Soluble Fiber Research Articles

Effect of Crop Protection Intensity and Nitrogen Fertilisation on the Quality Parameters of Spelt Wheat Grain cv. ‘Rokosz’ Grown in South-Eastern Poland

Spelt wheat is one of the oldest wheats cultivated by humans. It is characterised by high nutritional values and is sought after by consumers. Additionally, it does not have high habitat and fertilisation requirements and is resistant to diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different levels of nitrogen fertilisation and the intensification of fungicide protection on the grain quality characteristics of spelt cv. ‘Rokosz’ grown under south-eastern Polish conditions. The present research showed that the intensification of fungicide crop protection and increasing the nitrogen dose from 70 to 130 kg ha−1 had a positive effect on the quality features of spelt grains. The highest protein, gluten and starch contents were found after four fungicide treatments. These parameters increased their values under the influence of fungicides. After the application of 130 kg ha−1, spelt wheat grain had the most favourable chemical composition, containing the most protein, gluten, soluble dietary fibre, insoluble dietary fibre and fat. It also had a positive effect on the Zeleny sedimentation index and the amino acid content of the grain. Due to the favourable response of the spelt cv. ‘Rokosz’ to intensified fungicide protection and nitrogen fertilisation, it should be recommended for cultivation in integrated technology.

Effectiveness and costs of the recruitment strategies used in the MetA-Bone trial, a randomized clinical trial to test the effects of soluble corn fiber supplementation for 1 year in children

Background: Pediatric recruitment into clinical trials is very challenging. A recruitment plan was designed to recruit healthy children (9–14 years) in a trial testing the 1-year effect of corn soluble fiber supplementation on bone mass. We evaluated the effectiveness and costs of the recruitment strategies used in this trial. Methods: The recruitment plan included “Traditional” (mailings, flyers, posters, visits, snowball, etc.) or “Online” (email campaigns, social media, website, etc.) strategies. All strategies led to the pre-screening online form, which asked how they learned about the study. This analysis includes the number of pre-screenings and enrollment (consents signed), ineligibility, socio-demographics, and costs per strategy. Differences were analyzed using ANOVA or chi-square. Results: 649 individuals completed the pre-screening; 37.1 % came from “Traditional”, 46.7 % from “Online”, 2.6 % from “Other”, and 13.6 % from “Unknown” strategies. The most successful strategies were related to Florida International University (posting flyers around campus and email campaigns). The main reasons for ineligibility were obesity (38.9 %) or outside the age range (22.7 %). A total of 48.4 % of the children enrolled came from “Traditional”, 50.2 % from “Online”, and 1.4 % from “Other” strategies. The cost per screened participant was $1112 for “Traditional” and $512 for “Online” strategies, and the cost per enrolled participant was $2704 for “Traditional” and $1454 for “Online” strategies. The highest costs were staff salary. Conclusion: “Online” strategies were more effective and had a lower implementation cost than “Traditional” strategies, although these were also important in achieving the recruitment goal. Future pediatric trials should consider some of these strategies and their costs.ClinicalTrials.gov registry number: NCT02916862

Phytochemicals, antioxidant activity and nutritional profile of pulp, peel and peel fiber of mango (<i>Mangifera indica</i> l.) cultivar Ataulfo

Introduction: Mango fruit and its by-products represent a very diverse and abundant source of sugars and components with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, such as dietary fiber, vitamins, and polyphenols. Consuming mango pulp might reduce health disorders caused by inflammatory and oxidative processes such as obesity related diseases. Mango and its by-products contain compounds that can either promote or neutralize inflammatory and oxidative environments; variations in their composition may directly influence the degree of bioactivity. This work aimed to analyze the nutritional and nutraceutical profiles presented in the three different mango by-products to know their possible nutraceutical potential. Objective: This work aimed to analyze the nutritional and nutraceutical profiles presented in the three different mango by-products to know their possible nutraceutical potential. Methods: Ripe Ataulfo mango products (pulp, peel, and peel fiber) were evaluated for nutritional composition by AOAC methods. β-carotene and ascorbic acid were analyzed by UV-Vis liquid chromatography (LC), while mangiferin, phenolics and flavonoids by LC coupled to mass spectrometer detector. The antioxidant capacity was correlated to each of the bioactive compounds. Results: Ripe Ataulfo mango products (pulp, peel, and peel fiber) were evaluated for nutritional, antioxidant, and phytochemical characteristics. All the by-products demonstrated significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in nutritional and chemical composition. Mango peel had the highest β-carotene, vitamin C, and mangiferin values. Mango pulp had the highest values for free sugars (73 g 100 g-1), but low phytochemicals values, contrasting the peel fiber with 81% of total dietary fiber but minimum values of free sugars and β-carotene and no vitamin C. The highest antioxidant capacity was presented for mango peel. Results obtained from this study indicate that the mango Ataulfo pulp and by-products are divergent and represent a good source of bioactive compounds. Conclusions: Mango peel composition is a natural combination of high concentrations of mangiferin, flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamin C, provitamin A, and dietary fiber, all involved with inflammation and cell oxidative stress-related disease control and prevention. However, mango peel exhibited the most significant nutraceutical potential due to its high antioxidant capacity. Keywords: Mangifera indica L.; Mango Ataulfo; Mangiferin; Flavonoids; Phytochemicals; Bioactive Compounds

Treatment of anal fissures using the new TRPM8 receptor therapy - own experience.

<b>Introduction:</b> Anal fissure, a longitudinal or oval crack in the anal anoderm above the dentate line, is one of the most common diseases of the anal area. The following article shows the effectiveness of anal fissure treatment based on our own experience, using new receptor therapy in the form of Procto-Zac Memethol Barrier Spray [(1R,2S,5R)-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol, sodium hydrogen carbonate, 7-(dimethylamino) phenothiazin-3-ylidene]- dimethylazanium; chloride, 1,2-propanediol, purified water], preparation containing soluble fiber and oral probiotic.<b>Aim:</b> The aim of the following article is to present our experience and observations in the conservative treatment of acute and chronic anal fissure using Procto-Zac Memethol Barrier Spray and preparations containing soluble fiber and oral probiotic.<b>Material and methods:</b> The study included a group of 120 patients with anal fissure between 18 and 45 years of age. Each patient in the group received a therapy consisting of Procto-Zac Memethol Barrier Spray (8 sprays once a day, 2 packages) and preparation containing fiber and oral probiotic. A high-fiber, gluten-free and lactose-free diet was also recommended. A follow-up was carried out in our clinic after 4 and 8 weeks. If the symptoms do not disappear completely, also after 3 months from the start of treatment.<b>Results:</b> Complete relief of symptoms was achieved in 62 patients after 4 weeks of treatment. After 8 weeks, complete relief of symptoms was achieved in another 49 people. In 6 people, after 3 months of treatment, the symptoms were partially relieved, but the anal fissure was not completely healed. Three people did not come for a follow-up visit. In 20 patients, skin burning around the anus was observed during the above therapy.The above symptoms did not require discontinuation of Procto-Zac Memethol Barrier Spray therapy and disappeared after completion of treatment. No other side effects of the preparations used were found.<b>Conclusions:</b> According to our observations, the use of new TRPM8 receptor therapy MemeThol Barrier Spray, a preparation containing soluble fiber and oral probiotic, turned out to be an effective method of treating anal fissure. In the future, it is advisable to conduct further studies, including multicenter studies, to assess the full tolerability and effectiveness of the described therapy.

Structural and functional properties of polysaccharides extracted from three Dioscorea species

Dioscorea has a history spanning over 2000 years for both medicinal and edible purposes in China. It contains rich polysaccharides, which are frequently utilized as thickening and stabilizing agents in the food industry. However, there has been relatively little focus on polysaccharides from common Dioscorea species besides D. opposita, such as D. alata and D. esculenta. In this study, non-starch crude polysaccharides were isolated from D. opposita (BD), D. alata (WC), and D. esculenta (GZ). Their structures, physicochemical compositions, and functional properties were characterized and compared. The results indicated three polysaccharides all exhibited characteristic peaks of polysaccharides and possessed triple-helix structures. The Glc (36.78–83.90 %), Man (6.71–26.68 %), and GalA (8.54–10.22 %) were identified as the primary monosaccharide components. In terms of functionality, three polysaccharide solutions demonstrated non-Newtonian flow characteristics and displayed commendable thermal stability. It is worth noting that the antioxidant and emulsifying properties of polysaccharides isolated from D. opposita (BD) and D. alata (WC) were superior to those of D. esculenta (GZ), making them more suitable for use as antioxidants and stabilizers. By comparing polysaccharides derived from different Dioscorea species, this study provides valuable insights into the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries based on the unique properties of these different polysaccharides.

Could Snacks Based on Lupin Be a Nutritious Treat? A Point of View.

This viewpoint article presents an opinion about snacks made with lupin species. The nutritional quality of cereal-based snacks increased significantly when lupin was added. For instance, the protein and fibre content of lupin snacks could be as high as 55.7% and 8.3% respectively, soluble fibre as high as 61.2% of total fibre, and protein digestibility close to that of casein. As for sensory evaluation, some lupin snacks were ranked even better than controls. Moreover, some lupin snacks had similar or improved rheological behaviour with respect to controls. For instance, expansion indices of 11 versus 3 for controls. In summary, by adjusting formula and processing conditions, it is possible to obtain, at the same time, a healthy and tasty snack with very good machinability and rheological behaviour. This could improve the image and concept of snacks by providing an excellent opportunity for improving the diet quality of habitual consumers of snacks. This point of view also provides suggestions for improving the nutritional, rheological, and sensory evaluation of lupin snacks.

Diet rich in soluble dietary fibres increases excretion of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in male Sprague-Dawley rats

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) belongs to a large group of anthropogenic compounds with high persistency named per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS). Widespread use from industry to household appliances and food-contact materials contributes to PFAS exposure with food as the primary source. Association studies suggest that vegetables and fibre rich diet may reduce PFOS levels in humans, but experimental data remain limited. Here, we investigated PFOS uptake and wash-out after seven days of PFOS (3 mg/kg/day) in two groups of rats (N = 12 per group) fed diets either high (HF) or low (LF) in soluble dietary fibres. Two control groups (N = 12/group) were fed the same diets without PFOS. Changes in pH and transit time were monitored alongside intestinal and faecal microbiota composition. We quantified systemic and excreted, linear and branched PFOS. Results revealed significantly lower pH and faster intestinal transit in the HF groups. Importantly, HF rats had lower serum PFOS concentrations and higher PFOS concentrations in caecal content and faeces, indicating a more efficient excretion on the fibre rich diet. In both dietary groups, PFOS affected the gut microbiota composition. Our results suggest that a diet rich in soluble dietary fibres accelerates excretion of PFOS and lowers PFOS concentration in serum.

Amaranth: Multipurpose Agroindustrial Crop

Amaranthus cruentus L. (varieties: Juana, Aurelia, Elena) and Amaranthus viridis L. (variety: Callaloo) have long been utilized in food products for human consumption in Central and South America. However, there is limited information on the chemical composition of these species’ leaves and grains grown in Puerto Rico. This study aimed to fill this gap by evaluating the nutritional profile of these four amaranth varieties cultivated in Puerto Rico. A compositional analysis was conducted using official methods, focusing on lysine, protein, dietary fiber, and mineral content. The results showed high lysine content in both species. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in crude protein levels among the leaves, with Elena (23%) and Aurelia (21%) showing the highest values. While protein content among grains averaged 19%, there were no significant differences between varieties. The analysis of dietary fiber revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) and total dietary fiber (TDF) for the leaves and in IDF, soluble dietary fiber (SDF), and TDF for the grains. Additionally, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus concentrations differed significantly (p < 0.05) in the leaves, while iron, potassium, and zinc showed no significant variation. Significant differences were found in the grains for calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. This research highlights the excellent nutritional value of amaranth leaves and grains grown in Puerto Rico, with Elena and Aurelia having exceptionally high protein content in their leaves.

Effects of acid, alkaline and enzymatic extraction methods on functional, structural and antioxidant properties of dietary fiber fractions from quince (Cydonia oblonga Miller)

In this study, quince soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) were obtained by acid extraction, enzyme extraction and alkaline extraction methods. The acid extracted DF displayed higher results compared to enzyme and alkaline extraction methods in terms of water holding capacity (15.97 g/g SDF), oil holding capacity (1.05 g/g SDF) and nitrite ion adsorption capacity (92.83 mg/g SDF). The antioxidant activity and phenolic content of acid extracted IDF were significantly higher than the other quince DFs. In addition, quince DFs exhibited in vitro hypoglycaemic activity, exhibiting high glucose adsorption capacity (237 mg/g) and α-amylase inhibition activity (82 %). Similarly, acid extracted SDF of quince showed in vitro hypolipidemic activity, with cholesterol adsorption capacity of 155 mg/g and lipase inhibition activity of 36 %. The structures and thermal properties of quince DFs were characterized by FT-IR and TGA. Quince DFs with high functional properties might be suitable agents for functional food formulations, such as meat products, low-calorie fruit bars, flour mixtures, etc.

Effect of modifications on structure, physicochemical properties and lead ions adsorption behavior of dietary fiber of Flammulina velutipes

The health effects of dietary fiber have been widely concerned, which are closely related to physicochemical properties. This study focused on soluble dietary fiber of Flammulina velutipes (FDF), evaluated the effects of modifications on structural characterization, the physicochemical properties and the heavy metal adsorption characteristics, and further clarified underlying mechanisms on Pb2+ adsorption behavior of FDFs. The results showed the modifications of extrusion and cellulase improved the yield of FDFs, increased the release of active groups and enhanced the adsorption ability in vitro. Besides, Pb2+ adsorption altered porous structure and led to the presence of carboxylate. It was a spontaneous endothermic reaction and can be fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation. The Freundlich equation was suitable to describe the adsorption isotherm. These results highlighted potential applications of the dietary fiber modification and laid the theoretical foundation for the modification processing of F. velutipes and protection from food-derived heavy metal toxicity.

Suppression of the postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes by a raw medicinal herb powder is weakened when consumed in ordinary hard gelatin capsules: A randomized crossover clinical trial.

Contradictory claims about the efficacy of several medicinal plants to promote glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been explained by divergences in the administration form and by extrapolation of data obtained from healthy individuals. It is not known whether the antidiabetic effects of traditional herbal medicines are influenced by gelatin capsules. This randomized crossover trial aimed to evaluate the acute effect of a single dose of raw cinnamon consumed orally either dissolved in water as a beverage or as ordinary hard gelatin capsules on postprandial hyperglycemia (>140 mg/dL; >7.8 mmol/L) in T2DM patients elicited by a nutritionally-balanced meal providing 50 g of complex carbohydrates. Fasting T2DM patients (n = 19) randomly ingested a standardized meal in five experimental sessions, one alone (Control) and the other after prior intake of 3 or 6 g of crude cinnamon in the form of hard gelatin capsules or powder dissolved in water. Blood glucose was measured at fasting and at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5 and 2 hours postprandially. After each breakfast, its palatability scores for visual appeal, smell and pleasantness of taste were assessed, as well as the taste intensity sweetness, saltiness, bitterness, sourness and creaminess. The intake of raw cinnamon dissolved in water, independently of the dose, decreased the meal-induced large glucose spike (peak-rise of +87 mg/dL and Δ1-hour glycemia of +79 mg/dL) and the hyperglycemic blood glucose peak. When cinnamon was taken as capsules, these anti-hyperglycemic effects were lost or significantly diminished. Raw cinnamon intake did not change time-to-peak or the 2-h post-meal glycaemia, but flattened the glycemic curve (lower iAUC) without changing the shape that is typical of T2DM patients. This cinnamon's antihyperglycemic action confirms its acarbose-like property to inhibit the activities of the carbohydrate-digesting enzymes α-amylases/α-glucosidases, which is in accordance with its exceptionally high content of raw insoluble fiber. The efficacy of using raw cinnamon as a diabetes treatment strategy seems to require its intake at a specific time before/concomitantly the main hyperglycemic daily meals. Trial registration: Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (ReBEC), number RBR-98tx28b.

Citric Acid by-Product Fermentation by Bacillus subtilis I9: A Promising Path to Sustainable Animal Feed

Citric acid by-products in animal feed pose a sustainability challenge. Bacillus species are commonly used for fermenting and improving the nutritional quality of feedstuffs or by-products. An experiment was conducted to enhance the nutritional value of citric acid by-products through fermentation with Bacillus subtilis I9 for animal feed. The experiment was carried out in 500 mL Erlenmeyer flasks with 50 g of substrate and 200 mL of sterile water. Groups were either uninoculated or inoculated with B. subtilis I9 at 107 CFU/mL. Incubation occurred at 37 °C with automatic shaking at 150 rpm under aerobic conditions for 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. Inoculation with B. subtilis I9 significantly increased Bacillus density to 9.3 log CFU/mL at 24 h (p < 0.05). CMCase activity gradually increased, reaching a maximum of 9.77 U/mL at 72 h. After 96 h of fermentation with inoculated B. subtilis I9, the citric acid by-product exhibited a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in crude fiber by 10.86%, hemicellulose by 20.23%, and cellulose by 5.98%, but an increase in crude protein by 21.89%. Gross energy decreased by 4% after inoculation with B. subtilis in comparison to the uninoculated control (p < 0.05). Additionally, the non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) degradation due to inoculation with B. subtilis I9 significantly reduced (p < 0.05) NSP by 24.37%, while galactose, glucose, and uronic acid decreased by 22.53%, 32.21%, and 18.11%, respectively. Amino acid profile content increased significantly by more than 12% (p < 0.05), including indispensable amino acids such as histidine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and valine and dispensable amino acids like alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, and tyrosine. Furthermore, citric acid by-products inoculated with B. subtilis I9 exhibited changes in the cell wall structure under scanning electron microscopy, including fragmentation and cracking. These results suggest that fermenting citric acid by-products with B. subtilis I9 effectively reduces dietary fiber content and improves the nutritional characteristics of citric acid by-products for use in animal feed.

Processing of Angelica (Angelica sylvestris L.) into a functional jam with addition of carob and cinnamon extracts: Evaluation of sensorial, physicochemical, and nutritional characteristics and in vitro bioaccessibility of phenolics

AbstractA traditional Angelica jam has been produced from stems of Angelica sylvestris L. growing at the foot of Mount Uludag in Bursa for many years. The aim of this study was to develop new functional formulations of Angelica jam by adding carob and cinnamon extracts, and to evaluate the effect of jam processing and the extracts' addition on the sensory attributes, physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of Angelica jams as well as in vitro bioavailability of phenolics. The main physicochemical properties of the jams including total water‐soluble dry matter (Brix value), pH, invert sugar content, total dietary fiber content, and 5‐(hydroxymethyl) furfural (HMF) ranged between 71.80–72.70 °Bx, 3.65–3.91, 39.30%–49.60%, 0.70–0.90 g/100 g, and 91.00–105.50 mg/kg, respectively. The most abundant minerals were potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), and iron (Fe) within a concentration range of 80.49–388.67 mg/kg, 111.10–135.00 mg/kg, 24.00–43.28 mg/kg, 7.57–28.06 mg/kg, and 0.52–1.14 mg/kg, respectively. Sensory analysis revealed that general acceptability of Angelica jams in a 9‐point hedonic scale was above 7. The highest antioxidant capacity values of Angelica jam and its functional forms fortified with carob and cinnamon extracts were obtained as 96.68 ± 11.30 mg TE/100 g DM, 248.49 ± 17.78 mg TE/100 g DM, and 193.11 ± 16.06 mg TE/100 g DM, respectively, with the ABTS (2,2′‐azino‐bis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) method. It was observed that the main phenolic compound of the jams was caffeic acid. Depending on the type of extract added into the formulations, trans‐cinnamic acid and gallic acid (GA) became predominant phenolics. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of Angelica sylvestris stem decreased by 72%–85% with the heat treatment applied during jam processing. While total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant capacity (measured by the DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl) method) increased as a result of intestinal digestion of the jam, it was observed that bioaccessibility of most of the phenolic compounds decreased after intestinal digestion of the jams.

Mechanisms of Degradation of Insoluble Dietary Fiber from Coconut Chips by Ultra-High Pressure

Coconut chips are a popular leisure food, but the residual crumbly feeling after chewing affects the eating experience. To address this problem, we investigated the mechanism of degradation of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) from coconut chips by ultra-high pressure (UHP). The optimal conditions for UHP treatment were 100 MPa and 40 min. After UHP treatment, the hardness decreased by 60%, and the content of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) increased by 55%. So far, the meaning of SDF has not been defined. The microstructure of IDF was damaged and the surface was rough. There was no obvious change in the chemical structure. The position of the characteristic diffraction peaks was basically unchanged, but the crystallinity dropped by almost three times. The thermal stability decreased, and the composition of the monosaccharides changed. Together, UHP treatment can improve the problem of the residual crumbly feeling after chewing coconut chips and improve the quality of the product.

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon dynamics in biofloc system of Nile tilapia fed with high non-starch polysaccharides diet

While microbiota need to consume organic carbon to maintain water quality, commercial aquaculture feed produces a post-feeding waste with a carbon to nitrogen ratio that is too low to allow the bacteria to mineralize all the waste. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of replacing starch-rich ingredients used in a Control-diet with non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) rich ingredients resulting in a High-NSP-diet on the water quality and nutrient budgets in biofloc tanks with Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The main NSP-rich ingredients in the High-NSP-diet were palm kernel meal, rice bran and corn gluten feed. Both diets were isonitrogenous, but the High-NSP-diet contained 3 times more fiber than the Control-diet.After 8 weeks of cultivation, the individual fish growth and feed conversion ratio was similar between two dietary treatments, but due to a lower survival in tanks fed the High-NSP-diet the total biomass gain was slightly better in the Control-diet tanks. The contribution of biofloc to fish growth with the High-NSP-diet was 17 %, compared to 14 % when feeding the Control-diet. The water quality was similar between both dietary treatments, with less accumulation of nutrients in the water column in the High-NSP-diet tanks. This was shown by a 4 % lower retention efficiency of carbon (C), 12 % of nitrogen (N) and 7 % of phosphorus (P) in the water column in High-NSP-diet fed tanks than in the Control-diet tanks. The High-NSP-diet did not affect the C, N, and P concentration of the biofloc, with a relatively stable concentration of C and N among weeks and a steady increase in P concentration until week six (W6). The biofloc concentration increased until W6 and decreased in week eight.Correlation analysis revealed strong correlations between the concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS), total organic matter (TOM) and NO3, and between TSS and Chl-a. Subsequent regression analysis showed that the TSS concentration can be best predicted based on the TOM concentrations in tanks fed the Control-diet and based on the NO3 concentration in tanks fed the High-NSP-diet. This approach will help modellers or farmers to predict the amount of TSS based on a limited number of other water quality parameters. Economic analysis showed that in spite of a lower production at system level when feeding the High-NSP-diet, due to the lower cost of this diet, the effect on income is negligible, with a higher 0.03 USD profit per kg fish produced compared to the Control-diet.

Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) Waste By-Product Characterization as a Potential Functional Ingredient

Currently, the production of waste in the food industry is increasing, which is a serious problem. However, most of these residues, especially those derived from fruits and vegetables, have great unknown properties that are not used. The main objective of this article is the analysis and characterization of the waste from quince after its processing to observe its properties and its potential use in different industries as a functional ingredient, thus favoring the circular economy and sustainability. Quince by-product nutritional parameters such as proteins, fibers, sugars, vitamins, and minerals were analyzed. Also, the antioxidant capacity was measured by various methods: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH), antioxidant capacity in Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC/ABTS), and total polyphenol content (TPC). Finally, the antimicrobial capacity against different postharvest-pathogenic fungi was measured in direct sample and extract. The nutritional results showed a nutritional profile rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and low in fat. The antioxidant results from the extract showed significant levels of phenols and higher antioxidant capacity from the extracted sample. No positive results were found in the antimicrobial capacity study. Quince by-products could be a potential ingredient in the industry due to their nutritional composition and antioxidant content.

Xylanase and phytase supplementation of Moringa oleifera diets: effects on the performance, egg quality and blood profile of laying hens

Context Moringa oleifera leaves present enormous potential as an alternative feedstuff for laying hens. The utilisation of the leaves can be improved by exogenous enzymes owing to the presence of non-starch polysaccharides and phytate. Aims This study evaluated the influence of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOL) in diets supplemented with xylanase and phytase on laying hen performance and egg quality at peak production. Methods In total, 288 Dekalb White laying hens (32 weeks old) were distributed in a completely randomised design, following a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement (with or without MOL × 4 enzyme supplementations). Each treatment comprised six repetitions, each containing six hens. The control diet was based on ground corn and soybean meal, and the treatment diets were supplemented with 5% MOL, followed by three enzyme additives (xylanase, phytase and a xylanase + phytase blend). Key results The enzyme supplementation in MOL diets positively influenced egg production (P = 0.012), egg weight (P = 0.021) and egg mass (P = 0.009). The birds offered xylanase-supplemented diets had higher feed intakes (P = 0.015) than did those fed other diets. Moringa oleifera increased the albumen height (P < 0.001) and Haugh unit (P < 0.001), whereas MOL and phytase improved eggshell thickness (P < 0.001) and the candling score (P = 0.049), compared with treatments without phytase supplementation. MOL and enzyme supplementation improved yolk colour intensity (L, A and R parameters) and decreased plasma total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations. The inclusion of 5% MOL in diets did not impair laying performance. However, when MOL diets were supplemented with exogenous enzymes, there was an increase in egg weight. Conclusions MOL can be included at 5% in layer diets without affecting performance. When used in combination with xylanase and phytase, they improve performance, intensify yolk colour, and improve shell thickness, candling score, as well as serum biochemical profile. Implications These findings suggest that the combination of dietary MOL + xylanase + phytase can improve performance and egg quality in laying hens at peak production.

Extraction technology determines the properties of bamboo shoots dietary fiber concentrate and its application in chicken mince gels: Systematic analysis

This study investigated how physical, chemical, and enzymatic extraction technologies affected the physicochemical properties of bamboo shoot insoluble dietary fiber (IDF). Additionally, the effects of IDF extracted by these techniques on the gel properties, water retention, microstructure, and digestibility of chicken mince gels were evaluated. Results showed that IDFs extracted by physical (P-IDF), chemical (C-IDF), and enzymatic (E-IDF) exhibited a typical cellulose polysaccharide structure and strong water and oil retention capabilities, with the highest values reaching 14.18 g/g and 6.74 g/g, respectively. Compared to P-IDF, C-IDF and E-IDF displayed a rougher porous structure and stronger adsorption capacities for glucose (409.91 mg/g and 604.95 mg/g), cholesterol (54.46 mg/g and 64.06 mg/g), sodium cholate, and nitrite. The addition of IDF improved the water retention, water stability, texture, and rheological properties of chicken mince gels, and had no negative effect on the digestion of chicken mince proteins. On the one hand, the hydrophilic groups exposed in IDF absorb water and fill the gel networks, reducing the formation of water channels in the gel and improving water stability. Furthermore, the hydrophilic groups on the glucose unit that makes up the IDF interacts with the proteins through the hydrogen bond and the transformation of protein β-structure to α-structure, promoting the formation of gel network structure and improving gel texture and rheological properties. E-IDF and C-IDF showed better overall gel performances, but E-IDF had better dry matter digestibility, protein digestibility, and gastrointestinal digestive effects. Therefore, IDF prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis is more suitable for chicken mince processing.

Phytonutrient Formulation Using Gum Arabic and Adansonia Digitata Pulp: Lessons for Boosting the Human Immune System - Part 1

BackgroundThe intrinsic immune system (HIIs) defends the body against pathogens and relies on the energy obtained from food sources to increase its metabolic activity. AimIn this study, a new blended 3 in1 formula comprising A. senegal, A. seyal, and Adansonia digitata at a ratio of 5:3:2 was proposed as a potential aid in the management of Covid-19 patients with Metabolic Syndrome (MeT-S) disorders, with a specific focus on those presenting with impaired health. MethodsThe utilization of Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) was employed to analyze 3 blended ingredient combinations, including the 3in1 formula, A. senegal, A. seyal, and A. digitata pulp, for the presence of elements by detecting the levels of moisture, ash, minerals, protein, amino acids, carbohydrates, sugars, prebiotic polysaccharides, energy, dietary fibers, and crude fibers. This advanced technique has replaced the titration method used in previous studies. ResultsThe mineral content of the blended 3in1 sample was found to be dominated by potassium (70.56±2.35), Calcium (68.54±3.12), Magnesium (16.60±4.80), Phosphorus (11.50±2.50), Sodium (31.4±4.80), Zinc (19.19±2.10), Iron (19 ± 0.14), Copper (15.12±1.81), and selenium (0.037 ± 0.005) g/100 g DW. The blended 3 in1 sample also had a higher hydroxyproline content (30.17 g/100 g and a higher total protein and carbohydrate content than the blended 2 in1 sample. Additionally, arabinose was identified as the major reducing sugar with up to 48.23 and 49.97g/100 gDW. The prebiotic polysaccharide content was 88.61±3.12g/100 gDW for the blended 3 in1 sample, which was significantly higher than that of the blended 2 in1 sample. Furthermore, the energy value of the blended 3 in1 sample was significantly higher at 350.12±5.210 kcal/100 g than the blended 2 in1 sample at 340.67±3.155 kWh. The Insoluble Dietary Fibers (IDFs) and Soluble Dietary Fibers (SDFs) of the blended 3 in1 sample were 12.6±2.10 g/100 gDW and 87±2.124 g/100 g DW, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the blended 2 in1 sample. ConclusionThe discovery of distinct molecular compositions of A. senegal and A. seyal when combined with Adansonia Digitata Pulp (ADLP) in the 3 in1 blend demonstrated enhanced HIIs among Covid-19 patients with compromised MeT-S disorders. This may be considered a valuable natural antiviral agent for the treatment of such individuals.

Revolutionizing nutrition: Exploring the transformative impact of amaranth integration on composite millet flakes

This study focuses on the development and comparative analysis of multi-millet flakes comprising amaranth, finger millet, and foxtail millet. Two drying methods, baking and dehydration, were employed to produce the flakes. Physicochemical, structural, and thermal properties were evaluated, along with changes observed during soaking in various media. Baked flakes exhibited larger dimensions and a more porous internal structure compared to dried flakes. Baking induced gelatinization and protein denaturation, enhancing water holding capacity and resulting in lower water activity (0.24) conducive to long-term storage. Dehydrated flakes had slightly higher water activity (0.41) and exhibited higher color values with a glossy outer surface. Flakes soaked in hot milk, milk, and water displayed distinct structural properties, crystallinity shifts, and thermal degradation patterns. The nutritional analysis revealed a significant carbohydrate content (55 %), moderate protein (11 %), and notable levels of fat (4.4 %) and total dietary fiber (6.88 %). Fatty acid profiling indicated low levels of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats, with no trans-fat or cholesterol. Sensory evaluation favored baked flakes, indicating higher acceptability. This research underscores the potential of multi-millet flakes as a nutritious and palatable food option.