Authentication of Iranian Saffron (Crocus sativus) Using Stable Isotopes δ13C and δ2H and Metabolites Quantification.

Saffron is a very high value-added ingredient used in the food supplement market and contains a high level of safranal. Adding synthetic safranal to saffron, which is significantly cheaper, and falsifying the origin of saffron may represent recurrent fraud. Saffron from different countries was analyzed to determine the stable isotope ratios δ13C and δ2H from safranal by gas chromatography coupled with isotope-ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C/P-IRMS) and the concentration of saffron metabolites with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (UHPLC-DAD). The isotopic analysis highlighted a higher ratio of δ2H in synthetic safranal than in natural safranal; the mean values were 36‱ (+/- 40) and -210‱ (+/- 35), respectively. The δ13C between Iranian, Spanish and other saffron was significantly different and represents median values of -28.62‱, -30.12‱ and -30.70‱, respectively. Moreover, linear and quadratic discriminant analyses (LDA and QDA) were computed using the two isotope ratios of safranal and the saffron metabolites. A first QDA showed that trans-crocetin and the δ13C of safranal, picrocrocin, and crocin C3 concentrations clearly differentiated Iranian saffron from other origins. A second model identified δ13C, trans-crocetin, crocin C2, crocin C3, and picrocrocin as good predictors to discriminate saffron samples from Iran, Spain, or other origins, with a total ability score classification matrix of 100% and a prediction matrix of 82.5%. This combined approach may be a useful tool to authenticate the origin of unknown saffron.

Residential proximity to power lines and risk of brain tumor in the general population.

The effect of ELF-MF on human health is still controversial, particularly as regards long-term health effects like cancer. The literature does suggest, however, that they could be involved in the occurrence of brain tumors, although results concerning residential exposure are scarce. Our objective was to investigate the association between residential proximity to power lines and brain tumors among adults in France by using a geographical information system.CERENAT is a population-based case-control study carried out in France in 2004-2006. We used geographical data sources on power line location to create exposure scores based on distance between residence and power lines, and on the number of lines near residences. Conditional logistic regression for matched sets was used to estimate Odds Ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).We found significant associations between cumulated duration living at <50 m to high voltage lines and: i) all brain tumors (OR 2.94; 95%CI 1.28-6.75); ii) glioma (OR 4.96; 95%CI 1.56-15.77). Further investigations are needed, particularly to improve the quality and availability of geographical and technical data on power lines.

Occupational exposure to pesticides and multiple myeloma in the AGRICAN cohort.

PURPOSE: Epidemiological studies have found an increased risk of multiple myeloma (MM) in farmers. Few studies have investigated the detailed circumstances of occupational pesticide exposure which could explain these increased risks (pesticide use on crops, seeds or on animals, contact with treated crops) and the role of other exposures. In the Agriculture and Cancer cohort (AGRICAN), we assessed the associations between MM and crop- or animal-related activities, with specific attention to pesticide exposure via use on animals and crops or contact with treated crops and to disinfectant exposure. METHODS: Analyses concerned 155,192 participants, including 269 incident MM identified by cancer registries from enrolment (2005-2007) to 2013. Cox models using attained age as time scale were run to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: MM risk was increased in farmers (i) who started using pesticides on crops in the 1960s, especially among those applying pesticides on corn (≥ 20 years: HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.08, 2.78, p for trend < 0.01) and (ii) using insecticides on animals (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.11, 1.98), especially among horse farmers (≥ 10 years: HR 2.77, 95% CI 1.22-6.27, p for trend = 0.01). We also observed significant elevated risks with disinfectant use in animal barns. CONCLUSIONS: Findings support the role of pesticide use on crops and animals in the occurrence of MM risk in farmers.

Quantitative assessment of dietary supplement intake in 77,000 French adults: impact on nutritional intake inadequacy and excessive intake.

BACKGROUND: Dietary supplements (DS) are largely consumed in Western countries without demonstrating their nutritional benefits and safety in the general population. The aims, in a large population-based study of French adults, were: (1) to compare the prevalence of nutrient intake inadequacy and the proportion of individuals exceeding tolerable upper intake levels (UL) between DS users and non-users, and (2) to quantify the extent of potentially "at-risk" DS use practices (e.g., DS/drugs contraindicated association or use of beta-carotene DS in smokers). METHODS: 76,925 participants, 47.6% men and 52.4% women, mean age 46.9 ± 16.3 years were enrolled to the NutriNet-Santé cohort and they completed a quantitative DS questionnaire and three 24 h dietary records. A composition database including > 8000 DS was developed. Variance reduction was applied to estimate usual intakes and analyses were weighted according to the French census data. RESULTS: Among DS users of the specific nutrient, DS contributed to 41% of total intake for vitamin D in men, 55% in women; and to 20% of total intake for pyridoxine in men, 21% in women. Compared to dietary intakes only, their prevalence of inadequacy was reduced by 11% for vitamin C, 9% for magnesium, 6% for pyridoxine in men, and 19% for calcium, 12% for iron, and 11% for magnesium in women (p < 0.0001). The proportion of subjects exceeding UL reached 6% for iron and 5% for magnesium in men, and 9% for iron in women. 6% of DS users had potentially "at-risk" practices. CONCLUSION: While DS use contributed to decrease the prevalence of insufficient intake for several nutrients, it also conveyed excessive intake of iron and magnesium. Besides, a substantial proportion of potentially "at-risk" DS use practices was reported.

Increasing incidence of central nervous system (CNS) tumors (2000-2012): findings from a population based registry in Gironde (France).

BACKGROUND: Although some countries have observed a stabilization in the incidence of CNS, an increasing incidence has been reported from multiple studies. Recent observations point out to the heterogeneity of incidence trends according to histological subtypes, gender and age-groups. Using a high-quality regional CNS tumor registry, this article describes the trends of CNS tumor incidence for main histological subtypes, including benign and malignant tumors, in the French department of Gironde from 2000 to 2012. METHODS: Crude and age-standardized incidence rates were calculated globally, by histological subtypes, malignant status, gender and age groups. For trends, annual percent changes (APC) were obtained from a piecewise log-linear model. RESULTS: A total of 3515 CNS tumors was registered during the period. The incidence of overall CNS tumors was 19/100000 person-years (8.3/100000 for neuroepithelial tumors and 7.3/100000 for meningeal tumors). An increased incidence of overall CNS tumors was observed from 2000 to 2012 (APC = + 2.7%; 95%-confidence interval (CI): 1.8-3.7). This trend was mainly explained by an increase in the incidence of meningiomas over the period (APC = + 5.4%, 95%-CI: 3.8-7.0). The increased incidence rate of CNS tumors was more pronounced in female and in older patients even though the incidence rate increased in all age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Part of the temporal variation may be attributed to improvement in registration, diagnosis and clinical practices but also to changes in potential risk factors. Thus, etiological studies on CNS tumors are needed to clarify this rising trend.

Allergic conditions and risk of glioma and meningioma in the CERENAT case-control study.

Inverse association between allergic conditions and glioma risk has been consistently reported in epidemiological studies with little attention paid to potential environmental confounders; the association with meningioma risk is less consistent. We examined the association between allergy history and risk of glioma and meningioma in adults using data from the CERENAT (CEREbral tumors: a NATional study) multicenter case-control study carried out in 4 areas in France in 2004-2010. Participants' histories of doctor-diagnosed allergic asthma, eczema, rhinitis/hay fever and other allergic conditions were collected at onset through a detailed questionnaire delivered in a face-to-face interview. Conditional logistic regression for matched sets was adjusted for participants' educational level and mobile phone use. A total of 273 glioma cases, 218 meningioma cases and 982 matched controls selected from the local electoral rolls were analyzed. A significant inverse association was found between glioma and a history of any allergy (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.36-0.75), with a dose-effect relationship with the number of allergic conditions reported (p-trend = 0.001) and a particularly strong association with hay fever/allergic rhinitis (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.30-0.72). Interestingly, associations with glioma risk were more pronounced in women. For meningioma, no association was observed with overall or specific allergic conditions. Our findings confirmed the inverse association between allergic conditions and glioma risk but questioned the role of allergy in meningioma risk. Future research is needed to clarify the biological mechanism of overall allergy and allergic rhinitis on glioma and to confirm the different effect by gender.

Lung cancer risk and occupational exposures in crop farming: results from the AGRIculture and CANcer (AGRICAN) cohort.

OBJECTIVES: Farmers are considered at lower risk of lung cancer. However, specific tasks can expose them to hazardous air contaminants such as pesticides, diesel exhaust and mineral dust. This study aimed to assess the associations between various crops and related tasks and the risk of lung cancer, overall and by histological subtypes. METHODS: AGRIculture and CANcer is a prospective French cohort of individuals affiliated to the agricultural health insurance scheme. Incident lung cancers (n=897) were identified by cancer registries from enrolment (2005-2007) to 2013. Data on crop and livestock exposure during lifetime were obtained from the enrolment questionnaire. We used a Cox model with attained age as timescale, adjusted for gender, smoking history and exposure to cattle and horses. Effects of duration and surface were assessed and analyses stratified on gender and smoking status were performed. RESULTS: Winegrowers were at higher risk of adenocarcinoma (HR=1.27 (95% CI 0.94 to 1.72)). We also found an association between pea growing and small cell lung cancer: significant effect of duration (ptrend=0.04) and the suggestion of a surface-effect relationship (ptrend=0.06); increased risk (HR=2.38 (95% CI 1.07 to 5.28)) for pesticide users; and significant effect of duration (ptrend=0.01) for harvesters. The risk of squamous cell carcinoma was increased for sunflower growing (HR=1.59 (95% CI 0.97 to 2.62), fruit-tree pruning (HR=1.44 (95% CI 0.92 to 2.27)) and pesticide use on beets (HR=1.47 (95% CI 0.92 to 2.34)). Corn and/or wheat/barley growers were at lower risk of lung cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest associations between lung cancer and several crop-related tasks, even if we cannot rule out some chance findings due to multiple comparisons.

Central nervous system tumors and agricultural exposures in the prospective cohort AGRICAN.

Studies in farmers suggest a possible role of pesticides in the occurrence of Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors but scientific evidence is still insufficient. Using data from the French prospective agricultural cohort AGRICAN (Agriculture & Cancer), we investigated the associations between exposure of farmers and pesticide users to various kinds of crops and animal farming and the incidence of CNS tumors, overall and by subtypes. Over the 2005-2007, 181,842 participants completed the enrollment questionnaire that collected a complete job calendar with lifetime history of farming types. Associations were estimated using proportional hazards models with age as underlying timescale. During a 5.2 years average follow-up, 273 incident cases of CNS tumors occurred, including 126 gliomas and 87 meningiomas. Analyses showed several increased risks of CNS tumors in farmers, especially in pesticide users (hazard ratio = 1.96; 95% confidence interval: 1.11-3.47). Associations varied with tumor subtypes and kinds of crop and animal farming. The main increases in risk were observed for meningiomas in pig farmers and in farmers growing sunflowers, beets and potatoes and for gliomas in farmers growing grasslands. In most cases, more pronounced risk excesses were observed among pesticide applicators. Even if we cannot completely rule out the contribution of other factors, pesticide exposures could be of primary concern to explain these findings.

Residential proximity to agricultural land and risk of brain tumor in the general population.

The effect of pesticides on human health is still controversial, particularly as regards long-term health effects like cancer. The literature does suggest, however, that they could be involved in the occurrence of brain tumors, although the results concerning residential exposure are scarce. Our objective was to investigate the association between residential proximity to agricultural pesticides and brain tumors among adults in France by using a geographical information system. CERENAT is a population-based case-control study carried out in France in 2004-2006. We used two geographical data sources on agricultural land use to create exposure scores based on crop surface areas near the residence, for open field crops, vineyards and orchards. Conditional logistic regression for matched sets was used to estimate Odds Ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). We found a significant association between meningioma and proximity to open field crops above the 75th percentile (OR 2.30 95%CI 1.04-5.10). Non-significant associations were also found with proximity of vineyards above the 95th percentile (OR 1.90 95%CI 0.41-8.69) and orchards above the 95th percentile (OR 5.50, 95%CI 0.49-61.94). No significant association was found between glioma and proximity to agricultural land. Further investigations are needed, particularly to improve the quality and availability of geographical data on agricultural land use.

Dietary and Alcohol Intake and Central Nervous System Tumors in Adults: Results of the CERENAT Multicenter Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the relationship between diet and central nervous system (CNS) tumors, especially in terms of their histological subtypes. This study investigated the overall associations between food groups, alcohol intake and CNS tumors, and in particular about the associations between neuroepithelial tumors and meningiomas. METHODS: Data were collected through the CERENAT (CEREbral tumors: a NATional study) case-control study conducted in France during the period 2004-2010. Data were available for 1,479 subjects (494 cases, including 201 neuroepithelial tumors, 193 meningiomas, 100 other CNS tumors, and their 985 matched controls). Conditional logistic regressions for matched sets were adjusted based on the participants' educational level, occupation, smoking status and frequency of food group consumption. RESULTS: A heavy consumption of grilled meat and poultry was associated with neuroepithelial tumors in a dose-related relationship (ORQ4vsQ1 = 3.72, 95% CI 1.62-8.52, p = 0.005). Higher fruit and vegetable intake was inversely associated with meningiomas (for fruits: ORQ4vsQ1 = 0.38, 95% CI 0.17-0.87, p = 0.06, for vegetables ORQ4vsQ1 = 0.26, 95% CI 0.11-0.62, p = 0.007). Consumption of alcohol on a daily basis was inversely associated with CNS tumors especially for meningiomas (ORQ4vsQ1 = 0.33, 95% CI 0.18-0.61, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Results obtained in terms of grilled meat, fruits and vegetables consumption were in line with those published in epidemiological literature. Contradictions in results between neuroepithelial tumors and meningiomas confirmed the need to analyze the effects of dietary factors on the basis of the histological subtypes of CNS tumors.

Seeking health- and nutrition-related information on the Internet in a large population of French adults: results of the NutriNet-Santé study.

The Internet has become a major source of health and nutrition information. Little is known about the type of consulted websites (institutional v. non-institutional) and the tendency to discuss with a healthcare professional (HCP) the information found on the Internet. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate health- and nutrition-related Internet use in a large French population-based study. Data were collected in 2013 using self-administered, web-based questionnaires from 42 113 participants of the NutriNet-Santé study (mean age=51·2 years, 76 % women). Unconditional multivariate logistic regression analyses and χ 2 tests were used for comparisons. In total, 85·1 % of the subjects used the Internet to search for health and/or nutrition information, and 23·6 % used the Internet to read or post messages on health/nutrition forums. Only 16·0 % discussed with a HCP the information found online. This proportion was lower in subjects with lower educational level (OR 0·77; 95 % CI 0·72, 0·82) and lower computer skills (OR 0·70; 95 % CI 0·65, 0·76). In total, 8038 health/nutrition websites were cited, with institutional websites representing only 12·9 % of that number. Only one institutional website was present in the top 10. Older subjects (OR 1·49; 95 % CI 1·28-1·74), those with lower educational level (OR 2·08; 95 % CI 1·75, 2·50) and lower nutritional knowledge (OR 1·33; 1·12, 1·59) were more likely to cite non-institutional websites. This large population-based study showed that institutional websites were infrequently accessed and that a few participants discussed the information found online with their HCP. This particular trend was especially visible among individuals who were more vulnerable regarding misleading information. This supports the need to increase awareness of high-quality websites providing reliable health/nutrition information.

Dietary supplement use among cancer survivors of the NutriNet-Santé cohort study.

Dietary supplements (DS) may influence cancer prognosis. Their use in cancer patients has been described in the United States, but data are largely lacking in Europe and notably in France. The present study's objectives were (1) to assess DS use and its sociodemographic, lifestyle, and dietary correlates in a large sample of French cancer survivors; (2) to evaluate the involvement of physicians in such DS use; and (3) to assess the extent of potentially harmful practices. Data were collected by self-administered web-based questionnaires among participants of the NutriNet-Santé cohort. Data on DS use was available for 1081 cancer survivors. DS users were compared to non-users with unconditional logistic regressions. DS use was reported by 62% of women and 29% of men. Vitamins D, B6, C and Mg were the most frequently consumed nutrients. 14% of cancer survivors initiated DS use after diagnosis. For 35% of the DS consumed, subjects did not inform their attending physician. DS use was associated with a healthier lifestyle (normal weight, never smoking and better diet) and substantially contributed to nutrient intake. 18% of DS users had potentially harmful DS use practices, such as the simultaneous use of vitamin E and anticoagulant/antiplatelet agents, the use of ß-carotene and smoking or the use of phyto-oestrogens in hormone-dependent cancer patients. The present study suggests that DS use is widespread among cancer survivors, a large amount of that use is performed without any medical supervision and a substantial proportion of that use involves potentially harmful practices. Physicians should be encouraged to more routinely discuss DS use with their cancer patients.

How computer literacy and socioeconomic status affect attitudes toward a Web-based cohort: results from the NutriNet-Santé study.

BACKGROUND: In spite of the growing literature in the field of e-epidemiology, clear evidence about computer literacy or attitudes toward respondent burden among e-cohort participants is largely lacking. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the computer and Internet skills of participants in the NutriNet-Santé Web-based cohort. We then explored attitudes toward the study demands/respondent burden according to levels of computer literacy and sociodemographic status. METHODS: Self-reported data from 43,028 e-cohort participants were collected in 2013 via a Web-based questionnaire. We employed unconditional logistic and linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Approximately one-quarter of participants (23.79%, 10,235/43,028) reported being inexperienced in terms of computer use. Regarding attitudes toward participant burden, women tended to be more favorable (eg, "The overall website use is easy") than were men (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.59-0.71, P<.001), whereas better educated participants (>12 years of schooling) were less likely to accept the demands associated with participation (eg, "I receive questionnaires too often") compared to their less educated counterparts (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.48-1.76, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of participants had low computer/Internet skills, suggesting that this does not represent a barrier to participation in Web-based cohorts. Our study also suggests that several subgroups of participants with lower computer skills (eg, women or those with lower educational level) might more readily accept the demands associated with participation in the Web cohort. These findings can help guide future Web-based research strategies.

Dietary total and insoluble fiber intakes are inversely associated with prostate cancer risk.

Although experimental data suggest a potentially protective involvement of dietary fiber in prostate carcinogenesis, very few prospective studies have investigated the relation between dietary fiber intake and prostate cancer risk, and those have had inconsistent results. Our objective was to study the association between dietary fiber intake (overall, insoluble, soluble, and from different sources, such as cereals, vegetables, fruits, and legumes) and prostate cancer risk. Stratifications by excess weight status, insulin-like growth factors, and amount of alcohol intake were also considered. This prospective analysis included 3313 men from the Supplémentation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants (SU.VI.MAX) cohort who completed at least 3 24-h dietary records. One hundred thirty-nine incident prostate cancers were diagnosed between 1994 and 2007 (median follow-up of 12.6 y). Associations between quartiles of energy-adjusted dietary fiber intake and prostate cancer risk were characterized by multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. Prostate cancer risk was inversely associated with total dietary fiber intake (HR of quartile 4 vs. quartile 1 = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.81; P = 0.001), insoluble (HR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.78; P = 0.001), and legume (HR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.95; P = 0.04) fiber intakes. In contrast, we found no association between prostate cancer risk and soluble (P = 0.1), cereal (P = 0.7), vegetable (P = 0.9), and fruit (P = 0.4) fiber intakes. In conclusion, dietary fiber intake (total, insoluble, and from legumes but not soluble or from cereals, vegetables, and fruits) was inversely associated with prostate cancer risk, consistent with mechanistic data.

Plasma carotenoids and retinol and overall and breast cancer risk: a nested case-control study.

Experimental studies suggest that carotenoids and retinol may play a role in carcinogenesis, but epidemiological evidence is lacking. We investigated the prospective associations between plasma concentrations of major carotenoids and retinol, and overall and breast cancer risk. A nested case-control study included all first incident cancer cases diagnosed in the SU.VI.MAX cohort between 1994 and 2002 (n = 159 cases, 1 matched control/case). Baseline plasma concentrations of carotenoids and retinol were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Conditional logistic regression was used to assess odds ratios for an increase of 0.1 µmol/L [odds ratio (OR)] and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Plasma ß-carotene (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.90-0.99, Ptrend = 0.04) and ß-cryptoxanthin concentrations (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.81-0.99, Ptrend = 0.03) were inversely associated with overall cancer risk. Plasma ß-cryptoxanthin concentration was inversely associated with breast cancer risk (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.71-0.96, Ptrend = 0.02). The OR between plasma lycopene concentration and overall cancer risk was 1.07 (0.99-1.15), Ptrend = 0.06. This association turned significant (Ptrend = 0.01) when excluding cancer cases diagnosed during the first year of follow-up. This prospective study suggests an inverse association between plasma concentrations of ß-cryptoxanthin and both overall and breast cancer risk, and an inverse association between ß-carotene and overall cancer risk. The direct association between lycopene concentration and cancer risk deserves further investigation.

Prospective associations between serum biomarkers of lipid metabolism and overall, breast and prostate cancer risk.

Experimental studies provided evidence about mechanisms by which cholesterol, especially high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), could influence carcinogenesis, notably through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, prospective studies that investigated the associations between specific lipid metabolism biomarkers and cancer risk provided inconsistent results. The objective was to investigate the prospective associations between total cholesterol (T-C), HDL-C, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoproteins A1 (apoA1) and B, and triglycerides and overall, breast and prostate cancer risk. Analyses were performed on 7,557 subjects of the Supplémentation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants Study, a nationwide French cohort study. Biomarkers of lipid metabolism were measured at baseline and analyzed regarding the risk of first primary incident cancer (N = 514 cases diagnosed during follow-up, 1994-2007), using Cox proportional hazards models. T-C was inversely associated with overall (HR(1mmol/L increment) = 0.91, 95 % CI 0.82-1.00; P = 0.04) and breast (HR(1mmol/L increment) = 0.83, 95 % CI 0.69-0.99; P = 0.04) cancer risk. HDL-C was also inversely associated with overall (HR(1mmol/L increment) = 0.61, 95 % CI 0.46-0.82; P = 0.0008) and breast (HR(1mmol/L increment) = 0.48, 95 % CI 0.28-0.83; P = 0.009) cancer risk. Consistently, apoA1 was inversely associated with overall (HR(1g/L increment) = 0.56, 95 % CI 0.39-0.82; P = 0.003) and breast (HR(1g/L increment) = 0.36, 95 % CI 0.18-0.73; P = 0.004) cancer risk. This prospective study suggests that pre-diagnostic serum levels of T-C, HDL-C and ApoA1 are associated with decreased overall and breast cancer risk. The confirmation of a role of cholesterol components in cancer development, by further large prospective and experimental studies, may have important implications in terms of public health, since cholesterol is already crucial in cardiovascular prevention.

Sociodemographic, lifestyle and dietary correlates of dietary supplement use in a large sample of French adults: results from the NutriNet-Santé cohort study.

Information on the determinants of dietary supplement (DS) use in France is largely lacking, especially in population subgroups such as smokers. Also, little is known about the role of health professionals in DS purchases. The aim of the present study was to describe DS use along with its sociodemographic, lifestyle and dietary correlates in a large sample of French adults (age 18+years) participating in the NutriNet-Santé cohort study. Data were collected by self-administered Internet questionnaires. Food intakes were assessed by 24 h dietary records. Data on DS use were available for 79,786 participants. Supplement users were compared with non-users by logistic regression. Current DS use at least three times/week was reported by 14·6% of men and 28·1% of women. Mg, and vitamins B6 and C were the most frequently consumed nutrients. DS were prescribed or recommended by a physician in 54·9% of the cases. DS use was positively associated with knowledge of nutritional recommendations and organic product consumption, following a healthier diet and lifestyle (non-smoker, moderate leisure-time physical activity). Current smokers used less DS than did non-smokers, but their DS consumption was substantial (19·0%) and they were more likely to self-medicate. The present study provides updated and detailed information on DS use determinants in a large French cohort, including a focus on smokers, for whom the long-term effects of DS use are poorly documented and could represent a risk. These findings pave the way for future aetiological studies.

Acute Effect of a Saffron Extract (Safr'InsideTM) and Its Main Volatile Compound on the Stress Response in Healthy Young Men: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study.

According to animal studies, saffron and its main volatile compound safranal may reduce biological and behavioral signs of acute stress. However, little is known about its impact in humans. This study investigated the acute effect of a saffron extract and safranal on the biological and psychological stress responses in healthy men experiencing a laboratory stress procedure. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, cross-over study, 19 volunteers aged 18-25 received a single dose of 30 mg saffron extract (Safr'InsideTM), 0.06 mg synthetic safranal, or a placebo on three visits separated by a 28-day washout. Thirteen minutes after administration, participants were exposed to the Maastricht acute stress test (MAST). Salivary cortisol and cortisone were collected from 15 min before the MAST (and pre-dose), 3 min before the MAST, and then 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 min after the MAST, and stress and anxiety were measured using visual analogic scales. Compared to the placebo, stress and anxiety were significantly toned down after Safranal and Safr'InsideTM administration and coupled with a delay in the times to peak salivary cortisol and cortisone concentrations (p < 0.05). Safr'InsideTM and its volatile compound seem to improve psychological stress response in healthy men after exposure to a lab-based stressor and may modulate the biological stress response.

Plasma carotenoids and risk of depressive symptomatology in a population-based cohort of older adults.

BACKGROUND: As part of a healthy diet, higher carotenoid intakes have been associated with a reduced risk of depression, mainly in adults, while prospective studies on plasma carotenoids in older adults are lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the prospective association between plasma carotenoids and the risk of Depressive Symptomatology (DS) in older adults. METHODS: The study sample was based on the Three-City cohort of adults aged 65y+ free from DS at enrollment in 1999. Plasma carotenoids were measured at baseline. DS was assessed every 2-3 years over 17 years and defined by a Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale score ≥ 16 and/or by antidepressant use. The association between plasma carotenoids or carotenoid/lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) ratio and the risk for DS was assessed through multiple random-effect logistic regression. RESULTS: The study sample was composed of 1010 participants (mean age 74 y (±4.9), 58 % of women) followed-up during a median time of 13.4 years. Plasma zeaxanthin and ratios of zeaxanthin/lipids, lutein+zeaxanthin/lipids and ß-carotene/lipids were independently associated with a significant reduced risk of DS over time (Odds ratio (OR) = 0.81, 95 % Confidence Interval (CI) [0.67;0.99], OR = 0.79 [0.67;0.98], OR = 0.79 [0.64;0.94] and OR = 0.80 [0.66;0.97] for +1 standard deviation of each exposure respectively). LIMITATIONS: Plasma carotenoids were only available at study baseline. CONCLUSION: Focusing on circulating carotenoids and considering lipids levels, the present results suggested an association between higher levels of plasma zeaxanthin, combined lutein+zeaxanthin and ß-carotene and a decreased risk of DS over time in older adults.

Effects of a polyphenol-rich grape and blueberry extract (Memophenol™) on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Background: Polyphenols are naturally occurring organic compounds found in plants. Research suggests that their intake reduces the risk of cognitive decline and related dementias. Grapes and blueberries are polyphenol-rich foods that have attracted attention for their potential cognitive-enhancing effects. Purpose: Examine the effects of supplementation with a standardized and patented polyphenol-rich grape and blueberry extract (Memophenol™) on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Study design: Two-arm, 6 month, parallel-group, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Methods: One hundred and forty-three volunteers aged 60 to 80 years with mild cognitive impairment were supplemented with either 150 mg of Memophenol™, twice daily or a placebo. Outcome measures included computer-based cognitive tasks, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-A), the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire, and the CASP-19. Results: Compared to the placebo, Memophenol™ supplementation was associated with greater improvements in the speed of information processing (p = 0.020), visuospatial learning (p = 0.012), and the BRIEF-A global score (p = 0.046). However, there were no other statistically significant between-group differences in the performance of other assessed cognitive tests or self-report questionnaires. Memophenol™ supplementation was well-tolerated with no reports of significant adverse reactions. Conclusion: The promising results from this trial suggest that 6-months of supplementation with Memophenol™ may improve aspects of cognitive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment. Further research will be important to expand on the current findings and identify the potential mechanisms of action associated with the intake of this polyphenol-rich extract.