Search Results (22)

Binary choice models are widely used in econometric modeling when the dependent variable corresponds to discrete outcomes. With appropriate decision rules, these models provide predictions of binary choices generated from predicted probabilities. The accuracy of these predictions in terms of classifying probabilities to events that occurred versus those that did not is a key issue. The use of expectation-prediction success at present is the standard method used to assess the accuracy of these predictions. However, this method is limited in its ability to correctly classify probabilities in the absence of appropriate predetermined cut-off levels. We propose alternative methods to classify probabilities generated through binary choice models, namely resolution graphs and resolution regressions that measure the ability to sort predicted probabilities against observed outcomes. Using probabilities generated from the use of logit models applied to purchasing decisions of various non-alcoholic beverages made by U.S. households, we compare probability sorting power using expectation-prediction success as well as resolution graphs and resolution regressions. Based on expectation-prediction success, the logit models performed better at classifying outcomes related to purchasing isotonic drinks, regular soft drinks, diet drinks, bottled water, and tea. Based on resolution regressions, the null hypothesis of perfect sorting of probabilities was rejected for all non-alcoholic beverages. Although the logit models generated upward-sloping resolution graphs as expected, they were relatively flat compared to the 45-degree perfect sorting line. Going forward, we recommend using resolution regression and resolution graphs to capture sorting of probabilities in addition to the conventional metrics used in ascertaining the ability of binary choice models to predict out-of-sample behavior. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childhood obesity remains a major global health challenge influenced by poor dietary patterns and excessive energy intake. Understanding gender-specific nutritional deviations may improve the effectiveness of preventive and therapeutic interventions. This study aimed to evaluate differences in energy and nutrient intake between boys and girls with overweight or obesity status and to identify the main food sources contributing to these differences. Methods: Data from a total of 180 participants (83 boys, 97 girls; 7–18 years) attending the national obesity intervention program Camp My Challenge was analyzed. Anthropometric parameters and dietary intake were assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire (OPKP). Intakes were compared with Slovenian dietary reference values (DRVs). Group differences were tested using ANOVA, t-tests, and Pearson correlations (p < 0.05). Results: Boys exhibited higher body mass (79.9 ± 22.6 kg vs. 69.2 ± 19.1 kg; p = 0.001) and BMI (30.8 ± 4.8 kg/m² vs. 28.5 ± 4.4 kg/m²; p = 0.001). Mean energy intake was 2543 ± 1138 kcal/day, exceeding DRV by 16% (t = 3.31, p < 0.001). Girls exceeded energy requirements by 24.5% vs. 5.4% in boys (p = 0.019). Boys consumed significantly more total fat (106 ± 61 g vs. 85 ± 47 g; p = 0.014), saturated fatty acids (34 ± 20 g vs. 27 ± 13 g; p = 0.011), protein (119 ± 63 g vs. 98 ± 41 g; p = 0.008), and sodium (3628 ± 2086 mg vs. 2852 ± 1520 mg; p = 0.005). Girls showed higher sugar intake (208% vs. 166% of DRV; p = 0.032), mainly from sweet foods (24%) and fruit (26%), whereas beverages—predominantly isotonic drinks—accounted for 27% of boys’ sugar intake. Sugar intake correlated with waist circumference (r = 0.305, p = 0.002) and fat mass (r = 0.272, p = 0.007) in girls. Sodium intake exceeded DRV sixfold in both sexes. Conclusions: Marked sex-specific dietary disparities exist among children with obesity. Interventions should target high sugar and energy intake in girls and excessive fat, sodium, and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in boys to enhance the efficacy of pediatric obesity management. Full article

The valorization of agro-industrial byproducts like Habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) leaves has gained attention due to their high polyphenol content and bioactivity. In this study, phenolic-rich extracts were obtained using ultrasound-assisted extraction with natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES). Extracts were microencapsulated with maltodextrin, guar gum, and modified starch and incorporated into an isotonic beverage. The bioaccessibility of total and individual polyphenols were assessed through in vitro digestion by simulating fasting and postprandial conditions. Under fasting conditions, the enriched isotonic beverage showed significantly higher total phenolic content (6.98 ± 0.03 mg GAE/100 mL) compared to the control isotonic beverage (5.02 ± 0.22 mg GAE/100 mL), representing a 39% increase. Rutin and quercetin remained detectable throughout digestion, with final concentrations of 1.24 ± 0.05 and 1.10 ± 0.10 mg/100 mL, respectively, in the enriched beverage under postprandial conditions. These findings confirm the protective effect of the encapsulation matrix and highlight NADES as promising solvents for sustainable extraction. This work supports the integration of polyphenol microencapsulated into functional beverages as a novel strategy for delivering bioactive compounds from Capsicum chinense by-products. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dental erosion occurs due to repeated contact between the teeth and acidic substances along with mechanical stress. Athletes are exposed to acids through the consumption of sports drinks, energy drinks, and isotonic solutions; they also undergo mechanical stress during training and competition, making them prone to a higher prevalence of dental erosion. Therefore, our aim was to determine the erosive potential of beverages consumed by athletes. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of 1466 articles found on nine search engines between 1997 and 2021. We included observational studies and clinical trials in English, Portuguese, and Spanish on beverage consumption in athletes of both genders. Results: A total of four studies involving 567 athletes from four countries were identified. The prevalence of dental erosion ranged from 19.4% to 100%, and the severity assessments showed that between 52.4% and 75.2% of athletes had enamel affected, and 24% to 57.1% had both enamel and dentin affected. Only one study found that the consumption of sports drinks by swimmers practicing in chlorinated pools doubles the risk of developing dental erosion. Bias was low in half of the studies. Conclusions: The available evidence suggests that the consumption of sports drinks alone is not associated with dental erosion. However, to establish more conclusive evidence on the erosive potential of sports drinks, energy drinks, and isotonic solutions on the oral health of athletes, more prospective cohort studies are needed. These studies should include a standardization of indices and variables to which athletes are subjected, including dietary and healthcare habits, oral conditions, and protective factors. Furthermore, a larger number of athletes must be included to establish more conclusive evidence on the erosive potential of sports drinks, energy drinks, and isotonic solutions on athletes’ oral health. Full article

This article reports on the long-term use, solid bismuth microelectrode arrays for the first time. The presented working microelectrode is characterized by particular advantages compared to bismuth film electrodes and solid single bismuth microelectrodes; these advantages include environmentally friendly properties and the amplification of recorded currents, which are subsequently more resistant to interference. The proposed solid bismuth microelectrode array was applied to develop an adsorptive stripping voltammetric procedure for Sunset Yellow determination. The main experimental parameters were optimized. The calibration graph was linear from 5 × 10⁻⁹ to 1 × 10⁻⁷ mol L⁻¹ (time of accumulation, 60 s). The detection limit was equal to 1.7 × 10⁻⁹ mol L⁻¹. The relative standard deviation for a concentration of Sunset Yellow of 2 × 10⁻⁸ mol L⁻¹ was 4.1% (n = 7). Potential interference effects were examined. The presented analytical procedure was applied for the determination of Sunset Yellow in isotonic beverages and the results were confirmed by HPLC as a comparative method. The correctness of the presented procedure was also confirmed by satisfactory recovery values obtained during the analysis of spiked environmental water samples. Full article

Recently, more consumers have reached for plant-based milk substitutes, mainly for health, dietary, and flavour reasons. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and bioactive properties and sensory profile of 10 selected rice drinks available on the EU market. Assessment of the physicochemical characteristics included measurement of soluble solids, pH, osmolality, foaming properties and colour parameters. Analysis of bioactive compounds involved the determination of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Based on the manufacturer’s data, the composition and nutritional value of the above-mentioned beverages were also analysed in this study. The tested beverages were characterised by a low fat content of 0.6–1.3 g/100 mL, derived mainly from added sunflower oil, but are a good source of energy (energy value of 37–55 kcal/100 mL), derived mainly from naturally occurring carbohydrates whose content ranged from 8.0–11.0 g/100 mL. The protein content of all rice drinks was shallow, not exceeding 0.5 g/100 mL. Of the ten rice drinks analysed, in only two were vitamins B12 and D added (0.38 μg/100 mL and 0.75 μg/100 mL, respectively) and in only three was calcium (120 mg/100 mL) added. In evaluating the physicochemical characteristics, the drinks showed a pH close to neutral (mean 6.85 ± 0.01). The average soluble solids content was about 11%, which was determined by the carbohydrate content. The osmolality of the beverages averaged 324.73 ± 70.17 mOsm/kg H₂O, with four beverages classifiable as hypertonic ones (osmolality > 330 mOsm/kg H₂O), three as isotonic ones (with osmolality between 270–330 mOsm/kg H₂O), and three as hypotonic beverages (osmolality < 270 mOsm/kg H₂O). Only two rice drinks evaluated in this study showed foaming properties. The high whiteness index (81.79 ± 2.55) indicated high white colour saturation of the tested beverages. The rice drinks were characterised by a relatively diverse sensory quality regarding aroma and flavour notes. The overall sensory quality was rated highest for the beverages with the highest sugar content. The tested beverages were characterised by a low content of total polyphenols (average 1.40 ± 0.62 mg GAE/100 mL) and relatively high antioxidant activity (average 418.33 ± 59.65 µM TEAC/100 mL). Based on the research conducted and the analysis of the manufacturer’s data, it can be concluded that the rice drinks studied in this paper can be included in the daily diet, providing a rehydrating beverage that shows free radical-neutralizing properties and provides carbohydrates. At the same time, it should be highlighted that the studied drinks have a low nutritional value and cannot be recommended as milk substitutes due to low protein levels and lack of milk-specific vitamins and minerals. Full article

This study aimed to measure and compare the osmolality and tonicity of isotonic beverages that can be bought on the Slovenian market. The main goal was to examine how good is the agreement between the measured osmolalities of the beverages and the requirements for isotonic beverages set up by EFSA. Osmolalities were measured with an osmometer using the freezing point depression method. Afterwards, two complementary methods for the observation of tonicity were developed. Erythrocytes were exposed to standard NaCl solutions of different osmolalities to observe their influence on the volume and shape of cells following the turbidity of the solution and the morphology of erythrocytes. These two methods enabled us to determine whether standard solutions were hypo-, iso-, or hypertonic. In this way, we found that the osmolality of 12 out of the 18 investigated isotonic beverages was in the range of 270–330 mOsm/kg, as required by EFSA. However, six samples did not meet this criterion and should therefore not have the label “isotonic” or be described as such. The measurements of turbidity of solutions indicated that most isotonic beverages exhibit a lower tonicity than standard NaCl solutions of identical osmolality. However, examination of the erythrocytes in isotonic beverages showed that the measurements were additionally complicated by the low pH values of these beverages. Finally, by demonstrating how different components of isotonic beverages pass through the erythrocyte membranes, we found that even isoosmolal beverages are often not isotonic, as the concentration of actively transported sugars in these beverages is relatively high. Full article

Energy drinks (EDs) are non-alcoholic beverages with a high content of caffeine and other ingredients. Recently, an increased consumption of EDs has been noted among teenagers and young adults. However, in Poland, there are no specific laws restricting access to EDs among children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to investigate gender-specific dietary patterns in the consumption of EDs among adolescents from southern Poland. A cross-sectional survey including 518 participants (girls, 51%; boys, 49%; mean age, 17.15 ± 0.60 years) was conducted in the years 2014–2015. Using a cluster analysis, k-means were grouped separately for boys and girls by applying the Manhattan distance between two vectors (city blocks). Clusters were distinguished based on two factors: the amount and frequency of ED consumption. Three clusters, each corresponding to different ED consumption patterns, were identified for boys and girls: cluster 1, never; cluster 2, 125 mL EDs less than 1–2 times a week; and cluster 3, 250 mL EDs 5–6 times a week. Overall, almost 90% of participants reported ED consumption (currently and in the past). Energy drinks were consumed at least once a week by 22.1% of boys and 12.8% of girls (p = 0.0003). Boys from cluster 3 were more likely to drink isotonic drinks, sweet fizzy drinks, and cola drinks than boys from the other clusters (p < 0.05). They were also more likely to use other stimulants, such as cigarettes and alcohol, when consuming EDs when compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). A similar pattern was observed for girls, with girls from cluster 3 being more likely to consume sweet beverages and to consume EDs when using alcohol and cigarettes when compared with girls from the remaining clusters (p < 0.05). The findings support the results of other authors in terms of the more frequent consumption of EDs by boys. However, in contrast to other studies, the patterns of ED consumption did not differ between boys and girls. In this study, the consumption of EDs was associated with several negative health behaviors. This shows that specific policy-level measures are needed, such as reducing the availability of EDs among adolescents. Full article

The study focused on the examination of eight commercial hypertonic, isotonic, and hypotonic beverage samples that were packaged in aluminum cans or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. The pH value, caffeine content, and concentration of thirty elements were determined. Caffeine quantification was performed by a high-performance liquid chromatography method. Element determination was conducted by using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry. The results showed that pH values were much more acidic in all samples, ranging from 2.68 to 3.97. Caffeine concentrations ranged from 0.02–38.93 mg/100 mL between the samples and were found to be below the acceptable daily level (~400 mg) established by the relevant food regulatory authority. The measurable quantity of caffeine (~10 mg/100 mL) was found in two functional beverage samples where caffeine was labeled as an ingredient. Element concentration varied with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) among all samples. Elements such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and lead were measured below the corresponding permissible levels set by the European Commission; however, daily consumption of functional beverages should be examined to deteriorate several health risks. Aluminum was quantified above the parametric value by 21 to 117% in the canned samples, whereas antimony was only measured in PET-bottled samples at approximately 3 μg/L. Multivariate methods were applied to investigate any possible correlation between the samples and the examined parameters. Strong positive correlations with statistically significant differences (R > 0.9, p < 0.05) were observed between zinc and copper and between calcium and silver. Finally, similarities and differences between the samples and the examined parameters resulted in satisfactory discrimination of them regarding not only their caffeine content but also their tonicity. Excessive consumption of functional beverages could represent a major public health issue due to elevated amounts of caffeine and elements. Consequently, the results of this research could facilitate the formulation of stricter standards in beverage consumption by revealing potential health hazards to consumers. Full article

The aim of this study was the elaboration of isotonic drinks rich in bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity using organic ingredients and without synthetic additives. Grape juice was used as a natural source of sugars and phenolic compounds, combined with lemon juice and natural flavors from herb and spice extracts. The ingredients were diluted in two types of water with different mineralization, to which three different determined concentrations of salts (sodium chloride and potassium chloride) were added. The beverages had a sugar content ranging from 72.73 ± 0.23 to 78.43 ± 0.06 g/L, total soluble solids between 4.23 ± 0.06 and 4.83 ± 0.29 °Brix, and total acids from 1.75 ± 0.02 to 2.39 ± 0.08 g/L. Generally, antioxidant activity was higher in the beverages flavored with herb and spice extracts, ranging from 3.28 ± 0.01 to 4.27 ± 0.09 µmols Trolox equivalent/mL. Color intensity showed an increase of up to 129.39% in all samples during the storage period, being higher in beverages prepared with high-mineral water and having high pH values. The results of sensory analysis revealed that the flavored beverages had higher values of global perception than the controls. Thus, the functional properties of grape juice have been increased, and these beverages can be alternative natural and healthy products because their formulation is based only on organic and natural ingredients. Full article

The demand for natural pigments in the food industry is increasing. Color and stability of anthocyanins of chagalapoli (Ardisia compressa K.) fruit added to an isotonic beverage as microcapsules and free extract were evaluated at two temperatures (4 and 25 °C) in the absence of light. Anthocyanins degradation followed first-order kinetics in the evaluated conditions. The stability of anthocyanins, measured by the variables reaction rate (K), half-life time (t_1/2), and anthocyanin retention (AR), was affected significantly (p < 0.01) by temperature. At the end of storage at 4 °C, AR was 91.2 ± 0.28% and 89.63 ± 0.22% in the beverages with microcapsules (BM) and with anthocyanins from extract (BE), respectively, without a significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) between them. However, at 25 °C, AR in the BM was 53.72 ± 0.27%, a significantly lower value (p ≤ 0.05) than that in BE (58.83 ± 1.37%). The color difference values (ΔE) in beverages stored at 4 °C were 3.81 and 2.17 for BM and BE, respectively, while at 25 °C, it was 8.57 and 8.21, respectively. The most stable anthocyanin was cyanidin 3-galactoside. Chagalapoli anthocyanins, both as microcapsules or as an extract, are adequate for adding natural color to isotonic beverages. Full article

Background: Increased internal body temperature during dehydration can be accompanied by water–electrolyte imbalances, higher levels of lactate during and after physical exertion, and changes in blood volume. Adequate hydration with carbohydrate–electrolyte fluids during physical activity can prevent dehydration and delay the onset of fatigue, allowing for proper biochemical and hematological reactions during exertion. A suitable drinking plan should consider the pre-exercise hydration level as well as the requirements for fluids, electrolytes, and substrates before, during, and after exercise. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of different hydration strategies (isotonic, water, and no hydration) on hematological indicators (hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit number, erythrocyte count, leukocyte count, and mean corpuscular volume) and lactate concentration during prolonged physical exertion in a high-temperature environment in young men. Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental. The study involved 12 healthy men aged 20.6 ± 0.9 years, who were characterized by a body height (BH) of 177.2 ± 4.8 cm, a body mass (BM) of 74.4 ± 7.6 kg, a lean body mass (LBM) of 61.1 ± 6.1 kg, and a body mass index (BMI) of 23.60 ± 0.48. Measurements were taken of body composition and hematological and biochemical indicators. The main tests consisted of three series of tests separated by a one-week break. During the tests, the men performed a 120 min exercise with an intensity of 110 W on a cycle ergometer in a thermo-climatic chamber at an ambient temperature of 31 ± 2 °C. During exertion, the participants consumed isotonic fluids or water in an amount of 120–150% of the lost water every 15 min. The participants who exercised without hydration did not consume any fluids. Results: Significant differences in serum volume were observed between the use of isotonic beverage and no hydration (p = 0.002) and between the use of isotonic beverage and water (p = 0.046). Immediately after the experimental exercise, hemoglobin values were significantly higher with no hydration than with water (p = 0.002). An even stronger significance of differences in hemoglobin was observed between no hydration and isotonic beverage consumption (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the number of leukocytes between the consumption of isotonic beverage and no hydration (p = 0.006). Conclusions: Each active hydration strategy allows for a better maintenance of water–electrolyte homeostasis during physical exertion in a high-temperature environment, and isotonic beverage consumption had a greater impact on hydrating extracellular spaces with the smallest changes in hematological indicators. Full article

Underlying the dawn of humanity was primarily the search for food and access to drinking water. Over the course of civilization, there has been a significant increase in drinking water quality. By the average of the nutritional standards, the daily water demand is 2.5 L (also including liquid products such as tea, coffee, or soup). However, it is worth noticing that the need is strictly individual for each person and depends on two major factors, namely, epidemiological (sex, age state of health, lifestyle, and diet) and environmental (humidity and air temperature). Currently, our diet is more and more often enriched with isotonic drinks, functional drinks, or drinks bearing the hallmarks of health-promoting products. As a result, manufacturing companies compete to present more interesting beverages with complex compositions. This article will discuss both the composition of functional beverages and their impact on health. Full article

Dental erosion is the irreversible loss of tooth enamel caused by acid attack without any bacterial involvement. Interest in dental erosion has increased considerably during the past decade. This paper aims to determine the prevalence of and association of dental erosion with diet or beverages in children. A systematic review of the literature has been carried out in accordance with the PRISMA recommendations. A search was performed in PubMed, Embase Scopus and Web of Science databases, and completed manually. Those studies that dealt with erosive risk factors related to diet and that included their effect on deciduous or mixed dentition were selected. Dual independent screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were concluded. A total number of 708 articles were identified from the initial electronic search of the four databases. Some 466 articles were selected after duplicated articles were discarded. After reading the title and abstract, we eliminated 376 articles; the remaining 90 were meant to be read in order that we could dispatch the ones that did not answer the research question or the inclusion criteria. A total of 25 articles remained for the systematic review. Erosive lesions are favored by the consumption of carbonated and isotonic drinks, fruit juices and acid sauces. Carbonated, isotonic drinks and fruit drinks favor the development of erosive lesions, not so the consumption of fruit juices mixed with dairy products such as milkshakes, yogurts and/or tea. The findings of this article will help researchers, academics and students to characterize the scientific results regarding dental erosion and diet, to evaluate management strategies and to identify significant topics and questions that will help to design future research with the aim of the prevention of the disease. Registration number: CDR42023389750. Full article

This study determined the beverage hydration index (BHI) and postprandial cardiac autonomic activity after consuming an isotonic beverage (IB) compared to distilled water (DW). Twenty-two participants (50% female; mean ± SD; age, 27 ± 3 year; height, 169.1 ± 12.6 cm; weight, 73.3 ± 13.8 kg; BF%, 23 ± 10%) completed two experimental trials where they consumed 1 L DW or an IB; after which urine volume and cardiac autonomic activity was measured through 240 min. Cardiac autonomic activity was quantified using heart rate (HR), log transformed heart rate variability measures (root mean square of successive R–R intervals; RMSSD; low frequency, LF; and high frequency, HF) and systolic time intervals (pre-ejection period, PEP). BHI was significantly greater after IB consumption at min 0 (MD [95% CI]; 1.31 [0.35, 2.27]), 180 min (0.09 [0.022, 0.16]), and 240 min (0.1 [0.03, 0.17]) compared to DW (p = 0.031). Net fluid balance was significantly greater in IB than DW at 180 min (90 [−16.80, 196.81]) and 240 min (106 [−13.88, 225.88]) (p = 0.037). HR decreased over time in both beverage trials but was higher following IB ingestion at 0 min (3.9 [−2.42, 10.22]), 30 min (5.3 [−0.94, 11.54]), and 60 min (2.7 [−3.42, 8.82]) (p = 0.0002). lnHF was greater 30 min post DW ingestion compared to IB (0.45 [−0.23, 1.13]) (p = 0.039). IB promotes greater fluid retention capacity compared to DW within 4 hours of consumption. The variations in cardiac autonomic measures may warrant further investigation in clinical populations (i.e., patients with autonomic failure). Full article