Functional Food Supplements Research Articles

Regulating the functional and technological properties of mince dinghies by applying structural additives

The basic information about the possibility of regulating the functional and technological properties of forcemeat systems from skinny ocean fish using fat-containing products, flavoring additives, structure-forming agents and functional food supplements is presented. This mutual addition of the recipe with various components allows you to create a combined special-purpose mincemeat and products based on it that best meet the needs of the body for nutritional and biological value. The purpose of the research is to regulate the functional and technological properties of forcemeat systems from skinny ocean fish using functional supplements. The objects of study in regulating the functional and technological properties of minced systems were pollock, cod, wheat bread from premium flour, butter extract of dried mushrooms, Provencal mayonnaise and Mobi-Lux Universal as a dietary supplement. Oil extracts of plant materials made it possible to stabilize the functional and technological properties of the raw materials, increase the biological value, and emphasize the organoleptic characteristics of the finished product. Nutritional supplements along with Mobi-Universal Universal enriched minced Ca, Fe and I, as well as vitamins, dietary fiber and protein. We used standard and generally accepted sensory, rheological, physicochemical and microbiological methods for studying raw materials, semi-finished products, and finished products. A comparative analysis of the chemical composition of raw materials with ocean fish was carried out to establish benefits. The high protein content in fish raw materials and Mobi-Lux Universal will help to structure the product, increase nutritional value, and adjust the structural and mechanical properties of minced systems. It was found that the WCS for the experimental sample of pollock minced meat reaches a maximum value of 75.9–77.1%, which is 3.5% higher than the WCS of the control sample; a similar tendency is observed for a sample of minced meat from cod - the WCL reaches 78.3–79.9%, which is 3.9% higher than the same indicator for the control sample. The PNS of minced meat containing pollock is almost 2 times higher than the value of this indicator in the control sample; for cod PNS is 25% higher than that of the control.

Sulforaphane in broccoli-based matrices: Effects of heat treatment and addition of oil

There is significant interest in developing high sulforaphane-containing broccoli-based ingredients as sulforaphane has potential for reducing the risk of a number of diseases. Glucoraphanin in broccoli is converted to sulforaphane by myrosinase when the plant tissue is disrupted. The instability of sulforaphane at high temperature and in aqueous environments presents challenges for developing sulforaphane-containing ingredients. Variations in heat treatment conditions of broccoli suspensions, pH, oil addition and storage conditions influenced the level of sulforaphane. The sulforaphane content of aqueous broccoli suspensions as a function of pH (pH 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0) after a heat treatment (60 °C/5 min) and holding for 4 h at 25 °C were examined. A pH of 5 was optimum for production of sulforaphane. The addition of oil to broccoli suspensions prior to freeze drying retarded the rate of degradation of sulforaphane during storage of powders. There was little difference between degradation rate of sulforaphane in (broccoli-oil) powders made from pH 5 or pH 6 (broccoli-oil) emulsions. There are significant hurdles for the development of high sulforaphane broccoli powders for use as functional food ingredients or supplements.

Botanicals in Functional Foods and Food Supplements: Tradition, Efficacy and Regulatory Aspects

In recent decades, the interest in products containing botanicals and claiming “functional” properties has increased exponentially. Functional foods, novel foods and food supplements have a special impact on the consumers, who show significant expectation for their well-being. Food supplements with botanical ingredients are the food area that has witnessed the greatest development, in terms of the number of available products, budget, and consumer acceptability. This review refers to and discusses some open points, such as: (1) the definitions and regulation of products containing botanicals; (2) the difficulty in obtaining nutritional and functional claims (botanical ingredients obtaining claims in the EU are listed and summarized); (3) the safety aspects of these products; and (4) the poor harmonization between international legislations. The availability of these “new” products can positively influence the well-being of the population, but it is essential to provide the consumers with the necessary recommendations to guide them in their purchase and use.

Impact of Ecklonia radiata extracts on the neuroprotective activities against amyloid beta (Aβ1-42) toxicity and aggregation

Abstract The impact of extract composition on the neuroprotective activities of Ecklonia radiata was investigated in multiple neuroprotective assays in vitro. A total of six fractions (crude extract (CE), phlorotannin (PT), polysaccharide (PS), free sugar (FS), low molecular weight (LM), and high molecular weight (HM)) prepared from E. radiata were used to determine their effects against Aβ1-42 and oxidative stress in neuronal cell line PC-12. Only three fractions (CE, PS, and HM) demonstrated cytotoxicity in at least the highest concentration (100 μg/mL) tested in PC-12 cells. All fractions inhibited apoptosis induced by Aβ1-42 and enhanced neurite outgrowth activity. With the exception of HM, other fractions inhibited the aggregation of Aβ1-42 and demonstrated antioxidant activity against the toxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide. This study highlights the potential of using brown seaweed E. radiata components for improving neuroprotective activities. Such extracts could be potentially used as functional food or dietary supplements to support neurological function.

Molecular characteristics of gallocatechin gallate affecting protein glycation

As one of the most reactive dicarbonyl compounds, methylglyoxal (MGO) can react with protein to form advanced glycation end products (AGEs), then promoting the development of diabetic complications. Hence, it is significant for preventing protein glycation mediated by MGO. Here, the anti-glycation potential and mechanism of gallocatechin gallate (GCG) as an active ingredient of green tea were investigated. It was found that GCG exhibit good scavenging activities of O2.- and .OH radicals of lysine–MGO system by 92.9% and 15.6%, respectively. The inhibitions (%) of GCG at 354.0 μg/mL for AGEs, dityrosine and N-formylkynurenine in bovine serum albumin (BSA)–MGO system were 96.7%, 97.3% and 98.2%, respectively. GCG (17.8–354.0 μg/mL) trapped MGO in a dose-dependent manner, 82.5% of MGO was trapped and the trapping efficiency reached 46.6% within 12 h when the concentration of GCG was 354.0 μg/mL. Two GCG–mono-MGO adducts were found when the molar ratios of MGO to GCG were 1:3 and 1:6. The efficacy of GCG in recovering the amino groups content, tryptophan residues and hydrophobic pockets of BSA was weak. The binding constant between GCG and BSA was in the order of magnitude of 104 L/mol, and the simulation analysis showed that the GCG–BSA complex was stable. It was inferred that the molecular mechanism of GCG against protein glycation induced by MGO may be due to its scavenging activity of O2.- and .OH radicals, MGO trapping capability and BSA binding interaction. These results suggested that GCG may be a potential inhibitor of MGO-induced glycation and provide new insights into GCG as a dietary supplement in functional foods for ameliorating the diabetic complications of MGO-derived AGEs.

Immune-enhancing effects of gamma-irradiated sericin.

Gamma radiation changes the molecular structure and activity of proteins, which in turn changes their physiological effects. Sericin, one of the silk peptides, has beneficial effects to humans such as inducing apoptosis, acting as an anti-oxidant. The effects of gamma irradiation on the physiological activity of fibroin have been studied, but its effects on sericin alone have not yet been established. In this study, we assessed the effects of gamma irradiation on sericin (I-sericin) in regard to its inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that I-sericin (5kGy) significantly increased nitric oxide production, proliferation of immune cells, and effectively attenuated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. The mice were fed I-sericin for 4weeks and treated with LPS; they exhibited significantly increased proliferation of lymphocytes, activation of NK cells and decreased secretion of inflammatory cytokines These results suggest gamma-irradiated I-sericin as a valuable functional food supplement by immune-enhancing and anti-inflammation effects.

Anti-hyperlipidemia effect of sea buckthorn fruit oil extract through the AMPK and Akt signaling pathway in hamsters

Abstract In this study, golden syrian hamsters were regarded as modeling objects, a series of sea buckthorn fruit oil (SBFO) extract, which is rich in palmitoleic acid (POA), was evaluated through in vivo experiments to explore its mechanism of action in anti-hyperlipidemia. The results revealed that SBFO extract could control body weight and adipose tissue mass, relieve fat accumulation, together with improving total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) level in dose-dependent manner. The extract could also alleviate oxidative stress and liver impairment caused by hyperlipemia through regulating antioxidant enzyme. RQ-PCR and western blotting analyses suggested that SBFO extract could affect the expression of key genes in AMPK and Akt pathway and promote the phosphorylation of AMPK and Akt proteins. As a conclusion, SBFO extract had antilipemic function on hyperlipidemia hamsters and could be used for future development of functional food and dietary supplements.

Chemical composition and biological activities of two chemotype-oils from Cinnamomum verum J. Presl growing in North Brazil.

Chemical composition and antioxidant and antifungal action of the oils from leaves and wood bark of two chemotypes of Cinnamomum verum J. Presl were evaluated. Plants were sampled in the cities of São Luís and Santa Inês, state of Maranhão, Brazil. GC-MS and GC-FID, DPPH radical scavenging, and in vitro test against the phytopathogenic fungus Colletotrichum musae were used to perform these analyses. Cinnamomum verum is worldwide known as Cinnamon, highlighted for its extensive use in the cooking of diverse cultures of the world, and as a medicinal plant to treat environmental viral diseases. In the leaf oil of São Luís chemotype, eugenol (93.6%) was the main constituent, while in Santa Inês chemotype, it was benzyl benzoate (95.3%). In the bark wood oil of São Luís chemotype, (E)-cinnamaldehyde (89.3%) was the main constituent, while in Santa Inês chemotype, they were benzyl benzoate (23.3%), linalool (14.0%), (E)-caryophyllene (9.1%), caryolan-8-ol (7.2%) and borneol (4.7%). Leaf oils from both chemotypes showed strong to moderate antifungal activity, reaching 100% efficacy in eugenol-containing oils and above 70% in benzyl benzoate oils. In the antioxidant evaluation, the chemotype with a high eugenol content presented an inhibitory concentration higher than 80%, compared to Trolox. The leaf oils of the two C. verum chemotypes showed significant antifungal and antioxidant potential, considering their economic use as a functional and nutraceutical food supplement.

Potentilla rugulosa Nakai Extract Attenuates Bisphenol A-, S- and F-Induced ROS Production and Differentiation of 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes in the Absence of Dexamethasone.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) disrupt the physiological metabolism, thus playing an important role in the development of obesity. EDCs, the so-called ‘obesogens’, might predispose some individuals to gain weight. This study investigated the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) and its alternatives (BPS and BPF) on adipocyte differentiation and the effects of the leaves of Potentilla rugulosa Nakai extract (LPE) as a functional food ingredient on obesogen-induced lipid production and adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. The results showed that LPE has high total phenolic and flavonoid contents (77.58 ± 0.57 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g and 57.31 ± 1.72 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g, respectively). In addition, LPE exerted significant antioxidant effects in terms of DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power, ferric-ion reducing antioxidant power, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity. BPA, BPS, and BPF increased lipid accumulation, protein expressions of adipogenic transcription factors (PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, and aP2), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in 3T3-L1 cells. However, LPE suppressed the BPA-, BPS-, and BPF-induced effects on adipogenesis. Therefore, LPE has potential as a functional food supplement that can prevent bisphenol-induced lipid metabolism disorders.

Protoilludane sesquiterpenoid aromatic esters from Armillaria mellea improve depressive-like behavior induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress in mice

• To study the effect of Protoilludane sesquiterpenoid aromatic esters from A. mellea (PSAM) on CUMS-induced depression-like behavior in mice for the first time. • To study the effect of PSAM on CUMS-induced depression-like behavior in mice for the first time. • PSAM plays an antidepressant role by regulating inflammation activation, synaptic deficits and neuronal apoptosis. • PSAM could be used as a potential material for anti-inflammatory functional food supplements. This study mainly explored the antidepressant-like effects and mechanisms of protoilludane sesquiterpenoid aromatic esters from Armillaria mellea (PSAM) in depressive mice induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The results demonstrated that PSAM exerted antidepressant-like effects in mice, as indicated by reversing CUMS-induced changes in body weight gain, sucrose preference, and behavior in the open field test, elevated plus maze test, tail suspension test and forced swimming test. Meanwhile, PSAM inhibited the release of hippocampus IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α levels, and down-regulated hippocampus caspase-9 and NLRP3 levels, but improved serum CORT and ACTH levels and hypothalamic CRH level, and up-regulated hippocampus BDNF, p-CREB and PSD95 levels and hypothalamic GR level, suggesting that the antidepressant-like effects of PSAM were related to its inhibition of neuroinflammation, apoptosis and HPA axis hyperactivity, and improvement of synaptic plasticity and function. This study provided a basis for PSAM as functional health foods for antidepressants.

Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Quercus Species.

Quercus species, also known as oak, represent an important genus of the Fagaceae family. It is widely distributed in temperate forests of the northern hemisphere and tropical climatic areas. Many of its members have been used in traditional medicine to treat and prevent various human disorders such as asthma, hemorrhoid, diarrhea, gastric ulcers, and wound healing. The multiple biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anticancer, gastroprotective, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities have been ascribed to the presence of bioactive compounds such as triterpenoids, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. This paper aimed to provide available information on the medicinal uses, phytochemicals, and pharmacology of species from Quercus. However, further investigation is needed to fully clarify the mode of action of its bioactive compounds and to evaluate in vivo chronic toxicity, before exploring their potential use as a supplement in functional foods and natural pharmaceutics.

Extraction, structural characterization, and immunoregulatory effect of a polysaccharide fraction from Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata (Fuzi)

A water-soluble polysaccharide fraction named FZPS-1 was obtained from Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata (Fuzi in Chinese). Physicochemical and instrumental analyses indicated that the purified FZPS-1 with an average molecular weight of 6.29 × 106 Da was composed of D-arabinose and d-glucose with a molar ratio of 7.5:92.5. It would contain the main chain fragments of →4)-α-D-Glc-(1 → 4)-α-D-Glc-(1→, with the side chain of terminal α-L-Ara-(1 → linked at C6 of D-Glc skeleton. FZPS-1 exhibited significant antioxidative activity and immunomodulatory activity, wherein it promotes macrophage phagocytosis and increases the secretion of macrophage-derived biological factors in RAW 264.7 cells, and a cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed model in a dose-dependent manner. Oral administration of FZPS-1 ameliorated chronic diarrhea in rhubarb-induced spleen deficiency rats and was related to its immunomodulatory activity. Therefore, the obtained FZPS-1 could be potentially utilized as a natural immunomodulatory agent in functional food supplements or drugs.

Fatty acid profile of Romanian's common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) lipid fractions and their complexation ability by β-cyclodextrin.

The goal of the present study was the evaluation of the fatty acid (FA) profile of lipid fraction from dry common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (CBO) harvested from North-East (NE) and South-West (SW) of Romania and to protect against thermal and oxidative degradation of the contained omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) glycerides by β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) nanoencapsulation, using kneading method. The most abundant FAs in the CBO samples were PUFAs, according to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Linoleic acid (methyl ester) was the main constituent, having relative concentrations of 43.4 (±1.95) % and 35.23 (±0.68) % for the lipid fractions separated from the common beans harvested from the NE and SW of Romania, respectively. Higher relative concentrations were obtained for the omega-3 α-linolenic acid methyl ester at values of 13.13 (±0.59) % and 15.72 (±0.30) % for NE and SW Romanian samples, respectively. The omega-3/omega-6 ratio consistently exceeds the lower limit value of 0.2, from where the PUFA glyceride mixture is valuable for the human health. This value was 0.32 (±0.02) for the NE samples and significantly higher for the CBO-SW samples, 0.51 (±0.01). These highly hydrophobic mixtures especially consisting of PUFA triglycerides provide β-CD complexes having higher thermal and oxidative stability. Kneading method allowed obtaining β-CD/CBO powder-like complexes with higher recovery yields of >70%. Thermal analyses of complexes revealed a lower content of hydration water (3.3–5.8% up to 110°C in thermogravimetry (TG) analysis and 154–347 J/g endothermal effect in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis) in comparison with the β-CD hydrate (12.1% and 479.5–480 J/g, respectively). These findings support the molecular inclusion process of FA moieties into the β-CD cavity. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis reveals the formation of the β-CD/CBO inclusion complexes by restricting the vibration and bending of some bonds from the host and guest molecules. Moreover, powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD) analysis confirm the formation of the host-guest complexes by modifying the diffractograms for β-CD/CBO complexes in comparison with the β-CD and β-CD + CBO physical mixtures. A significant reduction of the level of crystallinity from 93.3 (±5.3) % for β-CD to 60–60.9% for the corresponding β-CD/CBO complexes have been determined. The encapsulation efficiency (EE), the profile of FAs, as well as the controlled release of the encapsulated oil have also been evaluated. The EE was >40% in all cases, the highest value being obtained for β-CD/CBO-SW complex. The SFA content increased, while the unsaturated FA glycerides had lower relative concentrations in the encapsulated CBO samples. It can be emphasized that the main omega-3 FA (namely α-linolenic acid glycerides) had close concentrations in the encapsulated and raw CBOs (13.13 (±0.59) % and 14.04 (±1.54) % for non-encapsulated and encapsulated CBO-NE samples, 15.72 (±0.30) % and 12.41 (±1.95) % for the corresponding CBO-SW samples, respectively). The overall unsaturated FA content significantly decreased after complexation (from 19.03–19.16% for the raw CBOs to 17.3–17.7% for encapsulated oils in the case of MUFAs, and from 55.7–58.8% to 35.13–43.36% for PUFAs). On the other hand, the omega-3/omega-6 ratio increased by β-CD nanoencapsulation to 0.51 (±0.07) and 0.76 (0.26) for β-CD/CBO-NE and β-CD/CBO-SW complexes, respectively. As a conclusion, the lipid fractions of the Romanian common beans are good candidates for β-CD complexation and they can be protected against thermal and oxidative degradation in common beans based food products such as functional foods or food supplements using natural CDs.

Structural characterization and immunomodulatory activity of a novel polysaccharide from Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi root

A novel polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 12.3 kDa, was isolated from the root of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi using cold water extraction method. Methylation analysis, Periodate oxidation, Smith degradation, and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis showed that 1,4-α-D-Glcp and 1,3,6-α-D-Glcp were the main linkage types of this polysaccharide. It exhibited immunomodulatory activity by enhancing the pinocytic and phagocytic capacities and promoting the secretion of nitric oxide, interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha by RAW 264.7 cells. The beta glucan receptor, scavenger receptor I, and toll-like receptor 4 were identified as the main receptors of the polysaccharide on the membrane of RAW 264.7 cells. These results suggested that this polysaccharide is a candidate functional food supplement for hypoimmune populations.

Application of cryogenic grinding pretreatment to enhance extractability of bioactive molecules from pumpkin seed cake

AbstractPumpkin seed cake, a by‐product of pumpkin seed oil production, is a potential source of nutraceuticals, which remain unexploited by current management practices. This research assessed its bioactive potential and investigated the effect of cryogenic grinding pretreatment on extractability of various nonpolar and polar bioactive molecules. Notable amounts of squalene (1,684 mg/kg), phytosterols (3,900 mg/kg), and tocopherols (220.3 mg/kg) were extracted from the untreated (control) pumpkin seed cake together with 72.6 mg/kg of protochlorophylls and 90.1 mg/kg of total phenols. Control pumpkin seed cake also yielded 16.75% of total fiber. Application of cryogenic grinding as well as its duration significantly increased the amount of bioactive molecules extracted from pumpkin seed cake as well as extracts antioxidant activity. Major increase was determined for phytosterols and protochlorophylls which were 2 and 2.5 fold higher, respectively, in pumpkin seed cake samples ground with cryogenic cooling during 12 min.Practical applicationsYearly production of pumpkin seed oil leaves behind more than 11.500 tons of by‐product in the form of pumpkin seed cake which is currently mainly used as livestock feed or for composting. Results of this study reveal high bioactive potential of pumpkin seed cake, which opens way to new possibilities of its utilization in functional food and dietary supplements production. In particular, it could be exploited as low cost raw material for the extraction of high added value extracts aimed for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Application of cryogenic conditions during grinding additionally enhances bioactive potential of pumpkin seed cake.

The Dipterose of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Induces Innate Immune Response through Toll-Like Receptor Pathway in Mouse Macrophage RAW264.7 Cells.

In our study, a novel bioactive polysaccharide was identified in the larvae of the black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) as a molecule that activates the mammalian innate immune response. We attempted to isolate this molecule, which was named dipterose-BSF, by gel-filtration and anion-exchange chromatography, followed by nitric oxide (NO) production in mouse RAW264.7 macrophage cells as a marker of immunomodulatory activity. Dipterose-BSF had an average molecular weight of 1.47 × 105 and consisted of ten monosaccharides. Furthermore, in vitro assays demonstrated that dipterose-BSF enhanced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and interferon β (IFNβ) in RAW264.7 cells. The inhibition of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and 4 (TLR4) significantly attenuated NO production by dipterose-BSF, indicating that dipterose-BSF stimulates the induction of various cytokines in macrophages via the TLR signaling pathway. This observation was analogous with the activation of nuclear factor kappa B in RAW264.7 cells after exposure to dipterose-BSF. Our results suggest that dipterose-BSF has immunomodulatory potential through activating the host innate immune system, which allows it to be a novel immunomodulator for implementation as a functional food supplement in poultry, livestock, and farmed fish.

Shared benefit by Material Flow Cost Accounting in the food supply chain – The case of berry pomace as upcycled by-product of a black currant juice production

Abstract Berry fruits such as black currants are known to have health-promoting effects as they contain high amounts of phytochemicals (polyphenols, anthocyanins) and dietary fibers concentrated in the peel and seeds. So far, the berry pomace by-product obtained from the production of berry juice is mainly subject to incineration and less recognized by companies as an opportunity to create additional value. Material Flow Cost Accounting is a powerful tool when it comes to the identification of resource inefficiencies in production systems and can provide useful information as an ad-hoc analysis supporting investment decisions, such as the extension of the product portfolio. This study investigates the material efficiency potential of a black currant juice production in Germany while considering potentials for cost reduction, revenue generation, and carbon dioxide mitigation resulting from the avoidance and upcycling of food waste. We used Material Flow Cost Accounting in combination with carbon footprinting and probabilistic scenario analysis to examine the subject. The analysis showed that, in terms of the global warming potential, the environmental performance of the main product, black currant juice, benefits from the upcycling of the pomace to a marketable product. From the economic side, we could not demonstrate a reasonable amortization of the additional investment costs. However, the scenario and uncertainty analysis revealed promising optimization strategies which would lead to an increase in profit of about 13%: first, additional use of apple pomace and second, the production of high-quality, organic pomace to achieve a selling price of at least €2.00/kg as a functional food supplement or in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Zafałszowania na rynku żywności funkcjonalnej i suplementów diety oraz ich potencjalny wpływ na zdrowie

Zafałszowania na rynku żywności funkcjonalnej i suplementów diety oraz ich potencjalny wpływ na zdrowie

Standaryzowana kompozycja polifenoli z bergamoty – czy może być opcją terapeutyczną u wybranych pacjentów z zaburzeniami lipidowymi? – analiza przypadków klinicznych

Lipid metabolic disorders are one of the most common cardiovascular risk factors. The basis for the treatment of dyslipidemia is lifestyle modification and, in selected patients – pharmacotherapy with the use of statins. In some patients, non-pharmacological treatment is not effective enough and their overall cardiovascular risk is relatively low. In such patients, there is no indication for statin therapy and functional food and dietary supplements could be the therapeutic option. One of the new and relatively well-tested dietary supplements is bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF). The article analyzes the results of the use of BPF in 3 patients with various stages of lipid disorders.

The composition and health benefits of mackerel concentrate

The objective of this study was to study the protein profile and amino acid composition of the mackerel concentrates from fish meat protein processed by enzymatic hydrolysis and then treated by high pressure-low temperature concentration. Mackerel peptide was prepared and health benefits were analyzed by human subject research. The results showed that the mackerel concentrates had significantly higher MW<10kDa peptide than the cooking juice remained. The concentrate contained abundant branched chain amino acids and taurine that related to anti-fatigue activity. Quality-of-Life (QOL) improvement and antihypertensive effect of mackerel concentrate were also proven. This study suggested that mackerel hydrolyzate may potentially serve as a good source of healthy oligopeptide and could be transformed into novel value-added functional food supplement.