Correction: Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) kernel has good protein quality and improves the lipid profile and short chain fatty acids content in Wistar rats.

Correction for 'Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) kernel has good protein quality and improves the lipid profile and short chain fatty acids content in Wistar rats' by Fátima Ladeira Mendes Duarte et al., Food Funct., 2022, 13, 11342-11352, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2FO02047E.

Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) kernel has good protein quality and improves the lipid profile and short chain fatty acids content in Wistar rats.

Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) has aroused interest in the food industry due to the high nutritional value of its fruits. This study aimed to evaluate the protein quality and influence on biochemical markers, short chain fatty acids content, intestinal morphology, and intestinal functionality in Wistar rats of macauba kernel. Male young rats were divided into three groups (n = 8) that received a control diet (casein), and two test diets (M30: 30% semi-defatted macauba kernel flour or M50: 50% semi-defatted macauba kernel flour) for 29 days. Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Net Protein Ratio (NPR), True Digestibility (TD), biochemical, and intestinal morphology and functionality markers were evaluated. The PER and NPR values were lower in test groups compared to the control group. TD did not differ between M30 and M50. The animals that were fed the macauba kernel flour had lower concentrations of total cholesterol and triglycerides compared to the control group. The concentration of acetic and propionic acids was higher and the fecal pH was lower in M30 and M50 groups compared to the control group. Gene expression of aminopeptidase (AP) and sodium-glucose transport protein 1 (SGLT1) did not differ among the groups, and the M50 group had lower expression of peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) and sucrase isomaltase (SI) than the control group. Crypts thickness was higher in the M50 group compared to the other groups, while the intestinal muscle layer width did not differ among groups. Therefore, macauba kernel flour proved to be a good plant protein alternative, and its consumption reduced blood lipids and increased short chain fatty acids content.

Black corn (Zea mays L.) whole flour improved the antioxidant capacity and prevented adipogenesis in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Black corn (Zea mays L.) is a source of anthocyanins, which have shown the ability to reduce metabolic disorders. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-adipogenic preventive effects of black corn. C57BL/6 mice were divided into 3 groups (n = 10): normal control (NC): AIN-93 M; high-fat diet (HF); HF + corn (20%) (HFC). Black corn improved the antioxidant status, through the superoxide dismutase hepatic levels and serum total antioxidant capacity. Animals fed an HFC diet showed decreased gene expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) and increased gene expression of adiponectin and lipoprotein lipase in the adipose tissue, which led to a less inflammatory infiltrate and decreased the adipocyte number and length. In the liver, black corn reduced the gene expression of SREBP-1c and acetyl CoA carboxilase 1. Therefore, black corn whole flour improved the antioxidant capacity, contributed to hepatic ß-oxidation, and decreased adipogenesis in animals.

Kombuchas from green and black teas reduce oxidative stress, liver steatosis and inflammation, and improve glucose metabolism in Wistar rats fed a high-fat high-fructose diet.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of green and black tea kombuchas consumption on adiposity, lipid and glucose metabolism, liver steatosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in Wistar rats fed a high-fat high-fructose (HFHF) diet. Wistar rats, after 8 weeks to induce metabolic alterations, were divided into an AIN-93M control group, HFHF control group, green tea kombucha + HFHF diet (GTK group), and black tea kombucha + HFHF diet (BTK group), for 10 weeks. The kombuchas improved glucose metabolism, plasma total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase activity, and decreased nitric oxide concentration. Moreover, both kombuchas reduced systemic inflammation by decreasing the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), reduced the total adipose tissue and blood triglyceride, and reverted liver steatosis (from grade 2 to 1), besides the modulation of genes related to adipogenesis and ß-oxidation. Therefore, kombuchas from green and black teas have bioactive properties that can help control metabolic alterations induced by the HFHF diet.

Sorghum, germinated millet and chia cookies: development, chemical composition and sensory analysis

The objective of this work was to develop cookies using sorghum, germinated millet and chia flours. Four formulations (F) were used: F-sorghum (100% sorghum flour); F-Sorghum + chia (50% sorghum flour and 50% chia flour), F-millet (100% millet flour) and F-millet + chia (50% millet flour and 50% chia flour). The germinated millet flour was submitted to microbiological analysis. All cookies were evaluated in relation to chemical and sensory analyses, according to AOAC and hedonic nine-point scale, respectively. The statistical analysis was performed by the variance analysis and Tukey test at 5% probability. The F-millet formulation showed the least humidity content (4.59 ± 0.25g/100g), while chia containing cookies showed lesser concentrations of carbohydrates (F-sorghum + chia: 44.35 ± 4.34g/100g and F-millet + chia: 41.03 ± 1.40g/100g) and higher ash content (F-sorghum + chia: 3.80 ± 0.02g/100g and F-millet + chia: 3.42 ± 0.24g/100g) and of protein (F-sorghum + chia: 15.38 ± 0.44 g/100g and F-millet + chia: 18.06 ± 0.53 g/100g). The caloric value and the lipids content did not differ among formulations. The sensory analysis had 57 evaluators. The cookies produced with chia and germinated millet had higher rates for flavor, texture and general impression. In general, all tested biscuits had good sensory acceptance and nutritional quality being an alternative to increase the consumption of bioactive compounds and antioxidants(AU)

El objetivo fue desarrollar galletas utilizando harina de sorgo, mijo germinado y chía. Se utilizaron cuatro formulaciones (F): F-sorgo (100% harina de sorgo); Sorgo F + chía (50% harina de sorgo y 50% harina de chía), mijo F (100% harina de mijo) y mijo F + chía (50% harina de mijo y 50% harina de chía). La harina de mijo germinada se sometió a análisis microbiológico. Las galletas fueron sometidas a análisis químico y sensorial, según la AOAC y una escala hedónica de nueve puntos, respectivamente. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante análisis de varianza y prueba de Tukey al 5% de probabilidad. La formulación F-mijo tuvo menor contenido de humedad (4,59 ± 0,25 g/100g), mientras que las galletas que contenían chía tuvieron concentraciones más bajas de carbohidratos (F-sorgo + chía: 44,35 ± 4,34 g/100g y F-mijo + chía: 41,03 ± 1,40 g / 100g), mayor contenido de cenizas (F-sorgo + chía: 3,80 ± 0,02 g/100g y F-mijo + chía: 3,42 ± 0,24 g/100g) y proteínas (F-sorgo + chía: 15,38 ± 0,44 g/100g y F mijo + chía: 18,06 ± 0,53 g/100g). El valor calórico y el contenido de lípidos no difirieron entre las formulaciones. El análisis sensorial contó con 57 evaluadores. Las galletas producidas con chía y mijo germinado tenían notas más altas de sabor, textura e impresión general. Las galletas testadas tuvieron buena aceptación sensorial y calidad nutricional, siendo una alternativa para incrementar el consumo de compuestos bioactivos y antioxidantes(AU)

Effect of Pereskia aculeata Mill. in vitro and in overweight humans: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) flour on the adhesion of probiotics to intestinal epithelial cells and to evaluate the effect of a product based on this flour on gastrointestinal symptoms, weight, body fat, glycemia, and lipid profile in overweight men. METHODS: Microbiological counts (probiotic count, survival after in vitro gastrointestinal resistance, Caco-2 cell adhesion) were analyzed. A randomized, cross-over intervention was performed. Intestinal microbiota was indirectly assessed on the basis of consistency, color of feces, and gastrointestinal symptoms. RESULTS: P. aculeata did not affect Lactobacillus casei adhesion to Caco-2 cells. Ora-pro-nobis flour improved gastrointestinal symptoms and increased satiety. CONCLUSION: The consumption of ora-pro-nobis flour improved intestinal health. In addition, it maintained the high adherence of L. casei to intestinal cells as well as patient anthropometric and biochemical parameters. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Pereskia aculeata Mill. is well known in folk medicine and has several nutrients; however, there are few studies on this plant. This is the first study to analyze the influence of P. aculeata on bacterial adherence and the first cross-over clinical trial to evaluate the beneficial potential of ora-pro-nobis flour in overweight men. Thus, this study will contribute to the promotion of ora-pro-nobis as a functional ingredient and will arouse the interest of industries to develop related healthy foods. In addition, it is an effective dietary strategy to improve the gastrointestinal health of men.

Clinical application of probiotics in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Type 2 diabetes has been associated with dysbiosis and one of the possible routes to restore a healthy gut microbiota is by the regular ingestion of probiotics. We aimed to investigate the effects of probiotics on glycemic control, lipid profile, inflammation, oxidative stress and short chain fatty acids in T2D. METHODS: In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 50 volunteers consumed daily 120 g/d of fermented milk for 6 wk. Participants were assigned into two groups: probiotic group, consuming fermented milk containing Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis BB-12 (109 colony-forming units/d, each) and control group, consuming conventional fermented milk. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, fasting blood and faecal samples were taken at baseline and after 6 wk. RESULTS: 45 subjects out of 50 (90%) completed follow-up. After 6 wk, there was a significant decrease in fructosamine levels (-9.91 mmol/L; p = 0.04) and hemoglobin A1c tended to be lower (-0.67%; p=0.06) in probiotic group. TNF-α and resistin were significantly reduced in probiotic and control groups (-1.5 and -1.3 pg/mL, -.1 and -2.8 ng/mL, respectively), while IL-10 was significantly reduced (- 0.65 pg/mL; p <0.001) only in the control group. Fecal acetic acid was increased in both groups (0.58 and 0.59% in probiotic and control groups, respectively; p <0.01). There was a significant difference between groups concerning mean changes of HbA1c (+0.31 for control group vs -0.65 for probiotic group; p=0.02), total cholesterol (+0.55 for control group vs -0.15 for probiotic group; p=0.04) and LDL-cholesterol (+0.36 for control group vs -0.20 for probiotic group p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Probiotic consumption improved the glycemic control in T2D subjects, however, the intake of fermented milk seems to be involved with others metabolic changes, such as decrease in inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and resistin) and increase in the acetic acid.

Heat-treated hull flour does not affect iron bioavailability in rats / Farinha de soja com casca tratada termicamente

In this study the chemical composition and iron bioavailability of hull and hull-less soybean flour from the new cultivar UFVTN 105AP was evaluated. The hemoglobin depletion-repletion method was used in Wistar rats. Soybean hull flour presented 37% more total dietary fiber and higher content of iron than hull-less soybean flour. The phytate:iron molar ratio, however, was 2-fold lower in the soybean hull flour in compared to the hull-less soybean flour. Animals fed soybean hull flour presented hemoglobin gains similar to those of the control diet group (p>0.05). The Relative Biological Values of hull and hull-less soybean flour were 68.5% and 67.1%, respectively, compared to the control group. Heat-treated soybean hull flour (150ºC/30 minutes) showed high content of iron and low phytate, which favors the iron bioavailability. Thus, the soybean hull flour is a better source of dietary fiber and iron than hull-less soybean flour at comparable bioavailabilities.

Neste estudo foram avaliadas a composição química e a biodisponibilidade de ferro das farinhas de soja com e sem casca do novo cultivar UFVTN 105AP. O método usado foi de depleção-repleção de hemoglobina em ratos Wistar. A farinha de soja com casca apresentou 37% a mais de fibra alimentar e maior teor de ferro (p 0,05). O Valor Relativo de Biodisponibilidade (VRB) da farinha de soja com casca e sem casca foram 68,5% e 67,1%, respectivamente, em relação ao sulfato ferroso (100%). A farinha de soja com casca submetida ao tratamento térmico (150ºC/30 minutos) apresentou maior teor de ferro e reduzido conteúdo de fitato, favorecendo a biodisponibilidade de ferro. Assim, a farinha de soja com casca apresentou melhor fonte de fibra alimentar e ferro do que a farinha de soja sem casca de comparável biodisponibilidade.