Recent update on lactic acid bacteria producing riboflavin and folates: application for food fortification and treatment of intestinal inflammation.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), widely used as starter cultures for the fermentation of a large variety of food, can improve the safety, shelf life, nutritional value and overall quality of the fermented products. In this regard, the selection of strains delivering health-promoting compounds is now the main objective of many researchers. Although most LAB are auxotrophic for several vitamins, it is known that certain strains have the capability to synthesize B-group vitamins. This is an important property since humans cannot synthesize most vitamins, and these could be obtained by consuming LAB fermented foods. This review discusses the use of LAB as an alternative to fortification by the chemical synthesis to increase riboflavin and folate concentrations in food. Moreover, it provides an overview of the recent applications of vitamin-producing LAB with anti-inflammatory/antioxidant activities against gastrointestinal tract inflammation. This review shows the potential uses of riboflavin and folates producing LAB for the biofortification of food, as therapeutics against intestinal pathologies and to complement anti-inflammatory/anti-neoplastic treatments.

Contribution of 100% Fruit Juice to Micronutrient Intakes in the United States, United Kingdom and Brazil.

The contribution of 100% fruit juice (FJ) to the total daily intakes of energy, sugars, and select vitamins and minerals and to the recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) or adequate intake (AI) of these micronutrients was assessed in individuals reporting the consumption of 100% FJ in the national dietary intake surveys of the United States (U.S.; n = 8661), the United Kingdom (UK; n = 2546) and Brazil (n = 34,003). Associations of 100% FJ intake with the odds of being overweight or obese also were assessed. Data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2014), the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2012-2014), and Brazil's Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares (2008-2009) were used, and all analyses were limited to individuals reporting consumption of 100% FJ on at least one day of the dietary intake survey. Approximately 34%, 37%, and 42% of individuals surveyed reported the consumption of 100% FJ on at least one day of the dietary intake survey in the U.S., UK, and Brazil, respectively, and the average daily intakes of 100% FJ were 184 g, 130 g, and 249 g, respectively. Across the 3 countries, 100% FJ contributed to 3-6% of total energy intakes, 12-31% of total sugar intakes, 21-54% of total vitamin C intakes, 1-12% of total vitamin A intakes, 4-15% of total folate intakes, 7-17% of total potassium intakes, 2-7% of total calcium intakes, and 4-12% of total magnesium intakes. In a multivariate logistic regression model, juice intake was associated with a significant reduction in the odds of being overweight or obese in UK adults (OR = 0.79; 0.63, 0.99), and significant increases in the odds of being overweight or obese in UK children (OR = 1.16; 1.01, 1.33) and Brazilian adults (OR = 1.04; 1.00, 1.09). Nutrient contributions of 100% FJ vary according to regional intake levels. In all three countries studied, 100% FJ contributed to more than 5% of the RDAs for vitamin C and folate. In the U.S. and Brazil, 100% FJ contributed to more than 5% of the RDA for magnesium and more than 5% of the AI for potassium.

Folic acid retention evaluation in preparations with wheat flour and corn submitted to different cooking methods by HPLC/DAD.

Folic acid content was evaluated in food preparations containing wheat and corn flour submitted to baking, deep-frying, and steaming. Commercially fortified flours showed the absence of folic acid. Flours with laboratory folic acid fortification showed 487 and 474 µg of folic acid in 100 g of wheat and corn flours, respectively. In the corn flour preparations, the cake had the highest retention (99%) when compared to couscous (97%). Besides, the cake showed higher retention when compared to the wheat flour preparations due to the interactions of the folic acid with the hydrophobic amino acids of the Zein, a protein found in corn. In wheat flour preparations, vitamin retention was 87%, 80% and 57% in bread, cake, and White sauce respectively. These findings relate to the change of the physicochemical properties of food components that occurs during mixing and cooking of the ingredients.

Thermal and irradiation resistance of folic acid encapsulated in zein ultrafine fibers or nanocapsules produced by electrospinning and electrospraying.

The objectives of this study were to characterize zein fibers and capsules prepared by electrospinning and electrospraying techniques, respectively, and then use them to encapsulate folic acid. Folic acid containing fibers and capsules (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%, w/v) were submitted to thermal treatment (100, 140, and 180 °C) and ultraviolet A light (UVA) irradiation to evaluate the resistance of folic acid. Zein fibers and capsules containing folic acid showed high encapsulation efficiency (>80%). Unencapsulated folic acid showed a reduction in folic acid content from 17.17 µg/mL to 5.44 µg/mL (approximately 70%) when exposed to 180 °C. Photodegradation of unencapsulated folic acid lowered its concentration from 17.17 µg/mL to 12.58 µg/mL (~26% of reduction), when exposed for 1 h to UVA irradiation. However, folic acid concentration when encapsulated in fibers (1.5%) was maintained or only slightly reduced from 9.73 µg/mg to 8.88 µg/mg after thermal treatment at 180 °C. The capsules containing 1.5% of folic acid also presented a slight reduction in folic acid concentration from 8.84 µg/mg to 7.88 µg/mg when exposed to 24 h of UVA irradiation. Zein fibers and capsules containing folic acid present promising characteristics for application in foods that require thermal processing or exposure to irradiation.

Association of Folate and Vitamins Involved in the 1-Carbon Cycle with Polymorphisms in the Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene (MTHFR) and Global DNA Methylation in Patients with Colorectal Cancer.

Folate, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, choline, and betaine are nutrients involved in the 1-carbon cycle that can alter the levels of DNA methylation and influence genesis and/or tumor progression. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the association of folate and vitamins involved in the 1-carbon cycle and MTHFR polymorphisms in global DNA methylation in patients with colorectal cancer gene. The study included 189 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma answering a clinical evaluation questionnaire and the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) validated for patients with colon and rectal cancer. Blood samples were collected for evaluation of MTHFR gene polymorphisms in global DNA methylation in blood and in tumor. The values for serum folate were positively correlated with the equivalent total dietary folate (total DFE) (rho = 0.51, p = 0.03) and global DNA methylation (rho = 0.20, p = 0.03). Individuals aged over 61 years (p = 0.01) in clinicopathological staging III and IV (p = 0.01) and with + heterozygous mutated homozygous genotypes for the MTHFR A1298C gene had higher levels of global DNA methylation (p = 0.04). The association between dietary intake of folate, serum folate, and tumor stage were predictive of global DNA methylation in patients' blood. The levels of serum folate, the dietary folate and the status of DNA methylation can influence clinicopathological staging.

Ácido fólico em excesso: efeitos sobre o metabolismo das vitaminas B2 e B6, o catabolismo do triptofano e a resposta imune / Folic acid excess: effects on vitamin B2 and B6 metabolism, tryptophan catabolism and immune response

Introdução: A suplementação com ácido fólico (AF) é recomendada em algumas condições para evitar a deficiência de folato, como para mulheres no período periconcepcional e durante a gestação. Atualmente, existe uma preocupação quanto ao consumo excessivo de AF pela população pelo uso de suplementos com altas doses dessa vitamina. As vitaminas B6 e B2 agem como cofatores no metabolismo de um carbono, e o uso de altas doses de AF pode influenciar o metabolismo de ambas vitaminas e, consequentemente, interferir em metabolismos importantes das quais elas participam, como a via das quinureninas, e no sistema imune. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da intervenção diária com uma alta dose de AF (5 mg) por 90 dias sobre marcadores do estado das vitaminas do complexo B, e as consequências sobre os metabólitos da via das quinureninas e o sistema imune em adultos saudáveis. Material e Métodos: 64 indivíduos saudáveis foram submetidos à intervenção diária com 5 mg de AF por 90 dias. Coletas de sangue foram realizadas antes (baseline) e após 45 e 90 dias de intervenção. As concentrações séricas de folato e vitamina B12 foram avaliadas por métodos microbiológicos. As concentrações séricas das vitaminas B6 (piridoxal 5'-fosfato (PLP), piridoxal (PL) e ácido 4-piridóxico (PA)), B2 (riboflavina e flavina mononucleotídeo (FMN)), B1 (tiamina e tiamina monofosfato (TMP)) e B3 (ácido nicotínico, nicotinamida e N1-metilnicotinamida), bem como de triptofano, quinurenina e metabólitos, foram avaliadas por LC-MS/MS. A proteína C-reativa ultrassensível (PCRus) foi determinada por imunoturbidimetria, e as concentrações séricas de interleucina (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, interferon gama (IFN-γ) e fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-α) foram avaliadas por ensaio multiplex. A expressão de RNAm de DHFR (dihidrofolato redutase), MTHFR (metilenotetrahidrofolato redutase), IL8, TNFA e IFNG em leucócitos mononucleares (PBMC) foram avaliadas por PCR em tempo real. O número de células T regulatórias (Treg) (CD3+, CD4+, CD25high, FoxP3+, CD127-) foi avaliado após incubação dos PBMC com PMA e ionomicina ou veículo por 18h, por imunofenotipagem. Resultados: Houve um grande aumento das concentrações de folato sérico após 45 e 90 dias de intervenção com AF. Não houve diferença nas concentrações de vitamina B12 antes e após a intervenção. As concentrações séricas de PLP foram semelhantes antes e após a intervenção, entretanto, um aumento de PL sérico foi observado após 45 e 90 dias, e de PA após 45 dias, quando comparado ao baseline. Riboflavina e FMN foram maiores após 45 e 90 dias em relação ao baseline. A tiamina sérica foi menor após 45 dias, e as concentrações de TMP foram maiores após 90 dias quando comparados aos períodos anteriores. Não houve diferença nas concentrações de vitamina B3 antes e após a intervenção. Dentre os metabólitos da via das quinureninas, apenas o ácido antranílico apresentou aumento após 45 e 90 dias, enquanto o ácido picolínico diminuiu após 90 dias. PCRus, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-γ e TNF-α séricos foram semelhantes no baseline e após a intervenção. Um aumento da expressão de RNAm de DHFR e TNFA foi observado após, respectivamente, 90 dias e 45 e 90 dias de intervenção. Após 90 dias de intervenção com AF, foi observada diminuição do número de células Treg após estímulo com PMA e ionomicina. Conclusão: O uso diário de 5 mg de AF foi associado a alterações nas concentrações séricas de marcadores do estado de vitaminas do complexo B e da via das quinureninas, bem como a diminuição do número de células Treg

Introduction: Folic acid (FA) supplementation is recommended in some conditions to avoid folate deficiency, as women during periconceptional period and pregnancy. Currently, there is a concern about the excessive consumption of FA by population by using supplements with high doses of this vitamin. Vitamins B6 and B2 are cofactors of enzymes of one carbon metabolism and, consequently, may disturb key metabolism in which they participate, as kynurenine pathway, and the immune system. Aim: To assess the effects of a daily intervention with high dose of FA (5 mg) for 90 days on biomarkers of complex B vitamins status and its outcomes in kynurenine pathway metabolites and immune system in healthy adults. Material and Methods: 64 healthy individuals were submitted to a daily intervention with 5 mg of FA for 90 days. Blood samples were collected before (baseline) and after 45 and 90 days of intervention. Serum folate and vitamin B12 were assessed by microbiological assays. Serum vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), pyridoxal (PL) and 4-pyridoxic acid (PA)), vitamin B2 (riboflavin and flavin mononucleotide (FMN)), vitamin B1 (thiamin and thiamin monophosphate)) and vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid, nicotinamide and N1-methylnicotinamide), as well as tryptophan, kynurenine and metabolites, were assessed by LC-MS/MS. C-reactive protein (hs-CPR) was assessed by immunoturbidimetry, and serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were assessed by multiplex assay. Mononuclear leukocytes mRNA expression of DHFR (dihydrofolate reductase), MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase), IL8, TNFA and IFNG were assessed by real time PCR. Regulatory T Cell (Treg) number (CD3+, CD4+, CD25high, FoxP3+, CD127-) was determined after mononuclear leukocytes incubation with PMA and ionomycin or vehicle for 18h, by immunophenotyping. Results: A great increase on serum folate was observed after 45 and 90 days of FA intervention. No differences in serum vitamin B12 were observed before and after intervention. Serum PLP was similar before and after intervention, however, an increase in serum PL was observed after 45 and 90 days, and in PA after 45 days, when compared to baseline. Riboflavin and FMN were increased after 45 and 90 days than in baseline. Serum thiamine was decreased after 45 days than in baseline. Serum TMP was increased after 90 days when compared with previous timepoints. No differences in vitamin B3 were observed after and before FA intervention. Among kynurenine pathway metabolites, anthranilic acid was increased after 45 and 90 days, while picolinic acid was decreased after 90 days. hs-CPR, serum IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-γ and TNF-α were similar at baseline and after intervention. An increase on mRNA expression of DHFR and TNFA was observed after, respectively, 90 days and 45 and 90 days of intervention. After 90 days of FA intervention, it was observed a decrease on Treg cell number after PMA and ionomycin stimulation. Conclusion: Daily use of 5 mg of FA was associated with changes in serum markers of B-complex vitamins status and kynurenine pathway, as well as decreased number of Treg cells

Seleção e aplicação de bactérias láticas produtoras de folato para obtenção de um leite fermentado bioenriquecido e avaliação de biodisponibilidade do folato produzido / Screening and application of folate-producing lactic acid bacteria for production of bioenriched fermented milk and evaluation of the bioavaliability of the produced folate

A deficiência de folato é um problema de saúde pública que vem sendo combatido através da fortificação obrigatória de ácido fólico. Entretanto, a ingestão excessiva pode causar efeitos colaterais indesejados. A forma natural da vitamina produzida por algumas cepas de bactérias láticas pode ser uma alternativa segura para aumentar a ingestão de folato pela população. Este trabalho visou selecionar as melhores cepas de BAL produtoras de folato, identificar as melhores condições para a produção da vitamina e avaliar a biodisponibilidade do folato produzido pelas cepas no leite fermentado, empregando-se testes em modelos animais. O estudo foi desenvolvido com cinco cepas de Streptococcus thermophilus (34v, 170v, 268v, 361v e 341 pc) e um cepa de Lactobacillus plantarum (16cv), todas boas produtoras de folato. As condições de produção e a combinação de cepas que resultaram na melhor produção folato foram utilizadas para produzir um leite biofermentado (BFM), avaliando-se a biodisponibilidade da vitamina produzida empregando-se um modelo animal de depleção/repleção, com camundongos Balb/c submetidos a 14 dias de depleção, seguido de 21 dias de repleção da vitamina. Após os 35 dias, os animais foram sacrificados, retirando-se sangue, rins, fígado, baço e intestino para quantificação de folato e avaliação histológica da mucosa intestinal. Todas as quantificações de folato foram feitas pelo método microbiológico. A melhor combinação de cepas (St. Thermophilus 34v + Lb. Plantarum 16cv) resultou na produção de 300 ng/mL de folato, sendo a temperatura de 42ºC melhor que 37ºC para a produção da vitamina. A produção de folato no leite na fermentação em pH controlado 6,0 foi 35% superior à observada no leite fermentado em pH livre. As concentrações de folato no baço e glóbulos vermelhos foram mais altas nos camundongos que ingeriram leite fermentado bioenriquecido (BFM) em relação aos demais grupos de animais. A relação vilosidade/cripta nos camundongos dos grupos BFM foi igual à observada nos animais que receberam leite suplementado com ácido fólico. Houve aumento da hemoglobina, hematócrito e hemácias nos camundongos que ingeriram BFM, evidenciando a bioeficácia do folato produzido. Esses resultados indicam que a produção de folato por bactérias láticas selecionadas em produtos fermentados pode ser uma boa alternativa para aumentar a ingestão de vitamina B9 pela população

A deficiência de folato é um problema de saúde pública que vem sendo combatido através da fortificação obrigatória de ácido fólico. Entretanto, a ingestão excessiva pode causar efeitos colaterais indesejados. A forma natural da vitamina produzida por algumas cepas de bactérias láticas pode ser uma alternativa segura para aumentar a ingestão de folato pela população. Este trabalho visou selecionar as melhores cepas de BAL produtoras de folato, identificar as melhores condições para a produção da vitamina e avaliar a biodisponibilidade do folato produzido pelas cepas no leite fermentado, empregando-se testes em modelos animais. O estudo foi desenvolvido com cinco cepas de Streptococcus thermophilus (34v, 170v, 268v, 361v e 341 pc) e um cepa de Lactobacillus plantarum (16cv), todas boas produtoras de folato. As condições de produção e a combinação de cepas que resultaram na melhor produção folato foram utilizadas para produzir um leite biofermentado (BFM), avaliando-se a biodisponibilidade da vitamina produzida empregando-se um modelo animal de depleção/repleção, com camundongos Balb/c submetidos a 14 dias de depleção, seguido de 21 dias de repleção da vitamina. Após os 35 dias, os animais foram sacrificados, retirando-se sangue, rins, fígado, baço e intestino para quantificação de folato e avaliação histológica da mucosa intestinal. Todas as quantificações de folato foram feitas pelo método microbiológico. A melhor combinação de cepas (St. Thermophilus 34v + Lb. Plantarum 16cv) resultou na produção de 300 ng/mL de folato, sendo a temperatura de 42ºC melhor que 37ºC para a produção da vitamina. A produção de folato no leite na fermentação em pH controlado 6,0 foi 35% superior à observada no leite fermentado em pH livre. As concentrações de folato no baço e glóbulos vermelhos foram mais altas nos camundongos que ingeriram leite fermentado bioenriquecido (BFM) em relação aos demais grupos de animais. A relação vilosidade/cripta nos camundongos dos grupos BFM foi igual à observada nos animais que receberam leite suplementado com ácido fólico. Houve aumento da hemoglobina, hematócrito e hemácias nos camundongos que ingeriram BFM, evidenciando a bioeficácia do folato produzido. Esses resultados indicam que a produção de folato por bactérias láticas selecionadas em produtos fermentados pode ser uma boa alternativa para aumentar a ingestão de vitamina B9 pela população

Increasing the folate content of tuber based foods using potentially probiotic lactic acid bacteria.

It is known that certain lactic acid bacterial (LAB) strains can produce folates, a B-group vitamin that cannot be synthesized by humans and must be exogenously obtained. The aim of this study was to select folate-producing LAB and evaluate their probiotic characteristics in order to obtain a tuber-based food with elevated folate content. Several LAB strains were isolated from a traditional Andean fermented potato product tocosh and cultured in folate-free culture medium. Five folate-producing strains (29-138 ng/mL) were selected to ferment three Andean tubers (potato S. tuberosum spp. andigena, oca Oxalis tuberosa and papalisa Ullucus tuberosus). Sterile purees were inoculated and samples were collected at 0, 6 and 24 h of fermentation and after 28 days of cold storage. Cell growth, pH and total folate were determined. All selected strains were able to grow and produce folates in the substrates and two Lactobacillus sakei strains, CRL 2209 and CRL 2210, produced the highest folate concentrations (730-1484 ng/g after 24 h fermentation). These strains were selected to ferment potato substrates supplemented with amaranth (Amaranthus caudathus) and chia (Salvia hispanica) flour to increase the nutritional value. This addition increased folate synthesis in 89-95%. Furthermore, the ability to survive under simulated gastrointestinal conditions was evaluated and cell counts of the 5 strains remained above the recommended for a probiotic candidate (8.0 log CFU/mL). In conclusion, the selected LAB could be considered potentially probiotic strains and could be used to produce novel tuber based products with elevated folate concentrations. These products could also be used as novel food matrixes for the delivery of probiotic microorganisms.

Effect of pterin impurities on the fluorescence and photochemistry of commercial folic acid.

Folic acid, or pteroyl­l­glutamic acid (PteGlu) is a conjugated pterin derivative that is used in dietary supplementation as a source of folates, a group of compounds essential for a variety of physiological functions in humans. Photochemistry of PteGlu is important because folates are not synthesized by mammals, undergo photodegradation and their deficiency is related to many diseases. We have demonstrated that usual commercial PteGlu is unpurified with the unconjugated oxidized pterins 6­formylpterin (Fop) and 6­carboxypterin (Cap). These compounds are in such low amounts that a normal chromatographic control would not detect any pterinic contamination. However, the fluorescence of PteGlu solutions is due to the emission of Fop and Cap and the contribution of the PteGlu emission, much lower, is negligible. This is because the fluorescence quantum yield (ΦF) of PteGlu is extremely weak compared to the ΦF of Fop and Cap. Likewise, the PteGlu photodegradation upon UV-A radiation is an oxidation photosensitized by oxidized unconjugated pterins present in the solution, and not a process initiated by the direct absorption of photons by PteGlu. In brief, the fluorescence and photochemical properties of PteGlu solutions, prepared using commercially available solids, are due to their unconjugated pterins impurities and not to PteGlu itself. This fact calls into question many reported studies on fluorescence and photooxidation of this compound.

Simultaneous determination of isoproterenol, acetaminophen, folic acid, propranolol and caffeine using a sensor platform based on carbon black, graphene oxide, copper nanoparticles and PEDOT:PSS.

We explored the use of carbon black (CB), graphene oxide (GO), copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) as electrode materials for the simultaneous determination of isoproterenol, acetaminophen, folic acid, propranolol and caffeine. The designed nanostructured surface was widely characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), contact angle measurements and electrochemistry. From electrochemical characterization assays carried out towards the potassium ferricyanide redox probe, fast electron transfer kinetics and a considerably higher electroactive surface area were observed for the modified electrodic surface based on CB, GO, CuNPs and PEDOT:PSS film. Using square-wave voltammetry (SWV), well defined and resolved anodic peaks were detected for isoproterenol, acetaminophen, folic acid, propranolol and caffeine, with peak-to-peak potential separation not less than 170 mV. Then, the SWV technique was explored for the simultaneous determination of quinary mixtures of these analytes, resulting in analytical curves with linear ranges and limits of detection at micromolar concentration levels. The practical viability of the proposed voltammetric sensor was illustrated in the analysis of human body fluid samples. The proposed sensor showed good repeatability and a successful application using urine and serum matrices, with recoveries close to 100%.

A reliable protocol for colorimetric determination of iron oxide nanoparticle uptake by cells.

Size, shape, and surface properties of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) can influence their interaction with biological systems, particularly the incorporation by tumor cells and consequently the biological activity and efficiency in biomedical applications. Several strategies have been used to evaluate cellular uptake of SPIONs. While qualitative methods are generally based on microscopy techniques, quantitative assays are carried out by techniques such as inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and flow cytometry. However, inexpensive colorimetric methods based on equipments commonly found in chemistry and biochemistry laboratories are preferred for routine measurements. Nevertheless, colorimetric assays must be used judiciously, particularly when nanoparticles are involved, since their interaction with biological constituents tends to lead to quite underestimated results. Thus, herein described is a colorimetric protocol using 2,2'-bipyridine as chromogenic ligand, where each step was optimized and validated by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, realizing a highly reproducible and reliable method for determination of iron content in cells incubated with SPIONs. The limit of blank and limit of detection were determined to be as low as 0.076 and 0.143 µg Fe/mL, using sample volumes as small as 190 µL and a number of cells as low as 2.0 × 105. Furthermore, three different types of surface-functionalized nanoparticles were incorporated in cells and evaluated through this protocol, enabling to monitor the additive effect of o-phosphorylethanolamine (PEA) and folic acid (FA) conjugation on iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION-PEA and SPION-PEA/FA), that enhanced the uptake by HeLa cells, respectively, by four and ten times when compared to SPIONs conjugated with nonbioactive molecules. Graphical abstract Colorimetric determination of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) incorporated by cells.

Pruebas bioquímicas para el diagnóstico de anemia megaloblástica / Biochemical tests for diagnosis of megaloblastic anemias / Testes bioquímicos para o diagnóstico de anemia megaloblástica

Es intención de este trabajo hacer un breve repaso sobre el metabolismo de la Vitamina B12 y del Folato o Vitamina B9. Estas dos vitaminas hidrosolubles juegan un papel importante en el metabolismo celular. Son cofactores de reacciones metabólicas de transferencia de grupos monocarbonados, esenciales para el mantenimiento de la vida. Además se describen las nuevas determinaciones de laboratorio, se evalúan cuáles son los estudios necesarios para arribar a un correcto diagnóstico del paciente con Anemia Macrocítica (AM), su etiología y cómo muchas drogas de uso frecuente en medicina producen AM. Se realiza también la evaluación del conjunto de metodologías que se pueden efectuar como rutina en el laboratorio especializado en hematología y se propone un algoritmo para el diagnóstico del paciente con AM.

The aim of this article is to make a little review on Vitamin B12 and Folate or Vitamin B9 metabolism. These hydrosoluble vitamins have a very important role in cell metabolism. They are cofactors in metabolic reactions of methyl group transfer, essential for life maintaining. Furthermore, new laboratory tests are described, and it is evaluated which the necessary studies are to arrive at a correct diagnosis for macrocytic anemia (MA) patients, their etiology, and how many drugs frequently used in medicine originate MA. Also, the set of methodologies that can be carried out routinely in the laboratory specialized in hematology is evaluated. Finally, a diagnosis algorithm to detect MA in patients is proposed.

Este trabalho visa a realizar uma breve revisão sobre o metabolismo da Vitamina B12 e do Folato ou Vitamina B9. Estas duas vitaminas hidrossolúveis têm um papel importante no metabolismo celular. São cofatores de reações metabólicas de transferência de grupos monocarbonados, essenciais para manter a vida. Também são descritas novas determinações de laboratório, avaliam-se quais são os estudos necessários para chegar a um diagnóstico correto do paciente com Anemia Macrocítica (AM), sua etiologia e de qué maneira muitas drogas de uso frequente em medicina produzem AM. Realiza-se também a avaliação do conjunto de metodologias que podem realizar-se como rotina no laboratório especializado em hematologia e se propõe um algoritmo para o diagnóstico do paciente com AM.

Effect of cooking methods on the stability of thiamin and folic acid in fortified rice.

Rice fortification offers great potential to deliver essential micronutrients to a large part of the world population. However, high temperatures required for cooking rice are deleterious to thermally labile micronutrients. This study evaluated the content and stability of thiamin and folic acid in fortified rice after different cooking methods (stir-frying, boiling, cooking in a microwave oven and boiling in a Food Service). The analyses were performed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The fortified rice showed the highest thiamin content (0.97 mg/kg) and retention (65.4%) when cooked in microwave oven, and for folic acid the lowest content (0.17 mg/kg) and the highest retention (96.11%) when cooked in a Food Service and stir-fried, respectively. In conclusion, the stability of thiamin and folic acid varied according to the cooking method and the stability of folic acid presented higher percentages in relation to thiamin in the different methods. [Formula: see text].

Valores séricos de ácido fólico en un grupo de pacientes mayores de 18 años de edad en un hospital de alta complejidad / Serum Folic Acid Values in a Group of Patients over 18 Years of Age in a Highly Complex Hospital

Objetivo: establecer las concentraciones séricas de ácido fólico en un grupo de pacientes adultos. Métodos: medición del ácido fólico con inmunoanálisis en 1797 sujetos. Se calcularon medidas de tendencia central e índice de confianza al 95 %. Se compararon grupos etarios y sexos con pruebas no paramétricas. Resultados: la media global de ácido fólico sérico fue: 11,61 ng'ml (DE: 6,05). La media en mujeres fue de 11,87 ng'ml (DE: 6,09). La media en hombres fue de 11,31 ng'ml (DE: 6). Se reportaron los percentiles 5, 50 y 95 por sexo y edad. En el 2 % de los casos se encontró ácido fólico < 2 ng'ml (2 % de hombres y 3 % de mujeres). Discusión: las concentraciones séricas de ácido fólico son mayores en mujeres que en hombres (p = 0,024), lo que contrasta con la noción de déficit del micronutriente en el sexo femenino. Conclusiones: las cantidades descritas son un comparador adecuado para mediciones en muestras de población general.

Objective: lo establish the serum levels of folie acid in a group of adult patients. Methods: Measurement of folie acid using ¿mmunoassay in 1797 subjeets. Níeasures of central tendeney and 95% CI were calculated. Age groups and genders were compared with non-parametric tests. Results: The overall mean serum folate was: 11.61 ng'ml (SD: 6.05). The average for women was: 11.87 ng'ml (SD: 6.09). The average for men was: 11.31 ngml (SD: 6). Percentiles 5, 50, and 95 by sex and age are reported. In 2% of cases folie acid was found < 2 ng'ml (2% of men and 3% women). Discussion: Serum levels of folie acid are higher in women than in men (p=0.024), which contrasts with the notion of micronutrient defíciency in remides. Condusions: The presented measurements are an appropriate comparator described for measurements in general population samples.

Development and validation of a method for the determination of folic acid in different pharmaceutical formulations using derivative spectrophotometry

ABSTRACT Folic acid is a B complex water-soluble vitamin that is essential to humans, and its deficiency can cause problems including congenital malformations in the fetus as well as heart disease. Most countries affected by diseases associated with a lack of folic acid now supplement foods with the vitamin. There is therefore a need for the development of new analytical procedures able to determine folic acid present in different matrices. This work describes the development of zero order and first order derivative spectrophotometric methods for the determination of folic acid in different pharmaceutical formulations, using 0.1 mol L-1 NaOH as solvent. The methods are shown to be simple, selective, and robust. Good linearity was achieved, with correction coefficients ≥0.9996 and limits of detection and quantification ranging from 0.64 to 0.75 and from 1.80 to 2.85 mg L-1, respectively. Recoveries of 98-104% were obtained in accuracy tests, and precision (as RSD) was between 0.2 and 4.8%. The methods can be used in routine analyses for quality control purposes, offering an alternative to the procedures already reported in the literature

Adição do Ácido Fólico na criopreservação de sêmen ovino da raça Santa Inês / Addition of Folic Acid in the cryopreservation of semen from Santa Ines sheep

We evaluated the addition of folic acid to the extender TRIS-egg yolk used in cryopreservation, seekingimprovements for the sperm kinetics and mitochondrial activity post-thawing. Were evaluated sevenejaculates/animal from six Santa Inês by Artificial Vagina, with minimum values of motility by 70.0% and vigor3. We evaluated the seminal pool for concentration and morphology. We diluted in Tris-egg yolk extender forcryopreservation, dividing it in control, Group 2 we added 10.000 uM and Group 3 we added 5000 uM of folicacid. We froze in straws(0.25 mL). Was evaluated for motility and vigor, post-thawing by slow term-resistancetest, the times T0, T60, T120 and T180 minutes one week after. For the mitochondrial activity evaluation, wasused cationic lipophilic fluorochrome JC-1. The folic acid effects were analyzed using ANOVA followed byStudent Newman-Keuls test. The groups with folic acid showed significant higher motility. Mitochondrialactivity did not differ between groups.

Adição do Ácido Fólico na criopreservação de sêmen ovino da raça Santa Inês / Addition of Folic Acid in the cryopreservation of semen from Santa Ines sheep

We evaluated the addition of folic acid to the extender TRIS-egg yolk used in cryopreservation, seekingimprovements for the sperm kinetics and mitochondrial activity post-thawing. Were evaluated sevenejaculates/animal from six Santa Inês by Artificial Vagina, with minimum values of motility by 70.0% and vigor3. We evaluated the seminal pool for concentration and morphology. We diluted in Tris-egg yolk extender forcryopreservation, dividing it in control, Group 2 we added 10.000 uM and Group 3 we added 5000 uM of folicacid. We froze in straws(0.25 mL). Was evaluated for motility and vigor, post-thawing by slow term-resistancetest, the times T0, T60, T120 and T180 minutes one week after. For the mitochondrial activity evaluation, wasused cationic lipophilic fluorochrome JC-1. The folic acid effects were analyzed using ANOVA followed byStudent Newman-Keuls test. The groups with folic acid showed significant higher motility. Mitochondrialactivity did not differ between groups.(AU)

Hybrid molecularly imprinted poly(methacrylic acid-TRIM)-silica chemically modified with (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane for the extraction of folic acid in aqueous medium.

In the present study a hybrid molecularly imprinted poly(methacrylic acid-trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate)-silica (MIP) was synthesized and modified with (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) with posterior opening of epoxy ring to provide hydrophilic properties of material in the extraction of folic acid from aqueous medium. The chemical and structural aggregates of hybrid material were characterized by means of Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and textural data. Selectivity data of MIP were compared to non-imprinted polymer (NIP) through competitive sorption studies in the presence of caffeine, paracetamol or 4-aminobenzamide yielding relative selectivity coefficients (k') higher than one unit, thus confirming the selective character of MIP even in the presence of structurally smaller compounds than the folic acid. The lower hydrophobic sorption by bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the MIP as compared to unmodified MIP proves the hydrophilicity of polymer surface by using GPTMS with opening ring. Under acid medium(pH 1.5) the sorption of folic acid onto MIP from batch experiments was higher than the one achieved for NIP. Equilibrium sorption of folic acid was reached at 120 min for MIP, NIP and MIP without GPTMS and kinetic sorption data were well described by pseudo-second-order, Elovich and intraparticle diffusion models. Thus, these results indicate the existence of different binding energy sites in the polymers and a complex mechanism consisting of both surface sorption and intraparticle transport of folic acid within the pores of polymers.

Micronutrient Intake in Healthy Toddlers: A Multinational Perspective.

Adequate nutrient intake during early childhood is of particular importance for optimal growth and future health. However, cross-national comparative research on nutrient intake of toddlers is still limited. We conducted a literature review to examine the nutrient intake in healthy toddlers from some of the world's most populous nations currently on different stages of socioeconomic development: Brazil, Germany, Russia and the United States. We aimed to identify national surveys reporting mean intakes of the following nutrients: vitamins A, D, E, folate, calcium, iron and zinc. To calculate the prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake, we used a modified version of the Estimated Average Requirement cut-point method. Overall, five studies with 6756 toddlers were eligible for inclusion in this review. In countries where data were available, a prevalence of inadequate intake higher than 20% was found for vitamins A, D, E and calcium. In Germany, folate intake also appeared to be inadequate. The results of our review indicate that inadequate micronutrient intake in toddlers might be a global challenge affecting also affluent countries. However, to explore the full scope of this important public health issue joint efforts of researchers worldwide are needed to combine existing data and fill in data gaps.

Provision of lipid-based nutrient supplements to Honduran children increases their dietary macro- and micronutrient intake without displacing other foods.

Inadequate energy intake and poor diet quality are important causes of chronic child undernutrition. Strategies for improving diet quality using lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) are currently being tested in several countries. To date, information on children's dietary intakes during LNS use is available only from Africa. In this study, we collected 24-h dietary recalls at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months on Honduran children (n = 298) participating in a cluster-randomised trial of LNS. Generalised estimating equations were used to examine differences in number of servings of 12 food groups in the LNS and control arms, and multi-level mixed effects models were used to compare macro- and micronutrient intakes. Models accounted for clustering and adjusted for child's age, season and breastfeeding status. Mean daily servings of 12 food groups did not differ by study arm at baseline and remained similar throughout the study with the exception of groups that were partially or entirely supplied by LNS (nuts and nut butters, fats, and sweets). Baseline intakes of energy, fat, carbohydrates, protein, folate and vitamin A, but not vitamin B12, iron and zinc were lower in the LNS than control arm. The change in all macro- and micronutrients from baseline to each study visit was larger for the LNS arm than the control, except for carbohydrates from baseline to 9 months. These findings indicate that LNS improved the macro- and micronutrient intakes of young non-malnourished Honduran children without replacing other foods in their diet.