Meal Replacement Research Articles

Heat penetration and quality attributes of superheated steam sterilization (SHS) home meal replacement (HMR) meat products stew

Retort sterilization (RTS) is essential for the production of shelf-stable home meal replacement (HMR)-type Korean foods. However, the thermal abuse caused by excessive retort processing can result in quality degradation. Short processing times can minimize quality degradation and nutritional loss during sterilization. The potential of superheated steam sterilization (SHS) for producing shelf-stable HMR was investigated. The effect of SHS at 140 °C on HMR meat products stew was compared with that of RTS. SHS allowed a rapid temperature increase in the sausages and spam. In the sterilization equivalence of sausage, SHS at 140 °C and 1 s showed the F0 value of 34.7 ± 5.9 which could sufficiently satisfy the microbial safety standard of F0 values at 7–10 min. Thermal doses of SHS treated sausage was 97 ± 9 k°C·s which has lesser values (119 ± 9 k°C·s) than that of RTS. The sausage hardness after SHS was 107.7 ± 13.3 N, which has lower thermal degradation than the 78.9 ± 7.1 N observed after RTS. This study demonstrates the potential of SHS treatment for maintaining the quality of sterilized HMR products.

Unraveling the potential of non-thermal ultrasonic contact drying for enhanced functional and structural attributes of pea protein isolates: A comparative study with spray and freeze-drying methods

The challenge of preserving the quality of thermal-sensitive polymeric materials specifically proteins during a thermal drying process has been a subject of ongoing concern. To address this issue, we investigated the use of ultrasound contact drying (USD) under non-thermal conditions to produce functionalized pea protein powders. The study extensively examined functional and physicochemical properties of pea protein isolate (PPI) in powder forms obtained through three drying methods: USD (30 °C), spray drying (SD), and freeze drying (FD). Additionally, physical attributes such as powder flowability and color, along with morphological properties, were thoroughly studied. The results indicated that the innovative USD method produced powders of comparable quality to FD and significantly outperformed SD. Notably, the USD-PPI exhibited higher solubility across all pH levels compared to both FD-PPI and SD-PPI. Moreover, the USD-PPI samples demonstrated improved emulsifying and foaming properties, a higher percentage of random coil form (56.2 %), increased gel strength, and the highest bulk and tapped densities. Furthermore, the USD-PPI displayed a unique surface morphology with visible porosity and lumpiness. Overall, this study confirms the effectiveness of non-thermal ultrasound contact drying technology in producing superior functionalized plant protein powders, showing its potential in the fields of chemistry and sustainable materials processing.

JUSTIFICATION OF THE CONSTRUCTIVE-TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN OF THE FEED PELLETIZER

Increasing production and improving the quality of protein feeds, as one of the most important tasks in increasing the productivity of animals and poultry, can be achieved through the improvement of the meal processing technology, which is currently limited to grinding with subsequent incorporation into compound feeds. The advanced processing technology of meal developed at the Institute of Oil Crops, through the introduction of an additional mechanical fractionation operation of the ground meal into protein and husk fractions, allows for the extraction of more than 40 % of protein powder with a protein content of not less than 38 %. In addition to avoiding rapid oxidation, thanks to the granulation process, the storage volumes of pellets in warehouses will be reduced, and transportation costs will be minimized. Therefore, addressing the mechanization of meal processing through the improvement of technology and equipment for separating it into protein granules and husk fuel briquettes is quite relevant. The purpose – experimentally justify the constructive-technological parameters of the feed pelletizer. A screw installation design for manufacturing feed pellets from the protein fraction of oilseed meal has been developed as part of the technological line. The optimal design and technological parameters of the pellet manufacturing installation are a material feeding rate of q = 35.7 kg/h, a rotational speed of the working element of n = 50.5 rpm, and a moisture content of the protein fraction of W = 28.9%. In this case, the power of the installation is P = 973 W, and its productivity is Q = 48 kg/h.

Effect of Ultrasonic-Assisted Enzymatic Hydrolysis on Functional Properties and Antioxidant Activity of Eri Silkworm Pupa Protein Isolate

Philosamia ricini (Eri silkworm) pupa protein isolate (EPI) was utilized to prepare pupa protein hydrolysate (EPIH) through enzymatic hydrolysis. Additionally, the isolate underwent ultrasonic treatment at 20 kHz to become ultrasound pretreated EPI (EPIU), which was then enzymatically hydrolyzed to obtain ultrasound pretreated protein hydrolysate (EPIUH). The physicochemical properties of these samples were investigated, including molecular weight, solubility, foaming and emulsion properties, water- and oil-holding capacity, antioxidant activity, and color. When compared to EPI (used as the control), EPIU exhibited a high degree of hydrolysis at 20 minutes ( DH = 29.24 % ). At a total process time of 20 minutes, the degree of hydrolysis for EPIH, EPIU, and EPIUH was found to be 13%, 29%, and 41%, respectively. SDS-PAGE analysis indicated no difference in molecular weight between EPI and EPIU (11–75 kDa). However, the molecular weight profiles of EPIH and EPIUH were reduced (8–45 kDa), resulting in changes in protein functionalities. The high DH value contributed to the enhancement of antioxidant activity, solubility, emulsion capacity, emulsion stability, and foam capacity of the protein isolate at pH 7. Furthermore, the ultrasonic pretreatment of the protein hydrolysate increased the lightness of the protein powder by reducing the enzyme activity of the polyphenol oxidase (PPO). These results suggest that ultrasonic pretreatment of the protein hydrolysate could be applied to improve the properties of Eri silkworm pupa protein for use in the food and beverage industry, such as protein-rich beverages or salad dressings.

Development of Fortified Biscuit with Acid and Sweet Whey Proteins and Its Effects on Body Weight, Indices of Body Composition and Antioxidant Capacity in Rats

The effect of sweet (SW) and acid whey (AW) proteins on body weight (BW) and composition (BC), and antioxidant capacity (AC) is uncertain. We dehydrated SW and AW proteins obtained from local white cheese and labneh production lines, developed biscuits containing these protein powders and evaluated biscuits' sensory attributes and proximate nutrient contents, and investigated their effects on BW, indices of BC, and AC in rats. Four types of biscuit were prepared: plain (PB), albumin (ALB), SWB, and AWB. Five isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets containing Albumin (control), PB, ALB, SWB, and AWB were used. Sixty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used, 10 were sacrificed at the start, and the remainder were randomly assigned to the five diet groups (10 rats/ group) and fed for four weeks. BW, food (FI) and water (WI) intake, food efficiency ratio (FER), serum AC, liver weight (LW), Lee index (LI), body mass index (BMI), length, and abdomen (AS) and chest (CC) circumferences were measured following standard protocols. AW was higher in ash and fat whereas lower in carbohydrates but similar to SW in protein and moisture contents. ALB had the highest protein content, AWB had the most increased fat and ash contents, and SWB had the highest moisture content. PB had the highest carbohydrates and the lowest ash contents among the other biscuits. PB and SWB were the best in all sensory attributes tested and the overall acceptability compared to other biscuits. The four biscuit diets kept similar BW, whereas the control diet kept the highest BMI, LI, and LW, which was also not significantly different from the initial group. Animals fed the PB diet had the most increased length, abdomen, AS, and CC, whereas these measurements were lowest in animals fed SWB and AWB diets which were not different from the control. Animals fed the AWB diet had the highest WI, but all other diets were not significantly different from the control diet in FI and FER. Serum AC was the highest in animals fed SWB and AWB diets that were insignificantly different from the initial group, whereas it was the lowest in PB and AWB diets. Given their sensory attributes and effects on AC and BW status, SW and AW may be used as protein substitutes in bakery products; however, further studies are warranted.
 Keywords: Body weight, Sweet whey, Acidic whey, Proximate nutrients, Body composition, Antioxidant capacity, Rat.

Assessing the need to use sport supplements: The mediating role of sports supplement beliefs

AimSport supplement use by athletes can lead to unintentional anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs) due to the contamination of prohibited substances. This phenomenon underscores the need for athletes to reconsider their supplement use and assess their safety, efficacy, and necessity—a process we referred to as ‘reconsideration of supplement use’. Additionally, a body of research using the Sport Supplement Beliefs Scale (SSBS) has shown that when an athlete believes that supplements improve performance, they may be more likely to progress to doping in the future. However, most research is conducted in English speaking countries and there is a lack of validated measures in other languages. Therefore, in this multi-study research, we validated a Japanese version of the SSBS (Study 1) and examined relationships between perceived risk of ADRV due to supplements, reconsideration of supplement use, sports supplement beliefs and sport supplement use (Study 2). MethodsIn Study 1, we created a Japanese version of the SSBS (SSBS-J) using back-translation. In order to evaluate the reliability and validity of the scale, we utilized data from 356 university athletes, which were divided into two distinct cohorts, who reported their frequency and number of supplements used. Internal consistency and fit of the SSBS-J were evaluated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and the scale's ability to determine supplement use was assessed using linear regression analysis and t-tests. In Study 2, 525 university athletes (64.6 % men, Mage = 18.7 ± 0.7 years) were asked to complete measures related to the perceived risk of committing an ADRV due to supplement use, SSBS-J and sport supplement use. ResultsIn Study 1, the SSBS-J showed high internal consistency (α = 0.876), a one-factor structure similar to the original version, and good model fit. Linear regression indicated that the SSBS-J scores were significantly associated with the frequency and number of supplements used and differences were found between scores of supplement users (21.51 ± 6.54) and non-users (16.48 ± 6.14) (p < .001). Discriminant analysis correctly classified 64.7 % of supplement users and 61.0 % of non-users. In Study 2, ADRV awareness was indirectly related to sport supplement use via sport supplement beliefs (p < .001). ConclusionsOur findings suggest that ADRV awareness can influence reconsideration of supplement use and subsequently deter supplement use mediated by sport supplement beliefs. These insights emphasize the importance of promoting doping risk awareness, revisiting supplement use, and mitigating sport supplement beliefs to reduce inappropriate or unnecessary supplement use among athletes. From an anti-doping perspective, this insight is valuable in guiding athlete education regarding supplement use.

Regulation and control of the use of Cannabis and Cannabidiol in „novel foods”

Cannabis sativa L. is a medicinal plant from family Cannabaceae with many pharmacological activities. The recent appearance of a number of cannabis products in the pharmaceutical market has led to increased requirements for regulation and quality control. The control of Cannabis sativa L. is subject to the Psychotropic Substances Convention, which includes the addictive psychoactive delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and to the Narcotic Drugs Convention, which includes the illicit products: herbal and liquid cannabis, resin, extracts and tinctures of flowering or fruiting tops containing THC. Approved by the FDA for use in chemotherapy are Marinol caps. (THC) and Cesamet caps., containing the synthetic THC-derivative Nabilon. There is no harmonized European Union legislation on the use of cannabis and Cannabidiol (CBD), which antagonizes the THC-psychotropic effect. Legitimate products include seeds, oil, extracts, and seed tinctures of the industrial cannabis chemotype, containing primarily Cannabidiol and less than 0.2% THC. Sativex oral spray (THC/CBD = 1:1) is approved for muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis. Cannabidiol was not used as a food ingredient in the European Union before 15.05.1997 and is a „novel food” according to Regulation 2015/2283. Flour; protein powder and cannabis seed oil are not „novel foods”. Cannabidiol as Epidiolex is FDA approved for epilepsy forms Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet.

Perceived Body Size in Relation to 10-Year Weight Change in the Swedish Obese Subjects Intervention Study

Introduction: Body size underestimation in patients with obesity may be associated with long-term weight increase. In the current report, we analyse changes in body size perception in patients with obesity undergoing either bariatric surgery or usual obesity care, and in subgroups of patients who gain weight or maintain their body weight over 10 years. Materials and Methods: A total of 2,504 patients with obesity from the prospective, controlled Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) intervention study were included in this report, 1,370 patients underwent bariatric surgery and 1,134 patients were usual care controls. Weight was measured and body size was self-estimated using the Stunkard’s figure rating scale at baseline and after 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 10 years of follow-up. A body perception index (BPI) was calculated as estimated/measured BMI. Weight (re)gain was defined as ≥10% increase between 1 and 10 years of follow-up. Results: Body size was underestimated by 12% in the surgery and 14% in the control group (i.e., >5 BMI units) at baseline and underestimation largely persisted over 10 years in both intervention groups. When stratified by long-term weight development, weight regainers from the surgery group underestimated their body size to a larger degree compared to weight maintainers (12 vs. 9%, p < 0.001) after 10 years. Likewise weight gainers in the control group also underestimated their body size to a larger degree (17% vs. 13%, p < 0.001). In both groups, the change in BPI was significantly different between weight regainers and maintainers during follow-up (time-BPI interactions both p < 0.001). Conclusion: Patients with obesity underestimate their body size and this underestimation remains long-term even after major weight loss induced by bariatric surgery. In patients with obesity who maintain their weight, regardless of treatment, underestimation of body size persists but body size perception is slightly more accurate compared to patients who gain or regain weight long-term.

Improved fecal particle size profile in Rainbow Trout fed feeds containing different ratios of animal meal and plant protein concentrates: Effect on nitrogen and phosphorus partitioning

AbstractObjectiveOur objective in this study was to evaluate the effects of fish meal replacement with plant and animal protein sources accompanied by a feed binder on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) partitioning in Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss feces.MethodsThree diets in which fish meal (FM; reference diet) was completely replaced with a combination of poultry meal (PM), corn protein concentrate, soy protein concentrate, and guar gum (binder) were evaluated to determine the portioning of N and P in fecal particle size‐classes (fines: &lt;0.6 mm; mid‐size particles: 0.6–1.2 mm; large particles: &gt;1.2 mm) and compared with a commercial feed for Rainbow Trout. Feces were evaluated for particle size composition and the content of total N (TN) and total P (TP) in each size‐class.ResultThere was a significant difference in fecal particle size composition for trout fed the experimental diets compared to those given the commercial feed. Fish that received the four experimental diets produced feces with approximately 43% large particles and 24% fines compared to 6% and 67% for trout that were fed the commercial diet. The TN in feces was significantly higher for trout that were fed the FM diet (3.84%) than for trout fed the FM‐free diets, and TN also declined linearly (2.68, 1.91, and 1.59%) as the content of PM was replaced with plant‐based protein. A diet × particle size interaction effect on fecal N content was also observed in which a significant increase in TN from large particles compared with fines occurred for the experimental FM diet, but there was little difference between size‐classes for the non‐FM‐based feeds. The feces of trout fed the FM diet contained more TP (100,007 μg/g) than the feces of fish receiving the FM‐free diets (46,751–72,659 μg/g), likely due to higher dietary P content of FM. However, TP concentrations followed a similar trend as TN in the FM‐free feeds, declining as the proportion of plant protein sources increased (and as PM decreased). The large fecal particles (72,235 μg/g) contained more TP than the mid‐size particles (68,926 μg/g) or fines (61,974 μg/g), which could be due to leaching in the latter two particle size‐classes, as the potential for solubility likely increased as particle size decreased.ConclusionThese findings may have important implications for improving the fecal particle size profile for sedimentation and removal of regulated nutrients through the formulation of Rainbow Trout feeds in replacement of FM with plant protein.

Effect of synergism of sucrose ester and xanthan gum on the stability of walnut milk.

Single emulsifiers have an effect on the stability of plant protein drinks, giving some improvement. Emulsifiers are more effective in maintaining emulsion stability when combined with polysaccharides such as xanthan gum. In this paper, we studied the food-grade emulsifier sucrose ester and measured the average particle size, polydispersity value, zeta potential, microrheological properties, microstructure and creaming index related to walnut protein emulsion by constructing a walnut protein emulsion simulation system. SDS-PAGE and low-field NMR were used to analyze the relative molecular masses of emulsions and the water distribution of emulsions, respectively, to further investigate the synergistic effects of sucrose esters and xanthan gum on the ease of emulsification and intrinsic mechanisms of different molecular weight proteins of walnut protein emulsions. The results indicate that the synergistic effect of sucrose esters and xanthan gum was to stabilize emulsions better than single emulsifiers. Xanthan gum and protein may form protein-polysaccharide complexes, as well as the hydrophobic interaction between sucrose ester and xanthan gum. The properties of xanthan gum can improve the stability of the emulsion by affecting the mechanical properties of walnut protein emulsion, and the combination of sucrose ester and xanthan gum can better stabilize large protein molecules. The results not only provide a theoretical basis for the stability of plant protein emulsion systems, but also provide technical support for the production and processing of large-molecule plant proteins into emulsions in this field for improving their stability, and also provide more possibilities for other types of emulsions. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

The effects of tryptophan loading on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity in adults: A remote double blind randomised controlled trial.

Despite the impact and prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), current treatment options remain limited and there is a drive for alternative approaches, including those building on evidence of a role for tryptophan (TRP) and serotonin (5-HT). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of acute TRP loading on attention and impulsivity in adults with ADHD. We conducted a remote double blind randomised controlled trial (RCT) using TRP loading to examine the effects of a balanced amino acid load in comparison to low and high TRP loading in individuals with ADHD (medicated, N = 48, and unmedicated, N = 46) and controls (N = 50). Participants were randomised into one of three TRP treatment groups using stratified randomisation considering participant group and gender using a 1:1:1 ratio. Baseline testing of attention and impulsivity using the Test of Variables of Attention Task, Delay Discounting Task, and Iowa Gambling Task was followed by consumption of a protein drink (BAL, LOW, or HIGH TRP) before repeated testing. No effects of TRP were observed for any of the measures. In the present study, TRP loading did not impact on any measure of attention or impulsivity in those with ADHD or Controls. The findings need to be confirmed in another trial with a larger number of patients that also considers additional measures of dietary protein, plasma TRP and aggression. (Registration ID ISRCTN15119603).

Tendency to Consume Anabolic Steroids and Body-Building Supplements in the General Population: An Ecological Study

Background: Anabolic steroids and bodybuilding supplements are products that are readily available in the market and are increasingly being used by young people and athletes. This trend has become a social issue worldwide. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine and determine the changes in the prevalence and trends of anabolic steroid usage in Iran. Methods: This ecological study utilized the Google Trends database as its primary source. Initially, we searched for specific keywords related to "anabolic steroids (AS)", "Body-building supplements (BBS)", and "COVID-19" among all searches conducted using GTs from January 2017 to December 2022. Subsequently, Spearman's correlation coefficient was employed to assess the association between the keywords "AS" and "BBS" with the term "COVID-19" during various years. Results: The preference for consuming protein (58.19 ± 15.24) was highest among BBS, while recovery (12.14 ± 17.09) was the lowest. In the case of AS, the highest search frequency was related to Testosterone (56.64 ± 9.57), while the lowest was related to Primobolan (13.72 ± 8.21). In early 2020, we observed a significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the inclination to use BBS and AS, leading to a substantial decrease in willingness to use. However, we did not observe a statistically significant correlation between keyword searches for COVID-19 and AS &amp; BBS. Conclusions: The trend of AS and BBS usage in Iran is on the rise. The indiscriminate use of supplements is a cause for concern and calls for educational interventions.

Effects of simultaneous water-enzyme separation on the physical and chemical properties of peanut oil and protein

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is widely cultivated as a valuable industrial oilseed. This study aimed to investigate the oil and protein that was extracted from peanuts by aqueous enzymatic method (AEM). Compared with freeze-thaw demulsification (FTD), n-hexane extraction (NHE) and protease demulsification (PD), the fatty acid composition of oil by combination of oleic and citric acids demulsification (COCAD) was similar. The acid value of the oil extracted by new AEM and various demulsification methods was between 0.12 and 0.59 mg KOH/g, the peroxide value was between 0.06 and 0.19 g/100 g, the free fatty acid content was between 0.32% and 0.71%, and the oxidation induction time was between 0.13 and 3.21 h. The content of tocopherol in oil: NHE>FTD>PD>COCAD. The amino acid and protein subunit compositions of peanut protein extracted by AEM (AEMPP), peanut protein isolate (PPI) and commercially available peanut protein (CAPP) were similar. Scanning electron microscope revealed that protein powders morphology of various extraction methods. Compared to CAPP and PPI, β-turns and random coil structure of AEMPP was increased. The solubility, water and oil holding capacity, emulsifying activity index, emulsification stability, foaming property and foam stability of protein: AEMPP > PPI > CAPP. This study provides a theoretical basis for the large-scale industrial application of AEM.

A closer look at weight loss interventions in primary care: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PurposeThe major aims were to quantify patient weight loss using various approaches adminstered by a primary care provider for at least 6 months and to unveil relevant contextual factors that could improve patient weight loss on a long-term basis.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to December 5, 2022. COVIDENCE systematic review software was used to identify and abstract data, as well as assess data quality and risk of bias.ResultsSeven studies included 2,187 people with obesity testing (1) anti-obesity medication (AOM), (2) AOM, intensive lifestyle counseling + meal replacements, and (3) physician training to better counsel patients on intensive lifestyle modification. Substantial heterogeneity in the outcomes was observed, as well as bias toward lack of published studies showing no effect. The random effect model estimated a treatment effect for the aggregate efficacy of primary care interventions −3.54 kg (95% CI: −5.61 kg to −1.47 kg). Interventions that included a medication component (alone or as part of a multipronged intervention) achieved a greater weight reduction by −2.94 kg (p &amp;lt; 0.0001). In all interventions, efficacy declined with time (reduction in weight loss by 0.53 kg per 6 months, 95% CI: 0.04–1.0 kg).ConclusionWeight loss interventions administered by a primary care provider can lead to modest weight loss. Weight loss is approximately doubled if anti-obesity medication is part of the treatment. Nevertheless, attenuated weight loss over time underscores the need for long-term treatment.Systematic review registration[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ CRD4202121242344], identifier (CRD42021242344).

Preparation of Pleurotus eryngii protein baked food by 3D printing

Studying the structural stability and quality changes of 3D printed food in the post-processing process is an important aspect to promote the popularization and application of 3D printing technology. Pleurotus eryngii protein (PEP) and potato whole powder (PWP) were used as raw materials in this work to investigate the effect of internal structure and processing time on 3D printed samples, and baking was used as a post-processing method. The results indicated that the 3D printing ink with 20% PEP presented suitable viscosity, fluidity, and mechanical strength, ensuring the best 3D printing performance. The 3D-printed samples with 95% fill ratio demonstrated minimal weight loss and size shrinkage till 30 min of baking, compared with mould samples, highlighting the superior product appearance preservation and production advantages of 3D printing technology in baked food. As the baking time increased, the color of the baked food was darker, while the hardness of the upper and lower surfaces and moisture binding force increased, and internal softness decreased. Optimal results were achieved after baking for 20 min at an upper temperature of 150 °C and a lower temperature of 120 °C, resulting in the highest sensory quality score of 81.67 out of 100. This research prepared PEP-PWP printed food that was resistant to post-treatment collapse to a greater extent, which shed new light on the development of healthy and aesthetically pleasing baked foods.

Utilization of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae as a Potential Substitute for Fish Meal in the Production of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.)

Utilization of quality aqua-feed relies heavily on fish meal sources of protein because of its nutritional balance. However, due to its limited supply, high cost, and decline of wild fish populations, aquaculture production has shifted focus to cheaper and more readily available alternatives to guarantee sustainable aquaculture productivity. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae are a promising replacement for fish meal in fish diets due to their relatively high crude protein, lipid and mineral contents, and the bioactive potential with anti-microbial, and other probiotic properties. This study determined the effect of partially replacing fish meal with black soldier fly meal (BSFLM) on the growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Four isonitrogenous (30% crude protein) diets in which fish meal protein was gradually substituted with BSFLM were prepared as follows: No BSFLM (control)-T0; 25% (BSFLM25)-T25, 50% (BSFLM50)-T50 and 75% (BSFLM75)-T75. The feeds were fed to the Nile tilapia fingerlings (mean weight 25 &amp;plusmn;5 g) which were randomly stocked in 12 cages at a stocking density of 30 fish per cage. The experimental fish were manually fed at 3% of the body weight for 28 days, and 4% of the body weight for 154 days twice a day. The study found that 25% and 50% replacement of fish meal protein with BSFLM resulted in the best growth performance of Nile tilapia, as measured by final mean body weight gain (BWG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and condition factor (K). This suggests that BSFLM is a promising alternative to fish meal in aqua-feeds in the production of Nile tilapia.

Effects of Replacing Fish Meal with Stickwater Hydrolysate and Meal on the Growth, Serum Biochemical Indexes, and Muscle Quality of Yellow Catfish (Tachysurus fulvidraco)

An eight-week feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing fish meal with stickwater hydrolysate (SWH) or stickwater hydrolysate meal (SWM) on the growth, serum biochemical parameters, intestinal digestive enzyme activity, and muscle quality of yellow catfish (Tachysurus fulvidraco). The control diet (CON) contained 30% fish meal and the remaining five diets were substituted for fish meal with 2.5% (SWM2.5), 5% (SWM5) SWM, and 5% (SWH5), 10% (SWH10), and 15% (SWH15) SWH, respectively. The results showed that there were no significant differences in weight gain rate, feed conversion rate, survival rate, hepatosomatic index, and viscerosomatic index among the groups. The substitution of fish meal with SWH significantly augmented the serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, whereas urea nitrogen content exhibited a reduction proportional to the replacement ratio. The incorporation of SWH led to a notable rise in glutamate-pyruvate transaminase activity, albeit with a gradual decline as the substitution ratio escalated. Relative to the CON group, the SWH5 group displayed a significant reduction in serum superoxide dismutase activity and a significant elevation in serum catalase activity. The substitution of fish meal with SWM yielded noticeable increments in the activities of complement 3, immunoglobulin M, and alkaline phosphatase. Neither SWH nor SWM exerted a substantial influence on intestinal amylase activity. Regarding muscle characteristics, neither SWH nor SWM showed a marked effect on hardness and springiness; however, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness properties exhibited enhancement as the proportion of fish meal replacement increased. In conclusion, within this experimental context, substituting fish meal with SWH and SWM did not adversely impact the growth and meat quality of yellow catfish. Specifically, replacing 15% fish meal with stickwater hydrolysate and 5% fish meal with stickwater hydrolysate meal contributed to an enhanced immune capacity in yellow catfish to a certain extent.

Are Supplements Consumed by Middle-Distance Runners Evidence-Based? A Comparative Study between Level of Competition and Sex.

Middle-distance running events have special physiological requirements from a training and competition point of view. Therefore, many athletes choose to take sport supplements (SS) for different reasons. To date, few studies have been carried out that review supplementation patterns in middle-distance running. The aim of the present study is to analyze the consumption of SS in these runners with respect to their level of competition, sex and level of scientific evidence. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, data was collected from 106 middle-distance runners using a validated questionnaire. Of the total sample, 85.85% responded that they consumed SS; no statistical difference was found regarding the level of competition or sex of the athletes. With respect to the level of competition, differences were observed in the total consumption of SS (p = 0.012), as well as in that of medical supplements (p = 0.005). Differences were observed between sexes in the consumption of medical supplements (p = 0.002) and group C supplements (p = 0.029). Higher-level athletes consume SS that have greater scientific evidence. On the other hand, although the most commonly consumed SS have evidence for the performance or health of middle-distance runners, runners should improve both their sources of information and their places of purchase.

Weight regain after total meal replacement very low-calorie diet program with and with-out anti-obesity medications.

Very low-calorie diets (VLCDs) employing total meal replacement (TMR) offer substantial short-term weight loss. Concurrently, anti-obesity medications (AOMs) have shown promise as adjunctive treatments when combined with VLCDs. This study aimed to investigate the impact of adjuvant AOMs on weight loss and weight regain within a comprehensive lifestyle program. This is a retrospective study of patients with obesity enrolled in VLCD/TMR programs, specifically the OPTIFAST program. Data from 206 patients (68% women, mean age 52.39±13.05years, BMI 41.71±7.04kg/m2) were analyzed. Of these, 139 received no AOM (AOM-), while 67 received AOMs (AOM+). Total body weight loss percentages (TWL%) at 6 and 18months were -17.87%±7.02 and -12.10%±11.56, respectively. There was no significant difference in 6-month weight loss between theAOM groups. However, the AOM+group exhibited lower weight regain (3.29kg±10.19 vs. 7.61kg±11.96; p=0.006) and weight regain percentage (WR%) (31.5%±68.7 vs. 52.16%±64.4; p=0.04) compared with the AOM- group. The findings highlighted the potential of AOMs and VLCD/TMR as effective strategies for long-term weight management in individuals with obesity.

Formula optimization and in vitro lipid reducing activity evaluation of nutritious rice bran meal replacement powder

Formula optimization and in vitro lipid reducing activity evaluation of nutritious rice bran meal replacement powder