Milky Stage Versus Dough Stage of Immature Wheat Grain: Effects on Phytic Acid and Fructan Contents, Antioxidant Activity, Textural Parameters, and Sensory Characteristics of Set-Type Yoghurts

HIGHLIGHTS Yoghurts were supplemented with milky and dough stage wheat grain flours. Total antioxidant capacity was improved by wheat grain flour supplementation. Milky stage wheat provided higher fructan content than that of dough stage wheat. Fermentation reduced phytic acid levels in yoghurts containing wheat grain flours.

Abstract Experimental design was performed by using immature wheat grain (IWG) harvested in two different maturation stages for set-type yoghurt production. IWG was harvested at milky (20 days after anthesis) and dough (30 days after anthesis) stages and was milled. Yoghurt samples were supplemented with milky stage grain flour (MSGF) and dough stage grain flour (DSGF) at 1, 2, and 3% concentrations except for control. All treatments were evaluated with respect to physicochemical, antioxidative, microbiological, textural, and sensorial aspects throughout the 28 days of storage. Phytic acid content of all samples diminished depending on increasing pH values over the storage while it was found higher in MSGF fortified yoghurts. The highest fructan content was determined in yoghurt fortified with 3% MSGF. Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of yoghurts were improved with IWG fortification. MSGF showed higher antioxidant activity as compared to DSGF. On the other hand, DSGF addition presented better water holding capacity in comparison with MSGF. Likewise, DSGF provided higher firmness and consistency values. Firmness was enhanced with IWG supplementation by reducing syneresis except 1% MSGF added samples. The addition of IWG was found to slightly increase the growth of yoghurt bacteria. Both DSGF and MSGF had adverse effect on the sensory characteristics of yoghurts with their increasing concentrations. Based on the results of this study, to obtain better textural properties and higher antioxidant activity, IWG in different ripening stages can be tried with half combinations (total 3%) in yoghurt. Also, sensorial properties can be improved by flavoring agents.

Fructanos tipo inulina: efecto en la microbiota intestinal, la obesidad y la saciedad / Inulin-type fructans: effect on gut microbiota, obesity and satiety

RESUMEN Fundamento: Los fructanos tipo inulina de cadena corta se nombran fructooligosacáridos (FOS) y son considerados prebióticos al beneficiar la salud del huésped. Objetivo: Analizar tres de los más importantes beneficios a la salud de los fructanos tipo inulina como prebióticos. Metodología: Se revisaron documentos publicados en diferentes bases de datos (PubMed, Medline, NCBI) en idioma inglés. Se escogieron los que aportaron datos sobre la influencia de los prebióticos en la microbiota intestinal, la obesidad y la saciedad. Se utilizó el método de análisis documental para evaluar los resultados de diferentes ensayos clínicos. Resultados: Se revisaron un total de 70 artículos, de los cuales se seleccionaron 49 que contenían ensayos clínicos controlados y evidencias sobre los efectos beneficiosos en la salud de los fructanos tipo inulina. Conclusiones: Los fructanos tipo inulina en general, y los fructooligosacáridos en particular, al ser fermentados en el tracto gastrointestinal producen ácidos grasos de cadena corta; estos productos de la fermentación favorecen el desarrollo de microorganismos beneficiosos en detrimento de otros perjudiciales. De igual forma los ácidos grasos de cadena corta pueden regular el metabolismo de los lípidos y la sensación de saciedad.

ABSTRACT Background: Short-chain inulin-type fructans (ITF) are named fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and considered prebiotics to benefit the health of the host. Objective: To analyze three of the most important health benefits of inulin-type fructans as prebiotics. Methodology: Documents published in different databases (PubMed, Medline, NCBI) in English were reviewed. Those which provided data on the influence of prebiotics on the gut microbiota, obesity and satiety were chosen. The documentary analysis method was used to evaluate the results of different clinical trials. Results: A total of 70 articles were reviewed, of which 49 were selected and contained controlled clinical trials and evidence of the beneficial health effects of inulin-type fructans. Conclusions: Inulin-type fructans in general, and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) in particular, when fermented in the gastrointestinal tract produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFA); these fermentation products favor the development of beneficial microorganisms to the detriment of other harmful ones. Similarly, short chain fatty acids can regulate lipid metabolism and satiety.

Effect of aqave oliqofructose feed on eqq production from layinq hens / Efecto de oligofructosa de agave en dietas de gallinas ponedoras en la producción de huevos

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine egg production in laying hens treated with oligofructose from agave. Materials and methods. Eighteen weeks old Hy-line W-36 hens (n = 300) were distributed randomly into 3 treatment groups: no feed supplementation (control) or feed supplementation with 0.1% of 0.2% oligofructose from agave (OFA). Hens were monitored from development until 30 weeks of egg laying. Results. A significant (p<0.05) increase in the percent of egg-laying hens as well as increased in egg weight and egg quality occurred in hens from the OFA treatment groups relative to the control hens. Significantly lower levels (p<0.05) of fecal putrescine were observed in hens from the OFA treatment groups. Conclusions. The oligofructose from agave may be used as an alternative feed additive in laying hens.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar la producción de huevos en gallinas tratadas con oligofructosa de agave (OFA). Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaron 300 gallinas de la línea genética Hy-line w-36, de 18 semanas de nacidas, distribuidas aleatoriamente en tres tratamientos con cuatro repeticiones de 25 gallinas cada uno. Los tratamientos consistieron en tres niveles de OFA, 0, 0.1 y 0.2% en alimento. La prueba duró desde las 18 hasta las 30 semanas de postura. Resultados. Se presentó un incremento significativo (p<0.05) en el porcentaje de postura y peso del huevo, así como en índices de calidad del huevo a favor de tratamientos con OFA. Se encontraron valores significativamente (p<0.05) más bajos de putrescina fecal en las gallinas tratadas con OFA. Conclusiones. El uso de la OFA en gallinas ponedoras puede ser una alternativa como aditivo en la alimentación.

Characterization of ruminal acidosis and initial phase of laminitis inducted by oligofructose in crossbred calves / Caracterização da acidose ruminal e da fase inicial da laminite induzidas por oligofrutose em bezerros mestiços

One of the ways to study cattle laminitis is its experimental induction by supplying a large amount of high fermentation carbohydrate. The most effective protocol until now has been the use of oligofructose. The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical and histological aspects of the hoof in experimental induction of ruminal acidosis and laminitis in calves using oligofructose. Six crossbred (Bos taurus x Bos indicus) yearling calves divided into Group I (GI) and Group II (GII) were used. Animals in GI and GII received intraruminal oligofructose in doses of 13 and 17g/kg, respectively. During 28 hours the calves were clinically evaluated and 30 hours after induction, samples were taken from coronary and abaxial wall of the hoof for histologic evaluation. Were noticed signs of ruminal and metabolic acidosis like rumen distension with fluid, diarrhea, ruminal pH reduction and, at blood gas analysis, pH and bicarbonate below reference range. Lameness was not observed however, some animals had a slower gait and apathy, possibly due to metabolic acidosis, though. Histologically, typical lesions of laminitis like circulatory changes and inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis, irregularities and areas of detachment at basement membrane and morphologic changes in cells from basal epidermis were found. The protocol induced, in the first 30 hours, clinical signs of ruminal and metabolic acidosis and low grade histologic lesions in the digits. Lameness and digit pain were not observed, characterizing the prodromic phase of the disease.(AU)

Uma das formas de se estudar a laminite bovina é sua indução experimental por meio do fornecimento de grande quantidade de carboidrato de alta fermentação. O protocolo mais eficaz até o momento foi o uso de oligofrutose. Objetivou-se avaliar aspectos clínicos e histológicos dos dígitos de bovinos na indução experimental de acidose ruminal e laminite usando oligofrutose. Utilizaram-se seis bezerros mestiços (Bos taurus x Bos indicus) de um ano, divididos em Grupo I (GI) e Grupo II (GII). Os animais em GI e GII receberam oligofrutose por via intrarruminal nas doses de 13 e 17g/kg respectivamente. Os bovinos foram avaliados clinicamente por 28 horas e fragmentos de coroa e muralha abaxial dos dígitos foram colhidos para histologia 30 horas após a indução. Foram identificados sinais de acidose ruminal e metabólica como distensão ruminal com líquido, diarreia e baixo pH ruminal. Os resultados de hemogasometria indicaram baixos pH e nível plasmático de bicarbonato. Os animais não apresentaram claudicação, entretanto, observaram-se apatia e marcha mais lenta, atribuídas à acidose metabólica. Histologicamente foram observadas lesões indicativas de laminite como alterações circulatórias e infiltrado inflamatório na derme, irregularidades e áreas de destacamento da membrana basal e alterações morfológicas de células da epiderme basal. O protocolo induziu, nas primeiras 30 horas, sinais de acidose ruminal e metabólica e lesões histológicas de baixa intensidade nos dígitos. Não foi observada claudicação ou sensibilidade nos dígitos, caracterizando a fase prodrômica da enfermidade.(AU)

Frutanos tipo inulina associados à dieta de cafeteria: efeito no perfil cardiometabólico de ratos Wistar / Inulin-type fructan associated with cafeteria diet: effect on the cardiometabolic profile of Wistar rats

A dieta de cafeteria foi desenvolvida a fim de mimetizar a dieta ocidentalizada, uma vez que esta associa-se a desordens no perfil cardiovascular, como dislipidemias, hiperglicemia, acúmulo de gordura corporal, entre outros. Os frutanos tipo inulina (FTI) são fibras solúveis categorizados como prebióticos. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar os efeitos da dieta de cafeteria associadas aos FTI sobre o perfil cardiometabólico em ratos Wistar. Para tanto, utilizou-se 30 animais. Os FTI purificados, bem como, provenientes da matriz alimentar (yacon em pó), foram adicionados a seus respectivos grupos experimentais na dose de 6%, durante 30 dias. As variáveis analisadas foram: composição centesimal e conteúdo de FTI, ganho de peso (GP), peso relativo do ceco (PRC), peso relativo do fígado (PRF), consumo alimentar, glicemia, triglicerídeos, colesterol total, HDL-c, LDL-c, tecido adiposo subcutâneo e visceral (epididimal, retroperitoneal e mesentérica). Todas as análises seguiram os protocolos padronizados. A análise estatística foi realizada no software Sigma Stat 4.0 e teste de normalidade de Shapiro-Wilk, testes descritivos, ANOVA ou teste de Kruskal-Wallis seguidos dos testes de comparação de médias de Duncan ou Dunn's. O nível de significância adotado foi de p<0,05. A variável PRC foi estatisticamente maior nos grupos submetidos aos FTI. O grupo que recebeu dieta de cafeteria apresentou valores superiores no GP, VLDL, triglicerídeos, tecido adiposo subcutâneo e epididimal. Não houve diferença estatística nos parâmetros PRF, colesterol total, LDL-c, HDL-c e glicemia. Portanto, através deste trabalho, verificou-se efeitos sistêmicos benéficos dos FTI em parâmetros como: PRC, GP, VLDL, triglicerídeos, tecido adiposo(AU)

The cafeteria diet was developed in order to mimic the western diet, since it is associated with disorders in the cardiovascular profile, such as dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, accumulation of body fat, among others. Inulin-type fructan (ITF) are soluble fibers categorized as prebiotics. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of ITF associated with cafeteria diet on the cardiometabolic profile in Wistar rats. For this, 30 animals were used. The purified ITFs, as well as from the food matrix (yacon powder), were added to their respective experimental groups at a dose of 6% for 30 days. The analyzed variables were: centesimal composition and ITF content, weight gain (WG), relative weight of cecum (RWC), relative liver weight (RLW), dietary intake, glycemia, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL -c, subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue (epididimal, retroperitoneal and mesenteric). All analyzes followed the standardized protocols. Statistical analysis was performed using the Sigma Stat 4.0 software and a Shapiro-Wilk normality test, descriptive tests, ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Duncan or Dunn's averages comparison tests were performed. The level of significance was set at p <0.05. The RWC variable was statistically higher in the groups submitted to FTI. The group that received a cafeteria diet presented higher values in WG, VLDL, triglycerides, subcutaneous and epididimal adipose tissue. There was no statistical difference in the parameters RLW, total cholesterol, LDL-c, HDL-c and glycemia. Therefore, through this work, beneficial systemic effects of ITF were observed in parameters such as: RWC, WG, VLDL, triglycerides and adipose tissue(AU)

Utilização do yacon ( Smallanthus sonchifolius ) na proteção contra colonização intestinal de frangos de corte infectados por Salmonella Enteritidis / Use of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) protect against intestinal colonization of broilers infectes by Salmonella Enteritidis]

Os frutanos do tipo inulina são oligossacarídeos que favorecem a multiplicação de determinados gêneros bacterianos no intestino, promovendo um efeito prebiótico. Este trabalho avaliou o efeito da inulina extraída de raízes de yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) sobre a colonização intestinal de frangos de corte experimentalmente infectados por Salmonella Enteritidis. Sessenta frangos de corte com um dia de idade foram divididos em três grupos de tratamento, com duas repetições, criados até 21 dias. As aves do grupo yacon receberam 100mg de inulina/dia, via oral, por três dias consecutivos. No sétimo dia de vida, as aves tratadas e o controle positivo foram desafiados pela via oral com uma cultura de S. Enteritidis. Não foram observadas diferenças de desempenho zootécnico entre os grupos. O índice de infectividade das aves suplementadas com yacon foi menor até o sexto dia após o desafio, mas, ao término do experimento, foi superior ao controle positivo. Os dados deste trabalho demonstram que o uso da inulina nos três primeiros dias de vida promoveu uma redução da colonização intestinal dos frangos por Salmonella Enteritidis na primeira semana após o desafio. Novos estudos são necessários para determinar a dose e o tempo de tratamento ideal para um efeito protetor de maior duração.(AU)

The fructan inulin-type oligosaccharides favor the multiplication of some bacterial genera in the intestine, promoting a prebiotic effect. This study evaluated the effect of inulin extracted from yacon roots (Smallanthus sonchifolius) on intestinal colonization of broilers experimentally infected with Salmonella Enteritidis. Sixty-one day old chicks were grouped into three treatments, with two replicates, and reared until 21 days. Birds in the yacon group received 100mg of inulin/day orally for three consecutive days. On the seventh day of life the treated birds and the positive control were challenged orally with a culture of S. Enteritidis. There were no differences between groups in live performance. The infectivity index of the chicks supplemented with yacon was lower until the sixth day after the challenge, but at the end of the experiment it was higher than the positive control. Data from this study show that the use of inulin during the first 3 days of life caused a reduction of intestinal colonization of chickens by Salmonella Enteritidis in the first week after challenge. Further studies are needed to determine the dose and the ideal time of treatment necessary for a longer protective effect.(AU)

Effect of plant growth-promoting bacteria on the growth and fructan production of Agave americana L

ABSTRACT The effect of plant growth-promoting bacteria inoculation on plant growth and the sugar content in Agave americana was assessed. The bacterial strains ACO-34A, ACO-40, and ACO-140, isolated from the A. americana rhizosphere, were selected for this study to evaluate their phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. The three bacterial strains were evaluated via plant inoculation assays, and Azospirillum brasilense Cd served as a control strain. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene showed that strains ACO-34A, ACO-40 and ACO-140 were Rhizobium daejeonense, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and Pseudomonas mosselii, respectively. All of the strains were able to synthesize indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), solubilize phosphate, and had nitrogenase activity. Inoculation using the plant growth-promoting bacteria strains had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on plant growth and the sugar content of A. americana, showing that these native plant growth-promoting bacteria are a practical, simple, and efficient alternative to promote the growth of agave plants with proper biological characteristics for agroindustrial and biotechnological use and to increase the sugar content in this agave species.

A Case of Acute Hyperglycemia Induced by Jerusalem Artichoke in a Patient with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus / 임상당뇨병

Jerusalem artichoke (JA) mainly consists of inulin. In many experimental studies, inulin has been shown to be beneficial for decreasing glucose level. Therefore, JA is lately attracting wide attention as an anti-diabetic food. Therefore, many patients ingest JA in extract form. However, there are no published clinical studies in patients with diabetes to demonstrate benefit from the use of inulin-type fructans. We experienced a diabetes inpatient with acute hyperglycemia associated with JA. We could not control the patient's blood glucose in spite of addition and increment of insulin. We found that she had taken extracts of JA and recommended cessation. After discontinuing JA extracts, her blood glucose was well controlled in spite of discontinuation of insulin. Thus, in this patient, JA had actually increased blood glucose. We suggest that JA may be dangerous for use in diabetic patients.

The Low FODMAP Diet and Its Application in East and Southeast Asia

There is growing interest in using food choice/dietary change to influence clinical outcomes in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The low fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) diet is an evidence-based approach that is gaining popularity in many Western countries. The low FODMAP diet is based on restricting dietary intake of short chain carbohydrates that are slowly absorbed or indigestible and not absorbed during passage through the small intestine. These are collectively described as "FODMAPs" and comprise oligosaccharides (mostly fructans, galacto-oligosaccharides), sugar polyols, fructose in excess of glucose, and lactose in lactose malabsorbers. The general strategy of the diet is to avoid foods high in FODMAPs and replace them with foods low in FODMAPs, with long-term restriction limited to what is required to control symptoms. The likely mechanism of action is minimisation of the stimulation of mechanoreceptors exerted by distension of the intestinal lumen with water from osmotic effects and gases from bacterial fermentation in those with visceral hypersensitivity. The success of this dietary approach greatly depends on detailed knowledge about the FODMAP composition of food commonly consumed in that country. While the content of foods associated with East and Southeast Asian cuisines has not been fully explored, major high FODMAP sources are frequently used and include onion, garlic, shallots, legumes/pulses, and wheat-based products. Thus, this dietary approach holds great promise in treating IBS patients in East and Southeast Asia. The aim of this review is to highlight how the diet is implemented, its efficacy, and troublesome ingredients frequently used in Asian dishes.

Levans production by Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus

Background: Growth of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus with glucose as carbon an energy source has been extensively studied. However, there are no reports in the literature describing growth of G. diazotrophicus in cultures containing sucrose as carbon source. The first step in sucrose pathway and production of levans was investigated. Biomass, levans, gluconic acid and keto gluconic acids production and levansucrase activity were determined in cultures with different sucrose concentration and nitrogen sources. Results: The biomass production was maximal in cultures containing 100 g x L-1 sucrose and inorganic nitrogen. Gluconic acid production was observed under all conditions tested, at levels up to 9 g x L-1 in cultures with sucrose excess and biological N2-fixation (BNF). Keto gluconic acids were detectable only in cultures with sucrose excess and supplemented with organic nitrogen sources. Levans production, although observed in all cultures, was maximal in batch culture with 100 g x L-1 of sucrose and BNF, concomitant with a significant expression of extracellular levansucrase. Conclusions: Ours results not only describe some unknown aspects of G. diazotrophicus physiology, but open up the possibility of developing a technology of levans production by this organism using culture media with sucrose (or some cheaper substitute, like molasses) and without the addition of any N-source because of its ability of fixing atmospheric N2.

Levan as a new additive for colon-specific films: a new approach in the use of exopolysaccharides in time-dependent free films [Aminoalkyl Methacrylate Copolymer RS]

Time-dependent films, augmented with prebiotics, offer potential strategy for colon-specific controlled drug release. In this study, we produced films containing levan [L] and Aminoalkyl Methacrylate Copolymer RS [ER]. Free films of ER combined with levan were produced by the casting process and characterized by the mobility of the polymeric matrix, hydration, differential scanning calorimetry [DSC] and thermogravimetry [TGA]. The results of this study suggest that the exopolysaccharide levan can be used in combination with ER for colon specific materials. No evidence of incompatibilities between the levan and the synthetic polymer were detected, and levan improved the mobility of the polymeric matrix and the hydrophilicity of the system. Levan may have positively altered the density of the polymeric matrix, as visualized by thermal characterization. The endothermic decomposition peak was shifted with increasing amounts of levan. This new barrier polymer utilized a combination of time-dependent enzymatic mechanisms and can be considered promising for use in the coating of solid oral drugs for specific release

Levan from Bacillus subtilis Natto: its effects in normal and in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

Levan is an exopolysaccharide of fructose primarily linked by ƒÀ-(2¨6) glycosidic bonds with some ƒÀ-(2¨1) branched chains. Due to its chemical properties, levan has possible applications in both the food and pharmaceutical industries. Bacillus subtilis is a promising industrial levan producer, as it ferments sucrose and has a high levan-formation capacity. A new strain of B. subtilis was recently isolated from Japanese food natto, and it has produced levan in large quantities. For future pharmaceutical applications, this study aimed to investigate the effects of levan produced by B. subtilis Natto, mainly as potential hypoglycemic agent, (previously optimized with a molecular weight equal to 72.37 and 4,146 kDa) in Wistar male rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin and non-diabetic rats and to monitor their plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels. After 15 days of experimentation, the animals were sacrificed, and their blood samples were analyzed. The results, compared using analysis of variance, demonstrated that for this type of levan, a hypoglycemic effect was not observed, as there was no improvement of diabetes symptoms during the experiment. However, levan did not affect any studied parameters in normal rats, indicating that the exopolysaccharide can be used for other purposes.

Aspectos funcionais, de saúde e tecnológicos de frutanos tipo inulina / Functional, health and technological aspects of inulin-type fructans

Esta revisão teve como objetivos defi nir adequadamente os diferentesfrutanos tipo inulina, discutir seus principais benefícios à saúde eexpor as aplicações tecnológicas desses ingredientes. A proposta declassifi car adequadamente os diversos frutanos tipo inulina assumeimportância para efeito de controle regulatório e para evitar incertezaou confusão do consumidor. Dentre os benefícios à saúde quepodem ser proporcionados pela ingestão de frutanos tipo inulina hápesquisas que apresentam resultados disponíveis e confi rmatóriosem humanos, comprovando as alegações de melhoria das funçõesintestinais e da microbiota colônica e aumento na absorção deminerais. Outras relatam resultados experimentais convincentes eestudos preliminares com humanos, sendo necessários mais testesa fi m de substanciar as alegações que envolvem o metabolismo docolesterol e a redução de câncer de cólon. Também há pesquisas em fase de investigações experimentais e com testes iniciais com humanos que avaliam a saúde dos ossos, produção de nutrientes e regulação da ingestão de alimentos. Tecnologicamente, frutanostipo inulina são usados pela indústria alimentícia como suplementosem alimentos, aumentando o teor de fi bras dos produtos, e como substitutos de macronutrientes como gordura e açúcar. Concluiu-se que frutanos tipo inulina são ingredientes que oferecem combinaçãoúnica de propriedades funcionais, de saúde e tecnológicas, podendoser utilizados amplamente pela indústria alimentícia. É importante, no entanto, classifi cá-los adequadamente e atestar sua efi cácia àsaúde humana no produto em que serão adicionados.

Frutanos do tipo inulina e aumento da absorção de cálcio: uma revisão sistemática / Inulin-type fructans and calcium absorption enhancement: a systematic review

Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática da literatura sobre os efeitos do consumo de frutanos do tipo inulina na absorção de cálcio. Resultados de quatro dos sete ensaios clínicos duplo-cegos controlados aleatorizados relatados neste trabalho indicam que o consumo diário da mistura de frutanos (inulina e oligofrutose 1:1) aumenta a absorção de cálcio, dependendo da idade cronológica e fisiológica, bem como do estado menopausal de indivíduos saudáveis que consomem quantidades adequadas de cálcio. O número limitado de ensaios clínicos realizados e as diferenças relativas ao planejamento experimental, tempo de estudo, tipo e quantidade de frutano consumido (inulina, oligofrutose ou a mistura de ambos), bem como a faixa etária dos indivíduos, impedem a generalização dos resultados observados. Esta revisão demonstra a necessidade de mais ensaios clínicos de longa duração, nos quais tanto a absorção de cálcio como a densidade mineral óssea sejam avaliadas. Futuros estudos devem contribuir para a compreensão dos mecanismos de ação dos frutanos no aumento da absorção de cálcio; para avaliar se esse efeito persiste em longo prazo e se pode ser considerado como benefício real para a saúde óssea; e para testar se tais efeitos poderiam beneficiar indivíduos de outras faixas etárias e diferentes condições fisiológicas. Evidências científicas consistentes e acumuladas ainda são necessárias para poder considerar o consumo de frutanos como uma estratégia de prevenção da osteoporose.

We performed a systematic review of literature regarding the effects of inulin-type fructans consumption on calcium absorption. Results of four from seven double-blind randomized controlled clinical trials revised in this work showed that daily consumption of fructans mixture (inulin and oligofructose 1:1) increases calcium absorption, depending on the chronological and physiological age, and menopausal status of healthy individuals who consume adequate amounts of calcium. Due to the limited number of clinical trials and the differences on the experimental design, follow-up, fructans type (inulin, oligofructose or their mixture) and quantity consumed, and the individuals' age, the results cannot be generalized. This review demonstrates the need for more long-term follow-up clinical trial, in which both calcium absorption and bone mineral density are measured. Further studies may help understand the mechanisms underlying the effects of inulin-type fructans on calcium absorption, and to evaluate if the increased calcium absorption is long-term persistence and if it can be translated into real benefits to bone health; and also to test whether these effects could benefit individuals with other age groups and in different physiological conditions. Consistent accumulated scientific evidences are still necessary to consider inulin-type fructans consumption as a prevention strategy for osteoporosis.

Biodisponibilidade de minerais em ratos alimentados com frutanos do tipo inulina / Mineral bioavailability in rats fed inulin-type fructans

Neste estudo foi avaliado o efeito de frutanos do tipo inulina (FTI) na biodisponibilidade de minerais em ratos, com particular enfoque para o Ca e o Fe. Foram realizados dois ensaios: no primeiro utilizou-se um modelo fatorial 2×2×2, com dois níveis de Fe (0 e 35 mg/kg), Ca (0 e 5 g/kg) e FTI (0 e 100 g/kg) nas rações; no segundo, utilizou-se um modelo de repleção de Hb em ratos anêmicos. As fontes de FTI foram a Raftilose P95 (ensaios 1 e 2), fonte purificada, e a farinha de yacón (FY; ensaio 2); os sais de Fe utilizados foram o Fe4(P2O7)3 (ensaios 1 e 2) e o FeSO4 microencapsulado com alginato (ensaio 2). No primeiro ensaio foram avaliados parâmetros bioquímicos de Fe, concentração de minerais nos ossos, fígado e baço, e parâmetros de resistência e histomorfometria óssea. Após 33 d, não foram observados efeitos na retenção óssea de Ca, porém observou-se maior volume trabecular ósseo e parâmetros histomorfométricos de formação óssea nos animais deficientes em Fe alimentados com os FTI. No segundo ensaio foram determinados parâmetros hematológicos, de biodisponibilidade de Fe, e parâmetros intestinais (balanço mineral; pH, ácidos graxos de cadeia curta e espécies de Fe no conteúdo intestinal). A FY recuperou os animais da deficiência de Fe mais rapidamente do que a Raftilose. Esse efeito ocorreu em função de alterações intestinais provocadas pelo aumento da fermentação desses carboidratos, que afetou a solubilidade do Fe da dieta. Concluiu-se que os FTI aumentaram a biodisponibilidade de minerais, possivelmente por influência da concentração do mineral e pelas interações entre os minerais presentes na ração, pelo tempo de ensaio, pela matriz alimentar, e pelo modelo experimental utilizado.

This study evaluated the effect of inulin-type fructans (ITF) on mineral bioavailability in rats, focusing mainly on Ca and Fe. Two experiments were carried out: the first one considered a 2×2×2 factorial model using two levels of Fe (0 and 35 mg/kg), Ca (0 and 5 g/kg) and ITF (0 and 100 g/kg) in the diets; the second experiment considered a Hb repletion model in anemic rats. Raftilose P95 (experiments 1 and 2; purified source) and yacon flour (YF; experiment 2) were used as ITF sources; the Fe salts used were Fe4(P2O7)3 (experiments 1 and 2) and microencapsulated FeSO4 with alginate (experiment 2). In the first experiment, Fe biochemical parameters, mineral concentration in the bones, liver and spleen, bone strength and histomorphometrical parameters were evaluated. After 33 d, no effects on bone retention were observed, but a larger bone volume and larger bone-formation parameters were observed on Fe-deficient animals fed with ITF. In the second experiment, hematological, Fe bioavailability and intestinal parameters (mineral balance, pH, short-chain fatty acids and Fe species in the intestinal content) were determined. Fe-deficient animals fed with YF recovered more rapidly than those fed with Raftilose. This effect took place as a function of intestinal alterations caused by the increased fermentation of these carbohydrates, which affected dietary Fe solubility. It can be concluded that ITF increased the bioavailability of minerals, possibly due to the influence of mineral concentration and interactions between minerals in the diet, experiment duration, food matrix and experimental model used.

Potencialidades do yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) no diabetes mellitus / Potential of yacon (smallanthus sonchifolius) for diabetic indivisuals

O diabetes Mellitus é uma doença crônica que acomete pessoas em todo mundo, necessitando de tratamento intensivo, orientação médica e nutricional adequada. Estudos recentes estão estudando substâncias contidas nos alimentos que apresentem benefícios à saúde, objetivando a prevenção dessa doença e melhoria na qualidade de vida da população. O yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius), conhecido como pelo seu conteúdo de componentes prebióticos, inulina e frutoligossacarídeos, é uma raiz tuberosa de origem andina, que nos últimos anos tem sido cultivada no Brasil. Tem como carboidrato de reserva os frutanos, substâncias que atuam como fibras solúveis, além de outras funções fisiológicas, tais como: diminuição da glicemia pós-prandial, redução do índice glicêmico e carga glicêmica. Os frutanos presentes no yacon não necessitam de insulina para seu metabolismo, um dos fatores que justificam o desenvolvimento de novos produtos utilizando o yacon como alternativa de substituição ao açúcar, destinados a pacientes diabéticos. A inulina e os frutoligossacarídeos presentes no yacon estão sendo cada vez mais estudados e aplicados na tecnologia de alimentos, como substitutos de gordura e açúcar , respectivamente. Nesse sentido, promissores na aplicação clínica, pois além de melhorar a saúde intestinal, somam benefícios funcionais em indivíduos portadores de diabtes Mellitus

Evaluation of supplementation of sucrose medium on the synthesis of Zymomonas mobilis bio-products / Avaliação da suplementação do meio de sacarose na formação de bio–produtos por Zymomonas mobilis

The effect of the variables pantothenic acid, yeast extract and sodium chloride, as well as the cell permeabilization technique, were investigated on the formation of levan, ethanol, sorbitol and biomass of Zymomonas mobilis, using a 24-1 fraction factorial design. Cell growth was determined by turbidimetry at 605 nm, relating it to a biomass with a dry weight calibration curve. Reducing sugars were quantified according to Somogyi and Nelson. Total sugars were quantified by the phenol-sulfuric acid method, sorbitol by HPLC and ethanol. The levan produced was precipitated by the addition of absolute ethanol and quantified in fructose units. In levan biosynthesis, the variable that had the largest contribution was cell condition. The results suggested that the factors that most affected biomass and ethanol formation were sodium chloride concentration and cell condition that affected negatively on production. For sorbitol, the variable that had a significant effect was permeabilization, which decreased its synthesis. Studies to amplify the range of established factors would be important.

A influência das variáveis: ácido pantotênico, extrato de levedura, cloreto de sódio, e a técnica de permeabilização celular foram investigadas na formação de levana, sorbitol, etanol e biomassa de Zymomonas mobilis utilizando um delineamento estatístico fatorial fracionado 24-1. A biomassa foi determinada por turbidimetria, Os açúcares redutores foram quantificados por Somogy e Nelson, açúcar total por Fenol Sulfúrico, sorbitol por HPLC e etanol por micro-destilação. A levana produzida foi precipitada com etanol absoluto e determinada como unidade de frutose. Na biossíntese de levana, a variável que mais contribuiu foi a condição celular. Os resultados sugerem que, para a formação da biomassa e etanol, os fatores que mais interferiram foram a concentração de cloreto de sódio e a condição celular que influencia negativamente a produção. Para o sorbitol, a variável que teve efeito significativo foi a permeabilização celular que atuou diminuindo a sua síntese. Estudos que ampliam a faixa de variação dos fatores estabelecidos são interessantes.

Beneficios de incorporar un simbiótico a la dieta de adultos mayores con infecciones recurrentes / Benefits of adding symbiotic food to the diet of elderly people with recurrent infections

El propósito de este trabajo fue estudiar la evolución clínica de un grupo de adultos mayores, proclives a padecer infecciones bacterianas principalmente de las vías respiratorias, al adicionar a su dieta un alimento simbiótico con Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophillus y fructanos y, además, correlacionar los resultados obtenidos con modificaciones en los parámetros inmunológicos medidos. Se incluyeron 90 pacientes adultos mayores de 65 años, todos con antecedentes de infecciones bacterianas recurrentes de las vías respiratorias. Cada individuo suplementó su dieta habitual con una dosis diaria del simbiótico SanCor Bio con fructanos. La administración se realizó durante los meses de época invernal. Se realizó un seguimiento clínico, se hizo recuento de Lactobacillus spp en materia fecal, se cuantificaron subpoblaciones linfocitarias CD4 y CD8 y se evaluó la activación de monocitos en sangre periférica. Se observó disminución de los cuadros virales (gripales) y ausencia de infecciones bacterianas de vías respiratorias; además, aumentó el número de Lactobacillus spp en materia fecal y se estimuló la respuesta inmune principalmente inespecífica. Esto sugiere que dicho simbiótico puede ser utilizado como terapia preventiva en grupos vulnerables a infecciones y con depleciones del sistema inmunológico.

The aim of this work was to study the clinical evolution of a group of elderly people who had a tendency to suffer from bacterial infections, mainly of the respiratory tract, after having added food with Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus and fructans to their diet, and then to correlate the results obtained with alterations in immunological parameters previously set. Ninety patients who were older than 65 and had a background of recurrent bacterial infections in their respiratory tract were included in this study. Their daily diet was supplemented with a dose of Sancor Bio during winter months in 2007. A clinical analysis was carried out, Lactobacillus spp in faeces were counted, CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes were quantified and the activation of monocytes in peripheral blood was evaluated. In conclusion, the administration of this symbiotic food proved to be biochemical and clinically effective, showing to be a good colony of the intestinal mucose, promoting the principally unspecific immune response, everything correlated with clinical information. All this suggests that this food can be used asa preventive therapy in groups of people who are vulnerable to infections and who have immunological system depletions.

Ocorrência e biossíntese de frutooligossacarídeos em banana / Occurrence and biosynthesis of fructooligosaccharides in banana

A banana tem sido comumente indicada como uma boa fonte de frutooligossacarídeos (FOS), que são considerados componentes funcionais de alimentos. Contudo, diferenças significantes em suas quantidades têm sido referidas na literatura. Portanto, uma parte do trabalho foi destinada à identificação e quantificação de FOS durante o amadurecimento de cultivares de bananas pertencentes aos grupos genômicos mais comumente cultivados no Brasil. Considerando as diferencas de cultivar, estágio do amadurecimento e metodologia usada para análise de FOS, os conteúdos dos acúcares foram analisados por cromatografia líquida de alta performance (HPAEC-PAD) e cromatografia a gás (CG-MS). Uma pesquisa inicial entre oito cultivares no estágio maduro, mostrou acúmulo de 1-cestose, primeiro membro da série de FOS, em todas elas (quantidades entre 297 e 1600 ´MUg/g M. S´). A nistose, o segundo membro, foi detectado somente no cultivar Prata. Com bases nestes dados, foram escolhidas cinco cultivares, para que fossem analisadas durantes todo o amadurecimento. Os resultados mostraram uma forte correlação entre a síntese de 1-cestose e um nível específico de sacarose (~200mg/g M.S)...