Associations of Dietary Intake and Nutrient Status with Micronutrient and Lipid Composition in Breast Milk of Donor Women.

The influence of the diet and nutritional status of milk donors on the nutritional composition of donor human milk (DHM) is unknown. The present study aimed to determine the nutritional profile of DHM and the associations between donors' dietary intake and nutritional status and the micronutrient and lipid composition in DHM. For this purpose, 113 donors completed a food frequency questionnaire, provided a five-day weighed dietary record, and collected milk for five consecutive days. Nutrient determinations in donors' erythrocytes, plasma, urine, and milk were performed. Multiple linear regressions were conducted for the evaluation of the associations. We highlight the following results: DHM docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was positively associated with donors' plasma DHA content and donors' DHA intake (R2 0.45, p < 0.001). For every 1 g/day DHA intake, an increase of 0.38% in DHA content and 0.78% in total omega-3 content was observed in DHM (R2 0.29, p < 0.001). DHM saturated fatty acids were positively associated with erythrocyte dimethyl acetals, plasma stearic acid, trans fatty acids intake, and breastfeeding duration and negatively associated with erythrocyte margaroleic acid (R2 0.34, p < 0.01). DHM cholecalciferol was associated with plasma cholecalciferol levels and dairy intake (R2 0.57, p < 0.01). Other weaker associations were found for free thiamin, free riboflavin, pyridoxal, dehydroascorbic acid, and the lipid profile in DHM. In conclusion, the diet and nutritional status of donors influence the fatty acid profile and micronutrient content of DHM.

Reduction of Beta Cyclodextrin by Curd Washing in Low-Cholesterol Manchego Cheese.

Beta-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) is a cyclic oligosaccharide consisting of seven glucose units. ß-CD is increasingly used in food research to reduce cholesterol due to its affinity for non-polar molecules such as cholesterol and as a natural additive. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of curd washing in ewe's milk cheese on the reduction in cholesterol by ß-CD from pasteurized ewe's milk Manchego cheese and the characteristics of its main components: milk, lipids, and flavor. An approximately 98.45% cholesterol reduction was observed in washed experimental cheeses that were treated by using ß-CD. The remaining residual ß-CD from the effect of curd washing was 0.15% in mature cheese, of the initial 1% ß-CD treatment of the milk. The chemical properties (fat, moisture, and protein) did not change as a result of the curd washing with or without ß-CD. The curd washing with or without ß-CD on the levels of the various lipid fraction (fatty acids, triglycerides, and phospholipids) were comparable in treated and untreated cheeses. The effects of curd washing and the ß-CD treatment did not significantly affect flavor components or short chain free fatty acids. The ß-CD molecules were edible and nontoxic; as a result, they could be used safely in cholesterol removal processing in cheese manufacturing, improving the reduction in residual ß-CD by curd washing by 85%. Therefore, the present study suggests that curd washing combined with ß-CD is an effective process for cholesterol removal in Manchego cheese, preserving its desirable properties.

Food matrix impacts bioaccessibility and assimilation of acid whey-derived milk fat globule membrane lipids in Caco-2 cells.

The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) imparts human health benefits ranging from improved immune system, gut, and brain function to improved cardiometabolic health. The industry's growing interest in introducing MFGM-enriched foods requires scientific evidence that the benefits derived from this compound are not affected by the formulation or processes that may alter its function, such as the digestion process. In this study, the impact of food matrices and supplementation levels on the bioaccessibility and assimilation of MFGM lipids in cell culture was investigated. Three food matrices including a protein-rich jelly, carbohydrate-rich cookie, and a carbohydrate- and fat-rich cookie with sunflower oil (SF-cookie) were supplemented with an MFGM ingredient derived from cottage cheese acid whey at 2, 5, and 10% (w/w). Each formulation underwent simulated digestion consisting of oral, gastric, and intestinal phases, and the micellar fraction was collected for both analysis and lipid assimilation in Caco-2 intestinal cells. The micellar fractions were diluted and applied to the cells for 4 h. A lipidomic approach was used to assess the lipid profiles of micellar fractions and intestinal cells. The micelles from digested jellies, cookies, and SF-cookies containing MFGM showed a distinct separation using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Both correlation loadings and variable importance in projection (VIP) scores demonstrated a tendency of MFGM polar lipids (ceramides, glucosylceramides) for micelles from digested jelly, whereas micelles from digested cookies were associated with MFGM neutral lipids (free fatty acids, cholesterol, etc.). The effect of supplementation level on the micellar lipid profiles reinforced this pattern. The lipid profiles of intestinal cells after incubation with the micellar fractions differed considerably from the corresponding micellar lipid profiles. Specifically, the SF-cookie-treated cells were associated with a greater abundance of PUFA relative to jelly- and cookie-treated cells; however, increasing MFGM supplementation showed irregular patterns and rearrangement of cellular lipid profiles, suggesting the cells' role in regulating lipid metabolism in response to nutritional stimuli. The nature of lipid micellarization and assimilation in intestinal cells from MFGM-containing food formulations echoes the complexity of lipids inherent to the MFGM itself, suggesting the need for application-based MFGM supplementation.

Human Milk Composition and Nutritional Status of Omnivore Human Milk Donors Compared with Vegetarian/Vegan Lactating Mothers.

Women of childbearing age in Western societies are increasingly adopting vegetarian diets. These women are sometimes rejected as milk donors, but little about the composition of their milk is known. The present study aimed to compare the intake, nutritional status, and nutritional composition of human milk from omnivore human milk donors (Donors) and vegetarian/vegan lactating mothers (Veg). Milk, blood, and urine samples from 92 Donors and 20 Veg were used to determine their fatty acid profiles, as well as vitamins and minerals. In a representative sample of both groups, we also determined the lipid class profile as a distribution of neutral and polar lipids, the molecular species of triacylglycerols, and the relative composition of phospholipids in their milk. A dietary assessment was conducted with a five-day dietary record (while considering the intake of supplements). We highlight the following results, expressed as the mean (SE), for the Veg vs. Donors: (1) Their docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake was 0.11 (0.03) vs. 0.38 (0.03) g/day; the plasma DHA was 0.37 (0.07) vs. 0.83 (0.06)%; and the milk DHA was 0.15 (0.04) vs. 0.33 (0.02)%. (2) Their milk B12 levels were 545.69 (20.49) vs. 482.89 (4.11) pM; 85% of the Veg reported taking B12 supplements (mean dose: 312.1 mcg/day); and the Veg group showed no differences with Donors in terms of total daily intake or plasma B12. (3) Their milk phosphatidylcholine levels were 26.88 (0.67) vs. 30.55 (1.10)%. (4) Their milk iodine levels were 126.42 (13.37) vs. 159.22 (5.13) mcg/L. In conclusion, the Vegs' milk was shown to be different from the Donors' milk, mainly due to its low DHA content, which is concerning. However, raising awareness and ensuring proper supplementation could bridge this gap, as has already been achieved for cobalamin.

Lipidomic and Proteomic Profiling of the Milk Fat Globule Membrane from Different Industrial By-Products of the Butter and Butter Oil Manufacturing Process.

Recent studies have demonstrated the positive effects of regular intake of milk fat globule membranes (MFGMs) on neural and cognitive development, as well as immune and gastrointestinal health in infants and elders. Dairy products and by-products generated from the butter and butter oil manufacturing process are valuable sources of MFGM. Thus, in view of the growing need to reduce by-products and waste, it is crucial to foster research aimed at the valorization of dairy by-products rich in MFGM. For this purpose, all the by-products coming from butter and butter oil production (from raw milk to the related by-products) were used to study the MFGM isolated fractions, followed by their characterization through a combined lipidomic and proteomic approach. The patterns of polar lipids and proteins indicated that buttermilk (BM), butterserum (BS), and their mix (BM-BS blend) are the most suitable by-products to be employed as starting material for the isolation and purification of MFGMs, thus obtaining MFGM-enriched ingredients for the manufacture of products with high biological activity.

Milk fat globule membrane concentrate as a nutritional supplement prevents age-related cognitive decline in old rats: A lipidomic study of synaptosomes.

Aging is associated with a decline in cognitive abilities, mainly in memory and executive functioning. A similar but premature deterioration in cognitive capacities is the hallmark of mild cognitive impairment, Alzeimer's disease and dementia. The biochemical mechanisms that cause these neurodegenerative disorders are poorly understood. However, some evidence suggests that insufficient dietary intakes of some phospholipids could impact on brain function and increase the risk of future cognitive impairment and dementia. We evaluated the cognitive and biochemical effects of supplementation with a milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) concentrate in aged rats. We observed that, compared to control animals, MFGM supplemented rats showed enhanced spatial working memory, but both groups exhibited similar reference spatial learning and emotional memory abilities. No significant differences between BDNF levels in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of treated rats as compared to controls were found. The nootropic effects observed were accompanied by significant changes in the lipid composition of synaptic membranes. MFGM supplementation increased the levels of EPA and DHA acids as well as the plasmalogens content in the synaptosomes isolated from the hippocampus (Synapt-HP) and the frontal cortex (Synapt-FC). In addition enhanced levels of phosphatidyl serine (PS), particularly PS(18:1/18:1), and phosphatidyl inositol (PI) molecular species were observed in Synapt-HP and Synapt-FC of treated animals.Lipidomic analysis also revealed greater concentration of phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE) molecular species containing very long-chain fatty acids and PE plasmenyls in Synapt-HP as well as an increase of the SM content in Synapt-FC from the MFGM group. Although further studies are needed to confirm the underlying mechanism (individual or synergistic), these results suggest that MFGM supplementation could be employed as a dietary implement to restore the proper cerebral concentration of some bioactive lipids and prevent or slow the progression of age-related cognitive impairment.

Randomized controlled trial of early arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid enteral supplementation in very preterm infants.

Objective: To evaluate changes in blood long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) and oxylipin concentrations in very preterm infants from birth to 36 weeks' postmenstrual age (WPA) after providing an emulsified arachidonic acid (ARA):docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplement at two different concentrations. Study design: This prospective, randomized trial assigned infants to receive a supplement (1) 80:40 group (80 mg/kg/day ARA and 40 mg/kg/day DHA, n = 9) or (2) 120:60 group (120 mg/kg/day ARA and 60 mg/kg/day DHA, n = 9). Infants received supplement daily from birth until 36 WPA. At baseline, 21 days of life and 36 WPA, the LCPUFAs were measured in plasma by gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometry. Additionally, LCPUFAs and oxylipins were analyzed in whole blood by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Furthermore, a sample of oral mucosa was obtained to analyze single-nucleotide polymorphism located in the FADS1 gene by PCR. Results: Gestational age was similar between groups (80:40 = 28+6 [27+3; 30+3] completed weeks+days ; 120:60 = 29+6 [27+3; 30+5] completed weeks+days , p = 0.83). At 36 WPA, the change in plasma ARA was significantly different between groups (80:40 group = 0.15 [-0.67; 0.69] %nmol, 120:60 = 1.68 [1.38; 3.16] %nmol, p = 0.031). In whole blood, the levels of ARA-derived oxylipins (5-, 8-, 9-, 11-, 15-HETE and 8,9-EET) and EPA-derived oxylipins (18-HEPE) significantly increase from baseline to 36 WPA in the 120:60 group than the 80:40 group. Conclusion: Supplementation at high doses (120:60 mg/kg/day) increased levels of ARA, and EPA- and ARA-derived oxylipins compared to low doses (80:40 mg/kg/day). Differences were detected in EPA metabolites without a significant increase in plasma DHA.

Comparative study of the most commonly used methods for total protein determination in milk of different species and their ultrafiltration products.

Milk ultrafiltration is a widely used membrane filtration process that allows the recuperation of whey proteins in a concentrate high in total solids, which can later be transformed in multiple healthy dairy products with great prospects for the food industry. Protein content is a decisive factor for the technological performance of milk concentrates and currently, the ISO standard method for its determination is Kjeldahl, which is time-consuming and requires specific instrumentation. For this reason, the use of rapid methods to quantify protein would greatly facilitate the monitoring of the milk ultrafiltration process. In this study, the bicinchoninic acid assay (BCA), the detergent compatible Bradford assay and the Dumas method were compared to Kjeldahl protein determination to select a quick and accurate methodology suitable for milk of different species and its ultrafiltration products (retentates and permeates). The protein content obtained from Bradford assay and Dumas method in origin milk and retentate samples was consistent with Kjeldahl values. In contrast, BCA protein levels were significantly different when compared to Kjeldahl and no method was proved to be suitable for protein determination in permeate samples. The use of sodium dodecyl sulfate was also examined to improve protein measurements without success. In comparison with the official method, Bradford assay quantitatively provided the best results, and it would be recommended for a quick, economic and easy determination of total protein content in milk and retentate samples.

Effects of HIV Infection in Plasma Free Fatty Acid Profiles among People with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Despite its high prevalence, the mechanisms underlying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in people living with HIV (PLWH) are still unclear. In this prospective cohort study, we aim to evaluate differences in plasma fatty acid profiles between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected participants with NAFLD. We included participants diagnosed with NAFLD, both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected. Fatty acid methyl esters were measured from plasma samples. Ratios ([product]/[substrate]) were used to estimate desaturases and elongases activity. We used linear regression for adjusted analyses. We included 31 PLWH and 22 HIV-uninfected controls. We did not find differences in the sum of different types of FA or in FA with a greater presence of plasma. However, there were significant differences in the distribution of some FA, with higher concentrations of ALA, trans-palmitoleic, and behenic acids, and a lower concentration of lignoceric acid in PLWH. PLWH had lower C24:0/C22:0 and C16:0/C14:0 ratios, which estimates the activity of elongases ELOVL1 and ELOVL6. Both groups had similar fatty acid distribution, despite differences in traditional risk factors. PLWH had a lower proportion of specific ratios that estimate ELOVL1 and ELOVL6 activity, which had been previously described for other inflammatory conditions, such as psoriasis.

Triacylglycerides and Phospholipids from Egg Yolk Differently Influence the Immunostimulating Properties of Egg White Proteins.

As part of a whole egg, egg white proteins are embedded in a lipid matrix that could modify their presentation to the immune system and their allergenic properties. The present study examines the impact of the main egg lipid components, triacylglycerides and phospholipids, in the early events of sensitization to egg. To this end, BALB/c mice were exposed intragastrically to egg lipids and egg lipid fractions, alone and in mixtures with egg white proteins, and Th2-promoting and proinflammatory effects were investigated. Our results highlight that the egg lipid fraction is responsible for Th2 adjuvant effects and point at a different influence of triacylglycerides and phospholipids on the bioavailability and immunomodulating properties of egg white proteins. While triacylglycerides promote type 2 responses at the small intestine level, phospholipids reduce the solubility of EW proteins and induce Th2 skewing in lymphoid intestinal tissues, which may have a direct impact on the development of egg allergy.

Impact of High-Pressure Processed Onion on Colonic Metabolism Using a Dynamic Gastrointestinal Digestion Simulator.

Onions are the main dietary source of flavonols that have been associated with important health-promoting properties. Onion treated by high-pressure processing (HPP-treated onion) was subjected to a dynamic gastrointestinal digestion and colon fermentation simulator (DGID-CF) to study the effect on the gut microbiota metabolism in the three colon regions (ascending-AC, transverse-TC, and descending-DC) by means of chronic feeding with 27 g/day for 14 days. HPP-treated onion presented a high content of the flavonols quercetin-3,4'-diglucoside and quercetin-4'-glucoside, and a large percentage of them reached the AC without change. TC and DC progressively increased the total phenolic metabolites 2.5 times respective to day 2, mainly 3-hydroxyphenylacetic, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylpropionic acids. In addition, the chronic feeding increased the beneficial colon bacteria Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. and the production of total SCFAs (acetic, propionic, and butyric acids) 9 times (AC), 2.2 times (TC), and 4.4 times (DC) respective to day 1. A multivariate analysis (principal component analysis, PCA) showed a clear separation between the three colon regions based on their phenolic composition (precursors and metabolites). These results showed that HPP-treated onion modulated the human gut microbiota's metabolism and the DGID-CF is a good system to study these changes.

An Integrative Approach of an In Vitro Measurement of the Digestibility of Triacylglycerols of Human Milk.

Several studies have been published regarding the effect of different factors on the digestion of milk lipids, considering their natural structural arrangement as milk fat globules and the efficiency of the digestive enzymes in the lipolysis of such complex structures. During digestion, the lipolytic products are dispersed in vesicles and micelles, which are the source for absorption of digested lipids. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the isolation of the micellar phase from the digesta to appropriately determine the amounts and classes of lipids which are bioaccessible. This study presents an integrative approach that included an isolation procedure to separate the micellar fraction from undigested and non-micellar parts, and the distribution of digested milk lipids in micelles determined directly through chromatographic techniques. Four groups of five full term mothers donated colostrum or mature milk. Two sets of samples were analyzed directly (raw), and two sets were pasteurized and then analyzed. Our data revealed that the profile of digested milk lipids is different depending on the lactation period and processing stage, while the carbon atom number distribution of the digested triacylglycerols in the micellar fraction provides a substantial information regarding the acylglycerols species that are less available for absorption.

High-Temperature Short-Time and Holder Pasteurization of Donor Milk: Impact on Milk Composition.

Holder pasteurization (HoP; 62.5 °C, 30 min) is commonly used to ensure the microbiological safety of donor human milk (DHM) but diminishes its nutritional properties. A high-temperature short-time (HTST) system was designed as an alternative for human milk banks. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of this HTST system on different nutrients and the bile salt stimulated lipase (BSSL) activity of DHM. DHM was processed in the HTST system and by standard HoP. Macronutrients were measured with a mid-infrared analyzer. Lactose, glucose, myo-inositol, vitamins and lipids were assayed using chromatographic techniques. BSSL activity was determined using a kit. The duration of HTST treatment had a greater influence on the nutrient composition of DHM than did the tested temperature. The lactose concentration and the percentage of phospholipids and PUFAs were higher in HTST-treated than in raw DHM, while the fat concentration and the percentage of monoacylglycerides and SFAs were lower. Other nutrients did not change after HTST processing. The retained BSSL activity was higher after short HTST treatment than that following HoP. Overall, HTST treatment resulted in better preservation of the nutritional quality of DHM than HoP because relevant thermosensitive components (phospholipids, PUFAs, and BSSL) were less affected.

Effect of gestational age (preterm or full term) on lipid composition of the milk fat globule and its membrane in human colostrum.

Human colostrum is the first milk secreted by the mother after birth and constitutes the ideal food for the newborn, because its chemical composition, rich in immunoglobulins, antimicrobial peptides, growth factors, bioactive lipids, and other important molecules, is perfectly adapted to the metabolic, digestive, and immunological immaturity of the newborn. An incomplete gestational period can affect the maturity of the mammary gland and its ability to secrete milk with the proper composition for the newborn's condition. Previous studies indicate that the mammary gland modulates the profiles of bioactive lipids present in the different phases of lactation from colostrum to mature milk. Given the key role played by the polar lipids (PL) (phospho- and sphingolipids) of the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) in the immune system and cognitive development of the newborn, it is crucial to analyze whether the content and distribution of the PL are affected by gestation period. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the milk fat globule (MFG) and MFGM lipid compositions of human colostrum samples from 20 healthy preterm and full-term mothers. Lipid characterization using chromatographic techniques (gas chromatograph mass spectrometry and HPLC-evaporative light-scattering detection) revealed differences related to length of gestation in the profiles of lipid classes and fatty acid and triacylglyceride contents of colostrum. This comparative analysis leads to noteworthy outcomes about the changing roles of the PL, considering the preterm or full-term condition. We found a lack of correlation of some PL (such as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidylserine) with the delivery term; these could be denoted as structural category lipids. However, sphingomyelin and phosphatidyl-ethanolamine exhibited trends to decrease in full-term colostrum, indicating that in the final stage of pregnancy specific accretion of some PL occurs, which should be denoted as a nutritional redistribution.

Sources, Production, and Clinical Treatments of Milk Fat Globule Membrane for Infant Nutrition and Well-Being.

Research on milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is gaining traction. The interest is two-fold; on the one hand, it is a unique trilayer structure with specific secretory function. On the other hand, it is the basis for ingredients with the presence of phospho- and sphingolipids and glycoproteins, which are being used as food ingredients with valuable functionality, in particular, for use as a supplement in infant nutrition. This last application is at the center of this Review, which aims to contribute to understanding MFGM's function in the proper development of immunity, cognition, and intestinal trophism, in addition to other potential effects such as prevention of diseases including cardiovascular disease, impaired bone turnover and inflammation, skin conditions, and infections as well as age-associated cognitive decline and muscle loss. The phospholipid composition of MFGM from bovine milk is quite like human milk and, although there are some differences due to dairy processing, these do not result in a chemical change. The MFGM ingredients, as used to improve the formulation in different clinical studies, have indeed increased the presence of phospholipids, sphingolipids, glycolipids, and glycoproteins with the resulting benefits of different outcomes (especially immune and cognitive outcomes) with no reported adverse effects. Nevertheless, the precise mechanism(s) of action of MFGM remain to be elucidated and further basic investigation is warranted.

Consumption of Goat Cheese Naturally Rich in Omega-3 and Conjugated Linoleic Acid Improves the Cardiovascular and Inflammatory Biomarkers of Overweight and Obese Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study examines the value of a goat cheese naturally enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (n-3 PUFA and conjugated linolenic acid (CLA)) as means of improving cardiovascular and inflammatory health. Sixty-eight overweight and obese subjects (BMI ≥ 27 and <40 kg/m2), with at least two risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a lipid panel blood tests, participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel designed study. The subjects consumed for 12 weeks: (1) 60 g/d control goat cheese and (2) 60 g/d goat cheese naturally enriched in n-3 PUFA and CLA. Diet and physical activity were assessed. Anthropometric and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) tests were performed. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and at the end of the study period. Changes in health status, lifestyle and dietary habits, and daily compliance were recorded. The consumption of a PUFA-enriched goat cheese significantly increased plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, as well as in apolipoprotein B, and it significantly decreased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentrations compared to the control goat cheese (p < 0.05). The significant improvement of the plasma lipid profile and inflammatory status of people with risk for CVD due to the consumption of PUFA-enriched cheese suggests a potential role of this dairy product as an alternative to develop high nutritional value food in a balanced diet comprising regular exercise.

Appraisal of the suitability of two-stage extraction process by combining compressed fluid technologies of polar lipid fractions from chia seed.

Although triacylglycerols (TAG) are the major constituents of chia oil, it also contains minor lipid fractions that include phospholipids (PL) among other desirable components. Its amphiphilic character and excellent biocompatibility make PL appropriate for numerous applications with technological and nutritional significanceand potential health benefits. Given the difficulties entailed by the PL isolation, the efficiency for extracting such compounds using two environmental friendly techniques, pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) was evaluated. By using PLE with food-grade ethanol (EtOH), an oil recovery close to 100% was achieved in just 10 min. This oil extract was particularly rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA; 70%) as compared to the oil extracted by SFE (56%). In the case of SFE, the oil recovery was only 87% but increased to 99% when ethanol was added to CO2. However the use of co-solvent did not affect the fatty acid profile of the supercritical extracts or their TAG composition, where the high molecular weight TAG species were the predominant in all cases. With the exception of SFE without co-solvent, all methods applied were capable of extracting the PL fraction, although the content and distribution of the individual components present in this fraction differed markedly depending on the extraction conditions used. In this context, the use of a sequential extraction process, combining SFE and PLE was particularly interesting. The re-extraction by PLE of the chia cake, previously defatted by SFE, allowed to obtain an oil extract highly enriched in PLs, whose content exceeded 16% and with a higher PL species than the rest of the oil extracts.

Concentrates of buttermilk and krill oil improve cognition in aged rats.

Cognitive decline is one of the hallmarks of aging and can vary from mild cognitive impairment to dementia to Alzheimer's disease. In addition to some lifestyle interventions, there is room for the use of nutraceuticals/functional foods as pharma-nutritional tools to lessen the burden of cognitive decline before it worsens. We previously reported the promising molecular actions of milk fat globule membranes and krill oil concentrates in a rat model of aging. In this study, we concentrated on the activities on cognition, using an array of validated tests. We also performed lipidomic analyses of plasma, erythrocytes, and different brain areas. We report lower emotional memory (contextual fear conditioning) in aged rats supplemented with concentrates of polar lipids from buttermilk or krill oil at doses that approximate human consumption. No other behavioral parameter was significantly influenced by the supplements, calling for further research to confirm or not the purported salubrious activities of polar lipids, namely those rich in ω3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, on cognitive decline.

In Vitro Digestion for Control and Monitoring of Food Effects in Relation to Micellarization Index of Carotenoids.

The multifactorial system that influences the availability of macronutrients, micronutrients, and phytoconstituents with relevant bioactivities has been assessed by in vitro digestion protocols, which have become an effective technique to support the health-through-food strategy. The measurement of the significance of food structure, food matrix, synergies and competitive effects, processing features, and even some physiological issues has created valuable scientific and technological information, and the development of harmonized protocols. Now it is possible to make further advances by applying this knowledge to obtain data regarding the potential availability of target compound(s) in the food source within a standard meal context. This protocol describes the measurement of the micellarization index of carotenoids from dietary rich sources with test meals accounting the effects of high vs. low fat and normo-, hypo-, and hypercaloric content.

In Vitro Digestion of Human Milk: Influence of the Lactation Stage on the Micellar Carotenoids Content.

Human milk is a complex fluid with nutritive and non-nutritive functions specifically structured to cover the needs of the newborn. The present study started with the study of carotenoid composition during progress of lactation (colostrum, collected at 3-5 d postpartum; mature milk, collected at 30 d postpartum) with samples donated from full-term lactating mothers (women with no chronic diseases, nonsmokers on a regular diet without supplements, n = 30). Subsequently, we applied an in vitro protocol to determine the micellarization efficiency of the carotenoids, which were separated by HPLC and quantified by the external standard method. That in vitro protocol is tailored for the biochemistry of the digestive tract of a newborn. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first report of carotenoids micellar contents, obtained in vitro. This study reveals, from the in vitro perspective, that colostrum and mature milk produce significant micellar contents of carotenoids despite lipids in milk are within highly complex structures. Indeed, the lactation period develops some influence on the micellarization efficiency, influence that might be attributed to the dynamics of the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) during the progress of lactation.