Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) pulp oil has the potential to enhance the intestinal barrier morphology, goblet cell proliferation and gut microbiota composition in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) is a palm tree native from Brazil, whose pulp is rich in oil that has a high content of oleic acid and carotenoids. Macauba pulp oil can bring health benefits due to its bioactive compounds; however, its effects on gut health are unknown. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of macauba pulp oil on the intestinal health in mice fed a high-fat (HF) diet. Male C57BL1/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups (10 animals/group): control diet, HF diet and HF diet with 4 % of macauba pulp oil (HFM). Concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), faecal pH and histomorphometric analysis of the colon were performed. Content of colon samples was used on microbiome analysis using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Animals from the HFM group had higher butyric acid content and goblet cells number, greater circular and longitudinal muscle layer and higher α-diversity compared with the HF group. Moreover, consumption of MPO reduced Desulfobacterota phylum, Ruminococcaceae, Oscillospiraceae, Prevotellaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae family, Faecalibacterium, Prevotella, Ruminococcus and Enterorhabdus genus. Therefore, macauba pulp oil was able to modulate the gut microbiota and enhance intestinal barrier morphology, showing preventive effects on gut dysbiosis in mice fed a HF diet.

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) flour modulates the intestinal microbiota in Wistar rats fed a high-fat and high-fructose diet.

A diet rich in sugar and fat can promote metabolic disorders development, especially in the intestine. Chia flour (Salvia hispanica. L) is a source of dietary fiber, alpha-linolenic fatty acid (ALA), bioactive peptides, and phenolics, promoting health benefits. This study aimed to analyze chia flour's effect on gut microbiota modulation and intestinal health in adult male Wistar rats fed a high-fat and high-fructose (HFHF) diet. Male Wistar rats (n = 10/group) were fed the diets standard (AIN-93M) or HFHF (31% saturated fat and 20% fructose) in the first phase to induce metabolic disorders. In the second phase, the rats were fed AIN-93M, HFHF, or HFHF plus 14.7% chia flour (HFHF + CF) for 10 weeks. The consumption of chia flour increased the ALA (3.24 ± 0.24) intake and significantly improved immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels (1126.00 ± 145.90), goblet cells number (24.57 ± 2.76), crypt thickness (34.37 ± 5.86), crypt depth (215.30 ± 23.19), the longitudinal muscle layer (48.11 ± 5.04), cecum weight (4.39 ± 0.71), Shannon index (p < 0.05), and significantly increased the production of acetic (20.56 ± 4.10) and butyric acids (5.96 ± 1.50), Monoglobus sp., Lachnospiraceae sp., and Prevotellaceae sp. abundance. Furthermore, chia significantly reduced the cecal pH content (7.54 ± 1.17), body mass index (0.62 ± 0.03) and weight (411.00 ± 28.58), and Simpson index (p < 0.05). Therefore, chia intake improved intestinal health parameters and functionality in rats with metabolic disorders, which demonstrates to be an effective strategy for gut microbiota modulation.

Functional effects of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) and kefir on systemic inflammation, antioxidant activity, and intestinal microbiome in rats with induced colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers with high morbidity and mortality. The modulation of intestinal health through the administration of pro- and prebiotics may be a viable alternative to reduce the risk of CRC. This study aimed to evaluate the functional effects of yacon and kefir, isolated or associated, in rats with colorectal cancer. Adult Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 8): HC (healthy control AIN-93M diet), CC (CCR + AIN-93M diet), Y (CCR + AIN-93 M + yacon diet), K (CCR + AIN-93-M + kefir diet) and YK (CCR + AIN-93 M + yacon + kefir diet). Colorectal carcinogenesis was induced in groups CC, Y, K, and YK with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (55 mg kg-1, subcutaneously) for 5 weeks. From the 6th week onwards, the experimental groups were fed the respective diets. In the 15th week, urine was collected for analysis of intestinal permeability and then the animals were euthanized. Yacon increased acetate levels, reduced pH and carcinogenic neoplastic lesions, and increased the abundance of bacteria related to the fermentation of non-digestible carbohydrates, such as the genera Dorea, Collinsela, and Bifidobacteria. On the other hand, kefir increased macroscopic neoplastic lesions and increased the abundance of Firmicutes and Clostridium. The association of yacon + kefir increased the number of carcinogenic lesions, despite a reduction in pH and beneficial bacteria prevalence. Thus, it is concluded that yacon, unlikely kefir, is a promising alternative to mitigate the manifestations of induced carcinogenesis in rats.

Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) and kefir improved intestinal and bone health but without symbiotic benefits in rats.

Kefir is a natural source of probiotics, and yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is a tuberous root rich in fructooligosaccharides, with prebiotic properties. We hypothesized that kefir and yacon can improve bone and intestinal health and that their synbiotic effects will enhance these benefits. The properties of yacon and kefir and their association were evaluated in the intestinal and bone health in rats. Forty Wistar male rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 10): control (C), kefir (K), yacon (Y), and yacon + kefir (YK) and received an AIN-93 M diet containing 50% of the daily recommendation of calcium for 42 days. Group K received 1 mL/day of kefir containing 108 CFU/mL; group Y received yacon flour (5% fructooligosaccharides); and the YK group received the same treatment as the Y and K groups. Urine and feces were collected to determine the calcium balance. Serum biomarkers of bone formation and resorption, osteocalcin, N telopeptides of collagen type I and C-telopeptide of collagen type I, intraluminal pH, intestinal permeability, and secretory immunoglobulin A were evaluated. Yacon reduced intraluminal pH alone or in association with kefir (groups Y and YK). Yacon also improved intestinal permeability (lowered lactulose and mannitol excretion) and increased calcium balance and osteocalcin, a biomarker of bone formation. In turn, K improved immunity by increasing secretory immunoglobulin A secretion and reducing bone resorption biomarkers (C-telopeptide of collagen type I and N telopeptides of collagen type I). Thus, yacon and kefir had beneficial effects on intestinal and bone health; however, the association between them did not demonstrate a synbiotic effect.

Chia flour combined with a high fat diet increases propionic acid production and improves the microbial richness and diversity in female Wistar rats.

Chia is a functional food because of its positive impact on reducing the risk of metabolic diseases. These benefits are due to its nutritional composition as a source of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds. In our previous study, chia consumption increased the richness of the microbiota and the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) when consumed by male Wistar rats, so, the objective of this study was to assess the effects of the consumption of chia with a high fat diet on gut health in female Wistar rats. 32 adult female Wistar rats were allocated into four groups and received one of the following diets: standard diet (SD), standard diet + chia (SDC), high fat diet (HFD) or high fat diet + chia (HFDC) for 8 weeks. At the end of the study, the intestinal microbiota, SCFA content, cecum content pH, immunoglobulin A (IgA) quantification and brush border membrane functionality were evaluated. There was no difference in the relative abundance of the gut microbiota, but chia consumption increased the microbial richness and diversity, increased the production of acetic and butyric acids in the SDC group and propionic acid in the HFD group, and decreased the pH of cecal content. The HFDC group demonstrated a lower IgA concentration compared to the HFD group. The SDC group increased SI and AP gene expression and decreased SGLT1 and PepT1 compared to the SD group. The consumption of chia can be beneficial for the functionality of the microbiota, improving SCFAs and intestinal pH, and the effects of chia in the microbiota can be more pronounced in HFD.

Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) Pulp Oil Prevents Adipogenesis, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

Macauba is a palm tree native to Brazil, which fruits are rich in oil. Macauba pulp oil has high contents of oleic acid, carotenoids, and tocopherol, but its effect on health is unknown. We hypothesized that macauba pulp oil would prevent adipogenesis and inflammation in mice. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of macauba pulp oil on the metabolic changes in C57Bl/6 mice fed a high-fat diet. Three experimental groups were used (n = 10): control diet (CD), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet with macauba pulp oil (HFM). The HFM reduced malondialdehyde and increased SOD activity and antioxidant capacity (TAC), showing high positive correlations between total tocopherol, oleic acid, and carotenoid intakes and SOD activity (r = 0.9642, r = 0.8770, and r = 0.8585, respectively). The animals fed the HFM had lower levels of PPAR-γ and NF-κB, which were negatively correlated with oleic acid intake (r = -0.7809 and r = -0.7831, respectively). Moreover, the consumption of macauba pulp oil reduced inflammatory infiltrate, adipocyte number and length, (mRNA) TNF-α, and (mRNA) SREBP-1c in the adipose tissue, and it increased (mRNA) Adiponectin. Therefore, macauba pulp oil prevents oxidative stress, inflammation, and adipogenesis and increases antioxidant capacity; these results highlight its potential against metabolic changes induced by an HFD.

Effect of chia flour associated with high fat diet on intestinal health in female ovariectomized Wistar rats.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of chia flour associated with a high fat diet on intestinal health in female ovariectomized Wistar rats. METHODS: The study was conducted with 32 adult female ovariectomized Wistar rats, which were separated into four groups: standard diet (ST), standard diet with chia (STC), high fat diet (HF) and high fat diet with chia (HFC) for 18 weeks. Cecum content pH, short chain fatty acid content, brush border membrane functionality and morphology and the gut microbiota were evaluated. RESULTS: This study demonstrated that the consumption of chia flour increased the production of acetic and butyric acids, the longitudinal and circular muscle layers and crypt thickness. It also improved the expression of aminopeptidase (AP) and sucrose-isomaltase (SI) and decreased the cecum content pH. Further, the consumption of chia improved richness and decreased diversity of the microbiota. Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) clustering indicated difference between the ST and STC groups. In the linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis, the Bacteroides genus and members of the Muribaculaceae and Lachnospiraceae families were enriched in the STC treatment group. The STC group demonstrated the enrichment of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathways related to peptidoglycan and coenzyme A biosynthesis. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that chia flour, which is rich in dietary fiber and phenolic compounds, presented potential properties to improve intestinal health.

Effect of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) Associated with High-Fat Diet on the Intestinal Health of Wistar Rats.

A direct correlation has been reported between excessive fat intake and the development and progression of various enteropathies. Plant foods may contain bioactive compounds and non-digestible dietary fiber, with potential to improve intestinal health. Chia is a good source of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds. Our study evaluated the role of chia flour associated with a high-fat diet (HFD) on colon histomorphometry, intestinal functionality and intestinal microbiome composition and function in Wistar rats. The study used 32 young male rats separated into four groups to receive a standard diet (SD) or HFD, with or without chia, for 35 days. At the end of the study, the cecum, cecal content and duodenum were collected. The consumption of chia increased the production of short-chain fatty acids and improved fecal moisture. Chia consumption improved the circular muscle layer in the SD group. The diversity and abundance of intestinal bacteria were not affected, but increased richness was observed in the microbiome of the SD+chia group. Moreover, chia consumption decreased the expression of proteins involved in intestinal functionality. Chia consumption improved intestinal morphology and functionality in young Wistar rats but was insufficient to promote significant changes in the intestinal microbiome in a short term of 35 days.

Brown and golden flaxseed reduce intestinal permeability and endotoxemia, and improve the lipid profile in perimenopausal overweight women.

The effect of brown and golden flaxseeds on lipid profile, oxidative stress, intestinal permeability, endotoxemia, and fasting glycaemia of perimenopausal overweight women was investigated in this clinical trial. Thirty participants were divided into control (CG), brown flaxseed (BF), and golden flaxseed (GF) groups. BF and GF received 40 g of brown and golden flaxseed for 12 weeks. Venous blood samples were collected at the beginning and at the end. Intestinal permeability analysis was performed by urinary excretion of lactulose and mannitol. There was significant reduction in intestinal permeability in flaxseed groups, with delta of lactulose/mannitol ratio smaller (p ≤ 0.05). LPS levels were reduced in the flaxseed groups, whereas low-density lipoproteins (LDL) was decreased in the GF group (p ≤ 0.05). Flaxseed consumption did not change oxidative stress markers and glycaemia. Flaxseed consumption, especially golden flaxseed, reduced intestinal permeability and improved the lipid profile, showing positive effects on metabolic changes caused by menopausal transition.HIGHLIGHTSBrown and golden flaxseeds show a high content of insoluble fibre and alpha-linolenic acid, and brown flaxseed presented higher antioxidant activity.Golden flaxseed improved the lipid profile.Brown and golden flaxseeds reduced intestinal permeability and endotoxemia.Brown and golden flaxseed can be a promising alternative for the prevention of metabolic changes caused by menopausal transition, and for the improvement of the intestinal health.

Effects of whole peanut within an energy-restricted diet on inflammatory and oxidative processes in obese women: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Peanut consumption has little effect on body weight, despite its high energy density and is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk. Based on previous research, we hypothesized that the consumption of whole peanut would be associated with greater improvements in body composition, lipid profile, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-four women with obesity [body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg m-2 ], 33.1 ± 8.7 years old, were assigned to three groups and consumed 56 g of whole peanut (WP), skinned peanut (SP), and no peanut (NP) and consumed energy-restricted diets (250 kcal d-1 less than their customary diet) for 8 weeks. RESULTS: WP group lost an average of 3.2 kg, while SP group lost 2.6 kg and the NP group 1.8 kg. However, only the groups that consumed peanuts showed a significant reduction in BMI. WP group presented lower body weight, BMI, waist circumference, total lean mass, and total body fat than the SP group in the eighth week. There was a significant reduction in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) after 4 weeks of intervention, which was maintained in week-8 for the WP and SP groups. In addition, there was an improvement in platelets and plasma homocysteine with WP group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the regular intake of the whole peanut as part of an energy-restricted diet showed health benefits since it enhanced body weight loss, besides improving body composition and reducing cholesterol, platelets, and homocysteine concentrations. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bioaccessibility of minerals in combinations of biofortified foods with Fe, Zn and vitamin A.

Initiatives to improve the nutritional quality of staple foods, such as beans and cassava by bio fortification should be encouraged as an alternative to overcome the deficiencies of iron and vitamin A. The evaluation of the bio accessibility of the minerals in these foods is also important, since the composition of nutrients does not necessarily correspond to the amount absorbed and metabolized in the body. Thus, the present work aims to evaluate the bio accessibility of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in the presence of ß-carotene in combinations of bio fortified food sources of Fe and Zn (cowpea cooked with and without maceration: CM/CW, respectively) and ß-carotene (cooked cassava and cassava flour: CC/CF, respectively). The mixtures, after cooking, were analyzed for the centesimal composition and minerals, phytates, the percentage of iron and zinc bio accessibility by in vitro method and molar ratio. The mixtures presented significant amounts of proteins, carbohydrates and fibers. The ß-carotene content showed no statistical difference in processing methods. The Fe content showed lower levels in the controls with cassava flour and its bio accessibility was also lower for treatment with cassava flour with CM, while for Zn or higher content it was used for treatment CW/CF, differing only from the treatment CW/CC, although their bio accessibilities were not different, except to iron in CMCC treatment. Both the IP6 fraction and the IP5 fraction did not show a significant difference (p > 0.05) between the treatments, it suggests no interference in bio accessibility. A diet rich in iron and vitamin A in adequate amounts with minimal content of absorption inhibitors can be effective in controlling iron deficiency. Bio fortified mixtures must be encouraged in different forms of consumption.

Cardioprotective action of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) in ovariectomized rats fed a high fat diet.

The reduction in estrogen levels is associated with the increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease development. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of chia consumption in a standard diet (SD) or high fat diet (HFD) on ovariectomized (OVX) and non-ovariectomized (SHAM) rats, in relation to biometric measurements, oxidative stress, mineral content and ATPase enzymes in the heart. The study was conducted with 80 female Wistar rats, which received a SD or HFD for 18 weeks. During the first 7 weeks, the animals received the SD or HFD. Then, 40 rats were ovariectomized and 40 rats were SHAM operated. After recovery from surgery, the animals were allocated to 8 groups (n = 10) and they received one of the following diets for 8 weeks: SD, SD + chia, HFD and HFD + chia. In the OVX group, HFD increased weight gain, adiposity, cardiac hypertrophy, and nitric oxide (NO) and K concentration and decreased the Na+/K+ATPase activity. In combination with HFD, ovariectomy decreased the catalase activity, Mg, Cu and Zn concentration, total ATPase activity, and Na+/K+ATPase and Mg2 + ATPase activities; this group also presented higher NO, Ca, K, Fe and Mn concentration in the heart. The SHAM group fed chia presented a lower fat content in the heart. In the OVX group fed HFD, chia increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, decreased NO and maintained the content of minerals and ATPase enzymes. Thus, chia improved the biometric parameters of the heart, the antioxidant activity and maintained the content of minerals and ATPase enzymes, showing a cardioprotective action, but without reversing the deleterious effects of ovariectomy.

Bioavailability of Calcium from Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) in Ovariectomized Rats Fed a High Fat Diet.

BACKGROUND: Skeletal abnormalities such as bone loss occur when there is an imbalance in bone matrix synthesis and bone resorption. This imbalance is also caused by hormonal changes and inflammation. Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) has a high nutritional value and is an excellent source of calcium. Evaluate the bioavailability of calcium from chia, and its effect on bone metabolism when consumed as part of a standard or high fat diet (HFD) in ovariectomized rats. METHODS: The study was conducted with 80 female Wistar rats that received standard diet or HFD. 40 female mice were ovariectomized (OVX) and 40 were sham-operated (SHAM). After recovery from surgery the animals received chia as a source of 20% of the calcium recommendation, calcium bioavailability was measured using the calcium balance technique. Bone strength and bone morphometry were evaluated by weight, length and microtomography measurements. RESULTS: HFD increased serum calcium and decreased calcium retention. The addition of chia to HFD did not alter bone morphology. Ovariectomy led to lower percentage of bone volume, smaller trabecular thickness, higher trabecular separation and higher porosity, when ovariectomy was associated with HFD, the final weight, waist circumference, body mass index and adiposity were increased. CONCLUSIONS: Chia maintained bone health when offered as a source of 20% calcium, in a diet that met 100% of the mineral recommendation, regardless of the type of diet, in animals non-ovariectomized adults.

Aerobic exercise attenuates the effects of ovariectomy and sedentarism on body composition and food intake in female rats / Exercício aeróbico atenua os efeitos da ovariectomia e do sedentarismo na composição corporal e no consumo alimentar em ratas

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the impact of low to moderate aerobic exercise and ovariectomy on body composition and food consumption in female rats. Methods Forty adult Wistar female rats (age: 23 weeks; body weight: 275.2±3.6g; mean±SEM) were divided into 4 groups (n=10): laparotomy-sedentary; laparotomy-exercised; ovariectomy-sedentary; and ovariectomy-exercised. The exercised groups were submitted to a treadmill running program (16m/min; 30min/day, 5 days/week), for 8 weeks. Body weight and food consumption were monitored during the experiment. Visceral fat and carcass water, protein, ash, fat and carbohydrate fractions were analyzed. Two-way ANOVA plus the Tukey's post hoc test was used for comparisons and p<0.05 was considered significant. Results The ovariectomized (ovariectomy-sedentary+ovariectomy-exercised) and sedentary (laparotomy-sedentary+ovariectomy-sedentary) animals showed higher (p<0.05) weight gain, food consumption, food efficiency ratio and weight gain/body weight ratio than laparotomy animals (laparotomy-sedentary+laparotomy-exercised) and exercised (exercised laparotomy+exercised ovariectomy), respectively. The ovariectomized and sedentary animals showed higher (p<0.05) carcass weight, fat percentage and visceral fat than laparotomy and exercised rats, respectively. Conclusion Ovariectomy and physical inactivity increase obesogenic indicators, whereas regular aerobic exercise of low to moderate intensity attenuates these unfavorable effects in female rats.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o impacto do exercício aeróbico de intensidade baixa a moderada e da ovariectomia na composição corporal e no consumo alimentar em ratas. Métodos Quarenta ratas Wistar adultas (idade: 23 semanas; peso corporal: 275, 2±3, 6g; média±EPM) foram divididas em 4 grupos (n=10): laparotomia-sedentária, laparotomia-exercitada, ovariectomia-sedentária e ovariectomia-exercitada. Os grupos laparotomia-exercitada e ovariectomia-exercitada foram submetidos a um programa de corrida em esteira (16m/mim; 30min/dia, 5 dias/semana) durante 8 semanas. Foram monitorados o peso corporal e o consumo alimentar das ratas durante o experimento. Analisaram-se as frações de água, proteínas, cinzas, gordura e carboidrato da carcaça, bem como a gordura visceral. Empregou-se ANOVA Two-Way, seguida do teste post hoc de Tukey para as análises estatísticas. Adotou-se o nível de significância de p<0,05. Resultados As ratas ovariectomizadas (ovariectomia-sedentária+ovariectomia-exercitada) e sedentárias (laparotomia-sedentária+ ovariectomia-sedentária) exibiram maior (p<0,05) ganho de peso, consumo alimentar, coeficiente de eficácia alimentar e taxa de ganho de peso/peso corporal do que as ratas laparotomizadas (laparotomia-sedentária+laparotomia-exercitada) e exercitadas (laparotomia-exercitada+ovariectomia-exercitada), respectivamente. A carcaça das ratas ovariectomizadas e sedentárias apresentaram maior (p<0,05) peso, percentual de gordura e gordura visceral do que as ratas laparotomizadas e exercitadas, respectivamente. Conclusão A ovariectomia e o sedentarismo elevam indicadores obesogênicos, enquanto que o exercício aeróbico regular de intensidade baixa a moderada atenua esses efeitos desfavoráveis em ratas.

Cultivars of biofortified cowpea and sweet potato: Bioavailability of iron and interaction with vitamin A in vivo and in vitro.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction of pro-vitamin A-rich sweet potato on iron bioavailability of biofortified cowpeas, using in vitro Caco-2 cells and in vivo depletion-repletion rat model. Mixtures of conventional rice with cultivars of iron-biofortified (Aracê, Xiquexique, and Tumucumaque) or conventional (Guariba) cowpeas with or without sweet potato biofortified with pro-vitamin A carotenoids were evaluated. The ratio of ferritin/total protein in Caco-2 cells was used as the index of cellular Fe uptake in the in vitro assay. The animal study evaluated the hemoglobin gain, the relative biological value, and the gene expression of transferrin and ferritin proteins by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In the in vitro study, Xiquexique cowpea presented higher bioavailability of iron in the absence of sweet potato, and no difference was observed between the other cultivars of cowpea with and without sweet potato. The in vivo bioavailability (relative biological value of hemoglobin regeneration efficiency) differed statistically only between Guariba groups added to sweet potato and Tumucumaque. Ferritin mRNA expression did not differ between the test and control (ferrous sulfate) groups. Regarding the transferrin mRNA expression, there was a difference between the test and control groups except for the Xiquexique group. The association of rice and beans with sweet potato rich in carotenoids favored the gene expression of proteins involved in the iron metabolism, as well as its bioavailability, corroborating beneficial effects of this mixture. Xiquexique cowpea was shown to be the most promising compared to the other cultivars, exhibiting higher iron content in the digestible fraction, better in vitro bioavailability of iron, and transferrin gene expression. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Data from the study indicated greater in vitro bioavailability of iron for Xiquexique cowpea and sweet potato mixtures, in addition to the greater regeneration efficiency of hemoglobin in vivo as the bioavailability of iron among biofortified beans, highlighting the promising benefits of biofortification.

Bioaccessibility and bioavailability of iron in biofortified germinated cowpea.

BACKGROUND: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walph) is predominantly consumed in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, and its biofortification with iron seeks to reduce the high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in these regions. It is commonly eaten cooked; however, in the germinated form, it can improve nutritional quality by reducing the antinutritional factors and consequently improving the bioavailability of elements. The present study aimed to determine the physico-chemical characteristics, bioaccessibility and bioavailability of iron in biofortified germinated cowpea. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the germinated and cooked beans with regard to centesimal composition. Germinated beans had phytates and tannins similar to cooked beans. The phytate-iron molar ratio for all groups did not present a statistical difference (cooking 3.58 and 3.41; germinated 3.94 and 3.51), nor did the parameters evaluating in vivo iron bioavailability. Total phenolics was higher in the germinated group (cooking 0.56 and 0.64; Germinated 2.05 and 2.45 mg gallic acid kg-1 ). In vitro bioaccessibility of iron of germinated beans presented higher values (P ≤ 0.05) compared to cooked beans. There was higher expression of divalent metal transporter-1 in biofortified and germinated beans. CONCLUSION: The iron bioavailability from the biofortified and germinated beans was comparable to ferrous sulfate. Germination can be considered as an alternative and efficient method for consuming cowpea, presenting good iron bioaccessibility and bioavailability. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) on oxidative stress and inflammation in ovariectomized adult female Wistar rats.

The present study investigated the influence of chia consumption on inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid profiles in adult female ovariectomized rats fed a high-fat diet. Forty ovariectomized and 40 intact (SHAM) rats were allocated into 8 groups (n = 10), and each rat received one of the following four diets: standard diet (ST); standard diet + chia (STC); high-fat diet (HF); and high-fat diet + chia (HFC) for 126 days. Biochemical parameters and biomarkers of lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and oxidative stress were evaluated. The mRNA expression levels of PPAR-α, NFκB, TNF-α and Zn-SOD1 were analyzed, as well as those of TNF-α and IL-1ß. Chia intake increased HDL cholesterol (HDL-c) and reduced LDL cholesterol (LDL-c) levels. Plasma catalase activity was elevated in the STC group. Concentrations of TBARS were higher in all groups fed HF. PPAR-α mRNA expression was elevated, and levels of NFκB mRNA expression were reduced in the STC group. mRNA expression and protein levels of TNF-α were lower in rats fed the standard diet. Protein levels of IL-1ß were reduced in rats fed the standard diet, and the high fat diet with chia. In general, ovariectomy did not influence the inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters. Chia intake improved antioxidant activity by increasing SOD expression, PPAR-α expression, catalase activity, and HDL-c levels. In addition, chia consumption decreased the concentrations of the inflammatory markers IL-1ß and LDL-c.

Effects of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) on calcium bioavailability and inflammation in Wistar rats.

Chia is a good source of calcium, however it is not been previously reported its bioavailability associated with an inflammatory condition. Thus, the present study evaluated the effect of chia on calcium bioavailability, inflammation, and oxidative stress in Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet or standard diet for 35 days. Chia consumption resulted in lower calcium balance and calcium absorption and retention rates. In addition, the urinary calcium concentration was lower in groups that were fed chia. The bone resistance of animals feed chia was lower than that in rats fed the standard diet receiving calcium carbonate. Animals that were fed chia showed lower total, very low-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than animalsfed calcium carbonate. Animals fed standard diet showed higher superoxide dismutase plasma concentrations than animals in the high fat calcium carbonate group. PPAR-α protein levels were higher in animals fed chia whereas TNF-α and IL-10 were lower in these animals. NFκB mRNA expression and protein levels were lower in the groups that received chia compared with HFD + CC. Chia intake presented low calcium bioavailability regardless of the type of diet consumed and was able to improved inflammation and the lipid profile in young Wistar rat. Besides this, the consumption of this seed increased the activity of antioxidants enzymes.

Advantages and limitations of in vitro and in vivo methods of iron and zinc bioavailability evaluation in the assessment of biofortification program effectiveness.

Biofortification aims to improve the micronutrient concentration of staple food crops through the best practices of breeding and modern biotechnology. However, increased zinc and iron concentrations in food crops may not always translate into proportional increases in absorbed zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe). Therefore, assessing iron and zinc bioavailability in biofortified crops is imperative to evaluate the efficacy of breeding programs. This review aimed to investigate the advantages and limitations of in vitro and in vivo methods of iron and zinc bioavailability evaluation in the assessment of biofortification program effectiveness. In vitro, animal and isotopic human studies have shown high iron and zinc bioavailability in biofortified staple food crops. Human studies provide direct knowledge regarding the effectiveness of biofortification, however, human studies are time consuming and are more expensive than in vitro and animal studies. Moreover, in vitro studies may be a useful preliminary screening method to identify promising plant cultivars, however, these studies cannot provide data that are directly applicable to humans. None of these methods provides complete information regarding mineral bioavailability, thus, a combination of these methods should be the most appropriate strategy to investigate the effectiveness of zinc and iron biofortification programs.

Improvement the nutritional status of pre-school children following intervention with a supplement containing iron, zinc, copper, vitamin A, vitamin C and prebiotic / Melhoria no estado nutricional de pré-escolares após intervenção com suplemento contendo ferro, zinco, cobre, vitamina A, vitamina C e prebiótico

Abstract This study investigated the effects of a vitamin and mineral fortified powder product supplemented with inulin, on the iron and vitamin A status of 110 pre-schools childrens in Viçosa, MG, Brazil. The 2 to 5-year-old children were submitted to anthropometric (weight and height), biochemical (erythrocytes, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume - MCV, mean corpuscular hemoglobin - MCH, serum iron, ferritin and serum retinol) and dietary (direct food weighing, 24 h recall, and food intake record) evaluations, at the beginning and at the end of a 45-day intervention. The supplement (30 g) was provided daily as part of the afternoon snack, diluted in 100 mL of water, 5 times/week and it supplied 30% of the recommended daily doses of iron, zinc, copper and vitamins A and C. Dietary and biochemical data was compared by the Wilcoxon test, and anthropometric data by the paired t-test. Values of z-scores for weight and height, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, MCV, MCH and ferritin were significantly higher after intervention; no change was observed in serum retinol. The prebiotic-containing supplement significantly increased the intake of energy, macro and micronutrients, and was effective in improving the iron and anthropometric status.

Resumo Este estudo investigou os efeitos de um produto em pó fortificado com vitaminas e minerais e suplementado com inulina, no estado nutricional de ferro e vitamina A de 110 crianças pré-escolares do município de Viçosa, MG, Brasil. As crianças, de 2 a 5 anos de idade, foram submetidos às avaliações antropométrica (peso e altura), bioquímica (eritrócitos, hemoglobina, volume corpuscular médio - VCM, hemoglobina corpuscular média - HCM, ferro sérico, ferritina e retinol sérico) e dietética (pesagem direta dos alimentos, recordatório de 24 h e registro alimentar), no início e ao final de uma intervenção de 45 dias. O suplemento (30 g) foi ministrado diariamente no lanche da tarde, diluído em 100 ml de água, 5 vezes/semana, fornecendo 30% das doses diárias recomendadas de ferro, zinco, cobre e vitaminas A e C. Os dados dietéticos e bioquímicos foram comparados pelo teste de Wilcoxon e, para os dados antropométricos, utilizou-se o teste-t pareado. Os valores de z-escore (peso e altura), eritrócitos, hemoglobina, VCM, HCM e ferritina foram significativamente maiores após a intervenção; nenhuma mudança foi observada no retinol sérico. O suplemento aumentou significativamente a ingestão de energia, macro e micronutrientes e foi eficaz na melhoria do estado nutricional de ferro e antropométrico.