Food And Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization Research Articles

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Imported Frozen European Hake Merluccius merluccius (Linnaeus 1758)

This research looked at the concentration levels of some heavy metals in tissues and organs of imported frozen European hake Merluccius merluccius (Linnaeus, 1758). This to ascertain the safety of the fish for consumption and whether long time freezing could bio concentrate heavy metals in the fish. Fish were procured from the market, muscles, gills and liver removed, digested for analysis of Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cd, and Pb using AAS. Fe was the most accumulated metal with 4.393±0.19 mg/kg, Cadmium (Cd) was the least with 0.004±0.00 mg/kg (Fe>Zn>Cu>Pb>Cd>Mn). Muscle accumulated the most metals. Concentrations of the metals were below maximum limit recommended by Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO), which shows the fish is safe for consumption. It also showed that long time freezing does not bio concentrate heavy metals in the fish about a month of freezing. It is recommended that regulatory authorities should always conduct an assessment of the heavy metals in imported frozen marine fishes before it is cleared for human consumption. This will guide against any adverse health risk associated with consumption of fish with high levels of heavy metals.

Detection of Heavy Metals, Their Distribution in Tilapia spp., and Health Risks Assessment.

Concentrations of heavy metals (HMs) were assessed in Tilapia spp. from selected communities in Calapan City, Philippines. Eleven (11) inland farmed tilapia samples were collected and analyzed for HMs concentration using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The 11 fish samples were cut into seven pieces, according to the fish body parts, constituting a total of 77 samples. These fish samples were then labeled as bone, fins, head, meat, skin, and viscera. Results showed that the mean concentration of Cd in all parts of tilapia exceeded the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) limits. The highest concentration was recorded in the fins, which was sevenfold higher than the limit. The trend of the mean concentration of Cd in different parts of tilapia was fins > viscera > skin > tail > head > meat > bone. The target hazard quotient (THQ) recorded a value less than 1. This means that the population exposed to tilapia, within the area where fish samples originated, were not at risk to non-carcinogens. The concentrations of Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, and Zn in different parts, particularly in skin, fins, and viscera, also exceeded the FAO/WHO limits. The calculated cancer risk (CR) in consuming the fish skin, meat, fins, bone, viscera, and head was higher than the USEPA limit. This indicated a possible carcinogenic risk when consumed regularly. Most of the correlations observed between HMs in various parts of the tilapia had positive (direct) relationships, which were attributed to the HM toxicity target organ characteristics. Results of the principal component analysis (PCA) showed that most of the dominating HMs recorded in tilapia were attributable to anthropogenic activities and natural weathering within the watershed of agricultural areas. The agriculture area comprises about 86.83% of the overall land area of Calapan City. The identified carcinogenic risks were associated with Cd. Therefore, regular monitoring of HMs in inland fishes, their habitat, and surface water quality shall be carried out. This information is useful in creating strategies in metals concentration monitoring, health risks reduction program, and relevant guidelines that would reduce the accumulation of HM in fish.

Physicochemical Properties, Heavy Metals and Aflatoxins Content of Crude Palm and Groundnut Oils Produced and Marketed in Benue State, Nigeria

The study aims at assessing the physicochemical properties, heavy metals, and aflatoxins content of crude palm and groundnut oils produced and sold in the Adikpo, Wadata, and Otukpa areas of Benue state, Nigeria. Specific gravity, refractive index, acid value, saponification value, peroxide value, moisture content, and smoke point are the physicochemical properties evaluated. The heavy metals analyzed include; Lead, Nickel, Copper, Iron, Arsenic, and Iron. Total aflatoxins were determined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Findings revealed that most of the physicochemical properties of palm and groundnut oils from these areas deviated from the Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) standard range. A high amount of Cadmium (0.89 mg/kg, 1.01 mg/kg, and 0.92 mg/kg) was detected in the local groundnut oil samples but lesser in palm oils from Adikpo, Wadata, and Otukpa respectively, while Copper content was within the FAO/WHO safe limits. The arsenic content of palm oil produced in the region was not as high as those in groundnut oil but was higher than the recommended maximum limit of 0.1 mg/kg. The Nickel content in the oil samples was higher than the 0.50 mg/kg permissible limit, but Lead was within the safe limits. Total Aflatoxin content in crude groundnut oil was within the range of 9.05 ppm to 10.13 ppm, while a range of 2.03 ppm to 2.74 ppm was recorded in crude palm oil. The locally produced oils are of lower quality, suggesting that refining should be adopted and quality seeds should be used for the extraction of oils.

Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Vegetables and their Associated Health Risk through the consumption of Vegetables in the National Capital Region, India

Evaluation of the heavy metals concentration in the vegetables growing in the national capital region ofIndia was done in the present study. A total of 96 samples of vegetables were collected from the selectedstudy area during the summer season and were analyzed for heavy metals contamination by atomicabsorption spectrophotometer. The relative abundance of heavy metal (mg/kg) in the vegetable sampleswas in the following order: Fe > Al >Mn> Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni >Pb> Cd > Co with the average concentrationsof 260.26, 149.70, 32.59, 29.10, 17.18, 3.97, 1.45, 1.38, 0.27, and 0.10 respectively. The statistical analysissupported the formation of two primary clusters i.e. Al-Fe-Cr-Ni and Pb-Zn, indicating their commonsource of origin. Most of the vegetable samples exceeded the permissible limit of heavy metals prescribedby the Food and agricultural organization/ World health organization (FAO/WHO) standards. The totaltarget hazard quotient was greater than 1 for all types of vegetables, indicating appreciable health risk dueto the consumption of these vegetables in the study area.

Probability of Health Risk, Bioaccumulation, and Geochemical Fractions of Toxic Elements in Soils and Vegetables Impacted by Manures in Nigeria

The intensive application of manures for the improvement of plant yield is a global practice by farmers notwithstanding the associated negative effects. The probability of health risk, bioaccumulation, and speciation of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) in soils and vegetables (Talinum triangulare and Telfairia occidentalis) impacted by untreated wastes from animal farms and inorganic fertilizers used as manures in the oil producing section of Nigeria were investigated. The total metal was determined using spectrophotometric methods while its geochemical fractions were identified following the modified Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) procedures of sequential extraction. The results obtained indicated the following mean concentrations (mg kg-1): 1.64 ± 0.70, 3.17 ± 1.47, 62.22 ± 8.83, and 187 ± 29.73 for As, Cd, Ni, and Pb, respectively. The results revealed that the mean concentrations of all the metals in the studied locations, except As, were above their recommended limits by the Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO). The mean values of As and Pb in T. triangulareand T. occidentalis were also above the acceptable limits. Relatively higher levels of the metals were recorded at the studied locations as compared to the control site. The transfer factors of metals determined were generally lower than one; hence, the human exposure rate to these metals may not be high. The sequential extractions of metal indicated that As and Pb existed in the reducible fraction, Cd in the acid extractable fraction, and Ni in the residual fraction. The contamination factor of the metals revealed that As and Ni belong to the low contamination class, while Cd and Pb fall within the very high contamination category. The study showed that all the studied locations were heavily contaminated, with Uyo being the most polluted site. The principal component analysis identified anthropogenic factor as the main contributor to the presence of these metals in the investigated area. Daily intake rates for these metals via vegetable consumption by both the elderly and young populations were generally lower than their recommended oral reference doses. The non-carcinogenic risks obtained for both populations were less than one. However, the consumers of T. triangulare and T. occidentalis from the studied locations were exposed to Pb toxicity, with children being more vulnerable. This study has shown that the application of untreated animal wastes and inorganic fertilizers as manures has the potential to affect human health, bioavailability of metals, and the geochemical fractions of metals in soil over time.

Heavy Metal Contamination and Health Risk of Soils and Vegetables Grown Near a Gold Mine Area: A Case Study of Barberton, South Africa

Pollution from mining operations has a direct impact on agricultural production and can lead to potential health risks because of the accumulation of heavy metals in vegetables. Vegetables and soil samples collected from Thaba Nchu farm located near a gold mining site were analysed to determine the concentration of heavy metals. Soil and vegetable samples were digested using the wet method and heavy metals were analysed using the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry technique. The soil-to-plant Transfer Factors (TF) and Health Risk Index (HRI) were calculated. The highest mean levels of Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Cu were detected in spinach while the highest mean level of Zn was found in onion. Iron levels in lettuce, spinach, beetroot, onion, and carrot ranged from 2203 to 3404 mg/kg which was above the permissible limits (450 mg/kg) recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization–World Health Organization (FAO/WHO). The concentration of Pb (0.4 mg/kg) and Cr (13.8 mg/kg) in spinach exceeded the permissible level recommended by FAO/WHO of 0.3 mg/kg and 1.3 mg/kg, respectively. The metal transfer factors in vegetables were in the order: Cd>Pb>Cu>Fe>Ni>Co>Zn>Cr>Mn. The daily intake and HRI of Mn and Fe in vegetables were above safe levels. There was no obvious heavy metal contamination in the soil and irrigation water. These results suggest that the consumption of vegetables grown on the study site could pose danger to human health. High heavy metal content in crops was attributed to the accumulation of Fe and Mn, which are the major ores extracted from the mining activities in the study area. Given the potential health risks, regular monitoring of heavy metal contamination in the soils and crops is recommended.

Are Ayurvedic medications store house of heavy metals?

Ayurvedic formulations are widely used and perceived as safer medicine and subjected to be self-prescribed. However, recent reports have demonstrated adulterating these drugs with toxic quantities of heavy metals. To study the magnitude of the problem in Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic medications, we randomly collected common over-the-counter Ayurvedic preparations from the licensed Ayurvedic shops in the local markets of Chandigarh in 2017. The samples were analyzed to identify and quantify eight metal ions, including mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, zinc, iron, copper, and chromium, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh. The permissible limit set by the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) for herbal medicines was followed to define the high metal concentrations. Out of 43 Ayurvedic preparations, 42 were analyzed. Heavy metals were detected in all formulations. The median (range) concentrations (in μg/g or mg/kg) of the metals were quantified as follows- mercury, 13.52 (0.00-61 095.99); arsenic, 0.00 (0.00-1038.83); lead, 1.40 (0.00-57.09); zinc, 84.2200 (26.48-22 519.03); iron, 1356.21 (128.24-136 835.25); copper, 17.1450 (0.00-12 756.86) and chromium, 20.9050 (0.00-2717.58). The metal contents above the FAO/WHO-mandated limit for zinc, mercury, arsenic, and lead were detected in 35, 29, 6, and 2 formulations, respectively. All medications contained detectable quantities of zinc and iron. Copper was detected in all except one. Cadmium was not found in any sample. Ayurvedic medications have a high prevalence of heavy metals. An evaluation of the sources of contamination and the necessary drug safety regulations are required.

Nutritional composition and mineral analysis of the by-products from tropical marine fish, purple-spotted bigeye (Priacanthus tayenus Richardson, 1846) and barracuda (Sphyraena obtusata Cuvier, 1829)

The aim of this study is to evaluate the nutritional composition, macro- and micro-elements from purple-spotted bigeye (Priacanthus tayenus) and barracuda (Sphyraena obtusata) by product which are extensively used for surimi. The proximate composition showed significant differences (p < 0.05) for all parameters. The moisture, protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate contents of purple-spotted bigeye sample ranged from 56.22-79.26%, 12.46-31.14%, 0.24-1.29%, 1.27-22.86% and 0.42-0.98%, respectively. Meanwhile, barracuda recorded 55.76-79.86% moisture, 18.46-27.29% protein, fat 0.05-2.55% fat, 1.22-24.36% ash and 0.41-0.88% carbohydrate contents. For macro-elements analysis, both fish species contained high concentration of calcium, especially in fins, bone and skin. For other macro-elements, all samples recorded lower than 4.5 mg/g. Although the concentration of micro-element zinc and copper were dominant in all samples examined, their levels were still below the permissible limits recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) and the Malaysian Food Regulations (MFR). More importantly, chromium, cadmium and lead were far below the toxic levels regulated by the FAO/WHO and the MFR. Thus, the by-products used may be applied for potential food ingredients and for baseline information in the further experimentation.

Heavy metal contamination and health risk assessment of mechanically milled delicacy called fufu

Contamination of food by heavy metals is a concern as consumption of contaminated food is one of the most likely human exposure routes to metals. Fufu is a delicacy in Ghana consumed mainly by the Akans. Human exposure to some heavy metals (Cr, Fe, Zn, Mn and Ni) through mechanically processed fufu consumption was analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer and ascertaining consumer awareness of potential exposure by questionnaire administration. A total of 30 milled and un-milled fufu samples (cassava and plantain) were sampled from Bomso, Kotei, Ayeduase, Ayigya and Kentikrono, all within Kumasi. The results showed that Fe and Zn levels after milling were elevated in the range: 2.816–7.297 and 0.753–7.529 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of Fe and Zn were below the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) permissible limits except Zn concentration at Bomso. Cr, Mn and Ni were below the detection limit (0.05). Hazard quotients and indices were less than the US Environmental Protection Agency’s permitted level of one, indicating no possible harm to consumers. Findings from the questionnaire administration indicated a complete lack of knowledge on consumer exposure due to the food processing method.

Assessment of heavy metal pollution of plants grown adjacent to power generators in Ramadi city

Tree leaves are a useful tool for environmental quality monitoring and heavy metal soil pollution assessment. This study aimed to assess the possibility of heavy metals’ accumulation in the leaves of urban plants as a biological indicator of soil pollution. The plant leaf and soil samples were collected from 51 sites adjacent to power generators in Ramadi-Iraq. Six common plant species, namely, Albizia lebbeck, Conocarpus lancifolius, Dodonaea viscosa, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Ficus microcarpa, and Ziziphus spina-christi were selected. The highest heavy metal content was found in Conocarpus viscosa leaves followed by Dodonaea viscosa . These two plants have a significant difference (p<0.05) in the heavy metal content compared to other plants. The total average of plant heavy metal concentration was as follows: Mn (45.23), Cu (12.49), Ni (7.55), Pb (6.49), Cr (6.37), Co (2.04), Cd (0.57) mg per kg. Concentrations of heavy metals in leaves have the trend as Mn> Cu> Ni> Pb> Cr> Co> Cd, whereas, the heavy metal bioaccumulation factor (ACF) in plants follows by the order: Zn> Cu> Cd> Mn> Co> Pb> Ni> Cr. A high concentration of cobalt, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and lead are found in the plant leaves compared to the Food and Agriculture Organization / World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) permissible values. This supports the claim that the leaves of the plant can be used as a good indicator of heavy metal accumulation.

In Vitro Genotoxicity Assessment of Functional Ingredients: Betaine, Choline, and Taurine.

This article focuses on a complete in vitro genotoxicity assessment of three nutrients widely used as functional ingredients in the European market: betaine, choline, and taurine. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) tiered approach for food additives in concordance with the safety assessment of chemicals in food developed by Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) was followed; the miniaturized Ames test in Salmonella typhimurium TA97a, TA98, TA100, TA102, and TA1535 strains (following the principles of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 471), and the micronucleus test (OECD 487) in TK6 cells were performed. In addition, the in vitro standard and enzyme-modified (human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (hOGG), endonuclease III (EndoIII), human alkyladenine DNA glycosylase (hAAG)) comet assay (S9−/S9+) was conducted in order to assess the potential premutagenic lesions in TK6 cells. None of the compounds produced any signs of genotoxicity in any of the conditions tested. This article increases the limited evidence available and complements the EFSA recommendations for the in vitro genotoxicity testing of nutrients.

Spatial analysis of dietary exposure of aflatoxins in peanuts and peanut oil in different areas of China

Peanuts in China are heavily contaminated with aflatoxin, which pose a threaten to human health. To compare the dietary exposure risk of aflatoxins (AFT) in peanuts and peanut oil in different areas of China, the spatial distribution of AFT contamination levels in peanuts and peanut oil from different areas was analyzed. The dietary exposure was calculated by simple distributed risk assessment method before characterizing the health risk using both the margin of exposure (MOE) approach proposed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the quantitative liver cancer risk approach proposed by the Joint Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). The results showed that the AFT content in peanuts and peanut oil was high with agglomeration in several provinces of East and South China under a subtropical temperate monsoon climate, and the AFT contamination in peanut oil was more substantial than peanuts. On average, the estimated dietary exposure to AFT from the total of peanuts and peanut oil for Chinese general population ranged from 1.776 to 1.940 ng/kg bw/day (LB-UB), from which the MOE values of 88–96 (UB-LB) and liver cancer risk of 0.055–0.060 cases/100,000 persons/year (LB-UB) were calculated. As for different areas in China, the mean AFT exposure ranged between 0.000 and 17.270 ng/kg bw/day. Moreover, the corresponding health risk was estimated at 10–868759 MOE values and 0.000–0.851 liver cancer cases/100,000 persons/year. Guangdong, Fujian and Jiangxi provinces were at a higher risk rank. The liver cancer risk of AFT exposure from peanuts and peanut oil was far below all-cause liver cancer incidence (18.0 cases/100,000 persons/year) in China, but several areas with relatively high risk should be of concern. Compared with other age groups, children aged 2–6 years should be paid more attention because they have the highest AFT exposure level.

Heavy Metal Levels in Vegetables Cultivated in Pakistan Soil Irrigated with Untreated Wastewater: Preliminary Results

Unfortunately, vegetables are commonly cultivated with untreated wastewater and consumed by human beings who often ignore their harmful impacts on health. The industrialization and urbanization in developing countries have led to the release of increasing amounts of heavy metals (HM) into the environment. Regular monitoring of metal concentration levels in contaminated soils and edible plants is essential to prevent their excessive build-up in the diet and food chains. This study aimed to determine the concentration and accumulation of selected HM in the soil-plant system from a field located in D.I. Khan, Pakistan. Thereby, determinations of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co) were assessed in the soil of the field as well as in the roots, stems, leaves, and grains of ridge gourds (RG) and sponge gourds (SG). The gourds were irrigated with untreated wastewater and removed from the soil when completely matured. Their parts were then separated and digested for HM analyses, which were performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Mean HM concentrations of each gourd were compared to each other within the same vegetable or between the vegetables. Intra-analyses depicted a similar quantitative distribution of HM in the RG or SG parts. Independently of the gourds’ variety, Fe and Pb were the most concentrated HM, and Pb was particularly concentrated in grains. Mean concentrations of Pb and Co in these vegetables were found to be toxic, since they exceeded the safe limits recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO). Inter-analyses of HM concentrations performed between RG and SG parts revealed that the mean concentration of Pb was significantly higher in roots of SG compared to that of RG. Nevertheless, mean Cr concentrations were significantly higher in all parts of RG compared to that of SG. The concentrations of Co were insignificantly different between the parts of these two vegetables. Also, the assessment of hyperaccumulation factors demonstrated that these gourds are hyperaccumulators, improper for dietary intake and commercialization, but might be useful for phytoremediation. Taken together, our data shed light on the urgent need for developing sustainable agriculture in Pakistan.

Levels of PAHs, PCBs, and toxic metals in Ruditapes philippinarum and Donax trunculus in Marmara Sea, Turkey.

The manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum and the wedge clam Donax trunculus are economic bivalve species which constitute an important part of the natural bivalve beds in the Marmara Sea, Turkey. Toxic chemicals such as, dioxins, dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and toxic metals are recognized as important health risk factors that threaten public health via food or directly in the environment. In the present study, we aimed to determine and monitor levels of these toxic chemicals in both clam species, R. philippinarum and D. trunculus, between 2013 and 2017. According to the results, maximum levels of dioxins, PAHs, and toxic metals (lead, cadmium, mercury) during the period were determined as 0.18 pg g-1 , 2.43 mg kg-1 , and 0.44-0.53-0.1 mg kg-1 , respectively. The level of contaminants in both clam species were determined to be below the threshold or tolerable daily intake values established by the European Commission, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO). Seasonal fluctuations were observed to be similar in both species and also in seasons, but elevated levels of PCBs and PAHs were detected in warmer months during the period. As a consequence, toxic chemicals in both clam species were found at low concentrations in this study from the point of view of public health concerns; however, the contaminants should be closely monitored in the future due to their elevated levels in samples. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

The concentration and health risk assessment of trace elements in commercial soft drinks from Iran marketed

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to assess the concentration of the trace elements Al, As, Cd, Ba, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Mn, Fe and Zn in 150 commercial soft drinks marketed of Iran, using inductive couple plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The data obtained were compared with the permissible limit set for drinking water by the Codex Alimantarius (CA), United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) and National Standard of Iran (NSI). The highest mean level was 84.11 ± 27.06 μg/L is related to Fe and the lowest was <detection limit to As and Hg. The concentrations of Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, Ba, Hg, Cd and As in samples were lower than the limit set by USEPA, FAO/WHO, CA and NSI. In contrast, the concentrations of Fe, Al, Mn and Zn soft drink samples were higher than the limit set by USEPA, FAO/WHO, CA and NSI. Monte Carlo simulation results indicated that the trend of potential non-carcinogenic risks in all samples was Cd > Cr > Pb > Ni > Al > Ba. Target hazard quotient index of toxic elements, for adults and children, was considerably lower than the safe risk limits THQ > 1.

Leptin Levels, Basal Metabolic Rates, and Insulin Resistance in Obese Pubertal Children

Abstract Introduction Obesity in children and adolescents is considered a serious public health problem. The consequences of overweight can last for life. It is extremely important to have formulas to calculate the basal metabolic rate (BMR) that are truly reliable in relation to the individual caloric expenditure. Objectives To investigate the association of serum levels of leptin, lipid profile, and insulin resistance (insuline resistance by Homeostatic Model Assessment [HOMA] index) with the body mass index (BMI) z-score of pubertal obese children. In addition, to compare the basal metabolic rate (BMR) evaluation carried out using bioimpedance (BIA) with the Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) equation. Methods Cross-sectional study including 37 pubertal obese children (aged 7 to 12 years old) seen for the first time in the outpatient care unit specialized in child obesity between June 2013 and April 2014. The participants were assessed regarding anthropometric data, body composition (fat mass) by BIA 310 bioimpedance analyzer (Biodynamic Body Composition Analyser, model 310 - Biodynamics Corporation, Seattle, EUA), and blood pressure. Blood samples were collected to measure glucose, insulin, lipid profile, triglycerides, and leptin. The stage of sexual maturity was determined by self-assessment according to the Tanner scale. Results Higher leptin levels were found in the severe obesity group (p = 0.007) and, as expected, higher BMI (p &lt; 0.001), and fat mass (p = 0.029). The groups did not differ in relation to insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and blood pressure. The BMR measured by bioimpedance was lower as compared to the measure by the FAO/WHO equation (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions These results suggest that severely obese children may present leptin resistance in this early stage of life, (since this hormone is higher in these children). It is suggested that health professionals prioritize the calculation of BMR by bioimpedance, since the FAO/WHO equation seems to overestimate the caloric values.

Isolation and Evaluation of Bioactive Protein and Peptide from Domestic Animals’ Bone Marrow

In this work, proteins and peptides were isolated from four kinds of animal bone marrow and characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of these proteins were investigated in vitro. The nutritional value was evaluated by analyzing their free amino acid composition. The results indicates that all of the extracts appeared two bands at SDS-PAGE, the peptide band at 4.1–10 kDa and protein band at 66 kDa, these data are consistent with LC/MS results. FT-IR analysis showed that the secondary structure of protein mainly consists of α-helix. SEM micrographs revealed that the fractions have different morphological characteristics. Horse bone marrow protein (HBMP) showed the highest antioxidant activity to DPPH free radical, IC50 value was 0.573 mg/mL. Most of the obtained fractions showed antimicrobial activities towards Escherichia coli (EC) and Candida albicans (CA). Total free amino acid content ranged between 5.15–49.60 mg/g, and among them, HBMP displayed the highest abundance, 49.7 mg/g, which amino acid composition ratio approached the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) ideal amino acid pattern recommendation. This study provides fundamental knowledge and a basic study method for the research into and development of animal bone marrow proteins and peptides as functional food and drug resources.

Dietary Intakes of Minerals, Essential and Toxic Trace Elements for Adults from Eragrostis tef L.: A Nutritional Assessment.

This study analysed the contents of thirty-six mineral and trace elements in teff (Eragrostis tef L.) grains. What is more, dietary intakes were calculated. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to assess mineral and trace element contents. Consequently, the appropriate Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) or adequate intake (AI), and provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) or provisional tolerable monthly intake (PTMI) values for adults were determined according to the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) and Institute of Medicine (IOM) regulations. Teff is a significant contributor to RDAs and AIs for females in the following order: Mn > Cu > Zn ≥ Mg > Fe ≥ P and Ca. For males, teff contributes in the order, Mn > Cu > Fe > Zn ≥ P ≥ Mg > and Ca. The concentration of arsenic (65.9 µg/kg) in brown teff originating in Bolivia exceeded the average acceptable value set by Reg. No. 1881 of 6–50 µg/kg in cereals consumed in the EU. The PTWIs or PTMIs for Al, Cd, Sn and Hg were all under 7%, which is below the limits of toxic element intake related to the body weight of 65 kg for adult females and 80 kg for males, set by the FAO/WHO. Teff grains can be recommended as a valuable and safe source of minerals and trace elements.

Total mercury content in commercial swordfish (Xiphias gladius) from different FAO fishing areas

Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant that affect human and ecosystem health. It is transferred through trophic level and bio magnification in the food chain. In this study, total Hg was measured in the muscular tissue of samples of swordfish (Xiphias gladius) from different FAO fishing areas and imported in Italy between 2014 and 2017. Total mercury concentrations of muscular tissues were determined using cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry. In order to assess the health risk associated with human consumption of this fish, the Hg intake values were calculated and compared with those of provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) (0.57 μg/kg b.w.) as fixed by the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO). The estimated PTDI (provisional tolerable daily intake) were lower for adults (0.40 μg/kg b.w./day) but not for children (0.97 μg/kg b.w./day), and therefore is considered to pose an alert for children with the present fish consumption volume.

Amino Acid and Proximate Composition of &lt;i&gt;Saccharomyces cerevisiae&lt;/i&gt; Biomass Cultivated in Cassava Mill Effluents

Cassava mill effluent (CME) is generated during cassava processing into cassava flake or gari . The effluents affects the quality of the receiving environment such soil. It is could affect domestic animals such as goat and sheep when they ingest it, and retard normal growth and productivity of plants in the affected soil. This study evaluated amino acid and proximate composition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultivated in cassava mill effluents. S. cerevisiae used in this study was isolated from palm wine based on cultural, morphological, and physiological/biochemical characteristics. 10 ml of S. cerevisiae broth was inoculated into 100ml of sterile cassava mill effluents filtered with double muslin cloth. The medium was shaken intermittently between 7.00 to 19.00 hours’ time interval. The medium was decanted and subsequently filtered using Whatman filter paper. The resultant biomass was washed with distilled water and re-filtered. The sludge/biomass recovered were oven dried. Amino acid and proximate composition of the yeast biomass produced was analyzed using spectrophotometer. Proximate composition was also analyzed following standard procedure. Result showed that the total essential amino acid (40.88 g/100 g) was slightly higher than the Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) standard for feed use. While the total non-essential amino acid (21.56 g/100 g) was lower than FAO/WHO limits. Mean proximate composition was 17.01% (crude protein), 7.34% (ash), 56.40% (carbohydrate) and 407.13 kcal/100 g (calorific value/energy content). The findings of this study showed that during fermentation of cassava mill effluents with S. cerevisiae an appreciable amount protein is enriched considering the fact that the substrate is a waste.