Source Of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Research Articles

Impact of pea protein-inulin conjugates prepared via the Maillard reaction using a combination of ultrasound and pH-shift treatments on physical and oxidative stability of algae oil emulsions

Algal oil is an aquatic plant source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which may exhibit health benefits when consumed in sufficiently high quantities. But its application as a healthy lipid in functional foods is often limited by its tendency to rapidly oxidize and produce rancid off-flavors. In this study, algal oil-in-water emulsions were prepared using pea protein isolate (PPI)-inulin conjugates as emulsifiers. These conjugates were prepared via the Maillard reaction using a combination of ultrasound and pH-shift treatments. The algal oil phase was mixed with lemon oil (0 to 1.2 wt%) prior to homogenization to improve its sensory characteristics. The addition of 0.6 wt% of lemon oil did not significantly affect the formation and physical stability of the emulsions but it did mask the unpleasant odor of algae oil. The conjugate-stabilized emulsions exhibited shear thinning behavior and had a higher viscosity than PPI-stabilized emulsions. They also had a higher surface load and formed thicker interfacial layers. The conjugates, especially the conjugates prepared by the combined treatments, also significantly improved the physical and oxidative stability of the emulsions. These effects were attributed to an increase in the steric repulsion between the oil droplets due to the hydrophilic inulin chains, as well as to an increase in the antioxidant activity of the interfacial layers due to the presence of more antioxidant proteins. Overall, our results show that the quality attributes and shelf life of DHA-fortified algae oil emulsions can be significantly improved using a plant-based protein-inulin conjugate.

Regulation of the Leucine Metabolism in Mortierella alpina.

The oleaginous fungus Mortierella alpina is a safe source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in industrial food and feed production. Besides PUFA production, pharmaceutically relevant surface-active and antimicrobial oligopeptides were isolated from this basal fungus. Both production of fatty acids and oligopeptides rely on the biosynthesis and high turnover of branched-chain-amino acids (BCAA), especially l-leucine. However, the regulation of BCAA biosynthesis in basal fungi is largely unknown. Here, we report on the regulation of the leucine, isoleucine, and valine metabolism in M. alpina. In contrast to higher fungi, the biosynthetic genes for BCAA are hardly transcriptionally regulated, as shown by qRT-PCR analysis, which suggests a constant production of BCAAs. However, the enzymes of the leucine metabolism are tightly metabolically regulated. Three enzymes of the leucine metabolism were heterologously produced in Escherichia coli, one of which is inhibited by allosteric feedback loops: The key regulator is the α-isopropylmalate synthase LeuA1, which is strongly disabled by l-leucine, α-ketoisocaproate, and propionyl-CoA, the precursor of the odd-chain fatty acid catabolism. Its gene is not related to homologs from higher fungi, but it has been inherited from a phototrophic ancestor by horizontal gene transfer.

Growth and Fatty Acid Composition of Black Soldier Fly Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Larvae Are Influenced by Dietary Fat Sources and Levels.

Simple SummaryThe black soldier fly Hermetia illucens is a potentially promising feed or food source due to its valuable nutritional composition. However, its fat content and fatty acid composition significantly vary with the rearing substrates, making it a flexible resource in fat quantity and quality. Recent research has attempted to manipulate the fat content and fatty acid composition of the insect with modulated feed formulation. Nevertheless, the results of most investigations are not comparable, since the rearing substrates used are various organic wastes with complex substrates. Therefore, it is necessary to perform a quantitative and accurate assessment of dietary fat on larval yield and fatty acid composition. In this study, the influence of two supplemental levels of six dietary fat sources on growth and nutrient composition was evaluated, especially fatty acid composition of black solider fly Hermetia illucens larvae. Additionally, the relationships between dietary fat and larval growth and fatty acid composition were quantitatively determined. Our work deepens the understanding of the fat/fatty acid needs of this insect and therefore enlightens the purposive culture of insects for appropriate fat supply.A 16-day rearing trial was performed to investigate the influence of two supplemental levels (5% and 10%) of six dietary fat sources (linseed oil, peanut oil, coconut oil, soybean oil, lard oil and fish oil) on the growth, development and nutrient composition of black solider fly larvae. Our results demonstrated that the pre-pupa rate of larvae was linearly influenced by dietary C18:0, C18:3n-3 and C18:2n-6 content (pre-pupa rate = 0.927 × C18:0 content + 0.301 × C18:3n-3 content-0.258 × C18:2n-6 content p < 0.001)), while final body weight was linearly influenced by that of C16:0 (final body weight = 0.758 × C16:0 content, p = 0.004). Larval nutrient composition was significantly affected by dietary fat sources and levels, with crude protein, fat and ash content of larvae varying between 52.0 and 57.5, 15.0 and 23.8, and 5.6 and 7.2% dry matter. A higher level of C12:0 (17.4–28.5%), C14:0 (3.9–8.0%) and C16:1n-9 (1.3–4.3%) was determined in larvae fed the diets containing little of them. In comparison, C16:0, C18:1n-9, C18:2n-6 and C18:3n-3 proportions in larvae were linearly related with those in diets, with the slope of the linear equations varying from 0.39 to 0.60. It can be concluded that sufficient C16:0, C18:0 and C18:3n-3 supply is beneficial for larvae growth. Larvae could produce and retain C12:0, C14:0, and C16:1n-9 in vivo, but C16:0, C18:1n-9, C18:2n-6 and C18:3n-3 could only be partly incorporated from diets and the process may be enhanced by a higher amount of dietary fat. Based on the above observation, an accurately calculated amount of black soldier fly larvae could be formulated into aquafeed as the main source of saturated fatty acids and partial source of mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fatty acids to save fish oil.

Tamjanika, a Balkan native variety of Vitis vinifera L.: Chemical characterization, antibacterial, and anti‐dermatomycosis potential of seed oil

This study was designed to explore functional food properties of edible seed oil obtained from Tamjanika seeds—autochthonous grape variety of Balkan Peninsula. In order to accomplish our goals, seed oil was isolated by Soxhlet apparatus and chemically characterized regarding fatty acids, carotenoids, tocopherols, and tocotrienols. Antimicrobial activity of the isolated oil was tested by microdilution method. For that purposes, six bacterial species were used, belonging to human infectious agents and food contaminants. Furthermore, the activity of the oil was investigated against clinical isolates of dermatomycetes. Our study has shown that oil of Vitis vinifera L. Tamjanika variety was an abundant source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (81.43%) with predominant linoleic acid. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of carotenoid lutein (0.15 mg/100 g). The seed oil was rich in tocotrienols (85.04 mg/100 g) predominating over tocopherols (8.37 mg/100 g). The oil possessed microbicidal activity against all the tested microbes. Bacteria were more sensitive to the effect of the oil (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] 7.7–15.4) when compared with oil effect on tested dermatomycetes (MIC 20–40). Our investigation has shown for the first time that grape oil could be active against wide spectrum of bacteria and clinically isolated dermatomycetes. The significance of this study lies in the fact that it pointed out the functional food properties of grape seed oil that was fully chemically characterized.

Tilapia can be a Beneficial n-3 LC-PUFA Source due to Its High Biosynthetic Capacity in the Liver and Intestine.

To assess whether farmed tilapia can be a beneficial n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) source for human health, four diets with linoleic acid (LA) to α-linolenic acid (ALA) ratios at 9, 6, 3, and 1 were prepared to feed juveniles for 10 weeks, and the LC-PUFA biosynthetic characteristics in the liver, intestine, and brain and the muscular quality were analyzed. It was shown that the n-3 LC-PUFA levels of the intestine and liver increased in a parallel pattern with the dietary ALA levels. Correspondingly, in the fish fed diet with high ALA levels, the mRNA levels of genes related to LC-PUFA biosynthesis including fads2, elovl5, and pparα in the intestine and elovl5 in the liver were increased, and the muscular n-3 LC-PUFA levels and textures were improved. The results demonstrated that tilapia intestine and liver possess high n-3 LC-PUFA biosynthetic capacity, which suggests that farmed tilapia can be a beneficial n-3 LC-PUFA source.

Environmental adaptation in fish induced changes in the regulatory region of fatty acid elongase gene, elovl5, involved in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis

Fish are the main source of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) for human consumption. In the process of evolution via natural selection, adaptation to distinct environments has likely driven changes in the endogenous capacity for LC-PUFA biosynthesis between marine and freshwater fishes. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying adaptive changes in this metabolic pathway are poorly understood. Here, we compared the transcriptional regulation of elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein 5 (Elovl5), which is one of the critical enzymes in LC-PUFA biosynthesis pathway, in marine large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) and freshwater rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Comparative transcriptomic and absolute mRNA quantification analyses revealed that the expression of elovl5 in rainbow trout was markedly higher than that in large yellow croaker. Correspondingly, the number of chromatin accessible areas in the regulatory region of elovl5 in rainbow trout was higher than in large yellow croaker, which revealed that chromatin accessibility in the regulatory region of elovl5 in rainbow trout was higher. Furthermore, the differences in sequence and activity of the elovl5 promoter were observed between rainbow trout and large yellow croaker, and transcription factors including CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (CEBPβ), GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3) and upstream stimulatory factor 2 (USF2) displayed different regulatory roles on elovl5 expression between the two species. We propose that changes in the gene regulatory region driven by natural selection likely play a key role in differences in elovl5 expression and the activity of Elovl5, which may influence the LC-PUFA biosynthesis capacities of rainbow trout and large yellow croaker. These findings may also provide opportunities to improve the quality of aquatic products and, consequently, human health.

Sesame Oil Ameliorates Alanine Aminotransferase, Aspartate Aminotransferase, and Fatty Liver Grade in Women with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Undergoing Low-Calorie Diet: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

Background The type and amount of dietary fats play an important role in fat accumulation in the liver. Sesame oil (SO) is a good source of monounsaturated acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Objective This trial aimed at examining the effect of SO consumption on the levels of liver enzymes and the severity of fatty liver in women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) undergoing a weight loss diet. Methods This randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was carried out on 60 women with NAFLD. Subjects were randomly assigned to the SO group (n = 30) and sunflower oil (SFO) group (n = 30), each person consuming 30 grams of oil per day for 12 weeks. All the participants received a hypocaloric diet (−500 kcal/day) during the study. Fatty liver grade and liver enzymes were assessed at pre- and postintervention phases. Results 53 patients completed the study. Significant reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and fatty liver grade were observed in both groups (P < 0.05). Following SO, significant decreases in serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST and ALT) were observed. After adjusting for confounders, ALT, AST, and fatty liver grade of the SO group were significantly reduced compared to the SFO group (P < 0.05). However, the changes in serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were not significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions The desired effects of weight loss were reinforced by the consumption of SO through improving fatty liver severity and serum ALT and AST levels in NAFLD patients. Moreover, low-calorie diets may lead to favorable outcomes for NAFLD patients through mitigation of obesity and fatty liver grade.

Influence of polyunsaturated fatty acids of feed on metabolic parameters in herd horses of Yakutia

The research of lipid metabolism is especially relevant for the breeds of herd horses in Yakutia, because the energy balance of their body under extreme conditions of the region in winter largely depends on the fat reserves in the body of animals and the efficiency of lipid assimilation in the body of horses, mainly from plant feed. Therefore, the study of the lipid composition of pasture feed of herd horses in Yakutia depending on the seasons of the year, their digestibility in the body of horses, the effect of the lipid composition of feed on the chemical composition of horse meat is very relevant. The purpose of the work was to investigate the effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids of feed on metabolic parameters in breeds of herd horses in Yakutia and to develop the technology for obtaining a concentrate with polyunsaturated fatty acids from the internal fat of foals. The object of research were: 1) samples of pasture grasses from horsetail and horsetail-free vegetation of the pastures in the Verkhoyansky area; 2) winter-green mass of oats and afterfeed of natural grass; 3) samples of flax press-cake; 4) samples of adipose tissue of young Yakut horses aged 6 months and adult horses; 5) meat samples of meat of types of Yakut breed such as Kolymsky, Yansky and Korennoy and horses of Megezheskaya breed; 6) horses of Yakut breed in OOO “Khoroobut” in the Megino-Kangalassky area, OOO “Sartansky” in the Verkhoyansky area. It has been found by studies that the consumption of dry matter of feed during the breeding of horses on the winter-green mass of oats was 31,3 % significantly higher than during the breeding on the afterfeed of natural grass and amounted to 14,7±0,30 kg (P ≥ 0,95). Differences were also found in the content of metabolic energy in 1 kg of dry matter of consumed feed. Thus, the content of metabolic energy in the winter grazing from the winter-green mass of oats was 16,2 % higher (9,9±0,04 MJ) than in the natural herbage (8,3±0,23 MJ), the difference was statistically significant (P ≥ 0,95). The internal fat of Yakut horses can serve as a highly valuable raw material as a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids for the production of functional food products.

A novel strategy to simultaneously enhance bioaccessible lipids and antioxidants in hetero/mixotrophic Chlorella vulgaris as functional ingredient

Microalgae are a promising source of polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as bioactive antioxidant compounds such as carotenoids, phenolics and tocopherols. However, the accumulation of these biomolecules is often promoted by conflicting growth conditions. In this study, a phased bioprocessing strategy was developed to simultaneously enhance the lipid and antioxidant amounts by tailoring nitrogen content in the cultivation medium and applying light stress. This approach increased the overall contents of total fatty acids, carotenoids, phenolics, and α-tocopherol in Chlorella vulgaris by 2.2-, 2.2-, 1.5-, and 2.1-fold, respectively. Additionally, the bioaccessibility of the lipids and bioactives from the obtained biomasses improved after pulsed electric field (5 μs, 20 kV cm−1, 31.8 kJ kg−1sus) treatment (up to +12%) and high-pressure homogenization (100 MPa, 5–6 passes) (+41–76%). This work represents a step towards the generation of more efficient algae biorefineries, thus expanding the alternative resources available for essential nutrients.

Effect of palmitic, linoleic and α-linolenic acids on blood cells count and interleukin-4, 8 genes expression in lambs experimentally infected with foot and mouth disease virus

The current research was conducted to study the effects of different saturated and poly-unsaturated fatty acid sources in diets on immune responses of lambs experimentally infected with foot and mouth disease virus. A total of fifteen Sangsari male lambs with an average body weight of 48 ± 2 kg and an average age of 8 ± 1 months were randomly allocated to one of three experimental treatments: (1) PalOil group received a calcium soap of palm oil fatty acids in the diet as source of palmitic acid (16:0), (2) SunOil group received a calcium soap of sunflower oil fatty acids in the diet as source of linoleic acid (n-6 18:2), and (3) LinOil group received a calcium soap of linseed oil fatty acids in the diet as source of α-linolenic acid (n-3 18:3). The greatestand the least expression of IL-4 mRNA were measured in SunOil and LinOil groups, respectively. Expression of IL-8 mRNA was greater in SunOil treatment when compared with PalOil and LinOil groups. In conclusion, the results of the study confirmed that inclusion of α-linolenic acid in virally infected lambs’diet results in lower expression of IL-4 and IL-8 mRNA.

Sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids from oilseeds in dairy cows diets can alter yield of and fatty acid profile in milk

Our hypothesis was that different sources of unsaturated fatty acids from oilseeds (sunflower, soybeans, and cottonseed) could alter milk yield, fatty acid profile, and the amount of unsaturated fatty acids yielded in milk. It aimed to evaluate the effects of lipid sources on yield and composition and fatty acids in milk of primiparous Girolando cows. Five cows in lactation (35 ± 8 days), with 410 ± 7.15 kg BW were randomly distributed in a 5 x 5 Latin square. Five experimental diets, namely a control diet without an additional source of lipid and four diets with different lipid sources: cottonseed, sunflower seed, whole soybean, or soybean oil, as lipid source, to reach 70 g/kg of ethereal extract dry matter basis were used. Cottonseed and soybean oil addition reduced daily yield by 15 and 22%. Oilseed can alter fatty acid profile in milk. Whole soybean provided greater daily milk and fatty acids yields.

Determination of triacylglycerol and fatty acid compositions of Impatiens seed oils using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography.

In the present work, triacylglycerol and fatty acid compositions of Impatiens balsamina L. and Impatiens walleriana Hook.f. seed oils were determined using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography with both refractive index and spectrophotometric detections. The presence of conjugated octadecatetraenoic moieties was confirmed by UV and IR spectroscopy. Triacylglycerol (TAG) compositions were performed using an incremental approach and confirmed by the results of MS and electronic spectra. The quantitative analysis of TAG was achieved by careful calibration, introducing correction factors for the sensitivity of each compound. The results showed that both Impatiens seed oils contain the same 23 TAGs. The mole fraction of 15 TAGs containing conjugated moieties was more significant than 88% (for Impatiens balsamina L.) and 81% (for Impatiens walleriana Hook.f.). Seed oils of Impatiens balsamina and Impatiens walleriana contain 43.44% and 36.12% mole of conjugated octadecatetraenoic fatty acids, respectively. These conjugated fatty acids were determined to be α-parinaric (C18:49Z,11E,13E,15Z) and β-parinaric (C18:49Z,11E,13E,15Z), in which isomer β-parinaric represents 23.21% and 26.27% of conjugated octadecatetraenoic acids for I. balsamina and I. walleriana seed oils, respectively. In addition, the mole fraction of α-linolenic acid in both seed oils was also abundant at 24.5% and 28.2% for I. balsamina and I. walleriana. Therefore, I. balsamina L.and I. walleriana seed oils are potential sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially conjugated octadecatetraenoic acids.

Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of Trigonella cariensis seeds

The genus Trigonella (Fabaceae) has been widely used for both culinary and clinical purposes since ancient times. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant activities of Trigonella cariensis seeds for the first time. The seeds were collected in the province of Mersin, Turkey. Chemical analyses were performed using chromatographic methods. Fatty acid, tocopherol and sterol analyses were done on hexane extracts and amino acid and mineral analyses were also carried out on the seeds. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured by using the Folin-Ciocalteu and Al(NO3)3 methods and in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated via different chemical assays including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazily (DPPH?), cupric reducing antioxidant power (CUPRAC) and 2,2?-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulphonate (ABTS?+) on its 80% methanolic extract. The seeds were shown to contain mainly linoleic, ?-linolenic and oleic acids (43.74?0.24%, 18.38?0.45%, and 10.89?0.71%, respectively). The seeds showed high ?-tocopherol content (233.54?2.48 mg/100 g). The main sterols were ?-sitosterol, delta-5-avenasterol and campesterol. Na, K, Ca, P, and Mg were the predominant minerals, while glutamic acid, aspartic acid and lysine (5801?0.15, 3629?0.12 and 2062?0.03 mg/100 g, respectively) were determined as the major amino acids in the seeds. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 3.34?0.02 mg GAE/g seed and 0.96?0.09 mg QE/g seed, respectively. The results of the ABTS?+, DPPH? and CUPRAC methods were 43.22?3.14%, 31.15?1.79% and 9.67?0.78 mM AAE/g, respectively. In conclusion, T. cariensis seeds provide nutritional value with a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, ?-tocopherol, ?-sitosterol, some amino acids and minerals and medicinal properties with total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activities.

Prymenko V., Sefikhanova K. DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHEESE PRODUCT COMPONENT COMPOSITION WITH VEGETABLE FILLER ENRICHED WITH SELENIUM

The most complete provision of the human body with physiologically useful nutrients in the required quantities can be achieved due to the diversity of the chemical composition of the group of functional products, which determines the actualization of its creation. Approaches, based on experimental-statistical and linear programming methods, are mainly used to design recipes for multicomponent food systems. One of the most common programs for calculating recipes is MS Excel. The aim of the study is to design with the help of MS Excel software a complex multi-component cheese product with vegetable filling, enriched with selenium, which will increase the content of essential fatty acids to a level comparable to human daily needs, reduce cholesterol to WHO recommended consumption, increase in carotenoids, vitamin C, dietary fiber and selenium. Results. A recipe for a multicomponent cheese product enriched with selenium has been developed. An optimized complex cheese product with a vegetable filler based on a multicomponent cheese product enriched with selenium has been designed. The article presents the method of designing new functional food products, the chemical composition of developments, determines the nutritional and energy values of cheese product enriched with selenium, and optimized cheese product with vegetable filler based on it. It was found that the consumption of 100 g of cheese product with vegetable filler is able to meet the daily need for nutrients by 13.4 %, while the multi-component cheese product – by 9.6 %. Conclusions. Development of food products of optimal composition by mathematical modeling allows to reduce financial and time costs for food development, respond to changes in human needs in a man-made society and significantly expand the range of functional, dietary products, aimed at feeding certain groups. Expanding the capabilities of optimization software allows reaching a qualitatively new level in the development of new types of food products with a given chemical composition, consumer and technological characteristics. Thus, the implementation of this task allowed to increase the share of vegetable fat as a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the cheese product, antioxidants, some vitamins and cheaper raw materials, by adding selenium-protein dietary supplement and pumpkin puree.

Meat quality in European quail supplemented with sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids

Meat quality in European quail supplemented with sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids

Investigation of Deep-Sea Ecosystems Using Marker Fatty Acids: Sources of Essential Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Abyssal Megafauna.

Abyssal seafloor ecosystems cover more than 50% of the Earth’s surface. Being formed by mainly heterotrophic organisms, they depend on the flux of particulate organic matter (POM) photosynthetically produced in the surface layer of the ocean. As dead phytoplankton sinks from the euphotic to the abyssal zone, the trophic value of POM and the concentration of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) decrease. This results in pronounced food periodicity and limitations for bottom dwellers. Deep-sea invertebrate seston eaters and surface deposit feeders consume the sinking POM. Other invertebrates utilize different food items that have undergone a trophic upgrade, with PUFA synthesized from saturated and monounsaturated FA. Foraminifera and nematodes can synthesize arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), while some barophylic bacteria produce EPA and/or docosahexaenoic acid. FA analysis of deep-sea invertebrates has shown high levels of PUFA including, in particular, arachidonic acid, bacterial FA, and a vast number of new and uncommon fatty acids such as 21:4(n-7), 22:4(n-8), 23:4(n-9), and 22:5(n-5) characteristic of foraminifera. We suppose that bacteria growing on detritus having a low trophic value provide the first trophic upgrading of organic matter for foraminifera and nematodes. In turn, these metazoans perform the second-stage upgrading for megafauna invertebrates. Deep-sea megafauna, including major members of Echinodermata, Mollusca, and Polychaeta display FA markers characteristic of bacteria, foraminifera, and nematodes and reveal new markers in the food chain.

Highly Valuable Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids from Microalgae: Strategies to Improve Their Yields and Their Potential Exploitation in Aquaculture.

Microalgae have a great potential for the production of healthy food and feed supplements. Their ability to convert carbon into high-value compounds and to be cultured in large scale without interfering with crop cultivation makes these photosynthetic microorganisms promising for the sustainable production of lipids. In particular, microalgae represent an alternative source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), whose consumption is related to various health benefits for humans and animals. In recent years, several strategies to improve PUFAs’ production in microalgae have been investigated. Such strategies include selecting the best performing species and strains and the optimization of culturing conditions, with special emphasis on the different cultivation systems and the effect of different abiotic factors on PUFAs’ accumulation in microalgae. Moreover, developments and results obtained through the most modern genetic and metabolic engineering techniques are described, focusing on the strategies that lead to an increased lipid production or an altered PUFAs’ profile. Additionally, we provide an overview of biotechnological applications of PUFAs derived from microalgae as safe and sustainable organisms, such as aquafeed and food ingredients, and of the main techniques (and their related issues) for PUFAs’ extraction and purification from microalgal biomass.

Antioxidant Capacity, Fatty Acid Profile and Volatile Components of the Onopordum Anatolicum and Onopordum Heteracanthum Species Seeds Grown in Van, Turkey

The crude oil contents, total phenolic contents, volatile components and antioxidant activities of Onopordum anatolicum and Onopordum heteracanthum species seeds were investigated. In addition, the fatty acid profile, tocopherol contents, peroxide values, free fatty acidity and color values of the oils obtained from species seeds were determined. The oil contents of O. anatolicum and O. heteracanthum species seeds were found to be 15.84% and 12.54%, respectively. Total phenolic contents were found as 18554 and 13015 mg-GAE kg-1. DPPH (% inhibition) values in the studied seeds and BHT were determined as 84.41, 66.73, and 86.92% and ABTS values were determined as 121.18, 46.90, and 123.78 mmol Trolox eq. g-1. Linoleic acid (49.38 and 38.09%) and oleic acid (30.04 and 22.07%) were the most abundant fatty acids in the oil from seeds. In addition, a significant amount of α-tocopherol (1066.99 mg kg-1) was detected in O. anatolicum seed oil. Furthermore, 17 volatile compounds were detected in different amounts of each in the seeds of the species. In the light of all these findings, it was concluded that the seeds of O. anatolicum and O. heteracanthum could be appreciated as alternative oil raw materials, and used as natural antioxidant and polyunsaturated fatty acids sources in the formulation in functional foods.

Fish Nutritional Value as an Approach to Children's Nutrition.

Fish is a relatively cheap and accessible source of animal protein for human consumption even in rural communities. It is critical for global food and nutrition security, and its consumption continues to increase. As a highly nutritious food, fish consumption is highly recommended for children and expectant mothers for normal growth and development. The present paper explores the nutritional value of fish as approach to nutrition in children and its benefits. The findings reveal that fish is a valuable source of essential amino acids (EAA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that play important physiological functions for maintenance and development of fetuses, neonates, and infant brains. Therefore, it could be a valuable tool in the fight against food insecurity and malnutrition. However, fish and fish products are also highly susceptible to contamination by various organic and inorganic compounds that threaten public health. Particularly, heavy metals and biogenic amines (BAs) have shown adverse effects when contaminated fish is consumed, and the effects in children have been worse. Hence, while fish consumption is highly recommended for children's nutrition, the safety and quality of the product should always be checked to safeguard public health.

Hemp Seed Cake as a Novel Ingredient for Dog's Diet.

In the last few years, the popularity of industrial hemp and its products is increased. From a nutritional point of view, hemp and its products are rich in protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and useful minerals. Nowadays, the European Commission authorizes the use of hempseed and hempseed oil co-products in animal nutrition. This study is aimed to evaluate the use of hempseed cake in dogs' nutrition, comparing the effect of the supplementation of two lipid sources: swine tallow (T-diet) and hempseed cake (H-diet). A double-blind nutritional trial was performed at a municipal kennel located in Naples. Eight crossbreed neutered dogs recognized in good health were recruited and divided into two homogeneous groups (T- vs. H-group). Both diets were analyzed for chemical composition and fatty acid profile. Blood count and biochemical profile were evaluated at recruitment (T0) and the end of the trial (T30). Oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids were the most representative fatty acids in both diets; however, the H-diet contains more than double concentration of linoleic and α-linoleic acids compared to the T-diet (p < 0.01). The H-diet has shown significantly (p < 0.01) higher peroxidation index as the only negative aspect, which could compromise its shelf-life. After 30 days of administration, the H-group has shown a significant (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) reduction of liver and renal markers [aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and creatinine] and cholesterol, due to the healthier fatty acid profile. Hempseed cake seems a suggestable source of polyunsaturated fatty acids for dogs considering these preliminary results.