Nutrients

11 pages, 872 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Body Image on the WTP Values for Reduced-Fat and Low-Salt Content Potato Chips among Obese and Non-Obese Consumers

by Tiziana De-Magistris^1,*, Belinda López-Galán¹ and Vincenzina Caputo²

¹ Unidad de Economía Agroalimentaria, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2) (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), Avda Montañana 930, Zaragoza 50059, Spain

² Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 830; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120830 - 21 Dec 2016

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6340

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the influence of body image on consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for potato chips carrying nutritional claims among obese and non-obese people. About 309 non-clinical individuals participated in a Real Choice Experiment. They were recruited [...] Read more.

The aim of this study is to assess the influence of body image on consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for potato chips carrying nutritional claims among obese and non-obese people. About 309 non-clinical individuals participated in a Real Choice Experiment. They were recruited by a company and grouped in: (i) non-obese with good body image; (ii) non-obese with body image dissatisfaction; (iii) obese with good body image; (iv) obese with body image dissatisfaction. Results indicate differences in consumers’ willingness to pay among consumer groups. Body image dissatisfaction of normal people did not influence the WTP for healthier chips. Obese people with body image dissatisfaction were willing to pay more for healthier chips (i.e., low-salt content potato chips) than normal ones with body image dissatisfaction. Examining the role of knowledge in the light of how this could impact on body image is relevant to improve the health status of individuals and their diet. Knowledge about nutrition could improve the body image of obese people. Full article

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10 pages, 215 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Fiber Analysis of Four Pulses Using AOAC 2011.25: Implications for Human Health

by Yiran Chen¹, Rebecca McGee², George Vandemark², Mark Brick³ and Henry J. Thompson^1,*

¹ Cancer Prevention Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA

² Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA

³ Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 829; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120829 - 21 Dec 2016

Cited by 60 | Viewed by 8978

Abstract

Chickpeas, common beans, dry peas, and lentils are pulse crops that have been a cornerstone of the human diet since the inception of agriculture. However, the displacement of pulses from the diet by low fiber protein alternatives has resulted in a pervasive deficiency [...] Read more.

Chickpeas, common beans, dry peas, and lentils are pulse crops that have been a cornerstone of the human diet since the inception of agriculture. However, the displacement of pulses from the diet by low fiber protein alternatives has resulted in a pervasive deficiency referred to as the dietary fiber gap. Using an analytical method American Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) 2011.25 that conforms to the Codex Alimentarius Commission consensus definition for dietary fiber, the fiber content of these pulse crops was evaluated in seed types used for commercial production. These pulse crops have 2 to 3 times more fiber per 100 g edible portion than other dietary staples. Moreover, there is marked variation in fiber content among cultivars of the same crop. We conclude that pulse crop consumption should be emphasized in efforts to close the dietary fiber gap. The substantial differences in fiber content among currently available cultivars within a crop can be used to further improve gains in fiber intake without the need to change dietary habits. This provides a rationale for cultivar-based food labeling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Benefits of Soybean and other Grain Legumes)

12 pages, 796 KB

Open AccessArticle

Low Prevalence of Vitamin D Insufficiency among Nepalese Infants Despite High Prevalence of Vitamin D Insufficiency among Their Mothers

by Johanne Haugen^1,2,*, Manjeswori Ulak³, Ram K. Chandyo³, Sigrun Henjum⁴

, Andrew L. Thorne-Lyman^5,6,7, Per Magne Ueland^8,9, Øivind Midtun^8,9, Prakash S. Shrestha³ and Tor A. Strand^1,2,10

¹ Innlandet Hospital Trust, Lillehammer 2609, Norway

² Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen 5007, Norway

³ Department of Child Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu 8212, Nepal

⁴ Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, Oslo 0130, Norway

⁵ Johns Hopkins Center for Human Nutrition, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA

⁶ WorldFish, P.O. Box 500 GPO, Penang 10670, Malaysia

⁷ Departments of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA

⁸ Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen 5007, Norway

⁹ Bevital AS, Bergen 5021, Norway

¹⁰ Department of Sports Science, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Lillehammer 2604, Norway

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 825; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120825 - 21 Dec 2016

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6750

Abstract

Background: Describing vitamin D status and its predictors in various populations is important in order to target public health measures. Objectives: To describe the status and predictors of vitamin D status in healthy Nepalese mothers and infants. Methods: 500 randomly selected Nepalese mother [...] Read more.

Background: Describing vitamin D status and its predictors in various populations is important in order to target public health measures. Objectives: To describe the status and predictors of vitamin D status in healthy Nepalese mothers and infants. Methods: 500 randomly selected Nepalese mother and infant pairs were included in a cross-sectional study. Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were measured by LC-MS/MS and multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify predictors of vitamin D status. Results: Among the infants, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (25(OH)D <50 nmol/L) and deficiency (<30 nmol/L) were 3.6% and 0.6%, respectively, in contrast to 59.8% and 14.0% among their mothers. Infant 25(OH)D concentrations were negatively associated with infant age and positively associated with maternal vitamin D status and body mass index (BMI), explaining 22% of the variability in 25(OH)D concentration. Global solar radiation, maternal age and BMI predicted maternal 25(OH)D concentration, explaining 9.7% of its variability. Conclusion: Age and maternal vitamin D status are the main predictors of vitamin D status in infants in Bhaktapur, Nepal, who have adequate vitamin D status despite poor vitamin D status in their mothers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D: Current Issues and New Perspectives)

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13 pages, 714 KB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Dietary Intakes of Nitrate and Nitrite and the Risk of Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

by Zahra Bahadoran¹, Parvin Mirmiran^1,*, Asghar Ghasemi²

, Mattias Carlström³

, Fereidoun Azizi⁴ and Farzad Hadaegh^5,*

¹ Nutrition and Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19395-4763, Iran

² Endocrine Physiology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19395-4763, Iran

³ Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE-171 76, Sweden

⁴ Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19395-4763, Iran

⁵ Prevention of Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19395-4763, Iran

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120811 - 21 Dec 2016

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6969

Abstract

Background and Aim: The association of habitual intakes of dietary nitrate (NO₃⁻) and nitrite (NO₂⁻) with blood pressure and renal function is not clear. Here, we investigated a potential effect of dietary NO₃⁻ and NO [...] Read more.

Background and Aim: The association of habitual intakes of dietary nitrate (NO₃⁻) and nitrite (NO₂⁻) with blood pressure and renal function is not clear. Here, we investigated a potential effect of dietary NO₃⁻ and NO₂⁻ on the occurrence of hypertension (HTN) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: A total of 2799 Iranian adults aged ≥20 years, participating in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS), were included and followed for a median of 5.8 years. Dietary intakes of NO₃⁻ and NO₂⁻ were estimated using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Demographics, anthropometrics, blood pressure and biochemical variables were evaluated at baseline and during follow-up examinations. To identify the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of HTN and CKD across tertile categories of residual energy-adjusted NO₃⁻ and NO₂⁻ intakes, multivariate logistic regression models were used. Results: Dietary intake of NO₃⁻ had no significant association with the risk of HTN or CKD. Compared to the lowest tertile category (median intake < 6.04 mg/day), the highest intake (median intake ≥ 12.7 mg/day) of dietary NO₂⁻ was accompanied with a significant reduced risk of HTN, in the fully adjusted model (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.33–0.98; p for trend = 0.054). The highest compared to the lowest tertile of dietary NO₂⁻ was also accompanied with a reduced risk of CKD (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.24–0.89, p for trend = 0.07). Conclusion: Our findings indicated that higher intakes of NO₂⁻ might be an independent dietary protective factor against the development of HTN and CKD, which are major risk factors for adverse cardiovascular events. Full article

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18 pages, 603 KB

Open AccessReview

Antioxidants and Dementia Risk: Consideration through a Cerebrovascular Perspective

by Virginie Lam^1,2, Mark Hackett^1,3 and Ryusuke Takechi^1,2,*

¹ Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth WA 6845, Australia

² School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth WA 6845, Australia

³ Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin University, Perth WA 6845, Australia

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120828 - 20 Dec 2016

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 8677

Abstract

A number of natural and chemical compounds that exert anti-oxidative properties are demonstrated to be beneficial for brain and cognitive function, and some are reported to reduce the risk of dementia. However, the detailed mechanisms by which those anti-oxidative compounds show positive effects [...] Read more.

A number of natural and chemical compounds that exert anti-oxidative properties are demonstrated to be beneficial for brain and cognitive function, and some are reported to reduce the risk of dementia. However, the detailed mechanisms by which those anti-oxidative compounds show positive effects on cognition and dementia are still unclear. An emerging body of evidence suggests that the integrity of the cerebrovascular blood-brain barrier (BBB) is centrally involved in the onset and progression of cognitive impairment and dementia. While recent studies revealed that some anti-oxidative agents appear to be protective against the disruption of BBB integrity and structure, few studies considered the neuroprotective effects of antioxidants in the context of cerebrovascular integrity. Therefore, in this review, we examine the mechanistic insights of antioxidants as a pleiotropic agent for cognitive impairment and dementia through a cerebrovascular axis by primarily focusing on the current available data from physiological studies. Conclusively, there is a compelling body of evidence that suggest antioxidants may prevent cognitive decline and dementia by protecting the integrity and function of BBB and, indeed, further studies are needed to directly examine these effects in addition to underlying molecular mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Health and Disease)

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6 pages, 190 KB

Open AccessReview

The Use of Enteral Nutrition in the Management of Stroke

by Omorogieva Ojo^1,* and Joanne Brooke²

¹ Faculty of Education and Health, University of Greenwich, Avery Hill Campus, Avery Hill Road, London SE9 2UG, UK

² Oxford Institute of Nursing and Allied Health Research, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0FL, UK

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 827; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120827 - 20 Dec 2016

Cited by 71 | Viewed by 19275

Abstract

This article discusses the use of enteral nutrition in the management of stroke. Stroke is a major source of disability, including dysphagia. The clinical manifestation of swallowing difficulties in stroke patients may lead to malnutrition which has implications for health status and clinical [...] Read more.

This article discusses the use of enteral nutrition in the management of stroke. Stroke is a major source of disability, including dysphagia. The clinical manifestation of swallowing difficulties in stroke patients may lead to malnutrition which has implications for health status and clinical outcomes including morbidity, mortality and cost to the health service. The prevalence of malnutrition following an acute stroke could range from 8% to 34%. Therefore, the need to develop and implement the use of enteral nutrition support in stroke patients becomes pertinent. A range of enteral feeding tubes and feeding methods may be used to support stroke patients who are unable to meet their nutritional requirements through oral intake alone, although each of these approaches has its merits and limitations. Based on this review, there is evidence that enteral nutrition support is a useful method of providing nutrition for patients with dysphagia following a stroke in order to enhance their nutritional status and promote their health. However, there are challenges in the use of enteral tube feeding in these patients. Full article

15 pages, 1116 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study on Trace Element Excretions between Nonanuric and Anuric Patients Undergoing Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

by Siyun Xiang^1,2,†, Ying Yao^1,3,†, Yunan Wan², Wangqun Liang³, Ruiwei Meng⁴, Qiman Jin², Nannan Wu², Fangyi Xu², Chenjiang Ying^2,*

and Xuezhi Zuo^1,*

¹ Department of Clinical Nutrition, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China

² Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China

³ Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China

⁴ Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120826 - 20 Dec 2016

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6165

Abstract

Few studies have been reported on alterations of trace elements (TE) in peritoneal dialysis patients. Our objective was to investigate and assess the characteristics of daily TE excretions in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. This cross-sectional study included 61 CAPD patients (nonanuric/anuric: [...] Read more.

Few studies have been reported on alterations of trace elements (TE) in peritoneal dialysis patients. Our objective was to investigate and assess the characteristics of daily TE excretions in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. This cross-sectional study included 61 CAPD patients (nonanuric/anuric: 45/16) and 11 healthy subjects in Wuhan, China between 2013 and 2014. The dialysate and urine of patients and urine of healthy subjects were collected. The concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), and arsenic (As) in dialysate and urine were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Various clinical variables were obtained from automatic biochemical analyzer. Daily Cu, Zn, Se, and Mo excretions in nonanuric patients were higher than healthy subjects, while arsenic excretion in anuric patients was lower. A strong and positive correlation was observed between Se and Mo excretion in both dialysate (β = 0.869, p < 0.010) and urine (β = 0.968, p < 0.010). Furthermore, the clinical variables associated with Se excretion were found to be correlated with Mo excretion. Our findings indicated that nonanuric CAPD patients may suffer from deficiency of some essential TEs, while anuric patients are at risk of arsenic accumulation. A close association between Se and Mo excretion was also found. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Chronic Kidney Disease)

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12 pages, 1964 KB

Open AccessReview

Meta-Analysis of Milk Consumption and the Risk of Cognitive Disorders

by Lei Wu^1,* and Dali Sun²

¹ Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Geriatrics, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China

² Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77096, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 824; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120824 - 20 Dec 2016

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 8181

Abstract

The association between milk intake and cognitive disorders has been investigated in several epidemiological studies, but the findings are still conflicting. No quantitative assessment has been performed to evaluate the potential relationship of milk intake and cognitive disorders. From the inception to October [...] Read more.

The association between milk intake and cognitive disorders has been investigated in several epidemiological studies, but the findings are still conflicting. No quantitative assessment has been performed to evaluate the potential relationship of milk intake and cognitive disorders. From the inception to October 2016, the PubMed and the Embase databases were searched for observational studies reporting the association of milk consumption and cognitive disorders (Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and cognitive decline/impairment). A generic inverse-variance random-effects method was used to pool the Odds Ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the highest compared with the lowest level of milk intake. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were used to assess the heterogeneity between subgroups. We identified seven articles involving a total of 10,941 participants. The highest level of milk consumption was significantly associated with a decreased risk of cognitive disorders, and the pooled OR (95% CI) was 0.72 (0.56, 0.93), with evidence of significant heterogeneity (I² = 64%, p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated that the association was more pronounced in ischemic stroke patients based on a single study. Furthermore, the inverse association between milk intake and cognitive disorders was limited to Asian subjects, and the African populations showed an intermediate non-significant trend. Although we have obtained a significant association, an established relationship cannot be drawn due to the study limitation. Large prospective studies are needed to quantify the potential dose-response patterns of milk intake and to explore the association in populations with different characteristics. Full article

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14 pages, 1535 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phenotypic Stability of Energy Balance Responses to Experimental Total Sleep Deprivation and Sleep Restriction in Healthy Adults

by Laura E. Dennis¹, Andrea M. Spaeth² and Namni Goel^1,*

¹ Division of Sleep and Chronobiology, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA

² Center for Obesity Research and Education, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 823; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120823 - 19 Dec 2016

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7257

Abstract

Experimental studies have shown that sleep restriction (SR) and total sleep deprivation (TSD) produce increased caloric intake, greater fat consumption, and increased late-night eating. However, whether individuals show similar energy intake responses to both SR and TSD remains unknown. A total of N [...] Read more.

Experimental studies have shown that sleep restriction (SR) and total sleep deprivation (TSD) produce increased caloric intake, greater fat consumption, and increased late-night eating. However, whether individuals show similar energy intake responses to both SR and TSD remains unknown. A total of N = 66 healthy adults (aged 21–50 years, 48.5% women, 72.7% African American) participated in a within-subjects laboratory protocol to compare daily and late-night intake between one night of SR (4 h time in bed, 04:00–08:00) and one night of TSD (0 h time in bed) conditions. We also examined intake responses during subsequent recovery from SR or TSD and investigated gender differences. Caloric and macronutrient intake during the day following SR and TSD were moderately to substantially consistent within individuals (Intraclass Correlation Coefficients: 0.34–0.75). During the late-night period of SR (22:00–04:00) and TSD (22:00–06:00), such consistency was slight to moderate, and participants consumed a greater percentage of calories from protein (p = 0.01) and saturated fat (p = 0.02) during SR, despite comparable caloric intake (p = 0.12). Similarly, participants consumed a greater percentage of calories from saturated fat during the day following SR than TSD (p = 0.03). Participants also consumed a greater percentage of calories from protein during recovery after TSD (p < 0.001). Caloric intake was greater in men during late-night hours and the day following sleep loss. This is the first evidence of phenotypic trait-like stability and differential vulnerability of energy balance responses to two commonly experienced types of sleep loss: our findings open the door for biomarker discovery and countermeasure development to predict and mitigate this critical health-related vulnerability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Altered Timing of Eating, Sleep and Work Patterns on Human Health)

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9 pages, 220 KB

Open AccessBrief Report

Self-Reported Dietary Restrictions and Dietary Patterns in Polish Girls: A Short Research Report (GEBaHealth Study)

by Grzegorz Galinski¹, Marta Lonnie^2,*

, Joanna Kowalkowska²

, Lidia Wadolowska²

, Jolanta Czarnocinska¹, Marzena Jezewska-Zychowicz³

and Ewa Babicz-Zielinska⁴

¹ Department of Human Nutrition and Hygiene, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 28, 60-637 Poznan, Poland

² Department of Human Nutrition, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Sloneczna 45F, 10-718 Olsztyn, Poland

³ Department of Organisation and Consumption Economics, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159 C, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland

⁴ Department of Trade and Services, Gdynia Maritime University, Morska 81-87, 81-225 Gdynia, Poland

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 796; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120796 - 19 Dec 2016

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 11412

Abstract

Dietary restraint is a commonly reported practice observed among young females. The practice remains controversial and can be interpreted as a beneficial self-regulating behavior or the opposite, an eating disorder that may have a detrimental effect on health. The aim of this short [...] Read more.

Dietary restraint is a commonly reported practice observed among young females. The practice remains controversial and can be interpreted as a beneficial self-regulating behavior or the opposite, an eating disorder that may have a detrimental effect on health. The aim of this short report was to investigate if dietary restrictions are associated with dietary patterns in a representative sample of Polish girls. Analyses were carried out on data from the Girls’ Eating Behavior and Health (GEBaHealth) study. The sample included 1107 girls, ranging in age from 13 to 21 years old. Restrictions regarding food quantities and selected food groups were assessed using a standardized interview. Dietary patterns were identified with Principal Component Analysis (PCA), based on dietary data collected with Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs). Logistic regression analysis was used to study the associations between self-reported restrictions and each dietary pattern. In the total sample, 30.5% of girls reported following some food restrictions. The most common restrictions regarded consumption of sugar and/or sweets (23.7%), high-fat foods (22.4%), and fats (21.3%). Girls who declared following any restrictions, restrictions in food quantity and restrictions in the consumption of sugar and/or sweets, high-fat foods, fats, cereals and/or bread and/or potatoes were more likely to adhere to the “fruit and vegetables” (considered pro-healthy) dietary pattern (adjusted odds ratios (ORs): 1.55, 95% CI: 1.14–2.12; 1.61, 95% CI: 1.17–2.21; 1.81, 95% CI: 1.30–2.52; 1.46, 95% CI: 1.04–2.06; 1.96, 95% CI: 1.38–2.80 and 3.25, 95% CI: 1.97–5.37, respectively), and less likely to adhere to the “fast foods and sweets” (unhealthy) and “traditional Polish” (rather unhealthy) patterns, compared to girls who declared no restrictions. Declared restrictions in the consumption of foods high in sugar, fat, and starch were observed in girls in the “fruit and vegetables” pattern and were uncommon in girls with unhealthy dietary patterns. Although cautious interpretation is needed when considering restrictions in the overall quantity of food consumed, the results indicate that dietary restrictions of sugar, high-fat foods, fats, and starch may be considered predictors of both pro-healthy and unhealthy dietary patterns in the population of Polish girls. Full article

11 pages, 225 KB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Plain Water and Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Total Energy Intake among Mexican School-Age Children

by Teresa Shamah-Levy

, Claudia Gabriela García-Chávez

and Sonia Rodríguez-Ramírez^*

Centro de investigación en Nutrición y Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Avenida Universidad 655, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62100, Mexico

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 710; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120710 - 18 Dec 2016

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6217

Abstract

Water consumption promotes a decrease in total diet energy intake, and one explanation for this fact is the replacement of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) by plain water (PW). The objective of this study was to analyze the association between SSB and PW consumption as [...] Read more.

Water consumption promotes a decrease in total diet energy intake, and one explanation for this fact is the replacement of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) by plain water (PW). The objective of this study was to analyze the association between SSB and PW consumption as a part of the total energy intake. Dietary information was obtained by one 24 h recall of 2536 school-age children who participated in the National Nutrition Survey in Mexico. PW and SSB consumption was measured in mL and servings (240 mL), and consumption was stratified into two levels (<2 and ≥2 servings/day). Linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between PW and SSB consumption in relation to total energy intake. Models were adjusted for age, sex, the proportion of energy obtained from non-beverage food, area of residence, and socioeconomic status (based on information regarding housing conditions and ownership of home appliances). PW consumption at the national level was two servings/day, and was not associated with total energy intake. However, the combination of the high consumption of PW and the low consumption of SSB was associated with less total energy intake (p < 0.05). Promoting higher PW and lower SSB consumption provides a useful public health strategy for reducing total energy intake and preventing overconsumption among Mexican school-age children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beverage Consumption Habits around the World: Association with Total Water and Energy Intakes)

14 pages, 827 KB

Open AccessArticle

Implementation of a Nutrition Program Reduced Post-Discharge Growth Restriction in Thai Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants

by Suchada Japakasetr¹

, Chutima Sirikulchayanonta^2,*, Umaporn Suthutvoravut³, Busba Chindavijak⁴, Masaharu Kagawa⁵

and Somjai Nokdee⁶

¹ Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

² College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

³ Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

⁴ Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

⁵ Institute of Nutrition Sciences, Kagawa Nutrition University, Saitama Prefecture 350-0288, Japan

⁶ Nursing Department, Buddhasothorn Hospital, Chachoengsao 24000, Thailand

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 820; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120820 - 17 Dec 2016

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6763

Abstract

Very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants are vulnerable to growth restriction after discharge due to cumulative protein and energy deficits during their hospital stay and early post-discharge period. The current study evaluated the effectiveness of the preterm infant, post-discharge nutrition (PIN) program [...] Read more.

Very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants are vulnerable to growth restriction after discharge due to cumulative protein and energy deficits during their hospital stay and early post-discharge period. The current study evaluated the effectiveness of the preterm infant, post-discharge nutrition (PIN) program to reduce post-discharge growth restriction in Thai VLBW preterm infants. A prospective, non-randomized interventional cohort study was undertaken to assess the growth of 22 VLBW preterm infants who received the PIN program and compared them with 22 VLBW preterm infants who received conventional nutrition services. Infant’s growth was recorded monthly until the infants reached six months’ corrected age (6-moCA). Intervention infants had significantly greater body weights (p = 0.013) and head circumferences (p = 0.009). Also, a greater proportion of the intervention group recovered their weight to the standard weight at 4-moCA (p = 0.027) and at 6-moCA (p = 0.007) and their head circumference to the standard head circumference at 6-moCA (p = 0.004) compared to their historical comparison counterparts. Enlistment in the PIN program thus resulted in significantly reduced post-discharge growth restriction in VLBW preterm infants. Further research on longer term effects of the program on infant’s growth and development is warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients in Infancy)

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3 pages, 183 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Catch-Up Growth in Former Preterm Neonates: No Time to Waste

by Anke Raaijmakers^1,2

and Karel Allegaert^2,3,*

¹ Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven B-3000, Belgium

² Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven B-3000, Belgium

³ Intensive Care and Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 817; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120817 - 17 Dec 2016

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5759

Abstract

Irrespective of presence of growth restriction at birth, preterm infants are vulnerable to extra-uterine growth restriction (EUGR) during neonatal stay and after discharge, related to cumulative protein and energy deficits.[...] Full article

13 pages, 986 KB

Open AccessReview

The Effect of Using Mobile Technology-Based Methods That Record Food or Nutrient Intake on Diabetes Control and Nutrition Outcomes: A Systematic Review

by Judi Porter^1,2,*

, Catherine E. Huggins¹

, Helen Truby¹ and Jorja Collins¹

¹ Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Monash University, Notting Hill 3168, Australia

² Allied Health Research Office, Eastern Health, Box Hill 3128, Australia

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 815; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120815 - 17 Dec 2016

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 8760

Abstract

(1) Background: Mobile technologies may be utilised for dietary intake assessment for people with diabetes. The published literature was systematically reviewed to determine the effect of using mobile electronic devices to record food or nutrient intake on diabetes control and nutrition outcomes; (2) [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Mobile technologies may be utilised for dietary intake assessment for people with diabetes. The published literature was systematically reviewed to determine the effect of using mobile electronic devices to record food or nutrient intake on diabetes control and nutrition outcomes; (2) Methods: The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO: registration number CRD42016050079, and followed PRISMA guidelines. Original research of mobile electronic devices where food or nutrient intake was recorded in people with diabetes with any treatment regimen, and where this intervention was compared with usual care or alternative treatment models, was considered. Quality was assessed using the Quality Criteria Checklist for Primary Research; (3) Results: Nine papers formed the final library with a range of interventions and control practices investigated. The food/nutrient intake recording component of the intervention and patient engagement with the technology was not well described. When assessed for quality, three studies rated positive, five were neutral and one negative. There was significantly greater improvement in HbA1c in the intervention group compared to the control group in four of the nine studies; (4) Conclusion: Based on the available evidence there are no clear recommendations for using technology to record dietary data in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technology Based Approaches to Dietary Intake Assessment)

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11 pages, 1857 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exercise and Beta-Glucan Consumption (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Improve the Metabolic Profile and Reduce the Atherogenic Index in Type 2 Diabetic Rats (HFD/STZ)

by Eric Francelino Andrade^1,*

, Andressa Ribeiro Veiga Lima², Ingrid Edwiges Nunes³, Débora Ribeiro Orlando⁴, Paula Novato Gondim¹, Márcio Gilberto Zangeronimo¹, Fernando Henrique Ferrari Alves² and Luciano José Pereira²

¹ Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Lavras, Mail Box 3037, Lavras 37200-000, Brazil

² Department of Health Sciences, Federal University of Lavras, Mail Box 3037, Lavras 37200-000, Brazil

³ Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Lavras, Mail Box 3037, Lavras 37200-000, Brazil

⁴ Department of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Rua Vereador João Narciso, 1380—Bairro Cachoeira, Unaí 3861-000, Brazil

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 792; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120792 - 17 Dec 2016

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 8275

Abstract

Physical activity and the ingestion of dietary fiber are non-drug alternatives commonly used as adjuvants to glycemic control in diabetic individuals. Among these fibers, we can highlight beta-glucans. However, few studies have compared isolated and synergic effects of physical exercise and beta-glucan ingestion, [...] Read more.

Physical activity and the ingestion of dietary fiber are non-drug alternatives commonly used as adjuvants to glycemic control in diabetic individuals. Among these fibers, we can highlight beta-glucans. However, few studies have compared isolated and synergic effects of physical exercise and beta-glucan ingestion, especially in type 2 diabetic rats. Therefore, we evaluated the effects beta-glucan (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) consumption, associated or not to exercise, on metabolic parameters of diabetic Wistar rats. The diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced by high-fat diet (HFD) associated with a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ—35 mg/kg). Trained groups were submitted to eight weeks of exercise in aquatic environment. In the last 28 days of experiment, animals received 30 mg/kg/day of beta-glucan by gavage. Isolated use of beta-glucan decreased glucose levels in fasting, Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides (TAG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), the atherogenic index of plasma. Exercise alone also decreased blood glucose levels, HbA1c, and renal lesions. An additive effect for reducing the atherogenic index of plasma and renal lesions was observed when both treatments were combined. It was concluded that both beta-glucan and exercise improved metabolic parameters in type 2 (HFD/STZ) diabetic rats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fibers and Human Health)

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3 pages, 177 KB

Open AccessReply

Response to Dr. Moya’s Comments to Article by Thoene M et al., Nutrients 2016, 8, 451

by Melissa Thoene^1,* and Ann Anderson-Berry²

¹ Newborn Intensive Care Unit, Nebraska Medicine, 981200 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA

² Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 981205 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-1205, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 822; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120822 - 16 Dec 2016

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4127

Abstract

This reply is a supplementary addition to our previous article entitled “Comparison of a Powdered, Acidified Liquid, and Non-Acidified Liquid Human Milk Fortifier on Clinical Outcomes in Premature Infants” as published in Nutrients in July 2016. It provides a response to a comment [...] Read more.

This reply is a supplementary addition to our previous article entitled “Comparison of a Powdered, Acidified Liquid, and Non-Acidified Liquid Human Milk Fortifier on Clinical Outcomes in Premature Infants” as published in Nutrients in July 2016. It provides a response to a comment made by Dr. Fernando Moya to this original article, so the purpose of this is to compare and contrast various perspectives between researchers conducting nutrition research in the preterm infant population. It specifically focuses on human milk fortification and subsequent outcomes. Full article

3 pages, 171 KB

Open AccessComment

Comments to Article by Thoene M et al., Nutrients 2016, 8, 451

by Fernando Moya

Betty Cameron Children’s Hospital, 2131 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 821; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120821 - 16 Dec 2016

Viewed by 3788

Abstract

To the Editor:[...] Full article

13 pages, 512 KB

Open AccessArticle

Household Food Insecurity Is Associated with Adverse Mental Health Indicators and Lower Quality of Life among Koreans: Results from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2012–2013

by Hye-Kyung Chung^1,†, Oh Yoen Kim^2,†

, So Young Kwak³, Yoonsu Cho³, Kyong Won Lee³ and Min-Jeong Shin^3,*

¹ Severance Institute for Vascular and Metabolic Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea

² Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea

³ Department of Public Health Sciences, BK21PLUS Program in Embodiment, Health-Society Interaction, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 819; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120819 - 16 Dec 2016

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 8407

Abstract

Food insecurity is an ongoing public health issue and contributes to mental health status. We investigated whether food insecurity is associated with inadequate nutrient intake and whether it affects mental health indicators (perceived stress/experience of depressive symptom/suicidal ideation) and quality of life (QOL) [...] Read more.

Food insecurity is an ongoing public health issue and contributes to mental health status. We investigated whether food insecurity is associated with inadequate nutrient intake and whether it affects mental health indicators (perceived stress/experience of depressive symptom/suicidal ideation) and quality of life (QOL) among Koreans (n = 5862, 20–64 years) using data from the Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (2012–2013). Household food security status was categorized as “food-secure household”, “food-insecure household without hunger”, and “food-insecure household with hunger”. Data on food insecurity, sociodemographic factors, nutrient intake, mental health indicators, and QOL were used. A logistic regression model was conducted to determine odds ratios (ORs) for psychological health. A greater proportion of food-insecure participants were nutritionally deficient compared with expectations of the 2015 Korean Dietary Reference Intakes. These deficiencies were generally higher in both “food-insecure household” groups. Both “food-insecure household” groups, particularly the “food-insecure household with hunger” group showed significantly adverse mental health status (ORs: 1.52–3.83) and lower QOL (ORs: 1.49–3.92) than did the “food-secure household” group before and after adjusting for sex, age, education, household income, smoking/alcohol consumption, physical activity, marital status, and receiving food assistance. In conclusion, food insecurity may be significantly associated with adverse mental health indicators and decreased QOL in young/middle-aged Koreans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in Mental Health)

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12 pages, 607 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Proteins on the Uptake, Distribution, and Excretion of Phenolics in the Human Body

by Richard Draijer^1,*, Ferdi A. Van Dorsten², Yvonne E. Zebregs³, Boudewijn Hollebrands¹, Sonja Peters¹, Guus S. Duchateau¹ and Christian H. Grün¹

¹ Unilever R&D Vlaardingen, Olivier van Noortlaan 120, Vlaardingen 3133 AT, The Netherlands

² Eurofins Spinnovation Analytical, Oss 5342 CC, The Netherlands

³ Eurofins Global Central Laboratory, Breda 4817 PA, The Netherlands

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 814; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120814 - 15 Dec 2016

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 7789

Abstract

Polyphenols, a complex group of secondary plant metabolites, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, have been studied in depth for their health-related benefits. The activity of polyphenols may, however, be hampered when consumed together with protein-rich food products, due to the interaction between polyphenols [...] Read more.

Polyphenols, a complex group of secondary plant metabolites, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, have been studied in depth for their health-related benefits. The activity of polyphenols may, however, be hampered when consumed together with protein-rich food products, due to the interaction between polyphenols and proteins. To that end we have tested the bioavailability of representatives of a range of polyphenol classes when consumed for five days in different beverage matrices. In a placebo-controlled, randomized, cross-over study, 35 healthy males received either six placebo gelatine capsules consumed with 200 mL of water, six capsules with 800 mg polyphenols derived from red wine and grape extracts, or the same dose of polyphenols incorporated into 200 mL of either pasteurized dairy drink, soy drink (both containing 3.4% proteins) or fruit-flavoured protein-free drink . At the end of the intervention urine and blood was collected and analysed for a broad range of phenolic compounds using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Liquid Chromatography–Multiple Reaction Monitoring–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MRM-MS), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy techniques. The plasma and urine concentrations of the polyphenols identified increased with all formats, including the protein-rich beverages. Compared to capsule ingestion, consumption of polyphenol-rich beverages containing either dairy, soy or no proteins had minor to no effect on the bioavailability and excretion of phenolic compounds in plasma (118% ± 9%) and urine (98% ± 2%). We conclude that intake of polyphenols incorporated in protein-rich drinks does not have a major impact on the bioavailability of a range of different polyphenols and phenolic metabolites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Health and Disease)

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15 pages, 243 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Pharmacokinetics and Bioactivity of Oat and Barley Flour: A Randomized Crossover Trial

by Caleigh M. Sawicki¹

, Diane L. McKay², Nicola M. McKeown¹, Gerard Dallal³, C. -Y. Oliver Chen² and Jeffrey B. Blumberg^2,*

¹ Nutritional Epidemiology, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston 02111, MA, USA

² Antioxidants Research Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston 02111, MA, USA

³ Biostatistics Unit, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston 02111, MA, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 813; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120813 - 15 Dec 2016

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 7453

Abstract

While dietary fiber plays an important role in the health benefits associated with whole grain consumption, other ingredients concentrated in the outer bran layer, including alkylresorcinols, lignans, phenolic acids, phytosterols, and tocols, may also contribute to these outcomes. To determine the acute bioavailability [...] Read more.

While dietary fiber plays an important role in the health benefits associated with whole grain consumption, other ingredients concentrated in the outer bran layer, including alkylresorcinols, lignans, phenolic acids, phytosterols, and tocols, may also contribute to these outcomes. To determine the acute bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of the major phytochemicals found in barley and oats, we conducted a randomized, three-way crossover trial in 13 healthy subjects, aged 40–70 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 27–35.9 kg/m². After a two-day run-in period following a diet low in phytochemicals, subjects were randomized to receive muffins made with either 48 g whole oat flour, whole barley flour, or refined wheat flour plus cellulose (control), with a one-week washout period between each intervention. At the same time, an oral glucose tolerance test was administered. In addition to plasma phytochemical concentrations, glucose and insulin responses, biomarkers of antioxidant activity, lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and vascular remodeling were determined over a 24-h period. There was no significant effect on acute bioavailability or pharmacokinetics of major phytochemicals. Administered concurrently with a glucose bolus, the source of whole grains did not attenuate the post-prandial response of markers of glucoregulation and insulin sensitivity, inflammation, nor vascular remodeling compared to the refined grain control. No significant differences were observed in the bioavailability or postprandial effects between whole-oat and whole-barley compared to a refined wheat control when administered with a glucose challenge. These null results may be due, in part, to the inclusion criteria for the subjects, dose of the whole grains, and concurrent acute administration of the whole grains with the glucose bolus. Full article

21 pages, 2094 KB

Open AccessReview

Enzymatic Metabolism of Vitamin A in Developing Vertebrate Embryos

by Melissa A. Metzler and Lisa L. Sandell^*

Department of Molecular, Cellular and Craniofacial Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40201, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 812; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120812 - 15 Dec 2016

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 10605

Abstract

Embryonic development is orchestrated by a small number of signaling pathways, one of which is the retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathway. Vitamin A is essential for vertebrate embryonic development because it is the molecular precursor of the essential signaling molecule RA. The level [...] Read more.

Embryonic development is orchestrated by a small number of signaling pathways, one of which is the retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathway. Vitamin A is essential for vertebrate embryonic development because it is the molecular precursor of the essential signaling molecule RA. The level and distribution of RA signaling within a developing embryo must be tightly regulated; too much, or too little, or abnormal distribution, all disrupt embryonic development. Precise regulation of RA signaling during embryogenesis is achieved by proteins involved in vitamin A metabolism, retinoid transport, nuclear signaling, and RA catabolism. The reversible first step in conversion of the precursor vitamin A to the active retinoid RA is mediated by retinol dehydrogenase 10 (RDH10) and dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR family) member 3 (DHRS3), two related membrane-bound proteins that functionally activate each other to mediate the interconversion of retinol and retinal. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzymes do not contribute to RA production under normal conditions during embryogenesis. Genes involved in vitamin A metabolism and RA catabolism are expressed in tissue-specific patterns and are subject to feedback regulation. Mutations in genes encoding these proteins disrupt morphogenesis of many systems in a developing embryo. Together these observations demonstrate the importance of vitamin A metabolism in regulating RA signaling during embryonic development in vertebrates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin A Update 2016)

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13 pages, 984 KB

Open AccessArticle

Abdominal Obesity and Lung Cancer Risk: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies

by Khemayanto Hidayat¹, Xuan Du¹, Guochong Chen², Minhua Shi³ and Bimin Shi^1,*

¹ Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China

² Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China

³ Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120810 - 15 Dec 2016

Cited by 97 | Viewed by 8685

Abstract

Several meta-analyses of observational studies have been performed to examine the association between general obesity, as measured by body mass index (BMI), and lung cancer. These meta-analyses suggest an inverse relation between high BMI and this cancer. In contrast to general obesity, abdominal [...] Read more.

Several meta-analyses of observational studies have been performed to examine the association between general obesity, as measured by body mass index (BMI), and lung cancer. These meta-analyses suggest an inverse relation between high BMI and this cancer. In contrast to general obesity, abdominal obesity appears to play a role in the development of lung cancer. However, the association between abdominal obesity (as measured by waist circumference (WC) (BMI adjusted) and waist to hip ratio (WHR)) and lung cancer is not fully understood due to sparse available evidence regarding this association. PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for studies assessing the association between abdominal obesity and lung cancer up to October 2016. The summary relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with a random-effects model. Six prospective cohort studies with 5827 lung cancer cases among 831,535 participants were included in our meta-analysis. Each 10 cm increase in WC and 0.1 unit increase in WHR were associated with 10% (RR 1.10; 95% CI 1.04, 1.17; I² = 27.7%, p-heterogeneity = 0.198) and 5% (RR 1.05; 95% CI 1.00, 1.11; I² = 25.2%, p-heterogeneity = 0.211) greater risks of lung cancer, respectively. According to smoking status, greater WHR was only positively associated with lung cancer among former smokers (RR 1.11; 95% CI 1.00, 1.23). In contrast, greater WC was associated with increased lung cancer risk among never smokers (RR 1.11; 95% CI 1.00, 1.23), former smokers (RR 1.12; 95% CI 1.03, 1.22) and current smokers (RR 1.16; 95% CI 1.08, 1.25). The summary RRs for highest versus lowest categories of WC and WHR were 1.32 (95% CI 1.13, 1.54; I² = 18.2%, p-heterogeneity = 0.281) and 1.10 (95% CI 1.00, 1.23; I² = 24.2%, p-heterogeneity = 0.211), respectively. In summary, abdominal obesity may play an important role in the development of lung cancer. Full article

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14 pages, 1668 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Bovine Whey Protein Concentrate and Hydrolysate Preparation Methods on Motility in the Isolated Rat Distal Colon

by Julie E. Dalziel^1,*, Rachel C. Anderson¹, Shalome A. Bassett¹, Catherine M. Lloyd-West², Neill W. Haggarty³ and Nicole C. Roy^1,4

¹ Food Nutrition & Health Team, Food & Bio-based Products Group, AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand

² Bioinformatics and Statistics, AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand

³ Fonterra Co-operative Group, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand

⁴ Riddet Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120809 - 14 Dec 2016

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6119

Abstract

Whey protein concentrate (WPC) and hydrolysate (WPH) are protein ingredients used in sports, medical and pediatric formulations. Concentration and hydrolysis methods vary for whey sourced from cheese and casein co-products. The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of whey processing [...] Read more.

Whey protein concentrate (WPC) and hydrolysate (WPH) are protein ingredients used in sports, medical and pediatric formulations. Concentration and hydrolysis methods vary for whey sourced from cheese and casein co-products. The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of whey processing methods on in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) health indicators for colonic motility, epithelial barrier integrity and immune modulation. WPCs from casein or cheese processing and WPH (11% or 19% degree of hydrolysis, DH) were compared for their effects on motility in a 1 cm section of isolated rat distal colon in an oxygenated tissue bath. Results showed that WPC decreased motility irrespective of whether it was a by-product of lactic acid or mineral acid casein production, or from cheese production. This indicated that regardless of the preparation methodology, the whey protein contained components that modulate aspects of motility within the distal colon. WPH (11% DH) increased contractile frequency by 27% in a delayed manner and WPH (19% DH) had an immediate effect on contractile properties, increasing tension by 65% and frequency by 131%. Increased motility was associated with increased hydrolysis that may be attributed to the abundance of bioactive peptides. Increased frequency of contractions by WPH (19% DH) was inhibited (by 44%) by naloxone, implicating a potential involvement of opioid receptors in modulation of motility. Trans-epithelial electrical resistance and cytokine expression assays revealed that the WPC proteins studied did not alter intestinal barrier integrity or elicit any discernible immune response. Full article

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12 pages, 1498 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Annatto Tocotrienol on Bone Biomechanical Strength and Bone Calcium Content in an Animal Model of Osteoporosis Due to Testosterone Deficiency

by Kok-Yong Chin^*

, Dhivakaran Gengatharan, Fadlin Sakina Mohd Nasru, Rehan Amalia Khairussam, Sherlyn Lai Hui Ern, Siti Aina Wahidah Aminuddin and Soelaiman Ima-Nirwana

Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras 56000, Malaysia

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 808; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120808 - 14 Dec 2016

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6070

Abstract

Osteoporosis reduces the skeletal strength and increases the risk for fracture. It is an underdiagnosed disease in men. Annatto tocotrienol has been shown to improve bone structural indices and increase expression of bone formation genes in orchidectomized rats. This study aimed to evaluate [...] Read more.

Osteoporosis reduces the skeletal strength and increases the risk for fracture. It is an underdiagnosed disease in men. Annatto tocotrienol has been shown to improve bone structural indices and increase expression of bone formation genes in orchidectomized rats. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of annatto tocotrienol on biomechanical strength and calcium content of the bone in orchidectomized rats. Thirty three-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to five groups. The baseline control (BC) group was sacrificed at the onset of the study. The sham-operated group (SHAM) received olive oil (the vehicle of tocotrienol) orally daily and peanut oil (the vehicle of testosterone) intramuscularly weekly. The remaining rats were orchidectomized and treated with three different regimens, i.e., (1) daily oral olive oil plus weekly intramuscular peanut oil injection; (2) daily oral annatto tocotrienol at 60 mg/kg plus weekly intramuscular peanut oil injection; (3) daily oral olive oil plus weekly intramuscular testosterone enanthate injection at 7 mg/kg. Blood, femur and tibia of the rats were harvested at the end of the two-month treatment period for the evaluation of serum total calcium and inorganic phosphate levels, bone biomechanical strength test and bone calcium content. Annatto-tocotrienol treatment improved serum calcium level and tibial calcium content (p < 0.05) but it did not affect femoral biomechanical strength (p > 0.05). In conclusion, annatto-tocotrienol at 60 mg/kg augments bone calcium level by preventing calcium mobilization into the circulation. A longer treatment period is needed for annatto tocotrienol to exert its effects on bone strength. Full article

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10 pages, 564 KB

Open AccessReview

Effect of Tea Polyphenol Compounds on Anticancer Drugs in Terms of Anti-Tumor Activity, Toxicology, and Pharmacokinetics

by Jianhua Cao¹, Jie Han², Hao Xiao¹, Jinping Qiao^1,* and Mei Han^1,*

¹ Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China

² Analytical Center, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 762; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120762 - 14 Dec 2016

Cited by 110 | Viewed by 11961

Abstract

Multidrug resistance and various adverse side effects have long been major problems in cancer chemotherapy. Recently, chemotherapy has gradually transitioned from mono-substance therapy to multidrug therapy. As a result, the drug cocktail strategy has gained more recognition and wider use. It is believed [...] Read more.

Multidrug resistance and various adverse side effects have long been major problems in cancer chemotherapy. Recently, chemotherapy has gradually transitioned from mono-substance therapy to multidrug therapy. As a result, the drug cocktail strategy has gained more recognition and wider use. It is believed that properly-formulated drug combinations have greater therapeutic efficacy than single drugs. Tea is a popular beverage consumed by cancer patients and the general public for its perceived health benefits. The major bioactive molecules in green tea are catechins, a class of flavanols. The combination of green tea extract or green tea catechins and anticancer compounds has been paid more attention in cancer treatment. Previous studies demonstrated that the combination of chemotherapeutic drugs and green tea extract or tea polyphenols could synergistically enhance treatment efficacy and reduce the adverse side effects of anticancer drugs in cancer patients. In this review, we summarize the experimental evidence regarding the effects of green tea-derived polyphenols in conjunction with chemotherapeutic drugs on anti-tumor activity, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics. We believe that the combination of multidrug cancer treatment with green tea catechins may improve treatment efficacy and diminish negative side effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphenols for Cancer Treatment or Prevention)

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11 pages, 1332 KB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Fatigue Effects of Small Molecule Oligopeptides Isolated from Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer in Mice

by Lei Bao^1,2, Xiaxia Cai^2,3, Junbo Wang², Yuan Zhang², Bin Sun² and Yong Li^2,*

¹ Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing 102206, China

² Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China

³ School of Public Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 807; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120807 - 13 Dec 2016

Cited by 82 | Viewed by 10453

Abstract

Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (ginseng) is an edible and medicinal Chinese herb, which is often used in Asian countries for physical fitness. Ginseng is reported to have a wide range of biological activity and pharmaceutical properties. There were more studies on ginsenosides [...] Read more.

Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (ginseng) is an edible and medicinal Chinese herb, which is often used in Asian countries for physical fitness. Ginseng is reported to have a wide range of biological activity and pharmaceutical properties. There were more studies on ginsenosides and polysaccharides, but fewer studies on ginseng oligopeptides (GOP), which are small molecule oligopeptides isolated from ginseng. The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-fatigue effects of GOP in mice and explore the possible underlying mechanism. Mice were randomly divided into four experimental sets for the detection of different indicators. Each set of mice were then divided into four groups. The control group was administered distilled water, and three GOP intervention groups were administered 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg of body weight, respectively, of GOP by gavage each day. After 30 days of GOP treatment, it was observed that GOP could significantly increase the forced swimming time, enhance lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and hepatic glycogen levels, and retard the accumulation of serum urea nitrogen (SUN) and blood lactic acid (BLA) in mice. GOP also markedly ameliorated fatigue-induced alterations of inoxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes. Notably, GOP increased the mRNA expression of mitochondrial biogenesis factors and mitochondrial DNA content in skeletal muscles of mice. These results suggest that GOP possess anti-fatigue effects, which may be attributed to the inhibition of oxidative stress and the improvement of mitochondrial function in skeletal muscles. GOP could be a novel natural agent for relieving exercise fatigue. Full article

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14 pages, 1059 KB

Open AccessArticle

Trends in Consumption of Solid Fats, Added Sugars, Sodium, Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, and Fruit from Fast Food Restaurants and by Fast Food Restaurant Type among US Children, 2003–2010

by Colin D. Rehm and Adam Drewnowski^*

Center for Public Health Nutrition, University of Washington, Box 353410, Seattle, WA 98195, USA

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120804 - 13 Dec 2016

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 10332

Abstract

Energy intakes from fast food restaurants (FFRs) have declined among US children. Less is known about the corresponding trends for FFR-sourced solid fats, added sugars, and sodium, and food groups of interest, such as fruit and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Using data from a [...] Read more.

Energy intakes from fast food restaurants (FFRs) have declined among US children. Less is known about the corresponding trends for FFR-sourced solid fats, added sugars, and sodium, and food groups of interest, such as fruit and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Using data from a single 24-h dietary recall among 12,378 children aged 4–19 years from four consecutive cycles of the nationally-representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2003–2010 a custom algorithm segmented FFRs into burger, pizza, sandwich, Mexican cuisine, chicken, Asian cuisine, fish restaurants, and coffee shops. There was a significant population-wide decline in FFR-sourced solid fats (−32 kcal/day, p-trend < 0.001), added sugars (−16 kcal/day; p-trend < 0.001), SSBs (−0.12 servings (12 fluid ounces or 355 mL)/day; p-trend < 0.001), and sodium (−166 mg/day; p-trend < 0.001). Declines were observed when restricted to fast food consumers alone. Sharp declines were observed for pizza restaurants; added sugars, solid fats, and SSBs declined significantly from burger restaurants. Fruit did not change for fast food restaurants overall. Temporal analyses of fast food consumption trends by restaurant type allow for more precise monitoring of the quality of children’s diets than can be obtained from analyses of menu offerings. Such analyses can inform public health interventions and policy measures. Full article

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12 pages, 260 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Selenium Supplementation on Glucose Homeostasis and the Expression of Genes Related to Glucose Metabolism

by Ewa Jablonska^1,*

, Edyta Reszka¹

, Jolanta Gromadzinska², Edyta Wieczorek¹, Magdalena B. Krol², Sara Raimondi³, Katarzyna Socha⁴, Maria H. Borawska⁴ and Wojciech Wasowicz²

¹ Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Sw. Teresy 8 Street, 91-348 Lodz, Poland

² Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Department of Biological and Environmental Monitoring, Sw. Teresy 8 Street, 91-348 Lodz, Poland

³ European Institute of Oncology, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, via Ripamonti 435, Milan 20139, Italy

⁴ The Medical University of Bialystok, Department of Bromatoloy, A. Mickiewicza 2D Street, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 772; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120772 - 13 Dec 2016

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 8146

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of selenium supplementation on the expression of genes associated with glucose metabolism in humans, in order to explain the unclear relationship between selenium and the risk of diabetes. For gene expression analysis we [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of selenium supplementation on the expression of genes associated with glucose metabolism in humans, in order to explain the unclear relationship between selenium and the risk of diabetes. For gene expression analysis we used archival samples of cDNA from 76 non-diabetic subjects supplemented with selenium in the previous study. The supplementation period was six weeks and the daily dose of selenium was 200 µg (as selenium yeast). Blood for mRNA isolation was collected at four time points: before supplementation, after two and four weeks of supplementation, and after four weeks of washout. The analysis included 15 genes encoding selected proteins involved in insulin signaling and glucose metabolism. In addition, HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose were measured at three and four time points, respectively. Selenium supplementation was associated with a significantly decreased level of HbA1c but not fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and significant down-regulation of seven genes: INSR, ADIPOR1, LDHA, PDHA, PDHB, MYC, and HIF1AN. These results suggest that selenium may affect glycemic control at different levels of regulation, linked to insulin signaling, glycolysis, and pyruvate metabolism. Further research is needed to investigate mechanisms of such transcriptional regulation and its potential implication in direct metabolic effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Diet Factors in Type 2 Diabetes)

14 pages, 2135 KB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Vitamin D on Human Immune Cells in the Context of Bacterial Infection

by Edwin Hoe¹, Jordan Nathanielsz¹, Zheng Quan Toh¹, Leena Spry¹, Rachel Marimla¹, Anne Balloch¹, Kim Mulholland^1,2 and Paul V. Licciardi^1,3,*

¹ Pneumococcal Research, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne VIC 3052, Australia

² London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK

³ Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 806; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120806 - 12 Dec 2016

Cited by 74 | Viewed by 10204

Abstract

Vitamin D induces a diverse range of biological effects, including important functions in bone health, calcium homeostasis and, more recently, on immune function. The role of vitamin D during infection is of particular interest given data from epidemiological studies suggesting that vitamin D [...] Read more.

Vitamin D induces a diverse range of biological effects, including important functions in bone health, calcium homeostasis and, more recently, on immune function. The role of vitamin D during infection is of particular interest given data from epidemiological studies suggesting that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of infection. Vitamin D has diverse immunomodulatory functions, although its role during bacterial infection remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of 1,25(OH)₂D₃, the active metabolite of vitamin D, on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and purified immune cell subsets isolated from healthy adults following stimulation with the bacterial ligands heat-killed pneumococcal serotype 19F (HK19F) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We found that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β as well as the chemokine IL-8 for both ligands (three- to 53-fold), while anti-inflammatory IL-10 was increased (two-fold, p = 0.016) in HK19F-stimulated monocytes. Levels of HK19F-specific IFN-γ were significantly higher (11.7-fold, p = 0.038) in vitamin D-insufficient adults (<50 nmol/L) compared to sufficient adults (>50 nmol/L). Vitamin D also shifted the pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory balance towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype and increased the CD14 expression on monocytes (p = 0.008) in response to LPS but not HK19F stimulation. These results suggest that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ may be an important regulator of the inflammatory response and supports further in vivo and clinical studies to confirm the potential benefits of vitamin D in this context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D: Current Issues and New Perspectives)

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13 pages, 1801 KB

Open AccessArticle

Roles of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α in Bitter Melon Seed Oil-Corrected Lipid Disorders and Conversion of α-Eleostearic Acid into Rumenic Acid in C57BL/6J Mice

by Ya-Yuan Chang¹, Hui-Min Su², Szu-Han Chen¹, Wen-Tsong Hsieh³

, Jong-Ho Chyuan⁴ and Pei-Min Chao^1,*

¹ Department of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan

² Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan

³ School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan

⁴ Hualien District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, Hualien 973, Taiwan

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 805; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120805 - 12 Dec 2016

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6725

Abstract

We previously reported that bitter melon seed oil (BMSO) was an effective anti-steatosis and antiobesity agent. Since the major fatty acid α-eleostearic acid (α-ESA) in BMSO is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) activator, the objective was to investigate the role of PPARα [...] Read more.

We previously reported that bitter melon seed oil (BMSO) was an effective anti-steatosis and antiobesity agent. Since the major fatty acid α-eleostearic acid (α-ESA) in BMSO is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) activator, the objective was to investigate the role of PPARα in BMSO-modulated lipid disorders and α-ESA metabolism. C57BL/6J wild (WD) and PPARα knockout (KO) mice were fed a high-fat diet containing BMSO (15% soybean oil + 15% BMSO, HB) or not (30% soybean oil, HS) for 5 weeks. The HB diet significantly reduced hepatic triglyceride concentrations and increased acyl-CoA oxidase activity in WD, but not in KO mice. However, regardless of genotype, body fat percentage was lowered along with upregulated protein levels of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and tyrosine hydroxylase, as well as signaling pathway of cAMP-dependent protein kinase and AMP-activated protein kinase in the white adipose tissue of HB-treated groups compared to HS cohorts. In WD-HB and KO-HB groups, white adipose tissue had autophagy, apoptosis, inflammation, and browning characteristics. Without PPARα, in vivo reduction of α-ESA into rumenic acid was slightly but significantly lowered, along with remarkable reduction of hepatic retinol saturase (RetSat) expression. We concluded that BMSO-mediated anti-steatosis depended on PPARα, whereas the anti-adiposity effect was PPARα-independent. In addition, PPARα-dependent enzymes may participate in α-ESA conversion, but only have a minor role. Full article

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Nutrients, Volume 8, Issue 12 (December 2016) – 81 articles

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