Anti-inflammatory effect of two pomegranate seed oils obtained by green technologies in Caco-2 cells using the bioaccessible fraction from in vitro gastrointestinal digestion.

Pomegranate seeds contain up to 20% oil with a high content of punicic acid (85%), which is responsible for several biological activities. In this work, two pomegranate oils obtained by a two-step sequential extraction, first with an expeller and then via supercritical CO2 technologies, have been studied in a static gastrointestinal in vitro digestion model to evaluate their bioaccessibility. The micellar phases obtained were evaluated by an in vitro model of intestinal inflammation and Caco-2 cells exposed to the inflammatory mediator lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Inflammatory response was assessed by measuring the production of interleukins IL-6 and IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and by evaluating the monolayer integrity. The results obtained indicate that expeller pomegranate oil (EPO) provides the highest amount of micellar phase (ca. 93%) with free fatty acids and monoacylglycerols as major components. The micellar phase obtained with supercritical CO2 pomegranate oil (SCPO) is ca. 82% with similar lipid composition. Micellar phases of EPO and SCPO showed high stability and adequate particle size. EPO shows an anti-inflammatory response, reducing the production of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in LPS stimulated caco-2 cells and increasing the integrity of the cell monolayer as measured by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). In the case of SCPO, the anti-inflammatory effect was only evident for IL-8. The present work demonstrates good digestibility, bioaccessibility and anti-inflammatory response of both EPO and SCPO oils.

Pomegranate Extract Augments Energy Expenditure Counteracting the Metabolic Stress Associated with High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity.

Obesity is associated to a low grade of chronic inflammation leading to metabolic stress, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, dislipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. A Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce systemic inflammatory factors, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. In this scenario, precision nutrition may provide complementary approaches to target the metabolic alterations associated to "unhealthy obesity". In a previous work, we described a pomegranate extract (PomE) rich in punicalagines to augment markers of browning and thermogenesis in human differentiated adipocytes and to augment the oxidative respiratory capacity in human differentiated myocytes. Herein, we have conducted a preclinical study of high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity where PomE augments the systemic energy expenditure (EE) contributing to a reduction in the low grade of chronic inflammation and insulin resistance associated to obesity. At the molecular level, PomE promotes browning and thermogenesis in adipose tissue, reducing inflammatory markers and augmenting the reductive potential to control the oxidative stress associated to the HFD. PomE merits further investigation as a complementary approach to alleviate obesity, reducing the low grade of chronic inflammation and metabolic stress.

A comparative study of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of three strategic edible oils.

Three strategic edible oils, that is, olive oil, microalgae oil, and shea butter, with a significantly different composition of fatty acids (FA), have been studied in a static in vitro digestion model to evaluate the rate of hydrolysis, bioaccessibility, and micellar phases formed in the process. Lipid composition of each phase and how the lipids are distributed in the different phases have been obtained using this in vitro digestion model. We demonstrate that the composition in FA and the physical properties of the oil are the key factors determining the distribution of lipids in the different phases. The fastest rate of hydrolysis was observed for olive oil and the highest triacylglycerol conversion was attained for shea butter. In contrast, the most abundant precipitate phase was obtained for shea butter, which also produces the highest co-crystallization of cholesterol among the three edible oils studied. This study reveals that digestibility of edible oils is directly related with the initial rate of hydrolysis.

A new urea adducts method for PUFA concentration using green food grade solvents and avoiding ethyl carbamate formation.

This study aimed to selectively enrich stearidonic acid (SDA) together with γ-linolenic acid (GLA) in Echium plantagineum oil by urea complexation. The complexation process at room temperature was carried out replacing common organic solvents, such as hexane and ethanol, by alternative compounds, included in Green Solvent and Food Grade categories, adapting this process towards the principles of Green Chemistry. This substitution was also intended to avoid the generation of the toxic compound ethyl carbamate. Among all the solvents studied, the mixture propionic acid and α-pinene provided the best results, leading to a final product comprised of ∼99% of PUFA, with ∼45% SDA (∼14% in the original oil), and without apparition of ethyl carbamate. The procedure was tested on other raw materials (salmon and microalgae oils). The solvent was efficiently recuperated from the liquid phase (∼87% recovery) and reutilized once with almost identical results.

Natural Extracts to Augment Energy Expenditure as a Complementary Approach to Tackle Obesity and Associated Metabolic Alterations.

Obesity is the epidemic of the 21st century. In developing countries, the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, and obesity is occurring at younger ages. Obesity and associated metabolic stress disrupt the whole-body physiology. Adipocytes are critical components of the systemic metabolic control, functioning as an endocrine organ. The enlarged adipocytes during obesity recruit macrophages promoting chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Together with the genetic susceptibility (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNP) and metabolic alterations at the molecular level, it has been highlighted that key modifiable risk factors, such as those related to lifestyle, contribute to the development of obesity. In this scenario, urgent therapeutic options are needed, including not only pharmacotherapy but also nutrients, bioactive compounds, and natural extracts to reverse the metabolic alterations associated with obesity. Herein, we first summarize the main targetable processes to tackle obesity, including activation of thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and in white adipose tissue (WAT-browning), and the promotion of energy expenditure and/or fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in muscles. Then, we perform a screening of 20 natural extracts (EFSA approved) to determine their potential in the activation of FAO and/or thermogenesis, as well as the increase in respiratory capacity. By means of innovative technologies, such as the study of their effects on cell bioenergetics (Seahorse bioanalyzer), we end up with the selection of four extracts with potential application to ameliorate the deleterious effects of obesity and the chronic associated inflammation.

The hydrolysis of saponin-rich extracts from fenugreek and quinoa improves their pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity and hypocholesterolemic effect.

Saponins are promising compounds for ameliorating hyperlipidemia but scarce information exists about sapogenins, the hydrolyzed forms of saponins. Saponin-rich extracts and their hydrolysates from fenugreek (FE, HFE) and quinoa (QE, HQE), and saponin and sapogenin standards, were assessed on the inhibition of pancreatic lipase and interference on the bioaccessibility of cholesterol by in vitro digestion models. All extracts inhibited pancreatic lipase (IC50 between 1.15 and 0.59 mg/mL), although the hydrolysis enhanced the bioactivity of HQE (p = 0.014). The IC50 value significantly correlated to the saponin content (r = -0.82; p = 0.001). Only the hydrolyzed extracts showed a reduction of bioaccessible cholesterol (p < 0.001) higher than that of phytosterols (35% reduction). Sapogenin standards exhibited no bioactivities, protodioscin and hederacoside C slightly inhibited the lipase (around 10%) and protodioscin reduced the bioaccessible cholesterol (23% reduction, p = 0.035). The hydrolysis process of saponin-rich extracts enhances the bioactivity and allows developing multibioactive products against pancreatic lipase and cholesterol absorption simultaneously.

In Vitro Permeability of Saponins and Sapogenins from Seed Extracts by the Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay: Effect of in Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion.

The permeability of saponins and sapogenins from fenugreek and quinoa extracts, as well as dioscin and diosgenin, was evaluated by the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA). The effect of the digestion process on permeability was determined, with previous development of a gastrointestinal process coupled to PAMPA. Saponins from both seeds displayed a moderate-to-poor permeability (>1 × 10-6 cm/s), although the digestion enhanced their permeability values in the order of 10-5 cm/s (p < 0.001). Sapogenins exhibited a similar permeability to that of saponins, although the digestion enhanced the permeability of sapogenins from quinoa (1.14 ± 0.47 × 10-5 cm/s) but not from fenugreek (2.33 ± 0.99 × 10-6 cm/s). An overall positive impact of coexisting lipids on the permeability was evidenced. PAMPA is shown as a useful, rapid, and easy tool for assessing the permeability of bioactive compounds from complex matrices, with the previous gastrointestinal process being a relevant step.

In vitro digestibility and bioaccessibility of lipid-based delivery systems obtained via enzymatic glycerolysis: a case study of rosemary extract bioaccessibility.

This work studies the effect of enzymatic glycerolysis on digestibility and bioaccessibility of ratfish liver oil (RLO) rich in alkylglycerols (AKGs), as well as the capability of the glycerolysis product (GP) to act as lipid-based delivery system (LBDS) for a supercritical rosemary extract. For comparison purposes, digestibility and bioaccessibility of two additional lipid systems i.e. original RLO and RLO with addition of GRAS monoolein (MO) as emulsifier agent (RLO + MO), have been evaluated. We have studied the efficiency of the GP and RLO + MO lipid systems as LBDS by combining them with a supercritical rosemary extract (RE), i.e. RE lipid-based formulations. In vitro digestibility and bioaccessibility of un-loaded lipid systems, RE lipid-based formulations and un-carried RE have been determined. The results show a higher digestibility and bioaccessibility of the GP as compared to those of original RLO and RLO + MO. Likewise, a substantial improvement of RE bioaccessibility has been observed when GP is used as lipid carrier of RE. The present work demonstrates that enzymatic glycerolysis is an efficient strategy to obtain highly bioaccessible and potentially bioactive alkylglycerol-based delivery systems, which can be used to increase the bioaccessibility of low water-soluble bioactive compounds.

In Vitro Colonic Fermentation of Saponin-Rich Extracts from Quinoa, Lentil, and Fenugreek. Effect on Sapogenins Yield and Human Gut Microbiota.

In vitro colonic fermentation of saponin-rich extracts from quinoa, lentil, and fenugreek was performed. Production of sapogenins by human fecal microbiota and the impact of extracts on representative intestinal bacterial groups were evaluated. The main sapogenins were found after fermentation (soyasapogenol B for lentil; oleanolic acid, hederagenin, phytolaccagenic acid, and serjanic acid for quinoa; and sarsasapogenin, diosgenin, and neotigogenin acetate for fenugreek). Interindividual differences were observed, but the highest production of sapogenins corresponded to quinoa (90 µg/mL) and fenugreek (70 µg/mL) extracts, being minor for lentil (4 µg/mL). Lentil and quinoa extracts showed a general antimicrobial effect, mainly on lactic acid bacteria and Lactobacillus spp. Significant increases of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. were observed for fenugreek in one volunteer. Thus, the transformation of saponin-rich extracts of quinoa, lentil, and fenugreek to sapogenins by human gut microbiota is demonstrated, exhibiting a modulatory effect on the growth of selected intestinal bacteria.

Precision Nutrition and Cancer Relapse Prevention: A Systematic Literature Review.

Cancer mortality rates are undergoing a global downward trend; however, metastasis and relapse after surgery and adjuvant treatments still correlate with poor prognosis and represent the most significant challenges in the treatment of this disease. Advances in genomics, metabolomics, and proteomics are improving our understanding regarding cancer metabolic diversity, resulting in detailed classifications of tumors and raising the effectiveness of precision medicine. Likewise, the growing knowledge of interactions between nutrients and the expression of certain genes could lead to cancer therapies based on precision nutrition strategies. This review aims to identify the recent advances in the knowledge of the mechanistic role of bioactive phytochemicals in foodstuffs in tumor progression, metastasis, and chemo-resistance in order to assess their potential use in precision nutrition therapies targeting relapse in lung, breast, colon, and prostate cancer, and leukemia. A considerable number of bioactive phytochemicals in foodstuffs were identified in the literature with proven effects modulating tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. In addition, the use of foodstuffs in cancer, and specifically in relapse therapies, is being reinforced by the development of different formulations that significantly increase the therapeutic efficiency of these products. This can open the possibility for testing combinations of bioactive phytochemicals with cancer relapse treatments as a potential prevention strategy.

Tolerability and Safety of a Nutritional Supplement with Potential as Adjuvant in Colorectal Cancer Therapy: A Randomized Trial in Healthy Volunteers.

Bioactive supplements display relevant therapeutic properties when properly applied according to validated molecular effects. Our previous research efforts established the basis to develop a dietary supplement based on a Rosmarinus officinalis supercritical extract. This was enriched in phenolic diterpenes (RE) with proven properties against signaling pathways involved in colon tumorigenesis, and shark liver oil rich in alkylglycerols (AKG) as a bioactive lipid vehicle to improve RE bioavailability and synergize with the potential therapeutic action of the extract. Herein, we have investigated the tolerability and safety of the supplement and the biological and molecular effects from an immuno-nutritional perspective. Sixty healthy volunteers participated in a six week, double-blind, randomized parallel pilot study with two study arms: RE-AKG capsules (CR) and control capsules (CC). Mean age (±SD) of volunteers was 28.32 (±11.39) and 27.5 (±9.04) for the control and the study groups, respectively. Safety of the CR product consumption was confirmed by analyzing liver profile, vital constants, and oxidation markers (LDLox in blood and isoprostanes and thromboxanes in urine). The following were monitored: (1) the phenotyping of plasmatic leukocytes and the ex vivo response of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs); (2) expression of genes associated with immune-modulation, inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and tumorigenesis; and (3) the correlation of selected genetic variants (SNPs) with the differential responses among individuals. The lack of adverse effects on liver profile and oxidation markers, together with adequate tolerability and safe immunological adaptations, provide high-quality information for the potential use of CR as co-adjuvant of therapeutic strategies against colorectal cancer.

Protective effect of hydroxytyrosol and rosemary extract in a comparative study of the oxidative stability of Echium oil.

The oxidative stability of Echium oil has been studied by two accelerated oxidation methodologies namely Rancimat and differential scanning calorimetry at selected temperatures in the range 50-110 °C. Kinetic analyses have provided Arrhenius parameters, oxidative stability indexes (OSI), temperature coefficients (tcoef), Q10 and OSI at 20 °C (OSI20) for both methodologies focussing on secondary and tertiary oxidation products. Peroxide, p-anisidine and polar compounds values have been measured to characterize from primary to tertiary oxidation products. In general, susceptibility of this oil to oxidation has been found to be larger than for other vegetable oils, according to the OSI20 values estimated by Rancimat and differential scanning calorimetry. However, the values of tcoeff and Q10 are found to be similar to those described for vegetable oils. In addition, a study of the influence of two antioxidants, namely hydroxytyrosol and rosemary extract on the oxidative stability of Echium oil has been carried out using both methodologies. Protective effects over oxidation by up to a threefold increase of OSI20 values have been found for both antioxidants at the highest dose utilized.

Yarrow supercritical extract exerts antitumoral properties by targeting lipid metabolism in pancreatic cancer.

Metabolic reprogramming is considered a hallmark of cancer. Currently, the altered lipid metabolism in cancer is a topic of interest due to the prominent role of lipids regulating the progression of various types of tumors. Lipids and lipid-derived molecules have been shown to activate growth regulatory pathways and to promote malignancy in pancreatic cancer. In a previous work, we have described the antitumoral properties of Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) CO2 supercritical extract (Yarrow SFE) in pancreatic cancer. Herein, we aim to investigate the underlaying molecular mechanisms by which Yarrow SFE induces cytotoxicity in pancreatic cancer cells. Yarrow SFE downregulates SREBF1 and downstream molecular targets of this transcription factor, such as fatty acid synthase (FASN) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD). Importantly, we demonstrate the in vivo effect of Yarrow SFE diminishing the tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model of pancreatic cancer. Our data suggest that Yarrow SFE can be proposed as a complementary adjuvant or nutritional supplement in pancreatic cancer therapy.

Yarrow Supercritical Extract Ameliorates the Metabolic Stress in a Model of Obesity Induced by High-Fat Diet.

Nowadays, obesity and its associated metabolic disorders, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, or cancer, continue to be a health epidemic in westernized societies, and there is an increased necessity to explore anti-obesity therapies including pharmaceutical and nutraceutical compounds. Considerable attention has been placed on the identification of bioactive compounds from natural sources to manage the metabolic stress associated with obesity. In a previous work, we have demonstrated that a CO2 supercritical fluid extract from yarrow (Yarrow SFE), downregulates the expression of the lipogenic master regulator SREBF1 and its downstream molecular targets FASN and SCD in a tumoral context. Since obesity and diabetes are strongly considered high-risk factors for cancer development, herein, we aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic role of Yarrow SFE in the metabolic stress induced after a high-fat diet in mice. For this purpose, 32 C57BL/6 mice were distributed in four groups according to their diets: standard diet (SD); SD supplemented with Yarrow SFE (SD + Yarrow); high-fat diet (HFD); and HFD supplemented with Yarrow SFE (HFD + Yarrow). Fasting glycemia, insulin levels, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profile, gene expression, and lipid content of liver and adipose tissues were analyzed after three months of treatment. Results indicate improved fasting glucose levels in plasma, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and diminished hypercholesterolemia in the HFD + Yarrow group compared to the HFD group. Mechanistically, Yarrow SFE protects liver from steatosis after the HFD challenge by augmenting the adipose tissue buffering capacity of the circulating plasma glucose.

Inhibitory effect of quinoa and fenugreek extracts on pancreatic lipase and α-amylase under in vitro traditional conditions or intestinal simulated conditions.

Ethanol extracts (EE) from fenugreek and quinoa seeds with different total content of inhibitory compounds (TIC, total saponin plus phenolic) were prepared with and without concentration of TIC (CEE -concentrated EE-, and EE, respectively). Their inhibitory activity on pancreatic lipase and α-amylase was assessed by traditional in vitro methods (with or without orbital shaking), and by simulating intestinal digestion. CEE contained higher contents of TIC than EE, being fenugreek superior to quinoa (p < 0.001). The extracts inhibited enzymes in a dose-dependent manner, CEE extracts being stronger (fenugreek for lipase -p = 0.009-, and quinoa for α-amylase -p < 0.001-). Shaking did not impact the activity. Intestinal conditions worsened the inhibition of lipase, but slightly catalyzed the α-amylase. Longer times of reaction worsened activities. The importance of assessing the inhibitory activity of extracts under simulated intestinal conditions is concluded, being fenugreek more interesting than quinoa, especially against pancreatic lipase.

Protein matrices ensure safe and functional delivery of rosmarinic acid from marjoram (Origanum majorana) extracts.

BACKGROUND: To understand the interactions between carriers and functional ingredients is crucial when designing delivery systems, to maximize bioefficacy and functionality. In this study, two different protein matrices were evaluated as means to protect the extract isolated from marjoram leaves (Origanum majorana), casein micelles from fresh skim milk and soy protein isolate (SPI). RESULTS: Marjoram extract was obtained from pressurization of ethanol and water solvent. Protein dispersions of casein and SPI (5 g L-1 each) with or without marjoram extract (0.1-3 mg mL-1 ) were prepared and homogenized. The physicochemical characterization of charge and entrapment efficiency were conducted. The results demonstrated that entrapment efficiency was highly dependent on the carrier itself where SPI formulations showed 20% higher affinity when compared to casein micelles. To investigate the physiological behaviour of the marjoram-protein dispersions, human macrophages were employed. A non-specific inflammatory response of macrophages stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide was measured for TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 cytokine secretion. CONCLUSION: Casein and SPI protein formulations warranted high bioefficacy of marjoram extract, showing their potential as safe carriers. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Acid hydrolysis of saponin-rich extracts of quinoa, lentil, fenugreek and soybean to yield sapogenin-rich extracts and other bioactive compounds.

BACKGROUND: Typical hydrolysis times of saponins generally do not take into consideration the effect of time on the degradation of the target compounds, namely sapogenins. When producing natural extracts, it should be borne in mind that conducting hydrolysis to yield a target compound might also affect the final composition of the extracts in terms of other bioactive compounds. In our study, saponin-rich extracts from fenugreek, quinoa, lentil, and soybean were produced and their acid hydrolysis to give sapogenin-rich extracts was conducted over different periods (0-6 h). The disappearance of saponins and appearance of sapogenins was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. The impact of hydrolysis on the phytosterols and tocopherol in the extracts was also evaluated. RESULTS: Fenugreek showed the highest saponin content (169 g kg-1 ), followed by lentil (20 g kg-1 ), quinoa (15 g kg-1 ), and soybean (13 g kg-1 ). Hydrolysis for 1 h caused the complete disappearance of saponins and the greatest release of sapogenins. Hydrolyzed fenugreek and quinoa extracts contained the highest amounts of sapogenins and minor fractions of phytosterols and tocopherol. Hydrolyzed extracts of lentil and soybean contained a major fraction of phytosterols and a low fraction of sapogenins. In all cases, sapogenins decreased after 1 h of hydrolysis, phytosterols slightly decreased, and tocopherol was unaffected. Standards of diosgenin and oleanolic acid also showed this decreasing pattern under acid hydrolysis conditions. CONCLUSION: Hydrolysis times of 1 h for saponin-rich extracts from the assayed seeds guarantee the maximum transformation to sapogenin-rich extracts, along with phytosterols and tocopherol. Fenugreek and quinoa seeds are preferred for this. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Características y condicionantes de la ingesta dietética y actividad física en un grupo de pacientes diagnosticados de sensibilidad química múltiple / Characteristics and determinants of dietary intake and physical activity in a group of patients with multiple chemical sensitivity

Antecedentes y objetivo: La sensibilidad química múltiple (SQM) es un síndrome complejo, adquirido, crónico y multifactorial, con amplia sintomatología. El objetivo del presente estudio fue conocer los hábitos alimentarios, las características dietéticas y la actividad física, así como sus condicionantes en un colectivo afectado de SQM, lo que permitirá un abordaje más preciso para la mejora de su estado nutricional. Pacientes y método: Estudio descriptivo y transversal en pacientes con SQM. Se recogió información mediante cuestionarios adaptados sobre presencia de comorbilidades, hábitos dietéticos (consumo de complementos/suplementos, tipos de dietas) y de compra, así como registro de ingesta dietética, intolerancias alimentarias y actividad física. Resultados: Se incluyó a 52 pacientes (48 mujeres) de 50,9 ± 10,3 años de edad media. Fue habitual el diagnóstico conjunto de SQM con síndrome de fatiga crónica (70,1%), fibromialgia (65,4%) o electrosensibilidad (51,9%). Las comorbilidades más frecuentes fueron colon irritable, reflujo gastroesofágico y depresión/trastorno ansioso-depresivo. El 57,7% seguía regímenes de exclusión. El 52,1% consumía complementos/suplementos habitualmente (6,4 ± 5,2 por persona) y el 16,0% tomaba más de 10 diarios. Fue elevado el porcentaje de voluntarios que no alcanzó las raciones aconsejadas de lácteos (84,3%), frutas (82,3%) y cereales (64,7%), coincidiendo con los alimentos con mayor intolerancia. Con respecto a la actividad física, los sujetos activos solo representaban el 12,5%. Conclusiones: Los datos obtenidos confirman la necesidad de mejora del patrón alimentario y realización de actividad física según características individuales. La educación nutricional y personalización de las pautas podrían evitar dietas incompletas, monótonas y desequilibradas que empeoren la calidad de vida y situación fisiológica

Background and objective: Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a complex, acquired, chronic syndrome of multifactorial etiology with multiple symptoms. The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional habits, dietary characteristics and physical activity, as well as their determinants, of a population diagnosed with MCS, which may allow for a more precise approach to nutritional improvement. Patients and method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study in patients diagnosed with MCS. Information was collected using adapted questionnaires. Data included presence of comorbidities, nutritional (use of supplements, types of diet) and food purchasing habits. Dietary intake, food intolerances, and physical activity were also recorded. Results: The study included of 52 patients (48 female) aged 50.9±10.3 years. Diagnosis of MCS was commonly associated to chronic fatigue syndrome (70.1%), fibromyalgia (65.4%), or electrosensitivity (51.9%). The most common comorbidities were irritable bowel, gastroesophageal reflux, and depression/anxiety-depressive disorder. Exclusion diets were followed by 57.7%, 52.1% commonly used supplements (6.4±5.2 per person), and 16.0% took more than 10 daily. A high proportion of volunteers did not take the recommended amounts of dairy products (84.3%), fruit (82.3%), and cereals (64.7%), the foods to which intolerance was greatest. As regards physical activity, active subjects only represented 12.5%. Conclusions: The data collected support the need to improve food pattern and to perform physical activity according to individual characteristics. Nutritional education and diet personalization could prevent incomplete, monotonous, and unbalanced diets which impair quality of life and physiological status

Characteristics and determinants of dietary intake and physical activity in a group of patients with multiple chemical sensitivity. / Características y condicionantes de la ingesta dietética y actividad física en un grupo de pacientes diagnosticados de sensibilidad química múltiple.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a complex, acquired, chronic syndrome of multifactorial etiology with multiple symptoms. The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional habits, dietary characteristics and physical activity, as well as their determinants, of a population diagnosed with MCS, which may allow for a more precise approach to nutritional improvement. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A descriptive, cross-sectional study in patients diagnosed with MCS. Information was collected using adapted questionnaires. Data included presence of comorbidities, nutritional (use of supplements, types of diet) and food purchasing habits. Dietary intake, food intolerances, and physical activity were also recorded. RESULTS: The study included of 52 patients (48 female) aged 50.9±10.3 years. Diagnosis of MCS was commonly associated to chronic fatigue syndrome (70.1%), fibromyalgia (65.4%), or electrosensitivity (51.9%). The most common comorbidities were irritable bowel, gastroesophageal reflux, and depression/anxiety-depressive disorder. Exclusion diets were followed by 57.7%, 52.1% commonly used supplements (6.4±5.2 per person), and 16.0% took more than 10 daily. A high proportion of volunteers did not take the recommended amounts of dairy products (84.3%), fruit (82.3%), and cereals (64.7%), the foods to which intolerance was greatest. As regards physical activity, active subjects only represented 12.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The data collected support the need to improve food pattern and to perform physical activity according to individual characteristics. Nutritional education and diet personalization could prevent incomplete, monotonous, and unbalanced diets which impair quality of life and physiological status.

Stearidonic Acid Concentration by Urea Complexation from Echium Oil.

Concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids ethyl esters (FAEE) by urea complexation from Echium oil was studied. Different variables involved in the process were investigated: amount and particle size of urea, solvent volume and ratio (hexane/ethanol), load of FAEE and reaction time. Hence, the main goal was to optimize SDA concentration (%) and yield (%) of stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4 ω-3) and other bioactive FAEE. Similar behaviors were observed in fractionation between α-linolenic (ALA)-linoleic (LA), and γ-linolenic (GLA)-stearidonic (SDA) acids, attributed to similarities on their chemical structures, due to the position of the double bonds. At laboratory scale, the optimal conditions were 3 g urea (powder), 3.6 mL of hexane, 0.54 mL of ethanol and 800 mg of FAEE, during 20 h at 25°C. A scaling-up at pilot plant was carried out twice, obtaining more than 100 g of a final product, with ~29% SDA concentration and ~78% yield. Besides, after two washings with water, ethyl carbamates (urethanes) were not detected in the final product. Thus, a mixture of FAEE with about 85% of bioactive fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties was obtained, which can be a high added-value product with great potential for the synthesis of functional lipids and nutraceuticals.