Micronutrient Composition Research Articles

Investigating the Association of Traits Influencing Yield and Micronutrient Content in F2 Generation of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Wheat is a key food crop for the world, providing a lot of the energy we need. It gives us about 55% of our carbohydrates and 20% of our calories. Many people eat cereal grains as their main food, but they often lack enough nutrients. This causes malnutrition, which is also called “hidden hunger”. Micronutrient malnutrition arising from Zn and Fe deficiency has emerged as a serious health concern and it afflicts over 3 billion people globally. Zinc and Iron are very important for our health. Bio-fortification circumvents the hidden hunger by improving the micronutrient composition of food grains by either increasing its concentration in edible portions or enhancing its bio-availability. The present investigation was an attempt to decipher the association among traits and their contribution towards yield by correlation and path analysis. Findings showed that the number of grains in each spike and the amount of chlorophyll in the plants were strongly related to how much grain each plant produced in both F2 groups (Rajendra Genhu 4 × HD2967 and Rajendra Genhu 3 × HD2967). On the other hand, grain iron content was inversely related to the yield. The path analysis of both crosses showed that factors like plant height, days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity and chlorophyll content had a positive direct impact on the yield. However, the zinc and iron levels in the grain had a negative direct impact on the yield. These results inferred that number of grains per spike and chlorophyll content could be used in indirect selection for yield improvement.

Oil cake recovery supports biofuel production sustainability from second-generation non-edible oil-crops

The recovery and use of oil crops' byproducts is becoming essential to assure the sustainability of biodiesel production. This work aims to study oil cakes obtained from three second-generation oil feedstocks, i.e., Brassica juncea, Brassica carinata, and Camelina sativa, to be used as animal feed. To do so oil cakes were characterized for crude protein content, fibre fractions, macro- and micro-nutrient composition. Fatty acids and amino acid profiles and energy contents were also determined. Results indicated good nutritional properties for the oil cakes, particularly for AA and FA. A preliminary study to evaluate the effect of cakes' recovery on biodiesel production sustainability indicated a GHG reduction vs. petroleum diesel of 70 %, 67 %, 65 % for B. carinata, B. juncea, C. sativa, respectively. These data may be compared with the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II, 2021) of the EU that asks for a GHG reduction of 65 %.

Ultrasound bleaching and quality evaluation of rice bran oil

AbstractRice bran oil (RBO) contains rich nutrients that are beneficial to the human body, but RBO suffers from severe nutrient loss due to bleaching difficulties. This article investigates low‐power ultrasound‐assisted bleaching as a new method for RBO during the bleaching process, which could potentially reduce nutrient loss and lipid oxidation. First, florisil (FL), magnesium trisilicate (MAT), and activated blending earth (ABE) were selected to use a mixture design for formula optimization from six adsorbent types, and then, central composite design was employed to optimize the parameters of the bleaching process for the ultrasound‐assisted adsorbent formula. The results showed that the optimal formula was 66% FL, 10% MAT, and 24% ABE, the highest L* value and the lowest a* value is obtained at ultrasound power of 50 W for 9 min. The various parameters of RBO were subjected to comparison before and after ultrasound‐assisted bleaching. Following this bleaching procedure, the color and quality of RBO experienced notable enhancements, all the while maintaining micronutrient and fatty acid compositions within acceptable ranges. The characterization analysis of the adsorbent by FT‐IR spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy confirmed its adsorption of pigments and other substances. The results indicate that the low‐power ultrasound‐assisted bleaching is effective for RBO bleaching and may provide a promising alternative to the adsorption‐based bleaching method.Practical ApplicationsRBO is made from pressed rice bran and has high nutritional value, such as fatty acids, vitamin E, sterols, and oryzanol, with over 90% absorption by the body. The dark color of RBO makes it difficult to produce clear, transparent, and light‐colored rice bran oil, and even if bleaching is achieved, it results in significant nutrient losses. Conventional bleaching methods are commonly inefficient while emerging technologies cannot be applied industrially. Three adsorbents were selected for formulation optimization based on the fact that the bleaching effect of a single adsorbent is not obvious. Low‐power ultrasound‐assisted bleaching was performed to reduce nutrient loss and lipid oxidation. The aim is to find new bleaching methods that achieve bleaching results with acceptable nutrient losses.

Characterization of halotolerant microalga isolated from waterlogged habitats: Deciphering the biochemical profiling and unraveling the molecular identity.

The primary objective of this study was to comprehensively explore the biochemical profile of the novel halotolerant microalgae strain, biogas laboratory scenedesmus (BGLRS), previously isolated from waterlogged regions in the southwest zone of Punjab, India. To achieve this, three distinct drying methods viz. freeze-drying, oven-drying, and shade-drying were employed and biochemical composition and antioxidant analyses on the microalgal biomass were conducted. Utilizing advanced analytical techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) on freeze-dried biomass, its carbohydrate profile, micronutrient composition, and presence of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic and nutraceutical significance were sought to unravel. Among the drying methods evaluated, freeze-drying exhibited the most promising experimental results, prompting its selection for further investigation. Notably, ICP-AES unveiled elevated concentrations of essential elements such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus in BGLRS, with negligible traces of heavy metals, underscoring its safety for human consumption. GC-MS analysis further divulged the existence of numerous biologically active compounds, indicating potential applications in medical and nutraceutical fields. Through molecular identification using sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, a close taxonomic resemblance between BGLRS and Scenedesmus sp. MKB was established, solidifying its unique position within the microalgal taxonomy. The deposition of ITS sequences into the NCBI GenBank, obtaining accession number MN796425, attests to the rigor and transparency of this research. Overall, these findings strongly suggest that microalgae BGLRS possesses high-quality biochemical attributes of significant therapeutic and nutraceutical importance.

Low-Glycemic Load Diets and Thyroid Function: A Narrative Review and Future Perspectives.

Nutrition and calorie intake are associated with subtle changes of thyroid function tests in subjects with an intact Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid axis. Iodine deficiency and extreme fluctuations in calorie intake, such as those that occur during periods of starvation or overfeeding could lead to alterations in thyroid hormones. The dietary macronutrient and micronutrient composition could also influence the thyroid function. Recently, Low-Glycemic Load (LGL) diets have become very popular and are effective in the treatment and/or prevention of several medical conditions, including diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and epilepsy. In this review, we report on the available data from the literature regarding the association between LGL diets and thyroid function or dysfunction. Several studies conducted in this field to date have yielded inconsistent results.

Ultra-processed food and non-communicable diseases in the United Kingdom: A narrative review and thematic synthesis of literature.

The social and economic constructs of the United Kingdom (UK) provide a fertile food environment for the dramatic expansion in the ultra-processed food (UPF) market, driving increased UPF consumption. This has coincided with the significant increase in the incidence and prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, with an inherent impact on morbidity and mortality. Our review aims to assess the current epidemiological and public health trends in the United Kingdom, specifically examining consumption of UPFs and subsequent development of NCDs, summarizing existing meta-analytical and experimental approaches. First, we address important socioeconomic and psychosocial domains that may contribute to increased availability and consumption of UPF. Additionally, we explore the putative mechanistic basis for the association between UPFs and NCDs: partly attributable to their energy density, the macro- and micronutrient composition (including high refined carbohydrate, saturated, and trans fats composition, in addition to low fiber and protein content), and artificially engineered additives and other compounds that adversely affect health in inadequately researched pathophysiological pathways. This review highlights the importance of promoting minimally processed diets to both clinical and political decision makers.

Human Nutrition Research in the Data Era: Results of 11 Reports on the Effects of a Multiple-Micronutrient-Intervention Study.

Large datasets have been used in molecular and genetic research for decades, but only a few studies have included nutrition and lifestyle factors. Our team conducted an n-of-1 intervention with 12 vitamins and five minerals in 9- to 13-year-old Brazilian children and teens with poor healthy-eating indices. A unique feature of the experimental design was the inclusion of a replication arm. Twenty-six types of data were acquired including clinical measures, whole-genome mapping, whole-exome sequencing, and proteomic and a variety of metabolomic measurements over two years. A goal of this study was to use these diverse data sets to discover previously undetected physiological effects associated with a poor diet that include a more complete micronutrient composition. We summarize the key findings of 11 reports from this study that (i) found that LDL and total cholesterol and fasting glucose decreased in the population after the intervention but with inter-individual variation; (ii) associated a polygenic risk score that predicted baseline vitamin B12 levels; (iii) identified metabotypes linking diet intake, genetic makeup, and metabolic physiology; (iv) found multiple biomarkers for nutrient and food groups; and (v) discovered metabolites and proteins that are associated with DNA damage. This summary also highlights the limitations and lessons in analyzing diverse omic data.

Razvoj recepture i senzorska svojstva ekstrudirane bezglutenske testenine na bazi sirka

Pasta is one of the most consumed staples worldwide. New formulations incorporating novel nutritious ingredients are now common in its production. The purpose of this study was to formulate, optimise and evaluate the sensory properties of sorghum-based extruded gluten-free pasta. Sorghum flour, pearl millet flour, high-iron bean flour (Biofortified NUA 45 beans) and Hermes potato flour were evaluated for proximate and micronutrient composition, formulated to produce pasta through the extrusion process. Three sorghum-based pastas, namely sorghum high bean pasta (SHBP), sorghum bean pasta (SBP) and sorghum high potato pasta (SHPP) were produced and evaluated for sensorial properties (visual, palpatory and gustatory qualities). The Box-Benhken Design (BBD) in conjunction with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to select the best formulation by evaluating cooking quality parameters and sensory parameters. The protein content in the four flours ranged from 10.52% to 22.00%. NUA 45 bean flour had significantly (p<0.05) higher protein content than the other flours. Potato flour had significantly higher carbohydrate content (73.82%) than other flours. SHPP had a significantly (p<0.001) higher optimum cooking time (7 minutes) than SHBP (5 minutes) and SBP (6.2 minutes). SHPP had significantly (p<0.001) higher water absorption (WA) capacity (238%) than pasta SHBP (190%) and SBP (210%). A significant (p<0.001) difference in the swelling index (SI) of the three pasta samples was observed, with pasta SHBP having a significantly lower SI (1.02%) than pasta SBP (1.15%) and pasta SHPP (1.24%). The cooking loss (CL) for pasta SHPP (11%) was significantly higher (P<0.001) than for pastas SHBP and SBP, with pasta SHBP having the lowest CL. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in the cross-sectional area, surface appearance and surface property of the three cooked pastas. A significant (p<0.05) difference in shape between SHBP and SBP samples was noted. The gluten-free pasta was developed and produced successfully. Sorghum high bean pasta treatment (SHBP) was found to be superior in terms of sensory, nutritional and physical properties as compared to the other pasta samples, making it good for commercialisation.

Information about nutritional aspects of edible insects: Perspectives across different European geographies

<p>Edible insects (EIs) have recently gained attention as an alternative and more sustainable food, emerging as an alternative to other protein foods with higher environmental impacts, like bovine meat. EIs contain a valuable composition of macro and micronutrients, important for human nutrition. Nevertheless, their consumption is not yet widespread in Western countries, such as in Europe. This work aimed to study how consumers in three different European locations perceive the role of EIs in human nutrition. Data collection was carried out by a questionnaire survey in three countries (Croatia, Lithuania, and Portugal), and 1723 participants were included in the study. For the treatment of the data, SPSS software was used, and chi-square tests and tree classification analysis were performed. The results showed that for all the statements presented to the participants, significant differences were found in information about EIs according to country. The results further highlighted that the participants were better informed about the high protein content of EIs, while not being well informed about their possible anti-nutritive effects. Tree classification revealed that the most important discriminating variable was country, with Lithuanian participants being better informed than those from Portugal or Croatia.</p>

A type 4 resistant potato starch alters the cecal microbiome and gene expression in mice fed a western diet based on NHANES data.

Four major types of resistant starch (RS1-4) are present in foods, all of which can alter the microbiome and are fermented in the cecum and colon to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Type 4 RSs are chemically modified starches, not normally found in foods, but have become a popular food additive as their addition increases fiber content. Multiple studies, in humans and rodents, have explored how different RS4 affect post-prandial glucose metabolism, but fewer studies have examined the effects of RS4 consumption on the microbiome. In addition, many RS studies conducted in rodents use high-fat diets that do not approximate what is typically consumed by humans. To address this, mice were fed a Total Western Diet (TWD), based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data that mimics the macro and micronutrient composition of a typical American diet, for six weeks, and then supplemented with 0, 2, 5, or 10% of the RS4, Versafibe 1490™ (VF), a phosphorylated and cross-linked potato starch, for an additional three weeks. The cecal contents were analyzed for SCFA content and microbiota composition. Butyrate production was increased while branched chain SCFA production decreased. The alpha-diversity of the microbiome decreased in mice fed the TWD with 10% VF 1490 added while the beta-diversity plot showed that the 5% and 10% VF groups were distinct from mice fed the TWD. Similarly, the largest changes in relative abundance of various genera were greatest in mice fed the 10% VF diet. To examine the effect of VF consumption on tissue gene expression, cecal and distal colon tissue mRNA abundance were analyzed by RNASeq. Gene expression changes were more prevalent in the cecum than the colon and in mice fed the 10% VF diet, but the number of changes was substantially lower than we previously observed in mice fed the TWD supplemented with native potato starch (RPS). These results provide additional evidence that the structure of the RS is a major factor determining its effects on the microbiome and gene expression in the cecum and colon.

Effect of Micronutrient Composition of Fish Feed to the Growth and Nutrient Content of Fishes: Cost-Efficient Production of Nutritious Fishes

Fish is the rich source of good quality protein. Per capita annual fish intake of Bangladesh is 21.90 kg and annual total need of fish is 42.38 lac mt. The current study's objective was to ascertain the nutritional value of various fish farmed in Bangladesh's Biofloc farm and regularly consumed by Bangladeshis by using nutrient rich formulated fish feed. The fish used in the study were tilapia fish (Oreochromis mossambicus) and shorputi fish (Systomus sarana). These fish species were cultured in a Biofloc setting. The edible portion of the samples had its composition closely investigated. The moisture, ash, and protein contents were determined using the AOAC-approved drying, Muffle-furnace, and Macro-Kjeldahl procedures, respectively. The edible proportion of fish in the current study ranged from 46.45 to 58.33%. The value for tilapia was the greatest (58.33%) while the value for shorputi was the lowest (46.45%). For some of the fish samples used in the investigation, the moisture content was found to be between 74.04 and 77.53%. Shorputi's lowest value was discovered to be 74.45%. For several fish samples, the ash concentration was determined to be between 1.04 and 1.31%. Shorputi had the greatest ash concentration (1.31%), while tilapia had the lowest (0.95%). Tilapia had a high protein content (23.77%). The study's most recent findings demonstrate that the farm formulated feed had a beneficial effect on the development and nutritional status of fish raised in biofloc systems. Bioresearch Commu. 10(1): 1453-1461, 2024 (January)

Predictors of elevations in fasting lipid levels in adults with epilepsy on a modified Atkins diet

BackgroundKetogenic diet therapies can improve seizure control in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). The current study investigated whether dietary fat composition is associated with elevations in serum lipid levels in adults with epilepsy who began a modified Atkins diet (MAD). MethodsAdults with DRE were instructed to follow the MAD. Food records collected at baseline and follow-up were analyzed to extract median daily macro- and micronutrient composition. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, non-HDL and TC/HDL ratio were measured at baseline and follow-up. ResultsStudy participants initiating MAD showed higher fat intake at 1 month (p<0.001) and 2 months (p<0.001) and lower carbohydrate intake at 1 month (p<0.001) and 2 months (p<0.001) compared to baseline. Study participants also showed higher intake of cholesterol (p<0.001), saturated fatty acid (p<0.001) and monounsaturated fatty acid (p<0.001) over time. Following MAD initiation, study participants showed significant increases in levels of TC (p = 0.007), LDL (p<0.001), and non-HDL (p = 0.009) over time. Dietary intake variables, including cholesterol and fat subtypes, were significantly associated with difference in 1 month TC and LDL levels from baseline but not absolute 1 month lipid values. In a sub-analysis, participants with baseline dyslipidemia showed smaller changes in lipid values during diet use. ConclusionsAdults with DRE starting MAD increased fat intake, particularly saturated and monounsaturated fat subtypes, and reduced carbohydrate intake. Changes in TC and LDL levels 1 month after MAD initiation are associated with dietary intake of cholesterol and fat.

Innovative dishes and micronutrient composition of traditionally preserved Amaranthus, Vigna unguiculata and Bidens pilosa

The study aimed to develop innovative vegetable dishes using three indigenous crops to enhance consumption by children. A quantitative approach using traditional preservation, experimental and laboratory-based methodologies for development of recipes and the nutrient analysis was used. This involved developing the dishes Amaranthus cabbage, Bidens dumpling, and Fishpea. Nutrient analysis was done at the Aspirata food and nutrient analysis laboratory in Cape town. Sensory evaluation results suggest that all three dishes were acceptable and liked by children for all three attributes of colour, taste, and smell, with Amaranthus cabbage as the most highly acceptable. The results on the palatability of the three dishes using open-ended questions affirm that more children had positive comments on the dishes – which concurs with the quantitative data. The findings emphasize the importance of culinary services where innovation, imitation, and diffusion are still in a development phase especially for indigenous foods.

Proximate, Micronutrient Compositions and Shelf Life of Juice and Concentrate of Hog Plum (Spondias mombi), a Wild Fruit in Nigeria

Aims: To process hog plum fruits (Spondias mombin L.) into juice and concentrate, study their proximate and micronutrient composition and evaluate the shelf life of these products.&#x0D; Study Design: Matured and ripe fruits were processed into juice and then, concentrate. The products were analyzed for physicochemical, proximate and micronutrient compositions. Shelf life of the products was evaluated. All experiments were replicated three times and data subjected to descriptive statistics.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food, Nutrition and Home Sciences, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Ayingba, Kogi State, Nigeria, between 01/01/2022 and 30/08/2023.&#x0D; Methodology: Hog plum fruits were harvested and processed into fruit juice and then, fruit concentrate by evaporation of water. Physicochemical and proximate compositions were determined using standard methods. Mineral and Vitamin C analyses were done by suitable Spectroscopy methods, while HPLC was used to determine B vitamins. Changes in physicochemical properties were studied to determine shelf life. Data were subjected to statistical analyses.&#x0D; Results: Mean values of the physicochemical parameters of juice were pH, 2.43+ 0.01; TA, 0.17+0.01 and °Bx, 23.05a+ 007. °Bx of concentrate, 63.50b+ 2.12, differed significantly (P=.05) from that of the juice. Proximate analyses showed a high moisture and protein concentration (relative to other fruits) in hog plum fruit juice. Concentrate was significantly (P=.05) lower in moisture and protein content. Fruit juice contained micronutrients; Ca, 261.00+4.0; Fe, 44.97+2.1; K, 99.30+2.9; Zn, 0.88+0.1 and Vitamin C, 57.79a+0.04. Concentrations of these substances, except for K and Zn were significantly (P=.05) higher in the fruit concentrate. Fruit concentrate had a shelf life of up to six months.&#x0D; Conclusion: Hog plum fruit juice and concentrate are rich in many macronutrients, especially protein, Ca, Fe, K, Zn and Vitamin C. Processing fruit juice into concentrate prolongs the shelf life of product for up to six months.

Yellow Field Pea Protein (Pisum sativum L.): Extraction Technologies, Functionalities, and Applications.

Yellow field peas (Pisum sativum L.) hold significant value for producers, researchers, and ingredient manufacturers due to their wealthy composition of protein, starch, and micronutrients. The protein quality in peas is influenced by both intrinsic factors like amino acid composition and spatial conformations and extrinsic factors including growth and processing conditions. The existing literature substantiates that the structural modulation and optimization of functional, organoleptic, and nutritional attributes of pea proteins can be obtained through a combination of chemical, physical, and enzymatic approaches, resulting in superior protein ingredients. This review underscores recent methodologies in pea protein extraction aimed at enhancing yield and functionality for diverse food systems and also delineates existing research gaps related to mitigating off-flavor issues in pea proteins. A comprehensive examination of conventional dry and wet methods is provided, in conjunction with environmentally friendly approaches like ultrafiltration and enzyme-assisted techniques. Additionally, the innovative application of hydrodynamic cavitation technology in protein extraction is explored, focusing on its prospective role in flavor amelioration. This overview offers a nuanced understanding of the advancements in pea protein extraction methods, catering to the interests of varied stakeholders in the field.

Yield and Mineral Composition among Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] Genotypes Grown in Different Agroecologies in East Africa

Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek var. radiata] also referred to as green gram is a key crop especially in the marginal areas of East Africa. It is rich in micronutrients and protein and thus can help ameliorate malnutrition if incorporated into diets. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of 26 fixed elite mungbean breeding genotypes for yield and micronutrient composition across different locations in East Africa (Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania). The genotypes displayed significant variability for nutritional, phenology, and yield-related traits across test environments. Significant genotype effects were observed for most of the traits except for average yield per plant and dry matter content ( P &lt; 0.05). Random effect of environment was significant for all traits, and significant GXE was observed for all traits except for dry matter and iron content ( P &lt; 0.05). Moderate to high broad-sense heritability (H2) was found among traits except for dry matter content which was low (H2 = 10.4%). There was a significant and positive correlation between Fe and Zn (r = 0.58), and Fe and Ca (r = 0.46), indicating the potential to enhance these traits simultaneously through breeding and/or selection. However, the correlation between yield and nutrients (iron, zinc, and calcium) was negative. Environments KAT_SR_2019, KYM_LR_2020, and KYM_LR_2020 were found to be discriminating (informative) and representative of grain yield, calcium, and zinc content, respectively. Genotypes AVMU 1679, AVMU 1685, and AVMU1686 combined both stability and high micronutrient content, while the high yielding and stable genotypes were AVMU 1689, AVMU 1681, and AVMU 16102. The identified genotypes need to be assessed for farmer preference in on-farm trials before they can be recommended for release as new varieties. Additionally, these genotypes will be useful in future breeding efforts as donors aimed at developing nutrient-dense and high yielding mungbean varieties.

Influence of pre-treatment methods on quality indicators and mineral composition of plant milk from different sources of raw materials.

Pre-treatment of plant materials is essential in producing plant-based products and can affect their various organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics. This work aimed to study the effect of pre-treatment of vegetable raw materials, namely ultrasonic processing and freezing of raw materials under various low-temperature conditions, to obtain multiple types of vegetable milk and determine their characteristics. It is shown that by applying a certain kind of pre-treatment of vegetable raw materials it is possible to adjust organoleptic parameters and the content of solids, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber and mineral composition of various types of vegetable milk from soy, rice, oats, wheat, peas, buckwheat, pumpkin seeds and lentils. Ultrasound pre-treatment allows increasing of polyphenol content by an average of 15-20% for all types of plant milk, except for lentil milk. The results showed that ultrasound treatment for 3 min had the most significant effect on the overall acceptability for lentils, pumpkin, rice and pea milk. Pre-freezing at a temperature regime of -17 and -85 °C contributed to an increase in Fe, K, Zn, Ca, Mg, Si and P by an average of 30-100%, depending on the plant material. Pre-treatment of vegetable raw materials, including freezing and ultrasonic treatment, can positively affect the macro- and micronutrient composition of plant milk. However, the effect may vary depending on the type of raw material and processing conditions. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Soil saprophages as an emerging global source of micronutrients

Abstract ‘Hidden hunger’ occurs in humans and livestock and stems from deficiencies in microelements, essential amino acids, and vitamins. Triggered by insufficient intake of micronutrients in food and feed, even when macronutrients are abundant, hidden hunger can result in the development of serious diseases and pathological conditions. Finding sufficient micronutrients is often challenging because they are either obtained from limited external natural sources or synthesised de novo. Soil-dwelling saprophages comprise one of the largest proportions of zoomasses on Earth but remain surprisingly overlooked as a potential micronutrient source. To assess their nutritional content concerning micronutrients, we selected 31 invertebrate species obtained from natural ecosystems of European Russia or widely cultivated species originating mainly from tropical regions. They belong to major soil saprophage taxa: cockroaches (Blattodea), beetle (Coleoptera) larvae and imagoes, springtails (Collembola), millipedes (Diplopoda), fly (Diptera) larvae, earthworms (Haplotaxida), woodlice (Isopoda), crickets (Orthoptera). We assessed their proteinogenic amino acid, microelement, and vitamin composition. Taxonomic differences in the composition and ratio of micronutrients were determined and we identified specific taxa naturally enriched with micronutrients for future consideration as potential candidates for incorporation into food and feed supplements to alleviate hidden hunger in livestock and humans.

Parenteral Nutrition in the Pediatric Oncologic Population: Are There Any Sex Differences?

Gender-based medicine is attracting increasing interest every day, but studies on pediatric populations are still limited. In this setting, sex differences among patients undergoing total parenteral nutrition (TPN) have not been previously reported. This study investigated the presence of sex differences in parenteral nutrition composition and outcomes among a cohort of pediatric patients admitted at the Oncohematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit of the Institute for Maternal and Child Health "Burlo Garofolo" of Trieste, Italy. For all 145 recruited patients (87 males, 58 females), the following data were collected: age, sex, volume and duration of TPN, macro- and micronutrient composition of TPN bags, electrolytic or blood gases imbalance, glycolipid alterations, liver damage during TPN, and the incidence of sepsis and thrombosis. The analysis showed that females required higher daily phosphate intake (p = 0.054) and essential amino acid supplementation (p = 0.07), while males had a higher incidence of hypertriglyceridemia (p < 0.05) and cholestasis. A higher incidence of sepsis was found in the non-transplanted male population (p < 0.05). No significant differences were appreciable in other analyzed variables. This study aims to create a basis for future gender-based nutritional recommendations in the pediatric field.

The Impact of Elevated Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Exposure on Magic Tomatoes' Nutrition-Health Properties.

The release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere has accelerated during the last two decades. Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration (eCO2) is known as an agent that improves plant photosynthesis. However, eCO2 was also correlated with alterations in the macronutrient and micronutrient compositions of various dietary crops. In order to explore the effect of eCO2 on the nutritional and health properties of tomatoes, three parental lines of the Magic population, which includes a large part of the genetic diversity present in large fruit varieties, were used as models. The plants were grown in growth chambers under ambient (400 ppm) or eCO2 (900 ppm) conditions. The macronutrient and micronutrient contents were measured. The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivities were assessed in vitro on activated macrophages. These analyses highlighted that the carbohydrate content was not affected by the eCO2, whereas the protein, carotenoid, lycopene, and mineral contents decreased. Regarding the anti-oxidant properties, no influence of eCO2 exposure was observed. Similarly, the anti-inflammatory properties were not affected by the eCO2. These data are in contrast with previous studies conducted on different plant species or accessions, indicating that the effect of eCO2 on crops' nutrition and health properties is based on complex mechanisms in which growth conditions and genetic backgrounds play a central role.