Main sources and predictive factors of folate intake in female university students.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to identify the main folate sources and examine socio-demographic and lifestyle determinants influencing folate intake among 1410 women aged 18 to 39. METHODS: Data were collected using a self-administered health and lifestyle questionnaire and a 5-d dietary record method. To assess folate intake in relation to the dietary reference intakes, the probability approach was used. Folate intake determinants were identified using multivariate-adjusted logistic regression models; odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). RESULTS: The average total folate intake among women was 311 ± 144 µg/day dietary folate equivalents. Vegetables (30.7%) and cereals (22.6%) were the most important folate sources. Foods fortified with folic acid were consumed by 20.6% of women, dietary supplements by 7.2%. More than half of the participants (55%) had a high probability of inadequate folate intake. The predictors of being in the highest tertile of folate intake (>303 versus <225 µg) were: physical activity (high versus low; OR: 2.97, 95% CI: 1.77-4.97), nutritional knowledge (high versus low; OR: 5.32, 95% CI: 2.82-10.1), following a vegetarian diet (yes versus no; OR: 6.13; 95% CI: 2.79-13.5), daily number of meals (≥5 versus ≤3; OR: 4.17, 95% CI: 2.38-7.32), excluding/including some foods (yes versus no; OR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.41-4.31) and energy intake (3rd versus 1st tertile; OR:17.4, 95% CI: 11.1-27.4). CONCLUSION: Identifying factors associated with a higher intake of folate may be helpful in shaping public health nutrition policy. It allows the design of effective nutrition education programs to promote increased intake of folate in subgroups at risk of deficiency.

Do Dietary Supplements Affect Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidant Status in Adults with Hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's Disease?-A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials.

This systematic review aims to summarise the results of controlled trials on dietary supplements (DS) usage and inflammation, oxidative stress, antioxidant status, and thyroid parameter improvement in hypothyroidism (HT)/Hashimoto's thyroiditis (AIT) patients. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (no. CRD42022365149). A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases resulted in the identification of nineteen randomised controlled trials and three non-randomised studies for the review; three studies examined the effect of supplementation with vitamin D, twelve studies-with selenium, and seven studies-with other DS. Based on very limited evidence, the lack of influence of vitamin D supplementation on inflammatory parameters was found, while no studies have examined oxidative stress and antioxidant status parameters, and only one provided results for a single thyroid parameter after an intervention. Some evidence was found proving that selenium supplementation may decrease inflammation and improve thyroid parameters, but reaching a conclusion about its influence on oxidative stress and antioxidant status is not possible because of the insufficient number of studies. Additionally, due to examining other DS (e.g., multicomponent, Nigella sativa, and genistein) only in single studies, conclusions cannot be drawn. Further long-term, high-quality randomised controlled trials are necessary to better understand the influence of DS on inflammation, oxidative stress, and antioxidant status, as well as their potential to improve thyroid gland function in HT/AIT patients.

Dietary Supplement Use in Relation to Socio-Demographic and Lifestyle Factors, including Adherence to Mediterranean-Style Diet in University Students.

The study aimed to examine socio-demographic and lifestyle determinants, including diet quality, of dietary supplement (DS) use among 2545 students who attended public universities in Warsaw. The data was collected using a self-administered health and lifestyle questionnaire and a 5-day dietary record method. Diet quality was assessed using a Mediterranean Diet Score. To determine the covariates of DS use, multivariate-adjusted logistic regression models with an estimation of odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used. The results showed that 41% of participants were DS users. The following predictors of DS use were identified: gender (male vs. female; OR:0.62, 95% CI:0.50-0.79), physical activity (high vs. low; OR:1.79, 95% CI:1.45-2.20), BMI (≥25 vs. 18.5-24.9 kg/m2; OR:0.77, 95% CI:0.61-0.98), cigarette smoking (yes vs. no; OR:0.67, 95% CI:0.52-0.86), and presence of chronic diseases (yes vs. no; OR:2.37, 95% CI:1.89-2.98). Moreover, higher nutritional knowledge, special diet usage, eating more meals/day, and fortified food consumption were determinants of DS use. Adherence to the Mediterranean-style diet was positively associated with DS use, a 1-score increment was associated with a 10% (p-trend = 0.011) higher probability of DS usage. Given that the use of vitamins and/or minerals is common among university students and their users are characterized by eating a higher quality diet, investigating the contribution of DS in overall dietary nutrient intake warrants further study.

Intake of Vitamins and Minerals From Voluntarily Fortified Foods and/or Dietary Supplements in School Adolescents in Central-Eastern Poland.

Background: The key issue is whether voluntarily fortified foods and vitamin/mineral supplements available on the market serve public health needs. The study aim was to estimate nutrient intakes from voluntarily fortified foods and vitamin/mineral supplements in relation to the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) in adolescents (n = 759) aged 13-19 who attended public secondary schools in Central-Eastern Poland. Methods: Data on the consumption of voluntarily fortified foods were collected using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire containing 58 food items. Data on the use of dietary supplements were assessed via an open-ended question. The content of nutrients was estimated using the producer's labeling declaration. The distribution of nutrient intakes according to the percentage of DRI categories (<20%, 20-39.9%, 40-59.9%, 60-79.9%, 80-99.9%, 100-119%, or >120%) was estimated. Results: Consumption of voluntarily fortified foods was a common behavior in adolescents (86.7% of participants), while vitamin/mineral supplements were used by less than one-fifth of them (17.7%). The amounts of nutrient intakes from fortified foods and/or supplements were at different levels: (I) vitamins A, D, calcium, magnesium (>50% of adolescents did not exceed 20% of DRI); (II) vitamins E, B12, iron (>50% of respondents consumed at least 20% of DRI); (III) niacin and pantothenic acid (>50% of respondents consumed at least 40% of DRI); IV) vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, folate, biotin (>50% of participants consumed at least 60% of DRI). In a subgroup of respondents who used fortified foods and supplements simultaneously (n = 126), some nutrients (i.e., vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, niacin, and biotin) were consumed in amounts ≥150% of DRI. Intake above the Tolerable Upper Intake Levels was observed for niacin, vitamin A, B6 and folic acid in individual cases (up to 1.1% of respondents); a higher risk of overconsumption was associated with using vitamin/mineral supplements than voluntarily fortified foods. Conclusion: Adolescents should be educated on how to reasonably use fortified foods and dietary supplements to help to overcome the potential deficiency of nutrients without causing excessive consumption.

Oncogenic Gene-Expression Programs in Leiomyosarcoma and Characterization of Conventional, Inflammatory, and Uterogenic Subtypes.

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a mesenchymal neoplasm with complex copy-number alterations and characteristic loss of tumor suppressor genes without known recurrent activating mutations. Clinical management of advanced LMS relies on chemotherapy and complementary palliative approaches, and research efforts to date have had limited success identifying clinically actionable biomarkers or targeted therapeutic vulnerabilities. To explore the biological underpinning of LMS, we evaluated gene-expression patterns of this disease in comparison with diverse sarcomas, nonmesenchymal neoplasms, and normal myogenic tissues. We identified a recurrent gene-expression program in LMS, with evidence of oncogenic evolution of an underlying smooth-muscle lineage-derived program characterized by activation of E2F1 and downstream effectors. Recurrently amplified or highly expressed genes in LMS were identified, including IGF1R and genes involved in retinoid signaling pathways. Though the majority of expressed transcripts were conserved across LMS samples, three separate subtypes were identified that were enriched for muscle-associated transcripts (conventional LMS), immune markers (inflammatory LMS), or a uterine-like gene-expression program (uterogenic LMS). Each of these subtypes expresses a unique subset of genes that may be useful in the management of LMS: IGF1R was enriched in conventional LMS, worse disease-specific survival was observed in inflammatory LMS, and prolactin was elaborated by uterogenic LMS. These results extend our understanding of LMS biology and identify several strategies and challenges for further translational investigation. IMPLICATIONS: LMS has a recurrent oncogenic transcriptional program and consists of molecular subtypes with biological and possible clinical implications.

The Elderly-Nutrient Rich Food Score Is Associated With Biochemical Markers of Nutritional Status in European Older Adults.

Background: In order to prevent age-related degenerative diseases in the aging population, their diets should be nutrient dense. For this purpose, the Elderly-Nutrient rich food (E-NRF7.3) score has been developed to assess nutrient density of diets by capturing dietary reference values for older adults. To demonstrate its practical importance such score should be validated against markers of nutritional status and health. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the association between the E-NRF7.3 score and markers of nutritional status and inflammation. Design: This study was carried out in a sample of the NU-AGE study including 242 Dutch and 210 Polish men and women, aged 65-79 years. Dietary intake was assessed by means of 7-day food records and structured questionnaires collected data on supplement use, lifestyle, and socio-economic information. Baseline measurements included anthropometrics, physical and cognitive function tests, and a fasting venipuncture. E-NRF7.3 scores were calculated to estimate nutrient density of foods and the diet. Associations between the E-NRF7.3 scores and micronutrient status of vitamin D, folate, vitamin B12, homocysteine, and c-reactive protein (CRP) were examined using linear regression analysis while adjusting for confounders. Results: Each one unit increase in E-NRF7.3 score was associated with a 2.2% increase in serum folate in Dutch and 1.6% increase in Polish participants in the fully adjusted models (both p < 0.01). Each one unit increase in E-NRF7.3 was significantly associated with a 1.5% decrease in homocysteine levels in Dutch participants (p < 0.01), whereas, a 0.9% increase in vitamin B12 levels was observed in Polish participants only (p < 0.01). Higher E-NRF7.3 scores were not associated with vitamin D or CRP levels. Adjustment for potential confounders did not substantially alter these results. Discussion: The E-NRF7.3 was developed to reflect dietary intake of relevant nutrients for older adults. Its association with markers of nutritional status could be confirmed for folate (both populations), vitamin B12 (Poland only), and homocysteine (the Netherlands only). There was no association with vitamin D and CRP. To further demonstrate its validity and practical implication, future studies should include a wider range of nutritional status makers, health outcomes, and inflammation markers.

Correction: Complementary activity of tyrosine kinase inhibitors against secondary kit mutations in imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumours.

The additional information of this manuscript originally stated that the authors declare no competing interests. This statement was incorrect, and should instead have stated the following:M.C.H. has the following competing interests to declare: Equity interest at Molecular MD; Consulting at Molecular MD, Blueprint Medicines, Deciphera Pharmaceuticals; Expert Testimony at Novartis; Licensed patent with royalty payments at Novartis. The remaining authors have no competing interests to declare.The authors apologise for any convenience this may have caused.

Different Socio-Demographic and Lifestyle Factors Can Determine the Dietary Supplement Use in Children and Adolescents in Central-Eastern Poland.

Vitamin/mineral supplement (VMS) use has become increasingly popular in children and adolescents; however, different predictors may be associated with their usage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare determinants of VMS use in 1578 children and adolescents. Data was collected among parents of children (≤12 years old) and among adolescents (>12 years old) who attended public schools by a self-administered questionnaire. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for determining the predictors of VMS use. In children, the following determinants of VMS use were indicated: socioeconomic status (average vs. very good/good; OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.16⁻2.48), physical activity (1⁻5 vs. <1 h/week; OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.02⁻2.04), BMI (≥25 vs. 18.5⁻24.9 kg/m²; OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.46⁻0.98), and presence of chronic diseases (yes vs. no; OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.46⁻3.69). In adolescents, gender (male vs. female; OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.37⁻0.87), residential area (rural vs. urban; OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.40⁻0.99), BMI (<18.5 vs. 18.5⁻24.9 kg/m²; OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.17⁻0.73), and health status (average/poor vs. at least good; OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.13⁻3.39) were factors of VMS use. In both groups, the mother's higher educational level, fortified food consumption and diet modification towards better food choices were predictors of VMS use. In conclusion, most of the predictors of VMS use were different in children and adolescents.

Complementary activity of tyrosine kinase inhibitors against secondary kit mutations in imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumours.

BACKGROUND: Most patients with KIT-mutant gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) benefit from imatinib, but treatment resistance results from outgrowth of heterogeneous subclones with KIT secondary mutations. Once resistance emerges, targeting KIT with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) sunitinib and regorafenib provides clinical benefit, albeit of limited duration. METHODS: We systematically explored GIST resistance mechanisms to KIT-inhibitor TKIs that are either approved or under investigation in clinical trials: the studies draw upon GIST models and clinical trial correlative science. We subsequently modelled in vitro a rapid TKI alternation approach against subclonal heterogeneity. RESULTS: Each of the KIT-inhibitor TKIs targets effectively only a subset of KIT secondary mutations in GIST. Regorafenib and sunitinib have complementary activity in that regorafenib primarily inhibits imatinib-resistance mutations in the activation loop, whereas sunitinib inhibits imatinib-resistance mutations in the ATP-binding pocket. We find that rapid alternation of sunitinib and regorafenib suppresses growth of polyclonal imatinib-resistant GIST more effectively than either agent as monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Our data highlight that heterogeneity of KIT secondary mutations is the main mechanism of tumour progression to KIT inhibitors in imatinib-resistant GIST patients. Therapeutic combinations of TKIs with complementary activity against resistant mutations may be useful to suppress growth of polyclonal imatinib-resistance in GIST.

Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Correlation Between Daily Nutrient Intake Assessed by 7-Day Food Records and Biomarkers of Dietary Intake Among Participants of the NU-AGE Study.

Methods for measuring diet composition and quantifying nutrient intake with sufficient validity are essential to study the association between nutrition and health outcomes and risk of diseases. 7-day food records provides a quantification of food actually and currently consumed and is interesting for its use in intervention studies to monitor diet in a short-term period and to guide participants toward changing their intakes. The objective of this study is to analyze the correlation/association between the daily intake of selected nutrients (collected by a 7-day food records plus a mineral/vitamin supplementation questionnaire) and estimates of energy expenditure as well as blood and urine biomarkers of dietary intakes in 1,140 healthy elderly subjects (65-79 years) at baseline of the NU-AGE intervention study (NCT01754012, clinicaltrials.gov). The results show that: the daily intake of energy correlated significantly with predicted total energy expenditure (pTEE) (ρ = 0.459, p < 0.001, and q < 0.001); protein intake correlated significantly with the ratio of 24 h urinary urea to creatinine excretion (ρ = 0.143 for total protein intake, ρ = 0.296 for animal protein intake, and ρ = 0.359 for protein intake/body weight, p < 0.001 and q < 0.001 for each correlation); vitamin B12 and folate intakes correlated significantly with their serum concentrations (ρ = 0.151 and ρ = 0.363, respectively; p < 0.001 and q < 0.001 for each correlation); sodium and potassium intakes correlated significantly with their 24 h urinary excretion (ρ = 0.298 and ρ = 0.123, respectively; p < 0.001 and q < 0.001 for each correlation); vitamin B12 and folate intakes were negatively associated with plasma homocysteine measure (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively); stratifying subjects by gender, the correlations between energy intake and pTEE and between potassium intake and its 24 h urinary excretion lost their significance in women. Even if the plasma and urinary levels of these nutrients depend on several factors, the significant correlations between daily reported intake of nutrients (protein, vitamin B12, folate, and sodium) and their blood/urinary markers confirmed that the 7-day food records (plus a supplementation questionnaire) provides reliable data to evaluate short-term current dietary intake in European elderly subjects and it can be exploited to guide and monitor NU-AGE participants through the shift of their diet according NU-AGE recommendations.

How is the process of setting micronutrients recommendations reflected in nutrition policies in Poland? The case study of folate.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Ensuring the adequate intake of micronutrients by populations is an important aspect of public health. This study aims to elucidate the process of setting nutrition recommendations and the development of subsequent policies associated with micronutrients in Poland by using the case study of folate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was based on 13 interviews conducted between October 2010 - February 2011, and desk research comprising a review of the associated scientific literature and relevant documents, such as scientific opinions and reports of the meetings of scientific committees. The interviews were conducted within the EURRECA (EURopean micronutrient RECommendations Aligned) Network of Excellence in the frame of the European Union's 6th Framework Programme. RESULTS: Since 1997, the Experts Group of the Ministry of Health recommended that all women of childbearing age should consume folic acid as a supplement to prevent neural tube defects in their offspring. The fortification of foodstuffs with folic acid is not obligatory. This study describes the revision of the folate nutrient recommendation and the process by which strategies to increase the intake of this vitamin by the Polish population were identified. The institution responsible for the choice and implementation of folate policy is the Ministry of Health and the National Food and Nutrition Institute is responsible for setting/updating the nutrient recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: The current Polish nutrition recommendations for folate are consistent with the levels set by most other countries. The constant improvement of nutritional knowledge on folate among consumers, especially young women, is necessary.

Supplementation with [6S]-5-methyltetrahydrofolate or folic acid equally reduces serum homocysteine concentrations in older adults.

Folic acid (FA) supplementation reduces the elevated serum homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations. [6 S]-5-methyltetrahydrofolate ([6 S]-5-MTHF) is an alternative to FA due to possible advantages, that is, no masking cobalamin deficiency. The study aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of [6 S]-5-MTHF in relations to FA supplementation in reducing the serum Hcy. Healthy volunteers, aged 50-65, had normal serum folate and did not use supplements with B-vitamins for 6 months. Forty subjects were divided into two groups: receiving 400 µg/d FA or the equimolar amount of [6 S]-5-MTHF. Blood was collected at baseline and after 4 weeks. In both groups, a significant decrease in the mean Hcy level after intervention period was observed. Supplementation with [6 S]-5-MTHF was slightly less effective, but not significantly, in Hcy lowering than FA (p = .243 between the groups), that is, by 7.8% and 13.4%, respectively. The [6 S]-5-MTHF was shown to be an adequate alternative to FA in reducing Hcy concentrations.

EURRECA-A framework for considering evidence in public health nutrition policy development.

A key step toward developing appropriate evidence-based public health nutrition policies is determining exactly how that evidence should be collected and assessed. Despite this the extent to which different evidence bases influence policy selection is rarely explored. This article presents an epistemological framework which offers a range of considerations affecting this process generally and with particular implications for both micronutrient requirements and the role of behavior in the policy-making process. Qualitative case study data covering 6 European countries/regions (Czech Republic, Italy, the Netherlands, Nordic countries, Poland, and Spain), and three micronutrients (folate, iodine, and vitamin D), have been presented to illustrate the relevance of the Framework.

Intakes of folic acid from dietary supplements and fortified products in students.

BACKGROUND: A great variety of dietary supplements and fortified products, containing folic acid, are widely available to satisfy the market demand for supplementing the diet with this vitamin. OBJECTIVE: To assess folic acid intake from dietary supplements and fortified products in students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed between October 2010-April 2011 on 314 university students aged 19-34 years, excluding pregnant or lactating women. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information about health, lifestyle and use of dietary supplements during previous month (frequency and doses) and frequency and portion of the fortified products consumed. RESULTS: Diets were supplemented by folic acid by almost 13% of respondents; the average intake was 148 +/- 99.7 microg/person/day, (range 10-400 microg). Products fortified with this vitamin were used by 89% students with an average intake of folic acid 83.7 +/- 101 microg/person/day, (range 0.3-660 microg); about a quarter of these subjects were however unaware that they were consuming fortified products. Both product types were used together by 11% students. Among these subjects the average folic acid intake was the highest (233 +/- 151 microg/person/day, range 12.3-678 microg); with 66% originating from supplements and 34% from fortified products. There were no instances of folic acid being consumed above the tolerable upper intake level (UL), of 1000 microg/day. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to warn the public that overconsumption of folic acid, (through dietary supplements, enriched food), may be hazardous to health, since many people combine such multiple products.

A survey of foodstuffs fortified with vitamins available on the market in Warsaw.

BACKGROUND: Foodstuffs fortified with vitamins and/or minerals are nowadays continually being developed, leading to an increasing diversity of these products being available on the market. This contributes to increased consumption of added nutrients, which can be an effective tool for improving public health. OBJECTIVES: To identify and characterise products fortified with vitamins, available on the Warsaw foodstuff market, which can thereby be used as a source of information for the assessment of dietary micronutrient intake. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were gathered using the information provided on labels from foodstuff products found in 14 Warsaw supermarkets during March to October 2012. RESULTS: There were 588 products found to be fortified with vitamins. The number of vitamins added ranged from one in 193 products to twelve in 14 products. The group of vitamins used for enrichment consisted of: A, D, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid and biotin. Juices, non-alcoholic beverages (29.4%) and cereal products (18.9%) constituted the largest product groups. In addition, fortified vitamins were also significantly present in sweets (15.8%), instant beverages and desserts (13.6%), milk products, fat spreads and soy products. The most frequently added vitamins were: vitamin C (58% products), vitamin B6 (46%) and B12 (45%), whilst the least frequently added was biotin (16%). The highest content of vitamins A and D were seen in fat spreads, whereas the highest levels of B vitamins, vitamin C and E were observed in certain sweets. CONCLUSIONS: The wide range of fortified products available can serve to increase vitamin intake in many population groups, especially in children and teenagers. In order that consumers can make informed choices in buying these product types, appropriate education is necessary to raise public awareness of the health issues involved.

[Influence of selected factors on fortified food intake by children]. / Wplyw wybranych czynników na spozycie przez dzieci produktów wzbogacanych.

BACKGROUND: The range of food products fortified with vitamins and minerals in Poland is growing rapidly in the last years. Also the consumption of such food and dietary supplements is increasing. Therefore there is a risk of excessive intake of vitamins and minerals. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the determinants of intake of food products fortified with vitamins and minerals among children aged 6-12. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data was collected by a questionnaire specially developed and a FFQ method including vitamins and/or minerals in fortified food products. There were collected data from parents of 743 children (374 boys, 369 girls) attending primary schools, placed in four different districts of Poland. RESULTS: More than 70% of children consumed food products fortified with vitamins and/or minerals, among them 76% - every day. As a main reason of intake of fortified food by children, parents mentioned the beneficial effects on health (86.2% parents) and taste preferences (61.2%). However, the main reason of no consuming this kind of products, were proper nutrition of the children (57.4%), no influence on health (30.3%) and prohibitive price (24,1%). There were statistically significant relationships between intake of food fortified with vitamins and/or minerals and children's age (75.8% of age 6-9 years vs. 58.1% of age 10-12 years), health condition (71.6% of children with good and very good health status -assessed by parents - vs. 55.6% with average and poor health status), the number of meals eaten during the day (75.6% eating 4 meals/day vs. 67.8% - 5 and more meals vs. 52.3% - 3 meals), regular breakfast eating (71.8% eating vs. 50.0% non consumption), brunch eating (73.3% vs. 54.0% respectively), afternoon snack eating (75.7% vs. 59.4%) and using of dietary supplements (84.6% among children who use supplements vs. 61.4% among non users). CONCLUSIONS: It was established that about 22% of parents were unaware that their children consumed food fortified with vitamins and/or minerals. Food fortified with vitamins and/or minerals was consumed more frequently among younger children, specially among those who eat more meals per day and with good and very good health status. Due to the fact that many children consumed both fortified foods and dietary supplements, there is a risk of exceeding levels consider as safe (UL) of some vitamins and/or minerals.

[Factors influenced vitamin or mineral supplements use in a chosen group of children aged 6-12]. / Czynniki warunkujace stosowanie suplementów diety zawierajacych witaminy i/lub skladniki mineralne w wybranej grupie dzieci w wieku 6-12 lat.

BACKGROUND: Due to growing popularity of food supplements the producers of such products introduce food supplements developed especially for children. This, as a consequence, may lead to a risk of exceeded intake of some nutrients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify determinants of vitamin/mineral supplements intake in 6-12-year-old children. METHOD: The study was conducted by questionnaire method among parents of 743 children attending primary schools. Dietary supplements during the year preceding the survey received 40% of children, while 16.7% on the tested day. RESULTS: It was found that women with secondary and higher education level more frequently reported use of such preparations by their children (43% and 40% respectively). Supplements received more children with moderate or slight deficient body weight (54.2%) compared to children with severe deficiency (29.7%) or obese (25.8%); children with chronic diseases (56%) compared to healthy (37%), participating in extracurricular sport activities (49%) compared to non-participating (35%) and children with more correct dietary habits. Simultaneously supplements and fortified products were used by 34% of children. CONCLUSIONS: . The decision of supplements use parents often undertook alone (67% of preparation), while only 31% of them after medical consultation. There is a need to educate children and their parents about the use of supplements and the risks associated with it.

[Evaluation of the needs and possibilities of increasing the vitamin B12 content in diet]. / Ocena potrzeb i moliwosci zwiikszenia zawartosci witaminy B12w diecie.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin B12 belongs to the biologically active compounds related to cyanocobalamin group. The bioavailability of B12 from different food products varies considerably, for example from the chicken meat it ranges from 61 to 66%, from fish meat is 42%, and from eggs below 9% only. The deficiency of vitamin B12 could easily be overcame by the appropriate diet or food supplements. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to characterize the fortified with vitamin B12 food products available on the market and to assess the possibilities of increasing the intake of this vitamin by including such products into the daily diet. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was carried out in winter 2011, at eleven Warsaw supermarkets. Information about food products was based on label declarations. There were 220 products fortified with vitamin B12 from various food categories, like breakfast cereals, fruit juice, non-alcoholic beverages, cereals bars, candies, instant cocoa and tea, margarine, as well as soya products. Breakfast cereals (40%) and juice, non-alcoholic beverages (30%) were the largest groups. RESULTS. The highest amount of vitamin B12 was found in some candies (max. 4,5 microg/100 g) and instant tea (max. 3,75 microg/100g). The lowest amount was found in some fruit beverages (min. 0,12 microg/100 g). There is possibility of increasing the vitamin B12 intake by consuming various fortified products: for instance a glass of soya drink (20,8% RDA), a cup of soya pudding (15%), a glass of instant tea (14%), apple juice (12,5%), a cereal bar (10%), a bowl of corn flakes (9,8%) or a slice of bread with margarine (7,5%). The intake of one average portion of chosen food products fortified with vitamin B12 provides about 0,18-0,5 microg (7,5-20,8% Polish RDA for adults). CONCLUSIONS: The wide public education is essential for increasing the role of these products in nutrition, it is especially recommendable to vegetarian and elderly people.

[Folate intake in Poland on the basis of literature from the last ten years (2000-2010)]. / Spozycie folianów w Polsce na podstawie pismiennictwa z ostatnich 10 lat (2000-2010).

The aim of this study was to review the folate intake among adults in Poland published during last decade. The average dietary folate intake among adults (18-96 years old) was in range 110-352 microg/person/day. Among young non-pregnant women (18-35 years old) the folate intake was on the level 127-315 microg/person/day and 18-25% of them used supplements of folic acid. The folate intake among elderly (aged 60 and above) was on the level 133-284 microg and only 13-14% of them declared using supplements of folic acid. The main sources of dietary folate were vegetables and bread.

[Fortified food products as a potential source of folic acid in human nutrition]. / Produkty wzbogacone jako potencjalne zródlo kwasu foliowego w zywieniu czlowieka.

The aim of the study was to analysis the number and variety offoodproducts fortified with folic acid available on the Warsaw market and to assess consumers' knowledge about these products. Information about food products was based on label declaration, in summer 2009. In addition knowledge about fortified food was studied in the group of 94 market customers. There were 166 foodstuffs fortified with folic acid from various food categories, like breakfast cereals, wheat flour, fruit juices and drinks, sweets, margarine, instant cocoa and tea instant as well as milk products. Breakfast cereals and juices, nectars and fruit drinks were the largest groups. Less than half of market customers correctly defined term 'fortified product", less than 40% of respondents answered properly on question concerning folic acid. There is possibility to increase the folates intake by consuming various products fortified with folic acid. The wide public education is essential for increasing the role of these products in nutrition.