Negligible Oleandrin Content of Hot Dogs Cooked on Nerium oleander Skewers.

INTRODUCTION: The Nerium oleander plant contains cardenolides that may cause human poisoning when ingested. A long-standing belief holds that it is possible to be poisoned by eating hot dogs or other foods cooked on Nerium oleander branch skewers. Oleandrin levels in frankfurters cooked on fresh and dry Nerium oleander skewers were measured. METHODS: Hot dogs were cooked separately on either dried or fresh oleander branch skewers using a disposable charcoal grill. The hot dogs were then frozen and transported to an analytical laboratory where oleandrin content was measured via liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (LC/MS). RESULTS: The oleandrin content of hot dogs cooked on dried and fresh skewers did not exceed 343 ng and 701 ng, respectively. CONCLUSION: Hot dogs cooked on Nerium oleander skewers contain a negligible amount of oleandrin with respect to that sufficient to cause human poisoning. Reports of poisonings occurring in this manner are most likely the result of an urban myth.

Growth of Clostridium perfringens in sous vide cooked ground beef with added grape seed extract.

The growth of Clostridium perfringens from spore inocula was studied in sous vide cooked ground beef with added 0 to 3% grape seed extract (GSE). C. perfringens did not grow at 4 °C with or without GSE present. Lag time (LT) was 95 h in control samples at 15 °C, whereas 1-3% GSE addition significantly (p < .05) extended LT to 244 h or longer. Generation time (GT) in 3% GSE added beef was similar to that of control (19 h, 3% GSE versus 18 h, control) at 15 °C. At 20 °C, GT was 1.5 h in samples without GSE; however, 1-3% GSE addition extended GT about 2-3 folds (p < .05). Lag time at 20 °C was 23 h in control samples, while LT was 40-59 h in samples containing GSE. Interestingly, GSE did not affect LT at 25 °C; however, significantly (p < .05) longer GT was observed in 3% GSE added samples than the other sample groups. Additionally, GSE from 1 to 3% in beef extended the period needed to reach 6 log cfu/g at 15 or 20 °C, while 3% GSE was required at 25 °C. The findings suggest that GSE exhibits concentration and temperature dependent inhibitory effect on growth of C. perfringens in sous vide cooked ground beef. Grape seed extract can be used to extend the shelf-life and ensure the microbiological safety of sous vide cooked meat products.

Combination of garlic essential oil, allyl isothiocyanate, and nisin Z as bio-preservatives in fresh sausage.

The effects of natural antimicrobial compounds (garlic essential oil [GO], allyl isothiocyanate [AITC], and nisin Z [NI]) on microbiological, physicochemical and sensory characteristics of fresh sausage were assessed. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) towards Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Lactobacillus plantarum were determined in vitro. Sausages inoculated with E. coli O157:H7, were treated with different combinations of antimicrobials and assessed for microbiological and physicochemical parameters during storage (6C for 20 d). Treatments that presented the greatest antimicrobial effects were subjected to sensory evaluation. Combinations of 20 mg/kg NI + 125 µL/kg GO + 62.5 µL/kg AITC or 20 mg/kg NI + 62.5 µL/kg GO + 125 µL/kg AITC were effective in reducing E. coli O157H7 and spoilage lactic acid bacteria, and maintained the physicochemical characteristics of fresh sausage. Combinations of NI, GO and AITC were effective to improve the safety and the shelf life of fresh sausage, with no impact on its sensory acceptance.

Association between pre-pregnancy consumption of meat, iron intake, and the risk of gestational diabetes: the SUN project.

PURPOSE: We assessed the association of total meat, processed, and unprocessed red meat and iron intake with the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant women. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study among 3298 disease-free Spanish women participants of the SUN cohort who reported at least one pregnancy between December 1999 and March 2012. Meat consumption and iron intake were assessed at baseline through a validated, 136-item semi-quantitative, food frequency questionnaire. We categorized total, red, and processed meat consumption and iron intake into quartiles. Logistic regression models were used to adjust for potential confounders. RESULTS: We identified 172 incident cases of GDM. In the fully adjusted analysis, total meat consumption was significantly associated with a higher risk of GDM [OR = 1.67 (95% CI 1.06-2.63, p-trend 0.010)] for the highest versus the lowest quartile of consumption. The observed associations were particularly strong for red meat consumption [OR = 2.37 (95% CI 1.49-3.78, p-trend < 0.001)] and processed meat consumption [OR = 2.01 (95% CI 1.26-3.21, p-trend 0.003)]. Heme iron intake was also directly associated with GDM [OR = 2.21 (95% CI 1.37-3.58, p-trend 0.003)], although the association was attenuated and lost its statistical significance when we adjusted for red meat consumption [OR = 1.57 (95% CI 0.91-2.70, p-trend 0.213)]. No association was observed for non-heme and total iron intake, including supplements. CONCLUSIONS: Our overall findings suggest that higher pre-pregnancy consumption of total meat, especially red and processed meat, and heme iron intake, are significantly associated with an increased GDM risk in a Mediterranean cohort of university graduates.

Meat: The balance between nutrition and health. A review.

Fresh and processed meats provide high biological value proteins and important micronutrients. On the other hand, a working group of IARC recently classified processed meat as 'carcinogenic to humans' and red meat as 'probably carcinogenic to humans' for colorectal cancer, appealing to critically consider the future role of meat in a healthy diet. This manuscript first evaluates the contribution of meat consumption to the supply of important micronutrients in the human food chain, and the extent to which this can be improved by primary production strategies, and impacts on human health. Secondly, the IARC hazard analysis of the carcinogenicity of red and processed meat consumption is discussed, arguing that having more insight in the mechanisms of the association offers opportunities for mitigation. It is advocated that the benefits and risks associated with red and processed meat consumption should not necessarily cause dilemmas, if these meats are consumed in moderate amounts as part of balanced diets.

Assessment of Nutritional Adequacy of Packaged Gluten-free Food Products.

PURPOSE: There is concern about the nutritional quality of processed gluten-free (GF) products. The aim was to investigate the nutrient composition and cost of processed GF products compared with similar regular products. METHODS: Product size, price, caloric value, and macro- and micronutrient composition were compared between foods labeled "Gluten-free" and comparable regular products in 5 grocery stores in 3 Canadian cities. Data were calculated per 100 g of product. RESULTS: A total of 131 products were studied (71 GF, 60 regular). Overall, calories were comparable between GF and regular foods. However, fat content of GF breads was higher (mean 7.7 vs. 3.6 g, P = 0.003), whereas protein was lower (mean 5.0 vs. 8.0 g, P = 0.001). Mean carbohydrate content of GF pasta was higher (78 vs. 74 g, P = 0.001), whereas protein (7.5 vs. 13.3 g, P < 0.001), fibre (3.3 vs. 5.8 g, P = 0.048), iron (9% vs. 25%DV, P < 0.001), and folate content (5% vs. 95%DV, P < 0.001) were lower. Mean price of GF products was $1.99 versus $1.23 for regular products (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Some commonly consumed packaged GF foods are higher in fat and carbohydrates and lower in protein, iron, and folate compared with regular products. GF products are more expensive. Dietitians should counsel patients on the GF diet regarding its nutritional and financial impact.

Formation and mitigation of heterocyclic aromatic amines in fried pork.

Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are potent mutagens and carcinogens generated during the heat processing of meat. HAAs, which are abundant in processed meat products, include 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx), 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (4,8-DiMeIQx), and 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo [4,5-b] pyridine (PhIP). The content of these three HAAs in fried pork was determined by LC-MS/MS. The effects of frying time and temperature, sample shape, and addition of antioxidants on the generation of HAAs were investigated. The results show that HAAs were produced during frying, and their levels increased with increasing frying time and temperature. Pork patties had the highest concentration of HAAs compared with pork meatballs and pork strips. The addition of antioxidant of bamboo leaves (AOB), liquorice extract, tea polyphenol, phytic acid and sodium iso-ascorbate to pork before frying had an inhibitory effect on HAA generation, with AOB being the most effective antioxidant. Inhibition levels of nearly 69.73% for MeIQx, 53.59% for 4,8-DiMeIQx and 77.07% for PhIP in fried pork were achieved when the concentrations of AOB added were 0.02, 0.01 and 0.10 g kg⁻¹, respectively.

[Effect of fried bacon and parsley sauce on gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy old boys footballer]. / Effekt af stegt flæsk med persillesovs på mave-tarm-symptomer hos raske oldboysfodboldspillere.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of the importance of diet on gastrointestinal function and symptoms is generally poorly. In recent years, The New Nordic Food Culture is suggested to have favourable effects. Unfortunally there are huge waiting lists at the most popular restaurants, so we investigated the more traditional "Nordic kitchen". There are no previous studies concerning intake of fried bacon and parsley sauce (FBPS) in healthy middle-aged footballers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Non-blinded, non-randomized, crossover study with a questionnaire survey of 18 healthy old boys footballers before and after FBPS intake. Ten players responded to the questionnaire, including one who was not exposed to FBPS. RESULTS: The median intake was 15 pieces of fried bacon (range 12-23), 1.5 dl parsley sauce (range 1-5 dl), and eight potatoes (range 6-30), but no dessert. We found a significantly increased stool frequency and a trend towards change in consistency compared to baseline. We found increased abdominal pain and a decrease in general well-being, but could not demonstrate any impact on complaints from the family. CONCLUSION: In otherwise healthy old boys footballers the FBPS diet has great impact on a range of gastrointestinal symptoms. FBPS affected stool frequency and abdominal pain, but caused no effect on family complaints. We cannot exclude a dose-response effect or a gender/age phenomenon; and we suggest supplemental dose-response studies and studies including women of all ages. Further, we recommend a detailed dietary assessment before referring patients with gastrointestinal symptoms for invasive procedures like colonoscopy or CT-scanning. TRIAL REGISTRATION: none FUNDING: none.

Dietary patterns and colorectal adenoma and cancer risk: a review of the epidemiological evidence.

A number of studies exploring associations between individual dietary components and colorectal adenoma or cancer risk have yielded conflicting results. The study of food-based dietary patterns in relation to chronic disease risk represents an alternative approach to the evaluation of single dietary exposures in epidemiological investigations. Results from prospective cohort and population-based case-control studies examining associations between dietary patterns and colorectal cancer or adenoma risk were evaluated and described in this review. Despite notable differences in population characteristics, study design, and methods used for characterizing dietary patterns across the different studies, two general dietary patterns were found to modestly predict colorectal adenoma and cancer risk. A healthier pattern consisting of greater intakes of fruits and vegetables, and lower intakes of red and processed meat, appeared protective against colorectal adenoma and cancer incidence. Findings also suggest that a less healthy pattern characterized by higher intakes of red and processed meat, as well as potatoes and refined carbohydrates, may increase risk. Continued research efforts are needed to evaluate the cumulative and interactive effects of numerous dietary exposures on colorectal cancer risk.

Red meat consumption: an overview of the risks and benefits.

Red meat is long established as an important dietary source of protein and essential nutrients including iron, zinc and vitamin B12, yet recent reports that its consumption may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and colon cancer have led to a negative perception of the role of red meat in health. The aim of this paper is to review existing literature for both the risks and benefits of red meat consumption, focusing on case-control and prospective studies. Despite many studies reporting an association between red meat and the risk of CVD and colon cancer, several methodological limitations and inconsistencies were identified which may impact on the validity of their findings. Overall, there is no strong evidence to support the recent conclusion from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) report that red meat has a convincing role to play in colon cancer. A substantial amount of evidence supports the role of lean red meat as a positive moderator of lipid profiles with recent studies identifying it as a dietary source of the anti-inflammatory long chain (LC) n-3 PUFAs and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). In conclusion, moderate consumption of lean red meat as part of a balanced diet is unlikely to increase risk for CVD or colon cancer, but may positively influence nutrient intakes and fatty acid profiles, thereby impacting positively on long-term health.

Optimization of replacing pork back fat with grape seed oil and rice bran fiber for reduced-fat meat emulsion systems.

The effects of reducing pork fat levels from 30% to 20% and partially substituting the pork fat with a mix of grape seed oil (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%) and 2% rice bran fiber were investigated based on chemical composition, cooking characteristics, physicochemical and textural properties, and viscosity of reduced-fat meat batters. For reduced-fat meat batters containing grape seed oil and rice bran fiber the moisture and ash contents, uncooked and cooked pH values, yellowness, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness, and sarcoplasmic protein solubility were higher than in the control samples. The reduced-fat samples with increasing grape seed oil concentrations had lower cooking loss, emulsion stability, and apparent viscosity. The incorporation of grape seed oil and rice bran fiber successfully reduced the animal fat content in the final products while improving other characteristics.

Nutrient-based dietary patterns and the risk of oral and pharyngeal cancer.

The relationship between diet and oral and pharyngeal cancer has been rarely addressed considering dietary patterns. We examined this issue using data from a case-control study carried out between 1992 and 2005. Cases were 804 incident oral cancers hospitalized in 3 Italian areas. Controls were 2080 subjects hospitalized for non-neoplastic diseases. Dietary habits were investigated through a validated 78-item food-frequency questionnaire. Overall and individual measures of sampling adequacy were calculated to assess if applying a factor analysis or not. A posteriori dietary patterns were identified through a principal component factor analysis performed on a selected set of 29 nutrients. The internal reproducibility, robustness and reliability of the identified patterns were evaluated. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using unconditional multiple logistic regression models on quintiles of factor scores. The measures of sampling adequacy were generally satisfactory. We identified five major dietary patterns named Animal products, Starch-rich, Vitamins and fiber, Unsaturated fats and Retinol and niacin. The Animal products pattern was positively associated with oral cancer (OR=1.56, 95% CI: 1.13-2.15 for the highest vs. the lowest score quintile), whereas the Starch-rich pattern (OR=0.71, 95% CI: 0.50-0.99), the Vitamins and fiber pattern (OR=0.47, 95% CI: 0.34-0.65) and the Unsaturated fats pattern (OR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.45-0.86) were inversely associated with it. These findings confirm that diets rich in animal origin and animal fats are positively, and those rich in fruit and vegetables, and vegetable fats inversely related to oral and pharyngeal cancer risk.

Nutrient-based dietary patterns and laryngeal cancer: evidence from an exploratory factor analysis.

BACKGROUND: The issue of diet and laryngeal cancer has been rarely addressed considering the potential role of dietary patterns. METHODS: We examined this association using data from a case-control study carried out between 1992 and 2000. Cases were 460 histologically confirmed incident laryngeal cancers hospitalized in two Italian areas. Controls were 1,088 subjects hospitalized for acute nonneoplastic diseases unrelated to tobacco or alcohol consumption. Dietary habits were investigated through a 78-item food frequency questionnaire. A posteriori dietary patterns were identified through principal component factor analysis carried out on a selected set of 28 major nutrients. The internal reproducibility, robustness, and reliability of the identified patterns were evaluated. Odds ratios (OR) of laryngeal cancer and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using unconditional multiple logistic regression models on quartiles of factor scores. RESULTS: We identified five major dietary patterns named "animal products," "starch-rich," "vitamins and fiber," "vegetable unsaturated fatty acids," and "animal unsaturated fatty acids." The vitamins and fiber dietary pattern was inversely associated with laryngeal cancer (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.24-0.52 for the highest versus the lowest score quartile), whereas the animal products (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.59-3.45) and the animal unsaturated fatty acids (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.42-3.01) patterns were directly associated with it. There was no significant association between the vegetable unsaturated fatty acids and the starch-rich patterns and laryngeal cancer risk. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that diets rich in animal products and animal fats are directly related, and those rich in fruit and vegetables inversely related, to laryngeal cancer risk.

Phosphorus and potassium content of enhanced meat and poultry products: implications for patients who receive dialysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Uncooked meat and poultry products are commonly enhanced by food processors using phosphate salts. The addition of potassium and phosphorus to these foods has been recognized but not quantified. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: We measured the phosphorus, potassium, and protein content of 36 uncooked meat and poultry products: Phosphorus using the Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC) official method 984.27, potassium using AOAC official method 985.01, and protein using AOAC official method 990.03. RESULTS: Products that reported the use of additives had an average phosphate-protein ratio 28% higher than additive free products; the content ranged up to almost 100% higher. Potassium content in foods with additives varied widely; additive free products all contained <387 mg/100 g, whereas five of the 25 products with additives contained at least 692 mg/100 g (maximum 930 mg/100 g). Most but not all foods with phosphate and potassium additives reported the additives (unquantified) on the labeling; eight of 25 enhanced products did not list the additives. The results cannot be applied to other products. The composition of the food additives used by food processors may change over time. CONCLUSIONS: Uncooked meat and poultry products that are enhanced may contain additives that increase phosphorus and potassium content by as much as almost two- and three-fold, respectively; this modification may not be discernible from inspection of the food label.

Relation of iron and red meat intake to blood pressure: cross sectional epidemiological study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations of dietary iron (total, haem, and non-haem), supplemental iron, and red meat with blood pressure. DESIGN: Cross sectional epidemiological study. SETTING: 17 population samples from Japan, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States participating in the international collaborative study on macro-/micronutrients and blood pressure (INTERMAP). PARTICIPANTS: 4680 adults aged 40-59. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Average of eight blood pressure readings. RESULTS: In multiple linear regression analyses dietary total iron and non-haem iron were consistently inversely associated with blood pressure. With adjustment for potential non-dietary and dietary confounders, dietary total iron intake higher by 4.20 mg/4.2 MJ (2 SD) was associated with -1.39 mm Hg (P<0.01) lower systolic blood pressure. Dietary non-haem iron intake higher by 4.13 mg/4.2 MJ (2 SD) was associated with -1.45 mm Hg (P<0.001) lower systolic blood pressure. Differences were smaller for diastolic blood pressure. In most models haem iron intake from food was positively, non-significantly associated with blood pressure. Iron intake from combined diet and supplements yielded smaller associations than dietary iron alone. Red meat intake was directly associated with blood pressure; 102.6 g/24 h (2 SD) higher intake was associated with 1.25 mm Hg higher systolic blood pressure. Associations between red meat and blood pressure persisted after adjustment for multiple confounders. CONCLUSION: Non-haem iron has a possible role in the prevention and control of adverse blood pressure levels. An unfavourable effect of red meat on blood pressure was observed. These results need confirmation including in prospective studies, clinical trials, and from experimental evidence on possible mechanisms.

[Food intake and colorectal cancers; an ecological study in Romania]. / Consumul de alimente in relatie cu cancerul colo-rectal. Studiu ecologic in România.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the present study performed in a Romanian population was to identify the food which can be either associated with or protect against colorectal carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Correlation and regression analysis were used to examine the association between dietary intake and the rate of incidence for colon, rectum and anus cancers, in study groups from 7 regions of Romania. RESULTS: A strong and positive association was observed for colonic cancer and the intake of coffee, tea and cocoa (r = 0.77, p = 0.042) whereas statistical significance of borderline value was found for margarine (r = 0.73, p = 0.06) and sweets (r = 0.74, p = 0.066) intake. A potential protective effect can be attributed to wine consumption ( r = -0.75, p = 0.03). The malignancies of the rectum and anus showed both a strong positive correlation with the intake of red meat ( r = 0.76, p = 0.048), sausages ( r = 0.87, p = 0.012), margarine (r = 0.97, p = 0.0004), butter ( r = 0.76, p = 0.049), sweets ( r = 0.93, p = 0.003), beverages (r = 0.97, p = 0.0003), coffee, tea, cocoa ( r = 0.94, p = 0.002). Negative correlations were reported for the recto-anal cancer and the consumption of: fish (r = -0.8, p = 0.032), cheese (r = -0.9, p = 0.006), wine (r = -0.85, p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: The need for reducing the dietary intake of margarine, red meat, sausages and sweets while the beneficial effects of wine consumption have been also confirmed.

Maternal supplement, micronutrient, and cured meat intake during pregnancy and risk of medulloblastoma during childhood: a children's oncology group study.

We conducted a case-control study of medulloblastoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumors of brain (PNET) to pursue findings related to vitamin and mineral supplements, micronutrients, and cured meat consumption during gestation. Mothers of 315 cases ages <6 years at diagnosis in 1991 to 1997 identified from the United States and Canada through the Children's Oncology Group and mothers of 315 controls selected by random-digit dialing were interviewed. In the periconception period of the index pregnancy, case mothers were less likely than control mothers to report use of multivitamins [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 0.7; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.4-1.0; P = 0.08] and to be in the highest quartile of iron and folate intake from food and supplements combined (adjusted OR for iron, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.9; P(trend) = 0.008; adjusted OR for folate, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.9; P(trend) = 0.007). Case and control mothers had similar intakes of cured meats, although case mothers were more likely to have the combination of high cured meat and low vitamin C intake (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.0-2.3; P = 0.08). The results of the study add to the evidence of a protective role for multivitamins, suggest a possible role for micronutrients early in pregnancy, and generally do not support an association between cured meats and medulloblastoma/PNET.