Safe Intake Research Articles

Harmonizing Micronutrient Intake Reference Ranges for Dietary Guidance and Menu Planning in Complementary Feeding.

ABSTRACTThere are no published harmonized nutrient reference values for the complementary feeding period. The aim of the study was to develop proposals on adequate and safe intake ranges of micronutrients that can be applied to dietary guidance and menu planning. Dietary intake surveys from 6 populous countries were selected as pertinent to the study and reviewed for data on micronutrients. The most frequently underconsumed micronutrients were identified as iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and folate. Key published reference values for these micronutrients were identified, compared, and reconciled. WHO/FAO values were generally identified as initial nutrient targets and reconciled with nutrient reference values from the Institute of Medicine and the European Food Standards Authority. A final set of harmonized reference nutrient intake ranges for the complementary feeding period is proposed.

Food characteristics and oropharyngeal dysphagia: What speech therapists say

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the knowledge of speech therapists about characteristics of food used in the management of dysphagia. This was a quantitative descriptive study, performed using an online questionnaire (SurveyMonkey®) about the desirable food and beverages attributes to facilitate deglutition in dysphagia rehabilitation: texture, viscosity, temperature, taste, and moisture. Participants were separated into two groups, experts in dysphagia and no experts in dysphagia. Differences between the two groups were compared using the Freeman–Halton extension of the Fisher exact probability test and chi‐square test. From 1,072 respondents, 752 were included and 572 were experts in dysphagia. The speech therapist expert in dysphagia answered correctly about the texture and viscosity, while no experts answered correctly only about viscosity. The other attributes, temperature, taste, and moisture, were incorrectly answered by both groups. The speech therapists demonstrated reduced knowledge regarding the characteristics of foods most indicated for patients with dysphagia.Practical applicationsThe rehabilitation program for patients with dysphagia, established to promote safe and efficient food intake, includes changes in diet offered, since swallowing mechanism is dependent upon bolus characteristics. Speech therapist must select specific characteristics, such as texture, viscosity, temperature, taste, and moisture. The speech therapists participants demonstrated reduced knowledge regarding the characteristics of foods, presenting better results in texture and consistency than in temperature, taste, and moisture. There is a need to deepen the knowledge of speech therapists about the characteristics of foods so that choices in modified diets are more assertive and achieve the goal of ensure a safe and efficient swallowing for these patients.

The effects of heat treatment and fermentation processes on the formation of furfurals in milk-based dairy products using a QuEChERS technique followed by gas chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry

A method based on gas chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) combined with QuEChERS extraction was developed to detect furfurals, including furfural, 2-acetylfuran, 5-methyl-2-furfural, and 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural, in milk-based dairy products. Under the optimized conditions, good linearity was obtained with correlation coefficients (R2) above 0.999, and the recovery values from the spiked samples were 79.0%–115.0% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 13.1%. The limits of detection (LODS) were in the range of 0.002–0.02 mg/kg. To investigate the effects of the production process on milk-based dairy products, 55 real samples were analysed. The higher contents of furfurals were observed when higher temperatures were used during heat treatment and fermentation. In addition, the Toxtree and T.E.S.T. software programs were used to predict the risks associated with these four furfurals. Ultimately, safe dairy intake levels were determined.

Astaxanthin: How much is too much? A safety review.

Astaxanthin (AX)-containing preparations are increasingly popular as health food supplements. Evaluating the maximum safe daily intake of AX is important when setting dose levels for these products and currently, there are discrepancies in recommendations by different regulatory authorities. We have therefore conducted a review of approved dose levels, clinical trials of natural AX, and toxicological studies with natural and synthetic AX. Recommended or approved doses varied in different countries and ranged between 2 and 24 mg. We reviewed 87 human studies, none of which found safety concerns with natural AX supplementation, 35 with doses ≥12 mg/day. An acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 2 mg as recently proposed by European Food Safety Authority was based on a toxicological study in rats using synthetic AX. However, synthetically produced AX is chemically different from natural AX, so results with synthetic AX should not be used in assessing natural AX safety. In addition, few safety studies have been conducted in either humans or animals with synthetic AX. We therefore recommend the ADI for natural AX to be based only on studies conducted with natural AX and further studies to be conducted with synthetic AX (including human clinical trials) to establish a separate ADI for synthetic AX.

The first European guidelines on phenylketonuria: Usefulness and implications for BH4 responsiveness testing.

This study aimed to investigate and improve the usefulness of the 48-hour BH4 loading test and to assess genotype for BH4 responsiveness prediction, using the new definition of BH4 responsiveness from the European guidelines, as well as an amended definition. Applying the definition of the European guidelines (≥100% increase in natural protein tolerance) and an amended definition (≥100% increase in natural protein tolerance or tolerating a safe natural protein intake) to a previous dataset, we first assessed the positive predictive value (PPV) of the 48-hour BH4 loading test using a cutoff value of 30%. Then, we tried to improve this PPV by using different cutoff values and separate time points. Last, using the BIOPKU database, we compared predicted BH4 responsiveness (according to genotype) and genotypic phenotype values (GPVs) in BH4 -responsive and BH4 -unresponsive patients. The PPV of the 48-hour loading test was 50.0% using the definition of the European guidelines, and 69.4% when applying the amended definition of BH4 responsiveness. Higher cutoff values led to a higher PPV, but resulted in an increase in false-negative tests. Parameters for genotype overlapped between BH4 -responsive and BH4 -unresponsive patients, although BH4 responsiveness was not observed in patients with a GPV below 2.4. The 48-hour BH4 loading test is not as useful as previously considered and cannot be improved easily, whereas genotype seems mainly helpful in excluding BH4 responsiveness. Overall, the definition of BH4 responsiveness and BH4 responsiveness testing require further attention.

The severity of reaction after food challenges depends on the indication: A prospective multicenter study.

There are expanding indications for oral food challenges (OFCs). Although several studies have examined the risk of OFCs, little has been reported on allergic reactions during OFCs depending on the indication. This study assessed the prevalence, severity, and treatment of allergic reactions depending on the indication for OFCs. We performed a prospective multicenter study between March 2012 and May 2013. Severity of symptoms elicited by OFCs was classified according to grading of anaphylaxis that ranges from grade 1 (most mild) to grade 5 (most severe). A total of 5062 cases (median age, 3.8years; males, 65.2%) were analyzed. Allergic reactions were elicited in 2258 (44.6%) OFCs, of which 991 (43.9%) were classified as grade 1, 736 (32.6%) were classified as grade 2, 340 (15.1%) were classified as grade 3, and 191 (8.5%) were classified as grade 4-5. Epinephrine was administered in 7.1% (n=160) of positive OFCs. Among the top three most common food allergens (hen's egg, cow's milk, and wheat), severity differed significantly depending on the indication for OFC, and adjusted standardized residuals indicated that severity of allergic reactions was higher for the indication to assess threshold level for oral immunotherapy. In addition, the prevalence of epinephrine use was highest for the indication to determine safe intake quantity. Our study suggested that prevalence, severity, and treatment of allergic reactions differ depending on the indication for OFC. Further studies are needed to determine differences in risks depending on the indication for OFC.

Feed-to-Fillet Transfer of Selenite and Selenomethionine Additives to Plant-Based Feeds to Farmed Atlantic Salmon Fillet

This study investigated the transfer kinetics of dietary selenite and selenomethionine (SeMet) to the fillet of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). The uptake and elimination rate constants of the two selenium (Se) forms were determined in Atlantic salmon fed either selenite- or SeMet-supplemented diets followed by a depuration period. The fillet half-life of selenite and SeMet was 779 ± 188 and 339 ± 103 days, respectively. The elimination and uptake rates were used in a simple one-compartmental kinetic model to predict levels in fillet based on long-term (whole production cycle) feeding with given dietary Se levels. Model predictions for Atlantic salmon fed plant-based feeds low in natural Se and supplemented with either 0.2 mg of selenite or SeMet kg-1 gave a predicted fillet level of 0.042 and 0.058 mg Se kg-1 wet weight, respectively. Based on these predictions and the European Food Safety Authority risk assessment of Se feed supplementation for food-producing terrestrial farm animals, the supplementation with 0.2 mg of selenite kg-1 would likely be safe for the most sensitive group of consumers (toddlers). However, supplementing feed to farm animals, including salmon, with 0.2 mg of SeMet kg-1 would give a higher (114%) Se intake than the safe upper intake limit for toddlers.

Dietary reference values for sodium.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) derived dietary reference values (DRVs) for sodium. Evidence from balance studies on sodium and on the relationship between sodium intake and health outcomes, in particular cardiovascular disease (CVD)‐related endpoints and bone health, was reviewed. The data were not sufficient to enable an average requirement (AR) or population reference intake (PRI) to be derived. However, by integrating the available evidence and associated uncertainties, the Panel considers that a sodium intake of 2.0 g/day represents a level of sodium for which there is sufficient confidence in a reduced risk of CVD in the general adult population. In addition, a sodium intake of 2.0 g/day is likely to allow most of the general adult population to maintain sodium balance. Therefore, the Panel considers that 2.0 g sodium/day is a safe and adequate intake for the general EU population of adults. The same value applies to pregnant and lactating women. Sodium intakes that are considered safe and adequate for children are extrapolated from the value for adults, adjusting for their respective energy requirement and including a growth factor, and are as follows: 1.1 g/day for children aged 1–3 years, 1.3 g/day for children aged 4–6 years, 1.7 g/day for children aged 7–10 years and 2.0 g/day for children aged 11–17 years, respectively. For infants aged 7–11 months, an Adequate Intake (AI) of 0.2 g/day is proposed based on upwards extrapolation of the estimated sodium intake in exclusively breast‐fed infants aged 0–6 months.

Optimising healthy and safe fish intake recommendations: a trade-off between personal preference and cost.

Individuals may perceive personalised dietary advice as more relevant and motivational than national guidelines. Personal preference and food cost are factors that can affect consumer decisions. The objective of this study was to present a method for modelling and analysing the trade-off between deviation from preference and food cost for optimised personalised dietary recommendations. Quadratic programming was applied to minimise deviation from fish preference and cost simultaneously with different weights on the cost for 3016 Danish adults (whose dietary intake and body weight were recorded in a national dietary survey). Model constraints included recommendations for EPA, DHA and vitamin D and tolerable levels for methyl mercury, dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls. When only minimising deviation from preference, 50 % of the study population should be recommended to increase fish intake, 48 % should be suggested to maintain current consumption and 2 % should be suggested to decrease fish consumption. When only minimising cost, the vast majority (99 %) should be recommended to only consume herring, which is the least-expensive fish species. By minimising deviation from preference and cost simultaneously with different weights on the cost, personalised optimal trade-off curves between deviation from fish intake preference and fish cost could be generated for each individual in our study population, except for twenty-two individuals (0·7 %) whose contaminant background exposure was too high. In the future, the method of this paper could be applied in the personal communication of healthy and safe food recommendations that fit the preferences of individual consumers.

Farklı Miktarlarda Tüketilen Fruktozun, Vücut Ağırlığı ve Bazı Biyokimyasal Parametreler Üzerine Etkisi

Amaç: Bireylerin doğal ve/veya yüksek fruktozlu mısır şurubu olarak günlük diyetle tükettikleri farklı fruktoz miktarlarının antropometrik ölçümler, kan biyokimyasal bulguları ve diğer beslenme parametreleri ile ilişkisinin incelenmesidir.Bireyler ve Yöntem: Çalışma, 90 (41 erkek, 49 kadın) sağlıklı birey (18-65 yıl) üzerinde yürütülmüştür. Bireylerin kişisel özellikleri, fruktoz alımlarını da içeren bazı beslenme alışkanlıkları, beslenme durumları ve fiziksel aktivite durumları belirlenmiş, antropometrik ölçümleri alınmış, bazı biyokimyasal parametreleri analiz edilmiştir.Bulgular: Bireylerin günlük diyetle fruktoz alım ortalaması 42.3±22.73 g’dır ve erkeklerin (49±26.13 g), kadınlara (36.7±17.85 g) göre daha fazla fruktoz tükettikleri belirlenmiştir (p<0.05). Bireylerin ortalama %33.3’ünün (erkeklerin %39’u, kadınların %28.6’sı) günlük fruktoz alımının 50 g ve üzerinde olduğu belirlenirken, ortalama %18.9’unda (erkeklerin %14.6’sı, kadınların %22.4’ü) fruktoz alımının, toplam enerji alımının %10’undan daha fazla olduğu bulunmuştur. Günlük fruktoz alımı en yüksek olan grubun obez bireyler (BKİ= ≥30 kg/m2) olduğu görülmüştür. Bireylerin cinsiyete, günlük diyetle fruktoz alım miktarlarına ve günlük diyetle alınan fruktozun toplam enerjiden gelen oranlarına göre kan biyokimyasal bulgularının ortalamaları karşılaştırıldığında da, glukoz, ürik asit, total, yüksek yoğunluklu lipoprotein, düşük yoğunluklu lipoprotein kolesterol, trigliserit, serum glutamik oksaloasetik transaminaz, serum glutamik pirüvik transaminaz ve insülin değerleri açısından gruplar arası istatistiksel açıdan önemli bir farkın olmadığı saptanmıştır (p>0.05).Sonuç: Yüksek miktarda fruktoz alımının başta obezite olmak üzere insülin direnci, bozulmuş glukoz toleransı, tip 2 diyabet, hiperlipidemi, kardiyovasküler hastalıklar, hiperürisemi, gut ve metabolik sendrom gibi hastalıklar için risk oluşturabileceği göz önünde bulundurulmalı ve günlük diyet enerjisinin %10’dan daha azı meyve gibi doğal fruktoz kaynaklarından sağlanmalıdır.

Nationwide Online Survey Enables the Reevaluation of the Safety of Coleus forskohlii Extract Intake Based on the Adverse Event Frequencies.

The formulations of the functional ingredients of dietary supplements was studied with a small number of subjects, with a particular focus on their effectiveness, but not enough to evaluate their safety. In this regard, the reevaluation and estimation of the safe use of marketed products, with regards to their adverse event (AE) frequencies, are important. To address this issue, a post-marketing nationwide online survey was conducted for the herbal ingredient Coleus forskohlii extract (CFE), a popular weight-loss ingredient. The questionnaire included product names, adherence to the claimed amount, and AE experiences. The safe intake amount was estimated by the relationship between the claimed amount of CFE and the frequencies of AEs of each product. The number of users who experienced AEs was 75 (10.5% of all users). Gastrointestinal symptoms accounted for 92.0% (n = 69) of all AEs, and diarrhea alone accounted for 81.3% (n = 61). The amount of CFE was significantly associated with the occurrence of diarrhea (p = 0.005). The fitted curve showed that the safe intake amount of CFE was less than 250 mg/day; however, considering its effectiveness, 500 mg/day of CFE might be acceptable. In conclusion, nationwide online surveys of users enable us to confirm and reevaluate the safety of herbal supplements.

Predictors of Penetration-Aspiration in Parkinson's Disease Patients With Dysphagia: A Retrospective Analysis.

Penetration-aspiration is considered the most severe sign of dysphagia, with aspiration pneumonia as one of its consequences. More than half of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients suffer from dysphagia, and aspiration pneumonia is among the primary causes of mortality in PD patients. However, the identification of predictors of penetration-aspiration in PD patients remains an understudied topic. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of penetration-aspiration in patients with PD. The data of 89 PD patients with dysphagia who underwent routinely conducted videofluoroscopic studies of swallowing (VFSS) were included in this retrospective study. The occurrence of penetration-aspiration was defined as scores ≥3 on the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS). Four commonly reported signs of dysphagia in PD patients were evaluated as possible predictors. Furthermore, the relationships between the occurrence of penetration-aspiration and liquid bolus volume as well as clinical severity of PD (modified Hoehn and Yahr scale) were examined. Logistic regression showed that a delayed initiation of the pharyngeal swallow (odds ratio [OR] = 7.47, P = .008) and a reduced hyolaryngeal excursion (OR = 5.13, P = .012) were predictors of penetration-aspiration. Moreover, there was a strong, positive correlation between increasing liquid bolus volume and penetration-aspiration (γ = 0.71, P < .001). No correlation was found between severity of PD and penetration-aspiration (γ = 0.077, P = .783). Results of the present study allow for a better understanding of penetration-aspiration risk in PD patients. They are useful for treatment planning in order to improve safe oral intake and adequate nutrition.

Safety of chia seeds (Salviahispanica L.) as a novel food for extended uses pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on overall safety assessment for chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 in the light of the increasing dietary intake from the growing number of authorised uses in recent years. The safety assessment of this NF is based on data supplied in seven applications, previous safety assessments of chia seeds and information retrieved from an extensive literature search done by EFSA. Since none of the applications addressed the possible formation of process contaminants, the present assessment is limited to those proposed extended uses which do not raise safety concerns regarding the formation of such contaminants. These include the use of whole and ground chia seeds added to chocolate, fruit spreads, fruit desserts, mixed fruit with coconut milk in twin pot, fruit‐preparations to underlay a dairy product, fruit‐preparations to be mixed with dairy products, confectionary (excluding chewing gums), dairy products and analogues, edible ices, fruit and vegetables products, non‐alcoholic beverages and compotes from fruit and/or vegetables and/or with cereals. In addition, this assessment also concerns uses of chia seeds without specific restrictions and precautions regarding their use levels in other foods which usually do not include heat treatment during processing and cooking. Apart from allergenicity, the Panel did not identify any hazard which causes safety concerns. Lacking the basis and need to establish safe maximum intake levels for chia seeds, no exposure assessment was conducted. The Panel concludes that chia seeds are safe under the assessed conditions of use.

Protein to Maximize Whole-Body Anabolism in Resistance-trained Females after Exercise.

Current athlete-specific protein recommendations are based almost exclusively on research in males. Using the minimally invasive indicator amino acid oxidation technique, we determined the daily protein intake that maximizes whole-body protein synthesis (PS) and net protein balance (NB) after exercise in strength-trained females. Eight resistance-trained females (23 ± 3.5 yr, 67.0 ± 7.7 kg, 163.3 ± 3.7 cm, 24.4% ± 6.9% body fat; mean ± SD) completed a 2-d controlled diet during the luteal phase before performing an acute bout of whole-body resistance exercise. During recovery, participants consumed eight hourly meals providing a randomized test protein intake (0.2-2.9 g·kg·d) as crystalline amino acids modeled after egg protein, with constant phenylalanine (30.5 mg·kg·d) and excess tyrosine (40.0 mg·kg·d) intakes. Steady-state whole-body phenylalanine rate of appearance (Ra), oxidation (Ox; the reciprocal of PS), and NB (PS - Ra) were determined from oral [C] phenylalanine ingestion. Total protein oxidation was estimated from the urinary urea-creatinine ratio (U/Cr). A mixed model biphase linear regression revealed a break point (i.e., estimated average requirement) of 1.49 ± 0.44 g·kg·d (mean ± 95% confidence interval) in Ox (r = 0.64) and 1.53 ± 0.32 g·kg·d in NB (r = 0.65), indicating a saturation in whole-body anabolism. U/Cr increased linearly with protein intake (r = 0.56, P < 0.01). Findings from this investigation indicate that the safe protein intake (upper 95% confidence interval) to maximize anabolism and minimize protein oxidation for strength-trained females during the early ~8-h postexercise recovery period is at the upper end of the recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine for athletes (i.e., 1.2-2.0 g·kg·d).

Selenium Biofortification Differentially Affects Sulfur Metabolism and Accumulation of Phytochemicals in Two Rocket Species (Eruca Sativa Mill. and Diplotaxis Tenuifolia) Grown in Hydroponics.

Biofortification can be exploited to enrich plants in selenium (Se), an essential micronutrient for humans. Selenium as selenate was supplied to two rocket species, Eruca sativa Mill. (salad rocket) and Diplotaxis tenuifolia (wild rocket), at 0–40 μM in hydroponics and its effects on the content and profile of sulphur (S)-compounds and other phytochemicals was evaluated. D. tenuifolia accumulated more total Se and selenocysteine than E. sativa, concentrating up to ~300 mg Se kg−1 dry weight from 10–40 μM Se. To ensure a safe and adequate Se intake, 30 and 4 g fresh leaf material from E. sativa grown with 5 and 10–20 μM Se, respectively or 4 g from D. tenuifolia supplied with 5 μM Se was estimated to be optimal for consumption. Selenium supplementation at or above 10 μM differentially affected S metabolism in the two species in terms of the transcription of genes involved in S assimilation and S-compound accumulation. Also, amino acid content decreased with Se in E. sativa but increased in D. tenuifolia and the amount of phenolics was more reduced in D. tenuifolia. In conclusion, selenate application in hydroponics allowed Se enrichment of rocket. Furthermore, Se at low concentration (5 μM) did not significantly affect accumulation of phytochemicals and plant defence S-metabolites.

Mercury in stir-fried and raw mushrooms from the Boletaceae family from the geochemically anomalous region in the Midu county, China

Investigation has been made on contamination with mercury of a raw and stir-fried in moderate oil mushrooms grew in geochemically anomalous soils in south-west Asia. The “bolete” mushrooms studied were Baorangia bicolor, Boletus edulis, Boletus speciosus, Retiboletus griseus, Rugiboletus extremiorientalis and Sutorius magnificus. The batches of fresh mushrooms were respectively dried and stir-fried in moderate oil using a wok pan. Data obtained confirmed on elevated Hg content in mushrooms from the southwestern China and showed on elevated content of the element in popular mushroom dishes. The meal (100 g) made of fried “boletes” could provide for consumer Hg in dose from 0.27 to 1.4 (median 0.96) μg kg−1 body mass (RfD, reference dose is 0.3 μg kg−1 bm per day). Fried mushrooms if taken daily over a week period (100 g × 7) could provide Hg in dose from 1.9 to 9.6 (median 6.8) μg kg−1 bm. In view of the reference values for safe intake of inorganic Hg (PTWI, provisionally tolerable weekly intake is 4 μg kg−1 bm) and moderate consumption, the fried bolete mushrooms could provide Hg in doses exceeding the safe limit.

Assessment of Dietary Intake of Vitamin K and Maximum Limits for Vitamin K in Food Supplements

Assessment of Dietary Intake of Vitamin K and Maximum Limits for Vitamin K in Food Supplements

Safety and efficacy of a molybdenum compound (E7) sodium molybdate dihydrate as feed additive for sheep based on a dossier submitted by Trouw Nutrition International B.V.

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on safety and efficacy of sodium molybdate dihydrate for sheep, based on a dossier submitted for the re‐evaluation of the additive. The additive is currently authorised in the EU for all animal species as ‘Nutritional additive’ – ‘Compounds of trace elements’. Taking the optimal Cu:Mo ratio of 3–10, and the highest total copper level authorised in complete feeds for sheep (15 mg/kg), the FEEDAP Panel concluded that 2.5 mg total Mo/kg complete feed is safe for sheep. Considering (i) a safe intake of 0.6 mg Mo/day, (ii) the estimate average intake figure from food in Europe (generally less than 100 μg/day), (iii) the contribution of foods of animal origin to the total molybdenum intake (estimated to be up to 22 %), and (iv) that molybdenum would not accumulate in edible tissues/products of sheep fed molybdenum supplemented diets up to the upper safe level, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of sodium molybdate as a additive in sheep at 2.5 mg total Mo/kg complete feed is safe for consumers. The additive under assessment feed poses no risk by inhalation to users; it is a skin and eye irritant, but it is not considered as a skin sensitiser. Sodium molybdate used up to 2.5 mg Mo/kg complete sheep feed poses no concerns for the safety for the environment. The FEEDAP Panel recognises that molybdenum does not need to be added to diets to cover the nutritional needs of molybdenum of sheep. Molybdenum supplementation in sheep feed is considered effective in order to guarantee an adequate balance with copper, when the Cu:Mo ratio in the diet is in the range 3–10.

The Effect of Dietary Protein on Protein Metabolism and Performance in Endurance-trained Males.

This study aimed to determine how varying protein intakes, including a new tracer-derived safe intake, alter whole body protein metabolism and exercise performance during training. Using a double-blind randomized crossover design, 10 male endurance-trained runners (age, 32 ± 8 yr; V˙O2peak, 65.9 ± 7.9 mL O2·kg·min) performed three trials consisting of 4 d of controlled training (20, 5, 10, and 20 km·d, respectively) while consuming diets providing 0.94 (LOW), 1.20 (MOD), and 1.83 (HIGH) g protein·kg·d. Whole body protein synthesis, breakdown, and net balance were determined by oral [N]glycine on the first and last day of the 4-d controlled training period, whereas exercise performance was determined from maximum voluntary isometric contraction, 5-km time trial, and countermovement jump impulse (IMP) and peak force before and immediately after the 4-d intervention. Synthesis and breakdown were not affected by protein intake, whereas net balance showed a dose-response (HIGH > MOD > LOW, P < 0.05) with only HIGH being in positive balance (P < 0.05). There was a trend (P = 0.06) toward an interaction in 5-km Time Trial with HIGH having a moderate effect over LOW (effect size = 0.57) and small effect over MOD (effect size = 0.26). IMP decreased with time (P < 0.01) with no effect of protein (P = 0.56). There was no effect of protein intake (P ≥ 0.06) on maximum voluntary isometric contraction, IMP, or peak force performance. Our data suggest that athletes who consume dietary protein toward the upper end of the current recommendations by the American College of Sports Medicine (1.2-2 g·kg) would better maintain protein metabolism and potentially exercise performance during training.

Safety and efficacy of HOSTAZYM® X (endo-1,4-beta-xylanase) as a feed additive for rabbits for fattening.

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of HOSTAZYM ® X as a feed additive for rabbits for fattening. HOSTAZYM ® X contains endo‐1,4‐beta‐xylanase produced by a strain of Trichoderma citrinoviride and is available in liquid and solid formulations. It is authorised as a feed additive for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening, laying hens, minor poultry species for fattening and laying, weaned piglets, pigs for fattening and carps. The applicant has now requested to extend the authorisation to rabbits for fattening. The FEEDAP Panel considered that the new use of the additive would not change the previous conclusions regarding the safety for the consumer, user and environment. There are no concerns for consumer safety and no risks for the environment are expected from the use of the additive as a feed additive. Regarding the safety for the user, the additive should be considered a potential skin and eye irritant, and a potential skin and respiratory sensitiser. A subchronic oral toxicity study in rats was submitted to support the safety of the additive when administered to rabbits for fattening. The maximum safe enzyme activity in feed for the rabbits for fattening was derived from the data obtained in the subchronic oral toxicity study in rats; considering the maximum safe intake derived for rabbits from the toxicological data, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive is safe for rabbits for fattening at the recommended use level. Two efficacy studies were submitted to support the efficacy of the additive; a significant effect of the additive in a relevant parameter was found in only one trial. Due to the insufficient evidence the Panel could not conclude on the efficacy of the additive in rabbits for fattening.