acid (AA) is a water-soluble vitamin that is concentrated in the brain in large quantities. There have been reports that it is essential for proper brain functioning. However, there is insufficient information on the possible effects of dietary fortification with AA on the health of the brain. This study examined the effects of dietary fortification of rodent chow with AA on neurobehaviour, antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory/apoptotic markers in the brain of healthy mice. Mice were randomly assigned into four groups of ten animals each. Groups were normal control [fed rodent chow], and three groups were fed AA-fortified chow at 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of feed, respectively, for eight weeks. Behavioural tests {Open field, Y-maze, radial-arm maze, and elevated plus maze (EPM)} were carried out on day 57. Twenty-four hours after the last behavioural test, animals were euthanised, and the brains were excised and homogenised for assessment of brain acetylcholinesterase activity, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status, inflammatory and apoptotic markers. Ascorbic acid fortified diet was associated with concentration-dependent changes in body weight, open-field behaviours, working-memory, and anxiety indices. Also, brain levels of malondialdehyde, caspase-3, and TNF-α decreased, while superoxide dismutase activity, total antioxidant capacity, and IL-10 level increased. Dietary AA fortification with concentrations up to 300 mg/kg of feed was associated with sustained improvement in neurobehavioural and biochemical parameters in the brain of healthy mice, reiterating additional health benefits of AA fortification beyond the prevention of nutritional deficiencies.

Magnetic modified cellulose nanocrystals fabricated using ultrasound-coprecipitation: Characterization and application as pickering emulsion stabilizers

This study was aimed to investigate the fabrication and properties of magnetic cellulose nanocrystal (MCNC) and further explored its application in stabilizing Pickering emulsions. The MCNC was successfully synthesized by ultrasound-coprecipitation. Combinational morphological and structural techniques were used for characterization. The results highlight the significant role of ultrasonic parameters on the fabrication of MCNC. Ultrasound at 80 W/5 min found to be the optimal condition for MCNC fabrication, resulting in the highest saturation magnetization of up to 83.82 emu/g for obtained MCNC. Compared to cellulose nanocrystals without magnetic modification, MCNC was more efficient in stabilizing oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions due to an increase in wettability (71.4°) and a higher surface charge (−45.1 mV). The dense packaging of emulsion droplets by surrounding MCNC served as a sufficient steric barrier preventing aggregation and coalescence during storage. The emulsion exhibited a dual stimulus-responsive behavior when exposed to a pH/magnetic field. This work provides potential applications of MCNC in the iron fortification of diet or as smart vehicles for the targeted delivery of bioactive compounds.

Vitamin D: An Essential Micronutrient for Bone Health

Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient in children for bone mineralization and bone growth. There are two forms of natural vitamin D, vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Natural vitamin D is obtained from 2 main sources, dietary vitamin D intake and cutaneous vitamin D synthesis from sunlight exposure. Natural vitamin D requires a 2-step enzymatic hydroxylation process to be turned into active form of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, firstly, 25-hydroxylation in the liver, and secondly, 1α-hydroxylation in the kidneys. Although breast milk is highly nutritive containing adequate amounts of most important vitamins, it contains only a small amount of vitamin D, approximately 15-50 IU/L, which does not reach the recommended daily requirement of 400 IU for infants. Exclusively breastfed infants are at risk to develop vitamin D deficiency if sunlight exposure is limited. Despite the excess of sunshine for the whole year in Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, various studies have found that more than 30.0% of children and adolescents had vitamin D insufficiency. The factors associated with vitamin D insufficiency in children include maternal vitamin D deficiency, exclusively breastfed as infants, insufficient daytime outdoor activities, use of sunscreens, extensive skin coverage by clothing, and lack of vitamin D supplementation and dietary fortification. To prevent vitamin D deficiency in infants, a global consensus in 2016 recommended that vitamin D supplementation should be included in routine national health care programs along with other essential micronutrients and immunizations.

Mild to moderate iodine deficiency in pregnancy: A matter of debate

During the last few decades painstaking efforts have been made to eliminate iodine deficiency through the world. Nowadays in regions where dietary iodine intake is adequate or borderline, the main focus is increasing dietary iodine supply in the target population during pregnancy and the first years of life. Severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy increases the risk of irreversible brain damage, intellectual disability, neurologic abnormalities, stunted growth, increased pregnancy loss, infant mortality, impairments in child development and cretinism. The potential effects of mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency are debated. Results from animal studies and observational human studies indicate that maternal mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency disturbs thyroid function in pregnancy and it also may affects fetal neurodevelopment. The effect of supplementation of iodine on thyroid function of pregnant women and their newborn, neurodevelopment of infants and cognitive performance of children have been investigated using iodine nutrition in pregnancy, based on median urinary iodine concentration. However they have found conflicting results regarding the benefits or harms of iodine supplementation in pregnancy. Although many epidemiological, interventional and clinical studies have supported the association between thyroid function in pregnant women and later psychomotor and mental development of their children, the effect of iodine supplementation in pregnant women on neurodevelopment of children is inconclusive. Even in areas with well-established universal salt iodization program, pregnancy could be at risk of having iodine deficiency and despite WHO/ICCIDD/UNICEF recommendation which believe that dietary iodine fortification during pregnancy depends primarily on the extent of pre-existing iodine deprivation, systematic dietary fortification needs to be implemented in this vulnerable group. However, iodine supplementation of mildly iodine deficient pregnant women may not have beneficial effects in their thyroid function or neurodevelopment of their children.