Immunonutritional support as an important part of multidisciplinary anti-cancer therapy.

Immunonutrition is one of the most important parts of nutritional treatment in patients with cancer. There are studies which confirm positive effects of using immunonutrition (arginine, glutamine, omega-3 fatty acids, nucleotides, pre- and probiotics) among others on the reduction of the pro-inflammatory cytokines concentrations, shortening of the hospital stay and improvement of the nutritional status. Arginine takes part not only in wound healing process, but also it improves body's immunity and reduces the incidence of infections. Glutamine reduces the incidence of acute grade 2 and 3 esophagitis and improves quality of life of gastric cancer patients. Omega 3-fatty acids have the ability to inhibit the activity of NF-κB. They also reduce the symptoms of graft-versus-host disease in patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation. Nucleotides support the regeneration of intestinal villi. Probiotics play many roles, mainly inhibit the process of carcinogenesis, reduce the incidence of diarrhea and modify intestinal microbiome. However, there are studies indicating the lack of advantages of using immunonutrition compared to standard nutrition. Currently, there is no clear evidence for the use of formulae enriched with immunonutrients versus standard oral nutritional supplements exclusively in the preoperative period. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the role of immunonutrition in supporting treatment of cancer diseases.

The role of vitamin D in health preservation and exertional capacity of athletes.

Sports training causes an increased load on the musculoskeletal, hormonal and immune system, which makes maintaining homeostasis in the organism more difficult. Maintaining metabolic balance in the athlete's body is important due to the necessity to obtain high physical fitness. One factor that facilitates optimization of health and increased endurance is a balanced diet. Proper nutrition enables provision of energy-giving and body-building substances as well as bioelements and vitamins, which influence metabolic processes and play regulatory functions. Vitamin D, also called calciferol, has an impact on maintaining effectiveness of the musculoskeletal system, on mineralization of bones and on increase of mass, strength and endurance of muscles. An association between vitamin D content in the organism and levels of anabolic hormones such as insulin and testosterone has been reported. A sufficient amount of calciferol is also necessary for effective functioning of the nervous system, including keeping balance and determining the reaction time. Maintaining an adequate vitamin D level in the athlete's body is also important due to its role in mobilizing the immune system and preventing infections, to which athletes are particularly prone. The positive impact of vitamin D on physical fitness of athletes shows how important it is to maintain its adequate level in the organism. Numerous studies indicate widespread occurrence of vitamin D deficiency, including among athletes. Climatic conditions and training in halls lead to limited endogenous production of this vitamin, which shows the importance of diet as a source of vitamin D. The aim of the study is to present the role of vitamin D in preservation of health, particularly endurance and physical fitness of athletes, on the basis of currently available scientific literature.

Impact of plant-based diet on lipid risk factors for atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a vegan diet on the serum lipid profile with particular regard to the parameters characterizing the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) fractions in subjects without subclinical atherosclerosis, measured by carotid Doppler ultrasonography. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-two 23 to 38 year old subjects (21 omnivores and 21 vegans) participated in the study. Compared to the omnivores, the vegan subjects were characterized by lower parameters of lipid profile: total cholesterol (p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (p < 0.001), non-HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.001), apolipoprotein B (apoB) (p < 0.001) and phospholipids (p < 0.01). Concentration of HDL-cholesterol was apparently similar between groups. Furthermore, the parameters which characterize HDL particles (con-centration of apolipoproteins AI [apoAI] and AII, HDL-phospholipids, LpAI fraction and pre-b1-HDL fraction) were not significantly different between omnivore and vegan subjects. The apoB/apoAI ratio in vegans was lower than in omnivores (p < 0.01). There was no difference between serum concentration of triacylglycerols between omnivores and vegans. The activity of paraoxonase-1 and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2a concentration were also not different between the study groups. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that a vegan diet may have a beneficial effect on serum lipid profile and cardiovascular protection, but it is not associated with changes in HDL composition.

Variations of niacin content in saltwater fish and their relation with dietary RDA in Polish subjects grouped by age.

INTRODUCTION: A rich and natural source of readily assimilated dietary protein together with invaluable vitamins and minerals are fish, particularly the saltwater species. The quality of any given foodstuff is determined by its nutritional value, which in turn depends on the food type and methods used for manufacture, processing and storage. Many fish products contain fewer water soluble vitamins than the source foodstuff as a result of using various technologies during food processing, such as smoking or deep freezing, where vitamins are often either degraded or leached out. In the case of niacin it is relatively easy to make good such losses by eating niacin-rich foods or by taking dietary supplements e.g. the essential amino acid L-tryptophan. OBJECTIVES: To determine niacin content in sea fish that are commonly available on the Polish market and to assess whether this dietary source is sufficient to satisfy the RDA requirements for various age groups of selected subjects living in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Niacin levels were measured firstly in 10 saltwater fish species together with butterfish and Norwegian salmon that formed a separate group. Altogether, 15 types of fish products were analysed in all. They consisted of smoked fish: whitefish, butterfish, sprat, trout, herring (kippers) and mackerel, and frozen fish: butterfish, Norwegian salmon, sole, grenadier and panga. Each product was measured as ten replicates, thus in total 150 analyses were performed. A microbiologically-based method was used for the niacin determination, with enzyme hydrolysis by 40 mg papain and diastase on a 2 g sample (according to the AOAC procedure) to release the free form from the bioavailable form that is bound to NAD and NADP. RESULTS: The most plentiful sources of niacin were found in smoked fish with the highest amounts in butterfish, after warm temperature smoking, and in mackerel; respectively 9.03 and 8.90 mg/100 g. Such 100 g portions of smoked fish are a good dietary source of niacin, in that for men and women above 19 years of age, they constitute respectively 22% - 56% and 25% - 64% of the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance). The highest levels of niacin in frozen fish were found in butterfish and Norwegian salmon; respectively 8.05 and 5.75 mg/100 g which in turn represent respectively 10% - 50% and 11% - 56% of the RDA in men and women aged above 19 years. CONCLUSIONS: Niacin concentrations varied according to fish species. The richest dietary sources were smoked fish consisting of butterfish, after warm temperature smoking, and mackerel. In frozen fish, butterfish and Norwegian salmon had the highest niacin amounts. A 100 g serving of such sea fish can, to quite a large extent, satisfy the adult RDA.

[Evaluation of selected cereal products as a source of thiamine and niacin in diet]. / Ocena wybranych produktów zbozowych jako zrodla tiaminy i niacyny w diecie.

BACKGROUND: The priority of the modern diet should be as follows, low processed cereal products that contain high level fiber and vitamins B as well as the products that have low glycemic index. The best source of thiamine and niacin are grain food products which regulate body energy balance, nervous system, circulation as well as fulfill the role as cofactors of enzymes in the human body. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine and evaluate the concentration of thiamine and niacin in selected cereal products. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Eleven kinds of pasta and rice were used in this studies. Thiamine and niacin were determined in the free form. During the analytical process the acid hydrolysis and enzymatic technique were used. The HPLC method with ultraviolet for determination of thiamine and niacin were applied. The content of thiamine was determined by the length of the 254 nm and niacin 258 nm waves in various cereal products. RESULTS: The obtained results shown that the best source of thiamine and niacin was wild rice (0.59 +/- 0.02 mg and 6.13 +/- 0.06 mg respectively) while the lowest content of analyzed vitamins was in the examined vitamin-enriched pasta bits (0.06 +/- 0.01 mg and 0.42 +/- 0.02 mg). CONCLUSIONS: The analyzed cereal products were characterized by a variable content of tested vitamins. The most significant amount of vitamins B is higher in the examined rice than pasta. It was shown that the richest source of thiamine and niacin was the wild rice.

[Nutritional status and physical activity among citizens of Pomorze]. / Stopien odzywienia a aktywnosc fizyczna mieszkanców Pomorza.

Physical activity constitute a key factor of healthy lifestyle. Physical activity decreases the risk of many chronic diseases--notably obesity, diabetes, coronary heart disease and cancer. It is recommended to be physically active at least 90 min (3 days per 30 min) of vigorous activity or 150 min (5 days per 30 min) of moderate activity per week. The aim of the study was evaluation of physical activity level and indication of physical activity influence on BMI value. The obtained results indicate that 36.5% (40.4% of female "F" and 28% of male "M") did not perform any physical activity by way of sport. Moreover 36.5% (36.8% F and 32% M) performed sport activities 1-2 times per week and the average time of single activity of 73.9% (77.2% F and 64.0% M) was at least 30 min. It was also revealed that young citizens of Pomorze with correct BMI values were twice more active than young citizens of Pomorze with decreased or increased BMI values.

Evaluation for magnesium and vitamin B6 supplementation among Polish elite athletes.

Contemporary sport requires a lot of effort from sportsmen, frequently exceeding their maximum physical and mental efficiency. Athletes often report poor dietary habits and reach for magnesium and vitamin B supplements to avoid dietary deficiencies. The aim of this study was to determine magnesium and vitamin B6 content in daily food rations of Polish athletes and to verify the justification of diet supplementation. Magnesium and vitamin B6 concentrations were determined in 62 collected and 12 reconstructed daily food rations of elite Polish runners. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry and HPLC methods were used for quantification of magnesium and vitamin B6, respectively. The analyzed female diets provided daily 256 +/- 111 mg of magnesium and 2.04 +/- 0.63 mg of vitamin B6 whereas male diets provided 284 +/- 58 mg of magnesium and 2.12 +/- 0.68 mg of vitamin B6. Computer analysis calculated 159-181% higher content o magnesium and vitamin B6 comparing to determined laboratory values. The results of this study indicate that in the analyzed daily food rations of athletes low magnesium intake was observed, thus diet supplementation with this mineral may be justified. Daily food rations fulfilled RDA for vitamin B6, thus supplementation with this vitamin was not justified.

[Assessment of energy intake in HIV--positive adults]. / Ocena wartosci energetycznej calodziennych racji pokarmowych osób doroslych HIV-pozytywnych.

The purpose of this study was to determine energy intake in HIV-positive adults. In the study participated 150 adults. Energy intake and percentage of energy from protein, carbohydrate and fat were measured using 24-hour dietary recalls and computer program Wikt 1.3. The results of the study showed that energy intakes were below the dietary reference values for HIV-positive. Moreover the analyzed diets contained too small protein and carbohydrate contents but too high level of fat. Despite of this fact, the majority of respondents had correct BMI value.

Application of the high-performance liquid chromatography method with coulometric detection for determination of vitamin B(6) in human plasma and serum.

A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method (HPLC) with coulometric electrochemical detection has been developed and validated for the simultaneous analysis of pyridoxamine-5'-phosphate (PMP), pyridoxamine (PM), pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), pyridoxal (PL), pyridoxine (PN) and 4-pyridoxic acid (4-PA) in human plasma and serum. The isocratic separation was achieved on C(18) column (250mmx4.6mm, I.D., 5microm) with a mobile phase consisted of 35mM sodium phosphate containing 2.5mM heptanesulfonic acid, adjusted to pH 3.2 with 85% orthophosphoric acid and 12% methanol (v/v). Within-run and between-run precisions expressed by the relative standard deviations were less than 2.7% and 7.7% for all the analysed vitamins and 4-PA, respectively. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were: 0.8 and 2.6nM, 1.1 and 3.8nM, 1.5 and 4.5nM, 1.3 and 4.2nM, 1.1 and 3.7nM, 2.1 and 6.3nM for PMP, PM, PLP, PL, PN and 4-PA, respectively. The recoveries ranged from 90.4% to 98.4%. Stability of vitamins was checked under a variety of storage conditions. The developed application demonstrated acceptable sensitivity, precision, accuracy, stability, and linearity over the physiological concentration range. The major advantage of the proposed method is its great simplicity.

[Consumption of fruits and vegetables among university and college students in Gdansk and Sopot]. / Ocena czestotliwosci spozycia warzyw i owoców wsród studentów trójmiejskich uczelni.

The aim of the study was the determination of daily servings consumption and evaluation of frequency consumption of fruit and vegetables among university and college students. The study was carried out on the group of 180 students and was assessed by means of food frequency questionnaire. Students mostly ate from 1 to 2 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit per day. The most commonly consumed vegetables were: tomatoes, carrots and onions. The most commonly consumed fruits were: apples, bananas, lemons and tangerines. Consumption of both vegetables and fruits was to low to cover daily recommendations.

[Butterfish as a source of niacin]. / Ryba maslana zródlem niacyny.

The present study provides information about the concentrations of niacin in butterfish products. The concentrations of vitamin were determined by microbiological analytical methods. The results demonstrate that the analyzed fish were a good source ofniacin. Butterfish can provide the human organism with contents of niacin corresponding to 27 - 43% for female and 25 - 39% for male of RDA.

[Nutritional habits and diet supplementation of Polish middle and long distance representative runners (years 2004-2005)]. / Sposób zywienia i suplementacji diety reprezentantów Polski w biegach srednio- i dlugodystansowych w latach 2004-2005.

Nutrition is essential element of sport training. Owing to providing to diet optimal amount of nutritive components sportsmen can realize adequate training process. Athletes often use supplements believing that they can help them to achieve sport success. The nutrition way of Polish athletes seems to be inappropriate. Diet contained too much fat and delivered too less nutritive constituents to cover daily dietary intake. Analysis also demonstrated differences between estimated and determined content of nutritive constituents in the food studied.

Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method with coulometric electrochemical and ultraviolet detection for the quantification of vitamins B(1) (thiamine), B(6) (pyridoxamine, pyridoxal and pyridoxine) and B(12) in animal and plant foods.

A rapid and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with coulometric electrochemical and ultraviolet detections for analysis of vitamin B (B(1), B(6) and B(12)) in animal and plant foods has been developed. A combination of acid digestion and enzymatic extraction to release protein bound and phosphorylated vitamins followed by HPLC analysis was applied. The analyses were carried out on a LC18 column 5 microm (25 cm x 4.6 mm), using the mobile phase consisting of methanol-phosphate buffer (10:90) and 0.018 M trimethylamine, pH 3.55, following at 1.0 ml min(-1). The method offers excellent linearity with regression coefficient r>0.998, good repeatability and reproducibility and relatively short analysis time (17 min). The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the intermediate precision was satisfactory for all the vitamins studied and amounted to <7.3%. The repeatability of the method was <4.7%. The limits of quantification (LOQ) for pyridoxamine, pyridoxal, pyridoxine, vitamins B(1) and B(12) in seafood products were as follows: 2.1, 2.01, 0.99, 62.0 and 0.11 ng ml(-1), respectively. The mean recovery values from a food products spiked with all five vitamins ranged from 92.3 to 101.3%, with a relative standard deviation less than 3.4%. The proposed separation and detection procedures were successfully applied for the simultaneous determination of vitamins B(1), B(6) and B(12) in fruit juices and vitamins B(6) and B(12) in seafood.

[Distribution and relationships concentration of vitamins B6 and B12 in different parts of Atlantic salmons]. / Rozmieszczenie i wspólzaleznosci zawartosci witamin B6 i B12 w róznych czesciach lososi norweskich i baltyckich.

Fish constitute a major part of animal protein consumption in many countries of the world. Seafood are important source of a variety of nutrients, including vitamins B6 and B12. The concentration of vitamins B and B12 was determined in atlantic salmons obtained from commercial sources using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In our study significant correlations (p<0.05, p<0.01 and p<0.001) for the concentration of vitamin B6 and cyanocobalamin between analyzed parts of atlantic salmons were observed.

[Selected cereal products as functional elements of the diet--frequency consumption of cereal products among university students]. / Wybrane produkty zbozowe jako elementy funkcjonalne diety--czestosc spozycia produktów zbozowych wsród studentów.

The present study provides information about concentration of vitamins B1 and B6 in grain products as well as frequency of intake cereal products by students. Higher thiamine and vitamin B6 content was detected in the whole wheat flour. The group of 171 pupils was investigated. Frequency of cereal products consumption and choice of kind of bread intake was estimated using self-report questionnaire. The results of the study showed that respondents were more familiar with wheat bread. Most students reported the consumption of cereal products two times per day.

High-performance liquid chromatography method for the simultaneous determination of thiamine hydrochloride, pyridoxine hydrochloride and cyanocobalamin in pharmaceutical formulations using coulometric electrochemical and ultraviolet detection.

The method for the simultaneous determination of thiamine hydrochloride, pyridoxine hydrochloride and cyanocobalamin by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with coulometric electrochemical and UV detections is presented. The retention time of vitamins was repeatedly determined by isocratic elution using 0.05 M phosphate buffer-10% methanol and 0.018 M trimethylamine (1 ml min(-1), pH 3.55) as mobile phase with the Supelco LC 18 column 5 microm (25 cm x 4.6 mm). The specificity of the method was demonstrated by the retention characteristics, coulometric electrochemical and UV detection. The limits of detection of thiamine, pyridoxine and cyanocobalamin were: 9.2, 2.7 and 0.08 ng/ml, respectively. The method was characterized also by wide concentration range, high sensitivity and good accuracy (99.6-102.7%). The repeatability of the method was evaluated at different level of concentration of vitamins and the relative standard deviation was below 4.5%. The method was successfully applied for the quantification of Vitamins B1, B6 and B12 in pharmaceutical preparations and dietary supplements.

[Selected seafoods as the components of a highly nutritional diet]. / Wybrane owoce morza jako skladniki diety o wysokiej wartosci odzywczej.

Shellfish products available on the Polish market were analyzed for the content of protein, fat, carbohydrates, water, ash, energy value and vitamins B. Nutrition value of the analyzed products was determined by analytical methods applying in food chemistry. Concentrations of niacin and vitamin B6 were determined by microbiological methods. The concentration of the selected shellfish in 100 g of the analyzed products and percentage of realization on recommended level of nutritive components by analyzed products for adults were determined.

[Assessment of the nutritional value of certain molluscs]. / Ocena wartosci odzywczej wybranych mieczaków.

The aim of this study was to determine levels of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins B, as well as energy value in fish products available on domestic market. Nutrition value of the analyzed products was determined by analytical methods applying in food chemistry. Concentrations of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin B6 were determined by microbiological methods. Considering high nutritive value, the analyzed seafood products are recommended as valuable ingredient of diet.

[Evaluation of qualitative properties of amaranth (Amaranthus)]. / Ocena jakosci zdrowotnej szarlatu (Amarantusa).

The work contains results of determination of protein, fat, carbohydrates, water, ash, energy value, B group vitamins (B1, B2, PP, B6) and minerals (Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Na, K, Cu, Mn, Zn, Co, Ni, Cr, Cd, Pb) in three products of amaranth. The nutrients components were determined by general approved analytical methods. Vitamins group B were determined using microbiological methods. Minerals like Ca, Mg, Fe, Na, K, Cu, Mn, Zn, Co, Ni, Cr, Cd and Pb were determined using the flame AAS method. Phosphorus was determined spectrophotometrically as phosphates with ammonium molybdate. Mean percentage content of protein, fat, caborhydrates, water and ash in products of amaranth examined (seeds, meal, expanded seeds "popping") were: 13.5-14.4; 7.1-7.6; 63.8-71.7; 3.0-12.3; 3.1-3.4 respectively; there energy value expressed in Kcal/100 g were 373-412. Vitamins content in products of amaranth (mg/100 g) were: 0.019-0.029 thiamin; 0.100-0.143 riboflavin; 1.02-1.20 niacinamide and 0.563-0.615 pyridoxin. The levels (mg/100 g) of minerals were as follow: 204-223 Ca; 712-792 P; 8.3-9.7 Fe; 200-235 Mg; 2.9-3.1 Zn; 1.03-1.38 Cu; 3.78-4.54 Mn; 6.30-8.42 Na; 318-337 K; 0.040-0.055 Cr; 0.185-0.292 Ni and 0.045-0.051 Co. Mean contents of cadmium ranged 5-9 micrograms/100 g and lead 27-35 micrograms/100 g in examined products of amaranth.