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Background: Non-nutrient bioactive ingredients of foods such as bee products are often of interest in preclinical and clinical research to explore their possible beneficial effects. The National Institute of Health's Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) contains over 165,000 labels of dietary supplements marketed in the United States of America (US), including declarations on labels for many of these ingredients, including those in honeybee products which have been used in foods and traditional medicines for centuries worldwide and are now also appearing in dietary supplements. Methods: This article presents a use case for honeybee products that describes and tests the utility of the DSLD and other databases available in the US as research tools for identifying and quantifying the prevalence of such ingredients.. It focuses on the limitations to the information on product composition in these databases and describes how to code the ingredients using the LanguaL™ or FoodEx2 description and classification systems and the strengths and limitations of information on honeybee product ingredients, including propolis, bee pollen, royal jelly, beeswax, and bee venom. Results and Conclusions: Codes for the ingredients are provided for identifying their presence in LanguaL™ or FoodEx2 ontologies used in Europe and elsewhere. The prevalence of dietary supplement products containing these ingredients in DSLD and on the US market is low compared to some other products and ingredients. Unfortunately label declarations in DSLD do not provide quantitative information and so the data can be used only to screen for their presence, but cannot be used for quantitative exposure estimates by researchers and regulators .
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The current burden associated to multidrug resistance, and the emerging superbugs, result in a decreased and even loss of antibiotic efficacy, which poses significant challenges in the treatment of infectious diseases. This situation has created a high demand for the discovery of novel antibiotics that are both effective and safe. However, while antibiotics play a crucial role in preventing and treating diseases, they are also associated with adverse effects. The emergence of multidrug-resistant and the extensive appearance of drug-resistant microorganisms, has become one of the major hurdles in healthcare. Addressing this problem will require the development of at least 20 new antibiotics by 2060. However, the process of designing new antibiotics is time-consuming. To overcome the spread of drug-resistant microbes and infections, constant evaluation of innovative methods and new molecules is essential. Research is actively exploring alternative strategies, such as combination therapies, new drug delivery systems, and the repurposing of existing drugs. In addition, advancements in genomic and proteomic technologies are aiding in the identification of potential new drug targets and the discovery of new antibiotic compounds. In this review, we explore new sources of natural antibiotics from plants, algae other sources, and propose innovative bioinspired delivery systems for their use as an approach to promoting responsible antibiotic use and mitigate the spread of drug-resistant microbes and infections.
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Ready-to-eat (RTE) and ready-to-heat (RTH) dishes are food items that help save time, physical energy, and mental effort in all food-related activities. Convenience of use, variability of supply, and adaptability to different consumption occasions have led to an increase of acceptance among consumers through the years. Specialized databases can help in this context, where food composition databases can provide information and data to create sustainable nutritional models by reducing the now growing number of chronic diseases. This paper aims at developing a database of LanguaLTM and FoodEx2 codes of 50 food preparations and ready-to-eat dishes designed for consumption outside the home. LanguaLTM, as well as FoodEx2, are classification and description systems for indexing, in the sense of a systematic description, of foods based on a hierarchical model (parent-child relationship), thus facilitating the international exchange of data on food composition, consumption, assessing chronic and/or acute exposure to a certain agent, and not least the assessment of nutrient intake. The database, here presented, consists of the codes of fifty ready-to-eat products present on the market in Italy, obtained by using the two mostly commonly used and widely recognized coding systems: LanguaLTM and FoodEx2. This database represents a tool and a guideline for other compilers and users to apply coding systems to ready-to-eat products. Moreover, it can be represented a resource for several applications, such as nutritional cards, nutritional facts, food labels, or booklet and brochures for promotion of food products, to be used at health and food nutrition interface, useful for consumers, dieticians, and food producers.
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Bases de Dados Factuais , Fast Foods , Humanos , Fast Foods/análise , Itália , Valor Nutritivo , Rotulagem de AlimentosRESUMO
Cajuína is a processed drink derived from cashew and is widely consumed in the northeast region of Brazil. This study evaluated the effect of a cajuína-based hydroelectrolytic drink on the aerobic performance and hydration status of recreational runners. Seventeen males (31.9 ± 1.6 years, 51.0 ± 1.4 ml/kg/min) performed three time-to-exhaustion running sessions on a treadmill at 70% VO2max, ingesting cajuína hydroelectrolytic drink (CJ), high carbohydrate commercial hydroelectrolytic drink (CH) and mineral water (W) every 15 min during the running test. The participants ran 80.3 ± 8.4 min in CJ, 70.3 ± 6.8 min in CH and 71.8 ± 6.9 min in W, with no statistical difference between procedures. Nevertheless, an effect size of η2 = 0.10 (moderate) was observed. No statistical difference was observed in the concentrations of sodium, potassium, and osmolality in both serum and urine between the three conditions. However, the effect size was moderate (urine sodium) and high (serum sodium, potassium, and osmolality). Urine specific gravity, sweating rate and heart rate were not significantly different between drinks. The cajuína-based hydroelectrolytic drink promotes similar effects compared to commercial hydroelectrolytic drink and water, considering specific urine gravity, heart rate, sweating, and time to exhaustion in recreational runners.
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This study aims to evaluate the hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic and aortic morphometric effects of fish oil rich in omega-3 in hypercholesterolemic BALB/c mice. This is an experimental model that included 16 male BALB/c mice (Mus musculus) divided into three groups (G1 (standard commercial chow and 0.9% saline solution), G2 (hypercholesterolemic diet and 0.9% saline solution) and G3 (hypercholesterolemic diet and fish oil)) for 8 weeks. There was no significant difference in the treatment with omega-3-rich fish oil in the lipid profile (p > 0.05). In the histological analysis, group G2 detected the presence of hepatitis and liver tissue necrosis, but this was not observed in group G3. As for the morphometry in the light area of the vessel, the G1 group had a higher score (2.62 ± 0.36 mm2) when compared to G2 (2.10 ± 0.16 mm2) and G3 (2.26 ± 0.25 mm2) (p < 0.05). The vessel wall thickness did not differ between the groups (p > 0.05). It is concluded that supplementation with fish oil rich in omega-3 carried out in this study may have a protective effect on liver tissue, but it has not yet improved the lipid and morphometric profile. Despite this research being preliminary, it is a relevant study with future prospects for improving the doses of EPA and DHA in order to better elucidate the benefits of fish oil in models of dyslipidemia.
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Quality control of protein supplements intended for a large audience of consumers such as sportspeople is particularly important. A case study on quality control of dietary supplements containing protein and protein components is presented. The objective of the study was to evaluate the conformity of the quantities of amino acids, essential and branched-chain amino acids, declared on the label through measurements with chromatographic analytical tools. 16 sportspeople supplements from different European countries were tested. Analysis of concentrated whey protein highlighted some differences between the label and what was experimentally determined; in these samples some amino acids (6 amino acids out of 19) exceeded the maximum tolerance (>20%) regulated by the European Commission. To a lesser extent, analysis of the other classes revealed amino acid concentrations that exceeded the maximum analytical tolerance percentage. As regards the essential and branched amino acid supplements, it was seen that the declared quantity conforms with that determined experimentally.
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Aminoácidos , Suplementos Nutricionais , Proteínas do Soro do Leite , Europa (Continente) , Controle de Qualidade , Proteínas AlimentaresRESUMO
This research was aimed at evaluating the relationship between the estimated polyphenol intake and the atherogenic lipid profile in adult and elder residents in the city of Teresina, located in the Northeastern Region of Brazil. This study was a cross-sectional population-based survey with 501 adults and elders, conducted in Teresina, Brazil. Food intake was obtained by 24-h food recall. The estimated polyphenol intake was calculated by multiplying the food consumption data from the recall by the polyphenol content in the foods described in the Phenol-Explorer database. The mean intake of total polyphenols was 1006.53 mg/day. The phenolic acids was the class with the highest intake, followed by the flavonols. Coffee, beans and apples were the main foods contributing to the total polyphenol intake. In the individuals with elevated serum concentrations of total cholesterol and triglycerides, the intake of total polyphenols was significantly higher. The intake of total polyphenols, phenolic acids and lignans was higher in the subjects with dyslipidemia. This article provides, for the first time, data on the intake of the total polyphenol classes and subclasses in the evaluated population and the relationship with the lipid profile. The individuals with a higher intake of total polyphenols had a worse lipid profile, which may be a consequence of an improved diet in those individuals who present with dyslipidemia.
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Fenóis , Polifenóis , Humanos , Adulto , Idoso , Brasil , Estudos Transversais , LipídeosRESUMO
The present study investigates the relationship between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and anthropometric indices of body composition in adults and seniors living in Teresina, the state capital of an area in northeastern Brazil. The article seeks to address two questions: Is UPF consumption linked to worsening body composition in different age groups? Do anthropometric indicators of body composition change with the increasing consumption of UPF? The study is a cross-sectional, household, population study, carried out with 490 adults and seniors. The food consumption was obtained with a 24 h food recall, and the foods were classified using NOVA. Anthropometric indicators evaluated were waist-to-height ratio, triceps skinfold thickness, arm circumference, corrected arm muscle area, subscapular skinfold thickness, and calf circumference. The association between energy contribution of UPF with anthropometric indicators was verified with a simple and multiple linear regression analysis. Individuals aged 20 to 35 years showed a significant association between UPF consumption and skinfold thickness (ß: 0.04; CI: 0.03/0.09), demonstrating an increase in this subcutaneous body fat marker with higher UPF consumption. Moreover, in participants aged 36 to 59 years, an inverse correlation between UPF intake and muscle mass markers, arm circumference (ß: -0.02; confidence interval: -0.03/-0.01), and corrected arm muscle area (ß: -0.07; confidence interval: -0.12/-0.02) were observed. Such results suggest there is decreased muscle mass with increasing UPF consumption. This is the first study that verified an association between UPF consumption and low-cost body composition indicators in different age groups.
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Fast Foods , Alimento Processado , Humanos , Adulto , Brasil , Estudos Transversais , Composição Corporal , Manipulação de Alimentos , DietaRESUMO
Hydrogels are structures that have value for application in the area of tissue engineering because they mimic the extracellular matrix. Naturally obtained polysaccharides, such as chitosan (CH) and cashew gum, are materials with the ability to form polymeric networks due to their physicochemical properties. This research aimed to develop a scaffold based on chitosan and phthalated cashew tree gum and test it as a support for the growth of human mesenchymal stem cells. In this study, phthalation in cashew gum (PCG) was performed by using a solvent-free route. PCG-CH scaffold was developed by polyelectrolyte complexation, and its ability to support adherent stem cell growth was evaluated. The scaffold showed a high swelling rate. The pore sizes of the scaffold were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were isolated, expanded, and characterized for their potential to differentiate into mesenchymal lineages and for their immunophenotypic profile. Isolated mesenchymal stem cells presented fibroblastoid morphology, plastic adhesion capacity, and differentiation in osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic lineages. Mesenchymal stem cells were cultured in scaffolds to assess cell adhesion and growth. The cells seeded on the scaffold showed typical morphology, attachment, and adequate distribution inside the matrix pores. Thus, cells seeded in the scaffold may improve the osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties of these biomaterials.
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'Tonda Gentile Romana' and 'Tonda di Giffoni' (Corylus avellana L.) are two Italian hazelnut cultivars, recognized under the quality labels "Protected Designation of Origin" (PDO) and "Protected Geographical Indication" (PGI), respectively. Hazelnut seeds are characterized by a complex microstructure and the presence of different physical compartments. This peculiarity has been studied and evidenced by Time Domain (TD) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments. This technique allowed the assessment of the presence of different diffusion compartments, or domains, by evaluating the distribution of the spin-spin relaxation time (T2).The aim of this research was to develop a method based on 1H NMR relaxometry to study the mobility in fresh hazelnut seeds ('Tonda di Giffoni' and 'Tonda Gentile Romana'), in order to determine differences in seed structure and matrix mobility between the two cultivars. TD-NMR measurements were performed from 8 to 55 °C in order to mimic post-harvest processing as well the microscopic textural properties of hazelnut. The Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) experiments showed five components for 'Tonda Gentile Romana' and four components for 'Tonda di Giffoni' relaxation times. The two slowest components of relaxation (T2,a about 30-40% of the NMR signal, and T2,b about 50% of the NMR signal) were attributed to the protons of the lipid molecules organized in the organelles (oleosomes), both for the 'Tonda Gentile Romana' and for the 'Tonda di Giffoni' samples. The component of relaxation T2,c was assigned to cytoplasmic water molecules, and showed a T2 value dominated by diffusive exchange with a reduced value compared to that of pure water at the same temperature. This can be attributed to the water molecules affected by the relaxation effect of the cell walls. The experiments carried out as a function of temperature showed, for 'Tonda Gentile Romana', an unexpected trend between 30 and 45 °C, indicating a phase transition in its oil component. This study provides information that could be used to strengthen the specifications underlying the definitions of "Protected Designation of Origin" (PDO) and "Protected Geographical Indication" (PGI).
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In the present study, the effects of cryolipolysis on one and multiple body areas, assessing body composition, lipid profile and peroxidation and inflammatory markers were investigated. Twenty-four women aged between 20 and 59 years were randomly assigned to three groups: (1) control, (2) cryolipolysis on the abdomen and (3) cryolipolysis on the abdomen + flanks. Anthropometric measurements, bioimpedance and ultrasound were performed, as well serum lipid profile, lipid peroxidation markers (malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase) and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and Interleukin-1ß) were determined. In addition, food consumption and physical activity level were evaluated. Data were obtained at 0, 10 and 30 days (t0, t10 and t30) after cryolipolysis. Cryolipolysis did not change anthropometric measurements, body composition or lipid profile. Interestingly, the abdomen + flanks group had significantly increased plasma myeloperoxidase activity at t0, t10 and t30, and increased malondialdehyde levels at t0 and t10 when compared to the other groups. Furthermore, there were no differences between macronutrient intake and total energy value, physical activity level, malondialdehyde and interleukin-1ß at t30. Cryolipolysis did not change body composition, lipid profile or inflammatory markers investigated. On the other hand, when used on the abdomen and flanks, it produced an increase in lipid peroxidation markers, malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase.
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Food, nutrition, and health are linked, and detailed knowledge of nutrient compositions and bioactive characteristics is needed to understand these relationships. Additionally, increasingly these data are required by database systems and applications. This communication aims to describe the contribution to databases and nutrition fields as well as the activities of EuroFIR AISBL; this member-based, non-profit association was founded to ensure sustained advocacy for food information in Europe and facilitate improved data quality, storage, and access as well as encouraging wider exploitation of food composition data for both research and commercial purposes. In addition to the description of its role and main objectives, a snapshot of EuroFIR AISBL's activities over the years is also given using a quantitative research literature analysis approach. The focus of this communication is to provide descriptions and updates of EuroFIR's online tools, i.e., FoodEXplorer, eBASIS, and PlantLIBRA, by highlighting the main uses and applications. Integrating food-related infrastructures and databases, following standardized and harmonized approaches, and considering interoperability and metrological principles are significant challenges. Ongoing activities and future plans of EuroFIR AISBL are highlighted, including, for instance, work within the Food Nutrition Security Cloud (FNS-Cloud) to make food, nutrition, and (food) security data more findable, accessible, interoperable, and ultimately reusable.
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Alimentos , Estado Nutricional , Políticas , Bases de Dados Factuais , Análise de AlimentosRESUMO
Pelvic, perineal, and nervous lesions, which derive principally from pregnancy and childbirth, may lead to pelvic floor dysfunctions, such as organ prolapses and lesions in the nerves and muscles due to muscle expansion and physiology. It is estimated that 70% of women affected by this clinical picture have symptoms that do not respond to the classical treatments with antimuscarinic and anticholinergic drugs. Therefore, resorting to efficient alternatives and less invasive methods is necessary to assist this public health problem that predominantly affects the female population, which is more susceptible to the risk factors. This study aimed to perform an updated and comprehensive literature review focused on the effects of pelvic floor electrical stimulation, considering new perspectives such as a correlation between electric current and site of intervention and other molecular aspects, different from the present reviews that predominantly evaluate urodynamic aspects. For that purpose, PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were used to perform the search, and the Methodi ordinatio method was applied. With well-researched therapeutic effects, electrical stimulation induced promising results in histological, nervous, and molecular evaluations and spinal processes, which showed beneficial results and revealed new perspectives on ways to evoke responses in the lower urinary tract in a non-invasive way. Thus, it is possible to conclude that this type of intervention may be a non-invasive alternative to treat pelvic and perineal dysfunctions.
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Terapia por Estimulação Elétrica , Diafragma da Pelve , Gravidez , Feminino , Humanos , Estimulação Elétrica , Urodinâmica , Períneo , Terapia por Exercício/métodosRESUMO
This review describes the state of the art in the field of poly (lactic acid) (PLA)-based materials activated by natural compounds and extracts (active ingredients, AIs) from plant sources for food and biomedical applications. With a multidisciplinary approach, after a description of the synthesis and properties of PLA, special attention was paid to the chemical properties and unconventional extraction technologies of AIs used for PLA activation. Innovative techniques for the incorporation of AIs into PLA; characterization and the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the novel materials were discussed. In view of future perspectives, this study has evidenced that some aspects need to be further investigated from joint research between academia and industry, according to the green chemistry principles and circular economy strategy.
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Over the last decades, we have witnessed an increasing interest in food-related products containing vegetable oils. These oils can be obtained either by extraction or by mechanical pressing of different parts of plants (e.g., seeds, fruit, and drupels). Producers of nutraceuticals have ceaselessly searched for unique and effective natural ingredients. The enormous success of argan oil has been followed by discoveries of other interesting vegetable oils (e.g., pomegranate oil) containing several bioactives. This work describes the pomegranate fruit extract and seed oil as a rich source of conjugated linolenic acid as a metabolite of punicic acid (PA), deriving from the omega-5 family (ω-5). Through the chemical characterization of PA, its nutritional and therapeutic properties are highlighted together with the physiological properties that encourage its use in human nutrition. We analyzed the composition of all fatty acids with beneficial properties occurring in pomegranate seed oil using gas chromatography (GC) with flame-ionization detection (FID) analysis combined with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Pomegranate seed oil mainly consists of 9,11,13-octadic-trienoic acid (18:3), corresponding to 73 wt % of the total fatty acids. Nine components were identified by GC in PSO, varying between 0.58 and 73.19 wt %. Using midinfrared (MIR) spectroscopy, we compared the composition of pomegranate seed oil with that of meadowfoam seed oil (MSO), which is also becoming increasingly popular in the food industry due to its high content of long chain fatty acids (C20-22), providing increased oil stability. From the results of FTIR and MIR spectroscopy, we found that punicic acid is unique in PSO (73.19 wt %) but not in MSO.