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Sonchus oleraceus L. is an edible and medicinal plant used to treat stomachache and gastric ailments around the world. Thus, this study aimed to determine the gastroprotective mode of action of hydroalcoholic extract of S. oleraceus (HES). Mice were treated with HES before induction of gastric ulceration by ethanol/HCl. The area and histological appearance of ulcers were quantified, and mucus was measured histochemically. The effects of HES on inflammatory and oxidative markers were assessed in the ulcerated tissue. In addition, we investigated the gastric acid antisecretory activity of HES in pylorus-ligated rats. Chemical analyses of HES and its antioxidant activity were also performed in vitro. The HES (30 or 300 mg/kg) reduced the ulceration by 71.5 and 76.2%, respectively, compared with vehicle (p < 0.001), and the histological analysis confirmed the macroscopic results with elevation in mucin levels by 361.4 and 477.5%, respectively, compared with vehicle (p < 0.001). Moreover, the gastroprotection was accompanied by increases in GSH levels and in SOD, CAT, and GST activities; in parallel to a reduction in MPO activity and TNF levels. Furthermore, HES reduced the total acidity, and pepsin activity of the gastric juice of rats by 61 and 63%, respectively, compared to the vehicle. Phytochemical analysis indicated that luteolin-7-O-ß-D-glucoside is the main active compound annotated in HES. Was also found that HES scavenged the DPPH radical with an IC50 of 15.41 µg/mL. In conclusion, the gastroprotective effects of HES involve reductions in oxidative stress and inflammatory injury, in conjunction with an increase in mucus layer and inhibition of gastric secretion. This study advances in elucidating the modes of the antiulcer potential of S. oleraceus and contributes to the prospection of new gastroprotective molecules.
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BACKGROUND: Considering the pharmacological potential of solidagenone from Solidago chilensis, the present investigation was carried out to evaluate its antidepressant-like effect in mice with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depressive like behavior and its mode of action through the measurement of neuroinflammatory and oxidative markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the prophylactic test, the mice were pretreated with solidagenone (1, 10 or 100 mg/kg, p.o) and after one hour received LPS. In therapeutic test, the mice received LPS and after 5 h were treated with solidagenone (1, 10 or 100 mg/kg, p.o). In both experimental approaches, the animals were submitted to OFT and to the TST after 6 and 24 h of the LPS administration, respectively. One hour after the TST the animals were euthanized, the blood was collected, the cortex was removed and biochemical analyzes were performed for measurement of the inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. RESULTS: The LPS induced sickness- and depressive-like behaviors and increased the cortical activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), as well as the IL-6 and TNF amount. Interestingly, the pretreatment with solidagenone at 100 mg/kg avoided the behavioral alterations in OFT. In the mice post treated with solidagenone, all tested doses of resulted in an antidepressant-like effect evidenced by the decrease in immobility time in the TST. This effect was accompanied by a decrease in the MPO activity and in the IL-6 and TNF levels in the cortex in parallel to the increase in catalase activity. CONCLUSIONS: The solidagenone has a promissor antidepressant-like potential, which can result of its beneficial action in the neuroinflammation process and due its antioxidant capability at the central nervous system.
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Depresión/tratamiento farmacológico , Furanos/farmacología , Naftalenos/farmacología , Animales , Antidepresivos/metabolismo , Antidepresivos/farmacología , Conducta Animal/efectos de los fármacos , Factor Neurotrófico Derivado del Encéfalo/metabolismo , Depresión/fisiopatología , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Furanos/metabolismo , Interleucina-1beta/metabolismo , Lipopolisacáridos/farmacología , Masculino , Ratones , Naftalenos/metabolismo , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismoRESUMEN
Resumo: As práticas Integrativas e complementares têm se incorporado ao sistema de saúde de maneira significativa, na assistência a saúde dos pacientes, especialmente na área da oncologia. O câncer é uma doença devastadora que impacta de maneira negativa na vida do paciente, família e equipe. A utilização das Praticas Integrativas e Complementares (PIC's) são uma alternativa que complementam os tratamentos convencionais na melhora da qualidade de vida e no cuidado a dimensão espiritual do ser humano. Objetivo: Relatar a experiência de implantação das Terapias Integrativas e Complementares através do Projeto de Extensão Luzes. Métodos: as atividades realizadas são Reiki, Auriculoterapia, massagem laboral, meditação, grupo de oração, música e canto, Bio Energetics Medicine, Contação de histórias, confecção de origamis, avaliação da saúde bucal, construção de Mandalas e pinturas. As PIC's são desenvolvidas por um grupo de 136 voluntários dentre docentes, discentes e profissionais de diferentes áreas e da comunidade em geral. Desde sua implantação em Agosto de 2018 já atendeu mais de 1700 pessoas. É desenvolvido dentro do Hospital Regional do Oeste de Chapeco SC nos setores de Oncologia, Quimioterapia e Radioterapia. Resultados: as terapias integrativas e complementares são reconhecidas como benéficas pelos pacientes, familiares e profissionais. Consideradas aliadas na melhora da qualidade de vida durante o período de internação e tratamento. Também citada como uma maneira diferenciada de assistência a dimensão espiritual porque propicia a formação de vinculos mais empáticos entre profissionais, pacientes e família. Observa-se também uma maior qualificação no processo de formação profissional dos acadêmicos dos cursos de Enfermagem e Medicina da UFFS. Conclusões: A utilização das praticas integrativas e complementares no ambiente hospitalar foram sem sombra de dúvidas um desafio. Devemos reconhecer que valeu o desafio de implantar as Terapias Integrativas e Complementares que aliadas ao tratamento convencional trouxeram benefícios impares a tríade paciente, família e profissional. Um espaço de pratica das PIC's possibilita a formação de recursos humanos voltados ao SUS, com uma visão ampliada ao processo saúde-doença e mais competentes e comprometidos com a saúde integral do ser humano.
Integrative and complementary practices have been significantly incorporated into the health system in the health care of patients, especially in the area of oncology. Cancer is a devastating disease that negatively impacts the lives of patients, families and staff. The use of Integrative and Complementary Practices (ICPs) is an alternative that complements conventional treatments in improving the quality of life and caring for the spiritual dimension of the human being. Objective: Report the experience of implementation of Integrative and Complementary Therapies through the Lights Extension Project. Methods: The activities performed are Reiki, Auriculotherapy, Labor Massage, Meditation, Prayer Group, Music and Singing, Bio Energetics Medicine, Storytelling, Origami Making, Oral Health Assessment, Mandala Construction and Painting. PICs are developed by a group of 136 volunteers including teachers, students and professionals from different fields and the wider community. Since its implementation in August 2018, it has served more than 1700 people. It is developed within the Western Regional Hospital of Chapeco SC in the Oncology, Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy sectors. Results: Integrative and complementary therapies are recognized as beneficial by patients, families and professionals. Considered allies in improving the quality of life during hospitalization and treatment. Also cited as a different way of assisting the spiritual dimension because it provides the formation of more empathic links between professionals, patients and family. There is also a higher qualification in the process of professional training of students of Nursing and Medicine courses at UFFS. Conclusions: The use of integrative and complementary practices in the hospital environment was undoubtedly a challenge. We must recognize that the challenge of implementing the Integrative and Complementary Therapies that combined with the conventional treatment brought unfair benefits to the patient, family and professional triad was worth the challenge. A practice space for ICPs enables the formation of human resources focused on the SUS, with a broader view of the health disease process and more competent and committed to the integral health of human beings.
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ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE: The species Urera baccifera (L.) Gaudich. ex Wedd. (Urticaceae) is native to the Americas and is distributed widely throughout Brazil, where it is known as urtiga-brava, urtiga-vermelha, or urtigão. The leaves are often used as anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic agents and for the treatment of gastric disorders. However, the pharmacological mode of action underlying the gastroprotection induced by this species has not been investigated. AIM OF THE STUDY: To contribute to the knowledge of the gastroprotective mode of action of the hydroalcoholic extract of U. baccifera (HEU) leaves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antiulcerogenic effect of HEU against ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer was evaluated in rats and mice at doses of 3-300 mg/kg. NO-synthase inhibitor (L-NAME), SH blocker (NEM), cyclooxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin) and alpha 2-adrenergic receptor antagonist yohimbine were used to evaluate the participation of cytoprotective factors in HEU gastroprotection. Moreover, the levels of reduced gluthatione (GSH) and cytokines (TNF, IL-6, IL4 and IL-10), as well as the enzymatic activity of gluthatione S-transferase (GST), myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were measure. Moreover, the samples were analyzed histologically and the antisecretory capability of HEU were quantified using pylorus ligated rats. RESULTS: The phytochemical analysis of HEU (UPLC/ESI-IT-MS) identified the flavonoids diosmetin and apigenin glucuronide. Furthermore, HEU decreased the occurrence of ethanol-induced ulcers at 30 and 300 mg/kg by 57% and 66%, respectively, compared with the vehicle. The gastroprotective effects were accompanied by increased GSH levels and GST and SOD activity as well as by reduced MPO activity in vivo and in vitro, revealing antioxidant effects and inhibition of neutrophil infiltration. The beneficial effects of 30 and 300 mg/kg HEU were also observed upon histological analyses. Regarding the mode of action, the gastroprotective effect of HEU was abolished by the pre-administration of L-NAME, NEM, indomethacin or yohimbine. Moreover, HEU was able to decrease the IL-6, IL-4 and IL-10 in ulcerated tissue, as well as the pepsin activity of the gastric juice in pylorus-ligated rats. CONCLUSION: Together, the results confirmed that the gastroprotection elicited by HEU was due reduction in oxidative damage, neutrophil migration, and peptic activity. This work validates the popular use of U. baccifera to treat gastric disorders and supports important future research for the identification of gastroprotective molecules from this species.
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Antiulcerosos/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Úlcera Gástrica/prevención & control , Urticaceae/química , Animales , Antiulcerosos/administración & dosificación , Antiulcerosos/aislamiento & purificación , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Citocinas/metabolismo , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Masculino , Ratones , Infiltración Neutrófila/efectos de los fármacos , Extractos Vegetales/administración & dosificación , Hojas de la Planta , Ratas , Ratas WistarRESUMEN
O presente artigo objetiva contextualizar a situação da imigração dos haitianos no país, focando na migração no estado de Santa Catarina, trazendo aspectos demográficos dessa população no território proposto. Métodos: através de estudo descritivo qualitativo, contando com a percepção dos autores mediante à temática do estudo. A obtenção de dados realizou-se por meio da pesquisa em capítulos de livros, artigos, resumos publicados em anais de eventos, monografias, dissertações e teses nos bancos de dados da Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde (BVS), Scholar Google, Scielo e PubMed, no período de 2010 à 2018. Resultados: A vinda de haitianos no país iniciou-se em 2010 com o terremoto no país. Desde então, 60 mil haitianos vivem no país, 60% deles residem na região sul. Em Chapecó/SC residem 2500 haitianos, o que hoje, é uma das cidades que mais recebem imigrantes, dando aos governantes um grande desafio para o pronto estabelecimento à eles, perpassando pelas oportunidades de emprego, como pelas assistenciais, dentre elas à saúde, que são garantias constitucionais. Considerações finais: pela escassez de dados, motivado pelo último Censo Demográfico, realizado em 2010, a análise se deu de modo empírico. Para melhor entendimento, é necessário novos estudos e levantamentos para que se possa realizar uma melhor assistência de maneira mais efetiva.
This article aims to contextualize the immigration situation of Haitians in the country, focusing on migration in the state of Santa Catarina, bringing demographic aspects of this population in the proposed territory. Methods: through a qualitative descriptive study, counting on the authors' perception through the thematic of the study. Data collection was carried out by means of research on chapters of books, articles, abstracts published in annals of events, monographs, dissertations and theses in the databases of the Virtual Health Library (VHL), Scholar Google, Scielo and PubMed, in the period from 2010 to 2018. Results: The arrival of Haitians in the country began in 2010 with the earthquake in the country. Since then, 60,000 Haitians live in the country, 60% of them reside in the southern region. Chapecó is home to 2,500 Haitians, which today is one of the cities that receive the most immigrants, giving the governors a great challenge to the ready establishment to them, passing through employment opportunities, as well as health care, which are constitutional guarantees . Final considerations: due to the scarcity of data, motivated by the last Demographic Census, conducted in 2010, the analysis was empirical. For better understanding, further studies and surveys are needed to enable better assistance to be performed more effectively.
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Abstract Natural products, especially phytochemicals, have been extensively studies and have exhibited important antiproliferative effects. The American native species Urera baccifera (L.) Gaudich. ex Wedd. (Urticaceae) is widely distributed in Brazil, where it is known as urtiga-vermelha or urtigão. The leaves are popularly used as anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic and in the treatment of gastric disorders. However, the antiproliferative potential of this plant against human tumor cells remain to be elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the antiproliferative effects of U. baccifera leaves extracts and fractions against a panel of human tumor cell lines in vitro besides a chemical evaluation of the most active sample by mass spectrometry (ESI-IT-MSn). The hydroalcoholic extract was inactive while dichloromethane extract showed moderate cytostatic activity against ovarian carcinoma cell line (OVCAR-3, GI50 = 1.5 μg/mL). More, the ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions did not show important activity against tumour cell while the dichloromethane and hexane fractions showed moderate cytostatic activity against ovarian tumor cell line (OVCAR-3, GI50 = 12.7 and 9.4 μg/mL, respectively). Finally, the chemical profile evaluated by mass spectrometry (ESI-IT-MSn) allowed the detection of flavonoids in the HEU and hydroxylated fatty acid in DEU that can explain partially the biological effects observed. This is the first report of the antiproliferative effects of U. baccifera, and DEU has shown potential as a promising source of bioactive compounds.
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Neoplasias Ováricas/tratamiento farmacológico , Plantas Medicinales/efectos de los fármacos , Fenómenos Químicos/efectos de los fármacos , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Espectrometría de Masas/instrumentaciónRESUMEN
ABSTRACT Plants are considered among the main sources of biologically active chemicals. The species Solidago chilensis Meyen, Asteraceae, is native to the southern parts of South America, where the aerial parts of the plant are commonly used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. However, the effects of S. chilensis on human cancer cells remain to be elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the antiproliferative effects of the hydroalcoholic and dichloromethane extracts of S. chilensis, as well as their chemical constituents quercitrin and solidagenone against the five human tumor cell lines in vitro. The dichloromethane extract showed a promisor antiproliferative effects in vitro, especially against glioma cell line. Besides, the hydroalcoholic extract and quercitrin were inactive. The diterpene solidagenone showed highly potent antiproliferative effects against breast (MCF-7), kidney (786-0), and prostate cancer (PC-3) cells (total growth inhibition: TGI < 6.25 µg/ml). Solidagenone meets the theoretical physico-chemical criteria for bioavailability of drugs, according to the "Rule of Five" and, by theorical studies, the observed biological effects were probably related to the interaction of the molecule with nuclear receptors and as an enzymatic inhibitor. This study contributes to chemical study and to the identification of antiproliferative molecules in S. chilensis.
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INTRODUCTION:: The study of dietary antioxidants has gained prominence owing to the elucidation of the deleterious effects of oxidative stress to the human body. Objective: To evaluate the Brazilian population's intake of antioxidant nutrients and their association with the nutritional status. METHODS:: A cross-sectional study was carried out including secondary data on food consumption of 33,459 individuals from both sexes, aged 10 years or older, from all Brazilian regions based on microdata of the "2008-2009 Household Budget Survey, Brazilian Dairy Survey." The content of vitamins E, A, and C; zinc; manganese; copper; and selenium from 188 food items, divided into 12 groups, according to the habitual consumption form was analyzed. The means of antioxidant nutrient intake according to the nutritional status were compared using Bonferroni's t-test. RESULTS:: Higher percentages of insufficient intake of vitamins than antioxidant minerals were seen. A significant difference in the intake of vitamin E as to the nutritional status was noticed, wherein the intake in overweight individuals was lower than in those with proper weight. Participants with low weight presented lower intake of almost all antioxidant minerals, except for copper, in which the intake of participants with low weight was equal to those with normal weight. CONCLUSION:: High percentages of insufficient intake of antioxidant nutrients were observed in the studied population, especially vitamins. It was also found that the intake of antioxidant nutrients varied based on nutritional status, gender, and life stage.
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Antioxidantes/administración & dosificación , Estado Nutricional , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Brasil , Niño , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Minerales , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
RESUMO: Introdução: O estudo dos antioxidantes dietéticos tem ganhado destaque em função da elucidação dos efeitos deletérios do estresse oxidativo ao organismo. Objetivo: Avaliar a ingestão de nutrientes antioxidantes pela população brasileira e sua relação com o estado nutricional. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo transversal com coleta de dados secundários do consumo alimentar de 33.459 indivíduos de ambos os sexos, de 10 ou mais anos, de todas as regiões do Brasil, a partir dos microdados da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares (2008 - 2009), Inquérito Nacional de Alimentação. Foram analisados os teores das vitaminas E, A e C, zinco, manganês, cobre e selênio de 188 itens alimentares, divididos em 12 grupos, conforme a forma habitual de consumo. As médias de ingestão dos nutrientes antioxidantes de acordo com o estado nutricional foram comparadas por meio do teste t de Bonferroni. Resultados: Foram observados maiores percentuais de ingestão insuficiente para as vitaminas do que para os minerais antioxidantes. Notou-se diferença significativa na ingestão da vitamina E em relação ao estado nutricional, sendo que a ingestão por indivíduos com excesso de peso foi inferior em relação aos com peso adequado. Verificou-se que os indivíduos com baixo peso apresentaram menor ingestão de quase todos os minerais antioxidantes, exceto o cobre, em que a ingestão por indivíduos com baixo peso foi igual à ingestão por aqueles com peso adequado. Conclusão: Elevados percentuais de ingestão insuficiente de nutrientes antioxidantes foram observados na população estudada, especialmente para as vitaminas. Além disso, a ingestão de nutrientes antioxidantes variou conforme o estado nutricional, o sexo e o estágio de vida.
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The study of dietary antioxidants has gained prominence owing to the elucidation of the deleterious effects of oxidative stress to the human body. Objective: To evaluate the Brazilian population’s intake of antioxidant nutrients and their association with the nutritional status. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out including secondary data on food consumption of 33,459 individuals from both sexes, aged 10 years or older, from all Brazilian regions based on microdata of the “2008-2009 Household Budget Survey, Brazilian Dairy Survey.” The content of vitamins E, A, and C; zinc; manganese; copper; and selenium from 188 food items, divided into 12 groups, according to the habitual consumption form was analyzed. The means of antioxidant nutrient intake according to the nutritional status were compared using Bonferroni’s t-test. Results: Higher percentages of insufficient intake of vitamins than antioxidant minerals were seen. A significant difference in the intake of vitamin E as to the nutritional status was noticed, wherein the intake in overweight individuals was lower than in those with proper weight. Participants with low weight presented lower intake of almost all antioxidant minerals, except for copper, in which the intake of participants with low weight was equal to those with normal weight. Conclusion: High percentages of insufficient intake of antioxidant nutrients were observed in the studied population, especially vitamins. It was also found that the intake of antioxidant nutrients varied based on nutritional status, gender, and life stage.
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Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Niño , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Adulto Joven , Estado Nutricional , Antioxidantes/administración & dosificación , Brasil , Estudios Transversales , Persona de Mediana Edad , MineralesRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Estimate the intake of phenolic compounds by the Brazilian population. METHODS: To estimate the average per capita food consumption, micro data from the National Dietary Survey and from the Household Budget Survey from 2008 to 2009 was analyzed. The phenolic content in food was estimated from the base of Phenol-Explorer. It was chosen according to compatibility and variety of food items and usual method of preparation. RESULTS: The Brazilian population consumed, on average, 460.15 mg/day of total phenolic compounds, derived mainly from beverages (48.9%), especially coffee and legumes (19.5%). Since this analysis of classes of phenolics it was possible to observe an intake of 314 mg/day of phenolic acids, 138.92 mg/day of flavonoids and 7.16 mg/ day of other kinds of phenolics. Regarding the variables studied this present study shows that those men who live in the countryside and in the northeastern region of the country had a higher consumption of phenolic compounds. Besides, consumption was higher by adults and the elderly, the medium income classes, the population with incomplete and complete primary education and those with adequate nutrition and also overweight status. CONCLUSION: The intake of phenolic compounds can be considered low, especially where consumption of fruit and vegetables is insufficient. We can conclude that coffee and black beans were the best contributors to phenolic intake. .
OBJETIVO: Estimar o consumo de compostos fenólicos pela população brasileira. MÉTODOS: Para estimativa do consumo alimentar médio per capita foram analisados os microdados do Inquérito Nacional de Alimentação, da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares 2008-2009. O teor de fenólicos dos alimentos foi estimado a partir da base de dados Phenol-Explorer, considerando a espécie e variedade do alimento e o modo de preparo habitual de consumo. RESULTADOS: A população brasileira consumiu em média 460,15 mg/dia de compostos fenólicos totais, provenientes principalmente das bebidas (48,9%), com destaque para o café, e leguminosas (19,5%). A análise do consumo por classes de fenólicos possibilitou observar uma ingestão de 314 mg/dia de ácidos fenólicos, 138,92 mg/dia de flavonoides e 7,16 mg/dia de outros fenólicos. Com relação às variáveis estudadas, os homens e os indivíduos residentes na zona rural e na região nordeste do país apresentaram maior consumo de compostos fenólicos. Além disso, destacaram-se também os adultos e idosos, as classes de rendimento medianas, a população com ensino fundamental completo ou incompleto e os indivíduos eutróficos e com excesso de peso. CONCLUSÃO: A ingestão de fenólicos totais pode ser considerada baixa, especialmente em razão do consumo insuficiente de frutas e hortaliças. Ressalta-se que o café e o feijão preto foram os principais alimentos contribuintes para o consumo de fenólicos da população brasileira. .
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Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Adolescente , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano , Flavonoides , Compuestos Fenólicos/etnología , Compuestos Fenólicos/estadística & datos numéricos , AntioxidantesRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to conduct a review and reflect on the importance of functional foods and their applicability in menus of Food and Nutrition Units as a means of promoting health outside the home. Data source: To this end, we carried out a literature review of scientific works published at SciELO, Lilacs and Scholar google for the past 14 years. Conclusions: Several factors have contributed to the dietary changes that are currently occurring, in which the consumption of foods high in fat, sugar and salt has been replacing whole grains, fruit and vegetables. The population's increased purchasing power, the decrease in time to prepare meals, and the changing in household structure, with women working outside the house, has led to the practice of eating out. In this context, there is the need to combine the consumption of a balanced diet that contributes to reduce the risk of diseases and this practice, and that is where the role of functional foods stands out. Successful experiences regarding the inclusion of these foods on menus of Food and Nutrition Units were identified. However, aspects such as the bioavailability of the bioactive compound and creativity in preparations are essential. Thus it is important that the nutritionist provide access to functional foods as well as educational activities to encourage their consumption, because beneficial effects on human health depend on their usual intake
OBJETIVO: O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar uma revisão e reflexão sobre a importância dos alimentos funcionais e sua aplicabilidade nos cardápios de Unidades de Alimentação e Nutrição (UAN) como forma de promoção da saúde fora do domicílio. Fonte de dados: Para isso, realizou-se uma revisão de literatura das publicações dos últimos 14 anos nas bases de dados SciELO, Lilacs e Google acadêmico. Conclusões: Diversos fatores contribuíram para as modificações dos hábitos alimentares observados atualmente, nos quais o consumo de alimentos ricos em lipídios, açúcares e sal vem substituindo o de cereais integrais, frutas e hortaliças. O aumento do poder aquisitivo da população, a diminuição do tempo de preparo das refeições e a modificação dos núcleos familiares, com a saída da mulher para o mercado de trabalho, culminaram na prática da alimentação fora do domicílio. Nesse contexto surge a necessidade de aliar o consumo de uma alimentação equilibrada e que contribua para redução do risco de doenças a essa prática e é nesse sentido que se destaca o papel dos alimentos funcionais. Foram identificadas experiências bem-sucedidas em relação à inclusão desses alimentos nos cardápios das UAN. No entanto, aspectos como a biodisponibilidade do composto bioativo e a criatividade na elaboração das preparações são fundamentais. Assim, é importante que o nutricionista proporcione o acesso aos alimentos funcionais, bem como ações educativas para incentivo do seu consumo, uma vez que seus efeitos benéficos à saúde humana dependem da ingestão habitual