Number Of Micronutrients Research Articles

The Role of Micronutrients in The Nutrition of School Children

The article is devoted to the study of the actual nutrition of 1-4 graders living in rural areas. The number of micronutrients in the daily food of the respondents was determined and compared with the relevant standards. According to the obtained results, it was found that the amount of some vitamins in the daily diet of the subjects is much less than the norm. In the work, necessary recommendations are also given to eliminate the lack of micronutrients and its prevention.

Value addition and bioprospecting of indigenous ethnic food, Amorphophallus bulbifer (Roxb.) Blume (Araceae) for sustainable livelihood

Tripura, a small hilly state in India, harbors a treasure trove of traditional knowledge that revolves around utilizing forest-based resources for sustenance. Amorphophallus bulbifer (Roxb.) Blume, which belongs to the family Araceae, is a widely available and preferred food choice for the ethnic communities in Tripura. This study aimed to look at its biochemical potential for adding value and for bioprospecting. Several markets and homes were polled to determine how they could be used for more than one thing and to estimate the wild stock, demand, and supply. The results revealed that the corm is processed to make a food cake known as Batema and has a high market value. Batema is a traditional food that is high in carbs and is sold in the local markets which are alternative to soybeans and tofu. Furthermore, the nutritional content analysis reveals that a higher proportion of carbohydrate (7.73%) is present, followed by protein (3.15%), fat (0.05%), and estimated total calories (43.97 kcal/g). Besides that, the number of micronutrients and minerals, viz., Na (26.08%), Mg (0.94%), Al (1.92%), P (1.21%), K (2.99%), and Ca (4.34%), was also estimated. These findings suggested that Batema could be a resource for dietary supplements, which improve the healthfulness of novel foods for human consumption. Unfortunately, this food product is sold locally, which on the contrary, can be revolutionized from its traditional production into large-scale production at the commercial level. Such an approach will help secure livelihoods and increase the production and trade of this unique product.

Micronutrients Role in the Proinflammatory Cytokine Gene Expression Regulation in COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 Syndromes

A number of micronutrients in the diet are substances capable of inhibiting the genes expression of cyclooxygenases COX-1 and COX-2 and inducible NO synthase that are markers of the inflammatory process in COVID-19. The study aims at the development of the composition micronutrients – an inhibitor of hyperinflammatory reaction as an effective component of personalized nutrition in COVID and post-COVID syndromes. The thesis presents the anti-inflammatory potential of some micronutrients; proves the impact of flavonoids, ascorbic acid, glycyrrhizic acid and zinc on different targets; describes developed two-, three- and four-component compositions of the listed micronutrients in different ratios, which will ensure effectiveness against a larger number of targets. For preclinical studies of anti-inflammatory activity, a man selected six composition samples with maximum values of antioxidant activity using regression analysis; determined the biological activity of the composition samples: in vitro – using specific enzyme biotest systems based on inducible NO synthase and appropriate software, in vivo – on a model of acute aseptic and chronic inflammation in 220 outbred male Wistar rats. In vitro experiment confirms that the anti-inflammatory activity of experimental samples of the micronutrients composition decreases in the following series: III-2 > III-1 > VI-2 > VI-1 > I. The blood plasma analysis of rats in vivo proves that with prolonged course use, micronutrients composition samples III-1, III-2, VI-1 and VI-2 exhibit a pronounced antiexudative effect and lead to a significant decrease in COX-2. The course micronutrients composition introduction at a dose of 25 mg/kg leads to a significant decrease in the COX-2 concentration in all the studied animal groups. There is the COX-2 activity suppression in sample III-2 to a greater extent. The authors recommend the three-component composition including a micronized purified flavonoid fraction of sea buckthorn meal, glycyrrhizic and ascorbic acids in a ratio of 30:10:100 as a biologically active food additive in the diet of personalized nutrition for COVID and post-COVID syndromes.

Nutrition, Immunosenescence, and Infectious Disease: An Overview of the Scientific Evidence on Micronutrients and on Modulation of the Gut Microbiota

ABSTRACTThe immune system is key to host defense against pathogenic organisms. Aging is associated with changes in the immune system, with a decline in protective components (immunosenescence), increasing susceptibility to infectious disease, and a chronic elevation in low-grade inflammation (inflammaging), increasing the risk of multiple noncommunicable diseases. Nutrition is a determinant of immune cell function and of the gut microbiota. In turn, the gut microbiota shapes and controls the immune and inflammatory responses. Many older people show changes in the gut microbiota. Age-related changes in immune competence, low-grade inflammation, and gut dysbiosis may be interlinked and may relate, at least in part, to age-related changes in nutrition. A number of micronutrients (vitamins C, D, and E and zinc and selenium) play roles in supporting the function of many immune cell types. Some trials report that providing these micronutrients as individual supplements can reverse immune deficits in older people and/or in those with insufficient intakes. There is inconsistent evidence that this will reduce the risk or severity of infections including respiratory infections. Probiotic, prebiotic, or synbiotic strategies that modulate the gut microbiota, especially by promoting the colonization of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, have been demonstrated to modulate some immune and inflammatory biomarkers in older people and, in some cases, to reduce the risk and severity of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, although, again, the evidence is inconsistent. Further research with well-designed and well-powered trials in at-risk older populations is required to be more certain about the role of micronutrients and of strategies that modify the gut microbiota–host relationship in protecting against infection, especially respiratory infection.

Is Supplementation with Micronutrients Still Necessary during Pregnancy? A Review.

Introduction: Proper nutrition during pregnancy is important to prevent nutritional imbalances that interfere with pregnancy. Micronutrients play critical roles in embryogenesis, fetal growth, and maternal health, as energy, protein, vitamin, and mineral needs can increase during pregnancy. Increased needs can be met by increasing the intake of dietary micronutrients. Severe micronutrient deficiency or excess during pregnancy can have negative effects on fetal growth (intrauterine growth retardation, low birth weight, or congenital malformations) and pregnancy development (pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes). We investigate whether it is necessary to continue micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy to improve women’s health in this stage and whether this supplementation could prevent and control pathologies associated with pregnancy. Aim: The present review aims to summarize evidence on the effects of nutritional deficiencies on maternal and newborn morbidity. Methods: This aim is addressed by critically reviewing results from published studies on supplementation with different nutrients during pregnancy. For this, major scientific databases, scientific texts, and official webpages have been consulted. PubMed searches using the terms “pregnancy” OR “maternal-fetal health” AND “vitamins” OR “minerals” OR “supplementation” AND “requirement” OR “deficiency nutrients” were performed. Results: There are accepted interventions during pregnancy, such as folic acid supplementation to prevent congenital neural tube defects, potassium iodide supplementation to correct neurodevelopment, and oral iron supplementation during the second half of pregnancy to reduce the risk of maternal anemia and iron deficiency. A number of micronutrients have also been associated with pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. In general, experimental studies are necessary to demonstrate the benefits of supplementation with different micronutrients and to adjust the recommended daily doses and the recommended periconceptional nutrition for mothers. Conclusions: Presently, there is evidence of the benefits of micronutrient supplementation in perinatal results, but indiscriminate use is discouraged due to the fact that the side effects of excessive doses are not known. Evidence supports the idea that micronutrient deficiencies negatively affect maternal health and the outcome of pregnancy. No single micronutrient is responsible for the adverse effects; thus, supplementing or correcting one deficiency will not be very effective while other deficiencies exist.

Обеспеченность женщины микронутриентами во время прегравидарной подготовки, беременности и грудного вскармливания. Задачи и перспективы

Adequate micronutrient provision in a woman at the stage of pregravid preparation, during pregnancy is very important for its normal course, as well as for the well-being of the woman and her future offspring. In the periconceptional period, throughout pregnancy, as well as during breastfeeding, the need for a number of micronutrients increases. A balanced diet can compensate for it only to some extent, given that in our country there is a deficiency of micronutrients which are essential for the normal course of pregnancy, and the need for their supplement remains from the preconceptional period until the end of lactation. Excessive intake of vitamins carries certain risks: long-term administration of multicomponent vitamin-mineral complexes is associated with an increase in the risk of fetal macrosomia, and as the number of their components increases, so does the probability of pharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic interactions between them. The desire to reach the optimal dosage of one of the components with its true hypovitaminosis can lead to a violation of the dosage of its other components. Thus, nutritional support during pregnancy requires a basic supplement of strictly defined vitamins and microelements essential for normal gestation, such as folic acid, iodine, vitamin D and polyunsaturated fatty acids at dosages corresponding to the daily physiological requirement established for pregnant women. Key words: pregnancy, vitamins, vitamin D, iodine, lactation, micronutrients, polyunsaturated fatty acids, pregravid preparation, folates

Addition of biochar to acidic boreal podzolic soils enhances micronutrient availability and crop productivity

Abstract Results of a recent multiyear experiment conducted on an agricultural plot that was recently converted from boreal forest (Labrador, Canada) suggested that NPK fertilizers contributed to better crop establishment and higher yield but only when it was applied along with biochar. The failure of fertilizer only treatments to allow crop establishment and desirable growth and yield could be related to the deficiency of one or more micronutrients. Consequently, a missing element trial with a number of micronutrients (Mn, Cu, Zn, and Mo) was initiated on the same soil to investigate whether biochar can facilitate the availability of one or more of these micronutrients, contributing to crop growth and yields. Results show that the incorporation of chemical fertilizers with biochar produced significantly higher yields than in the absence of biochar. Furthermore, in the absence of biochar, the addition of micronutrients (i.e., Mn, Cu, Zn, and Mo) did not significantly increase yield. On the other hand, among the treatments that included biochar, the absence of a micronutrient (i.e., only three of the four micronutrients included) had either no effect (e.g., absence of Mn or Zn) or was associated with the increased yields (i.e., absence of Cu or Mo). Thus, it is proposed that while all tested micronutrients were present in the podzolic soil, with Cu and Mo possibly oversupplied, co-application with biochar enhanced both macronutrient and micronutrient utilization by plants. The data on the availability of micronutrients in the soil, their concentration in plants, and total uptake also support this conclusion. Thus, biochar facilitates the plant uptake of both naturally occurring and added micronutrients, and associated crop productivity, in a podzolic soil typical for lands converted from forest to agricultural use in the boreal ecoregion of Labrador. These results also challenge the view that micronutrients must always be added to Podzols to achieve maximum productivity; biochar-mediated micronutrient plant uptake deserves consideration when managing Podzols.

The importance of nuts in the prevention of various diseases

Nuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, protein, dietary fiber, a number of micronutrients and biologically active substances. The aim of this review is to summarize and analyze current data on the role of nuts in human nutrition. Results. Large prospective cohort studies show an association between regular consumption of nuts (>= 140 g per week) and a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. In randomized controlled trials, strong evidence has been obtained that consuming nuts lowers blood cholesterol and improves glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Recent epidemiological studies show that high nut consumption does not increase body weight; rather, the inclusion of nuts in the hypocaloric diet can help to control or reduce body weight and waist circumference. A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies shows that nut consumption is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes and from chronic diseases. "Nut snack" is a good strategy to avoid weight gain and improve chemical composition of the diet. Conclusion. Adequate replacement of some foods in the diet with nuts does not cause body weight increase and helps to prevent a number of diseases.

The Effectivity of Tamarillo (Cyphomandra betacea Sendtn.) Decoction Against The Growth of Candida albicans

Introduction: Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungus that can become a pathogen which causes candidiasis when the condition of the oral cavity is imbalanced. Tamarillo (Cyphomandra betacea Sendtn.) is a low-fat and low-calorie fruit that has high nutritional value and provides a number of micronutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and chemical compounds, such as flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, saponins, alkaloids, and tannins. The pharmacological effects of flavonoids, tannins, and saponins are antimicrobial and anti-fungal. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a tamarillo (Cyphomandra betacea Sendtn.) decoction against the growth of Candida albicans. Method: The concentrations of tamarillo decoction used in this study were 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100%. This experimental laboratory study used the well diffusion method by measuring the diameter of the inhibitory zone. Nystatin and distilled water were used as the positive and negative controls, respectively. Results: Result showed that Tamarillo has antibacterial effect against Candida albicans. The decoction of 50% tamarillo was found to be the minimum inhibitory concentration on Candida albicans. Conclusion: Starting at a 50% concentration, tamarillo decoction is an effective growth inhibitor of Candida albicans. Hence, this natural product might be applied as an adjunctive therapy for oral candidiasis. However, further studied are still needed to confirm this result.

Determination and Analysis of Trace Elements in Five Kinds of Traditional Chinese Medicine in High Blood Pressure Medicinal Food by ICP-AES

Objective. To establish a method for analysis of microelements in five kinds of traditional Chinese medicine in high blood pressure medicinal food, mainly including manganese, cobalt, selenium, iron, magnesium, and other 15 elements. Methods. The samples were digested using a microwave digestion instrument through NHO3-H2O2 solution, and then, the elements were synthesized by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Results. The content of cobalt, manganese, zinc, copper, and nickel in the high blood pressure diet foods is higher, the RSD is between 0.005% and 4.82%, and the recovery rate ranges from 93.40% to 106.5%. The precision and recovery of the detection method are higher. Conclusion. The experiment result is better. Medicinal foods curing high blood pressure contain a number of micronutrients that are beneficial to the human body. This experiment provides some meaningful basis for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension.

Feeding of children with chronic nutritional disorders

The article presents current data on the features of the nutritional status of children with chronic nutritional disorders such as hypotrophy, paratrophy, etc. The authors describe the principles and timing of the complementary foods, as well as the advantages of a certain complementary feeding, depending on the type of nutritional disorder. Often, pediatricians pay close attention to the organization of nutrition of children in the first 12 months of life, as a more vulnerable period, while the age period of 12–36 months is also characterized by a significant growth rate and high demands in a number of micronutrients. The article provides recommendations on the nutritional prevention of alimentary-dependent conditions, as well as for a child with a “problematic” appetite (poor eater). It provides the approaches to the treatment of chronic nutritional disorders in children through the correction of eating behavior and diet therapy, including motivational training with the involvement of parents and family members.

Multivitamins and Nutritional Adequacy in Middle-Aged to Older Americans by Obesity Status

Multivitamins are the most commonly consumed dietary supplement in the United States and worldwide. Micronutrient insufficiency and clinical deficiency are more common in middle-aged to older adults, and multivitamin use has been shown to improve status in this population. This analysis aimed to assess contributions of sporadic and consistent multivitamin use to total usual micronutrient intakes and associated nutritional biomarkers among middle-aged to older US adults age ≥51 years, stratified by obesity status. Self-reported dietary intake and laboratory measures from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used in these analyses. The National Cancer Institute method was used to assess usual intakes of 18 micronutrients. Compared with food alone, multivitamin use was associated with a lower prevalence of inadequacies and improved nutritional biomarker status for folate, iodine, selenium, and vitamins B6, B12, and D. Consistent use decreased the prevalence of inadequacy for most micronutrients assessed, except for those micronutrients typically not found (or in miniscule amounts) in standard multivitamin products. In addition to a lower prevalence of inadequacy for many micronutrients associated with consistent use of multivitamins, sporadic use decreased the prevalence of inadequacy for a greater number of micronutrients in obese versus nonobese individuals. Multivitamin use (sporadic and consistent) also increased the proportion of individuals who exceeded the tolerable upper intake level for folic acid to 8%–10%. Nutritional biomarker data indicate that obese individuals may be at greater risk of clinical deficiency in vitamins B6 and D. Use of gender- and age-specific multivitamins may serve as a practical means to increase micronutrient status and decrease prevalences of clinical deficiency in the middle-aged to older population, particularly in those who are obese.

Nutritional status of patients admitted to a metropolitan tertiary care vascular surgery unit.

Undernutrition in vascular surgery patients has a significant impact on clinical outcomes. This observational study aimed to investigate the nutritional status of a heterogeneous sample of vascular surgery inpatients and to determine the prevalence of nutritional risk, malnutrition (including nutrient deficiencies) and sarcopenia. All participants were screened for risk of malnutrition using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) and assessed using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). Micronutrient status was examined via plasma/serum samples. The presence of sarcopenia was explored using an accepted algorithm incorporating gait speed, muscle mass (DEXA) and grip strength. 322 participants (69% male, mean age 67.6±14.1y) consented to the study. 12.5% were identified as at risk of malnutrition by the MUST while 15.8% were deemed malnourished by the PG-SGA. Only 5% were diagnosed as sarcopenic. Prevalence of malnutrition was much higher when micronutrients were examined with 79% showing low vitamin C, 56% low vitamin D and over 40% having low zinc, vitamin B-12 and folate. A smaller proportion were also low in selenium (19%). Patients with vascular disease are a nutritionally vulnerable group. The MUST and PG-SGA did not identify the full extent of nutritional deficiencies. Further investigation is warranted to assess tool validity in this group. A number of micronutrients are crucial in these patients and hence a more comprehensive assessment that encompasses a wider range of parameters, including micronutrient status appears warranted.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was positively associated with micronutrient adequacy and negatively associated with dietary energy density among adolescents.

The possible associations between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and micronutrient and energy intakes are unknown among Israeli adolescents. A cross-sectional, nationally representative, school-based study was conducted in Israeli adolescents. Schoolchildren (n=5005), aged 11-18years, who completed a food frequency questionnaire and had complete data to compose a 14-item modified KIDMED score were included. The nutrient intakes for all the micronutrients showed a significant monotonic increase in the poor, average and good KIDMED groups (all P<0.001). The same monotonic increasing was also shown in nutrient densities for most micronutrients (for calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6 , folate in both genders, additionally for phosphorus in girls) (all P<0.05). A positive association was shown between the percentages of students with adequate intakes (AIs) or recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) in micronutrients and modified KIDMED scores. The positive association also existed between the number of micronutrients with AIs or RDAs and modified KIDMED scores (r=0.495 and 0.501, P<0.001) for boys and girls, respectively. By contrast, dietary energy density (calibrated by 1000kcal) was negatively linearly associated with modified KIDMED scores, and a significant monotonic decrease in energy density was shown among the poor, average and good KIDMED groups (all P<0.001). The modified KIDMED score was positively associated with better micronutrient profile and negatively associated with dietary energy density in Israeli adolescents, indicating that the KIDMED index is a useful tool for combating the malnutrition of micronutrient deficiency and overweight/obesity.

The potential of a simple egg to improve maternal and child nutrition.

Evidence is mounting about the benefits of eggs for child nutrition and potential benefits for women during pregnancy and birth outcomes. Maternal consumption of eggs during lactation may also enhance the breast-milk composition of certain nutrients, thus contributing to the nutrition and potentially also to the development of breastfed children. Relative to single nutrient supplements, eggs deliver nutrients and other hormone or immune factors in compounds that may be more readily absorbed and metabolized. In addition to macronutrients, eggs contain a number of micronutrients, such as choline, that are known to have brain health promoting effects. Among children less than 2years of age, consumption nearly universally increases with age. Large regional differences exist; the prevalence of egg consumption among African children is less than half that of most other world regions and threefold less than in Latin America and the Caribbean. Among women of reproductive age, egg consumption is strongly related to socio-economic status in a dose-response fashion with women in the lowest wealth quintile eating the fewest eggs and those in the highest wealth quintile eating the most. Cultural factors likely play a role in around consumption of eggs during pregnancy, lactation, and early childhood, though most reports are anecdotal in nature and few high-quality data exist. Well-informed social marketing and behaviour change communication strategies have led to large increases in egg consumption among young children. Economic barriers that limit access are likely to be far more important than cultural ones in explaining low consumption.

A Comparative Study on Micronutrients and Antinutrients of Leaf Extracts of Pterocarpus soyauxii and Pterocarpus santalinoides

Aim: The micronutrients and antinutrients of leaf extracts of Pterocarpus soyauxii and Pterocarpus santaiinoides were investigated. Methods: The leaf extracts were air-dried for seven (7) days and pulverized using a mechanical homogenizer, and then passed through 0.5 mm mesh size sieve. They were subjected to Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, standard titrations and quantitative assay for micronutrients, vitamins and antinutrients determinations respectively. Results: The micronutrients assay revealed the presence of calcium (Ca2+), potassium (K+), copper (Cu2+), zinc (Zn2+), iron (Fe2+), magnesium (Mg2+), manganese (Mn2+) and phosphorous (P) in the two plant samples. The highest micro element found was Potassium (K+) and least was copper (Cu2+) with 882.00 mg/100 g and 0.31 mg/100 g in Pterocarpus santalinoides respectively, while Pterocarpus soyauxii have (K+) 736.00 mg/100 g and (Cu2+) 0.48 mg/100 g. Statistical differences (p < 0.05) were observed in Ca2+, K+, Cu2+, Fe2+ and Mn2+ amount, while non-significant differences were found in Zn2+, Mg2+ and P when comparatively tested. The results obtained revealed the presence of two fat soluble vitamins (Vitamins A and E) and two water soluble vitamins (B2 and C). Vitamin C content was found to be higher in Pterocarpus santalinoides (21.09 mg/100 g) and lower in Pterocarpus soyauxii (14.61 mg/100 g), while least vitamin content recorded was Vitamin E with 0.02 mg/100g and 0.03 mg/100g in Pterocarpus soyauxii and Pterocarpus santalinoides respectively. Other quantified antinutrients were alkaloids, oxalates and cyanogenic glycosides, which range from 0.07 to 2.50 %. Significant difference (p < 0.05) were observed in oxalate, alkaloid and cyanogenic glycosides amount of the two specimens. Conclusion: The result showed that the leaf extracts contain appreciable number of micronutrients, vitamins and low level of antinutrients and could contribute to the recommended daily allowance of the body.

Tackling community undernutrition at lake Bogoria, Kenya: The potential of spirulina (Arthrospira fusiformis) as a food supplement

Undernutrition remains a major public health concern for many developing nations, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, undernutrition affects a substantial portion of the Kenyan population, especially children and those living in rural areas. Local and sustainable means of addressing undernutrition is still lacking in many communities in urban, but more so in rural areas of Kenya. Spirulina ( Arthrospira fusiformis ), a cyanobacterium from alkaline inland waters, high in nutrient content, is a potential means of treating undernutrition in the developing world, where it can be easily grown. This paper presents a feasibility study on the harvest of Spirulina from Lake Bogoria in the Kenyan Rift Valley for use as a food supplement for undernutrition mitigation in the surrounding rural communities. A nutrition survey revealed the local population to be deficient in a number of micronutrients, specifically vitamins E and B12 that could be provided through dietary supplementation with Spirulina. A sample of Spirulina was collected from Lake Bogoria and analyzed for nutrient content and the presence of toxins. It was found that Lake Bogoria Spirulina had a dry protein content of 14.6% and is a rich source of dietary iron, with an iron content of 1.86%. A toxicity analysis revealed that Lake Bogoria Spirulina contained 1.15ng/g of microcystins (a group of hepatotoxic small polypeptides produced by several strains of cyanobacteria), which is within levels safe for human consumption according to World Health Organization standards. It was concluded that Lake Bogoria Spirulina is an easily accessible source of food and has the potential to be a sustainable means for the Lake Bogoria community to tackle undernutrition. Finally, using the data gathered, consultation sessions were arranged with key community groups and members to discuss the feasibility and potential for incorporation of Spirulina into the local diet – an ongoing collaborative process between researchers and the community that has already been met with some success. Key words : Spirulina, food, diet, undernutrition, Bogoria, toxicity, microcystins, community, Landsat

Supporting Healthier Food Choices in Remote Indigenous Communities: Developing a Food Choice App

ABSTRACTThis article posits the development of a healthier food choice app as a means of contributing to facilitating nutritionally superior food selection among indigenous Australians living in remote communities. A significant health gap exists between indigenous and non-indigenous people in Australia. Further, indigenous Australians living in remote communities carry a significant and disproportionate share of this gap. One contributor to poor health is poor nutrition: current food consumption in remote communities is a diet dominated by highly processed foods and characterized by high levels of sugar, refined cereals, and low intake of fruit and vegetables coupled with excessive sodium intake and deficiency in a number of micronutrients. Employing two marketing-based concepts, the dual processing model of nutritional labeling and habit, as the basis for the development of a healthier food app, we contend that a food choice app has the potential to disrupt habitual behavior and generate new learning about healthier food choices in remote indigenous communities. The app would be based on the George Institute’s FoodSwitch app, which enables users to scan barcodes of food products at the point of purchase and determines if the food item is a healthy choice and otherwise suggests healthier alternatives. The proposed app would utilize existing imagery used by the Jimmy Little Foundation, a not-for-profit organization working in remote indigenous communities promoting healthier food and lifestyle practices, and would provide information in a culturally appropriate and clearly communicated form.

Proposing nutrients and nutrient levels for rice fortification.

Micronutrient deficiencies are often linked to low dietary diversity. Rice fortification could substantially increase micronutrient intake in countries where rice is a staple food. The World Health Organization (WHO) interim consensus statement on maize and wheat flour fortification is based on the premise of the public health importance of specific micronutrient deficiencies and evidence of the benefits of increased micronutrient intake. Since this rationale for maize and wheat flour also applies to rice, it is recommended to fortify rice with iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and zinc, as well as with thiamin, vitamin B6, and niacin, as polished rice has low levels of these micronutrients. To achieve intake that meets the estimated average requirement of adults, the following levels are recommended where rice consumption is 150-300 g/cap/day (mg/100 g): iron, 7; folic acid, 0.13; vitamin B12, 0.001; vitamin A, 0.15; zinc, 6; thiamin, 0.5; niacin, 7; and vitamin B6, 0.6. These concentrations can be achieved at a 1:100 blending ratio of fortified:unfortified kernels. The costs of rice fortification are largely determined by the manufacturing of the fortified kernels rather than by the number of micronutrients that are added. These are general recommendations that can be adjusted locally, and monitoring and impact evaluation should accompany the introduction of rice fortification.

Seasonal and spatial variability of elemental concentrations in boreal forest larch foliage of Central Siberia on continuous permafrost

We measured the seasonal dynamics of major and trace elements concentrations in foliage of larch, main conifer species of Siberia, and we analyzed cryogenic soils collected in typical permafrost-dominated habitats in the Central Siberia. This region offers a unique opportunity to study element fractionation between the soil and the plant because of (i) the homogeneous geological substratum, (ii) the monospecific stands (Larix gmelinii) and (iii) the contrasted habitats (North-facing slope, South-facing slope, and Sphagnum peatbog) in terms of soil temperature, moisture, thickness of the active layer, tree biomass and rooting depth. The variation of these parameters from one habitat to the other allowed us to test the effects of these parameters on the element concentration in larch foliage considered with high seasonal resolution. Statistical treatment of data on larch needles collected 4 times in 3 locations during entire growing season (June–September) demonstrated that : (1) there is a high similarity of foliar chemical composition of larch trees in various habitats suggesting intrinsically similar requirements of larch tree growth for nutrients, (2) the variation of elemental concentrations in larch needles is controlled by the period (within the growing season) and not by the geographical location (South-facing slope, North-facing slope or bog zone) and (3) there are three groups of elements according to their patterns of elements concentration in needles over the growing season from June to September can be identified: (1): nutrient elements [P, Cu, Rb, K, B, Na, Zn, Ni and Cd] showing a decrease of concentration from June to September similar to the behaviour of major nutrients such as N, P and K; (2): accumulating elements [Ca, Mg, Mo, Co, Sr, Mn, Pb and Cr] showing an increase of concentration from June–July to September; (3): indifferent elements [Al, Zr, Fe, Ba, Ti, REEs (Pr, Nd, Ce, La, Gd, Er, Dy, Tb, Lu, Yb, Tm, Sm, Ho, Eu), Y, Th and U] showing a decrease of concentration from June to July and then an increase of concentration to September. A number of micronutrients (e.g., Cu, Zn) demonstrate significant resorption at the end of growing season suggesting possible limitation by these elements. Although the intrinsic requirement seems to be similar among habitats, the total amount of element stored within the different habitats is drastically different due to the differences in standing tree biomass. The partitioning coefficients between soil and larch appear to be among the lowest compared to other environments with variable plants, soils and climates. Applying the “space for time” substitution scenario, it follows that under ongoing climate warming there will be an increase of the element stock following enhanced above-ground biomass accumulation, even considering zero modification of element ratios and their relative mobility. In this sense, the habitats like south-facing slopes can serve as resultant of climate warming effect on element cycling in larch ecosystems for the larger territory of Central Siberia.