Vitamin B12 Content Research Articles

Nutritional value of fish soup from cultured rainbow trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss, Walbaum, 1792)

This study represents new information on the nutritional value of soup prepared from cultured Rainbow trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss). The proximate contents of soup were represented by 87.56% moisture, 7.22% protein, 1.59% crude fat, 0.07% carbohydrate, 1.17% dietary fibre and 2.44% ash. The energy value was calculated as 48.0 kcal/100g. Amino acid values were in the range of 183.5-1128.5mg/100g while mineral contents were varied as 0.6µg/g-19.5mg/g. The value of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was higher than saturated fatty acids (SFA). Total PUFA and eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid (EPA+DHA) were observed as 37.2 and 7.2%, respectively. These values corresponded to the values of 673.3 and 123.2 mg/100g of the edible portion of the soup within the same respect. The results of this study demonstrated that a portion of trout soup would almost cover daily recommended n-3 PUFA intake, however, higher amounts are required for the necessary levels of EPA+DHA. The vitamin B12 content was well above the recommended levels. The values of α and β tocopherols were observed as 272.0 and 1131.0 µg/100g (wwb), respectively. This study indicates that trout soup has a good nutritional value for human consumption for a healthy diet.

Fatty acids, selenium, and vitamin B12 in chub mackerel (Scomber colias) as nourishment considering seasonality and bioaccessibility as factors

Chub mackerel (Scomber colias) is an underutilised fish abundant in the North Atlantic and a nutritious food with high docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), selenium (Se), and vitamin B12 contents, affected by seasonality. Hence, the bioaccessibility of fatty acid (FA), Se, and vitamin B12 in chub mackerel was studied. Daily consumptions of 51 g, 35 g, and 14 g of March, June, and October chub mackerel, respectively, would ensure EPA + DHA requirements. Vitamin B12 requirements would be met by daily consumptions of 15–18 g of chub mackerel. For Se, larger amounts would be needed, 126–133 g/day. For FA, bioaccessibility often exceeded 80 %. Additionally, Se and vitamin B12 bioaccessibilities were 91–95 % and 77–83 %, respectively. Thus, bioaccessibility-based consumption frequencies for meeting dietary requirements are similar to those above, being the highest consumption frequencies associated to Se requirements, 137–146 g/day. Chub mackerel proved to be an excellent source of bioaccessible essential nutrients.

Chemical composition of kabuli and desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars grown in Xinjiang, China.

Chickpeas are a very important legume crop and have abundant protein, carbohydrate, lipid, fiber, isoflavone, and mineral contents. The chemical compositions of the four chickpea species (Muying-1, Keying-1, Desi-1, Desi-2) from Xinjiang, China, were analyzed, and 46 different flavonoids in Muying-1 were detected. The moisture content ranged from 7.64 ± 0.01 to 7.89 ± 0.02 g/100 g, the content of starch in the kabuli chickpeas was greater than that in the desi chickpeas, the total ash content ranged from 2.59 ± 0.05 to 2.69 ± 0.03 g/100 g and the vitamin B1 content of the chickpeas ranged from 0.31 to 0.36 mg/100 g. The lipid content ranged from 6.35 to 9.35 g/100 g and the major fatty acids of chickpeas were linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids. Both kabuli and desi chickpeas have a high content of unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs), Muying-1 and Desi-1 contained the highest level of linoleic acid, and Keying-1 had the highest oleic acid content. The protein level ranged from 19.79 ± 2.89 to 23.38 ± 0.30 g/100 g, and the main amino acids were aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and arginine acid. The four chickpea species had significant amounts of essential amino acids (EAAs). Forty-six varieties of flavonoids in Muying-1 were determined by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QqQ-MS) analysis, and there were higher levels of conjugate flavonoids (55.95%) than free flavonoids (44.05%). Isoflavones were the most abundant flavonoids in Muying-1, and among the isoflavones, daidzin had the highest content, followed by biochanin A and genistin. Muying-1 was rich in daidzin, biochanin A, genistin, troxerutin, isorhamnetin, astilbin, L-epicatechin, astragalin, acacetin, hyperoside, and myricitrin. Information provided in the study will be helpful to further understand the chemical composition of chickpeas and be beneficial to the development of chickpeas.

Analysis of Cobalamin (Vit B12) in Ripened Cheese by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometry.

The analysis of natural cobalamins in dairy products still represents an analytical challenge. The matrix’s complexity, low concentration level, light sensitivity, and binding to proteins are just some of the aspects that make their quantification a difficult goal to achieve. Vitamin B12 plays a fundamental role in human nutrition, and its intake is closely linked to a diet that includes the consumption of food of animal origin. In the current literature, few studies have been carried out on the quantitation of cobalamin in ripened cheeses. A sensitive, selective, and robust ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed, validated, and applied on ripened cheeses from different species (cow, sheep, and goat) purchased from local Italian markets, highlighting species-dependent differences in vitamin B12 concentrations. The vitamin B12 extraction procedure was performed by converting all cobalamins to the cyanocobalamin form. Furthermore, solid-phase extraction was used for matrix clean-up and analyte preconcentration. The proposed method showed good performance in terms of linearity, sensitivity, reproducibility, and repeatability. The mean vitamin B12 content ranged from <LOQ to 38.9 ng/g. Sheep cheese showed the highest concentrations of vitamin B12, with a mean content of 29.0 ng/g.

Analisis Kandungan Vitamin B2 Pada Buah Salak Sepat Manis Dan Salak Asam Manis Dengan Metode Spektrofotometri UV-Vis Sebagai Bahan Dasar Pembuatan “Sawah” (Selai Salak Di Watugaluh)

The purpose of this study was to determine the content of vitamin B2 in sweet sepat snakefruit and sweet sour snakefruit, and the organoleptic quality of snakefruit jam. This research used descriptive qualitative method to analyze vitamin B2 content and experimental method using Completely Randomized Design ( RAL ) to analyze the organoleptic snakefruit jam, using 2 treatments consisting of sweet sepat snakefruit jam and sweet sour snakefruit jam. The data was collected using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and 5 panelist questionnaire methods with 3 replications for each sample. Data analysis used ANOVA table and continued with 5% BNT test. The results of the study on the content of Vitamin B2 showed that the sweet sepat snakefruit was 0.051 mg/100g and the sweet-sour snakefriut was 0.046 mg/100g. The results of the organoleptic test of snakefruit jam in Watugaluh village on the treatment of sweet sepat snakefruit jam (A1) had a score of color (3.20), aroma (3.20), texture (2.40), and taste (4.00), while in The sweet and sour snakefruit jam (A2) had a score of color (3.40), aroma (3.20), texture (3.20), and taste (4.00). There are significant differences in texture, while in color , aroma and taste there are no significant differences.

Responses of Fermentation Characteristics and Microbial Communities to Vitamin B12 Supplementation in In Vitro Ruminal Cultures

Vitamin B12, an important cofactor involved in propionate formation, is synthesized exclusively by bacteria and archaebacteria. Humans need to intake vitamin B12 through food, and dairy products are generally the best source of vitamin B12. In the present study, the effects of vitamin B12 supplementation in diets on in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics and microbial communities were investigated to provide a reference for increasing the vitamin B12 content in milk by dietary supplementation. A completely randomized design was carried out using the in vitro rumen culture technique, and 5 vitamin B12 dose levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4 mg/g of dry matter) were used. The results showed that vitamin B12 supplementation in diets decreased acetate: propionate ratio and butyrate concentration. The change in the acetate: propionate ratio can be attributed to the increased relative abundances of the Proteobacteria phylum and the Negativicutes class, both of which are involved in propionate metabolism. The decrease in butyrate concentration can likely be attributed to a reduction in relative abundance of species belonging to the Clostridia class, which are known as the predominant butyrate producers in the mammalian intestine. In addition, vitamin B12 supplementation in diets reduced the CH4 production by altering the species composition of the archaeal community. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of vitamin B12 resulted in rumen perturbation. In vivo studies should be conducted cautiously when evaluating the effects of vitamin B12 supplementation on the synthesis and absorption of it, as well as its content in milk.

Optimisation of Vitamin B12 Extraction from Green Edible Seaweed (Ulva lactuca) by Applying the Central Composite Design.

Vitamin B12, only found naturally in animal-based foods, is essential for brain functions and various chemical reactions in the human body. Insufficient vitamin B12 leads to vitamin B12 deficiency, common among strict vegetarians due to their limited intake of animal-based foods. Nevertheless, extensive studies have demonstrated that macroalgae, specifically the Ulva lactuca species, are rich in vitamin B12 and could be further exploited in future dietary applications. In the current study, the ideal extraction method of vitamin B12 from dried U. lactuca was developed and optimised to achieve the maximum vitamin B12 yield. The effects of several extraction parameters, including the solvent-to-solvent, methanol:water (MeOH:H2O), and solute-to-solvent ratios, and pH on the total vitamin B12 content were analysed through a two-level factorial and central composite design. The highest vitamin B12 content, particularly cyanocobalamin (CN-Cbl), was recovered through the ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) of oven-dried U. lactuca at 3 g:60 mL of solute-to-solvent and 25:75% of MeOH to H2O ratios at pH 4. The extraction of CN-Cbl from oven-dried U. lactuca that employed the UAE method has elevated CN-Cbl content recovery compared to other extraction methods.

Vitamin B1 THIAMIN REQUIRING1 synthase mediates the maintenance of chloroplast function by regulating sugar and fatty acid metabolism in rice.

Vitamin B1 (VB1), including thiamin, thiamin monophosphate (TMP), and thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP), is an essential micronutrient for all living organisms. Nevertheless, the precise function of VB1 in rice remains unclear. Here, we described a VB1 auxotrophic mutant, chlorotic lethal seedling (cles) from the mutation of OsTH1, which displayed collapsed chloroplast membrane system and decreased pigment content. OsTH1 encoded a phosphomethylpyrimidine kinase/thiamin-phosphate pyrophosphorylase, and was expressed in various tissues, especially in seedlings, leaves, and young panicles. The VB1 content in cles was markedly reduced, despite an increase in the expression of VB1 synthesis genes. The decreased TPP content affected the tricarboxylic acid cycle, pentose phosphate pathway, and de novo fatty acid synthesis, leading to a reduction in fatty acids (C16:0 and C18:0) and sugars (sucrose and glucose) of cles. Additionally, irregular expression of chloroplast membrane synthesis genes led to membrane collapse. We also found that alternative splicing and translation allowed OsTH1 to be localized to both chloroplast and cytosol. Our study revealed that OsTH1 was an essential enzyme in VB1 biosynthesis and played crucial roles in seedling growth and development by participating in fatty acid and sugar metabolism, providing new perspectives on VB1 function in rice.

Influence of Process Time on the Physicochemical, Antinutrient and Phytochemical Properties of Ficus capensis Moracae Vegetable Drink

Aims: To determine the best process time and processing duration effects on the composition of the Ficus capensis drink (infusion).&#x0D; Study Design: Experimental design was based on completely randomized design (CRD).&#x0D; Methodology: Ficus capensis (Moracae) leafy vegetable drink was processed by immersing the leaves in water (1:10) weight/liquid ratio. Three portions of samples were prepared and boiled separately in a stainless steel pot immersed in a water bath (temperature =100 oC) for 30, 60, and 90 min, respectively, and filtered. The samples were evaluated for proximate composition, minerals, phytochemicals, antinutrients, and physicochemical properties using standard methods. &#x0D; Results: Protein, carbohydrate, and ash contents and energy value of the drink were affected differently by process times. Alkaloids, ascorbic acid, and calcium contents were lowest in samples processed by 90 min boiling. Drink processed by boiling the leaves for 60 min had the highest pro-vitamin A (12.51 mg/100ml), zinc (3.18 mg/100ml, flavonoid (18.4 g/100ml), and carotenoid (17.2 g/100ml), and 90 min processed drink had the highest vitamin B1 (0.35 mg/100ml) content. The iron contents ranged from 2.8-8.7 mg/100ml, and the values varied among different boiling times. Cyanide, phytate, and tannin contents decreased progressively as the processing times increased.&#x0D; Conclusion: The nutrient contents of Ficus capensis (Moracae) drink were affected by process time, however, boiling the leave for 60 min was established as the best process time for the Ficus capensis vegetable drink processing.

Determination of vitamin B12 in dry mixtures for baby food by the method of high performance liquid chromatography with chromatomass-spectrometric detection

Relevance. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins. This vitamin belongs to the class of tetrapyrroles, biologically active substances consisting of pyrrole rings associated with metal ions. So, in the vitamin B12 molecule, the core is the cobalt ion. A feature of this vitamin is that its synthesis in nature is carried out only by bacteria, and therefore, it is present only in products of animal origin. And one of the sources of its receipt is milk and dairy products, including those enriched with B vitamins. Low concentrations of vitamin B12, even in vitamin-enriched dairy products, at the level of tenths and hundredths of a milligram, make the assessment of its quantitative content a difficult analytical task. The use of reversed-phase liquid chromatography for this purpose, followed by detection by means of a spectrophotometric or diode-array detector, is associated with a time-consuming sample preparation technique. Including repeated concentration of the sample to achieve the required concentrations of the desired substance. In this connection, the development of an analytical method that allows to remove the disadvantages described above, is an urgent task.Methods. This article proposes a method for assessing the content of vitamin B12 by high performance liquid chromatography using a mass-spectrometric detector (HPLCMS). The method developed in this study can be used for laboratory analysis of vitamin B12 in dry formulas for baby food, which will provide the possibility of faster and more efficient results for the control and monitoring of baby food enriched with vitamin complexes of water-soluble vitamins of group B.Results. A method of sample preparation is presented, in which the recovery coefficient of the analyte in the studied samples was 99.12–99.31%. When evaluating the calibration curve, the correlation coefficient was r2 = 99.999. The calculated limit of detection is 0.02 g/kg.

Enhanced expression of PDX1 accumulates vitamin B6 in transgenic wheat seeds

Humans fulfill their daily requirement of vitamin B6, a vital micronutrient for strong metabolism and immunity, from various food components. Bio-fortified wheat, a staple crop, holds the potential to overcome vitamin B6 deficiency. Thus, in the present work, endogenous PDX1 gene was expressed in wheat under endosperm promoter. Calli from immature embryos of two wheat varieties, FSD-08 and Galaxy were transformed via Agrobacterium with transformation efficiency of 1.82% and 1.09%, respectively. After BASTA and PCR confirmation, T1 generation of twenty transgenic lines was analyzed for mRNA expression via quantitative real-time PCR and vitamin B6 levels via HPLC along with various biochemical and morphological traits. The transgenic lines exhibited 1.04–19.46 fold increase in PDX1 gene expression and upto 34.96 fold increase in vitamin B6 content of seeds as compared to control. Enhanced carbohydrate content was observed in half of the transgenics while majority of the lines had insignificant variation in their chlorophyll, protein and starch content. Among the morphological traits studied, only seed yield increased in majority of transgenic lines. In conclusion, over-expression of PDX1 in wheat endosperm successfully augmented vitamin B6 content of seeds without posing adverse effects on biochemical or morphological traits in either varieties.

Effects of Grass-Fed Beef Suet and Liver Supplementation on Fatty Acid and Nutrient Profile of Chicken Eggs

ObjectivesThe nutrient composition of chicken eggs can be manipulated by altering the composition of layer hen feeds and adding supplements to chicken diets. Current nutrition guidelines recommend consuming diets with less saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and a lower omega-6: omega-3 (n-6: n-3) ratio to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular disease. There has been interest in utilizing the byproducts of grass-fed systems to reduce the SFA content and n-6: n-3 ratio of eggs in a sustainable manner. The objective of this study was to quantify and compare the FA and nutrient profile of pasture-raised chicken eggs supplemented with grass-fed beef suet and liver (n = 6) to pasture-raised chicken eggs fed a standard non-GMO layer hen feed (n = 6) and cage-free chicken eggs from a local grocery store (n = 6). MethodsEgg samples were collected and lyophilized prior to analysis. FA profiles were determined by microwave-assisted lipid extraction, acid-base methylation, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Total carotenoids were measured using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and total phenolic content was measured using a microplate reader and compared to a gallic acid standard. Vitamin and mineral content were assessed by a commercial laboratory. FA profiles of the layer hen feeds and the grass-fed beef suet and liver were also quantified. ResultsThere was no significant difference in total SFA among the three groups of eggs (P = 0.787). Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was significantly greater (P < 0.001) and the n-6: n-3 ratio was significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the chicken eggs supplemented with grass-fed beef suet and liver. Total carotenoid content was significantly greater in eggs supplemented with grass-fed beef suet and liver compared to the eggs from the grocery store (P < 0.001), but total phenolic content was significantly lower (P = 0.012). Vitamin B1, B3, B5, B12, and K1 content were significantly different among groups (P < 0.05). ConclusionsThese results indicate that supplementing chicken diets with grass-fed beef suet and liver increases the CLA content and decreases the n-6: n-3 ratio in eggs without influencing the SFA content. In addition, the diet also influenced egg nutrient and phenolic profile. Funding SourcesThe Cure AMD Foundation provided funding for the vitamin and mineral analysis.

Development of new standards and methods for determining the different features of confectionery products to confirm new products on the market

Methods have been developed for determining the mass fraction of protein, water-soluble vitamins B₁ and B₂, the mass fraction of omega-3 fatty acids, the mass fraction of cholesterol in fat-containing confectionery. Factual data on the content of vitamins B₁ and B₂, omega-3 fatty acids, cholesterol in fat-containing confectionery products have been obtained. It has been established that of the studied samples of sugar cookies, one sample is a source of vitamins B₁, B₂. Of the studied samples of flour confectionery, two samples of oatmeal cookies are a source of omega-3 fatty acids and are characterized by the absence of cholesterol. Based on the developed methods, a methodology has been developed for monitoring the content of vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, cholesterol in fat-containing confectionery products.

Comparative Analysis of the Metabolome and Transcriptome between the Green and Yellow-Green Regions of Variegated Leaves in a Mutant Variety of the Tree Species Pteroceltis tatarinowii.

In nature, many different factors cause plants to develop variegated leaves. To explore the mechanism of variegated leaf formation in Pteroceltis tatarinowii, a mutant variety (‘Jinyuyuan’), which was induced by ethylmethylsulfone, was selected, and its morphological structure, physiology, biochemistry, transcription and metabolism were analysed. According to differences in colour values, the colours were divided into two regions: a green region and a yellow-green region. The chlorophyll content of the two regions was significantly different. Moreover, the yellow-green regions of the leaves were significantly thinner than the green regions. The chloroplast ultrastructure in the yellow-green region revealed small chloroplasts, large vacuoles, small starch grains, obviously increased numbers of osmophilic grains, loose lamellae of the inner capsule and thin lamellae. Moreover, the yellow-green region was accompanied by oxidative stress, and the activity of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway related to oxidative activity in the transcriptome showed an upward trend. Vitamin B6 and proline contents also increased, indicating that the antioxidant activity of cells in the yellow-green region increased. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to chlorophyll synthesis and metabolism led to a decrease in the photosynthesis and then a decrease in the assimilation ability and contents of sucrose, starch and other assimilates. Amino acid synthesis and metabolism, lipid synthesis and the activity of metabolic pathways were obviously downregulated, and the contents of differentially accumulated metabolites associated with amino acids and lipids were also reduced. At the same time, 31 out of 32 DEGs involved in the flavonoid synthesis pathway were downregulated, which affected leaf colour. We hypothesized that the variegated leaves of P. tatarinowii ‘Jinyuyuan’ are caused by transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. Mutations in pigment and flavonoid synthesis pathway genes and transcription factor genes directly affect both pigment and flavonoid synthesis and degradation rate, which in turn affect carbon assimilation, carbon fixation, related protein synthesis and enzyme activity, lipid synthesis and degradation and the activity of other metabolic pathways, eventually leading to the formation of different colour regions.

Natural Variation in Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B6 Contents in Rice Germplasm.

Insufficient dietary intake of micronutrients contributes to the onset of deficiencies termed hidden hunger—a global health problem affecting approximately 2 billion people. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) are essential micronutrients because of their roles as enzymatic cofactors in all organisms. Metabolic engineering attempts to biofortify rice endosperm—a poor source of several micronutrients leading to deficiencies when consumed monotonously—have led to only minimal improvements in vitamin B1 and B6 contents. To determine if rice germplasm could be exploited for biofortification of rice endosperm, we screened 59 genetically diverse accessions under greenhouse conditions for variation in vitamin B1 and vitamin B6 contents across three tissue types (leaves, unpolished and polished grain). Accessions from low, intermediate and high vitamin categories that had similar vitamin levels in two greenhouse experiments were chosen for in-depth vitamer profiling and selected biosynthesis gene expression analyses. Vitamin B1 and B6 contents in polished seeds varied almost 4-fold. Genes encoding select vitamin B1 and B6 biosynthesis de novo enzymes (THIC for vitamin B1, PDX1.3a–c and PDX2 for vitamin B6) were differentially expressed in leaves across accessions contrasting in their respective vitamin contents. These expression levels did not correlate with leaf and unpolished seed vitamin contents, except for THIC expression in leaves that was positively correlated with total vitamin B1 contents in polished seeds. This study expands our knowledge of diversity in micronutrient traits in rice germplasm and provides insights into the expression of genes for vitamin B1 and B6 biosynthesis in rice.

Quality determination of avocado fruit immersed in a pyridoxal 5′-phosphate solution

Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in plant metabolism. It acts as a cofactor in over 140 reactions and has a potent antioxidant function, as described in plant growth and development related to root and leaf tissues, but not yet in fruit ripening. Here, we aimed to explore simple practices to improve endogenous content of vitamin B6 in avocados, measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and to evaluate to what extent and through which mechanisms pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP) treatment influences fruit quality during postharvest ripening and cold storage. Emphasis was put on evaluating a possible link between vitamin B6 and phytohormones by performing hormonal profiling analyses using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). We hypothesized that PLP could improve quality parameters and prolong the shelf life of fruit. Results showed that Bacon avocados had a low vitamin B6 content compared to Hass and other varieties. However, basic techniques like short-term cold storage increased the vitamin B6 content 2.5 fold. Exogenous application of vitamin B6 slightly delayed avocado ripening at room temperature and caused reduced softening in the mesocarp, which was related to a hormonal response that was most likely mediated by cytokinins. In long-term cold-stored avocados, PLP treatment triggered γ-tocotrienol and plastochromanol-8 accumulation, which improved the tocochromanol composition in the fruit. In conclusion, the vitamin B6 content of Bacon avocados can be improved through simple practices. Exogenous applications of PLP can be used either to delay ripening of avocados at room temperatures or to increase tocochromanol content in cold-stored fruit.

Validation of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine) analyses in seafood

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine) contents of various seafoods, were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with UV and fluorescence detection, respectively. Analytes were extracted using 20 mM potassium phosphate and 10 mM ammonium formate. The pantothenic acid content of seafood ranged from 0.14 ± 0.01 mg/100 g (fusiformis) to 10.19 ± 0.46 mg/100 g (salted pollack roe), and total vitamin B6 content in seafood varied from 0.01 ± 0.00 mg/100 g (seersucker) to 1.39 ± 0.04 mg/100 g (salted pollack roe). Applied analytical method was validated using multiple method validation parameters, including detection limit (B5, 0.0003 mg/100 g; B6, 0.04–0.07 µg/100 g), quantification limit (B5, 0.0008 mg/100 g; B6, 0.10–0.12 µg/100 g), linearity (R2 = 0.9998–1.000), precision (B5, repeatability: RSD 1.5%; reproducibility: RSD 3.8%, B6, repeatability: RSD 2.6%; reproducibility: RSD 5.0%), and accuracy. Accuracy was evaluated based on the recovery percentages from certified reference materials and standard spiked samples. Vitamin B5 was recovered from SRM-1849a (102.0 ± 0.2%), SRM-2387 (99.7 ± 1.8%), and standard spiked sample (81.1 ± 2.5%–103.9 ± 6.7%). Recoveries of vitamin B6 obtained from SRM 3290 (100.0–103.4%) and standard spiked sample (84.1–114.7%) were within the acceptable range established by the AOAC guidelines.

Seasonal variation of chub mackerel (Scomber colias) selenium and vitamin B12 content and its potential role in human health

Chub mackerel (Scomber colias), an underutilised fish species, has been identified as an excellent source of selenium and vitamin B12, which may prevent and delay cognitive decline and dementia. Given these nutrients’ contents seasonal variability, a complete monthly sampling, involving a specifically adjusted methodology for the determination of vitamin B12 (LC-MS/MS) and its main vitamers and a sensitive analytical technique (ICP-MS) for Se, was carried out. Regarding total vitamin B12 in the chub mackerel muscle, its content varied from 10.0 ± 1.0 μg/100 g in February to 18.9 ± 1.9 μg/100 g in August. It was also shown that methylcobalamin content ranged from 1.12 ± 0.43 (March) to 6.77 ± 0.80 μg/100 g (August), a sixfold increase. Hydroxocobalamin content varied between 3.49 ± 0.12 (February) and 9.62 ± 0.41 μg/100 g (August). The content of Se also had seasonal variability, ranging from 451 ± 14 μg/kg (December) to 606 ± 11 μg/kg (July). In the worst-case scenario, a weekly 160 g meal of this fish would almost guarantee B12 requirements. Three weekly 160 g meals of S. colias would cover, at least, 56% of the Se requirements. Therefore, as first explored here, it is highly relevant a complete, year-round assessment of the chub mackerel’s nutritional value, in order to elaborate finely tuned dietary recommendations.

Nutritional, Functional, Physical, and Microstructural Properties of Ethiopian Emmer Wheat (Triticum dicoccum L.) Varieties as Affected by Growing Seasons and Grain Types (Hulled and Dehulled)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the growing seasons, grain types, and varieties on physical, proximate, functional, mineral, vitamins, amino acids, and microstructural properties of Ethiopian emmer wheat. One local landrace and three improved emmer wheat varieties (Hydroo, Sinana 01, and Lameso) grown during Meher and Belg seasons and grain types (hulled and dehulled) were used for analysis. The study showed that dehulled Sinana 01 variety from Belg season had the highest (17.82%) protein content. Varieties grown in Belg season showed the highest mineral compositions. The essential amino acids in emmer wheat were higher in the hulled grain type grown in Meher season. The highest vitamin B1 (0.17 mg/g), B2 (0.35 mg/g), and B6 (5.52 mg/g) contents were observed in hulled emmer wheat types grown in Meher season. The study concluded that seasonal variation, grain types, and varieties have a great effect on the proximate, physical, and functional properties of emmer wheat cultivated in Ethiopia.

Biologically active or just “pseudo”-vitamin B12 as predominant form in algae-based nutritional supplements?

In order to find out whether algae-based nutritional supplements contain both physiologically active vitamin B12 and its non-active pseudo-form, a simple and fast ultra-high performance liquid chromatography method with UV detection was developed to separate these two forms. A total of 57 commercially available microalgae products based on Chlorella and Spirulina were analyzed. Results obtained showed a broad variety of the content of total vitamin B12 ranging from not-detectable to 445.9 μg 100g−1 dry matter for Chlorella samples, and between 92.8 and 164.1 μg 100g−1 dry matter for Spirulina products. However, there was a big variation in the concentration of pseudo-vitamin B12 within all samples analyzed. Chlorella products contained mainly physiologically active cobalamin, while pseudo-vitamin B12 was the prevailing form in Spirulina-labeled nutritional supplements. The importance of being able to differentiate between cobalamin and its pseudo-form in algae is not only relevant for food analysts, but also regarding consumer protection since they have to be able to rely on the correct labeling of nutritional supplements.