Comparison of vegetables and fruit consumption frequency by athletes before and after marathon

Background: One of the prerequisites to achieve high sports scores is to ensure the proper supply of nutrients. Both deficiency and excess of these components can cause malfunctions of bodies in athletes, which adversely affects their health and performance. Objective: Comparison of the frequency of intake of groups of vegetables and fruits, being sources of vitamins and minerals, by marathon runners in periods before and after the long-distance run. Material and Method: The frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption by marathoners was analyzed among women (n = 105) and men (n = 87) aged between 19 and 73 years, before and after running competition. The Block's questionnaire was used to evaluate the consumption of groups of vegetables and fruits (leafy, root and cruciferous vegetables, as well as stone, berry and tropical fruits). Their consumption was assessed on a point scale. Results: Sufficient vegetable and fruit intake was found in about 55% of the marathon runners. Diets of about 20% of the respondents were poor in fruits and vegetables. Higher fruit and vegetable intake was reported in both men and women after the marathon compared to the pre-run period. Conclusion: Daily food rations of about 1/4 of the surveyed marathoners provided insufficient amounts of fruits and vegetables, and daily food rations of about 20% of the athletes were poor in these products. After the marathon, the consumption of vegetables and fruits improved in 15% of the surveyed women and in 10% of the men compared to the pre-marathon period.

Assessment of the frequency of intake of selected sources of dietary fibre among persons competing in marathons

Background: The knowledge about nutrition of the marathoners is insufficient. An insightful and personalized approach to the diet of long-distance athletes, including the consumption of important nutrients such as dietary fiber, is needed to improve the efficiency of their performance. Objective: Estimation of the frequency of consumption of food products as a source of dietary fiber by people preparing for the marathon. Material and Methods: The frequency of intake of selected dietary fiber sources by women (n=105) and men (n=87) aged 19 to 73 years, who compete in marathons. The Block questionnaire was used to assess the intake of fiber sources (whole grain cereals, vegetables, fruits, potatoes and legumes). Fiber consumption was expressed on a dot scale. Results: Adequate dietary fiber intake was found in 44% of the marathon runners, but insufficient one - in 50% of the respondents. Diets of about 6% of the subjects were poor in dietary fiber. Lower dietary fiber intake was demonstrated in both men and women in the pre-marathon period, and was due to the recommended dietary fiber intake during this period. Conclusion: The study showed an insufficient intake of dietary fiber in all-day rations of most of the surveyed marathon runners. A statistically significantly lower dietary intake of marathoners (both women and men) was demonstrated before the marathon compared to the post-long distance period.

Influence of arsenic on selected biochemical blood parameters in rats fed diet with different fat and protein content.

BACKGROUND: Arsenic is widely distributed in the environment. The main routes of absorption of inorganic arsenic compounds are the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. Arsenates both (III) and (V) are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in 55-95%, while the organic arsenic compounds in 75-85%. Arsenic poisoning leads to damage the activities and morphological changes in the stomach and intestines, causing the occurrence of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Arsenic compounds may also be the cause of the development of certain cancers (lung, skin and liver). The first changes caused by arsenic poisoning usually remain unnoticed. Arsenic affects haematological and both lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. It also causes changes in the organs involved in metabolism, so biochemical parameters or enzymes activity are therefore a good indicator of poisoning changes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of protein and fat content in diet on selected biochemical blood parameters in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rats (11 groups n = 88) were fed with 5 types of diet: control, low-protein, high-protein, low-fat and high-fat. Animals received water without arsenic (control group) or water with 10 or 20 µg As/mL. RESULTS: In animals fed a low protein diets, regardless of the dose of arsenic, it was a decreasing of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose in serum observed, compared to the control group. In the groups fed with low-protein diet revealed a significantly less damage in the liver as compared to the control group. In animals fed high-protein diets and with varying addition of arsenic a significant higher concentration of various biochemical parameters were found, in comparison to the respective control groups. In animals fed the high protein diet and poisoned with 20 µg As/mL of the arsenic significantly higher liver damage were found, compared to control group. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms of arsenic hepatotoxicity measured with enzyme activity were highest in the groups of animals fed with low-protein diet. The parameters of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism depended mostly on diet than the dose of arsenic.

Impact of products from ground buckwheat added to balanced diets on biochemical blood markers in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: It is believed that buckwheat can be used as a functional food ingredient in the prevention and treatment of diet-related diseases, e.g., atherosclerosis, hypertension, obesity, constipation and cancers. The use of buckwheat protein preparations in the diet for experimental animals had a significant effect on the reduction of cholesterol level in their blood serum, liver and gall bladder, and additionally inhibited the formation of gall stones as a result of changes in cholesterol metabolism. Buckwheat protein extracts have additionally been shown to reduce the level of LDL and VLDL fractions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different products from ground buckwheat nuts (flour, meal and bran) and bread with their addition applied in balanced diets on selected biochemical blood markers in Wistar rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted with 64 male Wistar rats. Animals received a semi-synthetic diet AIN 93M with 20% addition of buckwheat flour, meal or bran and containing 20% rye-buckwheat bread made with 35% buck- wheat flour, meal or bran, respectively. The animals were fed the experimental diets for 4 weeks. Whole blood was used to measure hematocrit and hemoglobin concentrations. The contents of glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides were determined in the blood serum using BioSystem biochemical tests. RESULTS: There was no significant effect of 20% addition of ground buckwheat products (buckwheat flour, meal and bran) or bread with their addition to balanced diets on hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration in the blood or the concentration of glucose in the blood serum of experimental animals. The study showed a statistically significant beneficial effect of dietary addition of buckwheat or rye-buckwheat bread on the reduction of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (TGC) in the blood serum of rats. CONCLUSIONS: A statistically significant decrease was demonstrated in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood serum of animals fed diets with 20% addition of ground buckwheat products (buckwheat flour, meal and bran) and rye-buckwheat bread containing these products.

Antioxidant activity of rye bread enriched with milled buckwheat groats fractions.

BACKGROUND: Buckwheat, despite its broad nutritional benefits, is still not widely appreciated grain. It contains a protein with preferred amino acid composition and it is a valuable source of micronutrients and vitamins of the B group and vitamin E. Moreover, buckwheat groats have a high amount of polyphenols, including flavonoids and flavones. Eating rye bread is beneficial due to its high content of dietary fiber, phenolic acids and characteristic taste and aroma. Therefore, the use of rye flour and buckwheat mill products for bread may allow obtaining a product of high nutritional value and flavor. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of buckwheat products addition and baking process on the antioxidant properties of rye-buckwheat blends and breads. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experimental material was rye flour type 580 and buckwheat flour, wholegrain flour and bran obtained by grinding buckwheat groats. Buckwheat products share was 20 and 35%. The control was the rye flour. In the rye-buckwheat blends and bread loaves, the contents of selected flavonoids by HPLC method, total polyphenols content by Folin-Ciocalteu method and the antioxidant activity by the DPPH˙ radical scavenging method were determined. RESULTS: Buckwheat bran was significantly richer in total polyphenols, rutin, quercetin, orientin and isoorientin than other buckwheat products and rye flour. Bread after baking contained similar amount of total polyphenols and quercetin and have a comparable ability to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH˙) than the corresponding blends. Baking process negatively affected the amount of rutin, orientin and isoorientin. CONCLUSIONS: The use of buckwheat bran as a replacement for wheat flour in bread significantly increases its nutritional value. The process of baking unequally affects the content of particular groups of antioxidant compounds.

Comparing of nutrients content and calorific value in the diets of Poles and Greeks living in Athens.

BACKGROUND: Diet is generally defined as a set of behaviors, on the choice of certain foods, their consumption, and it is conditioned by various factors. Each model is shaped feeding in a given place and time by repeated regularly eating and dietary habits. Polish migration to Greece contributed not only to change their place of residence, but also forced them to adapt to a new country. In the literature, foreign language is used for this purpose, the concept of acculturation, which can be distinguished in many aspects of life as well as on the diet. Acculturation related to a diet is called acculturation nutritional and can cause desirable or undesirable effects on nutrition. OBJECTIVE: To compare calorific intakes and core nutritional components in the daily diets of Poles and native Greeks, residing in Athens. Materials and methods. Three repeats of completing a 24-hour food questionnaire were performed for the study. Results were compared with known nutritional requirements and recommendations (according to weighted means). SUBJECTS: These were recruited at the turn of 2010/2011 in Athens and consisted of 66 persons aged 19-26, 31-50 and 51-65 years of whom 31 were Polish and 35 Greek. In the former, 18 (58%) were women and 13 (42%) men, whilst in the latter 19 were women (54%) and 16 men (46%). RESULTS: Daily dietary intakes of calories were 1832 kcal for the Poles but 1628 kcal for the Greeks. Significant differences were observed between the subject groups for daily dietary intakes of calories, total carbohydrate, fibre, saturated fatty acids (SFA) and poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). In women subjects, both Polish and Greek, these significant differences were seen in calorific and carbohydrate intakes, whereas for Polish and Greek men such differences were limited only to dietary fibre. CONCLUSIONS: The daily diets of Poles and Greek subjects living in Athens did not meet recommended standards of proper nourishment.

Effect of resistant starch RS4 added to the high-fat diets on selected biochemical parameters in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Resistant starch (RS) is part of potato starch that is not digested in the gastrointestinal tract. RS4 is a chemically modified starch (for example by oxidation and esterification) and physically (by heating). OBJECTIVE: The study was aimed at determining the effect of resistant starch on lipid metabolism and activity of hepatic enzymes in Wistar strain rats fed high-fat diets containing 15% of lard or 15% of soybean oil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four types of diets were administered to the animals (4 groups of males, n = 32): control diet (K1) containing 15% of soybean oil; control diet (K2) containing 15% of lard as well as two groups receiving the same diets with 10% addition of resistant starch RS4 (K1S and K2S). RESULTS: The mean concentration of total cholesterol was lower in the group of animals fed a diet with vegetable oil (39.9 mg/dl) as compared to that reported in the group of rats fed the lard-supplemented diet (55.2 mg/dl). Compared to the control groups in both groups of animals receiving the diet supplemented with resistant starch RS4 the total cholesterol concentration in serum decreased by ca. 25% (differences were statistically significant). In groups of rats receiving oil- or lard-containing diets with the addition of the resistant starch preparation the concentration of triglycerides in serum decreased by ca. 47% and 10%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A beneficial effect of the resistant starch RS4 added to Wistar rats diets on the lipid metabolism has been shown. The concentrations of total cholesterol and triglycerides in the serum were lower and concentration of HDL-cholesterol was higher in the rats fed with the diets containing the addition of the RS4 preparation as compared to the control groups. Based on the activity of hepatic enzymes the degree of liver damage was lower in groups of rats fed with diets containing resistant starch RS4 as compared to the control groups.

[The value of glycemic index and glycemic load from selected corn flakes eaten with milk]. / Wartosci indeksów i ladunków glikemicznych wybranych platków zbozowych spozywanych z mlekiem.

BACKGROUND: Carbohydrates consumed with the daily diet are the cause of fluctuations in the concentrations of glucose in the blood, known as the glycemic effect. Glucose content in blood after eating any meal, and usually reaches its maximum after 20-30 min after ingestion of food and then gradually decreases to 1-2 hours to return to fasting levels. Knowing the GI along with information on their composition and nutrient content is important in terms of knowing the effect of carbohydrates on health. OBJECTIVE: The glycemic indexes (GI) and the calculate values of the glycemic loads (GL) of the corn flakes eaten with milk (nesquik chocolate balls, cheerios, muesli tropical, fitness chocolate, oatmeal and instant flakes, corn flakes) were investigated. The relationship between IG and sex was calculated and examined. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 67 young, healthy volunteers: 42 women and 25 men participated in the study. The average age of the participants was between 23.1 +/- 1.0 years, mean BMI- 22.4 +/- 3.1 kg/m2. Cereal with milk were given in 50 grams of digestible carbohydrates. The reference product was a solution in water (250 ml) containing 50 g glucose. In the morning, 7 times the blood was calleced - on an empty stomach and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after eating. RESULTS: An average value GI and GL were calculated (for women and men), which were respectively: 48,6 and 25,5 - the milk soup with nesquik chocolate balls, 67,5 and 36,1 the milk soup with cheerios, 58,8 and 31,9 - the milk soup with muesli tropical, 66,7 and 34,9 - the milk soup with fitness chocolate, 42,5 and 23,4 - the milk soup with oatmeal flakes, 54,0 and 29,5 - the milk soup with oatmeal instant flakes, 54,4 i 27,9 - the milk soup with corn flakes. CONCLUSIONS: The results allowed the meal for the meals of low and medium GI. Showed statistically significant correlation between the glycemic index and gender of respondents.

Evaluation of plant products from the Legnicko-Glogowski region for their contamination with arsenic.

Contents of arsenic were determined in plant products originating from the region of two copperworks, Glogów and Legnica. Analyses were carried out by means of atomic absorption spectrometry, using an MHS-10 unit for hydride generation (acetylene/argon), after wet mineralisation of samples. The maximum permissible level of arsenic was not exceeded in any of the examined samples of cereals, potatoes, carrots, beetroots, cabbages, tomatoes, apples and pears, originating from the regions under scrutiny.

[The influence of RS4 resistant starch on wistar rats metabolism. Biochemical and lipid indices]. / Wplyw skrobi opornej RS4 na metabolizm szczurów rasy Wistar. Wskazniki biochemiczne i lipidowe.

The influence of resistant starch RS4 on total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol, triacyloglycerols (TAG) composition in blood serum and liver of rats was determined. 4 week experiment involved 32 males and 40 females laboratory Wistar rats allotted in 4 groups in each sex. Control rats were feed ad libitum with standarised synthetic diet AIN-93. In experimental groups animals were given modified feed enriched with 5% of resistant starch. monophosphate of potato starch, monophosphate of soluble potato starch and monophosphate of potato starch heated with glycne and microwaved were examined. Diet enrichment with resistant starch decerased triacyloglycerol level (TAG) while the total cholesterol (TC) level, in serum was not affected.

[Effects of resistant starch RS4 on magnesium and iron absorption in Wistar rats]. / Wplyw skrobi opornej RS4 naabsorpcje magnezu i zelaza u szczurów rasy Wistar.

The effect of resistant starch RS4 on apparent absorption of magnesium and iron was studied in Wistar rats. The rats (4 groups male n=12 and 4 groups female n=12) were fed for 4 weeks diets: control with wheat starch (K) and 3 diets with modified resistant starches (S1, S2, S3). After an adaptation period (14 d), rats were transferred to metabolic cages. Dietary intake and faeces were monitored for 3 days. Mg and Fe levels were assessed in diets and feces by atomic absorption spectrometry. Apparent absorption of minerals was calculated as mineral intake minus fecal excretion and expressed as persentage of intake. Our results confirmed that Mg apparent absorption in female rats fed diet with resistant starch S2 was significantly increased (+37%) compared with the control group.