Artificially sweetened beverage consumption and all-cause and cause-specific mortality: an updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

BACKGROUND: Artificially sweetened beverages (ASB) are consumed globally, but their impact on overall health remains uncertain. We summarized published associations between ASB intake with all-cause and cause-specific mortality. METHODS: We searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases until August 2023. Random effect meta-analysis was conducted to calculate pooled risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for highest versus lowest categories of ASB consumption in relation to all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Linear and non-linear dose-response analyses were also performed. RESULTS: Our systematic review and meta-analysis included 11 prospective cohort studies. During a median/mean follow-up period of 7.0 to 28.9 years, 235,609 deaths occurred among 2,196,503 participants. Intake of ASB was associated with higher risk of all-cause and CVD mortality with pooled RRs (95%CIs) of highest vs. lowest intake categories of 1.13 (1.06, 1.21) (I2 = 66.3%) for all-cause mortality and 1.26 (1.10, 1.44) (I2 = 52.0%) for CVD mortality. Dose-response analysis revealed a non-linear association of ASB with all-cause mortality (pnon-linearity = 0.01), but a linear positive association with CVD mortality (pnon-linearity = 0.54). No significant association was observed for ASB intake and cancer mortality. Moreover, a secondary meta-analysis demonstrated that replacing 1 serving/day of sugary sweetened beverages (SSB) with ASB was associated with 4-6% lower risk of all-cause and CVD mortality. Per NutriGrade, the evidence quality for associations between ASB intake with all-cause and CVD mortality was moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Higher intake of ASB was associated with higher risk of all-cause and CVD mortality, albeit a lower risk than for SSB. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022365701.

Sweet Surprises: An In-depth Systematic Review of Artificial Sweeteners and Their Association with Cerebrovascular Accidents.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Artificial sweeteners have become increasingly popular in today's dietary trends as a healthier and sweeter alternative to sugar. As studies emerge regarding artificial sweeteners, concerns are arising about their side effects, particularly linking them to strokes. This systematic review aims to assess the relationship between artificial sweeteners (AS) and cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs). A systematic search of studies indexed in PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted using the keywords "ASB" (artificially sweetened beverage), "Artificial Sweeteners," "Stroke," etc. These studies were screened and filtered according to our exclusion criteria. We reviewed 55 studies published in various journals and further boiled down to finalizing 12 studies for analysis using the PRISMA Statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020. RECENT FINDINGS: Most studies suggest that there is a positive association between artificial sweetener consumption and CVAs including all types of strokes, particularly ischemic strokes. Poorer outcomes are seen with higher ASB intake. Increased risk is notable among women and black populations. Some studies show no association between ASB consumption and hemorrhagic stroke, however, most suggest a strong link. The current literature shows a degree of variation so it is crucial to consider possible confounders and eliminate them in future studies. Further research is necessary to determine the underlying mechanisms, especially in individuals with comorbidities. The results obtained play a role in forming dietary guidelines and alarming the public about the possible health implications, prompting caution regarding excessive consumption of artificial sweeteners, in their daily lives.

Sugar-sweetened or artificially-sweetened beverage consumption, physical activity, and risk of cardiovascular disease in adults: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Whether physical activity could mitigate the adverse impacts of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) or artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) on incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains uncertain. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the independent and joint associations between SSB or ASB consumption and physical activity and risk of CVD, defined as fatal and nonfatal coronary artery disease and stroke, in adults from 2 United States-based prospective cohort studies. METHODS: Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs between SSB or ASB intake and physical activity with incident CVD among 65,730 females in the Nurses' Health Study (1980-2016) and 39,418 males in the Health Professional's Follow-up Study (1986-2016), who were free from chronic diseases at baseline. SSBs and ASBs were assessed every 4-y and physical activity biannually. RESULTS: A total of 13,269 CVD events were ascertained during 3,001,213 person-years of follow-up. Compared with those who never/rarely consumed SSBs or ASBs, the HR for CVD for participants consuming ≥2 servings/d was 1.21 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.32; P-trend < 0.001) for SSBs and 1.03 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.09; P-trend = 0.06) for those consuming ≥2 servings/d of ASBs. The HR for CVD per 1 serving increment of SSB per day was 1.18 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.26) and 1.12 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.20) for participants meeting and not meeting physical activity guidelines (≥7.5 compared with <7.5 MET h/wk), respectively. Compared with participants who met physical activity guidelines and never/rarely consumed SSBs, the HR for CVD was 1.47 (95% CI: 1.37, 1.57) for participants not meeting physical activity guidelines and consuming ≥2 servings/wk of SSBs. No significant associations were observed for ASB when stratified by physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Higher SSB intake was associated with CVD risk regardless of physical activity levels. These results support current recommendations to limit the intake of SSBs even for physically active individuals.

Campanhas #MaisSaúdeMenosRefri

O Brasil não pode aceitar tantos benefícios fiscais concedidos à indústria de bebidas adoçadas, particularmente neste contexto de excepcionalidade. A pandemia de Covid-19 exige enormes investimentos sociais, especialmente na área da saúde pública, que sofre, há décadas, com cortes de gastos, sobretudo após a aprovação da Emenda Constitucional 95. Diante disso, conclamamos o governo brasileiro a alterar o Decreto nº 8.950/2016 e zerar a alíquota dos concentrados.

A INDÚSTRIA PRODUZ, A PROPAGANDA VENDE, A SOCIEDADE PAGA

Propagandas atraentes e preço baixo são estratégias das indústrias de bebidas açucaradas para atrair o consumidor e esconder os malefícios que esses produtos podem provocar para a saúde. Só no Brasil, mais de 1,3 milhão de casos de diabetes tipo 2 são devidos ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas, além de estarem associadas à obesidade, ao AVC e a outras doenças*.

Factores asociados al covid-19 desencadenantes de infecciones bucodentales en la población infantil / Factors associated with covid-19 that trigger oral infections in the child population

La presencia de un nuevo coronavirus se propagó de manera inesperada alrededor de todo el mundo, desencadenando una crisis mundial sin precedentes. Ya para el año 2020, habían más de 7,9 millones de casos, y 434.796 muertes, en más de 200 países. En ese momento, se implementaron medidas de aislamiento y distanciamiento social en todo el mundo para contener el acelerado propagación de covid-19; entre las consecuencias, las clínicas dentales, se cerraron temporalmente y se suspendió la atención dental electiva, lo que conllevó a un aumento en el desarrollo de enfermedades bucodentales. Con relación a los niños y jóvenes, hubo un aumento en este tipo de enfermedades. Los niños se vieron obligados a pasar la mayor parte de su tiempo en el hogar con la adquisición de hábitos alimentarios incorrectos, ingesta de refrescos y bebidas energéticas que, además de contener altas cantidades de azúcares, su contenido ácido produce erosión dental y hace que el esmalte tejido menos resistente al ataque de bacterias cariogénicas. En este trabajo se analizó una población de 96 niños en edad escolar durante un periodo de dos años de 2020 al 2022. Los resultados mostraron que 100% de los escolares presentaron caries dentales al momento de su evaluación en enero 2022, mientras que 47% del total presentaron dientes obturados y el 64% del total de casos, perdieron algunas de sus piezas dentales. Estos resultados son, posiblemente, debido al desconocimiento de los escolares sobre la higiene para la prevención de las caries dental y sus consecuencias, siendo la más perjudicial la pérdida prematura de dientes temporales, lo que hace necesario implementar programas sobre la promoción y prevención en la salud bucodental en escolares, docentes, y padres y representantes(AU)

The presence of a new coronavirus spread unexpectedly around the world, triggering an unprecedented global crisis. By 2020, there were more than 7.9 million cases, and 434,796 deaths, in more than 200 countries. At that time, isolation and social distancing measures were implemented around the world to contain the accelerated spread of covid-19; Among the consequences, dental clinics were temporarily closed, and elective dental care was suspended, which led to an increase in the development of oral diseases. In relation to children and young people, there was an increase in this type of illness. The children were forced to spend most of their time at home with the acquisition of incorrect eating habits, intake of soft drinks and energy drinks that, in addition to containing high amounts of sugar, their acid content produces dental erosion and makes the enamel tissue less resistant to attack by cariogenic bacteria. In this work, a population of 96 school-age children was analyzed during a two-year period from 2020 to 2022. The results showed that 100% of the schoolchildren had dental caries at the time of their evaluation in January 2022, while 47% of the total had filled teeth and 64% of the total cases lost some of their teeth. These results are possibly due to the lack of knowledge of schoolchildren about hygiene for the prevention of dental caries and its consequences, the most damaging being the premature loss of temporary teeth, which makes it necessary to implement programs on promotion and prevention in the oral health in schoolchildren, teachers, and parents and representatives(AU)

O lado oculto das bebidas açucaradas

“O lado oculto das bebidas açucaradas: doenças, mortes e custos à saúde" é uma pesquisa internacional realizada ao longo de 2020 com o objetivo de estimar as cargas de doenças atribuíveis ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas em países da América Latina. O estudo foi coordenado pelo Instituto de Efectividad Clinica y Sanitária (IECS), e contou com a participação de pesquisadores em saúde de universidades, centros de pesquisa e instituições públicas da Argentina (IECS), Brasil (ACT Promoção da Saúde), El Salvador ( Ministério da Saúde) e Trinidad e Tobago (Universidade das Índias Ocidentais). Um projeto colaborativo, financiado pelo Centro de Desenvolvimento Internacional do Canadá (IDRC).

Preço dos alimentos, consumo de bebidas adoçadas e obesidade no Brasil / Food prices, consumption of sweetened beverages and obesity in Brazil

Introdução: Sabe-se que o cenário global de preço dos alimentos contribui para a epidemia de obesidade por meio do incentivo ao consumo de alimentos não saudáveis. No entanto, a real magnitude da influência do preço de alimentos sobre o estado nutricional e o consumo alimentar no Brasil permanece incerta. Objetivos: Analisar a associação entre o preço dos alimentos, o consumo de bebidas adoçadas e o estado nutricional da população brasileira. Métodos (Manuscrito 1): Estudo em painel envolvendo dados ecológicos de 10 capitais brasileiras e do Distrito Federal para o período entre 2007 e 2018. Dados da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares de 2008/9 foram usados para calcular o preço dos grupos de alimentos que, acrescidos de dados do Sistema Nacional de Índices de Preços ao Consumidor, resultaram em uma série de preços por cidade para cada um dos anos. A prevalência de indicadores de consumo de bebidas adoçadas em cada cidade, por ano, foi obtida no VIGITEL. A relação entre preço e consumo foi estudada a partir de modelos de regressão de efeito fixo para dados em painel. (Manuscrito 2): Estudo transversal com dados da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares de 2008/9. Foram utilizadas informações aferidas de peso e altura de todos os indivíduos, assim como de preço dos alimentos adquiridos para consumo domiciliar. Modelos de regressão multivariada (log-log) foram utilizados para estimar a elasticidade-preço da prevalência de excesso de peso e obesidade para toda a população e para dois estratos de renda do país. (Manuscrito 3): A base de dados desenvolvida para o primeiro artigo foi utilizada, assumindo-se como desfecho o IMC médio nas localidades estudadas (com base nas informações autorreferidas de peso e altura disponíveis no VIGITEL). O preço relativo dos alimentos saudáveis (em relação aos ultraprocessados) foi estimado para cada localidade em cada ano. Modelos de regressão de efeito fixo para dados em painel foram estimados para analisar a relação entre o preço dos alimentos e o IMC médio da população. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa envolvendo Seres Humanos da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (COEP/UFMG) (CAAE nº 88465018.1.0000.5149). Resultados: O preço das bebidas adoçadas esteve inversamente associado ao seu consumo. Estimamos que um aumento de 1,00% no preço das bebidas adoçadas diminuiria 1,25% a prevalência do seu consumo regular entre as mulheres e 1,57% entre os homens. Encontrou-se também uma associação inversa entre preço de alimentos ultraprocessados e prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade no Brasil. Observamos que o aumento de 1,00% no preço dos alimentos ultraprocessados levaria a uma diminuição na prevalência de excesso de peso e obesidade de 0,33% e 0,59%, respectivamente. Para o grupo de menor renda, o efeito do preço dos alimentos ultraprocessados foi maior. Por fim, o preço relativo dos alimentos saudáveis associou-se positivamente ao IMC da população. Observamos que um aumento de 10,0% no preço relativo de alimentos saudáveis (não ultraprocessados) levaria a um aumento de 0,3% no IMC médio (0,4% para mulheres e 0,2% para homens). Conclusões: Concluímos que existe uma relação entre o preço dos alimentos, o consumo de bebidas adoçadas e a obesidade no Brasil. A adoção de medidas fiscais, como a tributação de alimentos ultraprocessados, desponta como ferramenta proeminente no controle de obesidade e outros resultados negativos para a saúde.

Introduction: It is known that the global food prices scenario contributes to the obesity epidemic by encouraging the consumption of unhealthy foods. However, the real magnitude of the influence of food prices on nutritional status and food consumption in Brazil remains uncertain. Objective: To analyze the association between food prices, consumption of sweetened beverages and nutritional status of the Brazilian population. Methods (Manuscript 1): Panel study involving ecological data from 10 Brazilian capitals and the Federal District for the period between 2007 and 2018. Data from the Household Budget Survey (HBS 2008/9) were used to calculate the price of food groups that, added data from the National Consumer Price Index System resulted in a series of prices per city for each year. The prevalence indicators of sweetened beverages consumption in each city per year were obtained from VIGITEL. The relationship between price and consumption was studied using fixed-effect regression models for panel data. (Manuscript 2): Cross-sectional study with data from the Household Budget Survey (HBS 2008/9). Information on the weight and height of all individuals was used, as well as the price of food purchased for household consumption. Multivariate regression models (log-log) were used to estimate the price elasticity of the prevalence of overweight and obesity for the entire population and for two income strata in the country. (Manuscript 3): The database developed for the first article was used, assuming the mean BMI in the studied locations as an outcome (based on self-reported weight and height information available at VIGITEL). The relative price of healthy foods (in relation to ultra-processed foods) was estimated for each location in each year. Fixed-effect regression models for panel data were estimated to analyze the relationship between the food prices and the mean BMI of the population. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee involving Human Beings at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (COEP / UFMG) (CAAE nº 88465018.1.0000.5149). Results: The sweetened beverages price was inversely associated with their consumption. We estimate that a 1.00% increase in the sweetened beverages price would decrease 1.25% the prevalence of sweetened beverages regular consumption among women and 1.57% among men. An inverse association was also found between the price of ultra-processed foods and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Brazil. We observed that the 1.00% increase in the price of ultra-processed foods would lead to a decrease in the prevalence of overweight and obesity of 0.33% and 0.59%, respectively. For the lower income group, the effect of the price of ultra-processed foods was greater. Finally, the relative price of healthy foods (non-ultra-processed foods) was positively associated with the population's BMI. We observed that a 10.0% increase in the relative price of non-ultra-processed foods would lead to a 0.3% increase in the average BMI (0.4% for women and 0.2% for men). Conclusions: We conclude that there is an association between the food prices, sweetened beverages consumption and nutritional status in Brazil. The adoption of fiscal measures, such as the taxation of ultra-processed foods, emerges as a prominent tool in the control of obesity and other negative health outcomes

Ciclamato de sódio em refrigerantes de baixa caloria / Sodium cyclamate in low calorie soft drinks

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar os teores de ciclamato de sódio nos refrigerantes de baixa caloria mais consumidos no país. Os refrigerantes de baixa caloria dos tipos cola, guaraná, laranja, limão e uva foram analisados seguindo-se a técnica descrita por Sjõberg e Alanko (1987), com algumas modificações. Os ensaios de recuperação da metodologia foram realizados em três níveis de fortificação, com recuperação média de 92,5 e 110,3, respectivamente, para cola e guaraná, e o desvio-padrão relativo foi de 3,7. Os teores médios de ciclamato de sódio variaram de 27,1 ± 1,1 (cola A) a 127,3 ± 1,5 mg.100 mL-1 (limão B), o que mostra que a ingestão diária aceitável do edulcorante pode ser facilmente excedida com o consumo de refrigerantes de baixa caloria. Todas as amostras de refrigerantes apresentaram teores de ciclamato de sódio superiores àqueles indicados no rótulo, com 12,9 (cola A) a 19,0 (limão B) acima do declarado. Dos 18 refrigerantes analisados, apenas quatro apresentaram teor médio de ciclamato de sódio de acordo com o limite máximo de 40 mg.100 mL-1 de bebida, permitido pela legislação brasileira; e os demais apresentaram variação de 74,8 (laranja) a 218,3 (limão B) acima do limite permitido.

Funcionalidad de una mezcla de gomas de acasia glomerosa, Enterolobium cyclocarpum e Hymenaea courbaril en la preparación de helados de bajo contenido calórico / Functionality of a mixture of gums from acacia glomerosa, Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Hymenea courbaril in the low fat ice-cream preparation

Acacia glomerosa, Anterolobium cyclocarpum e Hymenaea courbaril, especies arbóreas ampliamente disemindas en Venezuela producen gomas con buen rendimiento. La mezcla de estas gomas se ensayó, como estabilizante en la preparación de helados de bajo contenido calórico. La viscosidad, el porcentaje de derretido y las propiedades sensoriales fueron determinados. Estas características físico-químicas se compararon con las exhibidas por los productos obtenidos con base en mezcla de gomas comerciales. La mezcla de gomas de las especies estudiadas incrementó la viscocidad del sistema, por lo tanto, favoreció una excelente incorporación y una distribución uniforme del aire; aportó textura y estabilidad durante el almacenamiento; mejoró la capacidad de expansión de la espuma y las propiedades de derretido. Por otra parte, aportó buenas características sensoriales, como la indica el alto puntaje alcanzado; apariencia (7.78), cremosidad (7.62), sabor (8.01) y bajo puntaje en presencia de cristales de hielo (3.06). Este trabajo evidenció la funcionalidad como estabilizante de la mezcla de gomas investigadas en la preparación de helados bajo en calorías.

Acacia glomerosa, Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Hymenaea courbaril, species widely disseminated in Venezuela, South America, produce gum with good yield. The mixture of these gums was tested as stabilizer in the low fat ice cream preparation. Viscosity, overrun, foam expansion, meltdown, shape factor and sensory properties were determined. These quality characteristics were compared with those exhibited by the product obtained with a mixture of commercial gums. The mixture tested provided the suitable viscosity for the ice cream mix with the corresponding overrun and texture. It gave better foaming properties and air incorporation. On the other hand, it was demonstrated the good sensory attributes by the highest score i.e. appearance (7.78), creaminess (7.62), flavor (8.01) and lowest score of iciness (3.06). This work showed good functionality as stabilizer of the mixture of gums investigated in the low fat ice cream preparation.

Edulcorantes no nutritivos en bebidas sin alcohol: estimación de la ingesta diaria en niños y adolescentes / Non nutritive sweeteners in non alcoholic drinks: estimation of the daily intake in children and adolescents

Muchas bebidas sin alcohol que se ofrecen en el mercado no destacan en su rotulado que corresponden a bebidas dietéticas con el agregado de edulcorantes no nutritivos. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue calcular la ingesta diaria estimada de edulcorantes no nutritivos por parte de niños y adolescentes sanos, a través del consumo de este tipo de alimentos. Se analizaron encuestas de frecuencia de consumo de bebidas sin alcohol de 190 niños y adolescentes (3-18 años). Se solicitó que se detallaran las marcas de las bebidas más consumidas, con el fin de considerar para el cálculo de la ingesta diaria estimada los contenidos de edulcorantes declarados en los respectivos rótulos. Además se tuvo en cuenta el consumo diario de bebidas sin alcohol y peso corporal declarado en cada encuesta. La ingesta diaria estimada de individuos entre 3 y 18 años fue 2,61 mg/kg para ciclamato; 0,28 mg/kg para sacarina; 0,69 mg/kg para acesulfame K y 2,78 mg/kg para aspartame. Sólo en el caso del ciclamato se observaron tres individuos con una ingesta diaria estimada mayor a la ingesta diaria admisible.

Many non-alcoholic drinks commercially available do not emphasize on their labels that they correspond to light drinks. The objective of the present paper was to estimate the daily intake of non nutritive sweeteners by healthy children and adolescents through the consumption of non-alcoholic drinks. Food frequency questionnaires of non alcoholic drinks from 190 children and adolescents (3 to 18 years old) were analysed. The brands of the most consumed non-alcoholic drinks were requested in order to consider the quantity of the declared sweetener in the correspondent labels to estimate the daily intake. Moreover, the daily intake of nonalcoholic drinks and the body weight declared in each questionnaire was taken into account. The estimated daily intake of students from 3 to 18 years old was 2,61 mg/kg of cyclamate, 0,28 mg/kg of saccharin, 0,69 mg/kg of acesulfame-K and 2,78 mg/kg of aspartame. Only in the case of cyclamate there were three individuals with an estimated daily intake greater than the admissible daily intake.

Edulcorantes no nutritivos en bebidas sin alcohol: estimación de la ingesta diaria en niños y adolescentes / Non nutritive sweeteners in non alcoholic drinks: estimation of the daily intake in children and adolescents

Muchas bebidas sin alcohol que se ofrecen en el mercado no destacan en su rotulado que corresponden a bebidas dietéticas con el agregado de edulcorantes no nutritivos. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue calcular la ingesta diaria estimada de edulcorantes no nutritivos por parte de niños y adolescentes sanos, a través del consumo de este tipo de alimentos. Se analizaron encuestas de frecuencia de consumo de bebidas sin alcohol de 190 niños y adolescentes (3-18 años). Se solicitó que se detallaran las marcas de las bebidas más consumidas, con el fin de considerar para el cálculo de la ingesta diaria estimada los contenidos de edulcorantes declarados en los respectivos rótulos. Además se tuvo en cuenta el consumo diario de bebidas sin alcohol y peso corporal declarado en cada encuesta. La ingesta diaria estimada de individuos entre 3 y 18 años fue 2,61 mg/kg para ciclamato; 0,28 mg/kg para sacarina; 0,69 mg/kg para acesulfame K y 2,78 mg/kg para aspartame. Sólo en el caso del ciclamato se observaron tres individuos con una ingesta diaria estimada mayor a la ingesta diaria admisible.(AU)

Many non-alcoholic drinks commercially available do not emphasize on their labels that they correspond to light drinks. The objective of the present paper was to estimate the daily intake of non nutritive sweeteners by healthy children and adolescents through the consumption of non-alcoholic drinks. Food frequency questionnaires of non alcoholic drinks from 190 children and adolescents (3 to 18 years old) were analysed. The brands of the most consumed non-alcoholic drinks were requested in order to consider the quantity of the declared sweetener in the correspondent labels to estimate the daily intake. Moreover, the daily intake of nonalcoholic drinks and the body weight declared in each questionnaire was taken into account. The estimated daily intake of students from 3 to 18 years old was 2,61 mg/kg of cyclamate, 0,28 mg/kg of saccharin, 0,69 mg/kg of acesulfame-K and 2,78 mg/kg of aspartame. Only in the case of cyclamate there were three individuals with an estimated daily intake greater than the admissible daily intake.(AU)

Adoçantes presentes na formulação de refrigerantes, sucos e chás diet e light / Sweeteners present in the formula of diet and light soft drinks, juices and teas

A dieta rica em carboidratos, principalmente em sacarose, é um fator de grande influência no desenvolvimento da doença cárie. O objetivo deste trabalho foi pesquisar quais os adoçantes presentes em diversas marcas de bebidas diet e light (refrigerantes, sucos e chás) disponíveis em supermercados de Porto Alegre e verificar se a composição e as concentrações dos adoçantes em mg/100ml de bebida, conforme descrito na rotulagem do produto, estão de acordo com a legislação brasileira. Levando-se em conta a dose de Ingestão Diária Aceitável, calculou-se a quantidade em litros e em copos de 300 ml de cada uma das marcas pesquisadas que pode ser ingerida por uma pessoa de 20, 45 ou 70 kg de peso corpóreo diariamente, sem efeitos colaterais. As bebidas avaliadas apresentam em sua composição somente adoçantes não-calóricos (sacarina, acessulfame-K, ciclamato e aspartame), geralmente sendo usada a associação de dois ou mais deles em cada bebida. Os produtos pesquisados seguem as determinações da legislação brasileira, quanto aos limites de uso dos adoçantes e rotulagem, alertando sempre aos fenilcetonúricos quando possuem aspartame. Há uma grande variação na quantidade máxima que pode ser consumida diariamente das diversas bebidas pesquisadas de acordo com o peso corpóreo (de 0,21 a 3,00 litros para uma criança de 20 quilos). As bebidas diet e light têm apenas adoçantes não-calóricos em sua composição e, portanto, são não-cariogênicas, mas seu consumo deve ser feito com cautela.

Carbohydrate rich diet, mainly sucrose, strongly influences caries development. The objective of this work is to study the sweeteners present in several kinds of diet and light drinks (soft drinks, juice and tea) available at supermarkets in Porto Alegre and to verify if the composition and concentration of sweeteners (mg/100ml) according to the product label comply to Brazilian legislation. Considering the maximum daily dosage recommended, the amount of liters and number of glasses of 300 ml of each kind of drink that can be ingested daily by a 20, 45 and 70 kg person, without having side effects, was calculated. The drinks have in their composition only nonnutritive sweeteners (saccharin, acesulfam-K, cyclamate and aspartame). The association of two or more sweeteners is used in each kind of drink. The products follow the determination of Brazilian legislation as to limits of use and labeling, there must be a warning about aspartame presence on the label. The amount of each brand drinks that can be ingested daily is variable (0,21-3,00 liters for a child who weighs 20 kilos). Diet and light drinks with nonnutritive sweeteners are noncariogenic, but their consume must to be made with caution.

Determinación de la eficiencia fotosintética de la alfalfa en el valle de Cajamarca / Determination of the photosynthetic efficiency of the alfalfa in Cajamarca's valley

El presente trabajo fue realizado en el campo experimental de la Universidad Nacional de Cajamarca, ubicado a 78 grados 30' de longitud oeste, 07 grados 10' de latitud sur y a 2650 m de altitud; entre el 15 de abril al 17 de diciembre del 2001; con la finalidad de determinar la productividad de la alfalfa (Medicargo sativa), en el valle de Cajamarca en términos de materia seca y la eficiencia fotosintética de la misma, y evaluar las pérdidas de energía por el animal hasta la producción de leche según KLEIBER, M. (1972). La radiación global incidente, fue determinada en función de la radiación en el exterior de la atmósfera y de la insolación teórica y observada. La insolación tuvo una medida de cinco horas diarias, mientras que la radiación global fue de 428 cal.cm2 por día. La producción energética del cultivo de alfalfa en promedio es de 39 500 ooo kcal.ha. dando como resultado una eficiencia fotosintética de 1,46 por ciento de la radiación solar incidentes es convertida en energía química de la materia orgánica. De la energía consumida por el animal, solamente el 0,06 por ciento llega a ser convertida en leche, representando un valor neto de producción de leche de 3 368 Lha.