Association between Serum Unmetabolized Folic Acid Concentrations and Folic Acid from Fortified Foods.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between serum unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) concentrations and folic acid from fortified foods and nutrients known as dietary methyl-group donors (folate, methionine, choline, betaine and vitamins B2, B6 and B12) in participants exposed to mandatory fortification of wheat and maize flours with folic acid. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out with 144 healthy Brazilian participants, both sexes, supplement nonusers. Serum folate, UMFA, vitamin B12 and total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) were biochemically measured. Dietary intake was assessed by 2 non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls (24-HRs) and deattenuated energy-adjusted nutrient data were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Ninety eight (68.1%) participants were women. Median (interquartile range) age was 35.5 (28.0-52.0) years. Elevated serum folate concentrations (>45 nmol/L) were found in 17 (11.8%), while folate deficiency (<7 nmol/L) in 10 (6.9%) participants. No one had vitamin B12 deficiency (<148 pmol/L). An elevated serum UMFA concentration was defined as > 1 nmol/L (90th percentile). UMFA concentrations were positively correlated with folic acid intake and negatively correlated to choline, methionine and vitamin B6 intakes. Participants in the lowest quartile of UMFA concentrations had lower dietary intake of total folate (DFEs) and folic acid, and higher dietary intake of methionine, choline and vitamin B6 than participants in the highest quartile of UMFA. Folic acid intake (OR [95% CI] = 1.02 [1.01-1.04)] and being a male (OR [95% CI] = 0.40 [0.19-0.87) were associated with increased and reduced odds for UMFA concentrations > 0.55 nmol/L (median values), respectively. CONCLUSION: UMFA concentrations were directly influenced by folic acid intake from fortified foods in a healthy convenience sample of adult Brazilians exposed to mandatory flour fortification with folic acid.

Magnesium Status and Its Association with Oxidative Stress in Obese Women.

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between magnesium status and oxidative stress in obese and nonobese women. This cross-sectional study included 83 women, aged between 20 and 50 years, who were divided into two groups: the obese group (n = 31) and the control group (n = 52). The control group was age-matched with the obese group. Magnesium intake was monitored using 3-day food records and NutWin software version 1.5. The plasma and erythrocyte magnesium concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Plasma levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were determined as biomarkers for lipid peroxidation and therefore of oxidative stress. The mean values of the magnesium content in the diet were found to be lower than those recommended, though there was no significant difference between groups (p > 0.05). The mean concentrations of plasma and erythrocyte magnesium were within the normal range, with no significant difference between groups (p > 0.05). The mean concentration of plasma TBARS was higher in obese woman, and the difference between the groups was statistically different (p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between erythrocyte magnesium and plasma TBARS in the obese group (p = 0.021). Obese patients ingest low dietary magnesium content, which does not seem to affect the plasma and erythrocyte concentrations of the mineral. The study showed a negative correlation between erythrocyte magnesium concentrations and plasma TBARS, suggesting the influence of magnesium status on the parameters of oxidative stress in obese women.

Fructo-oligosaccharides and iron bioavailability in anaemic rats: the effects on iron species distribution, ferroportin-1 expression, crypt bifurcation and crypt cell proliferation in the caecum.

The present study investigated the effects of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on the bioavailability of Fe from ferric pyrophosphate (FP), a water-insoluble compound, in Fe-deficient anaemic rats that were subjected to a Hb repletion assay. Male Wistar rats (n 64) were fed adequate or low (8 mg/kg) Fe diets for 15 d followed by 1 or 2 weeks of Fe repletion with diets providing 35 mg Fe/kg as ferrous sulphate (FS), FP or FP that was mixed with 7·5% FOS in the form of yacon flour or Raftilose P95 (RAF), a purified source of FOS. The effects of FOS were observed within the 1st week of the repletion period. Fe bioavailability was improved by FOS supplementation, as measured by Hb regeneration efficiency and hepatic Fe stores, which were more pronounced in the RAF group. Moreover, RAF supplementation resulted in a higher biological value relative to that of the FP group. FOS supplementation resulted in caecal enlargement, in addition to acidification and Fe species redistribution in the caecal contents relative to the control rats. These effects occurred concomitantly with decreased ferroportin (FPN)-1 expression in the caecal mucosa, which was similar in magnitude to that observed in the FS group. Caecum mucosal morphometry was influenced by FOS supplementation, whereas crypt fission and cell proliferation were highest in the caecum of the RAF group. These results reinforce the effects of FOS as Fe bioavailability enhancers in anaemic rats that are sustained by early changes in their caecal environment (decreased mucosal FPN-1 expression and increased Fe absorbability, crypt fission and cellularity).

Good manufacturing practice in brazilian wheat mills with particular reference to the flour fortification

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a widespread nutritional disorder that affects a significant proportion of the Brazilian population. The obligatory fortification of wheat flour with iron and folic acid represents a strategy of the Brazilian Ministry of Health for combating IDA. However, several studies have reported the occurrence of iron in excessive concentrations and insufficient contents of folic acid in commercial flour samples. In the light of these information, a participatory observational study on the wheat flour production processes was undertaken in 11 major flour mills located in the São Paulo state, Brazil. This study aimed at writing a detailed good manufacturing practice (GMP) guidelines for the industrial sectors, including directives for standardized operational procedures (SOPs) on the flour fortification. The outcomes of this study are a GMP checklist and the recommended SOPs, which help to standardize the production processes in flour fortification, which currently is incongruous one, and also to facilitate the work of the government health inspectors...

Dietary iron overload: short- and long-term effects on cecal morphometry in growing rats.

In animal models, Fe overload is associated with organ oxidative stress and tissue injury. In this context, luminal Fe may affect the mucosal barrier and function or generate a pathological milieu in the intestine that triggers epithelial cell stress. Here, we hypothesized that increased liver Fe levels resulting from dietary Fe overload may be associated with architectural changes in the cecal mucosa. Weanling male Wistar rats (n=7-10/group) were fed diets (modified from AIN-93G) containing adequate or supplemental Fe (approximately 10 times the recommended levels) for 4 and 12 wk. At euthanasia, the blood Hb was determined, and Fe analyses were performed in stool and liver samples using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Cecal tissue was collected for histological and morphometric analysis. No significant differences were observed in the blood Hb or Hb Fe pool between groups in either period. Iron overload led to a higher fecal Fe excretion, whereas the liver Fe was increased only after 12 wk when compared with controls. After 4 wk, the consumption of Fe-overloaded diets resulted in changes in the mucosal architecture of the cecum, which were intensified after 12 wk. At this time, these changes were significantly correlated with the hepatic Fe content. These findings suggest that changes in the cecal mucosa may have occurred as a result of oxidative stress caused by excessive amounts of Fe in the intestinal lumen. The consequences of these effects on the intestinal absorption and its implications for liver Fe homeostasis should be considered in future studies.

Magnesium status and the physical performance of volleyball players: effects of magnesium supplementation.

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that magnesium supplementation influences the physical performance of volleyball players, as the efficacy of this approach remains questionable. Twenty-five professional male volleyball players were assigned randomly to experimental (350 mg Mg · d(-1), 4 weeks) and control groups (500 mg maltodextrin · d(-1), 4 weeks) maintaining inter-group homogeneity of urinary magnesium. Erythrocyte, plasma and urinary magnesium levels, plasma creatine kinase activity, lactate production, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and plyometric (squat jump, countermovement jump, countermovement jump with arm swing) and isokinetic (peak torque, potency and total work) performances were evaluated before (T0) and after (T1) supplementation. Levels of erythrocyte and urinary magnesium and creatine kinase activity and VO2 max remained within normal ranges in both groups. Plasma magnesium decreased significantly only within the experimental group. Significant decreases in lactate production and significant increases (of up to 3 cm) in countermovement jump and countermovement jump with arm swing values were detected in the experimental group following magnesium supplementation, but not in the control group at T1. It is concluded that magnesium supplementation improved alactic anaerobic metabolism, even though the players were not magnesium-deficient.

Anemia in Brazilian pregnant women before and after flour fortification with iron.

OBJECTIVE: To compare prevalence of anemia and hemoglobin (Hb) levels in Brazilian pregnant women before and after flour fortification with iron. METHODS: A repeated cross-sectional panel study of public health care centers of municipalities in the five Brazilian regions was conducted. Retrospective data were obtained from 12,119 medical records of pregnant women distributed in two groups: before fortification (delivery prior to June 2004) and after fortification (date of last period after June 2005). Anemia was defined as Hb<11.0 g/dl. Hb levels according to gestational age were assessed using two references from the literature. Statistical analysis was carried out using chi-squared tests, Student's t tests, and logistic regression, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: In the total sample, prevalence of anemia fell from 25% to 20% after fortification (p<0.001). However, important regional differences were evident: while significant reductions were seen in the Northeast (37% to 29%) and North (32% to 25%) regions, where pre-fortification prevalence was high, smaller reductions were seen in the Southeast (18% to 15%) and South (7% to 6%) regions, where prevalence was low. Hb levels according to gestational age were slightly higher in the first months of pregnancy and lower after the third or fourth months, depending on the reference used. Logistic regression analysis showed that group, geographic region, marital status, trimester of pregnancy, initial nutritional status, and prior pregnancy were associated with anemia (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of anemia decreased after fortification, but remains high in the North and Northeast regions. Although fortification may have played a role in this favorable outcome, the contribution of other public policies implemented during the studied period should also be considered.

Anemia em gestantes brasileiras antes e após a fortificação das farinhas com ferro / Anemia in Brazilian pregnant women before and after flour fortification with iron / Anemia en gestantes brasileñas antes y después de la fortificación de harinas con hierro

OBJETIVO: Comparar prevalência de anemia e valores de hemoglobina (Hb) em gestantes brasileiras, antes e após a fortificação das farinhas com ferro. MÉTODOS: Estudo de avaliação de painéis repetidos, desenvolvido em serviços públicos de saúde de municípios das cinco regiões brasileiras. Dados retrospectivos foram obtidos de 12.119 prontuários de gestantes distribuídas em dois grupos: antes da fortificação, com parto anterior a junho de 2004, e após a fortificação, com última menstruação após junho de 2005. Anemia foi definida como Hb < 11,0 g/dL. Valores de Hb/idade gestacional foram avaliados segundo dois referenciais da literatura. Foram utilizados teste qui-quadrado, t de Student e regressão logística, com nível de 5 por cento de significância. RESULTADOS: Na amostra total, anemia caiu de 25 por cento para 20 por cento após fortificação (p < 0,001), com médias de Hb significativamente maiores no grupo "após" (p < 0,001). Observaram-se, entretanto, diferenças regionais importantes: reduções significativas nas regiões Nordeste (37 por cento para 29 por cento) e Norte (32 por cento para 25 por cento), onde as prevalências de anemia eram elevadas antes da fortificação, e reduções menores nas regiões Sudeste (18 por cento para 15 por cento) e Sul (7 por cento para 6 por cento), onde as prevalências eram baixas. Os níveis de Hb/idade gestacional de ambos os grupos se mostraram discretamente mais elevados nos primeiros meses, porém bem mais baixos após o terceiro ou quarto mês, dependendo da referência utilizada para comparação. Análise de regressão logística mostrou que grupo, região geográfica, situação conjugal, trimestre gestacional, estado nutricional inicial e gestação anterior associaram-se com anemia (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de anemia diminuiu após a fortificação, porém continua elevada nas regiões Nordeste e Norte. Embora a fortificação possa ter tido papel nesse resultado favorável, há que se considerar a contribuição de outras políticas públicas implementadas no período estudado.

OBJECTIVE: To compare prevalence of anemia and hemoglobin (Hb) levels in Brazilian pregnant women before and after flour fortification with iron. METHODS: A repeated cross-sectional panel study of public health care centers of municipalities in the five Brazilian regions was conducted. Retrospective data were obtained from 12,119 medical records of pregnant women distributed in two groups: before fortification (delivery prior to June 2004) and after fortification (date of last period after June 2005). Anemia was defined as Hb<11.0 g/dl. Hb levels according to gestational age were assessed using two references from the literature. Statistical analysis was carried out using chi-squared tests, Student's t tests, and logistic regression, with a significance level of 5 percent. RESULTS: In the total sample, prevalence of anemia fell from 25 percent to 20 percent after fortification (p<0.001). However, important regional differences were evident: while significant reductions were seen in the Northeast (37 percent to 29 percent) and North (32 percent to 25 percent) regions, where pre-fortification prevalence was high, smaller reductions were seen in the Southeast (18 percent to 15 percent) and South (7 percent to 6 percent) regions, where prevalence was low. Hb levels according to gestational age were slightly higher in the first months of pregnancy and lower after the third or fourth months, depending on the reference used. Logistic regression analysis showed that group, geographic region, marital status, trimester of pregnancy, initial nutritional status, and prior pregnancy were associated with anemia (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of anemia decreased after fortification, but remains high in the North and Northeast regions. Although fortification may have played a role in this favorable outcome, the contribution of other public policies implemented during the studied period should also be considered.

OBJETIVO: Comparar prevalencia de anemia y valores de hemoglobina (Hb) en gestantes brasileñas, antes y después de la fortificación de las harinas con hierro. MÉTODOS: Estudio de evaluación de paneles repetidos, desarrollado en servicios públicos de salud de municipios de las cinco regiones brasileñas. Datos retrospectivos se obtuvieron de 12.119 prontuarios de gestantes distribuidas en dos grupos: antes de la fortificación, con parto anterior a junio de 2004, y posterior a la fortificación, con última menstruación después de junio 2005. Anemia fue definida como Hb<11,0 g/dL. Valores de Hb/edad gestacional fueron evaluados según dos referenciales de la literatura. Se utilizaron prueba de chi-cuadrado, t de Student y regresión logística, con nivel de 5 por ciento de significancia. RESULTADOS: En la muestra total, anemia disminuyó de 25 por ciento a 20 por ciento después de la fortificación (p<0,001), con promedios de Hb significativamente mayores en el grupo "posterior" (p<0,001). Se observaron, sin embargo, diferencias regionales importantes: reducciones significativas en las regiones Noreste (de 37 por ciento a 29 por ciento) y Norte (de 32 por ciento a 25 por ciento), donde las prevalencias de anemia eran elevadas antes de la fortificación; y reducciones menores en las regiones Sureste (de 18 por ciento a 15 por ciento) y Sur (de 7 por ciento a 6 por ciento), donde las prevalencias eran bajas. Los niveles de Hb/edad gestacional de ambos grupos se mostraron discretamente mas elevados en los primeros meses, aunque mucho mas bajos posterior al tercero o cuarto mes, dependiendo de la referencia utilizada para comparación. Análisis de regresión logística mostró cual grupo, región geográfica, situación conyugal, trimestre gestacional, estado nutricional inicial y gestación anterior se asociaron con anemia (p<0,05). CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de anemia disminuyó posterior a la fortificación, aunque continua elevada en las regiones Noreste y Norte. A pesar de que la fortificación pueda haber tenido papel en este resultado favorable, hay que considerar la contribución de otras políticas públicas implementadas en el periodo estudiado.

Changes in bone mass, biomechanical properties, and microarchitecture of calcium- and iron-deficient rats fed diets supplemented with inulin-type fructans.

Feeding mineral-deficient diets enhances absorptive efficiency as an attempt of the body to compensate for the lack of an essential nutrient. Under certain circumstances, it does not succeed; and nutritional deficiency is produced. Our hypothesis was that inulin-type fructans (ITF), which are known to affect mineral absorption, could increase Ca and Fe bioavailability in Ca- and Fe-deficient rats. Male Wistar rats (n = 48, 4 weeks old) were assigned to 1 of 8 groups derived from 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design with 2 levels of added Fe (0 and 35 mg/kg), Ca (0 and 5 g/kg), and ITF (0 and 100 g/kg) for 33 days. The Fe status (hemoglobin, serum Fe, total Fe-binding capacity, transferrin saturation, liver minerals) was evaluated. Tibia minerals (Ca, Mg, and Zn), bone strength, and histomorphometry were determined. In nondeficient rats, ITF supplementation did not affect Fe status or organ minerals, with the exception of tibia Mg. Moreover, ITF improved bone resilience and led to a reduction in eroded surface per body surface and number of osteoclasts per area. In Ca-deficient rats, ITF increased liver (Fe and Zn) and tibia (Zn) mineral levels but impaired tibia Mg, yield load, and resilience. In conclusion, ITF worsened the tibia Mg levels and elastic properties when supplemented in Ca-deficient diets. In contrast, although bone Ca was not affected in nondeficient rats under the present experimental conditions, bone quality improved, as demonstrated by a moderate reduction in femur osteoclast resorption and significant increases in tibia Mg content and elasticity.

Anemia em pré-escolares atendidos em creches de Sâo Paulo (SP): perspectivas decorrentes da fortificação das farinhas de trigo e de milho / Anemia in pre-school children attending day care centers of São Paulo: perspectives of the wheat and maize flour fortification

Pre-school children are one of the most vulnerable groups to iron-defi ciencyanemia. The objective of this study was to measure the hemoglobin concentration and to diagnose the prevalence of anemia in children from 24 to 60 months old attending child day care centers. The diagnosis of anemiain 465 pre-school children from six child day care centers in Butantã,S.Paulo/Brasil, was carried out with peripheral hemoglobin measurementsand analysed by HemoCue employing 11,0g/dL as the cut-off for anemia.The nutritional status was calculated through weight/age, height/age, weight/height with cut-off values of -2.0 and +2.0 for malnutrition and obesity, respectively. The pre-school children had presented 20.9% anemia, 2.4% of the children were shown to be stunting, 0.9% wasting and 5.1% obesity. The childrenïs anthropometric features, as well as socio-economic and family conditions, were not associated with anemia. The prevalence of anemia,signifi cantly lower than the described in the totality of studies developedamong preschool children before the publication of Resolution 344/2002,that it determined the fortifi cation of wheat and maize fl ours with iron,allows to suggest that the supplemental iron, propagated through fortifi edfoods, positively played the role it was assigned to strategy of intervention forthe control of the iron defi ciency.

Los niños en edad preescolar son uno delos grupos más vulnerables a la anemiaferropriva. El objetivo del estudio fue medir la concentración de hemoglobina y diagnosticar la prevalencia de anemia en niños de 24 meses a 60 meses que frecuentan Jardines Infantiles.El diagnostico de anemia en 465 preescolares de seis unidades del barrio Butantã, municipio de São Paulo, Brasil, fue realizado por medio de la determinación de la concentración dehemoglobina periférica, utilizando punto de corte de 11,0g/dl. El estado nutricional fue calculado utilizando el puntajeûZ para peso/ edad, estatura/edad y peso/estaturacon niveles de corte -2,0 + 2,0 para desnutrición y obesidad, respectivamente. Fue diagnosticada anemia en 20,9% de los preescolares, desnutrición anterior en 2,4%, desnutrición actual en 0,9% y obesidad en 5,1%. No se encontró relación entre la anemia y las características antropométricas de los niños ni con las variables socio-económicas y domiciliares de las familias. La prevalencia de anemia encontrada es signifi cativamente menor que la descrita en estudios realizados en las mismas poblaciones de preescolares anteriormente a la publicación de la resolución 344/2002, eso que determinó el fortificación de las harinas de trigo y maíz con hierro. Esto permite sugerir que el suplemento de hierro, aportado por medio de los alimentos fortificados ejerció positivamente el papel que le fue conferido en el estratégia de la intervención para controlar su deficiencia.

A criança em idade pré-escolar é um dos grupos mais vulneráveis à anemia ferropriva. O objetivo do estudo foi medir a concentração de hemoglobinae diagnosticar a prevalência de anemia em crianças com 24 meses a 60 meses de idade que frequentam Centros de Educação Infantil. O diagnóstico de anemia de 465 pré-escolaresde seis unidades da regional do Butantã,município de São Paulo, foi realizado com determinação da concentração de hemoglobina periférica utilizando ponto de corte de 11,0g/dL. O estado nutricional foi calculado utilizando os escores-Z de peso/idade, estatura/idade e peso/estatura com níveis de corte -2,0 e +2,0para desnutrição e obesidade, respectivamente. Os pré-escolares apresentaram 20,9% deanemia; 2,4% de crianças foram diagnosticadas como tendo desnutrição pregressa, 0,9% desnutrição atual e 5,1% obesidade. Não houveassociação da anemia com as características antropométricas das crianças e com as variáveissocioeconômicas e domiciliares das famílias. A prevalência de anemia, significativamente menor do que a descrita na totalidade deestudos desenvolvidos entre pré-escolares antes da publicação da Resolução 344/2002, quedeterminou a fortifi cação das farinhas de trigo e de milho com ferro, permite sugerir que o ferro suplementar, veiculado pelos alimentosfortificados, exerceu positivamente o papel que lhe foi conferido na estratégia de intervenção para o controle da deficiência de ferro.

Effects of dietary lipid composition and inulin-type fructans on mineral bioavailability in growing rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study reports the effects of feeding with a combination of inulin-type fructans (ITF) and fish oil (FO) on mineral absorption and bioavailability as part of a semipurified diet offered to rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (n = 24) were fed a 15% lipid diet (soybean oil [SO] or a 1:0.3 fish:soybean oil mixture [FSO]) and diets containing the same sources of lipids supplemented with 10% ITF (Raftilose Synergy 1) ad libitum for 15 d. Feces and urine were collected for mineral analyses during the last 5 d of the test period. Fatty acid composition was determined in liver and cecal mucosa homogenates. Liver and bone mineral analyses were performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Bone biomechanical analyses were evaluated by a 3-point bending test. RESULTS: Compared with the controls, ITF-fed rats had enlarged ceca and a significant decrease in cecal content pH (P < 0.001). The apparent mineral absorption was improved in these rats, and this effect was enhanced by dietary combination with FO for all minerals except for magnesium. Addition of ITF to the diet resulted in higher bone mineral content (calcium and zinc) and bone strength, but increased bone mineral content was only statistically significant in FO-fed animals. A decrease in liver iron stores (P = 0.015) was observed in rats fed FO, considering that ITF consumption returned to levels comparable to the SO control group. CONCLUSION: These findings confirm the positive influence of ITF on mineral bioavailability, which was potentiated by addition of FO to the diet.

A visão da indústria brasileira moageira do trigo sobre a legislação que obriga a fortificação das farinhas com ferro / Brazilian milling industry views on law requiring iron fortification of wheat flour

Anemia caused by iron defi ciency is very prevalent in Brazil, and so the government decided that wheat flour should be fortified with iron. This paper presents the perceptions of the wheat milling industry on the Brazilianlaw which determines flour fortification. Professionals responsible for implementing the law, and representing 60% of the Brazilian wheat flourmarket, were interviewed and the answers analyzed using the method of Collective Discourse of the Subjects. This method combines the main ideas of the subjects, using their own verbal expressions, to reveal their perceptions. Interpretation of the results showed that millers agree with the law; how everthey complained about the authoritarian way in which it was introduced. They had previously asked the government for advertising to educate the consumers, but this was not done. The millers do not believe that the population of low socioeconomic status will be benefitted by this law because of the high cost of wheat-derived products. The millers say they are observing the law, in spite of initial technological deficiencies. These have been solvedby using the services of micronutrient suppliers and over-dosing the flour.Wheat flour for domestic use is usually fortified with reduced iron, but other iron compounds are used in the flour supplied to industry. In the perceptionof the millers, the fortification issues are more administrative and politicalthan technical.

Debido a la elevada prevalencia en el paísde anemia por défi cit de hierro, el gobiernobrasileño decidió implantar la fortificaciónde la harina de trigo con este elemento. Estetrabajo expone la opinión de la industriamolinera sobre la resolución que determinala fortificación. Fueron entrevistados los profesionales responsables por la implementación de la medida que su ministran 60% de laharina al mercado brasileño. Las respuestas seanalizaron utilizando el método del Discursodel Sujeto Colectivo. Este método combina las principales ideas de los entrevistados pararevelar sus opiniones sobre el tema. El análisis de los resultados mostró que los molinerosestán de acuerdo con la legislación, pero no concuerdan con la forma autoritaria como fue presentada. Ellos habían solicitado al gobiernola realización de propaganda educativa delos consumidores, que no fue realizada. La industria no cree que la población de bajo poder adquisitivo será beneficiada por la medida, debido al elevado costo de los derivados detrigo. Afirman estar cumpliendo la legislación, a pesar de las dificultades tecnológicas, que hansido resueltas con sobredosis de micronutrientesen las harinas. La harina de trigo para uso doméstico es generalmente fortificada con hierroreducido, pero otros compuestos de hierro son usados para la harina industrial. El juicioque la industria tiene es que los problemas defortificación son más políticos y administrativosque técnicos.

A anemia provocada pela deficiência de ferro tem alta prevalência no Brasil e, assim sendo, o governo decidiu fortificar a farinha de trigo com ferro. Este trabalho apresenta a percepção da indústria moageira do trigo sobre a Resolução brasileira que determina a fortificação.Profissionais responsáveis pela implementação da legislação e que fornecem 60% da farinha do mercado brasileiro foram entrevistados e suas respostas foram analisadas usando o métododo Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Este combina as principais idéias dos entrevistados, usando suas expressões verbais para revelar suas percepções sobre o assunto. A interpretação dos resultados mostrou que os moleiros concordam com a legislação, no entanto reclamam sobre a forma autoritária como esta foi apresentada. Eles haviam solicitado ao governo que realizas se propaganda para educar os consumidores, mas isto não foi feito. A indústria não acredita que as populações de baixo poder aquisitivo serão atendidas pela legislação, devido ao alto custo dos produtos derivados do trigo. Eles afirmam estar cumprindo a legislação, apesar das dificuldades tecnológicas, que têm sido resolvidas com a sobre-dosagem na farinha dos micronutrientes, cujos fornecedores incluem serviços laboratoriais. A farinha de trigo para uso doméstico é geralmente fortificada com ferroreduzido, mas outros compostos de ferro são usados para a farinha industrial. Na percepção da indústria, os problemas da fortificação são mais político-administrativos que técnicos.

Effects of fructans-containing yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius Poepp and Endl.) flour on caecum mucosal morphometry, calcium and magnesium balance, and bone calcium retention in growing rats.

Yacon roots have been considered a functional food due to the high levels of fructans they contains. In the present study, Ca and Mg balance, bone mass and strength, and caecum mucosal morphometry were evaluated. Growing male Wistar rats (n 24) were fed ad libitum control diets or diets supplemented with yacon flour (5 or 7.5 % fructooligosaccharides) for 27 d. Mineral balance was evaluated in three periods of 5 d (starting on the 4th, 10th and 16th days). After the rats were killled, the bones were removed and bone mineral density was measured. Ca analyses were performed on left femurs and tibias and biomechanical testing on right femurs. The caecum was removed and tissue samples were collected for histological analysis. Caecal histology changed noticeably in rats fed yacon flour: there was an increase in the depth and number of total and bifurcated crypts as well. Yacon flour consumption significantly (P < 0.05) resulted in a positive Ca and Mg balance, leading to higher values of bone mineral retention and biomechanical properties (peak load and stiffness) when compared to the control group. The positive effects on mineral intestinal absorption, bone mass and biomechanical properties showed an important role of yacon roots in the maintenance of healthy bones. The increased number of bifurcating crypts might be related to the higher mineral absorption caused by the enlargement of the absorbing surface in the large intestine of the animals.

Controle da anemia ferropriva em pré-escolares por meio da fortificaçäo de alimento com concentrado de hemoglobina bovina: estudo preliminar / Iron deficiency anemia control in pre-school children by food fortification with bovine hemoglobin: preliminary study

O efeito da introduçao de biscoitos fortificados com ferro hemínico no estado de nutriçao de ferro de pré-escolares foi avaliado em um estudo piloto que inclui 16 crianças com idade entre 2 e 4 anos, de uma cresche pública do estado do Piauí. A fonte de ferro utilizada foi o sangue bovino seco pelo processo de leito de jorro, uma alternativa para a secagem em spray, adaptada para a secagem de sangue. A primeira tomada de amostra, detectou-se anemia (Hb < 11g/dL) em 12 crianças (75%). O valor médio de Hb foi de 9,4 2,6g/dL. Os biscoitos fortificados com 3% de concentrado de hemoglobina bovina foram introduzidos na dieta oferecida (5 biscoitos (4mg Fe)/d) durante 3 meses. Após esse período, houve aumento da concentraçao de hemoglobina em todas as crianças e ausência de anemia (Hb=13,2 0,2g/dL). Os resultados obtidos apontam para a utilizaçao do sangue total seco como uma fonte de ferro hemínico possível de ser utilizada na fortificaçao de alimentos, principalmente dirigidos a grupos de risco de anemia por deficiência de ferro, como é o caso dos pré-escolares