Fortified Diet Research Articles

Impact of heat stress length and dietary antioxidant supplementation on the nutrient digestibility, metabolism and immune response of fattening pigs

Study aimed to investigate the impact of long-term high ambient temperature (HAT) exposure and dietary antioxidant supplementation (elevated levels and in combination) on nutrient digestibility, metabolism and immune response of pigs. A total of 36 Danbred barrows (65.1 ± 2.81 kg) were allotted to four treatments: Trm1: HAT (28.9 ± 0.9 °C) + control diet (CD); Trm2: HAT + elevated vitamin C and E and Se and Zn; Trm3: HAT + further elevated vitamin C and E and Se and Zn; and Trm4: thermo-neutral ambient temperature (19.5 ± 0.9 °C) + CD. Nutrients (DM, CP, Cfat, CF, CA, GE) and minerals (Ca, P, Na, Zn, Se) digestibility were determined. Plasma metabolite and cytokine concentrations were investigated from the blood samples collected on d 15 and 28. Heat shock proteins (HSP 70 and 90) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expressions were investigated from jejunum samples of pigs. HAT did not significantly affect pigs' nutrient digestibility and retention (P > 0.05). However, Trm2 pigs had greater digestibility in terms of DM, CF, Ca, Zn, Se and retention of Ca, Zn, Na, and Se than Trm1 and Trm4 groups. Trm3 pigs had significantly higher (P < 0.05) creatinine concentrations than Trm4 pigs. HAT did not significantly affect the expression of cytokines; however, vitamins and micro-minerals supplementation in the diet significantly (P < 0.05) improved interleukin (IL) 10 expression, reduced TNF-α, and HSP70 expressions. Vitamin and micro-mineral fortified diet can improve pigs' nutrient and mineral digestibility and could alleviate inflammatory response in pigs exposed to HAT.

Experience of using home-based fortified diet in rehabilitation of malnourished children at Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan: an institution based retrospective chart review study

BackgroundGlobally, it is estimated that 50 million children under five are wasted. National nutrition survey-2018 has shown that 23.3 and 45.5% of children are wasted and stunted in Pakistan. Many studies have shown that hospital-based management of malnutrition is not practical due to high cost and iatrogenic infections and currently WHO recommends community-based management of malnutrition with provision of therapeutic food. There is limited evidence of community rehabilitation of malnourished children by using home fortified diet in Pakistan. This study explores use of energy dense, home fortified diet in achieving weight gain of malnourished children in Karachi.MethodsA descriptive, retrospective chart review of pediatric patients (aged 6 month–5 years) seen in Indus Hospital between January 2017 to June 2018 was conducted. A pre-designed data abstraction form was used to record detailed information about demographic characteristics, feeding, anthropometric, micronutrient, and nutritional details at enrollment and on follow-up.ResultsA total of 361 patients were included in the final analysis. The median age (IQR) of children was 15 (14) months. Forty eight percent (n = 172) children had diarrhea and 54% (n = 195) children had respiratory tract infection. The median length of stay in the program was 28 days. The median (IQR) for average weight gain was 4.8 (0–10.3) g/Kg/day, 64.6% (n = 226) children defaulted, 29% (n = 102) were cured and 3% (n = 10) died.ConclusionThis study showed adequate weight gain and recovery in malnourished children by using home fortified diet in real life situations without using therapeutic food or monetary support. Home fortified diets may serve as effective strategy in community-based rehabilitation of malnourished children.

The Effects of Human Milk Oligosaccharide Supplementation During Critical Periods of Development on the Mesolimbic Dopamine System

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMO)s are a key component in human milk and represent an important dietary modulator of infant gut microbiota composition and associated gut-brain axis development and homeostasis. The brain reward system, specifically the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to nucleus accumbens (NAc) is involved in the motivation and preference for food. The objective of the present study was to determine if HMO fortified diets given during the critical period of reward system development (p21) could affect the structure of the reward system. At weaning (p21), Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to one of four fortified diet groups: Control, 3′sialyllactose (3′FL), 2′-fucosyllactose (2′FL), or a combination of 3′SL and 2′FL (3′SL + 2′FL). Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was quantified for DA and appetite associated markers in the VTA and NAc and western blots measured the immediate early gene FosB and its isoform ΔFosB. Females fed the 3′SL + 2′FL fortified diet displayed a decrease in DAT expression in the VTA and an increase in leptin expression in the NAc. Females displayed an overall lower expression of NAc D2, VTA ghrelinR, and VTA leptin. In males, VTA DAT and FosB were negatively correlated with body weight and systemic leptin. Sex differences in the expression of DA markers underscore the need to investigate this phenomenon and understand the functional significance in preventing or treating obesity. This study highlights sex differences in response to HMO supplementation and the need for further investigations into the functional significance of nutritional interventions during DA system development.

Efficacy of Jackfruit365™ Green Jackfruit Flour Fortified Diet on Pegfilgrastim to Prevent Chemotherapy-Induced Leukopenia, Irrespective of Tumor Type or Drugs Used-A Retrospective Study.

Chemotherapy-Induced Leukopenia (CIL) is associated with increased mortality and economic burden on patients. This study was conducted to evaluate whether inclusion of green jackfruit flour in regular diet of those patients receiving chemotherapy, could prevent CIL. This was a retrospective study conducted among a group of patients undergoing chemotherapy for solid tumors at Renai Medicity Hospital, Palarivattom, Cochin, Kerala, India, since June 2018. The study group comprised of 50 consecutive subjects, who were supplemented with green jackfruit flour diet in their regular diet and further followed up prospectively. The control group was retrospective with 50 subjects prior to June 2018, with no diet supplements. Those who received less than three cycles were excluded from either arm. The mean age of the participants in study group and control group were 53.16 ± 11.06 and 56.96 ± 12.16 years respectively. In the study group, six patients out of 37, and 20 patients out of 50 in the control group, developed CIL. They received 38 and 105 vials of filgrastim respectively. After excluding those cycles in study group patients, where green jackfruit flour was not taken, the mean number of cycles in which CIL developed (p = 0.00) and number of vials of filgrastim taken per cycle (p = 0.00) were significantly different from control group and no patient in the study group developed CIL. Inclusion of green jackfruit flour as a dietary intervention prevents chemotherapy-induced leukopenia in patients undergoing chemotherapy along with pegfilgrastim.

Optimizing Complementary Diets to Provide Nutrient Adequacy for Infants 6 to 12 Months Old: A Dietary Modelling Study (P11-090-19)

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine the optimal composition of complementary diets for infants 6 to 12 months old (m.o), in terms of daily intake of food groups to ensure nutrient adequacy. A secondary goal was to determine differences in these optimized diets with fortified versus unfortified foods. MethodsDietary modelling using linear programming was applied to the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study 2016 data set to develop theoretical diets that satisfy nutrient requirements, while meeting median energy needs, for 6 to 8 m.o. and 9 to 12 m.o. breast-fed, formula-fed, and mixed-fed infants. The food data set was adjusted to ensure, among other criteria, developmental appropriateness and safety. Using the Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR, version 2015: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN), the current US fortification for grains was included, and analyses were then performed without fortification. ResultsAmong modelled diets for 6 to 8 m.o., a greater amount of total food, particularly vegetables, was required to achieve nutrient adequacy in the absence of fortification. The quantity of vegetables ranged from 54 g/day (3.5% of total energy (E)) in the formula based fortified diet up to 206 g/day (15% of E) in the breast milk unfortified diet. The modelling showed that inclusion of starches and grains was negligible in the unfortified diets, being primarily replaced by vegetables and pulses. For 9 to 12 m.o., daily intake of vegetables were particularly high at 222 g/day (12% of E), in the breast-fed, unfortified group. Pulses, nuts and seeds were featured in the unfortified diets at a level of 61 g/day (10% of E) in both the breast milk diet and the mixed diet.In terms of nutrient adequacy, all requirements were met apart from iron in the breast fed unfortified diet for 6 to 8 m.o.. Meeting Vitamin D was unachievable in all but the formula based diets for 6 to 8 m.o. ConclusionsFortification or supplementation is required to provide adequate iron to breast-fed infants, particularly in the early months of complementary feeding, and vitamin D to most infants. The diet optimization, which could be the basis for food based dietary guidelines, showed that complementary diets should be adapted according to the milk source in the infant diet. Funding SourcesNestlé Nutrition, Vevey, Switzerland.

Dietary intake of pearl millet based weaning food supplemented with iron and vitamin A enhances bioavailability of vitamin A in anemic rats.

The study was aimed to assess vitamin A bioavailability and allergenicity of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) based weaning food (PMWF) fortified with iron and retinyl acetate in male Wistar albino rats. Animals (n=64) were divided into Normal (NG) and Anemic (AG) groups; further sub-divided into 4 sub-groups having 8 animals each receiving synthetic diet, commercial diet, iron fortified PMWF diet and iron (150.00±0.73ppm) plus retinyl acetate (393.00±3.07μg/100g) fortified PMWF diet (Final diet). Results revealed that anemic sub-groups showed apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) in the range of 69.5±0.40-93.2±0.79%, which was significantly (P<0.01) higher than normal sub-groups (65.5±0.62-84.6±0.33%). In both groups, rats fed final diet presented significantly (P<0.01) higher ADC (84.6±0.33-93.2±0.79%) than that of animals received iron fortified diet (69.0±0.59-76.1±1.02%), indicating higher bioavailability of vitamin A in final diet. Moreover, hepatic vitamin A replenished rapidly in anemic groups (1.79-27.8) when compared to normal rats (1.11-19.4μg/g liver). Immunoglobulins IgG, IgE in blood serum and IgA in intestinal fluid ranged from 574±6.48 to 603±9.76μg/ml, 287±4.46 to 309±5.70ng/ml and 204±10.33 to 255±13.22μg/ml, respectively. However, no significant (P>0.05) difference was observed between the groups and/or subgroups, suggesting no allergic response of final diet. Stimulation index triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) ranged from 1.22±0.06 to 1.45±0.09μgml-1 in normal sub-groups and 1.16±0.02 to 1.33±0.03μgml-1 in anemic sub-groups with no significant (P>0.05) difference among them. Overall, it can be concluded that retinyl acetate could be an effective fortificant to improve the status of vitamin A in anemic models.

Supplementation of selenium, vitamin E, chromium and betaine above recommended levels improves lactating performance of sows over summer.

Heat stress (HS) exacerbates the body weight loss of lactating sows and reduces litter weight gain. Selenium (Se), vitamin E (VE), chromium (Cr) and betaine have been shown to ameliorate symptoms of HS, and yeast nucleotides and mannan oligosaccharides have been reported to improve lactational performance and immune response in pigs. Therefore, a combination of these nutrients may improve lactational performance of sows in summer. The effects of two nutritionally enhanced diets on lactational performance of sows in summer were investigated in two experiments. In experiment 1, we compared the effects of a nutritionally fortified diet (0.4ppm Se, 95IU/kg VE, 0.4ppm Cr and 0.2% betaine; named as SVCB diet) with the NRC 2012 standard diet (0.15ppm Se, 44IU/kg VE) on lactational performance of sows in summer. Results showed that the SVCB diet reduced body weight loss (P=0.039) and tended to reduce backfat loss (P=0.075) of sows without affecting feed intake, while litter weight gain was not influenced. In experiment 2, we further enhanced the nutrients in the SVCB diet (0.8ppm Se, 1% yeast nucleotides, and 0.1% mannan oligosaccharides; named as SNM diet). Results showed that the SNM diet did not improve feed intake of sows, farrowing performance, or litter weight gain compared with the SVCB diet, but increased body weight loss of the third parity sows (P=0.037). Overall, a combined supplementation of Se, VE, Cr, and betaine above the NRC recommended levels can reduce mobilisation of body reserve of lactating sows in summer.

Optimal iron fortification of maternal diet during pregnancy and nursing for investigating and preventing iron deficiency in young rhesus monkeys

The realization that pregnant and infant monkeys were challenged by high nutritional needs for iron led vendors to markedly increase iron concentrations in commercial diets. Yet, no systematic research was conducted to investigate the consequences of this important dietary change. Hematology and iron panels were determined for 142 infant rhesus monkeys gestated and reared on 3 different diets varying in iron concentration (180, 225 or 380mg Fe/kg). Anemia was significantly more prevalent in offspring from females fed the 180 and 225mg Fe/kg diets (32–41% versus 0 for the 380mg Fe/kg diet, P<0.001). Higher hepcidin levels were protective against iron overload in infants from the 380mg Fe/kg condition. These findings indicate a highly fortified diet during pregnancy continues to have postnatal benefits for the growing infant. However, for those interested in iron deficiency, lower iron diets provide a reliable way to generate anemic infant monkeys for research.

Effects of porcine somatotropin administration on the responses to dietary lysine and a near-ideal blend of amino acids for growing pigs1,2

Two experiments were conducted to assess the effects of porcine ST (pST) on the responses to a near-ideal blend of AA for pigs from 22 to 60 kg BW. Eighty Hampshire × Yorkshire gilts (40 gilts/experiment) were individually penned and assigned to a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, consisting of 4 diets with and without pST injection. A fortified corn-soybean meal basal diet was formulated to contain 1.50% total Lys and Thr, Met, and Trp were added to obtain a near-ideal blend of these AA relative to Lys. In 3 additional diets, Lys was reduced to 1.25%, 1.00%, or 0.75% by diluting the basal diet with cornstarch, cellulose, and sand, such that the diets also contained the same ratios of AA. Pigs that received pST were administered a daily intramuscular injection of 2 mg of pST. Data from the 2 experiments were pooled. Administration of pST increased ADG (P < 0.01), G:F (P < 0.01), and LM area (P < 0.01), and decreased ADFI (P < 0.03), last rib backfat (P < 0.01), and 10th rib backfat (P < 0.01). Also, estimated carcass muscle and calculated lean gain increased (P < 0.01) in pST-treated pigs. Administration of pST also increased (P < 0.01) the percentage, total gain and accretion rate of water, protein, and ash in the carcass, and decreased (P < 0.01) the percentage, total gain, and accretion rate of carcass fat. Growth rate, G:F, and carcass traits improved (P < 0.01), percentage of carcass protein and water increased (P < 0.01), and carcass fat percentage decreased (P < 0.01) with increasing dietary Lys. The percentage, total gain, and accretion rate of carcass protein increased to a greater extent in pST-treated pigs than in untreated pigs, resulting in a pST × Lys interaction (P < 0.05). The results indicated that pST improves performance, leanness, and protein accretion in pigs from 22 to 60 kg BW, and that these responses to dietary Lys and a near-ideal blend of AA is greater in growing pigs treated with pST than untreated pigs.

Effects of vitamin A, vitamin A plus iron and multiple micronutrient-fortified seasoning powder on iron metabolic homeostasis

To evaluate the effect of vitamin A, vitamin A plus iron and "7 + 1" multiple micronutrient-fortified seasoning powder on iron metabolic homeostasis in preschool children. This was a randomized, controlled and blinded interventional field trial. A total of 226 2 - 7 years old preschool children were recruited from three nurseries in the area, and they were randomly assigned into three different fortified diet groups for 6 months. The subjects in Group I were fortified with vitamin A; those in Group II and III were fortified with vitamin A plus iron and vitamin A plus iron, thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, niacinamide, zinc and calcium (7 + 1), respectively. The concentration of serum vitamin A was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), serum ferritin (SF) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) was measured by microparticle-enhanced, and hemoglobin (HB) by hemiglobincyanide, the sTfR-SF index (TFR-F index) and total body iron content were computed respectively before and after intervention. Simultaneously, children's demographic data, socio-economic status and eating habits, etc. were investigated by questionnaires. A total of 226 preschool children were included in the study with age ranged from 2 to 7 years with average age (4.0 ± 0.85) (means ± standard deviation). The prevalence of anemia, deficient iron storage, vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and suspect sub-clinical vitamin A deficiency (SSVAD) were 23.5%, 15.0%, 6.3% and 25.9%, respectively. The levels of SF and sTfR significantly decreased after intervention in all groups (χ(2) = 8.3298, χ(2) = 16.1471, χ(2) = 15.1371, χ(2) = 15.1171, χ(2) = 5.2617, χ(2) = 4.8844, P < 0.05) especially in group II and group III for SF (χ(2) = 16.1471, χ(2) = 15.1371, P < 0.05) and group I for sTfR (χ(2) = 15.1171, P < 0.05). No marked change of TFR-F index and total body iron contents was observed in group I (t = 0.1817, t = 1.7736, P > 0.05), while TFR-F index decreased and total body iron contents increased in group II and group III (t = 5.3561, t = 6.5979, t = 11.1663, t = 8.7306, P < 0.05) after intervention. Vitamin A intervention has significant effect on iron storage and mobilization but seldom effect on iron absorption in small intestine. The combination of vitamin A and other micronutrients might be a better intervention for the improvement of iron deficiency for preschool-children.

Effect of multiple fortification on the bioavailability of minerals in wheat meal bread

Bioavailability of calcium, iron and zinc as calcium carbonate (CaCO3), ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) and zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) @ 1,000, 40 and 20mg kg(-1) respectively from fortified bread of 72% extraction straight grade flour was assessed. Fortified bread diets were fed to 64 female Sprague-Dawley Albino rats for a period of 28days. The retention of Ca, Fe and Zn was measured in plasma, femur and liver tissues of rats. The results showed that the feed intake and live body weight of the experimental animals increased significantly with the time period. The Ca levels in plasma and liver did not change significantly while in femur, Ca retention changed significantly with changing type of the fortificants. Similarly, the results for percent apparent absorption (AA) of Ca also remained unchanged (P < 0.05). The Fe and Zn levels were significantly higher in the plasma, liver and femur of rats fed Fe and Zn fortified bread. Interaction of Ca, Fe and Zn resulted in their decreased bioavailability. However Ca, Fe and Zn absorption was higher in the rats fed triple fortified diet compared with those fed unfortified bread diet. This negative interaction did not appear to be great enough to discourage multiple fortification of flour to address minerals malnutrition in the vulnerable groups.

Biovailability of Iron to rats fed with Iron Fortified Cassava Gari Diets

The need for eradication of nutritional anemia with the local diet is important for a successful intervention at the community level in Nigeria. ari samples separetely fortified with iron sulphate, iron fumarate and sodium iron EDTAat three concentrations, 25, 35 and 45 mg/kg were used as starch based rat diets. The samples were analyzed for iron content using standard method. Haemoglobin depletion repletion method was used to determine iron bioavailability in 120 male albino winster rats for unfortified and iron-fortified gari diets. The experimental rat organs were subjected to histophatological assessment. Iron content of unfortified samples ranged from 8.50 to 11.36 mg/kg compared to iron content of fortified gari samples which ranged from 11.00 to 32.00 mg/kg. Haemoglobin concentrations ranged from 5.80 g/dl to 14.97 g/dl and 10.72 g/dl to g/dl for rats fed with unfortified and fortified diets respectively. Iron haemoglobin ranged from 0.97 mg to 2.82 mg and 1.72 mg to 2.73 for rats fed with unfortified and fortified diets respectively. Packed cell volume ranged from 34.30 to for rats fed with unfortified and fortified diets respectively. The percentage apparent iron absorption for rats fed with unfortified and fortified diet was 67.82 % compared with rats fed with gari, 68.66 to 83.37 % diets (p diets. Keywords : Iron fortification, gari, iron, bioavaialability, rats

Probiotic fortified diet reduces bacterial colonization and translocation in a long-term neonatal rabbit model

Background Probiotic fortified diet reduces bacterial colonization and translocation in a short-term neonatal rabbit model when continuously challenged with pathogen. The purpose of this study was to determine if live probiotic diet could remain effective at decreasing colonization/translocation of pathogens in a long-term neonatal rabbit model without ill effects of the probiotic outside the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Methods Rabbit pups were born via cesarean delivery 1 day preterm and assigned to 2 diets: a newly formulated diet (controls) vs the same diet fortified with the live probiotic Lactoccocus lactis. Enterobacter cloacae was added to both preparations before each feed. Pups were gavage fed twice daily, and weights were recorded. Rabbits were sacrificed on day 7, and organs were harvested and cultured for target organism growth. Results The probiotic fortified diet resulted in a significant decrease in Enterobacter translocation to the liver and decreased colonization in the stomach and lungs. There was no evidence of Lactococccus translocation or colonization outside of the GI tract. Conclusion This probiotic fortified diet was effective at decreasing pathogenic bacteria colonization and translocation in a long-term neonatal model. The addition of L lactis to the diet resulted in appropriate growth without any colonization or translocation of the probiotic outside of the GI tract.

Renal NOS isoforms and splicing in 13 week obese female Zucker rats on antioxidant vs regular diet

NO and NOS activity are important for development of diabetic nephropathy and an antioxidant fortified (AO) diet may protect the kidney in the case of diabetes. Female obese Zucker rats (fa/fa) were studied at 13 weeks of age on regular (REG) and AO diets. AO diet was started at 4 weeks. NOS isoforms (n‐neuronal, e‐endothelial and i‐inducible) and their splice forms were tested with Western blot. The AO diet resulted in lower levels of all NOS isoforms both in kidney cortex and medulla compared to the REG diet. There was no significant difference in NOS expression between cortex and medulla in either group. The following splice forms were present in rat kidneys on AO diet: iNOS (122‐124, 77‐83, 72‐75 kDa), nNOS (110‐113, 76‐77, 68‐70 kDa), eNOS (110‐116, 73‐77, 66‐68 kDa). Animals on the REG diet had the following splice forms: iNOS (114‐118, 76‐79, 70‐72 kDa), nNOS (110‐114, 74‐79, 68‐72 kDa), eNOS (102‐103, 70‐72, 64‐66, 38 kDa). The difference between content of NOS isoforms is the result of an increase in the largest and smallest splice forms of eNOS and iNOS in kidney cortex. In medulla the difference is the result of increase of all splice forms for iNOS and nNOS, but for eNOS only the largest and smallest splice form increased and a new smaller additional 38 kDa form was seen in rats on the REG diet.ConclusionAO diet decreased the expression of NOS isoforms in kidneys in obese Zucker rats. Supported by NIH R15 DK073066 to SRI and FVN.

Effect of l-carnitine administration on the seminal characteristics of Pietrain boars

Dietary supplementation with L-carnitine increased sperm concentration and sperm motility in some species. In mammals, L-carnitine is highly concentrated in the epididymis and spermatozoa, where it may serve as an intramitochondrial vehicle for the acyl group, which in the form of acyl CoA acts as a substrate for the oxidative process producing energy for sperm motility. The objective of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that L-carnitine supplementation improves the semen characteristics of Pietrain boars. The study was performed using 12 healthy post-pubertal 10month-old Pietrain boars. Six boars were fed the control diet (a fortified corn and soybean meal-based diet) and six the control diet plus L-carnitine (250 mg/d). Semen was collected twice a week; conventional semen analyses were performed on weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. Sperm concentration, sperm motility and sperm morphology were analysed with a sperm computerassisted analyzer. Sperm integrity was evaluated using a fluorochrome multistaining method. The results are presented as means S.E.M.; differences were analyzed with two-way ANOVA (with main effects of treatment and time), and P 0.05) in Pietrain boars. However, supplementation with L-carnitine had a positive effect on sperm morphology, due to an increase of the frequency of morphologically normal spermatozoa (P 0.01; 69.17 11.51 and 93.55 3.04 for control and treated boars in the 10th week) associated with a decrease in the frequency of spermatozoa with distal droplets (P 0.01; 26.20 5.77 and 1.50 0.60 for control and treated boars in the 10th week). Progressively motile sperm were also higher in boars supplemented with L-carnitine (35.27 7.75 and 46.52 9.31 for control and treated boars in the 10th week; P = 0.15). Based on these findings, we inferred that L-carnitine acts at an epididymal level, facilitating the release of the distal droplet and improving the kinetics of spermatoAbstracts / Theriogeno

Impact of goat milk powdered formulations on mineral absorption, peak bone mass and bone loss due to ovariectomy in rats

AbstractBACKGROUND: Goat milk is recognised as nutritious, with benefits to growth and skeletal development. The initial aim of this study was to investigate the effect of three different goat milk formulae—a whole milk, a skim milk and a goat milk growing‐up formula fortified with pre‐ and probiotics (Formula 1)—on mineral absorption and retention in rats. The effect of long‐term intake of the fortified formula diet on peak bone mass and post‐ovariectomy bone loss in rats was then investigated in a follow‐up study and was assessed by bone density dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and biomechanical testing of bone ex vivo.RESULTS: Goat whole milk and fortified milk formulations improved calcium and phosphorus absorption and retention. Body composition analysis showed that rats fed the fortified diet had higher body calcium and phosphorus content. The fortified diet was then tested in a long‐term feeding trial. Rats fed the fortified diet from weaning had a higher peak bone mass than rats fed a soy protein control diet. Bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) of the lumbar spine were higher in rats fed the fortified diet. After ovariectomy, all rats lost bone mass, but rats fed the fortified diet maintained significantly higher BMD and BMC values throughout the trial, though still lower than those of non‐ovariectomised control rats. The fortified diet increased bone strength.CONCLUSION: Goat milk specific nutrients supported by pre‐ and probiotics in Formula 1 may improve mineral status during growth and support attainment of peak bone mass. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry

Effects of Vitamin A, Vitamin A plus Iron and Multiple Micronutrient-Fortified Seasoning Powder on Preschool Children in a Suburb of Chongqing, China

Preschool children in developing countries are likely to have multiple, concurrent micronutrient deficiencies. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of different combinations of nutritional fortified diet to improve the blood levels of iron, vitamin A and other essential micronutrients in the preschool population of Banan District of Chongqing, China. From December 2005 to June 2006, a total of 226 2-6 y old preschool children were recruited from three nurseries in the area, and they were randomly assigned to three different fortified diet groups for 6 mo. Group I was fortified with vitamin A; groups II and III were fortified with vitamin A plus iron and vitamin A plus iron, thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, niacinamide, zinc and calcium, respectively. Subjects' weight and height were measured for assessing the children's growth and development. Blood samples were taken at the beginning and the end of the 6-mo study period for measuring serum levels of micronutrients. Group III with the multiple micronutrient fortified diet was the most effective to improve the serum level of retinol from [media (P25, P75): 1.06 (0.89, 1.32)] micromol/L to 1.29 (1.04, 1.39) micromol/L (p<0.05) and retinol binding protein from 17.0 (12.6, 25.6) mg/L to 31.6 (24.4, 44.0) mg/L (p<0.05) and to mobilize the stored iron in the liver (p<0.05). In addition, the three groups' hemoglobin levels were elevated from 117.0 (109.0, 124.1) g/L, 114.0 (109.2, 119.7) g/L and 115.0 (109.5, 122.7) g/L to 125.7 (119.2, 133.1) g/L, 126.5 (122.2, 135.9) g/L and 125.1 (119.8, 131.6) g/L over the 6 mo of intervention period, but there were no difference among the three groups (p>0.05). Nevertheless, unexpected results were obtained when comparing the effects on growth status among the different supplement groups. Our study has demonstrated that a multiple micronutrient fortified diet for 6 mo is more effective to improve the levels of hemoglobin, serum retinol, and RBP as well as to facilitate the mobilization of iron storage in preschool children.

Age-related decline in caloric intake and motivation for food in rhesus monkeys

Human studies have documented age-related declines in caloric intake that are pronounced at advanced ages. We examined caloric intake from a longitudinal study of aging in 60 male and 60 female rhesus monkeys ( Macaca mulatta) collected for up to 10 years. Monkeys were provided a standardized, nutritionally fortified diet during two daily meals, and intake was measured quarterly. About half of the monkeys were on a regimen of caloric restriction (CR) representing about a 30% reduction in caloric intake compared to controls (CON) of comparable age and body weight. CR was applied to determine if this nutritional intervention retards the rate of aging in monkeys similar to observations in other mammalian studies. Following reproductive maturity at 6 years of age, there was a consistent age-related decline in caloric intake in these monkeys. Although males had higher intake than females, and CON had higher intake compared to CR, the sex and diet differences converged at older ages (>20 years); thus, older CR monkeys were no longer consuming 30% less than the CON. When adjusted for body weight, an age-related decline in caloric intake was still evident; however, females had higher intake compared to males while CR monkeys still consumed less food, and again differences converged at older ages. Motivation for food was assessed in 65 of the monkeys following at least 8 years in their respective diet groups. Using an apparatus attached to the home cage, following an overnight fast, monkeys were trained to reach out of their cage to retrieve a biscuit of their diet by pushing open a clear plastic door on the apparatus. The door was then locked, and thus the biscuit was irretrievable. The time spent trying to retrieve the biscuit was recorded as a measure of motivation for food. We observed an age-related decline in this measure, but found no consistent differences in retrieval time between CR and CON groups of comparable age and time on diet. The results demonstrate an age-related decline in food intake and motivation for food in rhesus monkeys paralleling findings in humans; however, we found no evidence that monkeys on a long-term CR regimen were more motivated for food compared to CON. Examining the relationship of selected blood proteins to food intake following 7–11 years on the study, we found a negative correlation between globulin and intake among males and females after accounting for differences in age. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between leptin and intake in males.

The impact of longissimus glycolytic potential and short-term feeding of magnesium sulfate heptahydrate prior to slaughter on carcass characteristics and pork quality.

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of longissimus glycolytic potential (GP) and of time of feeding of supplemental magnesium sulfate heptahydrate on carcass and pork quality traits. The study was carried out in a 2 x 2 x 4 factorial arrangement; the treatments were sex (castrate vs gilt), GP (Low [normal] vs High), and time of feeding of magnesium sulfate-fortified diets (0 [control] vs 2 vs 3 vs 5 d prior to slaughter). Glycolytic potential was determined on a biopsy sample of longissimus from the live animal prior to the start of the study. A total of 144 pigs were allotted to the feeding-time treatments on the basis of sex (castrate and gilt), weight, and GP. Pigs were placed in individual pens and had free access to water. Prior to the start of the study, pigs were given ad libitum access to a standard finisher diet. During the study, animals were fed at a fixed level of 2.75 kg of a standard finisher diet/day; the fortified diet contained 3.2 g/d of additional magnesium. At the end of the feeding period, animals were transported to a commercial packing facility and slaughtered within 15 min of arrival. Fresh meat quality was measured on the longissimus. There were no treatment interactions. Carcass traits were similar across time of feeding treatments. Backfat thickness at the last lumbar vertebra and 10th rib were lower (P < 0 .05) for High than for Low GP pigs. High GP pigs had lower ultimate pH (P < 0.001) and higher drip (P < 0.05) and purge loss (P < 0.01) than Low GP pigs. Drip loss was reduced (P < 0.05) for pigs fed the magnesium-fortified diet for 5 and 2 but not for 3 d compared to controls (8.98, 7.29, 7.89, and 7.41 for the 0-, 2-, 3-, and 5-d treatments, respectively, SEM 0.447). Purge loss was similar for all of the time of feeding treatments. Longissimus L* values were lower (P < 0.05) for the 2-d treatment than for the controls. Results from this study suggest an inconsistent effect of short-term feeding of magnesium sulfate on muscle color and drip loss in pigs with both Low (normal) and High GP.

Iron‐fortified and unfortified cow's milk: Effects on iron intakes and iron status in young children

Iron intakes and iron status were evaluated in 36 young Swedish children given either iron-fortified or unfortified cow's milk. All children had good iron status and had received breast milk or iron-fortified formulae during infancy. Twenty 1-y-old children were randomized to a diet with iron-fortified milk (7.0 or 14.9 mg Fe l(-1) and 16 to a diet with unfortified milk. The iron intakes in the unfortified group at 15 and 18 mo (mean +/- SD 5.19 +/- 2.29 and 5.84 +/- 1.62 mg d(-1)) were low in relation to Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, while the intakes in the iron-fortified group (10.20 +/- 2.60 and 10.87 +/- 2.79mg d(-1)) were normal in relation to recommendations. The gain (increase) from receiving fortified diet during the study period was at most [upper limit for 95% confidence interval (CI)] 2.6 g l(-1) in blood haemoglobin, 1.9 fl in mean corpuscular volume, 2.7 micromol in serum iron and 4.5% in transferrin iron saturation, and the gain (decrease) was at most (lower limit for 95% CI) 0.29g l(-1) in serum transferrin and 0.9mg l(-1) in serum transferrin receptor (TfR). None of these differences was statistically significant. There was an almost significantly higher increase in serum ferritin (1.4 times higher relation of values at the end compared with the beginning, p = 0.06) and a significantly higher (1.2; p = 0.047) decrease in TfR/ log10 ferritin ratio in the fortified group. One-year-old children starting out with good iron status given either iron-fortified or unfortified cow's milk from 12 to 18 mo maintain sufficient iron status during this period. However, children fed unfortified cow's milk have an iron intake which is low in relation to recommendations and the quantitative development of their reserve iron in iron stores seems to be weaker than that of the fortified group. The consequences of this require further study.