Liquid Dietary Supplements Research Articles

Non-Covalent Interaction of Folic Acid and 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate with Caseinates Improves the Folates Stability Studied by Multi-Spectroscopic Analysis and Molecular Docking.

Folates, a crucial B-group vitamin, serve as a significant functional food supplement. Nevertheless, considerable obstacles persist in improving folates stability in liquid products. In this study, folic acid (FA) and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (MTFA), two approved sources of folates, were encapsulated with sodium caseinate (NaCas) to enhance their stability. The protective effect of NaCas on folate molecules was investigated using experimental and computational methods. Meanwhile, the influence of divalent calcium ion (Ca2+) on the properties of the NaCas-MTFA complex was examined to evaluate the potential application of calcium 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (CaMTFA). Fluorescence tests showed both folates had static quenching behavior and bound to NaCas with a binding constant of 104-105 M-1. Hydrophobic interactions were crucial in NaCas-FA complex formation, while hydrogen bonding drove NaCas-MTFA binding. The encapsulation of caseinate notably slowed down the degradation of folates under both light and dark conditions. Moreover, the addition of a low concentration of Ca2+ did not adversely impact the binding mechanism of the NaCas-MTFA complex or the degradation curve of MTFA. The results of this study could serve as a valuable resource for the utilization of caseinates in incorporating folates, specifically MTFA, in the creation of natural liquid dietary supplements.

Optimization and validation of a simple extraction method coupled with ICP-MS for the determination of essential and toxic elements in liquid dietary supplement products

This study aimed to develop and validate a fast, easy, cost-effective, and accurate method for determining Mn, Co, Ni, Cr, Cu, Fe, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, Sb, and Pb in liquid dietary supplements using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Two sample preparation methods were compared: microwave acid digestion and direct analysis after dilution. Both methods provided acceptable recovery values (87.7–111 %), with RSD values up to 6.35 %. The microwave digestion method was validated using various certified reference materials (CRMs) and a proficiency test (PT). Additionally, 34 domestic dietary supplements were analyzed using both methods, and the results were similar. Only one sample exceeded the maximum allowable limit for arsenic, which is 150 mg/kg set by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). Two products had high Fe and Zn levels exceeding the recommended daily allowance (RDA), according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This study demonstrates the effectiveness and advantages of the direct analysis method for measuring essential and toxic elements in liquid dietary supplements. This method promotes green chemistry principles and provides valuable information for ensuring consumer safety and product quality.

Development and validation of an analytical methodology based on solvent extraction and gas chromatography for determining pesticides in royal jelly and propolis

We propose a new analytical methodology to determine seven pesticides (atrazine, chlorpyrifos, chlorfenvinphos, α-endosulfan, bromopropylate, coumaphos, and τ-fluvalinate) in royal jelly and propolis products using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Sample treatment, with minor modifications for propolis, consisted of a solvent extraction with a hexane and isopropanol mixture, and a further clean-up step. Meanwhile, chromatographic analysis (<25 min) was performed in a DB-5MS column under programmed temperature conditions. In all cases we validated the method in terms of selectivity, limits of detection (0.1–2.8 μg kg−1) and quantification (0.3–9.2 μg kg−1), linearity, matrix effect (<±20 %), trueness (recoveries between 93 % and 118 %), and precision (relative standard deviation < 11 %). All royal jelly liquid dietary supplements were positive for chlorfenvinphos and, in the case of one of them, for α-endosulfan; chlorfenvinphos was determined in some fresh royal jelly samples, and no pesticide residues were detected in the propolis samples analysed.

Optimization and Characterization of Spirulina and Chlorella Hydrolysates for Industrial Application.

Chlorella and Spirulina are the most used microalgae mainly as powder, tablets, or capsules. However, the recent change in lifestyle of modern society encouraged the emergence of liquid food supplements. The current work evaluated the efficiency of several hydrolysis methods (ultrasound-assisted hydrolysis UAH, acid hydrolysis AH, autoclave-assisted hydrolysis AAH, and enzymatic hydrolysis EH) in order to develop liquid dietary supplements from Chlorella and Spirulina biomasses. Results showed that, EH gave the highest proteins content (78% and 31% for Spirulina and Chlorella, respectively) and also increased pigments content (4.5mg/mL of phycocyanin and 12µg/mL of carotenoids). Hydrolysates obtained with EH showed the highest scavenging activity (95-91%), allowing us, with the other above features, to propose this method as convenient for liquid food supplements development. Nevertheless, it has been shown that the choice of hydrolysis method depended on the vocation of the product to be prepared.

Efficacy of Hydroxytyrosol-Rich Food Supplements on Reducing Lipid Oxidation in Humans.

In the present study we report the efficacy of two food supplements derived from olives in reducing lipid oxidation. To this end, 12 healthy volunteers received a single dose (25 mL) of olive phenolics, mainly hydroxytyrosol (HT), provided as a liquid dietary supplement (30.6 or 61.5 mg HT), followed by an investigation of two reliable markers of oxidative stress. Blood and urine samples were collected at baseline and at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, and 12 h post-intake. Plasma-oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) cholesterol levels were measured with ELISA using a monoclonal antibody, while F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) were quantified in urine with UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS. Despite the great variability observed between individuals, a tendency to reduce lipoxidation reactions was observed in the blood in response to a single intake of the food supplements. In addition, the subgroup of individuals with the highest baseline oxLDL level showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in F2-IsoPs at 0.5 and 12 h post-intervention. These promising results suggest that HT supplementation could be a useful aid in preventing lipoxidation. Additionally, people with a redox imbalance could benefit even more from supplementing with bioavailable HT.

Effects of metabiotic Bacillus subtilis for microbiocenosis formation in early-weaned piglets

This paper discusses the results of research related to cultivation of the probiotic microorganism B. subtilis on a grain-based nutrient medium of naked oat (Avena nuda) and studies the possibility of using metabolites as a liquid dietary supplement to correct microbiocenosis gastrointestinal tract disorders in early-weaned piglets. The weight fraction of proteinogenic amino acids in the experimental probiotic suspensions was determined by means of capillary electrophoresis. The metabolic activity of Bacillus subtilis DSM-32424 strain was studied on both sprouted as well as non-sprouted naked oat (Avena nuda) ‘Nemchinovsky’ variety grain-based nutrient medium. It was proved that the maximum microbial count reached 4.9×107 CFU/cm3 on the 6th day of cultivation on the medium based on sprouted naked oat. The use of dietary supplement based on Bacillus subtilis DSM-32424 strain in amount of at least 1×109 CFU/pig had a positive impact in terms of the formation of microbiocenosis in animals at the time of transferring piglets to plant diet.

Laboratory breeding of two Phortica species (Diptera: Drosophilidae), vectors of the zoonotic eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda

BackgroundSome species of drosophilid flies belonging to the genus Phortica feed on ocular secretions of mammals, acting as biological vectors of the zoonotic eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda. This study describes an effective breeding protocol of Phortica variegata and Phortica oldenbergi in insectary conditions.MethodsAlive gravid flies of P. oldenbergi, P. variegata and Phortica semivirgo were field collected in wooded areas of Lazio region (Italy) and allowed to oviposit singularly to obtain isofamilies. Flies were maintained in ovipots (200 ml) with a plaster-covered bottom to maintain high humidity level inside. Adult feeding was guaranteed by fresh apples and a liquid dietary supplement containing sodium chloride and mucin proteins, while larval development was obtained by Drosophila-like agar feeding medium. The breeding performances of two media were compared: a standard one based on cornmeal flour and an enriched medium based on chestnut flour. All conditions were kept in a climatic chamber with a photoperiod of 14:10 h light:dark, 26 ± 2 °C and 80 ± 10% RH.ResultsFrom a total of 130 field-collected Phortica spp., three generations (i.e. F1 = 783, F2 = 109, F3 = 6) were obtained. Phortica oldenbergi was the species with highest breeding performance, being the only species reaching F3. Chestnut-based feeding medium allowed higher adult production and survival probability in both P. oldenbergi and P. variegata. Adult production/female was promising in both species (P. oldenbergi: 13.5 F1/f; P. variegata: 4.5 F1/f).ConclusionsThis standardized breeding protocol, based on controlled climatic parameters and fly densities, together with the introduction of an enriched chestnut-based feeding medium, allowed to investigate aspects of life history traits of Phortica spp. involved in the transmission of T. callipaeda. Obtaining F3 generation of these species for the first time paved the road for the establishment of stable colonies, an essential requirement for future studies on these vectors in controlled conditions.Graphical abstract

Sampling Plan for a Study of Cranberry Dietary Supplements (DS) for the Dietary Supplement Ingredient Database (DSID)

ObjectivesThe intake of cranberry juice or supplements has been found in several, but not all, clinical studies to reduce the recurrence of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Several studies indicate that cranberry proanthocyanidins (PACs) may have a role in UTI prevention due to their ability to inhibit bacterial adhesion. For cranberry DS products on the US market, the relationship between PAC content and the cranberry source (e.g., powder, juice, extract) used in formulations is largely unknown. Therefore, a sampling plan was developed to identify and purchase DS for PAC testing as part of the Dietary Supplement Ingredient Database project. This will include popular cranberry DS, those used in clinical trials, and products with a variety of label claims and source ingredients. MethodsDS usage data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and retail sales data were used to identify the most popular cranberry DS in the natural health (NH), mass market (MM), and direct distribution sales channels. Other sources of information were the Dietary Supplement Label Database and web-based DS sellers. Three DS label categories were identified: those with a trademarked cranberry ingredient, those without a trademarked cranberry ingredient, and those with a numeric PAC claim. Some products may fall into two categories. Most products chosen for the study had cranberry as the primary ingredient by weight. Popular products with D-mannose and vitamin C were also included. ResultsIn the first phase of this study, we purchased 41 DSs (18 MM, 11 NH, and 12 direct). Our sample included caplets, capsules, soft gels, tablets, and liquid DSs. Cranberry source materials for the DSs included extracts, concentrates, powder, juice, and whole fruit. Fifteen (15) supplements had trademarked cranberry ingredients and 9 had a specific voluntary claim for PAC content. ConclusionsIn 2020, cranberries were the 6th ranked herbal ingredient sold in the US, according to the Nutrition Business Journal. The range of PAC content in the diverse cranberry DSs on the market is currently not known, since there is no requirement for this information on labels. This study will answer questions about the PAC content in a variety of DSs and whether multiple laboratories testing using the dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde (DMAC) method will yield similar results. Funding SourcesNIH ODS and the USDA.

Specialized sports nutrition products using protein hydrolysis compositions of collagen-containing fish raw materials

The development of specialized sports nutrition with components of collagen-containing fish raw materials is due to the shortage of domestic products of this group, the problem of fish waste processing, scientific data on bioactive peptides of marine origin. Low-molecular active peptides and protein-mineral compositions in the form of powder and liquid dietary supplements were obtained from the scales of sardine and sardinella by methods of deep hydrolysis. During the hydrolysis of raw materials, fermentolysis was carried out with the Alcalase 2.5L enzyme, thermohydrolysis - at temperatures of 130-140 °C. The chemical composition of the scales of two fish species, the products of its hydrolysis, and the amino acid composition of its proteins have been studied. The amount of low-molecular-weight peptides in hydrolysates of sardine scales was investigated by various methods of hydrolysis. Rational methods of hydrolysis of scales - enzymatic and enzymatic-thermal - have been substantiated. They make it possible to obtain protein supplements with protein content of 83.9-85.2 % with a proportion of active peptides with a molecular weight of less than 10 kDa 91.7-98.1 %. A technology for obtaining protein supplements from fish scales has been developed, and their amino acid composition has been studied. The presence of irreplaceable and ergogenic amino acids, accompanying nitrogenous compounds, valuable in sports nutrition, was shown in the peptide supplement. An increased content of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in the protein-mineral dietary supplement being important for the musculoskeletal tissues of an athlete has been established. On the basis of protein supplements in dry and liquid forms with the addition of beekeeping products, the technology of chewing marmalade for sports nutrition has been developed. Bioproduct "Apikolltonus" belongs to the class of gainers with a protein content of 20.5 %, a carbohydrate of 41.6 % with an amino acid value of BCAA (isoleucine : leucine : valine) 2 : 1 : 1.5. A multicomponent bar for sports nutrition has been developed using protein hydrolysates of scales, flaxseed and apple cakes, and pine nuts. The bar is functional in terms of the content of calcium and phosphorus, dietary fiber, flavonoids, and vitamin E. Recommendations for the use of new sports nutrition products are substantiated.

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for cystic fibrosis.

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for cystic fibrosis.

Authentication of black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) dietary supplements based on chemometric evaluation of hydroxycinnamic acid esters and hydroxycinnamic acid amides.

Ester and amide derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acids are found in black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) and other Actaea plants. These two compound groups were evaluated for authentication of black cohosh dietary supplements. The hydroxycinnamic acid esters (HCAE) were profiled by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection (UPLC-PDA). The hydroxycinnamic acid amides (HCAA) were acquired simultaneously by mass spectrometry-multiple reaction monitoring (UPLC-MRM) mode. In contrast with the traditional HCAE method using 8 compounds, profiles of HCAA using only 4 feruloyl dopamine-O-hexosides was more convenient for peak by peak comparison. Partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was applied to both HCAE and HCAA datasets. Authenticated plant samples of five Actaea species were randomly divided into training and test sets to build and validate the two PLS-DA models. Both models provided reasonable estimates for the classification of A. racemosa and other Actaea plant samples. However, HCAA model performs better in sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Assessment of supplement samples provided quite different results for the solid and liquid dietary supplement samples, indicating the dosage form could affect the composition of marker compounds. Graphical abstract.

Fast analysis of caffeinated beverages using laser diode thermal desorption mass spectrometry (LDTD-MS/MS)

ABSTRACTA rapid method for quantitative caffeine analysis in carbonated and non-carbonated beverages and liquid dietary supplement products was developed based on the direct sample introduction technique of laser diode thermal desorption atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation with tandem mass spectrometry (LDTD-MS/MS). Product samples were diluted with a mixture of methanol, water, and d3-caffeine internal standard. Sample aliquots were filtered, spotted on a metal-lined LDTD microtitre plate, dried, and thermally desorbed for subsequent ionisation and analysis by MS/MS analysis. Each sample required a 6 s desorption, and sample-to-sample analysis time of less than 30 s per sample. Caffeine yielded a linear calibration curve over the range 0.5–100 μg mL−1 (R2 > 0.995). Caffeine recoveries from fortified samples ranged from 97% to 107% with <5% RSD. The caffeine determination was not affected by matrix interferences despite the large range of ingredients, vitamins, sweeteners, extracts, and additives present in the products tested, even though LDTD-MS/MS is a whole-sample desorption technique with no separation of matrix background. The method detection limit was below 0.12 μg mL−1. The method was applied to 33 caffeinated products and LDTD-MS/MS quantitative results closely correlated (R2 > 0.998) with the regulatory standard HPLC-UV method (AOAC Official Method 979.08).

Comparative study to evaluate the voluntary acceptance of two liquid oral formulations of ciclosporin in dogs

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine and compare the voluntary acceptance of two oral liquid formulations of ciclosporin, investigational Atopica® oral solution (Elanco Animal Health) and Cyclavance® Oral Solution (Virbac), when given orally via syringe or offered freely after mixing with food to dogs.Twenty-five adult mixed breed dogs were selected for this two-phase study. In Phase 1, 12 (Group I) and 13 (Group II) dogs received Atopica® oral solution and Cyclavance® Oral Solution, respectively, daily for 7 days via an oral syringe. After a 3-day washout period, the dosing was switched for a further 7 days. For Phase 2, dosing was by acceptance from freely offered test article mixed in a small amount of food, approximately 6 h after the routine morning feeding. During the first part of this phase, normal daily ration of food offered in the morning was continuously left in the cage. Group I was offered Atopica® oral solution and Group II was offered Cyclavance® Oral Solution mixed with ~ 25 g of food for 3 days. After another 2-day washout period, the test articles were switched for another 3 days but the animals received food for only 1 h in the morning. Five hours after the food was removed, the test articles with food were offered in the same manner as in the first part of Phase 2. Animals were also monitored for adverse events (AEs).ResultsDuring Phase I, voluntary acceptance rates of 100 and 98.9% were noted for Atopica® oral solution and Cyclavance® Oral Solution, respectively. The corresponding immediate prehension rates during Phase 2 (Period 1) were 61.1 and 56.4%, respectively. During Phase 2 (Period 2), the immediate prehension rates were 69.2, 69.4 and 92.0% for Atopica® oral solution, Cyclavance® Oral Solution and the positive control (DYNE®; High Calorie Liquid Dietary Supplement), respectively. Two adverse events of diarrhea and vomiting, with a probable relationship to the test articles, were reported.ConclusionThere was no significant difference in acceptance of the two oral ciclosporin solutions, the investigational Atopica® oral solution (Elanco) and Cyclavance® (Virbac) for dogs.

Development and validation of UHPLC–MS/MS methods for determination of neonicotinoid insecticides in royal jelly-based products

In this study, new methods have been proposed to determine seven neonicotinoid insecticides (dinotefuran, nitenpyram, thiamethoxam, clothianidin, imidacloprid, acetamiprid and thiacloprid) in royal jelly-based products, by means of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole-time-of-flight mass detector. Efficient sample treatments (with average analyte recoveries between 83% and 109%) involving solid-phase extraction (polymeric sorbent, Strata® X) and a dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, were proposed to determine these neonicotinoids in liquid dietary supplements containing freeze-dried royal jelly and fresh royal jelly, respectively. Chromatographic analysis (8 min) was performed on a core-shell technology-based column (Kinetex® EVO C18). Both methods were fully validated and the data demonstrated that they are consistent, reliable and have a wide linear range of applicability. Low limits of quantification, ranging from 2.5 to 9.5 μg/kg, were obtained in all cases, and it was necessary to employ matrix-matched standards for correct quantification of three of the compounds in each of the royal jelly-based products. Finally, the proposed methods were applied to neonicotinoid analysis of royal jelly-based products from different Spanish regions.

Microbial community response to silver nanoparticles and Ag+ in nitrifying activated sludge revealed by ion semiconductor sequencing

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which are known to act as biocides, are incorporated into medical and consumer products including athletic clothing, stuffed animals, liquid dietary supplements, and more. The increasing use of AgNPs in these products is likely to lead to their entry into both natural and engineered systems, which has the potential to disrupt bacterial processes including those involved in nutrient cycling in wastewater treatment. In the present study, sequencing batch reactors (SBR) mimicking secondary wastewater treatment were operated to determine the effects of AgNPs on the microbial communities contained within activated sludge of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). SBRs were treated with 0.2 and 2ppm of either gum Arabic (GA)-coated AgNPs, citrate (Ca)-coated AgNPs, or Ag+ as AgNO3. Cell samples were collected and DNA isolated periodically throughout SBR operation. DNA was used for Ion Torrent Next Gen Sequencing of the V3 region of the 16S rDNA gene. Subsequent analyses revealed that the microbial community both shifted and recovered quickly in response to Ag+. Both AgNP treatments resulted in slower initial community shifts than that observed with the Ag+ treatment. GA-AgNPs elicited the longest lasting effect. Additional examination of nitrogen removal bacteria suggested the possibility of an increase in sludge bulking species with increased concentrations of AgNPs in WWTPs. This study supports the hypothesis that Ag+ release from AgNPs is largely coating-dependent and thus a key driver in dictating AgNP toxicity.

Evaluation of alcohol content and metal impurities in liquid dietary supplements by sHSS-GC-FID and GFAAS techniques

Despite efforts by many dietary supplements’ manufactures to reduce or replace ethanol, many products containing ethanol in concentrations up to 70% are available on market. Furthermore, botanical dietary supplements can vary in metal content as a function of the environment, processing equipment and product containers. Therefore, the aim of study was to develop a new rapid and highly sensitive method for simultaneous determination of ethanol and its impurities in dietary supplements by sHSS-GC-FID technique. In addition, contamination with metals by GFAAS technique was evaluated. The proposed sHSS-GC-FID method was successfully applied for analysis of 93 samples containing various amounts of ethanol. It should be highlighted that the dramatic variation from manufacture’s claims was found in even one third of products. Furthermore, high amounts of ethanol were found in several products especially designed for children and in one product labeled as “alcohol-free”. Metal impurities were below the limits established by USP.

Omega-3 fatty acids for cystic fibrosis

Studies suggest that a diet rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids may have beneficial anti-inflammatory effects for chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis. This is an updated version of a previously published review. To determine whether there is evidence that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation reduces morbidity and mortality and to identify any adverse events associated with supplementation. We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Trials Register comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. Authors and persons interested in the subject of the review were contacted.Date of last search: 13 August 2013. Randomised controlled trials in people with cystic fibrosis comparing omega-3 fatty acid supplements with placebo. Two authors independently selected studies for inclusion, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the studies. The searches identified 15 studies; four studies with 91 participants (children and adults) were included; duration of studies ranged from six weeks to six months. Two studies were judged to be at low risk of bias based on adequate randomisation but this was unclear in the other two studies. Three of the studies adequately blinded patients, however, the risk of bias was unclear in all studies with regards to allocation concealment and selective reporting.Two studies compared omega-3 fatty acids to olive oil for six weeks. One study compared a liquid dietary supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids to one without for six months. One study compared omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids to a control (capsules with customised fatty acid blends) for three months. Only one short-term study (19 participants) comparing omega-3 to placebo reported a significant improvement in lung function and Shwachman score and a reduction in sputum volume in the omega-3 group. Another study (43 participants) demonstrated a significant increase in serum phospholipid essential fatty acid content and a significant drop in the n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio following omega-3 fatty acid supplementation compared to control. The longer-term study (17 participants) demonstrated a significant increase in essential fatty acid content in neutrophil membranes and a significant decrease in the leukotriene B4 to leukotriene B5 ratio in participants taking omega-3 supplements compared to placebo. This review found that regular omega-3 supplements may provide some benefits for people with cystic fibrosis with relatively few adverse effects, although evidence is insufficient to draw firm conclusions or recommend routine use of these supplements in people with cystic fibrosis. This review has highlighted the lack of data for many outcomes meaningful to people with or making treatment decisions about cystic fibrosis. A large, long-term, multicentre, randomised controlled study is needed to determine any significant therapeutic effect and to assess the influence of disease severity, dosage and duration of treatment. Future researchers should note the need for additional pancreatic enzymes.

Preoperative oral supplementation support in patients with esophageal cancer.

Surgeries for cancer of the esophagus are still associated with a high rate of postoperative morbidity. There are few reports of perioperative nutritional support for patients undergoing esophageal cancer surgery, and there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine use of immunonutrition in these patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether preoperative immunonutrition positively influences key clinical outcomes such as postoperative infectious complications, mortality, length of hospital stay, and short-term survival in this population. We undertook a retrospective investigation of the effects of preoperative nutritional support on the postoperative course of esophageal cancer surgery at the Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, International University of Health and Welfare Mita Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. Fifty-five patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer were included in this study. Of the 55 patients, 26 patients consumed a liquid dietary supplement (IMPACT group) before surgery and 29 patients did not (STANDARD group). Before surgery, the IMPACT group consumed 750 ml (3 packs)/day of Impact for 5 consecutive days. The analysis was based on postoperative complications, hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, and short-term survival. Significantly fewer patients developed postoperative infections in the IMPACT group compared with the STANDARD group (p=.007): 4 of 21 patients in the IMPACT group and 10 of 29 patients in the STANDARD group. Either an infectious complication or another complication developed in 8 patients in the IMPACT group and 13 patients in the STANDARD group, with the result that 6 patients in the STANDARD group died of postoperative complications (p=.001). The duration of hospitalization was 34 days in the IMPACT group and 48 days in the STANDARD group; hence, hospitalization was significantly shorter in patients treated with Impact (p=.008). The mean 6-month survival rates for the IMPACT group and the STANDARD group were 92% (24/26) and 72% (21/29), respectively (p=.028). Simple preoperative supplementation significantly improved outcome. Administration of the supplemental diet before esophageal surgery appeared to be an effective strategy in reducing infectious complications, mortality, and hospitalization, and improving short-term survival.

Rapid Determination of Silver in Nanobased Liquid Dietary Supplements Using a Portable X-ray Fluorescence Analyzer

This paper reports a rapid and straightforward method for the quantitation of total Ag content in nanobased commercially available liquid dietary supplements using a portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analyzer. Figures of merits were evaluated by analyzing a series of AgNO3 standards. This method was shown to have a detection limit of 3 ppm, a quantitation limit of 10 ppm, and a broad linear range from the detection limit to 10000 ppm (1%). Accurate detection and quantitation of Ag content in well-characterized Ag nanoparticle samples and in nanobased liquid dietary supplements were achieved with good correlation (i.e., percentage difference average values under 15%) between the total Ag concentration obtained by the pXRF analyzer and by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Furthermore, accurate quantitation of Ag in the presence of high concentrations of potential spectral interferences was also demonstrated.

Determination of Eleutherosides in Dietary Supplements by LC–MS/MS

A simple and specific method for the simultaneous determination of eleutherosides B and E in powdered rhizomes of Eleutherococcus senticosus extract and in solid and liquid dietary supplements was developed and validated. E.senticosus extracts, often mixed with other plants or herbal extracts, are widely used in food supplements because of the tonic and adaptogenic activities referred to the eleutherosides B and E. In this study, samples were analyzed by a liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI-MS/MS) method operated in single reaction monitoring (SRM). Validation was carried out in terms of limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), linearity, precision and trueness. LOD and LOQ values were fixed at 3 μg L−1 and 10 μg L−1, respectively, whereas linearity was established within 10–1,000 μg L−1 range for both compounds. Good precision was obtained for both eleutherosides in terms of intra-day precision (RSD % lower than 4 %) and inter-day precision (RSD % lower than 6 %). Good percentage recoveries were obtained for both eleutherosides (91.5–103.6 %). Finally, the developed method was successfully applied to analyze a number of solid and liquid commercial dietary supplements containing E. senticosus extracts, also mixed with other herbal extracts.