Effect of soluble corn fiber supplementation for 1 year on bone metabolism in children, the MetA-bone trial: Rationale and design.

Calcium intake is critical for adequate bone mineralization in adolescence, but it is usually inadequate in US adolescents. A strategy to maximize bone mineralization is to increase calcium absorption, which could be achieved by soluble corn fiber (SCF). There are no studies determining the long-term effects of SCF on bone mass in children. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of one-year SCF supplementation compared to placebo on bone mass and bone biomarkers in children with low habitual calcium intake. We hypothesize that SCF supplementation will result in a higher bone mineral content and higher levels of bone formation and lower bone resorption biomarkers. METHODS: 240 healthy children (10-13 years), with usual low calcium intake, will be randomized to four experimental groups for 1 year: (1) SCF (12 g/d); (2) SCF (12 g/d) + 600 mg/d of calcium; (3) Placebo (maltodextrin); and (4) Placebo +600 mg/d of calcium. The supplements have been pre-mixed with a flavored powder beverage and participants will only need to dilute it in water and drink this twice per day. Bone will be measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Serum bone biomarkers will be measured at baseline and at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: If supplementing diets with SCF lead to higher bone mass during adolescence, this could help achieve the genetic potential for PBM and to start adult life with stronger bones. If successful, SCF can be incorporated into diets for promoting bone health in adolescents.

Food and fatty acid intake and atopic disease in adults.

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between dietary intake of selected foods and fatty acids with atopic disease prevalence in adults. Data from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey in Erfurt, combined with a 3-day weighed records dietary survey, was used. Complete data was available from 469 males and 333 females aged 20-64 yrs. Multiple logistic regression was applied comparing the highest with the lowest quartile of dietary exposures and linear trends were tested stratified by sex. In males, margarine intake and a high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids were positively associated with hay fever. In females, a high intake of total fat, palmitoleic and oleic acids were positively associated with sensitisation. A high total fat, high monounsaturated fatty acid and high oleic acid consumption were positively associated with hay fever. Whilst an excessive intake of fat or imbalance in fat intake, particular of monounsaturated fatty acids, increased the risk for hay fever and allergic sensitisation in females, mostly no significant associations were found for males. Dietary factors were mostly not related with prevalence rates of bronchial hyperresponsiveness and atopic eczema either in males or in females.

(-)-2C-methyl-D-erythrono-1,4-lactone is formed after application of the terpenoid precursor 1-deoxy-D-xylulose.

Application of [1,2-14C]1-deoxy-D-xylulose, the committed precursor of terpenoids, thiamine and pyridoxol, to a variety of plant species resulted in the labelling of an unknown metabolite. The isolation and purification of this metabolite from Ipomoea purpurea plants fed with 1-deoxy-D-xylulose (DX), followed by NMR analysis, resulted in the identification of its structure as (-)-2C-methyl-D-erythrono-1,4-lactone (MDEL). MDEL has been previously isolated as a stress metabolite of certain plants. A hypothetical biosynthetic scheme is given.