Nonalcoholic Research Articles

Dietary Polyphenols: What is the Estimated Intake in Population Studies With Adults and Elderly People?

Estimates of dietary intake of polyphenols have been limited to specific samples from certain population groups, and different databases have been used to quantify the levels of these compounds, which makes it difficult to compare results. PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review collated estimates of polyphenol intake from population studies including adults and elderly from different parts of the world by using a single database: Phenol-Explorer. RECENT FINDINGS: Through seven population-based studies performed in five different countries, it was possible to identify that Brazil was the country with the lowest intake of polyphenols, whereas Poland had the highest dietary intake. The most ingested subclasses of polyphenols in different countries were phenolic acids and flavonoids, and non-alcoholic beverages (coffee, tea, and orange juice) were the foods that most contributed to the intake of polyphenols. Despite the attempt to standardize this study to obtain worldwide intake estimates that could be comparable, gaps were found regarding the assessment of food consumption, standardization to obtain the polyphenol content of foods in Phenol-Explorer, calculation in aglycone equivalents, and caloric adjustment of the estimates. There is a need for more studies on the dietary polyphenols intake of representative samples of populations from different countries to collate more data on the quantities consumed and the main contributing foods.

Assessing the potential of C-phycocyanin as a natural colorant for non-alcoholic carbonated beverages

The multibillion-dollar carbonated beverage industry is currently facing questions from health-conscious consumers over negative health effects of such beverages. Decreasing consumption trends have forced companies to look for healthier choices for their products. C-phycocyanin CPC, a bright blue cyanobacterial pigment with anti-oxidant and other health benefits has been proposed as a candidate in edible drinks. We found that CPC is stable in a wide pH and temperature regime. Reaction kinetics for 12 weeks at 4 °C in non-alcoholic carbonated beverages (B1-B4) showed that B3 (sweetened, ~30 % degradation) best preserved CPC integrity while B1 (non-sweetened, ~87 % degradation) was ineffective. Other beverages (sweetened) could preserve ~ 49 % CPC integrity. Behnajady-Modirshahla-Ghanbary and first order kinetic models explained CPC degradation with and without preservative (sucrose), respectively. The ’consume-by’ times suggest possible refrigeration from ~ 13 hours to 27 days for various CPC-containing beverages. Results suggest CPC could be filter-sterilized and added to non-alcoholic beverages before being packaged in cans or tetra packs to avoid light exposure.Graphical abstract

Compliance to Recommended Prevention and Management Practices among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania

Introduction: Diabetes-related complications are the significant causes of morbidity and mortality among type 2 diabetes patients. The complications can be reduced by practicing and maintaining several preventive measures. The present study aims to assess compliance and factors associated with recommended management practices and prevention of complications among type 2 diabetes patients in selected health facilities in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2023 among 140 patients, including patients who were diagnosed with diabetes for at least three months prior to the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire, which included patients’ characteristics and a previously validated Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities questionnaire to assess patients' compliance with recommended practices. A multivariable regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with compliance with recommended practices. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 59 ±12.08 years and 65% were females. Among 140 patients, 91.4% (n=128) had poor or unsatisfactory self-care practices with an overall mean of 3.81± 2.08 days per week for diabetes management. The recommended practices with good or satisfactory performance were non-smoking, non-alcohol drinking and prescribed medication. In contrast, unsatisfactory performance was observed for self-monitoring of blood glucose with a mean of physical activity. Multiple regression analysis showed that co-morbidity (AOR 4.5; 95% CI:1.14-18.02) and being employed (AOR 4.4; 95% CI:1.25-15.44) independently predict self-care practices. Conclusion and recommendation: Compliance with self-monitoring of blood glucose, physical exercise and dietary practices were found to be low among type 2 diabetes patients, which could increase the risk of complications. Nutritional and lifestyle counselling and the use of peer groups should be emphasized to improve compliance with recommended practices.

Signal processing and machine learning with transdermal alcohol concentration to predict natural environment alcohol consumption.

Wrist-worn alcohol biosensors continuously and discreetly record transdermal alcohol concentration (TAC) and may allow alcohol researchers to monitor alcohol consumption in participants' natural environments. However, the field lacks established methods for signal processing and detecting alcohol events using these devices. We developed software that streamlines analysis of raw data (TAC, temperature, and motion) from a wrist-worn alcohol biosensor (BACtrack Skyn) through a signal processing and machine learning pipeline: biologically implausible skin surface temperature readings (< 28°C) were screened for potential device removal and TAC artifacts were corrected, features that describe TAC (e.g., rise duration) were calculated and used to train models (random forest and logistic regression) that predict self-reported alcohol consumption, and model performances were measured and summarized in autogenerated reports. The software was tested using 60 Skyn data sets recorded during 30 alcohol drinking episodes and 30 nonalcohol drinking episodes. Participants (N = 36; 13 with alcohol use disorder) wore the Skyn during one alcohol drinking episode and one nonalcohol drinking episode in their natural environment. In terms of distinguishing alcohol from nonalcohol drinking, correcting artifacts in the data resulted in 10% improvement in model accuracy relative to using raw data. Random forest and logistic regression models were both accurate, correctly predicting 97% (58/60; AUC-ROCs = 0.98, 0.96) of episodes. Area under TAC curve, rise duration of TAC curve, and peak TAC were the most important features for predictive accuracy. With promising model performance, this protocol will enhance the efficiency and reliability of TAC sensors for future alcohol monitoring research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Nutritional and Sensory Characterization of Some Fermented Food Products Made in the Carpathian-Danubian-Pontic Area

Abstract The territory of Romania has been known as the Carpathian-Danubian-Pontic space since ancient times, being traversed from one end to the other by the Carpathian Mountains and being bordered to the south by the Danube River (Danubius) which flows into the Black Sea (Pontic area). Fermented food products manufactured in Romania belong to the many categories, such as: lactic acid dairy products or fermented dairy products (yogurt, sana, buttermilk, kefir, fermented cream, fresh cheese), pickled vegetables (cabbage, cucumbers, red pepper), non-alcoholic fermented beverages (braga, borsch, vinegar, socata), traditional fermented bread, maturated cheeses, raw dried salami and alcoholic beverages (beer, wine). In the present article we will focus on a nutritional and sensory characterization of the most famous fermented products that are manufactured almost exclusively in the Carpathian-Danubian-Pontic area, of course also due to the influence of the neighbours, this being: fermented dairy products (yoghurt, sana and buttermilk), lactic fermented pickles (pickled cabbage) and non-alcoholic fermented drinks (braga, borsh and socata).

Measuring performance through organisational dexterity of non-alcoholic beverage companies in Nigeria

Organizational dexterity has been investigated as a critical aspect of improving organisational performance. Organizational skill is the ability to explore opportunities and exploit capabilities to adapt and overcome environmental changes and contemporary challenges. The study examined the effect of organizational dexterity on the organizational performance of non-alcoholic beverage companies in the South-South/South-West, Nigeria. The cross-sectional survey research design method and stratified random sampling technique were used for the study. The study used a structured questionnaire as an instrument of data collection. To establish the reliability of the instrument, a test-retest method was used. Descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze data. Findings showed that 67% of the change in organizational performance was brought about by the dimensions of organizational dexterity. Findings showed that organizational structure has the highest positive significant effect on organizational performance (ß = 0.429, P&lt;0.05). Effective leadership has positive significant effect on organizational performance (ß = 0.088, P&lt;0.05). It was concluded that organizational dexterity has positive effect on organizational performance of non-alcoholic beverage firms in Nigeria. The study recommended amongst others that companies should design their structures in harmony with the internal and external working environment conditions and organizational strategies in order to enhance employee innovative performance. The study demonstrated that leaders play a crucial role to foster a culture that encourages knowledge sharing, employee retention and create loyalty to the organization.

Demineralization level of human tooth enamel after exposure to alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages: A scanning electron microscopic study

Demineralization level of human tooth enamel after exposure to alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages: A scanning electron microscopic study

Caffeine-Containing Local Products and Their Effects on Liver and Kidney Histopathology: A Comparative Study

Caffeine has several modified natural and synthetic forms and it is the most abundantly consumed drug around the globe. It is present in fruits, seeds and leaves of many plants but coffee contains highest content of caffeine and is considered its richest source. It is also found in much high ratio in non-alcoholic beverages, i.e., tea and carbonated drinks like coke. The aim of current mammalian model based investigation was to evaluate the possible histopathological variations influencing the function of kidney and liver due to the intake of selective caffeinated products: Arabica and Robusta beans’ blend based coffee and coke. The 30 albino mice of male gender and 1.5 month age were acclimatized for ten days and later on, categorized as group I (control group which was treated with standard mice feed), experimental group II (treated with coffee blend) and experimental group III (treated with coke). The renal and hepatic histological sections were cut and stained for weekly observations. Hematoxyline and eosin staining was used and microscopic observations were recorded at 40X. The ANOVA based statistical analyses showed that significant variations occurred in body weight, diameter of renal blood vessels, glomeruli and of necrotic areas of both experimental groups (p ≤ 5%). Moreover in hepatic tissues, vein wall thickness, diameter of bile ducts and liver lobules also indicated significant variations. The conclusion is excessive and regular intake of above mentioned composition having coffee and coke may result in diverse physiological disturbances and a programmed general public awareness is required regarding their limited intake.

Consumer preferences for attributes in sweet beverages and market impacts of beverage innovation

Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) is considered as an important risk factor for the development of overweight and obesity in populations worldwide, with a particular focus on the risks in the younger parts of the population – children and adolescents. Together with fiscal measures and information tools, innovation-based approaches such as the development of sugar-free or sugar-reduced versions of established beverages and development of new beverage products have been used to reduce this challenge, but the effects of product innovation on sugar intake are not well understood from the literature, as previous studies have largely ignored substitution effects of product innovation in the beverage domain. The objective of the present study was to investigate the potential effectiveness of product innovation as a strategy to affect consumers' intake of energy from sweetened non-alcoholic beverages. Using household panel shopping data from approximately 3000 Danish households over the years 2006–2014, we developed a hedonic pricing approach to estimate the influence of product attributes on consumers' utility, based on observed data for Danish households' purchases of sweet drinks. Overall, the study found that beverages’ degree of sweetness positively affected the satiation effect of beverage consumption and in turn made the demand for these beverages less sensitive to e.g. price changes or introduction of competing products, whereas the energy density of the beverages positively affected the demand sensitivity to market changes. Findings like these can be useful for assessing market effects as well as environmental and public health impacts of changes to the market environment.

Effects of Beverage Solvents on Disintegration Time and Dissolution Rate of Metronidazole Tablets

Drug Disintegration time refers to the period within which a mechanical break-up of compressed tablet dissolve upon exposure to physiological fluids within a short period of time into tiny granules upon ingestion, while drug dissolution rate becomes a key tool in understanding the importance for its bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness. Hence, the objective of this paper was to assess the impact of seven different solvents, which includes five non-alcoholic beverages (Exotic juice, soft drink, coffee, milk, and milo), one alcoholic beverage (beer), one dilute acid (0.1 M HCl) and a control distilled water (dil. H2O) on the disintegration time and dissolution rate of metronidazole tablets. The distilled water was used as control. The results obtained show that the mean disintegration times were 2.28 ± 0.04 (0.1 N HCl), 4.21 ± 0.12 (beer), 3.24 ± 0.05 (coffee), 3.23 ± 0.07 (distilled water), 5.21 ± 0.09 (Exotic juice), 3.17 ± 0.06 (Fanta), and 16.16 ± 0.11 (milk). The mean dissolution rates on the other hand were 98.87 ± 0.12, 78.09 ± 0.09, 84.27 ± 0.11, 86.52 ± 0.40, 67.98 ± 0.09, 92.70 ± 0.50, and 44.94 ± 0.22 respectively. Metronidazole tablets disintegrated and dissolved more in 0.1 N HCL than in other mediums and less in milk. From this study, although the disintegration time and dissolution rate of metronidazole were not greatly affected by the different beverages except for Exotic juice, and the mixture of milk and Milo, care should be taken when replacing water with any beverage in ingesting tablets.

Behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases among South African Durban-based refugees: a cross-sectional study.

Behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are rising among refugees, increasing chronic disease prevalence that causes morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence, awareness and management of behavioural risk factors for NCDs among South African Durban-based refugees. A once-off quantitative, cross-sectional design was conducted on the behavioural risk factors for NCDs among 122 randomly selected Durban-based refugees using a modified version of the World Health Organisation (WHO) STEPwise approach to NCDs surveillance (STEPS) instrument. Participants' awareness and management of risk factors for NCDs were determined with a behavioural NCD awareness and management of behavioural NCD risk factor questionnaire. Smoking and alcohol prevalence were 4.1% and 20.7%, respectively, with 40.8% consuming fewer than five servings of fruit and/or vegetables daily. Participants performed more than 150 min of moderate physical activity per week. A significant 30.8% (p < 0.001) was aware that consuming alcohol poses an extremely large risk, similarly for smoking (38.7%; p < 0.001]. A significant 56.2% (p < 0.001) believe that regularly eating raw vegetables presents no risk, likewise for being physically active (51.7%; p < 0.001). A significant 40.6% (p < 0.001) of the participants always drink water or non-alcoholic drinks to manage their alcohol consumption, 54.2% (p < 0.001) manage their unhealthy diet by sometimes filling half their plates with fruits and vegetables, and 49.2% manage their physical activity levels by sometimes choosing a range of physical activities (p < 0.001). Refugees' lack of awareness of behavioural risk factors for NCDs highlights the importance for health service providers to present health promotion programs to make refugees aware of their behavioural NCD's risk factors and how it impacts their health.

Methods of Intra-Cultural Translating of Advertising Via Internet :Non-Alcoholic Malt Beverage and McDonald´s as a Model

The aim of this paper is tohighlight the importance of translation theory in Internet advertising and to study the role it plays in communicating the advertising message from the source language (SL) to the target language (TL), i.e. the Arabic language. Therefore, the Arab´s cultural reference is different from that of the Western. It is noteworthy to reveal that the culture is one of the basic factors which makes a solid structure to the advertising strategy supporting the method of persuasion; this one is considered one of the main methods in advertising discourse.The point here is that globalization does not eliminate the local character of some countries, but rather respects the cultural and linguistic specificity of each country. Despite the common religious interface among Arab countries, Arab culture differs from one country to another. The culture and the dialect of the Maghreb is somehow different from those of Saudi Arabia and Egypt, for example. Mc Donald´s, for instance is one of the models that seeks to give its global touch, but at the same time is still working to respect the cultural characteristics and the original local meal of each country.

Balancing Gains and Losses—A Research Note on Tradeoffs in the Case of Non-Alcoholic Wines in Germany

Non-alcoholic alternatives are gaining growing significance within the German beverage sector. In this context, the German wine industry is increasingly focusing on non-alcoholic wines, whose market has developed dynamically in recent years. While the technologies used, the sensory characteristics and the marketing of the products are frequently addressed in the literature, the consideration of sustainability impacts has so far been largely neglected. This applies in particular to the view of all three dimensions of sustainability. These are examined more closely in this review with regard to tradeoffs, which indicate that positive aspects in one dimension go hand in hand with a loss in the other. It can be shown that tradeoffs in the production and marketing of non-alcoholic wines arise both within and between the three sustainability dimensions. Exemplary of this is the increased use of resources in the course of alcohol removal. At the same time, an emerging market segment holds positive aspects from an economic perspective. Ultimately, the consideration of social sustainability is marked by the health science and political debate around the reduction in alcohol consumption and the simultaneous increase in the consumption of non-alcoholic alternatives.

Assessment of the intake and sources of total sugar among Filipino children and adolescents based on national consumption data

Diabetes is a public health issue in the Philippines, commonly resulting from high sugar intake. This study examined the consumption and sources of total sugar among Filipinos aged 7 months to 18 years old using nationally representative data. Total sugar consumption was estimated using two non-consecutive 24-h recalls and food composition tables. Mean intakes were converted into usual intakes to reduce measurement errors using the Software for intake distribution estimation software. The percentile of usual intakes, energy from sugar consumption, and the amount of sugar in minimally processed and processed foods for different age groups were calculated using STATA. Changes in consumption between 2008 and 2013 were also examined. Children aged 7 &amp;ndash; 11 months old consumed 26% of energy from total sugar, higher than that of older age groups. Those in the richest income quintile and living in urban areas had the highest percentage intakes. The median intake of total sugar exceeded 25 g/day, with children aged 1 &amp;ndash; 2 years old in the highest income quintile consuming the greatest amount (54.7 g/day). Total sugar comprised 5.3 &amp;ndash; 30.9% of energy intake. Processed foods contributed 64 &amp;ndash; 75% of total sugar. Food categories that contributed the highest amounts (&amp;ge;10%) of total sugar to different age groups were as follows: (i) 7 &amp;ndash; 11 months old: milk formula, milk products, baked products, sugar, and sweets; (ii) 1 &amp;ndash; 2 years old: Sugar, sweets, milk formula, milk products, baked products, and non-alcoholic beverages; and (iii) 3 &amp;ndash; 18 years old: Sugar, sweets, baked products, and non-alcoholic beverages. From 2008 to 2013, the consumption of sweetened beverages and baked products increased significantly, while the consumption of fresh and minimally processed fruits and vegetables decreased significantly. Therefore, it is suggested to reduce added sugar in processed foods, provide unsweetened alternatives, reduce the intake of table sugar, baked goods, and confections, and increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Levels of Phthalate Acid Esters in Carbonated Soft Drinks Bottled in Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Bottles Kept under Various Storage Conditions in Mwanza City, Tanzania

Background: Carbonated soft drinks (CSD), packaged in PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, are among the most widely consumed non-alcoholic beverage globally. People of all ages enjoy CSDs for their flavour, mouthfeel, crispness, freshness, and capacity to both quench thirst and provide mental refreshment. Terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol, and other additives such as phthalates are the materials used to make these PET bottles. Several studies have demonstrated that phthalates may migrate into packaged goods and, when consumed, can cause several ill-health conditions to humans. Type II diabetes, obesity, asthma, male and female reproductive disorders, tumours (including breast cancer), pituitary, hypothalamic, and peripheral hormone disorders, behavioral issues, and neurodevelopmental disorders are among the health issues reported to be associated with phthalates. Objective: This study aimed to ascertain the presence and concentration of phthalates in PET bottled carbonated soft drinks produced in Mwanza City, and to examine the effects of various storage conditions on the migration of these contaminants into the product. Methods: Liquid-liquid extraction, clean-up techniques, and chromatographic analysis were used as the methods of determination to identify and quantify the specific phthalates compounds. Results: The findings demonstrated that after being stored outdoors for four to six months, the migration, especially for dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di [2-ethylhexyl] phthalate (DEHP), became more apparent. After two, four, and six months of indoor storage, there was no appreciable change in the mean concentrations of DMP (dimethyl phthalate), DEP (diethyl phthalate), DBP (dibutyl phthalate), and DEHP for either brand in this study. Compared to indoor storage, the DBP and DEHP migration increased by up to 24-fold when the two brands were kept outdoors for four and six months. Thus, the safety and quality of carbonated soft drinks were seriously compromised by the phthalate compounds from the PET bottles that these companies were using. Conclusion: The study's conclusions show that PET packaging, which is influenced by the bottle manufacturing process and raw material formulations for packages of the studied CSDs, are responsible for the migration of phthalates into the products. The storage conditions and time are established to be the primary causes of phthalates migration in bottled carbonated soft drinks. Though the migration figures in this study are lower than those of the other studies from different locations that were compared, it is important to remember that these compounds may interfere with hormones even in small quantities.

Species delimitation of tea plants (Camellia sect. Thea) based on super-barcodes

BackgroundThe era of high throughput sequencing offers new paths to identifying species boundaries that are complementary to traditional morphology-based delimitations. De novo species delimitation using traditional or DNA super-barcodes serve as efficient approaches to recognizing putative species (molecular operational taxonomic units, MOTUs). Tea plants (Camellia sect. Thea) form a group of morphologically similar species with significant economic value, providing the raw material for tea, which is the most popular nonalcoholic caffeine-containing beverage in the world. Taxonomic challenges have arisen from vague species boundaries in this group.ResultsBased on the most comprehensive sampling of C. sect. Thea by far (165 individuals of 39 morphospecies), we applied three de novo species delimitation methods (ASAP, PTP, and mPTP) using plastome data to provide an independent evaluation of morphology-based species boundaries in tea plants. Comparing MOTU partitions with morphospecies, we particularly tested the congruence of MOTUs resulting from different methods. We recognized 28 consensus MOTUs within C. sect. Thea, while tentatively suggesting that 11 morphospecies be discarded. Ten of the 28 consensus MOTUs were uncovered as morphospecies complexes in need of further study integrating other evidence. Our results also showed a strong imbalance among the analyzed MOTUs in terms of the number of molecular diagnostic characters.ConclusionThis study serves as a solid step forward for recognizing the underlying species boundaries of tea plants, providing a needed evidence-based framework for the utilization and conservation of this economically important plant group.

Optimizing the Vanillin-Acid Sulfuric Method to Total Saponin Content in Leaves of Yerba Mate Clones.

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a forest species consumed in the form of non-alcoholic beverages in South America, with applications in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. The species leaves are globally recognized for their important bioactive compounds, including, saponins. We adjusted the vanillin-acid sulfuric method for determining spectrophotometrically the total saponin in yerba mate leaves. Seeking to maximize the extraction of saponins from leaves, a Doehlert design combined with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used, considering ethanol:water ratios and ultrasound times. In addition, the same methodology was used for the analysis of times and temperatures in the vanillin-sulfuric acid reaction heating. The contents of total saponin in mature leaves were compared in four yerba mate clones. The extraction was maximized using 40 % ethanol:60 % water and 60 minutes of ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) without heating. For the reaction conditions, 70 °C for 10 minutes heating is recommended, and UV/Vis reading from 460 to 680 nm. Using the optimized methodology, total saponin contents ranged from 28.43 to 53.09 mg g-1 in the four yerba mate clones. The significant difference in saponin contents between clones indicate great genetic diversity and potential for clones' selection and extraction of these compounds from yerba mate leaves.

Understanding the Interplay of Dietary Intake and Eating Behavior in Type 2 Diabetes.

Diet and eating behavior both play a crucial role in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The main objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary intake and eating behavior in a population of patients with T2DM. A cross-sectional study was performed using 416 patients with T2DM and their dietary intake and eating behavior were assessed with validated questionnaires. Women scored significantly higher than men for emotional and restrained eating (p < 0.001). Correlation analyses showed that emotional eaters consumed significantly more calories (r = 0.120, p = 0.014) and fat (r = 0.101, p = 0.039), as well as non-alcoholic beverages for women (r = 0.193, p = 0.003) and alcohol for men (r = 0.154, p = 0.038). Also, individuals who ate based on external cues consumed significantly more calories (r = 0.188, p < 0.001) and fat (r = 0.139, p = 0.005). These results demonstrate that eating behavior influences dietary intake. Understanding this relationship could optimize diabetes management and allow for more individualized nutritional guidance.

The study of hemoglobin forms under the conditions of energy drink consumption

In today’s world, where stress and busyness are an integral part of everyday life, energy drinks have become not only a means of satisfying the need for energy and maintenance of vitality, but also a symbol of lifestyle, an important element of the modern culture of consumption. The speed and efficiency they promise attract the attention of consumers, especially those who are constantly on the move. Such drinks have become popular not only among young people, but also among everyone who seek to maintain their activity and efficiency during the day. The purpose of the work was to investigate the dynamics of changes in the level of total hemoglobin and its forms, in particular oxy-, carboxy-, sulf-, met-, and dyshemoglobin under the conditions of energy drink consumption. The study was conducted using male Wistar rats weighing 150–220 g kept in the vivarium under appropriate lighting conditions, temperature, humidity and standard diet. All the animals had free access to feed (based on daily requirements) and water (based on 20 ml of water per rat per day). The experiment was carried out in compliance with the requirements of the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for Experimental and Scientific Purposes (Strasbourg, 1986). The animals were divided into five groups: the 1st group received drinking water (intact control); the 2nd–5th groups received daily the non-alcoholic energy drink “Burn” per os for a month. The calculation of the required amount of drink for administration per one rat was based per 1 kg of body weight. To monitor the growth and development, we weighted the rats at the beginning and at each stage of the experiment. The material (blood) was taken on the 1st (2nd group), 10th (3rd group), 20th (4th group) and 30th day (5th group) after the completion of the experiment under anesthesia (intramuscularly sodium thiopental, 60 mg/kg). The total hemoglobin level was determined with the Mythic 18 hematological analyzer. Determination of the content of oxyhemoglobin, methemoglobin, sulfhemoglobin and carboxyhemoglobin was performed spectrophotometrically. The obtained data indicate significant changes in both the total level of hemoglobin and its ligand forms, in particular, a decrease in the level of oxyhemoglobin and the accumulation of dyshemoglobins, such as methemoglobin, sulfhemoglobin, and carboxyhemoglobin. As evidenced by the obtained results, the consumption of energy drinks leads to the oxygen homeostasis violation, the development of tissue hypoxia and can cause structural and functional disorders in the body under such conditions.

Kombucha as a Potential Active Ingredient in Cosmetics-An Ex Vivo Skin Permeation Study.

Kombucha is a non-alcoholic beverage, that is increasingly used in the cosmetic industry. The available literature reports the positive effects of kombucha on the skin, in particular its antioxidant action. However, there is a lack of information on skin permeation and the accumulation of active ingredients showing such effects. Skin aging is largely dependent on oxidative stress, therefore in our study we assessed the ex vivo permeation of two types of kombucha (green and black tea) through porcine skin. The antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP methods) and total polyphenol content of these extracts were determined before and after permeation testing. Moreover, the content of selected phenolic acids as well as caffeine was assessed. Skin permeation was determined using a Franz diffusion cell. The antioxidant activity of both Kombuchas was found to be high. In addition, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, protocatechuic acid, coumaric acid, m-hydroxybenzoic acid, and caffeine were identified. A 24-h ex vivo study showed the permeation of some phenolic acids and caffeine and their accumulation in the skin. Our results confirm the importance of studying the skin permeation of what are still little known ingredients in cosmetic preparations. Evaluation of the accumulation of these ingredients can guarantee the efficacy of such preparations.