Nutritional Composition of Breakfast in Children and Adolescents with and without Celiac Disease in Spain-Role of Gluten-Free Commercial Products.

Eating a nutritionally balanced breakfast can be a challenge when following a gluten-free diet (GFD). We assessed the ingredients and nutrient composition of 364 gluten-free breakfast products (GFPs) and 348 gluten-containing counterparts (GCCs), and we analysed the nutritional quality of breakfast in a group of Spanish children and adolescents with celiac disease (CD) (n = 70), as compared to controls (n = 67). Food intakes were estimated using three 24 h dietary records. The composition of GFPs and GCCs was retrieved from the package labels of commercially available products. Most participants (98.5%) ate breakfast daily, and only one person in each group skipped breakfast once. The breakfast contribution of the total daily energy was 19% in participants with CD and 20% in controls. CD patients managed a balanced breakfast in terms of energy (54% from carbohydrates; 12% from proteins; 34% from lipids) and key food groups (cereals, dairy, fruits), but their intake of fruits needs improvement. Compared to controls, breakfast in the CD group provided less protein and saturated fat, a similar amount of carbohydrates and fibre, and more salt. Fibre is frequently added to GFPs, but these contain less protein because of the flours used in formulation. Gluten-free bread contains more fat and is more saturated than is GCC. Sugars, sweets, and confectionery contribute more to energy and nutrient intakes in participants with CD, while grain products do so in controls. Overall, breakfast on a GFD can be adequate, but can be improved by GFPs reformulation and a lower consumption of processed foods.

Gluten-Free Product Contribution to Energy and Macronutrient Intakes in Spanish Children and Adolescents with Celiac Disease.

Gluten-free products (GFP) are a good choice for the replacement of cereals when following a gluten-free diet due to celiac disease (CD). However, commercial GFP are made with highly refined flours and may contain more fat, sugar, and salt, and less fiber and micronutrients than gluten-containing analogues, thus challenging the nutritional adequacy of the diet. The aim of this study is to assess the contribution of GFP to the diets of children and adolescents with CD. Food intakes were assessed in a cross-sectional study on 70 children and adolescents with CD (aged four to 18, 50% females), using three 24-h dietary records. GFP consumption reached 165 g a day and comprised mostly bread and fine bakery ware, followed by pasta. GFP contributed with a high percentage (>25%) to total energy, carbohydrates, fiber, and salt daily intakes and, to a lesser extent (<20%), to fat (including saturated fat), sugars and protein. Contribution of homemade products was testimonial. GFP contribution to total energy intake is significant and, consequently, relevant to the nutritional adequacy of the diet. Children and adolescents with CD could benefit from fat, saturated fat, and salt reduction, and fiber enrichment of processed GFP.

Fish, Seafood, and Fish Products Purchasing Habits in the Spanish Population during COVID-19 Lockdown.

The Mediterranean diet is a healthy dietary pattern in which fish consumption is an important key element. In Spain, fish intake is the second highest in Europe. Dietary guidelines recommend an intake of 1-3 portions a week of fish. However, Spanish fish sales have been decreasing since 2008. The unexpected pandemic spread of the SARS-CoV-2 in 2020 led the Spanish Government to take restrictive measures that had an impact on people's behavior, including food purchases and consumption. The aim of the study was to analyze purchase data of fish, seafood, and fish products during the lockdown in Spain, using data from loyalty card holders (>5,000,000 participants) from a hypermarket chain in Spain. The results show a 45% increase in the purchase of all types of fish, seafood, and fish products, with the highest increment observed in the retiree (+65 years) as compared to the younger populations. Moreover, the retiree, in spite of the digital divide, were also the ones that most increased online shopping. These data should be considered since events like COVID-19 confinement can have a permanent impact on people's dietary habits, a possibility that should be monitored in the future.

Nutritional Status in Spanish Adults with Celiac Disease Following a Long-Term Gluten-Free Diet Is Similar to Non-Celiac.

The only available treatment for celiac disease is life-long gluten exclusion. We conducted a cross-sectional age- and gender-matched study in 64 celiac adults on a long-term (>1 year) gluten-free diet and 74 non-celiac volunteers from Spain, using dietary, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters, as well as assessing bone mineral density and physical activity. Celiac adults had deficient intake (below 2/3 of the recommended intake) for folates, vitamin E, and iodine and low intake of calcium (below 80% of the recommended intake). Iron intake was also below 2/3 of the recommended intake in celiac women. Vitamin D intake was extremely low, and 34% of celiac patients had moderately deficient plasma levels. According to bone mineral density, celiac women may be more prone to osteopenia and osteoporosis. However, we found a perfectly analogous nutritional status scenario in celiac as compared to healthy volunteers, with the dietary deviations found being similar to those of the Spanish population, i.e., both groups followed a high-lipid, high-protein, and low-carbohydrate diet. Values for biochemical parameters were found within the reference ranges. Celiac disease had no influence on body weight, but body fat in celiac patients tended to be higher. According to our results, vitamin D, calcium, folates, vitamin E, iodine, and iron nutritional status should be specifically assessed and monitored in the celiac population.

A New Food Composition Database of Lactose-Free Products Commercialized in Spain: Differences in Nutritional Composition as Compared to Traditional Products.

We developed a new database to evaluate the nutritional composition of lactose-free products from Spain. The database includes dairy products and other products, all of which show the "lactose-free" declaration on their label, accounting for 327 products in total. Of these, 123 are dairy products, 16 are non-dairy products which include a dairy ingredient (5%) and 188 items (57% of the sample) are non-dairy products that do not contain any dairy ingredient. The main subgroups are yogurt (25%), milk (24%), and cheese (17%). Nineteen percent of the compiled products included nutritional claims on their labels. Most lactose-free products did not contain either added sugars or low- or no-calorie sweeteners (58%), while 34% included added sugars and only 6%, sweeteners or a combination of both (2%). We found that 19.5%, mainly within the milk subgroup, were fortified with vitamins A, D, E, K, B9, and B12, P, and Ca. There were no significant differences in the nutritional composition between lactose-free products and traditional products. According to the NOVA classification, 55% of compiled lactose-free products were ultra-processed, and 20% processed. The array of lactose-free products marketed in Spain proves that there are enough, both in quantity and quality, to satisfy the dairy needs of lactose intolerants.

Food Sustainability Knowledge and Attitudes in the Spanish Adult Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Moving towards sustainable food systems and food consumption are proposed as strategies to reduce environmental impact. However, these strategies require joint action between different stakeholders, including the general population's knowledge and perception, as final consumers. To assess the knowledge and awareness on food sustainability and environmental impact concepts in a representative sample of Spanish adult population, we conducted a cross-sectional, nationally representative telephone survey. After random selection, 2052 respondents aged ≥18 years (57% woman and 43% men) participated. A questionnaire was specifically designed for the research. Participants showed a good attitude towards sustainable diets, which were described as healthy by 40% of the population. Most of the responders (>70%), did not well understand ecological and carbon footprints, and green and blue water concepts. Men declared a higher understanding of sustainability concepts, as compared to women. More than 50% of the population misunderstood the impact of meat and derivatives production on sustainability, and 70% perceived the same for fish and dairy products. Women were more prone to pay more money to afford a sustainable diet than men were. In conclusion, although consumers show a positive attitude towards sustainability, important misconceptions remain, and thus require intervention through education, information, and motivation.

Updated Food Composition Database for Cereal-Based Gluten Free Products in Spain: Is Reformulation Moving on?

We developed a comprehensive composition database of 629 cereal-based gluten free (GF) products available in Spain. Information on ingredients and nutritional composition was retrieved from food package labels. GF products were primarily composed of rice and/or corn flour, and 90% of them included added rice starch. The most common added fat was sunflower oil (present in one third of the products), followed by palm fat, olive oil, and cocoa. Only 24.5% of the products had the nutrition claim "no added sugar". Fifty-six percent of the GF products had sucrose in their formulation. Xanthan gum was the most frequently employed fiber, appearing in 34.2% of the GF products, followed by other commonly used such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (23.1%), guar gum (19.7%), and vegetable gums (19.6%). Macronutrient analysis revealed that 25.4% of the products could be labeled as a source of fiber. Many of the considered GF food products showed very high contents of energy (33.5%), fats (28.5%), saturated fatty acids (30.0%), sugars (21.6%), and salt (28.3%). There is a timid reformulation in fat composition and salt reduction, but a lesser usage of alternative flours and pseudocereals.

Nutritional assessment of female patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer in a northern region of Spain / Evaluación nutricional de mujeres recién diagnosticadas de cáncer de mama en una cohorte del norte de España

Background: evidence from research suggests that the development of cancer disease is associated with environmental factors. There are few studies evaluating nutritional status in women suffering from cancer in Spain. Objectives: this study aimed to assess the nutritional status in breast cancer female patients at diagnosis in a northern region of Spain (Asturias), where breast cancer rates are particularly high when compared to the rest of Spain. Material and methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 76 newly diagnosed female cancer patients. Lifestyle factors, anthropometry, biochemical, and dietary intake data were collected immediately after diagnosis and prior to the initiation of the prescribed treatment. Results: a high percentage of these women diagnosed with cancer were sedentary (59.2%). Their average body mass index (BMI) was 27.3 ± 5.5 kg/m2. They also showed a high percentage of body fat, 38.3%, as well as a large waist circumference of 92.2 cm. Patients reported a low intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts, and a high intake of red meat, meat products, and sweet foodstuffs as compared to the Spanish dietary guidelines (p < 0.01). Conclusion: the results showed a low intake of folate, calcium, and vitamin D, which is particularly relevant in women. In conclusion, these breast cancer patients showed overweight and high sedentarism levels, and reported unbalanced dietary patterns at the time of diagnosis

Introducción: la evidencia actual indica que el desarrollo de algunos tipos de cáncer está asociado a factores ambientales. Pocos estudios realizados en España han evaluado el estado nutricional de las mujeres con cáncer. Objetivos: el objetivo de este estudio ha sido evaluar el estado nutricional de las mujeres en el momento de ser diagnosticadas de cáncer de mama (CM) en una región del norte de España (Asturias), donde las cifras de cáncer de mama son particularmente elevadas en comparación con el resto de España. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal con una muestra de 76 mujeres recién diagnosticadas de cáncer de mama. Se recopilaron datos sobre su estilo de vida, antropometría, ingesta, bioquímica y dieta de forma inmediata tras el diagnóstico y antes del inicio del tratamiento. Resultados: un alto porcentaje de estas mujeres diagnosticadas de cáncer eran sedentarias (59,2%). El valor medio de su índice de masa corporal (IMC) era de 27,3 ± 5,5 kg/m2. Asimismo, estas pacientes mostraron un alto porcentaje de grasa corporal, del 38,3%, y un elevado perímetro de la cintura, de 92,2 cm. La dieta de todas las pacientes incluía una escasa ingesta de frutas, verduras, legumbres y frutos secos, y en cambio una ingesta elevada de carnes rojas y procesadas y alimentos dulces, en comparación con las recomendaciones dietéticas españolas (p < 0,01). Conclusión: los resultados también mostraron unas escasas ingestas de folato, calcio y vitamina D, particularmente preocupantes en las mujeres. En conclusión, la mayoría de las voluntarias con CM presentaban sobrepeso, altos niveles de sedentarismo y un patrón de dieta no equilibrada en el momento del diagnóstico

Nutritional assessment of female patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer in a northern region of Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Background: evidence from research suggests that the development of cancer disease is associated with environmental factors. There are few studies evaluating nutritional status in women suffering from cancer in Spain. Objectives: this study aimed to assess the nutritional status in breast cancer female patients at diagnosis in a northern region of Spain (Asturias), where breast cancer rates are particularly high when compared to the rest of Spain. Material and methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 76 newly diagnosed female cancer patients. Lifestyle factors, anthropometry, biochemical, and dietary intake data were collected immediately after diagnosis and prior to the initiation of the prescribed treatment. Results: a high percentage of these women diagnosed with cancer were sedentary (59.2%). Their average body mass index (BMI) was 27.3 ± 5.5 kg/m2. They also showed a high percentage of body fat, 38.3%, as well as a large waist circumference of 92.2 cm. Patients reported a low intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts, and a high intake of red meat, meat products, and sweet foodstuffs as compared to the Spanish dietary guidelines (p < 0.01). Conclusion: the results showed a low intake of folate, calcium, and vitamin D, which is particularly relevant in women. In conclusion, these breast cancer patients showed overweight and high sedentarism levels, and reported unbalanced dietary patterns at the time of diagnosis.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la evidencia actual indica que el desarrollo de algunos tipos de cáncer está asociado a factores ambientales. Pocos estudios realizados en España han evaluado el estado nutricional de las mujeres con cáncer. Objetivos: el objetivo de este estudio ha sido evaluar el estado nutricional de las mujeres en el momento de ser diagnosticadas de cáncer de mama (CM) en una región del norte de España (Asturias), donde las cifras de cáncer de mama son particularmente elevadas en comparación con el resto de España. Material y Métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal con una muestra de 76 mujeres recién diagnosticadas de cáncer de mama. Se recopilaron datos sobre su estilo de vida, antropometría, ingesta, bioquímica y dieta de forma inmediata tras el diagnóstico y antes del inicio del tratamiento. Resultados: un alto porcentaje de estas mujeres diagnosticadas de cáncer eran sedentarias (59,2%). El valor medio de su índice de masa corporal (IMC) era de 27,3 ± 5,5 kg/m2. Asimismo, estas pacientes mostraron un alto porcentaje de grasa corporal, del 38,3%, y un elevado perímetro de la cintura, de 92,2 cm. La dieta de todas las pacientes incluía una escasa ingesta de frutas, verduras, legumbres y frutos secos, y en cambio una ingesta elevada de carnes rojas y procesadas y alimentos dulces, en comparación con las recomendaciones dietéticas españolas (p < 0,01). Conclusión: los resultados mostraron unas escasas ingestas de folato, calcio y vitamina D, particularmente preocupantes en las mujeres. En conclusión, la mayoría de las voluntarias con CM presentaban sobrepeso, altos niveles de sedentarismo y un patrón de dieta no equilibrada en el momento del diagnóstico.

Nutritional Status in Spanish Children and Adolescents with Celiac Disease on a Gluten Free Diet Compared to Non-Celiac Disease Controls.

Patients who follow a gluten-free diet (GFD) may be prone to nutritional deficiencies, due to food restriction and consumption of gluten-free products. The aim was to assess nutritional status in celiac children and adolescents on a long-term GFD. A cross-sectional age and gender-matched study in 70 celiac and 67 non-celiac volunteers was conducted, using dietary, anthropometric, biochemical parameters, and assessing bone mineral density and physical activity. Adequacy of vitamin D intake to recommendations was very low, in both groups, and intakes for calcium and magnesium were significantly lower in celiac volunteers. Celiac children and adolescents may have a higher risk of iron and folate deficiencies. Both groups followed a high-lipid, high-protein, low fiber diet. Median vitamin D plasma levels fell below reference values, in celiac and non-celiac participants, and were significantly lower in celiac girls. Other biochemical parameters were within normal ranges. Anthropometry and bone mineral density were similar within groups. With the exception of some slightly lower intakes, children and adolescents following a GFD appear to follow the same trends as healthy individuals on a normal diet. No effect of food restriction or gluten-free product consumption was observed.

Identifying Factors Related to Food Agency: Cooking Habits in the Spanish Adult Population-A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study focuses on understanding factors that influence food agency in the Spanish population, specifically with regard to cooking habits, knowledge, and determinants and their possible relationship with body weight. A cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted. Individuals were asked about their cooking responsibilities, how they learned to cook, factors that affect their food choices, and their preferred cooking techniques. Anthropometric data were also recorded. Participants were randomly selected, and we finally had 2026 respondents aged ≥18 years (60% women, 40% men). A total of 90.5% of participants stated that they had cooking skills. Women were mainly responsible for cooking tasks (p < 0.05) at all ages. A significantly higher proportion of people under 50 years self-reported that they were "able to cook" in comparison with groups over 50 years. Regardless of age, most participants learned to cook either by practice (43.3%) or from a family member (42.2%). Men tended to be more autodidactic, whereas women reported learning from family. No relation was found between weight status and the evaluated factors investigated. In conclusion, women bear the responsibility for the entire cooking process in families, indicating a gender gap in the involvement of men in cooking responsibilities and competence. More research is needed to assess the influence of cooking knowledge on obesity prevention.

Present Food Shopping Habits in the Spanish Adult Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Information on grocery shopping patterns is one key to understanding dietary changes in recent years in Spain. This report presents an overview of Spanish food shopping patterns in the adult population. A cross-sectional, nationally representative telephone survey was conducted in Spain. Individuals were asked about food shopping responsibility roles, types of visited food stores, time spent, additional behaviors while shopping, the influence of marketing/advertising and, in particular, fresh produce shopping profile. Binary logistic regression models were developed. The final random sample included 2026 respondents aged ≥18 years, of which 1223 were women and 803 were men. Women reported being in charge of most of the food shopping activities. Looking for best prices, more than looking for healthy or sustainable foods, seemed to be a general behavior. Supermarkets were the preferred retail spaces for food price consideration, convenience, variety and availability. Fresh produce shopping was associated with traditional markets and neighborhood stores in terms of reliance and personalized service. It is essential to highlight the importance of the role played by women. They are the main supporters concerned in preserving adequate dietary habits. Economic factors, more than health or food sustainability, are commonly considered by the population. Traditional markets may play an important role in preserving some healthy dietary habits of the Mediterranean food culture in Spain.

Voluntary Folic Acid Fortification Levels and Nutrient Composition of Food Products from the Spanish Market: A 2011-2015 Update.

INTRODUCTION: Folic acid (FA) is a synthetic compound commonly added for voluntary fortification of food products in many European countries. In our country, food composition databases (FCDB) lack comprehensive data on FA fortification practices and this is considered a priority research need when undergoing nutritional assessment of the population. METHODS: A product inventory was collected and updated by visiting retail stores in Madrid Region, conducting online supermarket searches, and by the provision of food label information by manufacturers. Euro-FIR FCDB guidelines for data compilation and harmonization were used. RESULTS: The FCDB, compiled between 2011 and 2015, includes FA as well as macro and micronutrient data from 338 fortified foodstuffs. As compared to previous FCDB updates (May 2010), 37 products have ceased to declare added FA in their labels, mainly yogurt and fermented milk products. The main food subgroup is 'breakfast cereals' (n = 95, 34% of total). However, the highest average FA fortification levels per recommended serving were observed in the 'milk, milk products, and milk substitutes' group at ≥35% FA Nutrient Reference Values (NRV, 200 µg, EU Regulation 1169 of 2011) (60-76.3 µg FA per 200 mL). Average contribution to the FA NRV per food group and serving ranged between 16%-35%. CONCLUSION: Our data show a minor decrease in the number of FA fortified products, but vitamin levels added by manufacturers are stable in most food groups and subgroups. This representative product inventory comprises the main FA food source from voluntary fortification in our country. It is therefore a unique compilation tool with valuable data for the assessment of dietary intakes for the vitamin.

Conclusions of the II International and IV Spanish Hydration Congress. Toledo, Spain, 2nd-4th December, 2015.

Water is the major component of our organism representing about 60% of total body weight in adults and has to be obtained through the consumption of different foods and beverages as part of our diet. Water is an essential nutrient performing important functions, including transport of other nutrients, elimination of waste products, temperature regulation, lubrication and structural support. In this context, hydration through water has an essential role in health and wellness, which has been highly acknowledged in recent years among the health community experts such as nutritionists, dietitians, general practitioners, pharmacists, educators, as well as by physical activity and sport sciences experts and the general population.

Folate content in fresh-cut vegetable packed products by 96-well microtiter plate microbiological assay.

Ready-to-eat foods have nowadays become a significant portion of the diet. Accordingly, nutritional composition of these food categories should be well-known, in particular its folate content. However, there is a broad lack of folate data in food composition tables and databases. A total of 21 fresh-cut vegetable and fruit packed products were analysed for total folate (TF) content using a validated method that relies on the folate-dependent growth of chloramphenicol-resistant Lactobacillus casei subspecies rhamnosus (NCIMB 10463). Mean TF content ranged from 10.0 to 140.9µg/100g for the different matrices on a fresh weight basis. Higher TF quantity, 140.9-70.1µg/100g, was found in spinach, rocket, watercress, chard and broccoli. Significant differences were observed between available data for fresh vegetables and fruits from food composition tables or databases and the analysed results for fresh-cut packed products. Supplied data support the potential of folate-rich fresh-cut ready-to-eat vegetables to increase folate intake significantly.

Contribution of folic acid-fortified foods to fertile women's folate Recommended Nutrient Intake through breakfast simulation models.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the potential contribution of foods fortified with folic acid (FA) to target population intakes when included as part of a healthy breakfast. DESIGN: Breakfast models aligned with the Spanish Dietary Guidelines were studied using the recommended, average and 95th percentile of serving sizes consumed by women of childbearing age. Food composition data were obtained from a database including FA analytical data from sixty-eight products and the Spanish food composition tables. Different scenarios were assessed with the inclusion of one, two or three FA-fortified products and with two different fortification levels: ≤ 33 µg/serving (L1) and ≥ 70 µg/serving (L4). FA contents provided by the different models for each scenario were compared with the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) for folate and the Upper Level (UL) of intake for FA. SETTING: Madrid Region, Spain. SUBJECTS: Women aged 16-49 years were considered. RESULTS: Overall, simulation of ten breakfast models and three scenarios of product inclusion accounted for 20-25% of total daily energy recommendations for women. Unfortified breakfast models provided on average 4-23% of the folate RNI. Inclusion of one L4 FA-fortified food contributed 20-60% of the RNI. Fortified yoghurt and milk had the highest FA contents per serving. Scenarios with two or three fortified products delivered 40-80% of the RNI. None of the evaluated models exceeded the FA UL. CONCLUSIONS: At existing levels of FA fortification, inclusion of fortified products as part of a regular breakfast meal could positively impact the nutritional quality of women's diet without involving a risk of excessive FA exposure.

Obesidad y sedentarismo en el siglo XXI: ¿qué se puede y se debe hacer? / Obesity and sedentarism in the 21st century: what can be done and what must be done?

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Cuantificación de folato total en alimentos ready-to-eat / Determination of folate content in ready-to-eatfood products

Introducción: Los productos ready-to-eat, ya cocinados, envasados y refrigerados, son cada vez más consumidos en nuestro país. Sin embargo, no existen estudios que cuantifiquen su disponibilidad comercial, composición e información detallada para poder estimar su impacto sobre las ingestas, particularmente de folatos, en los diferentes grupos de población. Objetivos: La finalidad de este trabajo de investigación ha consistido en conocer la disponibilidad actual de alimentos ready-to-eat de base vegetal y aportar datos sobre el contenido de folato total de los mismos. Métodos: La concentración de folato total se determinó en 17 productos precocinados refrigerados, con ingredientes vegetales, mediante el método microbiológico basado en el crecimiento del Lactobacillus casei subespecie rhamnosus resistente a cloranfenicol. La precisión del procedimiento analítico se comprobó mediante un material de referencia certificado y por una prueba de recuperación con ácido fólico tritiado. Resultados y discusión: El contenido medio de FT varió desde 13,6 hasta 103,8 μg/100 g de peso fresco, siendo superior en hamburguesas vegetales, recetas con garbanzos, guisantes o alcachofas con jamón. Los alimentos se sometieron al tratamiento térmico indicado por el fabricante previo a su consumo, observándose que no existen pérdidas de folatos durante este último procesado. El coeficiente de variación de los duplicados del mismo producto fue inferior al 15%. Conclusiones: Se presentan datos pioneros relativos al análisis de folatos en alimentos ready-to-eat en el mercado español, que ayudarán a evaluar la adecuación de la ingesta de folatos en la población. El contenido de folatos de estos productos, su facilidad de consumo y atractiva presentación, los convierte en fuentes potenciales de la vitamina (AU)

INTRODUCTION: In the last years, the consumption of ready-to-eat foods has become an increasing part of the current Spanish diet. Accordingly, the nutritional composition of these food categories should be investigated in order to estimate its contribution to vitamin and nutrient intakes, in particular its folate content. The broad lack of folate data in food composition tables and databases justifies this approach. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to screen the current availability and to supply new folate data in ready-to-eat commercial products in the Spanish market. METHODS: Seventeen ready-to-eat foods, including mainly vegetable ingredients, were analysed for total folate content using a validated method that relies on Lactobacillus casei ssp. rhamnosus chloramphenicol-resistant folate dependent growth. The accuracy of the analytical procedure was checked using a certified reference material and by a recovery test. RESULTS: Mean TF content ranged from 13.6 to 103.8 μg/100 g in different food matrices on a fresh weight basis. Higher TF quantity was found for vegetable hamburguers, recipes including chickpeas, peas or artichockes. Selected precooked products were also analysed after a soft heat treatment as recommended by the manufacter before its consumption. No significant differences were found in the folate content after processing. The coefficient of variation for the duplicates of the same product was less than 15%. CONCLUSION: Folate content in ready-to-eat products indicates the potential to considerably increase folate intake by choosing folate-rich foods. There have been no previous reports on folate data in chilled ready-to-eat meals. The present data will assist dietary studies to estimate and evaluate the adequacy of population folate intakes (AU)

[Determination of folate content in ready-to-eat food products]. / Cuantificación de folato total en alimentos ready-to-eat.

INTRODUCTION: In the last years, the consumption of ready-to-eat foods has become an increasing part of the current Spanish diet. Accordingly, the nutritional composition of these food categories should be investigated in order to estimate its contribution to vitamin and nutrient intakes, in particular its folate content. The broad lack of folate data in food composition tables and databases justifies this approach. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to screen the current availability and to supply new folate data in ready-to-eat commercial products in the Spanish market. METHODS: Seventeen ready-to-eat foods, including mainly vegetable ingredients, were analysed for total folate content using a validated method that relies on Lactobacillus casei ssp. rhamnosus chloramphenicol-resistant folate dependent growth. The accuracy of the analytical procedure was checked using a certified reference material and by a recovery test. RESULTS: Mean TF content ranged from 13.6 to 103.8 µg/100 g in different food matrices on a fresh weight basis. Higher TF quantity was found for vegetable hamburguers, recipes including chickpeas, peas or artichockes. Selected precooked products were also analysed after a soft heat treatment as recommended by the manufacter before its consumption. No significant differences were found in the folate content after processing. The coefficient of variation for the duplicates of the same product was less than 15%. CONCLUSION: Folate content in ready-to-eat products indicates the potential to considerably increase folate intake by choosing folate-rich foods. There have been no previous reports on folate data in chilled ready-to-eat meals. The present data will assist dietary studies to estimate and evaluate the adequacy of population folate intakes.

Introducción: Los productos ready-to-eat, ya cocinados, envasados y refrigerados, son cada vez más consumidos en nuestro país. Sin embargo, no existen estudios que cuantifiquen su disponibilidad comercial, composición e información detallada para poder estimar su impacto sobre las ingestas, particularmente de folatos, en los diferentes grupos de población. Objetivos: La finalidad de este trabajo de investigación ha consistido en conocer la disponibilidad actual de alimentos ready-to-eat de base vegetal y aportar datos sobre el contenido de folato total de los mismos. Métodos: La concentración de folato total se determinó en 17 productos precocinados refrigerados, con ingredientes vegetales, mediante el método microbiológico basado en el crecimiento del Lactobacillus casei subespecie rhamnosus resistente a cloranfenicol. La precisión del procedimiento analítico se comprobó mediante un material de referencia certificado y por una prueba de recuperación con ácido fólico tritiado. Resultados y discusión: El contenido medio de FT varió desde 13,6 hasta 103,8 µg/100 g de peso fresco, siendo superior en hamburguesas vegetales, recetas con garbanzos, guisantes o alcachofas con jamón. Los alimentos se sometieron al tratamiento térmico indicado por el fabricante previo a su consumo, observándose que no existen pérdidas de folatos durante este último procesado. El coeficiente de variación de los duplicados del mismo producto fue inferior al 15%. Conclusiones: Se presentan datos pioneros relativos al análisis de folatos en alimentos ready-to-eat en el mercado español, que ayudarán a evaluar la adecuación de la ingesta de folatos en la población. El contenido de folatos de estos productos, su facilidad de consumo y atractiva presentación, los convierte en fuentes potenciales de la vitamina.