High Phytate Content Research Articles

Unveiling the potential of micronized dehulled sunflower press‐cake: a breakthrough in sustainable plant‐based protein‐rich sport beverages

SummaryIn the sports protein beverage market, the demand for plant‐based substitutes is rising. Sunflower press‐cake, a protein‐rich by‐product, offers a compelling alternative to traditional options like soy, pea, or rice proteins. With its natural allergen‐free composition, sunflower proteins are suitable for individuals with soy or nut allergies, broadening the market of allergen‐free protein products. This study focuses on the characterisation of micronized dehulled sunflower press‐cake (DSPC) and preliminary explores its valorization in a protein‐rich beverage. Micronization treatment was applied to the DSPC, since the reduction in particle size positively influences sensory attributes. The comprehensive analysis of micronized industrial DSPC revealed a high protein content (44.35 g/100 gDB), elevated polyphenol levels (33.75 mgGAE/gDB) and positive outcomes in water and oil holding capacities. However, proteins showed low in vitro digestibility (42.82%) and poor solubility (~10%). Additionally, the high phytate content (5.00 g/100 g) prompted consideration for nutritional implications, whether positive or negative. From the analysis of the volatile profile, the diverse array of compounds revealed the absence of off‐odours typically formed during autoxidation. In view of the potential application within a functional beverage formulation intended for athletes, four aqueous dispersions, featuring two different percentages of micronized DSPC (25% and 16% w/v) and pH levels (6.5 and 3.5), were prepared and tested for rheological properties.

Phytic Acid, Protein, and Oil Contents and Their Relationship With Seed Quality During Seed Maturation of Bambara Nut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) Landraces

ABSTRACTPhytic acid, proteins, and oils are seed storage compounds that play a role in germination and seedling growth and may determine seed quality. The pattern of accumulation of these compounds and the relationship of their contents with the seed quality of the Bambara nut (BN) are poorly understood. Seeds of three BN landraces, AbiBam001 (black/cream), LocalBam (brown speckled), and TVSU544 (cream), were harvested from two field experiments at different maturation stages and tested for final germination percentage (FGP), germination velocity index (GVI), and seedling dry weight (SDW). Seed samples from the same experiments were analyzed for phytic acid and proximate composition. Kendall's ranked correlation was used to describe relationships between phytic acid, protein, and oil contents and the seed quality of the landraces. Results showed no differences in the phytate, protein, and oil contents of landraces during seed maturation (p > 0.05), except for the phytate content of AbiBam001 (p < 0.05), which increased in the first experiment. At mass maturity, AbiBam001 and LocalBam had higher phytate and less protein and oil contents than TVSU544, implying that seed coat color may influence the phytate, protein, and oil contents of BN landraces. Higher phytate content in landraces appeared to relate positively with FGP, GVI, and SDW and vice versa. Phytic acid may positively affect seed germinability in BN landraces with high phytate content but may affect it negatively in low‐phytate landraces. The oil content of all landraces had negative correlations with most seed quality characteristics, suggesting that BN oils either are not priority reserves or play a minimal role in germination and seedling growth.

Millets in India: Current Scenario and the Way Forward

Millets are small-seeded plants with a short growing season, low water requirements and high disease resistance. Millet cultivation can potentially improve food security of marginal farmers in areas affected by drought due to climate change. But they are not the preferred crops in other areas because of low yield, short shelf life, low demand and non-remunerative selling price. There had been a progressive reduction in millet consumption over decades partly due to ready availability of subsidized rice and wheat through Public Distribution System (PDS) and partly because of the drudgery in processing of millets and difficulty in making tasty millet preparations. Industrial level processing methods to improve organoleptic properties often result in reduction in fiber content. Carbohydrate protein and fat content of millets are similar to cereals; they are gluten-free. Millets have higher vitamins, calcium, iron, phyto-nutrients and anti-oxidant content as compared to rice and wheat. Bio-availability of calcium and iron in millet-based diets is low because of the high fibre and phytate content. Millet-based meals with high fibre contents lows intestinal transit and provides satiety. Millets contain resistant starch which gets digested and absorbed slowly. The high phytonutrient and anti-oxidant content of millets has been shown to have a protective role in the prevention of non-communicable diseases in animals and may help in reducing CVD risk in human beings. Reintroducing millets into habitual Indian diets may help in the dietary management of over-nutrition, blood sugar in diabetic persons, halt the rise in lipid levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

A comparison of the bioaccessible calcium supplies of various plant-based products relative to bovine milk

Calcium deficiency is widespread globally, especially in diets with minimal consumption of dairy. It is therefore important to identify plant-based sources of calcium that can make a meaningful contribution to calcium intakes for populations following diets with a minimum supply of dairy products. The best sources of calcium have a high calcium content and bioavailability. Therefore, we evaluated the gross and bioaccessible calcium supplies of 25 plant-based products from 5 food groups considered to be good and important sources of calcium. Bioaccessible calcium was examined using the INFOGEST static digestion model in which isotopically labelled 43Ca was used as a tracer of reagent calcium to improve accuracy of bioaccessibility measurements. The gross calcium content varied widely amongst all the food products, ranging between 7.48 and 959 mg/100 g fresh weight (fw), with approximately 50 % of the products being equivalent to or surpassing the calcium content of skimmed milk. Bioaccessibility of calcium was equally variable, ranging from about 0.1 – 50 %. The lowest bioaccessibility (<10 %) was found in spinach, plant-based beverages, tofu, dried figs and tahini and was attributed to: 1. the high content of oxalate and phytate in some of the products, and 2. the low solubility of tricalcium phosphate which was used for fortification in the plant-based beverages. The remaining products generally had a high bioaccessibility that was similar to, or higher than that of skimmed milk (∼30 %). When both bioaccessibility and recommended serving portions were considered, only 3 products were identified as good sources of calcium, requiring 0.2 – 1.4 servings to equal the bioaccessible supply from skimmed milk. The top three sources of plant-based calcium identified were kale, finger millet and fortified white bread in that order, with kale providing 5 times more bioaccessible calcium than 1 serving of skimmed milk. Moderate sources of calcium where 1.5 – 3 servings was equivalent to 1 serving of skimmed milk included wholemeal bread, some bean varieties (black chickpeas, chickpeas, kidney beans, peas), broccoli, cabbage and almond drink. The rest of the products were either of low calcium content, poor bioaccessibility, and/or not consumed in sufficient quantities to make a significant contribution to daily requirements. White bread was a good source of calcium as it was fortified with calcium carbonate and this suggests that mandatory widescale fortification of staple cereals with this form of calcium should be considered a viable approach to augment dietary calcium intakes in vulnerable populations. Low bioaccessibility of fortified calcium in plant-based beverages, often marketed as good sources of calcium, suggests the need for regulation and for further in vivo studies to validate bioavailability of calcium in these products.

Silencing of SbPPCK1-3 Negatively Affects Development, Stress Responses and Productivity in Sorghum.

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) plays central roles in photosynthesis, respiration, amino acid synthesis, and seed development. PEPC is regulated by different post-translational modifications. Between them, the phosphorylation by PEPC-kinase (PEPCk) is widely documented. In this work, we simultaneously silenced the three sorghum genes encoding PEPCk (SbPPCK1-3) by RNAi interference, obtaining 12 independent transgenic lines (Ppck1-12 lines), showing different degrees of SbPPCK1-3 silencing. Among them, two T2 homozygous lines (Ppck-2 and Ppck-4) were selected for further evaluation. Expression of SbPPCK1 was reduced by 65% and 83% in Ppck-2 and Ppck-4 illuminated leaves, respectively. Expression of SbPPCK2 was higher in roots and decreased by 50% in Ppck-2 and Ppck-4 in this tissue. Expression of SbPPCK3 was low and highly variable. Despite the incomplete gene silencing, it decreased the degree of phosphorylation of PEPC in illuminated leaves, P-deficient plants, and NaCl-treated plants. Both leaves and seeds of Ppck lines had altered metabolic profiles and a general decrease in amino acid content. In addition, Ppck lines showed delayed flowering, and 20% of Ppck-4 plants did not produce flowers at all. The total amount of seeds was lowered by 50% and 36% in Ppck-2 and Ppck-4 lines, respectively. The quality of seeds was lower in Ppck lines: lower amino acid content, including Lys, and higher phytate content. These data confirm the relevance of the phosphorylation of PEPC in sorghum development, stress responses, yield, and quality of seeds.

Biotechnological production of food-grade polyphosphate from deoiled seeds and bran

Agricultural products, have a high phytate content that has a hidden potential as a renewable source of phosphate. We present the first biotechnological route for the production of food-grade, organic polyphosphate (polyP) from deoiled seeds or bran, included in a vision for a circular phosphorus economy. The three-step production process includes phosphorus mobilization (e.g., 37 mg PO43−/g bran) using phytase enzymes. Non-genetically modified phosphate starved Saccharomyces cerevisiae is then fed with soluble P-extracts. The yeast intracellularly polymerizes the phosphate to polyP (≥ 30% mol polyP in yeast per mol PO43− in medium) and polyP-rich yeast extract or pure polyP is purified from the biomass. We demonstrate that the obtained polyP-rich yeast extract is an excellent green surrogate for polyP from fossil P-sources in meat manufacturing. The valorization of phytate–P while producing P-depleted biomass as a demanded feed in livestock production is shown. Our sustainable process enables the production of food-grade polyP from renewable resources and is contributing to the sustainable management of the dwindling nutrient phosphorus.

English

Diet based on whole cereal flours is associated with a high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and zinc deficiency in low/middle-income countries. Such flours contain high content of phytate that chelates minerals such as iron and zinc, making them unavailable for absorption by humans. To improve the mineral absorption, a phytate:iron molar ratio &lt;1 and a phytate:zinc molar ratio &lt;5 is needed to be achieved. This study aimed to improve the phytate degradation in composite wheat-cassava-whole sorghum flour bread by adding a phytase releasing yeast Pichia kudriavzevii TY13 in baking, preincubated or not, with addition of yeast extract. The phytate and mineral contents were measured by high-performance ion chromatography. Addition of P. kudriavzevii TY13 to the composite flour dough and fermentation for 2 h at room temperature resulted in a 98% phytate degradation. However, the same phytate reduction in the composite bread was achieved after 1 h fermentation at room temperature with addition of preincubated P. kudriavzevii TY13 plus yeast extract. Increasing the fermentation temperature to 30&deg;C, the phytate content was equally low after fermentation for 1 h with P. kudriavzevii TY13 (preincubated or not) plus yeast extract. In conclusion, a faster reduction of phytate in composite bread was obtained by increasing the fermentation temperature, and addition of P. kudriavzevii TY13 (preincubated or not) with added yeast extract. The phytate to iron molar ratio was then 0.2 and the phytate to zinc molar ratio 0.6, which strongly indicates an improved bioavailability of both minerals from such a bread. &nbsp; Key words: Phytate, phytase, Pichia kudriavzevii TY13, yeast extract, wheat flour, cassava flour, sorghum flour, bread making.

Interactive effects of dietary phosphorus and microbial phytase on growth performance, intestinal morphometry, and welfare of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed on low-fishmeal diets

One of the industries with the fastest growth rates in the world is aquaculture. However, as fish meal (FM), the most expensive component of aquafeeds, is increasingly replaced with plant protein, the amount of phosphorus (P) in fish diets decreases as a result of plant proteins' high phytate content, which chelates P. Inorganic P is a dietary supplement that increases fish development and feed utilization, but its high inclusion in aquafeeds causes eutrophication due to environmental contamination. Consuming dietary phytase can make more P available, which lowers the amount of inorganic P in fish diets. The present study assessed the effects of replacing inorganic P in Nile tilapia (O. niloticus) diets with a hybrid microbial phytase (HMPhyt) derived from bacteria hybrid (Buttiauxella gaviniae, Yersinia mollaretti, and Hafnia sp.) on growth and welfare. Fish (1.50 ± 0.16 g) were divided into 18,100-L tanks with 20 fish each, and they were fed one of six low FM diets that were both isonitrogenous (300 g/kg) and isocalorific (17 kJ/g). The control diet had no P or HMPhyt supplements (0P + 0HMPhyt), the second diet contained 0.2 g/kg (1000FTU/kg) HMPhyt only (0P + HMPhyt), the third diet contained 100% P (13.0 g/kg) only (100P + 0HMPhyt), and the fourth to the six diets contained 75% (9.8 g/kg) P (75P + HMPhyt), 50% (6.5 g/kg) P (50P + HMPhyt), or 25% (3.3 g/kg) P (25P + HMPhyt). Fish were fed the experimental diets three times each day for 56 days, until they appeared satisfied. In comparison to the control diet (0P + HMPhyt), the results reveal that dietary phytase and/or inorganic P significantly increased Nile tilapia growth indices and feed intake (P < 0.05) than the control group. In contrast, there were no differences in the feed conversion ratio or the percentage of fish that survived among the various fish groups (P > 0.05). In addition, fish fed on P and/or HMPhyt containing diets had significantly greater counts of red and white blood cells, packed cell volume, and hemoglobin, as well as higher intestinal villi width/height, and absorption area compared to the control group. In contrast, higher levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and malondialdehyde were found in fish fed the control diet (0P + HMPhyt), while higher levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, lysozyme, and respiratory burst activity were found in fish fed the inorganic P and/or HMPhyt based diets As a result, dietary HMPhyt (1000 FTU/kg) can totally substitute inorganic P in Nile tilapia diets without having any negative impacts on the fish's welfare or growth.

Nutritional Composition and Estimated Iron and Zinc Bioavailability of Meat Substitutes Available on the Swedish Market.

Transition towards plant-based diets is advocated to reduce the climate footprint. Health implications of a diet composed of meat substitutes are currently unknown, and there are knowledge gaps in their nutritional composition and quality. Samples of available meat substitutes were bought in two convenience stores in the city of Gothenburg, Sweden, and were included in the study. Meat substitutes (n = 44) were analyzed for their contents of dietary fiber, fat, iron, zinc, phytate, salt, total phenolics and protein, as well as for their amino acid and fatty acid composition. Bioavailability of iron and zinc was estimated based on the phytate:mineral molar ratio. We found large variations in the nutritional composition of the analyzed meat substitutes. Amino acid profiles seemed to be affected by processing methods. Mycoprotein products were rich in zinc, with a median content of 6.7 mg/100 g, and had very low content of phytate, which suggests mycoprotein as a good source of zinc. Degradability of fungal cell walls might, however, pose as a potential aggravating factor. None of the products could be regarded as a good source of iron due to very high content of phytate (9 to 1151 mg/100 g) and/or low content of iron (0.4 to 4.7 mg/100 g). Phytate:iron molar ratios in products with iron contents >2.1 mg/100 g ranged from 2.5 to 45. Tempeh stood out as a protein source with large potential due to low phytate content (24 mg/100 g) and an iron content (2 mg/100 g) close to the level of a nutrition claim. Producers of the products analyzed in this study appear to use nutritional claims regarding iron that appear not in line with European regulations, since the iron is in a form not available by the body. Meat substitutes analyzed in this study do not contribute to absorbed iron in a relevant manner. Individuals following mainly plant-based diets have to meet their iron needs through other sources. Salt and saturated fat were high in certain products, while other products were more in line with nutritional recommendations. Further investigation of the nutritional and health effects of protein extraction and extrusion is needed. We conclude that nutritional knowledge needs to be implemented in product development of meat substitutes.

Iron Bioavailability of Maize Is Improved by Degermination for Some but Not All Genotypes: Enhancing Maize Nutrition With Biofortification and Processing

ObjectivesTo evaluate bioavailable Fe, total Fe concentration and phytate concentration of whole and degerminated maize in a diverse panel of 52 genotypes. This work sought to expand upon previous work which identified the germ fraction of the maize kernel as an inhibitory component for Fe bioavailability.MethodsSamples were degerminated manually by scalpel dissection of the germ fraction. Samples were then cooked, lyophilized, and milled to a flour. Iron bioavailability was evaluated with the Caco-2 Cell Bioassay. Iron concentration was measured by ICP-ES. Phytate concentration was determined via a colorimetric assay for total phytate phosphorous (Megazyme Phytate Kit, Megazyme International).ResultsIn 30 of the maize genotypes, bioavailable Fe increased when degerminated, thus indicating a higher fractional Fe uptake as the amount of Fe decreased by more than 70%. The remaining 22 genotypes showed no change or a decrease in Fe bioavailability with degermination. These results confirm previous research showing that the germ fraction is a strong inhibitory component for many maize varieties. Degermination greatly reduced phytate content and phytate:Fe molar ratio; Fe concentrations were positively correlated with phytate, and negatively correlated with phytate:Fe molar ratios for most maize groups. While the high phytate content of the germ fraction likely plays a role, only degerminated yellow maize indicated a significant correlation between Fe bioavailability and phytate concentration, and only pigmented maize indicated a correlation between Fe bioavailability and phytate:Fe molar ratio. Other factors in the maize germ and endosperm fractions are likely relevant to changes in Fe bioavailability.ConclusionsThis study suggests that Fe nutrition from maize can be enhanced by processing (degermination) and or by selecting varieties where the inhibitory effect of the germ fraction is relatively low.Funding SourcesFunded by the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service.

A Nutritional Survey of Local Barley Populations Based on the Mineral Bioavailability, Fatty Acid Profile, and Geographic Distribution of Fusarium Species and the Mycotoxin Zearalenone (ZEN)

Knowledge about the extent of nutrient variability in local barley germplasm is an important prerequisite for efficient crop improvement. The present study is one of the first to assess the potential of Tunisian barley populations (named Testour, Gergis, and Enfidha) as sources of desirable traits for barley improvement and for the prevalence of Fusarium species and the mytoxin zearalenone (ZEN). Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences between barley populations for nutrients density. The lowest phytate/zinc molar ratios were observed in Testour and Enfidha populations with 7.23 and 9.97, respectively. However, the bioavailability of iron of most barley populations (95.4%) was inhibited mainly by the high phytate content. Oleic acid (15.2–18.7%), linoleic acid (13.8–16.01%), and palmitoleic acid (4.7–14.2%) were identified as predominant fatty acid constituents in all three barley populations. Based on morphologic and molecular characterization, Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum were the predominant species that infected Testour, Gergis, and Enfidha populations. The concentration of zearalenone ranged between 0 and 140 µg kg−1. The highest levels of zearalenone, 92 μg kg−1 and 60 μg kg−1, were detected in Testour populations that were infected with F. graminearum and F. culmorum, respectively. These relatively low amounts of zearalenone in barley populations can be attributed to the Tunisian climate and the resistance of local genotypes. Testour and Enfidha barley populations could potentially be used to improve breeding programs for biofortification.

Nutrient variability of rice landraces (Oryza sativa L.) from Manipur, Northeast India and its nutrients supply potential in rice-based diets

PurposeRice landraces are essential for supplying beneficial traits for developing improved rice varieties with better nutritional quality. Nevertheless, in a yield-driven environment, grain nutritional quality has been ignored especially that of rice landraces. Given this, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the content and nutritional variability of rice landraces from Manipur.Design/methodology/approachThirty-three most popular rice landraces were collected as dry paddy samples from Manipur and transported to the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, by air. All the paddy samples were processed and analyzed for 35 nutrient parameters using standard methodologies.FindingsThe mean nutrient content of Nagaland brown rice was: protein 7.5 ± 0.8, fat 3.0 ± 0.3, TDF 5.5 ± 0.4 and ash 1.2 ± 0.2 g/100g. The range of water soluble-vitamin content in mg/100g, was 0.1–0.43 for Thiamine and for Niacin 2.1–3.5, while the content in µg/100g was 40–64 for Riboflavin, 0.5–3.9 for Pantothenic acid and 20–118 for Pyridoxine. A relatively large coefficient of variation was observed for iron (25%), manganese (28%), copper (32%), calcium (13%) and phosphorus (11%). Manipur rice landraces have significantly higher total dietary fiber and lower phytate contents than modern varieties. Milling led to steep losses of nutrients, and limiting to 5% milling substantially improves nutrient retention in milled rice.Research limitations/implicationsFuture nutrition interventions should use rice with superior nutrient quality to improve nutrient intakes. Manipur rice landraces conserved over generations can broaden the genetic base of breeding stocks especially in the face of climate change.Originality/valueThe paper presents comprehensive nutritional data of 33 rice landraces from the state of Manipur, India. The results indicate large nutrient variability even within these 33 rice landraces with important traits such as high total dietary fiber and low phytate contents. The study highlights the importance of conserving the existing rich genetic material of Manipur rice landraces to develop varieties that combine higher yields with stress tolerance and superior grain nutritional value to improve the food and nutrient security.

Nutritional and phytochemical profiles of common pepper (Capsicum spp.) foliage consumed as leafy vegetables in Southeast Nigeria

Pepper foliage is consumed as a secondary plant part and as a traditional leafy vegetable in some climes. The six commonly consumed pepper species namely Cayenne, Anaheim, Bell, Bird’s eye, Scotch Bonnet and Habanero were analysed for their nutrient and phytochemical contents on a fresh weight basis. Proximate composition, vitamins were evaluated while minerals were analysed by the dry ash extraction method. Phytochemicals namely alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids were analysed by gravimetry; tannin and phenols by spectrometry; oxalate by titrimetry and hydrogen cyanide were analysed by alkaline picrate assay. Results indicated a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in the nutrient and phytochemical contents of the pepper foliage. Moisture ranged between 86.90 to 88.6% while their energy densities ranged between 34.33 to 45.66 kcal/100 g. Anahiem had the highest crude protein while Scotch Bonnet had the highest carbohydrate contents of 3.50% and 2.70% respectively. Bird's eye, Bell and Scotch Bonnet had the highest ash, fat and crude fibre contents respectively. The order of concentration of vitamins in the pepper foliage was in this order: Vitamin C &gt; Vitamin A &gt; Vitamin E &gt; Vitamin B2 &gt; Vitamin B1 &gt; Vitamin B3. Scotch Bonnet had the highest calcium and magnesium contents, Cayenne had the highest phosphorus, potassium and iron contents while Anahiem and Bell had the highest zinc and sodium contents respectively. The phytochemical profile indicated that oxalate content of the foliage ranged between 0.14 to 0.28 mg/100 g and this classifies them as low oxalate vegetables. Bird's eye had the highest hydrogen cyanide content (9.45 mg/100 g) while Cayenne had the highest phytate content (12.72%). Results indicated the presence of tannins, alkaloids, phytosterols, phenols, flavonoids and saponins. These phytochemicals in the pepper foliage can be beneficial for human wellbeing based on their health-promoting effects.

Evaluation of nutritional and elemental compositions of green and red cultivars of roselle: Hibiscus sabdariffa L.

Roselle—Hibiscus sabdariffa L. leaves at different stages of growth, calyces and seeds were analyzed for nutritional and anti-nutritional factors. All the treatments contained a good but varied proportion of carbohydrate in a range of 26.93–54.13%, crude protein from 5.7 to 27.06%, crude fat 1.16–13.09%, crude fibre 15.75–36.10%, energy 631.36–1065 kJ, ash 6.08–13.74% and moisture content 6.00–9.7%. The vitamins A, C and E were also found to be present in all the treatments in a different but substantial amount. The calcium, magnesium and iron contents in all the treatments were higher than the recommended daily allowance of 1250, 350, and 15 mg for adults, while the phosphorus and sodium values in all the treatments were below 1000 and 1500 mg RDA for adults. However, the Na + /K + for all the treatments were lower than 1. The values of anti-nutrients in the samples were small except post-flowering red which had high phytate content of 21.02%, although this can be easily reduced during processes like boiling and cooking. Thus, both cultivars of roselle contain high nutritional, elemental, and vitamins compositions and small content of anti-nutrients.

Zinc and its relation to insulin resistance in children

Zinc is an essential trace element involved in catalytic, structural, and regulatory functions, participating also in the metabolism of nutrients. Its role in insulin resistance appears to be of great importance, as it is involved in oxidative stress, the endocrine regulation of insulin, and the regulation of glucose uptake. For this reason, both intake and serum levels of zinc are inversely related to insulin resistance. Currently, zinc intake in children is low, and zinc deficiency exists in a significant proportion. Zinc can be found in meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Although it certainly is present in foods of plant origin, their high phytate contents generally reduce its bioavailability. For this reason, it is important to monitor intake throughout childhood, and to consider supplementation in children with insulin resistance or obesity.

Pregnancy Nutritional Status in Ethiopia

Inadequate quality and quantity diet is one of the major reasons for high levels of malnutrition in pregnant women. Across-sectional survey was conducted in Shashemene District, Southern Oromia Region. A two-stage cluster sampling technique was used to select a representative sample of 15190 pregnant women aged 20-50 years from four rural villages Energy and nutrient intakes from foods were calculated from one-day weighed food records on a sub-sample (n = 83). The result of the study showed that the intakes of most nutrients were lower than the recommended intake. The energy intake of the study participants both in 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy were 2,308 kcal and 1,420.5 kcal compared to the recommended 2,340 kcal and 2,452 kcal, respectively. Except iron, almost all micronutrient intakes were lower than the recommended intake. Vitamin A intake was 3 µg compared with the recommended 800 µg, while protein intake of the study respondents in 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy was 45.9 g and 31.5 g, respectively, compared with the recommended 71 g. Risk factors for under nutrition were multiple pregnancy and no consumption of cereal-based foods. This study revealed that the energy and nutrient intake of the pregnant women in study area was below the recommended intakes. Furthermore, the situation might be aggravated by high phytate content food consumption reported. Nutritional status of pregnant women in study area was not adequate to support the increased energy and nutrient requirement of the participants. requirement of the participants.

Comparative Study of Chemical Composition of Three Different Eggplant Fruit Species

Chemical composition of three different eggplant fruit species was studied using standard methods. Solanum aethiopicum, Solanum melongena and Solanum macrocarpon fruit species were used as samples. Results obtained showed high moisture, phytate and oxalate contents in the investigated fruit species. Vitamin concentrations of the investigated fruits ranged from high to low. One or two of the investigated fruits possessed a higher amount of the chemical compounds than others. This study has shown the comparative study of the chemical composition of three different eggplant fruit species.

Soy Isolate Protein Formula: the usage beyond allergy indication

The usage of soy isolate protein formula for infants was recommended by Indonesian Pediatrics Association (IDAI) through the recommendation of Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) management in 2014. Soy Infant Formula (SIF) has been being used for Infants with Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) as well as for several other related medical indications such as post diarrhea lactose intolerance, galactosemia and primary lactase deficiency1. At early stage of soy formula, it had several deficiencies, infant acceptability, growth, and incomparable with milk-base formula. Current SIF is made from soy protein isolate that contain 2,2 – 2,6 g of protein per 100 calories, it is higher than milk-based formula and both showed same growth and development in Infants2. It contains different fibers, phytate, digestibility, protease inhibitor and proteins. SIF is easily digestible and contain high amino acid content fortified with L-methionine, L-carnitine and taurine. High content of phytate is overcome with zinc and iron fortification as well as increased levels of calcium and phosphor3. American Academy of Pediatrics recommends isolated soy protein-based formulas as a safe and effective alternative for providing appropriate nutrition for normal growth and development for term infants whose nutritional needs are not being met from maternal breast milk or cow’s milk-based formulas3,4.

Zinc Deficiency and Inadequate Zinc Intake among Postpartum Women in Coastal Area of Makassar, Indonesia.

Zinc deficiency was common among women, which mainly determined by adequacy of zinc intake, type of zinc compound in the diet, and presence of inhibitors of zinc absorption. This study aimed to assess the zinc status and zinc intake among postpartum women. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three community health centres located in coastal area of Makassar, Indonesia. Eighty-seven women participated in the study. A short Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency for zinc sources was used to collect dietary data. Venous bloods were drawn from all woman and serum zinc concentrations were measured using QuantiChromTM Zinc Assay Kit (DIZN-250). Pearson correlation tests were undertaken to investigate relationship between zinc intake, phytate intake, and serum zinc concentration. All women were zinc-deficient (<66 mcg/dL) and 21.8% respondents had inadequate zinc intake. The average zinc intake was 15.9 mg/d with rice and legumes were the main contributors to zinc intake (54.10% and 11.33%, respectively). The average phytate intake was 6.5 gram/d, also with rice and legumes as the main contributors (63.30% and 14.97%, respectively). No significant association was observed between zinc intake and serum zinc concentration as well as between phytate intake and serum zinc concentration (r=0.063; p=0.053 and r=0.150; p=0.165, respectively). Postpartum women in coastal area of Makassar were zinc deficient and had low intake of zinc. The main dietary zinc sources were mainly plant source foods which have low bioavailability and high phytate content.

Mineral content of red skinned potatoes of Eastern India

Potato tuber colour is an important factor that influences consumer preferences. Eastern plain region of India contributes about 50% of total potato acreage and production. Consumers in this region generally prefer red skinned varieties. Growing awareness for nutrient rich food can create a niche market for nutritious potatoes. Potato is crop of choice for mineral biofortification owing to better mineral bioavailability due to its high ascorbic acid and minimal phytate content. Iron and zinc are the essentially required minerals for good health. Considering the nutritional importance of these elements and wider prevalence of their deficiency in Indian sub-continent, thirteen Eastern regions red skinned advanced hybrids and varieties were evaluated to find the genetic diversity for iron and zinc content. A significant wide range of contents was observed for both the elements. High heritability of both mineral suggests feasibility of selecting genotypes for breeding nutrient rich varieties. Identified genotypes can be utilised as parental lines for future breeding programme and can be released as nutrient rich potato variety.