Nutritional composition, lipid profile and stability, antioxidant activities and sensory evaluation of pasta enriched by linseed flour and linseed oil.

Pasta assortments fortified with high quality foods are a modern nutritional trends. This study, explored the effects of fortification with linseed flour (LF) and linseed oil (LO) on durum wheat pasta characteristics. Wheat flour semolina was replaced with 5%, 10% and 15% of LF or 1%, 2.5% and 5% of LO. Control pasta CP (without LF or LO addition), LF-enriched pasta LFP 5%, LFP 10% and LFP 15% and LO-enriched pasta LOP 1%, LOP 2.5% and LOP 5% was compared for the proteins, fat and phenolic contents and fatty acids (FA) profile. Impact on lipid oxidation and sensory evaluation were also determined. Fortification of pasta with LF improved significantly (p < 0.05) the contents of protein, fat and phenolic compared to CP whereas the enrichment of pasta with LO resulted in a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the content of fat and a significant decrease in protein and phenolic contents. All the formulations decreased the saturated FA percent and increased the polyunsaturated FA percent with enhancement of omega-3 FA content. Antioxidant activity measured by FRAP and DPPH assays was improved after the fortification. For lipid oxidation, the replacement of semolina by LF or LO promoted an increase (p < 0.05) on TBARS values in level-dependent manner. Regarding sensory evaluation, the two types of fortification did not affect the taste; flavor and aroma of cooked pasta, but LOP 5% showed the highest score of the overall acceptability. The results recommended the possibility of producing pasta supplemented with LF or LO (even at a level of 15% and 5% respectively) as a functional food.

Analysis of the current vitamin A terminology and dietary regulations from vitamin A1 to vitamin A5.

Dietary recommendations on vitamin intake for human food fortification concerning vitamin A in various countries, larger economic zones and international organizations are mainly based on the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) "Codex Alimentarius standards". The general vitamin A terminology is based on regulations of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) that are used to describe the involved derivatives. These regulations and terminology were set up in the middle of the last century. Starting with the decade of the 80ies in the 20th century a large improvement of molecular biological methodologies, background physiological mechanisms as well as analytical techniques contributed to a large diversification of this simply claimed vitamin A terminology. Unfortunately, the following terminology and governmental regulations for food fortification are imprecise and non-harmonized. In this article we tried to unravel this terminology for updating terminology, nutritional suggestions and governmental regulations for vitamin A, which are currently based on various uncertainties. According to the current regulations, the newly found vitamin A5/X can be included in the current vitamin A terminology as "vitamin A5" or alternatively or even in parallel as a new vitamin A-independent terminology as "vitamin X". Based on the detailed knowledge of research from the early beginning of general vitamin A pathway identification towards detailed research of the last decades the commonly used and simplified term vitamin A with relevance for governmental recommendations on vitamin intake and food fortification advice was now more correctly sub-categorized to further vitamin A1, and A5 sub-categories with vitamin A1-alcohol as retinol, vitamin A2-alcohol as 3,4-didehydroretinol and vitamin A5-alcohol as 9-cis-13,14-dihydroretinol as their mainly relevant vitamin forms present in the human organism. Here we suggest and advise how the vitamin A terminology and further governmental regulations should be organized depending on a successful unraveling of the organization of the current vitamin A terminology.

Food Fortification With Folic Acid for Prevention of Spina Bifida and Anencephaly: The Need for a Paradigm Shift in Evidence Evaluation for Policy-Making.

Context-specific evidence evaluation is advocated in modern epidemiology to support public health policy decisions, avoiding excessive reliance on experimental study designs. Here we present the rationale for a paradigm shift in evaluation of the evidence derived from independent studies, as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies, applying Hill's criteria (including coherence, plausibility, temporality, consistency, magnitude of effect, and dose-response) to evaluate food fortification as an effective public health intervention against folic acid-preventable (FAP) spina bifida and anencephaly (SBA). A critical appraisal of evidence published between 1983 and 2020 supports the conclusion that food fortification with folic acid prevents FAP SBA. Policy-makers should be confident that with mandatory legislation, effective implementation, and periodic evaluation, food fortification assures that women of reproductive age will safely receive daily folic acid to significantly reduce the risk of FAP SBA. Current evidence should suffice to generate the political will to implement programs that will save thousands of lives each year in over 100 countries.

Zinc Biofortification in Food Crops Could Alleviate the Zinc Malnutrition in Human Health.

Micronutrient malnutrition is a global health issue and needs immediate attention. Over two billion people across the globe suffer from micronutrient malnutrition. The widespread zinc (Zn) deficiency in soils, poor zinc intake by humans in their diet, low bioavailability, and health consequences has led the research community to think of an economic as well as sustainable strategy for the alleviation of zinc deficiency. Strategies like fortification and diet supplements, though effective, are not economical and most people in low-income countries cannot afford them, and they are the most vulnerable to Zn deficiency. In this regard, the biofortification of staple food crops with Zn has been considered a useful strategy. An agronomic biofortification approach that uses crop fertilization with Zn-based fertilizers at the appropriate time to ensure grain Zn enrichment has been found to be cost-effective, easy to practice, and efficient. Genetic biofortification, though time-consuming, is also highly effective. Moreover, a Zn-rich genotype once developed can also be used for many years without any recurring cost. Hence, both agronomic and genetic biofortification can be a very useful tool in alleviating Zn deficiency.

Inadequacy of nutrients and contaminants found in porridge-type complementary foods in Rwanda.

Child malnutrition remains persistently high in Rwanda. Complementary foods play a key role in young child nutrition. This study explores the quality and safety of complementary food products available in the Rwandan market. Ten of the most consumed porridge-type complementary food products in Rwanda have been analysed. Mean values of macronutrient and micronutrient contents were compared against three international standards and evaluated against label claims. Mean mycotoxin, microbiological, and pesticide contamination were compared with maximum tolerable limits. Mean energy density (385 kcal/100 g) and total fat content (7.9 g/100 g) were lower than all three international benchmarks. The mean fibre content of 8.5 g/100 g was above the maximum recommended amount of Codex Alimentarius and more than double the amount claimed on labels. Mean levels of vitamin A (retinyl palmitate, 0.54 mg/100 g) and vitamin E (α-tocopherol, 3.7 mg/100 g) fell significantly short of all three standards, whereas calcium and zinc requirements were only partially met. Average iron content was 12.1 mg/100 g. The analysis revealed a mean aflatoxin contamination of 61 µg/kg, and high mold and yeast infestation. Escherichia coli and pesticide residues were found, whereas no heavy metals could be quantitated. Overall, complementary food products in Rwanda show inadequate nutrient contents and high aflatoxin and microbial contamination levels. Improved regulation and monitoring of both local and imported products are needed to improve the quality and safety of complementary foods in Rwanda.

[Justification of the need to normalize vitamin D status for immunoprophylaxis].

Currently, there is an increase in the resistance of microorganisms to the available arsenal of antimicrobial drugs, which makes it necessary to maintain and stimulate the body's own immune-protective properties. The main extraskeletal effect of vitamin D activity is associated with the homeostasis of the immune system. The role of vitamin D in reducing the risk of infection with infectious agents has been studied for a long time. Literature search on the effective use of vitamin D for immunoprophylaxis was carried out in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, clinicaltrials.gov databases over the past 10 years for related keywords: vitamin D, immunoprophylaxis. Vitamin D stimulates the synthesis of antimicrobial peptides, cathelicidins and defensins, which exhibit broad-spectrum activity against viruses, bacteria and fungal infections; reduces the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines; increases the concentration of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Vitamin D is also involved in cell differentiation, maturation and proliferation of immune cells. The article presents the literature review in order to justify additional intake of vitamin D in case of diagnosis of its deficiency and insufficiency for the purpose of immunoprophylaxis in children and adults, especially in risk groups (elderly age, pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases of respiratory, endocrine and urinary systems, gastrointestinal tract, and infectious diseases). Inclusion of vitamin D in the diet as a dietary supplement, as well as fortification of products with it, can be an effective measure to reduce the risk of both morbidity and mortality, especially during the period of quarantine measures.

Sensory preferences of supplemented food products among cancer patients: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Oral nutritional supplements and fortified foods, here considered supplemented food products (SFP), are recommended as part of nutrition therapy guidelines to treat malnutrition among cancer patients. However, their successful use is limited by patients' failure to meet recommended intakes. This systematic review aimed to identify sensory preferences for SFP among cancer patients and evaluate the methodologies employed in sensory preference assessment. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in several relevant databases yielding 1056 papers of which 19 met the inclusion criteria. Two authors independently selected papers and extracted findings. The included papers were categorized according to the focus of the preference assessment. RESULTS: Studies comparing sensory preferences for SFP of cancer patients with those of a control group suggested that the liking for SFP by cancer patients differs from healthy participants. Patient heterogeneity in site and stage of tumor, variation in study methodologies, and type of treatment complicated a conclusion regarding the effects of cancer treatment and taste changes on taste preferences. However, some general results were observed among the studies, such as the preference for fresh milk-based supplements when compared with other supplement types. CONCLUSION: This review highlighted the need for consistent reporting and control of variables that influence the sensory characteristics of SFP when sensory preferences are assessed in the clinical setting. Attention to these methodological details will enhance the reliability and accuracy of sensory preference assessment among cancer patients for realistic evaluation of SFP targeted to their nutritional needs.

Immobilization of Naringinase from Penicillium decumbens on Chitosan Microspheres for Debittering Grapefruit Juice.

Naringinase is an enzyme complex which exhibits α-l-rhamnosidase and ß-d-glucosidase activity. This enzymatic complex catalyzes the hydrolysis of naringin (4',5,7-trihydroxy flavanone 7-rhamnoglucoside), the main bittering component in grapefruit. Reduction of the level of this substance during the processing of juice has been the focus of many studies. The aim of the study was the immobilization of naringinase on chitosan microspheres activated with glutaraldehyde and, finally, the use of such immobilized enzyme for debittering grapefruit juice. The effect of naringinase concentration and characterization of the immobilized enzyme compared to the soluble enzyme were investigated. The maximum activity was observed at optimum pH 4.0 for both free and immobilized naringinase. However, the optimum temperature was shifted from 70 to 40 °C upon immobilization. The KM value of the immobilized naringinase was higher than that of soluble naringinase. The immobilization did not change the thermal stability of the enzyme. The immobilized naringinase had good operational stability. This preparation retained 88.1 ± 2.8% of its initial activity after ten runs of naringin hydrolysis from fresh grapefruit juice. The results indicate that naringinase immobilized on chitosan has potential applicability for debittering and improving the sensory properties of grapefruit juices.

Commercially produced complementary foods in Bandung City, Indonesia, are often reported to be iron fortified but with less than recommended amounts or suboptimal forms of iron.

Commercially produced complementary foods (CPCF) that are iron fortified can help improve iron status of young children. We conducted a review of 217 CPCF sold in 42 stores in Bandung, Indonesia, in 2017. There were 95 (44%) infant cereals, 71 (33%) snacks or finger foods (biscuits or cookies, puffs, and noodles or crackers), 35 (16%) purees, and 16 (7%) other foods for which we obtained label information. Nearly 70% of CPCF reported iron content on their labels, but only 58% of products were reported to be fortified with iron according to ingredient lists. Among iron-fortified products, only one fifth indicated a specific type of iron used as the fortificant, but all of these were recommended by the World Health Organization for fortifying complementary foods. Infant cereal was more likely to contain added iron (81%) compared with snacks or finger food (58%) and purees (14%) and had higher iron content per median serving size (cereal = 3.8 mg, snacks or finger food = 1.3 mg, mixed meals = 2.7 mg, and purees = 0.9 mg). Infant cereal was most likely to meet the recommended daily intakes for iron (41% for infants 6-12 months of age and 66% for children 12-36 months) compared with snacks or finger food (infants = 14%, children = 22%), mixed meals (infants = 28%, children = 46%), or purees (infants = 9%, children = 15%). Regulations on fortification of complementary foods need to specify minimum levels and forms of iron and require reporting in relation to requirements by child age and serving size. Monitoring and enforcement of regulations will be essential to ensure compliance.

Predicting chemical, enzymatic and nutritional properties of fermented barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) by second derivate spectra analysis from attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared data and its nutritional value in Japanese quails.

Nutrient concentrations, enzyme activities, viable probiotic counts and organic acid levels of fermented barley (FB) produced by solid state fermentation (SSF) and of its unfermented counterpart (unfermented barley (UFB)) were determined by quantitative methods, and compared with the second derivate spectra analysis (SDSA) of their attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared measurements. Moreover, in order to test the nutritional value of FB and UFB feeds, 3-d old Japanese quails were fed FB or UFB at 400 g/kg diet for 4 weeks. Chemical analysis indicated that FB had significantly increased crude protein, ether extract and ash contents, associated with lowered fibre and sugar contents, as compared with UFB. IR spectra pattern of FB and UFB samples were similar, but their SDSA parameters, particularly peak areas, differed significantly. The differences between FB and UFB in peak areas were highly correlated with the differences between two feeds in lipid, protein, total fibre, starch and sugar contents (p < 0.05). Furthermore, SDSA analysis found new peak areas only available in FB samples, indicating fortification with new biomolecules due to the effect of SSF. Feeding the FB containing diet for 3 or 4 weeks enhanced growth performance significantly and increased the carcass yield of quails, indicating its nutritional benefits in young growing quails. The results indicated that the further analysis of IR spectra data revealed important information on the chemical and biological properties of feed materials, which are found to be highly correlated with the results of compositional analysis and their biological value in animal model.

Lebanese children are iodine deficient and urinary sodium and fluoride excretion are weak positive predictors of urinary iodine.

PURPOSE: To assess iodine and fluoride status among Lebanese children. METHODS: A nationally representative cross-sectional study of 6- to 10-year-old schoolchildren was conducted using multistage cluster sampling. Spot urine samples were collected from 1403 children, and urinary iodine, fluoride, creatinine and sodium levels were measured. Salt samples from markets (n = 30) were tested for iodine concentration by titration. RESULTS: Median urinary iodine concentration was 66.0 µg/l, indicating mild deficiency, and almost 75 % of Lebanese children had a urinary iodine concentration (UIC) <100 µg/l. UIC was higher among children from private schools and in areas of higher socioeconomic status. Most salt samples were fortified at levels far below the legislated requirement, and 56 % of samples contained less than 15 ppm iodine. Fluoride-to-creatinine ratio (F/Cr) was 0.250 (0.159-0.448) mg/g. There were weak positive correlations between UIC and urinary sodium (r 2 = 0.039, P value <0.001) and UIC and urinary fluoride (r 2 = 0.009, P value <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Lebanese elementary school children are iodine deficient due to inadequately iodized salt. The weak correlation between UIC and urinary sodium suggests most dietary iodine does not come from iodized salt. The poor correlation between UIC and urinary fluoride suggests that fluoride intake is not affecting iodine metabolism. Efforts are needed in Lebanon to improve industry compliance with salt fortification through improved monitoring and enforcement of legislation.

The legislative framework for salt iodization in Asia and the Pacific and its impact on programme implementation.

OBJECTIVE: Fortification of food-grade (edible) salt with iodine is recommended as a safe, cost-effective and sustainable strategy for the prevention of iodine-deficiency disorders. The present paper examines the legislative framework for salt iodization in Asian countries. DESIGN: We reviewed salt iodization legislation in thirty-six countries in Asia and the Pacific. We obtained copies of existing and draft legislation for salt iodization from UNICEF country offices and the WHO's Global Database of Implementation of Nutrition Actions. We compiled legislation details by country and report on commonalities and gaps using a standardized form. The association between type of legislation and availability of iodized salt in households was assessed. RESULTS: We identified twenty-one countries with existing salt iodization legislation, of which eighteen were mandatory. A further nine countries have draft legislation. The majority of countries with draft and existing legislation used a mandatory standard or technical regulation for iodized salt under their Food Act/Law. The remainder have developed a 'stand-alone' Law/Act. Available national surveys indicate that the proportion of households consuming adequately iodized salt was lowest in countries with no, draft or voluntary legislation, and highest in those where the legislation was based on mandatory regulations under Food Acts/Laws. CONCLUSIONS: Legislation for salt iodization, particularly mandatory legislation under the national food law, facilitates universal salt iodization. However, additional important factors for implementation of salt iodization and maintenance of achievements include the salt industry's structure and capacity to adequately fortify, and official commitment and capacity to enforce national legislation.

Severe acute malnutrition.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The mortality and morbidity associated with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remain high. A summary of recent studies that are of interest to clinicians treating children with SAM is provided. RECENT FINDINGS: Three important themes emerged in 2015: the use of anthropometry in the diagnosis of SAM and its correlation with body composition; the composition of ready-to-use therapeutic feeds (RUTF); and an improved understanding of the pathophysiology of SAM. SUMMARY: Standard anthropometry does not accurately predict body composition and mid-upper arm circumference more accurately reflects fat mass in children. As single measure, mid-upper arm circumference identifies those children who are most likely to die from SAM and is not influenced by dehydration. However, a significant proportion of SAM children requiring treatment will not be detected. Present RUTF formulations are deficient in long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Current evidence suggests that preformed docosahexaenoic acid should be added and/or the content of linoleic acid reduced in RUTF. In contrast to an animal model, stabile children with SAM have the same cardiac index as children without SAM. The situation in haemodynamically unstable children is unknown, continued conservative use of intravenous fluids seems advisable. A reduction in variability of the faecal DNA virome may account for increased susceptibility to malnutrition in vulnerable children.

Global Birth Prevalence of Spina Bifida by Folic Acid Fortification Status: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Birth defects remain a significant source of worldwide morbidity and mortality. Strong scientific evidence shows that folic acid fortification of a region's food supply leads to a decrease in spina bifida (a birth defect of the spine). Still, many countries around the world have yet to approve mandatory fortification through government legislation. OBJECTIVES: We sought to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of period prevalence of spina bifida by folic acid fortification status, geographic region, and study population. SEARCH METHODS: An expert research librarian used terms related to neural tube defects and epidemiology from primary research from 1985 to 2010 to search in EMBASE and MEDLINE. We searched the reference lists of included articles and key review articles identified by experts. SELECTION CRITERIA: Inclusion criteria included studies in English or French reporting on prevalence published between January 1985 and December 2010 that (1) were primary research, (2) were population-based, and (3) reported a point or period prevalence estimate of spina bifida (i.e., prevalence estimate with confidence intervals or case numerator and population denominator). Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts for eligible articles, then 2 authors screened full texts in duplicate for final inclusion. Disagreements were resolved through consensus or a third party. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, or PRISMA, abstracting data related to case ascertainment, study population, folic acid fortification status, geographic region, and prevalence estimate independently and in duplicate. We extracted overall data and any subgroups reported by age, gender, time period, or type of spina bifida. We classified each period prevalence estimate as "mandatory" or "voluntary" folic acid fortification according to each country's folic acid fortification status at the time data were collected (as determined by a well-recognized fortification monitoring body, Food Fortification Initiative). We determined study quality on the basis of sample representativeness, standardization of data collection and birth defect assessment, and statistical analyses. We analyzed study-level period prevalence estimates by using a random effects model (α level of < 0.05) for all meta-analyses. We stratified pooled period prevalence estimates by birth population, fortification status, and continent. RESULTS: Of 4078 studies identified, we included 179 studies in the systematic review and 123 in a meta-analysis. In studies of live births (LBs) alone, period prevalences of spina bifida were (1) lower in geographical regions with mandatory (33.86 per 100,000 LBs) versus voluntary (48.35 per 100,000 LBs) folic acid fortification, and (2) lower in studies of LBs, stillbirths, and terminations of pregnancy in regions with mandatory (35.22 per 100,000 LBs) versus voluntary (52.29 per 100,000 LBs) fortification. In LBs, stillbirths, and terminations of pregnancy studies, the lowest pooled prevalence estimate was in North America (38.70 per 100,000). Case ascertainment, surveillance methods, and reporting varied across these population-based studies. CONCLUSIONS: Mandatory legislation enforcing folic acid fortification of the food supply lags behind the evidence, particularly in Asian and European countries. This extensive literature review shows that spina bifida is significantly more common in world regions without government legislation regulating full-coverage folic acid fortification of the food supply (i.e., Asia, Europe) and that mandatory folic acid fortification resulted in a lower prevalence of spina bifida regardless of the type of birth cohort. African data were scarce, but needed, as many African nations are beginning to adopt folic acid legislation.

Human Milk Banking.

Human milk banks play an essential role by providing human milk to infants who would otherwise not be able to receive human milk. The largest group of recipients are premature infants who derive very substantial benefits from it. Human milk protects premature infants from necrotizing enterocolitis and from sepsis, two devastating medical conditions. Milk banks collect, screen, store, process, and distribute human milk. Donating women usually nurse their own infants and have a milk supply that exceeds their own infants' needs. Donor women are carefully selected and are screened for HIV-1, HIV-2, human T-cell leukemia virus 1 and 2, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis. In the milk bank, handling, storing, processing, pooling, and bacterial screening follow standardized algorithms. Heat treatment of human milk diminishes anti-infective properties, cellular components, growth factors, and nutrients. However, the beneficial effects of donor milk remain significant and donor milk is still highly preferable in comparison to formula.

Safety profile of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 of herbal origin in broiler chicken.

INTRODUCTION: The safety of supplementing broiler feed with a standardised herbal extract, Solanum Glaucophyllum Standardised Leaves (SGSL) containing glycosylated 1a,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and standardised to contain 10 µg/g 1,25(OH)2D3 equivalent, was examined in two studies. In a first study, we examined the potential of SGSL to substitute vitamin D3 (VD3) and the tolerated dose range of SGSL when applied without concomitant VD3 by analyzing performance and blood chemical parameters after 14, 25 and 38 days on diets containing two doses of SGSL (1 and 10 g/kg feed) as source of 1,25(OH)2D3. In the second study, the no adverse effect level of SGSL was determined by analyzing the same parameters after 35 days on diets containing basic VD3 supply and in addition 0.2, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 g of SGSL/kg feed. We showed that SGSL was able to substitute VD3 in broilers as far as the performance parameters were concerned. Also, we found that the no adverse effect level is at least 4 g SGSL/kg feed when used with moderate doses of VD3. This is 20 times higher than the upper limit of the commercially recommended dose. We concluded that SGSL is a safe feed additive to use in broiler chicken.

INTRODUCTION: Dans la cadre de deux études, on a examiné la sécurité de l'extrait de plante standardisé Solanum Glaucophyllum Standardised Leaves (SGSL) comme complément alimentaire chez les poulets d'engraissement. Le SGSL contient de façon standardisée 10 µg/g de 1,25(OH)2D3 sous forme glycolysée. Dans la première étude, on a examiné le potentiel d'action en tant que remplaçant de la vitamine D3 (VD3) et le domaine de dose de SGSL toléré, ceci en ne donnant que du SGSL sans addition de VD3 . On a examiné la performance et les paramètres de chimie sanguine après 14, 25 et 38 jours d'affouragement de deux doses différentes (1 et 10 g/kg d'aliment) de SGSL comme source de 1,25(OH)2D3. Dans la seconde étude, on a recherché le No Adverse Effect Level sur la base des mêmes paramètres après 35 jours avec une alimentation contenant, outre une quantité modérée de VD3, 0.2, 1.0, 2.0 et 4.0 g de SGSL/kg. On a pu démontrer que le SGSL peut remplacer la vitamine D3 chez les poulets d'engraissement en ce qui concerne les performances étudiées. Le No Adverse Effect Level se situait aux environs d'au moins 4g de SGSL/kg d'aliment lorsqu'il était associé avec des quantités modérées de Vitamine D3. Cette dose est vingt fois supérieure à la dose maximale recommandée par le fabriquant. Nous en déduisons que le SGSL est un complément alimentaire sûr pour les poulets d'engraissement.

[The analysis of domestic and international policy of food fortification with vitamins].

Fortification of food products of mass consumption with vitamins is a modern, most cost-effective, efficient and physiological way to improve the vitamin status of the population. Free or voluntary enrichment on the initiative of producers is used in the industrialized countries at low risk for inadequate population intake of micronutrients. Enrichment of products of mass consumption is almost always mandatory, legislative consolidated, while target enrichment of foods intended for different groups can be both mandatory and voluntary The criteria for the effectiveness of mandatory food fortification are an increase of certain vitamin consumption, reduce of the relative number of people with inadequate intake of certain micronutrients, improvement of micronutrient sufficiency (blood level), enhancement of biomarkers of some alimentar diseases, reduction of the frequency of congenital defects (neural tube defect). Assessment of risk/benefit ratio indicates safety of mandatory fortification of flour with B vitamins. In Russia, the regulatory framework for food fortification (enrichment levels, forms of vitamins) has been yet laborated. But initiative enrichment, held in Russia, does not give the desired result. An urgent need for legislative mandatory fortification of products consumed by the majority of the population (bread, milk) with B vitamins (the lack of which is the most frequently detected in the population of Russia) arose in a lack of knowledge of the population about the benefits of fortified foods and lack of preference in the selection of such products.

Optimization and characterization of gluten-free spaghetti enriched with chickpea flour.

This work was focused on the optimization and characterization of maize-based spaghetti fortified with chickpea flour. To the aim, the study has been organized in two subsequent trials. In the first one, the chickpea flour amount added to the spaghetti was continuously increased until the overall sensory quality of pasta reached its sensory threshold. Spaghetti samples loaded with 15% chickpea flour showed poor elasticity and increased firmness, so this concentration represented the highest chickpea flour concentration to be used. The second experimental step was aimed to improve the overall sensory quality of the enriched spaghetti by means of hydrocolloids as pectin, guar flour and agar. Final pasta was characterized for the nutritional composition, the glycemic response and the main quality attributes. The best results were obtained by the addition of guar flour.

Effect of emulsifier and viscosity on oil separation in ready-to-use therapeutic food.

Oil separation is a common food quality problem in ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), the shelf-stable, peanut-based food used to treat severe acute malnutrition in home settings. Our objective was to evaluate the effect on oil separation of three emulsifiers at different concentrations in RUTF. We also assessed two viscosity measurements. A scale-up experiment was carried out during full-scale RUTF production in Malawi. Results indicate that viscosity is inversely correlated with oil separation, and that the Bostwick consistometer is a simple, useful tool to predict viscosity. Oil separation in RUTF may be mitigated by use of an emulsifier, which increases the viscosity of the product. The emulsifier that reduced oil separation to the greatest extent was a mixture of high and low monoacylglycerol (MAG) emulsifiers. Proper raw material quality control to achieve consistent ingredient fat level and fat type, and production temperature and shearing control should be a focus in RUTF manufacturing.