Evaluation of the Caffeine Content in Servings of Popular Coffees in Terms of Its Safe Intake-Can We Drink 3-5 Cups of Coffee per Day, as Experts Advise?

The spreading knowledge of the health benefits of coffee and the development of gastronomy with a wide range of coffees prompt an evaluation of their caffeine content in terms of safe intake. The study analyzed the caffeine content of popular coffees in comparison with recommendations for a safe single dose (200 mg) and daily caffeine intake (400 mg), and guidelines for drinking 3-5 cups of coffee per day. A total of 299 coffee samples from franchise shops and homemade coffees were tested. The "takeaway" coffees had a three times higher mean caffeine content (p < 0.005) compared to homemade coffees. Americano coffee was the "strongest" (143 mg caffeine/serving on average), while coffee prepared by pouring hot water over one teaspoon of ground coffee was the "lightest" (23 mg caffeine/serving on average) (p < 0.05). Over 200 mg of caffeine per serving was found in 4% of samples. Over 400 mg of caffeine would be consumed by people drinking "on the go" 4-5 servings of many types of coffee, except espresso. In this respect, homemade coffees are safer. Therefore, recommendations on drinking coffee should be more practical, and indicate not only the number of cups, but also the "strength" of various types of coffee, in order to avoid the regular intake of high amounts of caffeine.

Polyphenols vs. Caffeine in Coffee from Franchise Coffee Shops: Which Serving of Coffee Provides the Optimal Amount of This Compounds to the Body.

The scientific literature indicates that there is a limited number of data on the content of bioactive components in coffees consumed "on the go". Therefore, this study examined the polyphenol and caffeine content of different types of coffee from franchise coffee shops, and the caffeine/total polyphenol ratio. The five most popular types of coffee purchased in six franchise coffee shops in Warsaw were analysed. A total of 120 coffee samples were tested. A significant positive (r = 0.7407, p < 0.001) correlation was found between the total polyphenol and caffeine content in all coffee types tested. Per unit volume, espresso coffee had the highest significant (p < 0.005) average total polyphenol and caffeine contents (232.9 ± 63.9 mg/100 mL and 198.6 ± 68.3 mg/100 mL, respectively). After taking into account the coffee's serving size, a serving of Americano provided significantly (p < 0.05) the most total polyphenol (average 223.5 ± 81.5 mg), while the highest caffeine content was provided by a serving of ice latte/latte frappe (average 136 ± 57.0 mg). The most favourable ratio of caffeine to total polyphenols (0.56) was found in a serving of Americano coffee; therefore, it seems that this coffee can be considered optimal in terms of the content of both compounds. These findings demonstrate that the polyphenol and caffeine contents of coffees offered in franchise coffee shops are closely related to the serving size.

The Impact of the Sweetened Beverages Tax on Their Reformulation in Poland-The Analysis of the Composition of Commercially Available Beverages before and after the Introduction of the Tax (2020 vs. 2021).

The aim of this study was to estimate changes in the composition of carbonated and non-carbonated sugar-sweetened beverages before and after the introduction of the beverage tax in Poland. Based on the labels of 198 drinks, the composition and nutritional values of the drinks were compared. The nonparametric Mann-Whitney test was applied to compare the differences in the sugar and juice content as well as energy value. After the introduction of the tax, the median sugar content in the carbonated beverages decreased from 8.6 g to 6.9 g/100 mL (p = 0.004), while in the non-carbonated beverages, it decreased from 5.5 g to 4.8 g/100 mL (p < 0.001). In the entire beverage group, there was a significant drop in the proportion of beverages that contained >5 g of sugars/100 mL (44.4% in 2021 vs. 70.2% in 2020). The median juice content in the carbonated beverages increased from 1.0% to 3.3% (p = 0.121), but totalled 20.0% for both periods in the non-carbonated beverages. The percentage of beverages with a tax-exempt composition (juice content ≥ 20% and sugar content ≤ 5 g/100 mL) almost tripled. After the introduction of the tax, beneficial changes in the compositions of 62% of the analysed beverages were observed in terms of their sugar and/or juice content.

Health-Related Content of TV and Radio Advertising of Dietary Supplements-Analysis of Legal Aspects after Introduction of Self-Regulation for Advertising of These Products in Poland.

Dietary supplements may have beneficial value but, by definition, they have no therapeutic effect. However, their labeling and especially the advertisements in the media, often make ungrounded health claims. The aim of the study was to analyze the content of audio-visual advertisements of dietary supplements for health and legal aspects in the context of the European Law and the 1 January 2020 Polish self-regulation between TV broadcasting companies and supplement manufacturers. Supplement advertisements broadcast across six TV and radio stations from 9-15 March 2020 were analyzed. Most of the analyzed advertisements complied with the legal requirements and included terms such as 'supports' or 'facilitates' body function, which are less definite in nature. Almost 30% of the advertised supplements made unproven claims on their effectiveness in various health situations, e.g., effective weight loss, thus assuring the addressee about the beneficial effect of dietary supplements in a given health context. Agreement on the rules and regulations governing supplement advertising resulted in a noticeable improvement in advertisement content, which will hopefully raise consumer awareness about the absence of therapeutic properties of dietary supplements.

Review of Dietary Recommendations for Twin Pregnancy: Does Nutrition Science Keep Up with the Growing Incidence of Multiple Gestations?

Recommendations for nutrition and the use of dietary supplements for pregnant women are updated on regular basis but it remains to be seen to what extent they may be applicable in twin pregnancies. The aim of this narrative review is to present the current state of knowledge about the energy and nutrient demand in twin pregnancy. There is general consensus in literature that the energy demand is higher than in a singleton pregnancy, but there is a lack of position statements from scientific societies on specific energy intake that is required. In turn, recommended maternal weight gain, which favors the normal weight of the neonate, has been determined. There is even a larger knowledge gap when it comes to vitamins and minerals, the body stores of which are theoretically used up faster. The greatest number of studies so far focused on vitamin D, and most of them concluded that its concentration in maternal blood is lower in twin as compared to singleton pregnancy. Few randomized studies focus on iron supplementation and there are no other studies that would assess dietary interventions. In light of a growing incidence of multiple pregnancies, more studies are necessary to establish the nutritional demands of the mother and the course of action for adequate supplementation.

Vitamin D Status during Pregnancy versus the Anthropometric Parameters of Two- and Four-Year-Olds: A Pilot Study.

Apart from being associated with a well-documented risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, maternal deficiency of vitamin D may also negatively affect the physical development of their children. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between maternal as well as umbilical cord blood levels of vitamin D and the weight and height values of two- and four-year-olds. The study was conducted in a group of 52 'mother-child' pairs. On the day of the delivery, total 25(OH)D concentration in blood was measured using immunological tests (LIAISON). Weight and height values were obtained from the database of routine health checks for children aged two and four, which are obligatory in Poland. Multiple regression analysis was used for statistical analysis. No association was detected between maternal-neonatal concentrations of vitamin D and weight and height values of the investigated two- and four-year-olds despite extreme differences in maternal (4.0-37.7 ng/mL) and neonatal (5.9-46.6 ng/mL) concentrations and the fact that vitamin D deficiency was detected in almost 54% of the mothers and 37% of the newborns. Therefore, no relationship between maternal-fetal vitamin D concentrations and the anthropometric parameters of the investigated children up to the age of four was found.

Dietary Supplements-For Whom? The Current State of Knowledge about the Health Effects of Selected Supplement Use.

Dietary supplements are products containing nutrients sold in various medicinal forms, and their widespread use may stem from the conviction that a preparation that looks like a drug must have therapeutic properties. The aim of this scoping review is to present what is known about the effects of using selected dietary supplements in the context of chronic diseases, as well as the risks associated with their use. The literature shows that the taking of vitamin and mineral supplements by healthy people neither lowers their risk of cardiovascular diseases nor prevents the development of malignancies. Many scientific societies recognize that omega-3 fatty acids lower blood triglycerides, but whether taking them prevents heart disease is less clear-cut. Taking weight loss supplements is not an effective method of fighting obesity. Often, some supplements are increasingly sold illegally, which is then also associated with the higher risk that they may be adulterated with banned substances, thus making them even more dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Supplements are necessary in cases of nutrient deficiency; however, even though prescription is not required, their use should be recommended and monitored by a physician.

Evaluation of prenatal vitamin-mineral preparations in the context of recommended dietary supplementation. Are pregnant women supplied with what they should get?

BACKGROUND: The composition of preparations, intended for pregnant women is an important issue of proper dietary supplementation. The range of such products on the market is very wide and their composition is not regulated by law. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the composition of preparations for pregnant women in the context of 2014 Polish Gynecological Society (PTG) recommendation and the 2020 recommendation of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (PTGiP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A range of preparations was collected in pharmacies and e-pharmacies in 2019. The nutrient content was determined based on the information on the unit packaging or the pharmacy's website. The content of folic acid, vitamin D, iodine, DHA, and iron was assessed. RESULTS: There were 33 vitamin-mineral preparations (VMPs) on offer on the analyzed market. All preparations contained folic acid, of which 55% contained precisely the dose recommended by the PTG, and 45% of the preparations is compliant in this respect with the recommendation of the PTGiP. Ninety seven percent of VMPs contained vitamin D. Fifty percent of them did not contain this vitamin at the dose recommended by the PTG, and half of the preparations do not meet the PTGiP recommendation either. Ninety seven percent of VMPs contained iodine. Out of them 44% contained a too low dose of iodine, by the PTG standards, but only 9% of preparations do not meet the PTGiP recommendation in this respect. DHA was a component contained in 73% of VMPs. Among them, 33% contained the dose recommended by the PTG for women who eat little fish and 88% of the preparations are in line with the new recommendation PTGiP. Eighty two percent of preparations contained iron, which in the light of the PTGiP recommendation is debatable. CONCLUSIONS: The composition of many VMPs did not reflect experts' recommendations regarding the type and amounts of particular nutrients.

Folic acid supplementation in pregnancy and prevention of fetal neural tube defects.

INTRODUCTION: Folic acid deficiency in very early pregnancy significantly increases the risk for neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Due to very high demands for folic acid in pregnancy, adequate supply is not possible without dietary supplements. AIM OF THE STUDY: Evaluation of the frequency and adequacy of folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy among women from the Warsaw region of Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted among 100 pregnant women using direct interviewing. Chi-square test was used to analyze the relationship between selected parameters and folic acid supplementation. RESULTS: Folic acid before pregnancy was supplemented by 42% of the respondents. In pregnancy, the number almost doubled (83%), but most women did not start the supplementation until 5-6 weeks of gestation. Before pregnancy, almost all subjects used single folic acid preparations, whereas during pregnancy they used vitaminmineral preparations for expectant women. CONCLUSIONS: The realization of the Primary Prevention Program of Neural Tube Defects leaves much to be desired. Over half of the women do not supplement folic acid before conception, and the supply in pregnancy is initiated too late to meet the assumptions of the prevention program.

Gestational vitamin D concentration and other risk factors versus fetal femur length.

Introduction: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the development of healthy fetal bone tissue. Analysis of fetal bone parameters versus maternal vitamin D status is necessary to shed some light on the matter. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between maternal and cord vitamin D concentrations and other factors which might affect fetal bone development and femur length.Material and methods: The study included 94 term pregnancies, delivered at the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Oncology, Medical University of Warsaw. Fetal femur length was measured during an ultrasound examination on admission to the delivery unit. Total 25(OH)D concentrations were measured in maternal and cord blood. Direct interview with a dietician was used to collect lifestyle and nutrition data. Multiple regression analysis was used for statistical analysis.Results: No statistically significant relationship was found between vitamin D concentrations and fetal femur length, either in maternal (p = .7709) or cord (p = .7751) blood samples, despite the fact that low vitamin D concentrations, which might indicate aberrations in fetal bone development, were detected in 50.0% of the mothers and 28.7% of the newborns. Also, no relationship was confirmed for the remaining parameters, including nutritional factors (calcium or caffeine intake, vitamin/mineral supplements).Conclusion: Low vitamin D concentrations during pregnancy and lifestyle factors had no negative associations with fetal femur length.

Caffeine Intake During Pregnancy and Neonatal Anthropometric Parameters.

Caffeine is a psychoactive substance that may affect the normal course of pregnancy, therefore its intake during that time should not exceed 200 mg/day. The aim of this study was to evaluate caffeine intake among pregnant women from the Warsaw region. The study was conducted among 100 pregnant women who delivered at the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Oncology, Medical University of Warsaw. Caffeine intake from coffee, tea, and energy drinks was measured using a questionnaire. Direct interviewing was used, with all interviews conducted by the same dietitian. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between caffeine intake and anthropometric measurements of the newborns. Mean caffeine intake among pregnant women was 68 ± 51 mg/day. Only 2% of the respondents exceeded the safe dose of 200 mg. Tea (mostly black) was the source of 63% of all caffeine. No relationships were found between caffeine intake and neonatal weight, length, or head and chest circumference (p > 0.05). Caffeine intake in our study population was relatively low and did not negatively affect fetal growth.

Pre-pregnancy nutritional status versus maternal weight gain and neonatal size

Background: Maternal weight during pregnancy may affect both, the course of pregnancy and the anthropometric parameters of the newborn. The steadily growing problem of excessive weight in reproductive-age women is associated with the risk for gestational obesity and its negative consequences for the infant. Objectives: The aims of the study were to analyze the following: (i) maternal weight gain as compared to the pre-pregnancy BMI, and (ii) the link between maternal weight and other environmental factors versus neonatal size. Material and methods: The study was conducted among 94 women in singleton term pregnancy, who delivered at the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Oncology, Medical University of Warsaw. The American Institute of Medicine criteria for the recommended weight gain were followed. Multivariate logistic regression model and multiple regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results: Normal weight gain was observed in only one-third of the subjects, while excess weight gain was detected in as many as 42.5% of the women. Active smokers were at a 4-fold higher risk for excess weight gain as compared to nonsmokers (OR 4.13, 95% CI 1.19 - 14.34, p = 0.026). Infants born to mothers with insufficient weight gain (24.5% of the mothers) were lighter by 302 g (p=0.0405) and shorter by 2.4 cm (p=0.0025) as compared to those born to mothers with normal weight gain. Conclusions: Maternal weight gain in most of our subjects was not compliant with the current recommendations, regardless of the pre-pregnancy BMI. Inadequate pregnancy weight gain negatively affects the anthropometric parameters of the newborn.

Maternal and Cord Blood Vitamin D Status and Anthropometric Measurements in Term Newborns at Birth.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women may result in reduced neonatal development due to the fact that systemic vitamin D status during fetal life depends on maternal concentrations. Some authors reported significant differences in neonatal anthropometric measurements depending on maternal vitamin D concentrations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between maternal and cord blood concentrations of vitamin D and neonatal anthropometric measurements at birth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 94 pregnant women, at term, who delivered at the Department of Obstetrics, Women's Diseases and Gynecological Oncology, Medical University of Warsaw. Total serum 25(OH)D concentration was measured in mother-child pairs, and newborn anthropometric data were collected. A multiple regression analysis was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: No relationship between maternal and neonatal cord blood vitamin D concentrations vs. neonatal weight, length, head, and chest circumference at birth was found (p > 0.05). Severe vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/ml) was detected in 10.6%, deficiency (10-20 ng/ml) in 39.4%, insufficiency (20-30 ng/ml) in 39.4%, and optimal vitamin D concentration (>30 ng/ml) only in 10.6% of the pregnant women. Cord blood vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml) was found in 28.7% of the neonates. CONCLUSION: No differences between neonatal anthropometric measurements of infants born to mothers with normal and deficient vitamin D concentrations were found.

Dietary intake of DHA during pregnancy: a significant gap between the actual intake and current nutritional recommendations

Background: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is indispensable to ensure proper development of the fetal central nervous system and pregnancy duration. Daily intake of DHA should be at least 100 mg higher as compared to the pre-pregnancy values. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate DHA intake during pregnancy and compare it to the current recommendations. Material and methods: A total of 100 pregnant women presenting for labor at the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Oncology, Medical University of Warsaw, were included in the study. DHA intake from the following sources: fish and eggs, and DHA preparations collected based on the questionnaire was investigated. Results: Low dietary DHA intake (median: 60 mg/day) was observed. The values were only slightly higher (median: 90 mg/day) after DHA preparations were taken into consideration because only 28% of the pregnant women used DHA preparations. Overall, 92% of the subjects consumed <200 mg of DHA a day, which was the result of insufficient fish consumption (mean: 15 g/day). Only 10% of the respondents ate fish twice a week, in which case the DHA dietary intake was statistically significantly higher (median: 160 mg/day) (p=0.0232). Total median dietary DHA and EPA intake in the study population was 79 mg/day. Conclusions: The diet of pregnant women is largely deficient as far as DHA intake is concerned. Importantly, it is not possible to comply with current recommendations without dietary supplementation.

[Coffee drinking and health - the current state of knowledge. whether the end of the doubts of patients is already coming?]

The impact of drinking coffee on health is still relevant in medicine. Patients, as well as some doctors noticed coffee as the product which can cause or increase a risk a lot of health complaints. However contemporary scientific researches are more optimistic and revealed that coffee doesn't have such negative impact on health, and what's more can has beneficial action. In spite of some differences in findings many of them demonstrated a lack of relationship between coffee and blood pressure, cancers, and in case of type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases even a protective action is possible. Drinking moderate amount of coffee, brewed using filters (3-4 cups a day) is preferred. Polyphenols are the main of bioactive components of coffee which act as antioxidants and can explain a positive impact of coffee on health.

Vitamin D Concentration in Maternal and Umbilical Cord Blood by Season.

Summer is generally considered to be the season when the body is well-supplied with vitamin D. The aim of this study was to compare maternal and umbilical cord blood concentrations of vitamin D during two extreme seasons of the year in Poland-winter and summer. A total of 100 pregnant women with no history of chronic diseases before pregnancy were included in the study. Pre-delivery maternal venous blood and neonatal cord blood samples were collected and total 25(OH)D concentration was measured. Data on vitamin D consumption (collected with the use of Food Frequency Questionnaire) and lifestyle factors were taken. Both, maternal and umbilical cord blood concentrations of vitamin D were higher in the summer group as compared to the winter group (mean 22.2 ± 6.5 ng/mL vs. 16.5 ± 8.2 ng/mL (p < 0.001), respectively for the mothers and 31.3 ± 9.4 ng/mL vs. 22.7 ± 11.0 ng/mL (p < 0.0001), respectively for the neonates). However, only 16% of the pregnant women reached the optimal vitamin D concentration during summer. Therefore, summer improves the levels of vitamin D in the body but does not guarantee the recommended concentration and supplementation throughout the whole year is essential.

Can coffee consumption lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease? A literature review.

In light of the fact that the number of elderly citizens in society is steadily increasing, the search for dietary factors which might prolong mental agility is growing in significance. Coffee, together with its main ingredient, caffeine, has been the focus of much attention from various researchers, as data on its beneficial effects on human health continue to accumulate. Most reports indicate that moderate coffee consumption may in fact lower the risk for common neurodegenerative conditions, i.e. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Regardless, due to their complex pathogenesis as well as methodology of scientific research, the exact impact of coffee consumption remains to be fully elucidated. At present, it seems safe to inform the general public that coffee drinkers need not fear for their health. Possibly, in the future experts will recommend drinking coffee not only to satisfy individual taste preferences but also to decrease age-related mental deterioration.

Evaluation of dairy products available on the Polish market in the context of nutrient profiles. Clear arguments for reformulation of foodstuffs

Background: Dairy products, which are one of the main groups of products in the diet, are expected to have high nutritional value. The development of food technology often involves changing the nutritional parameters of foodstuffs. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional value of dairy products, in the context of nutrient profiles. Material and Methods: The tested products included yoghurts, yoghurt drinks, kefir, cream cheeses and milk desserts available on the Polish market, basing on the information from unit product packaging. Results: The average sugar content in the group of all products was 11 g/100 g. Milk desserts contained the largest amount of sugar (average 14.7 g/100g), whereas kefir ­ the smallest amount (average 6 g/100 g) (p <0.0001). Yoghurts and yoghurt drinks intended for children had higher sugar content than products for the general population (14.4 g vs. 10.5 g/100 g) (p <0.0001). As many as 75% of products were sweetened. Taking into account the natural content of lactose, the estimated amount of added sugar ranged from 6.9 - 12.3 g/100 g. The average fat content in the group of all products amounted to 3.8 g/100 g. In the view of WHO profiles, 71% of products exceeded the permissible sugar content (≤ 10 g/100 g) and 36% exceeded the permissible content of saturated fatty acids (≤ 2 g/100 g). Using more liberal profiles developed by the food industry, the proportion of such products was smaller, but still quite high (34% in case of sugar and 26% in case of saturated fatty acids). In terms of the sugar content, according to regulation introduced in Poland, only 29% of the analyzed dairy products could be offer for children at schools. Among them there are all natural (not sweetened) yoghurts and kefir and only 6% of other sweetened products. Conclusions: There is a justified need for the reformulation of dairy products, especially in terms of added sugar.

Caffeine intake from carbonated beverages among primary school-age children.

AIM: The aim of the study was to assess caffeine intake from cola beverages and energy drinks, as well as the consumption frequency among primary-school-age children in relation to other dietary habits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 329 children (aged 11-13 years) from five randomly selected schools in Warsaw. Caffeine intake was assessed from a food frequency questionnaire. The face-to-face interview method was selected. RESULTS: 89.7% of the children consumed carbonated beverages whom caffeine, of which nearly 24% consumed energy drinks. The median caffeine intake from carbonated beverages was 0.12 mg/kg body weight/day, accounting for 4.8% of the recommended maximum daily intake from all dietary sources. Frequent consumers of cola drinks were often found to eat fast foods, as well as salty snacks. CONCLUSIONS: Caffeine intake in the studied group of children turned out to be at a safe level. The safe dose of caffeine does not mean that consumption of carbonated drinks should not raise any concerns. The recently established legal ban on selling unhealthy foods at school is a good idea, since the school should not be a place for improper dietary models.

[Whether the advertisement of dietary supplements is objective source of data about their impact on health? Analysis of broadcasting advertisements in the terms of the food law]. / Czy reklama suplementów diety jest obiektywnym zródlem informacji o ich wplywie na zdrowie? Analiza reklam radoiowo-telewizyjnych w swietle przepisów prawa zywnosciowego.

INTRODUCTION: Dietary supplements are intensively advertised in the media. Due to their form analogous to drugs many people don't notice differences between them, although it is fundamental. The dietary supplement, as the category of food don't have medicinal properties and suggesting such properties by producers is forbidden. The aim of this study was analysis of advertisements of dietary supplements, transmitted in the media in accordance with the law requirements, especially with the conditions of nutrition and health claims established in 2012. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Advertisements of dietary supplements, transmitted in the period of one week (17-23 of September 2014 r.) into 5 radio and television channels. RESULTS: In the analysed period commercials of 27 assortments of the dietary supplement were being transmitted. Advertisements of 23 of them declared improvement the action of organs or concentration of biochemical indicators in the body. The strength of declarations about the benefits of action of dietary supplements was diversified, from expressions such as "support" to "treat" and "prevent". In some advertisements the authority of medical profession was being used. Moreover many advertisements emphasized the unique and comprehensive active ingredients of dietary supplement on the market. CONCLUSIONS: Advertisements of dietary supplements promise beneficial effect to the human body. In spite of more and more detailed legal requirements many of them are going beyond conditions established for food. It can cause incorrect opinion about the role of dietary supplements in curing medical disorders.