Vitamin B12 Content Research Articles

Pineapple juice nutritional profile

Knowledge about food composition is necessary both for specialists to assess the state of nutrition of the population and develop recommendations on nutrition, as well as for consumers to organize healthy individual nutrition. Russian Union of Juice Producers together with research organizations is working to systematize and expand knowledge about the composition of juices, as one of the important elements in the structure of human nutrition. Aim is to establish the nutrient profile of pineapple juice. Material and methods. Data analysis of reference books and scientific publications, conducting physic-chemical studies of industrially produced pineapple juice. Results and discussion. The nutrient profile shows the content of more than 30 nutritive and bioactive compounds in pineapple juice. Sugars in pineapple juice are represented by glucose, fructose and sucrose in an average ratio of 1:1:1.6, organic acids are mainly citric and L-malic acids, while the content of citric acid is 2-4 times higher than that of L-malic. A portion of industrially produced pineapple juice on average contains 10% of the daily human requirement for potassium and magnesium, about 15% for copper, 60-70% for vitamin C. The content of vitamin B1 and folate is about 7% of daily recommended level, vitamin B6 - about 12%. Pineapple juice is a source of manganese - a portion contains more than 100% of the adequate level of daily consumption of this trace element. Polyphenolic compounds are mainly represented by hydroxycinnamic acids, among which synaptic acid and its derivatives and p-coumaroyl chinic acid predominate (45-80% of all hydroxycinnamic acids in total). The content of hydroxycinnamic acids per serving averages 30% of the adequate level of their daily intake. Pineapple juice shows proteolytic activity (about 1 pe per 1 g of dry matter), which is associated with the content of the complex of proteolytic enzymes in pineapples. Conclusion. The most significant from the point of view of providing a human body with micronutrients and minor bioactive compounds for pineapple juice are manganese, vitamin C, hydroxycinnamic acids, copper, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins (B1, B6, folates).

Investigation of the chemical composition of fruit and berry raw materials of the Far Eastern Region as a perspective source of nutrients and bioactive compounds

The Far Eastern region is rich in fruit and berry raw materials with a high content of bioactive substances. The aim of the work is to study the chemical composition of wild berries of the Amur region of the Far Eastern region. Material and methods. The objects of the research were the berries of Sargent viburnum (Viburnum sargentii Koechne), Chinese Schisandra [Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill], and Amursky grapes (Vitis amurensis Rupr) harvested from 2011 to 2016. The content of organic acids and tannins was determined by titration, anthocyanins - spectrophotometrically, polyphenolic substances and β-carotene - photoelectrocolo rimetrically, vitamins B1, B2 - fluorometrically, vitamins B6 and E - by HPLC, hydroxycinnamine acids - by direct spectrophotometry. Results and discussion. The maximum amount of polyphenolic substances and vitamin C was found in V. sargentii berries, the average value of which was 1.01±0.04% and 85.2±2.4 mg/100 g, respectively. A high content of potassium was found in V. amurensis (an average of 188.5±2.2 mg/100 g) and V. sargentii (176.6±1.2 mg/100 g). The highest content of vitamins B1, B2, B6 was found in the berries of V. amurensis, the average content of which was, respectively, 0.071±0.002 mg/100 g, 0.065±0.002 mg/100 g and 0.081±0.004 mg/100 g. It was also found that in V. sargentii berries the level of all minerals and trace elements was the highest: calcium content in 100 g of berries was 41.4±0.8 mg, magnesium - 17.3±0.4 mg, phosphorus - 227.7±4.6 mg, manganese - 0.69±0.08 mg, iron - 0.60±0.08 mg, zinc - 0.90±0.08 mg. When consumed 100 g of V. sargentii berries, practically fully satisfies the need of an adult in vitamin C, in phosphorus and manganese - by about a quarter; in potassium, iron, and zinc, by 4-8%. 100 g of Sch. chinensis contains about 50% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, and 100 g of V. amurensis - about 10% of vitamin C and β-carotene, 7% of potassium, about 4% of group B vitamins. The studied berries can serve as a source of hydroxycinnamic acids and pectins. Conclusion. Studies of the chemical composition of the berries V. sargentii, Sch. chinensis, V. amurensis harvested in 2011-2016 indicates a wide range of bioactive compounds, the proportion of each of which varies.

Enhanced Vitamin B12 Production using Chlorella vulgaris

Microalgae Chlorella Vulgaris is enriched in vitamin B12 and cobalt ion which is positioned in the center of the vitamin molecule. This study aimed to investigate how different concentrations of cobalt chloride salt affected the vitamin B12 production by utilizing CO2 gas, to assess C. vulgaris biomass. Therefore, Bold’s basal medium used as the medium and 0.5, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 μM cobalt chloride salt was added to C. vulgaris culture. Under four cobalt chloride salt treatments, the best growth rate was obtained at the 2 μM of cobalt chloride salt (0.186 + 0.07 g /L.d). CO2 gas was supplied by 5% CO2 gas cylinder and fermented milk as a novel biological CO2 gas generator (CO2,10%). Use of fermented milk is a practical approach for elimination of waste gas emission and converting CO2 into biomass. The results revealed that, in the presence of 5% CO2 gas, C. vulgaris vitamin B12 content at 2 and 2.5 μM cobalt chloride, were 166.23 ± 1.78 and 173.32 ± 4.23 μg /100 g of dry biomass (7 and 12% higher than control), respectively. However, under controlled condition (ambient air and 2 μM cobalt chloride) vitamin B12 content was 154.9 ± 1.14 μg / 100 g of dry biomass.

Assessment of Serum Glucose and B12 in the Pregnant Women and their Correlation with the Blood Hemoglobin

Vitamin B12 plays a dynamic role in one carbon metabolism, which is essential for the general healthy pregnancy and predominantly for fetal growth. Another parameter is maternal glucose during pregnancy. For the transport of the glucose across the placenta, insulin resistance is change for the normal development of the fetus. This study included 30 pregnant women enrolled at Al-Karkh Materuity hospital in January to May 2019. The pregnant women with 23rd to 25th gestational week were included in the present study. Fasting blood was collected form cases (either showed vitamin B12 deficiency or high serum glucose) and healthy participants after obtaining informed consent. The parameters like child birth weight, type of delivery and duration of pregnancy was recorded. The vitamin B12 content was significantly lower (222.43±48.41pg/ml) in the B12 deficient group as compared to healthy control (492.71±52.81 pg/ml). It was observed that the women with B12 deficiency lead to the premature delivery. The fetus birth weight is negatively correlated with the presence of vitamin B12 deficiency. Compared to the healthy control, women with high serum glucose showed significant (p≤0.0001) increased in the fetus weight, which may be one of the reason for C-section delivery. About 87.32% GDM women undergone C-section delivery, while only 12.68% normal delivery occurs. Most of the normal child delivery was found in the B12 deficient women and maximum normal child delivery rate was in the healthy control. The fetus birth weight is positively correlated with the presence of increased serum glucose leves of the mother. It was positively correlated with the pregnancy complications such as premature birth, increased in fetus weight etc. For anaemic condition in the mother, vitamin B12 deficiency can be one of the key factor and it should be monitored before planning of pregnancy.

Evaluation of the relationship of the climbing level of sport climbers with selected anthropometric indicators and diet composition

Climbing is becoming more and more popular. During 2020 Olympic Games this discipline will be competed for the first time. Individualized diet plays a significant role among representatives of all sport disciplines. The aim of this research was to evaluate the correlation between the level of advancement of sport climbers, selected anthropometric indicators and diet composition. The study involved 36 women and 65 men practicing sport climbing who completed the food record and the survey on the most difficult climbing routes completed. Anthropometric measurements were collected. In the group of men statistically significant, positive correlation between the climbing level and the diet content of fiber, vitamin E, potassium, iron, zinc, and copper, was observed. In the group of women, a statistically significant positive correlation between the climbing level and the participation of vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and copper in the diet was observed. There was a positive correlation of protein, vitamin B2, B6, B12, D, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and copper content, and negative correlation between SFA content per 1,000 kcal of the diet and the climbing level of study participants. No statistical correlation was found between anthropometric parameters and advancement level.

Analisis Vitamin B6 (Piridoksin) pada Sediaan Tablet Multivitamin Neurotropik Menggunakan Spektrofotometri UV-Vis

Vitamin B6 analysis in neurotrophic multivitamin tablet preparations requires a simple, fast and cheap method. UV-Vis spectrophotometer is having these criteria. Vitamin B6 analysis using UV Vis spectrophotometry is very quick so that the substance degradation can be inhibited and the results obtained will be accurate. Selection of single maximum wavelength for vitamin B6 will be able to separate with other components of vitamins B1 and B6 although all three are soluble in water. The optimal condition of vitamin B6 analysis in neurotropic multivitamin samples was using UV-Vis spectrophotometry at 325 nm wavelength. The solvent used is water. The calibration result curve in series of 60 ppm, 70 ppm, 80 ppm, 90 ppm, 100 ppm, 110 ppm, 120 ppm and 130 ppm have r value of 0, 9965. Determination of vitamin B6 levels using three brands of neurotrophic multivitamin samples performed. The measured theoretical level was 100 ppm, whereas the recovery of neurotropic multivitamin A samples were 98.24 ppm, 95 ppm and 95.78 ppm respectively with SD 1.69. The theoretical content of vitamin B6 in the neurotrophic multivitamin sample of B brand was 100 ppm, whereas the recovery was 99 ppm, 102 ppm and 98 ppm with SD 1.15. Determination of vitamin B6 concentration in the neurotropic multivitamin brand C the measured theoretical level was 100 ppm, while the recovery was 102 ppm, 101 ppm and 99 ppm with SD value of 1.53. The recovery of vitamin B6 level determination has been in accordance with AOAC requirements, ie for 100% ppm% analytical calculation 90-107%. The primary SD values of the three neurotrophic multivitamin samples of less than 2 indicate that vitamin B6 levels are acceptable. The results of this study indicate that vitamin B6 in a neurotrophic multivitamin sample can be analyzed using UV-VIS spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 325 nm using a water solvent.

Evaluation and comparison of vitamin profiles of selected traditional rice and yams grown in Sri Lanka

The current study was designed to evaluate and compare the vitamin composition of selected traditional and improved rice varieties and four Dioscorea spp. commonly grown and consumed in Sri Lanka. Samples were collected from different locations representing all agro-climatic zones of Sri Lanka. The rice samples were cleaned, air-dried, husked, while the yam samples were peeled, freeze-dried, disintegrated and pooled to attain composite samples. These samples were analyzed for vitamins A, D, E, K1, B1 and B2 using HPLC method. All the samples analyzed were rich in vitamins B1 and B2. Vitamin B2 content in yams were higher than the vitamin B2 content of rice varieties studied. The studied rice varieties contained fat-soluble vitamins E and K only. Vitamin E was found only in traditional rice verities, Kaluheenati, Madathavalu and Suduheenati. Kaluheenati contained all the vitamins and the highest vitamins E (6.34±0.01 mg/100g), B1 (1.58±0.06 mg/100g) and B2 (2.11±0.03 mg/100g) contents. Yams contained fat-soluble vitamins A and K only. Vitamin A was found only in D. pentaphylla (Katuala). Only D. alata (both Rajala (0.74±0.00 μg/100g) and Angili ala (0.68±0.01 μg/100g) contained vitamin K. Vitamin K content of rice varieties was higher than that of yams studied. The highest vitamin K content was found in Pokkali (7.55±0.02 μg/100g) and Madathavalu (1.83±0.06 μg/100g) contained the lowest vitamin K content. The lowest vitamin K content found in rice varieties was higher than the highest vitamin K content available in yams. Traditional and improved rice varieties studied are richer in vitamin K compared to yams.

Влияние климатических условий на биологическую ценность ягодного сырья Амурской области

Актуальным направлением современного производства продуктов на основе натурального природного сырья является применение дикорастущего сырья, богатого биологически ценными веществами. Анализ химического состава дикорастущего плодово-ягодного сырья Амурской области: ягод калины Саржента (Viburnum sargentii), лимонника китайского (Schisandra chinensis), винограда Амурского (V. amurensis), свидетельствует о широком спектре биологически активных веществ, доля каждого из которых, варьирует в зависимости от природно-климатических условий и факторов произрастания. Проведенные исследования позволили определить химический состав ягод, собранных в период с 2011 по 2016 гг. Максимальное количество полифенольных веществ и витамина С обнаружено в ягодах калины, калия в ягодах винограда Амурского в период сбора 2011 года, характеризующегося средней температурой в январе 28ºС, в июле 30ºС и количеством осадков 625 мм. Наивысшее содержание витаминов B1, B2, B6 отмечено в ягодах винограда Амурского, собранного в 2011-2014 гг. Выявлено, что в ягодах калины высокий уровень магния, фосфора и кальция отмечался в 2011и 2012 г.г. соответственно. Установлен срок годности ягод сбора 2011-2016 гг., который составил 9 месяцев при температуре 5-7ºС. Выявлено, что исследуемое сырье благодаря уникальному химическому составу может служить источником незаменимых нутриентов и является перспективным для использования в производстве пищевых продуктов, особенно с низкой пищевой и высокой энергетической ценностью.

Determination of vitamin B12 in four edible insect species by immunoaffinity and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography

Insects are rich in major nutrients, such as protein and fat. Recently, minor nutrients like vitamins have become the subjects of interest in insects. Hence, this study reports on the development and validation of a method for the determination of vitamin B12 in mealworm (Tenebrio molitor larvae), cricket (Gryllus assimilis), grasshopper (Locusta migratoria) and cockroach (Shelfordella lateralis), using an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography approach with preliminary immunoaffinity chromatography sample preparation. The method was validated regarding linearity, specificity, accuracy and precision, as well as limits of detection/quantification, and was found to be satisfactory for the desired application. Found levels of vitamin B12 were 1.08 µg/100 g for mealworm, 2.88 µg/100 g for cricket, 0.84 µg/100 g for grasshopper, and 13.2 µg/100 g dry weight for cockroach, representing the first validated report on the content of vitamin B12 in edible insects. Observed interferences are likely caused by the presence of pseudovitamin B12.

Determination of Vitamin B2 Content in Black, Green, Sage, and Rosemary Tea Infusions by Capillary Electrophoresis with Laser-Induced Fluorescence Detection

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin (RF) is an essential micronutrient for human health and must be obtained from dietary sources. Plants biosynthesize riboflavin and are important dietary sources of vitamin B2 for humans. Our present study reports sensitive detection of vitamin B2 in widely consumed tea infusions, namely black, green, sage and rosemary tea infusions, by a capillary electrophoresis method combined with laser induced fluorescence detection. Moreover, the correlation between the vitamin B2 content of tea plants with their total phenolics (TPs) and antioxidant capacity are evaluated in this study. Whereas green teas have the highest TPs and antioxidant capacity, the highest RF content is in sage infusions. The RF content ranged between 0.34 and 10.36 µg/g for all tea samples studied. Comparing the RF content of tea samples found in this study to the RF content of known RF sources, tea infusions are proposed as important dietary sources of vitamin B2.

Effect of Lactobacillus reuteri on vitamin B12 content and microbiota composition of furu fermentation

Abstract: In order to solve problems of fluctuant vitamin B12 contents in furu, the effect of L. reuteri inoculation on vitamin B12 content of furu in a large scale experiment was studied in addition to evaluating the microbiomes of furus. Results showed that vitamin B12 content in furu inoculated with L. reuteri was gradually increased up to 141.7 ng/g (wet weight), which is higher than the control group (36.0 ng/g). After principal component analysis, samples for bacterial composition in L. r. group were gathered together, but those for the composition of fungi were dispersed. L. reuteri inoculation obviously increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, but reduced the relative amount of Proteobacteria. The group of L. r. and control exhibited a similar pattern of fungi changes. Based on spearman analysis, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, and Corynebacteria were reported to be positively related with vitamin B12 contents and supported each other, vice versa Rhodotorula and Penicillium. Regarding the results of PICRUSt, vitamin B12 related genes pathways were enhanced after L. reuteri was applied. In this study, the novel start culture of L. reuteri was successfully introduced to a traditional soybean fermented food to improve the content of vitamin B12 in furu.

Adequate vitamin B12 and riboflavin status from menus alone in residential care facilities in the Lower Mainland, British Columbia.

Older adults have potential increased risk of nutrient deficiencies because of age-related decreased dietary intake and malabsorption; it is important to ensure nutrient needs are met to avoid adverse health outcomes. B vitamins are of particular interest: vitamin B12 deficiency can cause irreversible neurodegeneration; there is mandatory folic acid fortification in Canada; and suboptimal riboflavin status has been reported among older adults in the United Kingdom. In this exploratory secondary analysis study we assessed vitamin B12 and riboflavin biochemical status (via microparticle enzyme immunoassay and erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity coefficient (EGRac), respectively), and the vitamin B12, riboflavin, and folate content of menus served to a convenience sample of older adults (≥65 years) from 5 residential care facilities within the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. Diet was assessed from customized 28-day cycle meal plans. Participants (n = 207; 53 men and 154 women) were aged 86 ± 7 years, largely of European descent (92%), and nonsmokers (95%). The menus served had a low prevalence of inadequacy for vitamin B12 and riboflavin (only 4% and 1% of menus contained less than the estimated average requirement (EAR), respectively), but 93% contained less than the EAR for folate. Mean ± SD serum total vitamin B12 concentration was 422 ± 209 pmol/L, and EGRac was 1.30 ± 0.19. The majority of older adults in residential care were provided with adequate vitamin B12 and riboflavin menu amounts, and only 5% were vitamin B12 deficient (<148 pmol/L). However, 26% were riboflavin deficient (EGRac ≥ 1.4), which may warrant further investigation.

Content of Selected Vitamins and Antioxidants in Colored and Nonpigmented Varieties of Quinoa, Barley, and Wheat Grains.

Nutritional potential of crops was evaluated from the viewpoint of selected vitamins and antioxidants to create a well-balanced diet. Combined use of both traditional (wheat, barley) and underutilized crops (quinoa) is recommended. HPLC methods and image analysis were successfully used as viable tools for food quality determination.

Metabolome Analysis of Multi-Connected Biparental Chromosome Segment Substitution Line Populations.

Metabolomic analysis coupled with advanced genetic populations represents a powerful tool with which to investigate the plant metabolome. However, genetic analyses of the rice (Oryza sativa) metabolome have been conducted mainly using natural accessions or a single biparental population. Here, the flag leaves from three interconnected chromosome segment substitution line populations with a common recurrent genetic background were used to dissect rice metabolic diversity. We effectively used multiple interconnected biparental populations, constructed by introducing genomic segments into Zhenshan 97 from ACC10 (A/Z), Minghui 63 (M/Z), and Nipponbare (N/Z), to map metabolic quantitative trait loci (mQTL). A total of 1,587 mQTL were generated, of which 684, 479, and 722 were obtained from the A/Z, M/Z, and N/Z chromosome segment substitution line populations, respectively, and we designated 99 candidate genes for 367 mQTL. In addition, 1,001 mQTL were generated specifically from joint linkage analysis with 25 candidate genes assigned. Several of these candidates were validated, such as LOC_Os07g01020 for the in vivo content of pyridoxine and its derivative and LOC_Os04g25980 for cis-zeatin glucosyltransferase activity. We propose a novel biosynthetic pathway for O-methylapigenin C-pentoside and demonstrated that LOC_Os04g11970 encodes a component of this pathway through fine-mapping. We postulate that the methylated apigenin may confer plant disease resistance. This study demonstrates the power of using multiple interconnected populations to generate a large number of veritable mQTL. The combined results are discussed in the context of functional metabolomics and the possible features of assigned candidates underlying respective metabolites.

PENGARUH SUBSTITUSI TEPUNG KEDELAI, TEPUNG BEKATUL DAN TEPUNG RUMPUT LAUT (Gracilaria sp) TERHADAP DAYA TERIMA, ZAT BESI DAN VITAMIN B12 BROWNIES

Soybean, rice bran and seaweed flour (Gracilaria sp) are food sources of iron and vitamin B12 so it is potential to be used as an ingredient for alfernative snack for childbearing age women with ovo vegetarian diet. This research intended to analyze effect of soybean, rice bran and seaweed flour (Gracliaria sp) substitution on the acceptability, iron and vitamin B12 content. This research was true experimental research with completely randomized design. There are 4 formulas with six times replications. Analysis of accessibility different used was friedman. Friedman Test and Wilcoxon Ranks Test. The untrained panelists were 25 childberaing age women with ovo vegetarian diet. The difference test showed that there were no difference in colour, aroma and texture. There was a difference (p&lt;0,05) on flavour characteristic and Wilcoxon Ranks Test showed that there was a difference (p&lt;0,05) between control formula and substitution formula. Based on the result of acceptability, brownies substitution formula with the best score was F3 formula (flour 37.5 g, soybean flour 22.5 g, rice bran 75 g, and seaweed flour (Gracilaria sp) 15 g). The iron and vitamin B12 content of F3 formula were 3.6 mg and 0.2 μg respectively on 100 gram formula and fulfill 10-15% of childbearing age women’s requirement. Finally, the best formula which obtained from its acceptability, iron and vitamin B12 content was F3 formula, so it could be an alternative snack for childbearing age women with ovo vegetarian diet.

Hygienic characteristics of actual nutrition of the working population Samara Region

The article presents the data of a retrospective analysis of the average per capita consumption of food by the population of the Samara region in comparison with the all-Russian indicators and recommended values of consumption in the period from 2010 to 2015, as well as the analysis of the actual nutrition of different groups of the working-age population of the Samara region in 2015 (2154 people aged 18 up to 62 years of age, 1179 of them women, 975 men) using the method of 24-hour reproduction of food and the frequency method with quantitative assessment of consumed products, in comparison with the dynamics of the prevalence of alimentary-dependent diseases. Estimation of parameters of nutritional status was also conducted on blood level of cholesterol and glucose, bioelectrical impedance analysis of body composition (n=514). It was found that 48.2% of the subjects had normal body weight, 38.1% -overweight, 13.7% - obesity. The analysis of actual consumption revealed an unfavorable trend of increasing consumption of fats, as well as sugar from 2010 to 2015, while the consumption of vegetables, fruits and berries was lowed compared to the national indicators and recommended consumption values. The analysis of actual nutrition allowed to make a conclusion about severe violations of the relationships between nutrients in the diet of all surveyed populations, characterized by the excess intake of fat (45% of the energy diet value), including saturated fatty acids, and added sugar (13% calories). In the diet of 82% of the respondents the content of vitamins B1 and B2 did not reach the recommended level, niacin - 37%, vitamin A - 47%, vitamin C - 68%, calcium and iron - 14%. With an increase in BMI, there was an increase in blood level of cholesterol and glucose (r=0.24 and r=0.26, respectively, p<0.05), both in men and women. In individuals with excess fat and added sugar in the diet, increased fat body component (r=0.17, p<0.05) and lowered content of skeletal muscle mass (r=0.25, p<0.05) were observed. The revealed unfavorable trend of nutritional and metabolic disorders, against the background of increased consumption of fats, added sugar, indicates the need for an integrated approach to the correction of diet at both individual and population levels.

Enhancing vitamin B12 content in co-fermented soy-milk via a Lotka Volterra model

Abstract Soybean products are popular because of its taste, digestibility, and health benefits. However, soybean lacks vitamin, mainly the low water-soluble vitamin B12. This study investigated the effects of fermentation conditions on the synthesis of vitamin B12, production of metabolites, and growth of Lactobacillus reuteri and Propionibacterium shermainii in fermented soy-milk. A Lotka Volterra model was successfully employed to describe the competition relationship between the two microorganisms under various fermentation conditions. A quadratic function between the ratio of interaction coefficients and vitamin B12 content was found. Higher vitamin B12 in soy-milk can be produced when the ratio of interaction coefficients approach to one. Compared with other fermented soybean products, fermented soy-milk contains more acetate, ethanol, and propionic acid. This study successfully demonstrated a mathematical model to enhance soy-milk vitamin B12 production.

Effect of heat treatment on 4'-O-methylpyridoxine (MPN) content in Ginkgo biloba seed extract solution.

A vitamin B6 derivative, 4'-O-methylpyridoxine (MPN), is responsible for food poisoning by Ginkgo biloba seeds. In this study, we investigate the content of pyridoxine and MPN in MPN standard solution and G. biloba seed extract solution upon heat treatment in order to evaluate the reduction of toxic components in G. biloba seed by such treatment. Heat treatment was conducted at 90-150 °C for 0-60 min, and all samples were adjusted to the same concentration of 1 g L-1 . The MPN content decreased to 994.92-563.69 mg kg-1 for MPN standard solution and to 371.56-76.84 mg kg-1 for G. biloba seed extract solution, and in both cases decreased even further with increasing heat treatment time. However, in all samples, except for the 90 °C heat treatment group, the pyridoxine content in MPN standard solution increased with increasing heat temperature and time; in addition, the extract solution showed a similar tendency. This may be the result of thermal degradation of MPN into pyridoxine. We can expect to improve the utilization of functional food materials by applying suitable heat treatment conditions and decreasing the MPN content of the G. biloba seed. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Food Composition Tables in Southeast Asia: The Contribution of the SMILING Project

Objectives Food composition data are key for many nutrition related activities in research, planning and policy. Combatting micronutrient malnutrition among women and young children using sustainable food based approaches, as aimed at in the SMILING project, requires high quality food composition data. Methods In order to develop capacity and to align procedures for establishing, updating and assessing the quality of key nutrient data in the food composition tables in Southeast Asia, a detailed roadmap was developed to identify and propose steps for this. This included a training workshop to build capacity in the field of food composition data, and alignment of procedures for selecting foods and nutrients to be included for quality assessment, and update of country specific food composition tables. The SEA partners in the SMILING project finalised a country specific food composition table (FCT) with updated compositional data on selected foods and nutrients considered key for designing nutrient dense and optimal diets for the target groups. Results Between 140 and 175 foods were selected for inclusion in the country specific FCTs. Key-nutrients were: energy, protein, total fat, carbohydrates, iron, zinc, (pro-)-vitamin A, folate, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and vitamin C. A detailed quality assessment on 13 key-foods per nutrient was performed using international guidelines. Nutrient data for specific local food items were often unavailable and data on folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 contents were mostly missing. For many foods, documentation was not available, thereby complicating an in-depth quality assessment. Despite these limitations, the SMILING project offered a unique opportunity to increase awareness of the importance of high quality well documented food composition data. Conclusion for Practise The self-reported data quality demonstrated that there is considerable room for improvement of the nutrient data quality in some countries. In addition, investment in sustainable capacity development and an urgent need to produce and document high quality data on the micronutrient composition of especially local foods is required.

Enhancing vitamin B12 in lupin tempeh by in situ fortification

Tempeh is a traditional, fungal fermented Indonesian product, usually made from soybeans. Tempeh is known to contain vitamin B12 which is essential for a healthy human diet. Therefore, tempeh is of particular interest for vegan diets since B12 is normally found only in animal derived products. The vitamin B12 in tempeh is associated with the presence of opportunistic pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae. Levels of B12 in tempeh do not sustain the recommended daily intake though. In addition, the use of a food-grade bacterium instead of K. pneumoniae is preferred. Lupin can serve as alternative substrate for soybeans due to its similar protein content, resulting in ‘lupin tempeh’. In this study, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, a food-grade, vitamin B12 producing bacterium, was used in co-culture with Rhizopus oryzae to produce B12-enriched lupin tempeh. A significant increase of vitamin B12 content (up to 0.97 μg/100 g) was achieved by fermenting lupin using a mixed starter of R. oryzae and P. freudenreichii. Other parameters, such as texture and volatile organic compounds, were not affected by the bacterial co-inoculation. Therefore, these results are promising for in situ vitamin B12 fortification of lupin tempeh making it a sustainable protein source for a healthy human diet.