The national health program for vitamin D supplementation in a developing country.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported a high frequency of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) among different age groups in Iran. AIMS: In this study, the current coverage, status of vitamin D supplement taking, and program efficacy have been evaluated by the Office of Nutrition Department Society in Iran since 2014. METHODS: This study was conducted in collaboration with the International UNESCO center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition and the Office of Nutrition Department Society. Sixty three medical universities were included in the current study to calculate the availability, accessibility and acceptability coverages. Furthermore, 3 medical universities including Mashhad (MUMS), Qom (QUMS) and Zahedan (ZAUMS) University of Medical Sciences were selected based on the results of the National Integrated Micronutrient Survey 2012 (NIMS-II study), in order to assess the status of vitamin D supplement intake in all age ranges. RESULTS: Quantitative analysis showed that availability coverage was 74.96% and 77.56% and accessibility was 80.70% and 83.26% in elderly and middle-aged subjects, respectively in 2018. The acceptability was approximately 43.7% and 43.9% among elderly and middle-aged participants, respectively. The availability and acceptability coverage was 80.99% and 85.0% among students in high schools. The mean vitamin D supplement uptake frequency was 27.0% (n = 387); 20.7% and 29.2% in rural and urban area, respectively (P = 0.001). The results showed that there was no significant difference in serum vitamin D levels between urban (20.41 ± 6.43 ng/ml) and rural areas, (P = 0.887). There was no significant difference in the serum vitamin D concentrations between men and women (P = 0.461). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of taking vitamin D supplements was 27.0% in Iran in 2018. The frequency of taking of vitamin D supplements among vitamin D deficient group (serum vitamin D levels <19.99 ng/ml) was 43.6%. Lack of knowledge was the most important reason for not taking vitamin D supplement. Moreover, the serum vitamin D levels have increased in subjects aged 18-30 years old after the implementation of the vitamin D supplementary program.

The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Lipid and Inflammatory Profile of Healthy Adolescent Boys: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Deficiency of vitamin D, an anti-inflammatory micronutrient with some favorable effects on lipid profiles, has been found to be highly prevalent in adolescents. We aimed to investigate the effect of a school-based vitamin D supplementation regimen on the correction of vitamin D deficiency as well as lipid and inflammatory profiles of healthy adolescent boys. METHODS: In this randomized single-blind placebo-controlled trial, seventy-one healthy adolescent boys (age 17 years old) were recruited from one high school in Tehran, Iran, and randomly assigned to two groups. The supplement group received vitamin D pearls at a dose of 50,000 IU monthly for 6 months, this dose is indeed defined by the Ministry of Health in Iran for a potential national school-based vitamin D supplementation program. The other group was given placebo pearls for the same duration. Before and after the treatment, the serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH) D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), retinol, lead (Pb), the lipid profile and the inflammatory biomarkers were measured and compared. RESULTS: Between-groups statistical analysis showed that a dose (50,000 IU/month) vitamin D significantly increased the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D) (p < 0.001) and decreased serum levels of PTH (p = 0.003). No significant change was observed in serum levels of retinol and Pb. Between-group analysis revealed that the serum levels of TG (P = 0.001) decreased while an increase in serum levels of HDL (p = 0.021) was observed (p < 0.05). Both the within- and between-group analysis showed that serum tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) concentration declined while serum interleukin-10 (IL-10) increased in response to vitamin D supplementation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A supplementation regimen of (50,000 IU/month) vitamin D in a context with high rates of vitamin deficiency has shown positive impacts on the serum vitamin D, lipid profile and inflammatory biomarkers in healthy adolescent boys.

Rationale and Plan for Vitamin D Food Fortification: A Review and Guidance Paper.

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to musculoskeletal diseases such as rickets and osteomalacia, but vitamin D supplementation may also prevent extraskeletal diseases such as respiratory tract infections, asthma exacerbations, pregnancy complications and premature deaths. Vitamin D has a unique metabolism as it is mainly obtained through synthesis in the skin under the influence of sunlight (i.e., ultraviolet-B radiation) whereas intake by nutrition traditionally plays a relatively minor role. Dietary guidelines for vitamin D are based on a consensus that serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations are used to assess vitamin D status, with the recommended target concentrations ranging from ≥25 to ≥50 nmol/L (≥10-≥20 ng/mL), corresponding to a daily vitamin D intake of 10 to 20 µg (400-800 international units). Most populations fail to meet these recommended dietary vitamin D requirements. In Europe, 25(OH)D concentrations <30 nmol/L (12 ng/mL) and <50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL) are present in 13.0 and 40.4% of the general population, respectively. This substantial gap between officially recommended dietary reference intakes for vitamin D and the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the general population requires action from health authorities. Promotion of a healthier lifestyle with more outdoor activities and optimal nutrition are definitely warranted but will not erase vitamin D deficiency and must, in the case of sunlight exposure, be well balanced with regard to potential adverse effects such as skin cancer. Intake of vitamin D supplements is limited by relatively poor adherence (in particular in individuals with low-socioeconomic status) and potential for overdosing. Systematic vitamin D food fortification is, however, an effective approach to improve vitamin D status in the general population, and this has already been introduced by countries such as the US, Canada, India, and Finland. Recent advances in our knowledge on the safety of vitamin D treatment, the dose-response relationship of vitamin D intake and 25(OH)D levels, as well as data on the effectiveness of vitamin D fortification in countries such as Finland provide a solid basis to introduce and modify vitamin D food fortification in order to improve public health with this likewise cost-effective approach.

Effects of an enhanced iron dense foods offering in the daily meals served in geriatric institutions on measures of iron deficiency anemia.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of anemia in geriatric patients. Although the oral iron intake is often inadequate, the potential of iron dense foods in the daily meals of geriatric institutions is rarely considered. To test during a 1- year span whether an improved frequency of iron dense foods in the daily meals has an impact on the oral iron intake, the hemoglobin concentration and anemia prevalence of institutionalized geriatric patients. A parallel, open, pre-and post-oral nutrition intervention study. Two geriatric hospitals participated as intervention centers and one as comparison center. METHODS: In the two intervention centers, a menu plan adapted with iron dense foods was applied. In the comparison center the regular meals provisions was continued. At months 1, 6 and 12 of the intervention time the routine blood-parameter hemoglobin was taken from the geriatric hospital's medical report. Component analysis assessed the nutrient density of the offered meals. 2-day-weighing records realized at month 1 and 6 of intervention-time assessed the iron intake. Ninety-nine geriatric patients in the intervention centers and 37 in the comparison center. All of them had multiple chronic diseases and an average age of 84 years. With the non-parametric Friedmann-Test for repeated measurements, we establish differences within the groups. With the Mann-Whitney-U-Test, we establish differences between the groups. For dichotomous variables, the chi-square-test was used. A p-value of< 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analyses. RESULTS: In the intervention centers the iron intake (p < 0.001) and the hemoglobin concentration (p = 0.002) improved significantly (p < 0.001). As in the comparison center the frequency of meat and sausage offerings was twice as much as recommended also the hemoglobin concentration improved (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Geriatric patients with anemia or low hemoglobin level benefit optimally from a diet rich in iron dense foods. Enhanced access to such can indeed correct iron deficiency anemia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The ethics committee of the Municipality of Vienna ( EK-13-043-0513 ) approved the study.

Animal Proteins as Important Contributors to a Healthy Human Diet.

Adequate protein intake is critical for health and development. Generally, protein of animal origin is of higher quality for humans owing to its amino acid pattern and good digestibility. When administered in mixtures it can enhance the quality of plant proteins, but its availability is often low in low-income communities, especially in young children, the elderly, and pregnant and lactating women, who have increased requirements and in whom high-quality protein also stimulates (bone) growth and maintenance. Although high protein intake was associated with increased type 2 diabetes mellitus risk, milk and seafood are good sources of branched chain amino acids and taurine, which act beneficially on glucose metabolism and blood pressure. However, high consumption of protein-rich animal food is also associated with adverse health effects and higher risk for noncommunicable diseases, partly related to other components of these foods, like saturated fatty acids and potential carcinogens in processed meat but also the atherogenic methionine metabolite homocysteine. In moderation, however, animal proteins are especially important for health maintenance in vulnerable persons.

Iron-fortified flour: can it induce lipid peroxidation?

This community-based study was conducted to evaluate the effects of iron-fortified bread consumption on certain biomarkers of oxidative stress in an apparently healthy population. Evaluation of food intake, anthropometric and laboratory variables was performed in the beginning and after the 8-month intervention for all participants. There was no significant change in oxidative stress biomarkers in women following 8 months intervention. However, in men, final values of total antioxidant capacity, compared to the initial ones, showed a significant decrease in (p = 0.01) which was accompanied by a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (p = 0.002). It could be concluded that although the short-term period (8 months) of extra iron intake did not show severe effects of lipid per oxidation, significant changes of serum iron and some oxidative stress indices suggested that fortification of flour with iron among non-anemic adults in the long term was not without adverse effects.

Nutritional supplements and plasma antioxidants in childhood asthma.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the relationship of plasma antioxidants to airway inflammation and systemic oxidative stress in children suffering from atopic asthma with consideration of the intake of nutritional supplements. SUBJECTS AND RESEARCH METHODS: A total of 35 asthmatic children (AG) and 21 healthy controls (CG) participated in this study. Plasma levels of vitamins A and E, ß-carotene, coenzyme Q10 and malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured photometrically, and selenium was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The volume of fractionated exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was measured with the NIOX nitric oxide monitoring system. RESULTS: The plasma antioxidants vitamins A and E, selenium, and coenzyme Q10 but not ß-carotene were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in asthmatics than in controls. Further, asthmatic children had significantly reduced plasma concentrations of TAC (p < 0.01), significantly enhanced levels of MDA (p < 0.001), and exhaled a significantly (p < 0.001) higher mean volume of FENO than healthy children. Regular intake of supplements had a significant positive influence on plasma vitamin E (p < 0.01), selenium (p < 0.01), TAC (p < 0.05), MDA (p < 0.01), and FENO (p < 0.01) in asthmatics but not in controls. Additionally, significant negative associations of vitamin E and MDA (AG: p < 0.01; CG: p < 0.05), and vitamin E and FENO (AG: p < 0.05; CG: p > 0.05) were identified. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that nutritional supplements beneficially modulate plasma antioxidants and thus might have a positive influence on systemic redox balance and subsequently, pulmonary inflammation in asthmatic children.

Behaviour change for better health: nutrition, hygiene and sustainability.

As the global population grows there is a clear challenge to address the needs of consumers, without depleting natural resources and whilst helping to improve nutrition and hygiene to reduce the growth of noncommunicable diseases. For fast-moving consumer goods companies, like Unilever, this challenge provides a clear opportunity to reshape its business to a model that decouples growth from a negative impact on natural resources and health. However, this change in the business model also requires a change in consumer behaviour. In acknowledgement of this challenge Unilever organised a symposium entitled 'Behaviour Change for Better Health: Nutrition, Hygiene and Sustainability'. The intention was to discuss how consumers can be motivated to live a more healthy and sustainable lifestlye in today's environment. This article summarises the main conclusions of the presentations given at the symposium. Three main topics were discussed. In the first session, key experts discussed how demographic changes - particularly in developing and emerging countries - imply the need for consumer behaviour change. The second session focused on the use of behaviour change theory to design, implement and evaluate interventions, and the potential role of (new or reformulated) products as agents of change. In the final session, key issues were discussed regarding the use of collaborations to increase the impact and reach, and to decrease the costs, of interventions. The symposium highlighted a number of key scientific challenges for Unilever and other parties that have set nutrition, hygiene and sustainability as key priorities. The key challenges include: adapting behaviour change approaches to cultures in developing and emerging economies; designing evidence-based behaviour change interventions, in which products can play a key role as agents of change; and scaling up behaviour change activities in cost-effective ways, which requires a new mindset involving public-private partnerships.

Long-term consequences of iron-fortified flour consumption in nonanemic men.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Despite the advantages of fortifying flour with iron, there are still special concerns regarding the possible adverse effects of the extra iron consumed by nonanemic individuals. This study aimed to investigate the oxidative stress and iron status following 8 and 16 months of consumption of iron-fortified flour in nonanemic men. METHODS: In a before-and-after intervention study, 78 nonanemic apparently healthy 40- to 65-year-old men were randomly selected from Semnan, in the northeast of Iran. Data were collected at three time points. Evaluation of oxidative stress biomarkers as well as the assessment of iron status was performed in all three stages. After baseline data collection, the flour fortification program was started with 30 mg/kg iron as ferrous sulfate. RESULTS: After 16 months, serum iron levels had significantly increased from 102.9 ± 31.5 µg/dl (baseline) to 117.2 ± 29.8 µg/dl (p < 0.001). The mean total antioxidant capacity (1.71 ± 0.10 µM) was significantly lower than that at baseline (1.83 ± 0.17 µM; p < 0.01). Among other oxidative stress biomarkers, only superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity increased significantly compared to the beginning of the study (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The results of this study did not show any symptoms of iron overload after 8 and 16 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our data did not support the safety of flour fortification with 30 mg/kg iron as ferrous sulfate as a community-based approach to control iron deficiency in nonanemic healthy men.

Activities of antioxidant enzymes in relation to oxidative and nitrosative challenges in childhood asthma.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between antioxidant enzyme activities, extent of airway inflammation, and systemic oxidative stress in children suffering from atopic asthma. METHODS: A total of 35 asthmatic (AG) and 21 healthy children (CG) participated in this study. The volume of fractionated exhaled NO (Fe(no)) was measured with the NIOX test system. The activities of the erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined photometrically. Plasma interleukin (IL)-6 was measured using ELISA; malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were analyzed using HPLC. RESULTS: Compared to healthy controls, asthmatic children exhaled a significantly (p < .001) higher mean volume of Fe(no), had significantly reduced plasma concentrations of TAC (p = .006), and significantly enhanced levels of MDA (p < .001) and IL-6 (p = .012). SOD (p = .027), CAT (p < .001), and GSH-Px (p = .005) were significantly less active in the asthma group and significantly negatively associated with Fe(no) (SOD/Fe(no): p = .017; CAT/Fe(no): p = .008; GSH-Px/Fe(no): p = .001); the oxidative stress marker MDA showed such correlations in both investigated groups (SOD/MDA: AG: p = .001, CG: p = .381; CAT/MDA: AG: p = .003, CG: p = .020; GSH-Px/MDA: AG: p = .006, CG: p = .011). Furthermore, there was a significant (p< .01) positive correlation between MDA/Fe(no) and MDA/IL-6 observed in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that inflammation of the bronchial tree, reflected by increased NO formation in the airways and enhanced systemic oxidative stress, is related to an alteration of antioxidant enzyme activities in childhood asthma. Modulating the activity of antioxidant enzymes may therefore have beneficial effects on pulmonary and systemic antioxidant defense mechanisms and could reduce airway inflammation and oxidative stress in asthmatics.

Immune-stimulating effects of lactic acid bacteria in vivo and in vitro.

The health-promoting effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are well recognised, making them a popular functional food ingredient. Commercially available probiotic products are often promoted as capable of improving immune defences also in healthy subjects. However, while strain-specific differences exist in the effects of LAB, conventional yoghurt bacteria have proved beneficial as well. For comparing the immunological effects of conventional and probiotic LAB, young healthy women received either a commercially available probiotic fermented milk product or a conventional yoghurt for four weeks. Both treatments showed comparable effects resulting in a stronger immunological reaction to stimuli (natural cytotoxicity against cancer cells, mitogen-induced T-lymphocyte activation and stimulated cytokine production). To study the mechanisms behind these effects, conventional (Lactobacillus delbrueckii) and probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG), LAB were compared in vitro at the cellular level. Interestingly, L. rhamnosus GG was more potent in inducing maturation of dendritic cells (DC) that play a substantial role in directing the immune response to stimuli. In turn, L. delbrueckii provoked a higher secretion of proinflammatory cytokines as well as IL-10. These effects were, however, observed only after direct incubation of DC and LAB, not when both were separated by a layer of enterocyte-like Caco-2 cells. LAB also induced cytokine secretion in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in a similar manner and this effect was reduced in a Caco-2 cell model, suggesting a modulating influence of gut epithelial cells. While both conventional and probiotic strains modulate the immune response, specific properties may offer therapeutic options in the treatment of certain diseases.

Oxidative stress among non-anemic adults following flour fortification with iron: baseline data.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that food fortification might be an inexpensive, simple and effective way to control and prevent iron deficiency and its related anemia in many countries. Despite the advantages of this approach and the fact that it has been implemented in some provinces in Iran for more than 6 years, many scientists in the country worry about the negative aspects of the extra iron distributed among non-anemic persons in the community. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to assess the effect of the flour fortification program on oxidative stress biomarkers and iron status among non-anemic 40- to 65-year-old adults. STUDY DESIGN: This study had a special design that was implemented in 3 different parts. The main and first part was a field study. We randomized 2 cities in 1 province. In each city, 200 volunteers (100 men and 100 women) were selected using a multi-stage stratified method. Examination and interview (filling out data collection forms) were the methods of data gathering. In each of the 3 phases, demographic, anthropometric, blood pressure, micro- and macronutrient intakes, physical activities, and some oxidative stress biomarkers were the main data that were gathered. The results of this study can help health policy makers in designing future interventions in the country based on food fortification.

Body composition, changing physiological functions and nutrient requirements of the elderly.

Age has an important impact on body composition. The decreases of lean body mass and total body water accompanied by an increase of body fat are the most relevant changes leading to a reduction of the basal metabolic rate. Due to this and the fact that elderly people are generally less physically active, energy needs are lower. However, the requirements for most micronutrients are not reduced. Indeed, impaired absorption of some vitamins and minerals like cobalamin and calcium can cause deficiencies. An adequate calcium supply is particularly important as with ongoing age, bone mass decreases as well, making elderly prone to osteoporosis. The reduced ability to synthesize vitamin D and the lower sunlight exposure of many elderly further aggravate this issue. There is evidence to consider the supply of some important dietary antioxidants as critical in some elderly, namely vitamin C and beta-carotene as well as zinc. In light of age-related decreases in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, a sufficient supply of dietary antioxidants is important, especially as oxidative damage is thought to contribute to the deteriorating processes associated with aging and promote cardiovascular disease, cognitive disorders, cancer and diabetes mellitus that occur more frequently in older people. The first three are also associated with an insufficiency of folate, another critical nutrient in the elderly. Therefore, dietary guidelines should strive to optimize the immune function and reduce disease risk of the elderly.

The Women's Health Initiative. What is on trial: nutrition and chronic disease? Or misinterpreted science, media havoc and the sound of silence from peers?

The first results of the Women's Health Initiative dietary intervention trial were published in the USA in February. This is a colossal intervention designed to see if diets lower in fat and higher in fruits, vegetables and grains than is usual in high-income countries reduce the incidence of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, heart disease and other chronic diseases, in women aged 50-79 years. As interpreted by US government media releases, the results were unimpressive. As interpreted by a global media blitz, the results indicate that food and nutrition has little or nothing to do with health and disease. But the trial was in key respects not reaching its aims, was methodologically controversial, and in any case has not produced the reported null results. What should the public health nutrition profession do about such messes?

Attitudes of Austrian adults to the consumption of fruits and vegetables.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies confirm that high fruit and vegetable intake correlates with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, various kinds of cancer and other disease. Based on these results authorized bodies worldwide recommend to eat more fruits and vegetables, e.g., the 'five a day' campaign. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Through 24-hour dietary recalls (studies 2000-02) the intake of 2,318 Austrian adults (19-65 years) were examined. 38.5% participants were male and 61.5% female. RESULTS: Austrian adults consume on average 248 +/- 316 g vegetables per day. The most popular vegetables are leafy, fruit and root vegetables. Pulses are seldom eaten. Women consume (252 +/- 184 g) slightly more vegetables than men (242 +/- 192 g). One fourth (26%) of the investigated subjects eat lower than 100 g vegetables, 21% consume amounts between 100 and 200 g and more than half (53%) eat more than 200g daily. Approximately half of the vegetable intake is consumed fresh and the other cooked, frozen vegetables are not often used by our study subjects. The daily intake of fruit is about 119 +/- 156 g. Men consume significantly lower quantities (107 +/- 159 g) of fruits than women (127 +/- 154 g) (p < 0.001). Half (51%) of the examined adults eat less than 100 g fruit per day, 23% between 100 and 200 g and only 26% more than the recommended 200 g. Most of the fruit is consumed fresh, frozen fruits and fruits in cans are not very popular. The favorite fruits are stone fruits, followed by citrus and berry fruits. Juice of fruits and vegetables was consumed in amounts of 56.7 +/- 151.3 ml/day. The daily intake of fruit and vegetable nectar is about 130.0 +/- 264.9 ml. If the amounts of juice and nectar are added to the average intake of fruit and vegetables, the whole quantity of fruit and vegetable intake is satisfying. CONCLUSION: Our survey shows that the investigated Austrian adults are not far away from reaching the minimum goal of 400 g fruit and vegetable intake per day. Nevertheless, 16% consumed less than 200 g vegetables and fruit. To improve health benefits, a higher intake of varied fruit and vegetables should be achieved.

Gamma-tocopherol--an underestimated vitamin?

The main research activities of the last decades on tocopherols were mainly focused on alpha-tocopherol, in particular when considering the biological activities. However, recent studies have increased the knowledge on gamma-tocopherol, which is the major form of vitamin E in the diet in the USA, but not in Europe. gamma-Tocopherol provides different antioxidant activities in food and in-vitro studies and showed higher activity in trapping lipophilic electrophiles and reactive nitrogen and oxygen species. The lower plasma levels of gamma- compared to alpha-tocopherol might be discussed in the light of different bioavailability, but also in a potential transformation from gamma- into alpha-tocopherol. From the metabolism end product, only that of gamma-tocopherol (2,7,8-trimethyl-2-(beta-carboxyethyl)-6-hydroxychroman), but not that of alpha-tocopherol, was identified to provide natriuretic activity. Studies also indicate that only the gamma-tocopherol plasma level served as biomarker for cancer and cardiovascular risk. Therefore, this paper provides a comprehensive review on gamma-tocopherol with emphasis on its chemistry, biosynthesis, occurrence in food, different intake linking to different plasma levels in USA and Europe, absorption and metabolism, biological activities, and possible role in human health.

Impact of antiseptics on radical metabolism, antioxidant status and genotoxic stress in blood cells: povidone-iodine versus octenidine dihydrochloride.

No sufficient data are available of the of antiseptics' influence on human blood cells. Effects of two antiseptics, povidone-iodine (PVD-I) versus octenidine dihydrochloride (OD), were tested on antioxidant status, radical formation, antioxidant defence enzymes and genotoxic stress in blood cells, in vitro. Human blood was taken by venipuncture, enriched with PVD-I or OD (0.0001-20% final concentration) and incubated at 37 degrees C between 30 and 120 min. alpha-Tocopherol was assessed in erythrocytes and granulocytes. Superoxide-dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) were determined in erythrocytes, the total anti-oxidative capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in their ghosts. In granulocytes status of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), superoxide anions and MDA was observed. Genotoxic stress was determined by counting sister chromatide exchanges (SCE) in lymphocytes after enrichment within 0.05-0.4% of antiseptics. Based on all biomarker tested, concentrations up to 0.05% incubated for 30 min did not affect cell metabolism. 1% and 10% PVD-I reduced the activity of SOD (-40%), GSH (-62%) and the content of alpha-tocopherol more than OD (p<0.05). No significant differences between the antiseptics were observed for TAC and MDA. H(2)O(2) and superoxide anions were significantly reduced after the 10% addition for both substances independent on the exposure. Without having changes in lipid oxidation, the reduction of antioxidative defence mechanisms must be due to the oxidation caused by the antiseptics, mainly PVD-I. An increased SCE rate was neither observed with PVD-I nor with OD within an enrichment with 0.05-0.4%. Higher concentrations (1% and more) could not be tested on SCE formation because they caused cell bursts. The results presented indicate that concentrations up to 0.05% incubated for 30 min are safe for exposing blood cells of healthy subjects.

Plasma antioxidants and lipid oxidation after submaximal resistance exercise in men.

BACKGROUND: An increased generation of reactive oxygen species occurs during exercise. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: We investigated whether changes in plasma antioxidants and lipid oxidation products after submaximal resistance exercise are detectable, and whether training status has any effect on changes. METHODS: Seven resistance trained (RT, 31.3 +/- 10.2 yrs) and ten non-resistance trained male subjects (NRT, 28.2 +/- 3.9 yrs) performed a submaximal resistance exercise circuit (10 different exercises, 75% of 1-repetition maximum, 18.6 +/- 1.1 minutes). Blood samples were taken before and immediately after exercise. Plasma antioxidants (AO), lipid oxidation products malondialdehyde (MDA) and conjugated dienes (CD) were measured using HPLC and/or photometric detection. Groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test, the exercise effect was tested using the Wilcoxon signed ranks test. P < 0.05 was regarded as significant. RESULTS: alpha-Tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, beta-carotene, lycopene, ascorbic acid,MDA and CD concentrations did not differ between groups at rest. There was a similar increase of fat soluble plasma AO in both groups after exercise, but not ascorbic acid. MDA increased also in both groups after exercise, but CD increased only in NRT. CONCLUSION: There is no difference in plasma AO and lipid oxidation products in RT and NRT at rest. After short time resistance exercise there is a mobilization of fat soluble AO. Despite mobilization of AO, oxidative stress occurs during submaximal resistance exercise, which is indicated by increased MDA and CD concentrations. As exercise induced an increase of CD only in NRT, it seems that regular resistance training partly prevents lipid peroxidation during exercise.

Effects of alpha-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherols on the autoxidation of purified rapeseed oil triacylglycerols in a system containing low oxygen.

Controversial data on the antioxidant effects of tocopherols have already been shown in different test systems, yet delta-tocopherol was hardly considered. This study was designed to assess the effects and degradation of alpha-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol in four concentrations from between 0.01 and 0.25% on the oxidation of purified rapeseed oil trigacylglycerols (RO-TAG) at 40 degrees C in the dark in a low oxygen containing system for 11 weeks. Oxidation experiments were performed weekly by assessing primary (peroxide value, PV; conjugated dienes, CD) and secondary (p-anisidine reactive products, p-AV; hexanal) oxidation products, the degree of unsaturation with the iodine value (IV), and the stability of tocopherols. Test approaches were performed with and without the addition of 0.01% alpha,alpha'-azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN), which is a known radical initiator. alpha- and gamma-Tocopherols increased the rate of lipid oxidation, which was more pronounced in the presence of AIBN. Only the lowest amount of 0.01% gamma-tocopherol was comparable to the control sample in the test without AIBN. The most effective was shown to be delta-tocopherol, which did not elevate lipid oxidation except the PV in the AIBN test, but they did not delay it either. delta-Tocopherol was the most stable followed by gamma- and alpha-tocopherol. For alpha- and gamma-tocopherol, but not for delta-tocopherol, strong correlations were found between the tocopherol degradation and the extent of oxidation. Results suggest that (i). at concentrations higher than 0.05%, tocopherols are less efficient and turn their mode of action or participate in side reactions in RO-TAG and (ii). delta-tocopherol was shown to be the most stable and effective under these low oxygen conditions.

Biological relevance of terpenoids. Overview focusing on mono-, di- and tetraterpenes.

The role of fruit and vegetables in human nutrition and public health are taken into account in most nutritional recommendations. Fruit and vegetables contain an abundance of phenolic substances, terpenoids and other natural antioxidants that have been associated with protection from and treatment of chronic diseases such as heart disease or cancer. Terpenoids are a group of substances which occur in nearly every natural food. Their main subclasses discussed as beneficial to maintain and improve health are monoterpenes (like limonene, carvone or carveol), diterpenes (including the retinoids), and tetraterpenes (which include all different carotenoids like alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthine and cryptoxanthine). To be discussed as health promoting or biofunctional, the significant impact of a substance either on human metabolism or on well-defined and appropriate biomarkers must be shown. Based on the latter point, this paper reviews the literature on mono-, di- and tetraterpenes, with special focus on their impact on human health to answer the question of their biofunctionality. Special emphasis will be placed on their different mode of action, e.g. to affect oxidative stress, carcinogenesis and cardiovascular diseases.