Natural compound glycyrrhetinic acid protects against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: As one of the most classic antineoplastic agents, doxorubicin (Dox) is extensively used to treat a wide range of cancers. Nevertheless, the clinical outcomes of Dox-based therapies are severely hampered due to the significant cardiotoxicity. Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is the major biologically active compound of licorice, one of the most well-known food additives and medicinal plants in the world. We previously demonstrated that GA has the potential capability to protect mice from Dox-induced cardiac injuries. However, the underlying cardioprotective mechanism remains unexplored. PURPOSE: To investigate the cardioprotective benefits of GA against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity and to elucidate its mechanisms of action. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: H9c2 cardiomyoblasts and AC16 cardiomyocytes were used as the cell models in vitro. A transgenic zebrafish model and a 4T1 mouse breast cancer model were applied to explore the cardioprotective effects of GA in vivo. RESULTS: In vitro, GA inhibited Dox-induced cell death and LDH release in H9c2 and AC16 cells without affecting the anti-cancer effects of Dox. GA significantly alleviated Dox-induced ROS generation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis in H9c2 cells. Moreover, GA abolished the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins and restored Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in Dox-treated H9c2 cells. On the contrary, Nrf2 knockdown strongly abrogated the cardioprotective effects of GA on Dox-treated H9c2 cells. In vivo, GA attenuated Dox-induced cardiac dysfunction by restoring stroke volume, cardiac output, and fractional shortening in the transgenic zebrafish embryos. In a 4T1 mouse breast cancer model, GA dramatically prevented body weight loss, attenuated cardiac dysfunction, and prolonged survival rate in Dox-treated mice, without compromising Dox's anti-tumor efficacy. Consistently, GA attenuated oxidative injury, reduced cardiomyocytes apoptosis, and restored the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 in Dox-treated mouse hearts. CONCLUSION: GA protects against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity by suppressing oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis via upregulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. These findings could provide solid evidence to support the further development of GA as a feasible and safe adjuvant to Dox chemotherapy for overcoming Dox-induced cardiotoxicity.

Arabinoxylan and rhamnogalacturonan mucilage: Outgoing and potential trends of pharmaceutical, environmental, and medicinal merits.

Demand for safe, environmentally friendly and minimally processed food additives with intrinsic technological (stabilizing, texturizing, structuring) and functional potential is already on the rise. There are actually several natural excipients eligible for pharmaceutical formulation. Mucilage, as a class constitutes arabinoxylan and rhamnogalacturonan-based biomolecules used in the pharmaceutical, environmental as well as phytoremediation industries owing to its particular structure and properties. These compounds are widely used in pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics, as well as, in agriculture, paper industries. This review emphasizes mucilage valuable applications in the pharmaceutical and industrial fields. In this context, much focus has recently been given to the valorization of mucilage as an ingredient for food or nutraceutical applications. Furthermore, different optimization and extraction techniques are presented to develop better utilization and/or enhanced yield of mucilage. The highlighted mucilage extraction methods warrant assessing up-scale processes to encourage for its industrial applications. The current article capitalizes on cutting-edge characteristics of mucilage and posing for other possible innovative applications in non-food industries. Here, the first holistic overview of mucilage with regards to its physicochemical properties and potential novel usages is presented.

Limonene, a food additive, and its active metabolite perillyl alcohol improve regeneration and attenuate neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury: Evidence for IL-1ß, TNF-α, GAP, NGF and ERK involvement.

BACKGROUND: Limonene (LIM) and its main metabolite perillyl alcohol (POH) are ingredients found in food with promising chemical entities due to their pharmacological profile. In this study, we hypothesized that LIM and POH are two molecules capable of accelerating the regenerative process and alleviating neuropathic pain. METHODS: Animals were treated daily (LIM, POH and saline) for 28 days and during this period evaluated for mechanical hyperalgesia, astrocyte participation by immunofluorescence for GFAP, and ELISA was used to quantify IL-1ß and TNF-α in the spinal cord. Western blot analysis of the following proteins was also performed: GFAP, GAP-43, NGF and ERK. For motor deficit analysis, tests were performed to assess hind paw muscle strength and footprints through gait (SFI). RESULTS: Both POH and LIM accelerated the regenerative process and improved motor deficits comparing to positive control; however, POH was more effective, particularly between the 2nd and 3rd week after the nerve injury, increasing GAP-43, NGF and the phosphorylated ERK immunocontent. Moreover, POH and LIM were able to reduce hyperalgesia and astrocytosis. CONCLUSIONS: Both substances, LIM and POH, improved the regeneration process and sensory and motor function recovery in the PNI model in mice by mitigating the inflammatory reactions and up-regulating the neurotrophic process.

The Addition of Xanthan Gum to Enteral Nutrition Suppresses Postprandial Glycemia in Humans.

The semi-solidified nutrition supplemented with soluble dietary fiber, xanthan gum (XG), inhibited postprandial glycemia in rats. The purpose of the present study is to examine whether XG exerts the same effects in humans. Subjects fasted for 12 h and then ingested the enteral nutrient, Meibalance with or without XG at 9 AM. Blood glucose levels were measured 0, 20, 40, 60, and 120 min after its ingestion. Postprandial blood glucose levels were lower in the XG group than in the control group. At 20 min, postprandial blood glucose levels were significantly lower in the XG group (84±5.3 mg/dL) than in the control group (107±7.8 mg/dL) (p<0.05). A significant difference was also observed in ΔAUC between the two groups. These results demonstrate that XG exerts inhibitory effects on glucose excursion in humans.

Citrus medica: nutritional, phytochemical composition and health benefits - a review.

Citrus medica (Citron) is an underutilized fruit plant having various bioactive components in all parts of the plant. The major bioactive compounds present are iso-limonene, citral, limonene, phenolics, flavonones, vitamin C, pectin, linalool, decanal, and nonanal, accounting for several health benefits. Pectin and heteropolysachharides also play a major role as dietary fibers. The potential impact of citron and its bioactive components to prevent or reverse destructive deregulated processes responsible for certain diseases has attracted different researchers' attention. The fruit has numerous nutraceutical benefits, proven by pharmacological studies; for example, anti-catarrhal, capillary protector, anti-hypertensive, diuretic, antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic, antimicrobial, analgesic, strong antioxidant, anticancerous, antidiabetic, estrogenic, antiulcer, cardioprotective, and antihyperglycemic. The present review explores new insights into the benefits of citron in various body parts. Throughout the world, citron has been used in making carbonated drinks, alcoholic beverages, syrup, candied peels, jams, marmalade, cordials, and many other value added products, which suggests it is an appropriate raw material to develop healthy processed food. In the present review, the fruit taxonomical classification, beneficial phytochemicals, antioxidant activities, and health benefits are discussed.

Noncaloric Sweeteners in Children: A Controversial Theme.

Noncaloric sweeteners (NCS) are food additives used to provide sweetness without adding calories. Their consumption has become more widespread around the world in all age groups, including children. The aim of this study is to show the state of the art about the intake of noncaloric sweeteners in children, as well as their benefits and consumption risk. Scientific searchers were used (PUBMED, Scopus, and Scielo) to analyze articles that included keywords (noncaloric sweeteners/saccharin/cyclamate/acesulfame potassium/aspartame/sucralose/stevia/children) in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Authors conclude that it is imperative that health professionals judiciously and individually evaluate the overall benefits and risks of NCS use in consumers before recommending their use. Different subgroups of the population incorporate products containing NCS in their diet with different objectives, which should be considered when recommending a diet plan for the consumer. In childhood, in earlier age groups, this type of additives should be used as a dietary alternative when other forms of prevention in obesity are not sufficient.

Chlorogenic Acid: Recent Advances on Its Dual Role as a Food Additive and a Nutraceutical against Metabolic Syndrome.

Chlorogenic acid (5-O-caffeoylquinic acid) is a phenolic compound from thehydroxycinnamic acid family. This polyphenol possesses many health-promoting properties, mostof them related to the treatment of metabolic syndrome, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory,antilipidemic, antidiabetic, and antihypertensive activities. The first part of this review will discussthe role of chlorogenic acid as a nutraceutical for the prevention and treatment of metabolicsyndrome and associated disorders, including in vivo studies, clinical trials, and mechanisms ofaction. The second part of the review will be dealing with the role of chlorogenic acid as a foodadditive. Chlorogenic acid has shown antimicrobial activity against a wide range of organisms,including bacteria, yeasts, molds, viruses, and amoebas. These antimicrobial properties can beuseful for the food industry in its constant search for new and natural molecules for thepreservation of food products. In addition, chlorogenic acid has antioxidant activity, particularlyagainst lipid oxidation; protective properties against degradation of other bioactive compoundspresent in food, and prebiotic activity. The combination of these properties makes chlorogenic acidan excellent candidate for the formulation of dietary supplements and functional foods.

Use of recombinant porcine ß-defensin 2 as a medicated feed additive for weaned piglets.

Post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) in piglets is associated with colonization of the intestine with bacterial pathogens. In this study, we evaluated the use of recombinant porcine ß-defensin 2 (rpBD2) as a medicated feed additive for weaned piglets. The crude extract from the culture supernatant of rpBD2-expressing Pichia pastoris was used as a medicated feed additive for weaned piglets. Dietary treatments included a positive control (basal diet + antibiotics, designated PC) and three different rpBD2 treatments without antibiotics (basal diet supplemented with 1, 5, or 15 g of crude rpBD2/kg basal diet, designated 1PD, 5PD, and 15PD, respectively). Of all the treatments, 5PD had the greatest impact on the weaned piglets. It increased their body weight, average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake, and intestinal villus height in the duodenum and jejunum, and reduced the incidence of PWD. The diversity of the cecal digesta and mucosa microflora was compared between the weaned piglets in the PC and 5PD groups. Piglets treated with 5PD had lower diversity indices and fewer bacterial pathogens in their cecal digesta and mucosa than the PC group. Our results demonstrate that crude rpBD2 could provide an alternative to the traditional antibiotic feed additives given to weaned piglets.

Food Additives Permitted for Direct Addition to Food for Human Consumption; Folic Acid. Final rule.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is amending the food additive regulations to provide for the safe use of folic acid in corn masa flour. We are taking this action in response to a food additive petition filed jointly by Gruma Corporation, Spina Bifida Association, March of Dimes Foundation, American Academy of Pediatrics, Royal DSM N.V., and National Council of La Raza.

Acrylamide: inhibition of formation in processed food and mitigation of toxicity in cells, animals, and humans.

Potentially toxic acrylamide is largely derived from the heat-inducing reactions between the amino group of the amino acid asparagine and carbonyl groups of glucose and fructose in plant-derived foods including cereals, coffees, almonds, olives, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. This review surveys and consolidates the following dietary aspects of acrylamide: distribution in food, exposure and consumption by diverse populations, reduction of the content in different food categories, and mitigation of adverse in vivo effects. Methods to reduce acrylamide levels include selecting commercial food with a low acrylamide content, selecting cereal and potato varieties with low levels of asparagine and reducing sugars, selecting processing conditions that minimize acrylamide formation, adding food-compatible compounds and plant extracts to food formulations before processing that inhibit acrylamide formation during processing of cereal products, coffees, teas, olives, almonds, and potato products, and reducing multiorgan toxicity (antifertility, carcinogenicity, neurotoxicity, teratogenicity). The herein described observations and recommendations are of scientific interest for food chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology, but also have the potential to benefit nutrition, food safety, and human health.

Use of dicarboxylic acids and polyphenols to attenuate reticular pH drop and acute phase response in dairy heifers fed a high grain diet.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the ability of two feed additives, a fumarate-malate (FM) and a polyphenol-essential oil mixture (PM), in attenuating the drop of ruminal pH and the metabolic and immune response resulting from an excessively high grain diet. Six heifers were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square experiment and fed a low starch (LS) diet for 14 d, followed by a high starch (HS) diet for 8 d (NDF 33.6%, starch 30.0% DM). In the last 5 days of each period, barley meal was added to decrease rumen pH. During HS feeding all animals were randomly assigned to one of the following three dietary treatments: no supplement/control (CT), a daily dose of 60 g/d of FM, or 100 g/d of PM. Reticular pH was continuously recorded using wireless boluses. On d 21 of each period, rumen fluid was collected by rumenocentesis (1400 h), together with blood (0800 h) and fecal samples (0800, 1400, and 2100 h). RESULTS: The correlation coefficient of pH values obtained using the boluses and rumenocentesis was 0.83. Compared with CT and PM, the FM treatment led to a lower DMI. Nadir pH was lowest during CT (5.40, 5.69, and 5.62 for CT, FM and PM, respectively), confirming the effectiveness of both supplements in reducing the pH drop caused by high grain feeding. This result was confirmed by the highest average time spent daily below 5.6 pH (199, 16 and 18 min/d) and by the highest acetate to propionate ratio of the CT fed heifers. The PM decreased the concentrations of neutrophils (2.9, 3.2, and 2.8 10(9)/L) and acute phase proteins: SAA (37.1, 28.6 and 20.1 µg/mL), LBP (4.1, 3.8, and 2.9 µg/mL), and Hp (675, 695 and 601 µg/mL). Free lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were detected in blood and feces, but their concentrations were not affected by treatments, as the remaining blood variables. CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest that both additives could be useful in attenuating the effects of excessive grain feeding on rumen pH, but the PM supplement was more effective than FM in reducing the inflammatory response compared to CT.

An in-vitro assessment of erosive potential of a calcium-fortified fruit juice.

AIM: To evaluate and compare the in vitro pH, buffer capacity and calcium loss from tooth enamel before and after calcium fortification of a packaged fruit juice. METHODS: An approved brand of packaged mixed fruit juice was selected as a test drink on the basis of a pilot questionnaire. The test drink was fortified with 1,000 mg/l (0.1% w/v) of calcium citrate malate to obtain two test groups: Group 1: original beverage (serving as control) and Group 2: calcium-fortified drink. The pH and buffering capacity for the test drinks were measured before and after calcium fortification; 90 prepared enamel samples were divided and immersed into three test subgroups: (1) buffer solution pH 7 (positive control), (2) original fruit juice (negative control) and (3) calcium-fortified fruit juice for 3 min. Calcium loss from the enamel of immersed teeth was measured as a quantitative estimate of tooth mineral loss. RESULTS: After calcium fortification of the fruit juice the mean pH raised from 3.4 to 4.0 (p = 0.029), the mean buffer capacity decreased from 9.73 to 9.16 (p < 0.001) and the mean calcium loss from enamel specimens decreased from 3.5 to 0.26 mg/dl (p < 0.001). STATISTICS: To compare the change in mean pH and buffering capacity between the subject groups, t test was used, and to compare the calcium loss from enamel specimens, among the three subgroups, ANOVA was used. CONCLUSION: Calcium fortification of packaged fruit juice in vitro, improves its pH and buffering capacity. Consequently, the fortified juice causes significantly less mineral loss from human enamel. Fortifying juice with calcium may exert a significant protective potential against dental erosion particularly due to frequent exposure of acidic drinks.

Natural capsaicinoids improve swallow response in older patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia.

OBJECTIVE: There is no pharmacological treatment for oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic effect of stimulation of oropharyngeal transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) with that of thickeners in older patients with OD. DESIGN: A clinical videofluoroscopic non-randomised study was performed to assess the signs of safety and efficacy of swallow and the swallow response in (1) 33 patients with OD (75.94 ± 1.88 years) while swallowing 5, 10 and 20 ml of liquid (20.4 mPa.s), nectar (274.4 mPa.s), and pudding (3930 mPa.s) boluses; (2) 33 patients with OD (73.94 ± 2.23 years) while swallowing 5, 10 and 20 ml nectar boluses, and two series of nectar boluses with 150 µM capsaicinoids and (3) 8 older controls (76.88 ± 1.51 years) while swallowing 5, 10 and 20 ml nectar boluses. RESULTS: Increasing bolus viscosity reduced the prevalence of laryngeal penetrations by 72.03% (p < 0.05), increased pharyngeal residue by 41.37% (p < 0.05), delayed the upper esophageal sphincter opening time and the larynx movement and did not affect the laryngeal vestibule closure time and maximal hyoid displacement. Treatment with capsaicinoids reduced both, penetrations by 50.% (p < 0.05) and pharyngeal residue by 50.% (p < 0.05), and shortened the time of laryngeal vestibule closure (p < 0.001), upper esophageal sphincter opening (p < 0.05) and maximal hyoid and laryngeal displacement. CONCLUSION: Stimulation of TRPV1 by capsaicinoids strongly improved safety and efficacy of swallow and shortened the swallow response in older patients with OD. Stimulation of TRPV1 might become a pharmacologic strategy to treat OD.

The effect of commonly used anticoccidials and antibiotics in a subclinical necrotic enteritis model.

Necrotic enteritis poses an important health risk to broilers. The ionophore anticoccidials lasalocid, salinomycin, maduramicin, narasin and a combination of narasin and nicarbazin were tested in feed for their prophylactic effect on the incidence of necrotic enteritis in a subclinical experimental infection model that uses coccidia as a predisposing factor. In addition, drinking water medication with the antibiotics amoxicillin, tylosin and lincomycin was evaluated as curative treatment in the same experimental model. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of all antibiotics and anticoccidials were determined in vitro against 51 Clostridium perfringens strains isolated from broilers. The strains examined appeared uniformly susceptible to lasalocid, maduramicin, narasin, salinomycin, amoxicillin and tylosin, whereas an extended frequency distribution range of MICs for lincomycin was seen, indicating acquired resistance in 36 isolates in the higher range of MICs. Nicarbazin did not inhibit the in vitro growth of the C. perfringens strains even at a concentration of 128 microg/ml. Supplementation of the diet from day 1 onwards with lasalocid, salinomycin, narasin or maduramicin led to a reduction in birds with necrotic enteritis lesions as compared with the non-medicated infected control group. A combination product of narasin and nicarbazin had no significant protective effect. Treatment with amoxicillin, lincomycin and tylosin completely stopped the development of necrotic lesions.

Anthelmintic effects of phytogenic feed additives in Ascaris suum inoculated pigs.

Two experiments were performed to determine the anthelmintic effect of some phytogenic feed additives on a mild infection of Ascaris suum in growing and finishing pigs. Usually, an infection of A. suum is controlled by using conventional synthetic drugs. Organic farmers, however, prefer a non-pharmaceutical approach to worm control. Therefore, phytotherapy could be an appropriate alternative. In the first experiment, a commercial available organic starter diet was supplemented with 3% of a herb mixture, adding 1% Thymus vulgaris, 1% Melissa officinalis and 1% Echinacea purpurea to the diet, or with 4% of a herb mixture, thereby adding the mentioned herbs plus 1% Camellia sinensis (black tea). A negative control group (no treatment) and a positive control group (treatment with conventional synthetic drug flubendazole) were included. In the second experiment, the anthelmintic properties against A. suum of three individual herbs, Carica papaya, Peumus boldus and Artemisia vulgaris, each in a dose of 1%, were tested. Pigs were infected with 1000 infective worm eggs each. Each experiment was performed with 32 individually housed growing pigs (8 replicates/treatment), which were monitored for 67 days. It was hypothesized that the herbs would block the cycles of the larvae, thereby preventing the development of adult worms. Therefore, phytogenic feed additives were not supplied during the whole experimental period, but only from the start until D39. Pigs were inoculated with infective worm eggs during five consecutive days (D17-D21). At D67 all pigs were dissected, whereafter livers were checked for the presence of white spots. Also numbers of worms in the small intestine were counted. In experiment 1, the numbers of worm-infected pigs were similar for both the herb supplemented (groups 3 and 4) and the unsupplemented (group 1) treatments (5-6 pigs of 8), while the treatment with flubendazole (group 2) resulted in 0 infected pigs. In experiment 2, herb addition (groups 2-4) did not significantly reduce the number of worm-infected pigs compared to the negative control (group 1). It can be concluded that the tested herb mixtures and individual herbs in the diets of growing and finishing pigs did not decrease the number of pigs which were infected with A. suum, although the herb mixture without black tea and also boldo leaf slightly (P<0.10) reduced the number of worms in the intestinal tract. The tested herb mixtures and individual herbs did not affect the performance of the pigs.

Influência da taurina na remodelação cardíaca: [revisão] / Influence of taurine on cardiac remodeling: [review]

Alteration of ventricular weight, structure, geometry and volume in response to alteration of loading conditions or myocardial injury are viewed as examples of ventricular remodeling. It is well accepted that ventricular remodeling is initially a compensatory process infl uenced by hemodynamic overload or neurohormonal activation. However, chronic ventricular remodeling is now recognized as a pathological process, which results in progressive ventricular dysfunction and clinical presentation of heart failure or sudden death. Several experimental and clinical studies showedthat reduced taurine levels are associated with important cardiovascular alterations. Likewise, taurine supplementation attenuated the cardiac remodeling induced by different injuries. Some theories have been proposed to account for the cardioprotective activity of taurine: role similar to diuretics, since it promotes sodium and water excretion; modulating role on several relevant ions for the normal functioning of the cardiac cell;protection of the liposomal membranes against damages caused by freeradicals and antagonic action to angiotensin II reduction of the salt andfluid load; sodium and calcium modulation; protection against oxidativestress; and attenuation of the angiotensin II actions on ion transport, protein synthesis and angiotensin signaling. Therefore, the evidences suggest that taurine might play a critical role in the cardiac remodeling process.

La remodelación cardíaca es defi nida como variaciones moleculares e intersticiales que se manifiestan clínicamente por medio dealteraciones en el tamaño, masa, geometría y función del corazón en respuesta a determinada agresión. La remodelación ventricular tienecomo objetivo principal mantener la función cardíaca estable en situaciones de agresión. Sin embargo, crónicamente, con la continuidado progreso del proceso ocurre disfunciónventricular progresiva y muerte. Diversos estudios experimentales y clínicos han sugerido que la reducción de las concentraciones de taurina resulta en importantes modifi cacionescardiovasculares. Otra línea de evidencia sugestiva de la relevancia de la taurina para el corazón es que su suplementación ha atenuado el proceso de remodelación en diferentes situaciones de agresión. En relacióncon los mecanismos propuestos para explicar los efectos benéfi cos de la taurina en el proceso de remodelación cardíaca, se destacan: el papel semejante a los diuréticos por promoverexcreción de sodio y agua; el papel modulador de diversos iones relevantes para el funcionamiento normal de la célula cardíaca; la protecciónde las membranas liposómicas contra daños causados por radicales libres y, fi nalmente, la acción antagonista de angiotensina II. Así, las evidencias hasta el momento permitensuponer que la taurina puede desempeñar un papel crítico en la modulación del proceso deremodelación cardíaca.

A remodelação cardíaca é definida comovariações moleculares e intersticiais, que se manifestam clinicamente por meio de alterações no tamanho, massa, geometria e na função docoração em resposta à determinada agressão. A princípio, a remodelação ventricular tem como objetivo manter a função cardíaca estável em situações de agressão. Cronicamente, entretanto, com a continuidade e/ou progressão do processo ocorre disfunção ventricular progressiva e morte. Diversos estudos experimentais e clínicos têm sugerido que a redução das concentraçõesde taurina resulta em importantes modificações cardiovasculares. Do mesmo modo, outra linhade evidência sugestiva da relevância da taurina para o coração é que sua suplementação atenuou o processo de remodelação em diferentes situações de agressão. Em relação aos mecanismos propostos para explicar os efeitosbenéficos da taurina no processo de remodelação cardíaca, destacam-se: papel semelhante aos diuréticos, por promover a excreção de sódioe água; papel modulador de diversos íons relevantes para o funcionamento normal da célula cardíaca; proteção das membranas lipossômicas contra danos causados por radicais livres e, fi nalmente, ação antagonista da angiotensina II. Assim, as evidências até o momento permitem a suposição de que a taurina pode desempenhar papel crítico na modulação do processo da remodelação cardíaca.

Ferrous gluconate and ferrous sulfate added to a complementary food distributed by the Mexican nutrition program Oportunidades have a comparable efficacy to reduce iron deficiency in toddlers.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of ferrous sulfate (FS) and ferrous gluconate (FG) as fortificants for a complementary baby food (Nutrisano) to improve the iron status and to reduce the prevalence of anemia in toddlers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Toddlers 12 to 30 months old were randomly assigned to receive either of 3 versions of Nutrisano fortified with FS or FG or not fortified (CG) for 6 months. In final blood samples, the concentrations of hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and soluble transferrin receptors (sTfR) were determined. The effects of treatment on final hemoglobin, ferritin, and sTfR were assessed by multivariate analysis. RESULTS: No significant changes in hemoglobin were observed within or among treatment groups. The prevalence of high sTfR decreased 7.1 percentage points in FG, increased 13.1 percentage points in FS, and increased 0.7 percentage points in CG (P>0.05). In an interaction between treatment and total intake of Nutrisano on the concentration of ferritin, sTfR, and total iron body stores, adjusted means of serum ferritin in the medium tertiles of intake of Nutrisano for FS (P=0.05) and in the higher and medium tertiles for FG were higher (P=0.001), and adjusted means of sTfR were significantly lower (P<0.001), than the respective lower tertile of intake. CONCLUSIONS: Fortification of Nutrisano with FG has an acceptable level of beneficial effect on markers of iron status. The satisfactory efficacy and other sensory data has led to the political decision to substitute hydrogen-reduced iron, used formerly as a fortificant, with FG. Studies to assess the effectiveness of the reformulated Nutrisano are in order.

[Time and again it hits the little ones: herbal therapy for childhood diarrhea]. / Immer wieder trifft es die Kleinen: Pflanzliche Therapie kindlicher Durchfallerkrankungen.

Acute diarrhea is amongst the most common childhood illnesses. Of paramount importance is an oral rehydration with glucose-electrolyte solutions. A number of herbal therapies are available to shorten the duration of the diarrhea and to alleviate the unpleasant symptoms. Although herbal preparations are generally well tolerated, only a few have been tested on children and adjusted to their needs. Various therapies for diarrhea in childhood are highlighted with regard to the clinical trials with children, and their user-friendliness.

A clinical study in situ to assess the effect of a food approved polymer on the erosion potential of drinks.

OBJECTIVES: The consumption of acidic soft drinks continues to rise as do concerns regarding effects of frequent intake. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of acidic soft drinks containing food approved polymers, on dental enamel. METHODS: The study design was a single blind, randomised, five-treatment crossover clinical trial involving 15 healthy dentate subjects. Subjects wore an upper removable acrylic appliance retaining two enamel specimens and consumed 250ml of beverage four times/day for 10 days. The following beverages were tested: (1) unmodified acidic soft drink, (2) experimental acidic soft drink with 0.02% polyphosphate, (3) experimental acidic soft drink with 0.02% polyphosphate and 0.01% calcium, (4) experimental acidic soft drink with 0.02% polyphosphate and 0.03% xanthan gum, and (5) mineral water. Tissue loss was measured at days 5 and 10 of each study leg using a profilometer. RESULTS: The order of erosion from most to least at day 10 was unmodified acidic soft drink>experimental acidic soft drink with polyphosphate>experimental acidic soft drink with polyphosphate+gum>experimental acidic soft drink with polyphosphate+calcium>mineral water. At day 10 the unmodified acidic soft drink was significantly (p=0.001) more erosive than all other drinks. CONCLUSIONS: Unmodified acidic soft drink with the addition of polyphosphate alone or combined with calcium or xanthan gum are all effective at reducing erosion of enamel compared with the unmodified soft acidic drink.