Effect of temperature and relative humidity on the stability of betalains encapsulated in cryogels from protein and polysaccharide.

The stability of betalains (Bet) encapsulated in cryogels made with a mixture of albumin (ALB) and albumin-pectin (ALB-PEC) as wall materials were evaluated during storage at 32% and 83% relative humidity (RH) at several different temperature conditions (4 °C, 30 °C and 40 °C). The retention of betalains (betanin + isobetanin) and phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, the Folin-Ciocalteu method and radical ABTS*+ capture methodology. The color parameters and images of the encapsulated betalains were obtained. Cryogels prepared with ALB at 32% RH and at 4 °C provided betanin and isobetanin retention of 72% and 82%, with half-life times of 108 and 165 days, respectively. The antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds showed retention greater than 70% during storage at 32% RH at all temperatures. Cryogels prepared with ALB-PEC also conferred high retention percentages of phenolic compounds at 83% RH, but this high RH caused a significant decrease in the retention of betalains. Both ALB and ALB-PEC improved betalain stability during storage compared with the extracts without encapsulating. Therefore, cryogels could be used as protection matrices for betalains.

Prevalence of Food-Hypersensitivity and Food-Dependent Anaphylaxis in Colombian Schoolchildren by Parent-Report.

Background and objectives: The epidemiology of food allergy (FA) and food-dependent anaphylaxis remains unknown in Colombia. Our aim was to estimate by parent-report the prevalence of FA and food-dependent anaphylaxis in a Colombian population of schoolchildren. Materials and methods: A printed questionnaire was sent to parents of schoolchildren aged 5-12 years old from Medellín, Colombia in order to collect FA-related data. Results: Nine hundred and sixty-nine (969) parents returned the questionnaire with valid responses (response rate, 52.5%). The estimated prevalence rates (95% CI) were: adverse food reactions 12.79% (10.76-15.07), "perceived FA, ever" 10.93% (9.08-13.08), "physician-diagnosed FA, ever" 4.33% (3.14-5.81), "immediate-type FA, ever" 6.81% (5.30-8.58), "immediate-type FA, current" 3.30% (2.26-4.63), and food-dependent anaphylaxis 1.85% (1.10-2.92). The most frequently reported food allergens were milk (1.44%), fruits (0.41%), meat (0.41%), and peanut (0.3%). Sixty-one percent of "food-dependent anaphylaxis" cases sought medical attention, but only eleven percent of the cases reported the prescription of an epinephrine autoinjector. Conclusions: FA and food-dependent anaphylaxis are not uncommon among schoolchildren from Colombia. The prescription of epinephrine autoinjectors should be encouraged among health personnel for the optimal management of suspected cases of food-dependent anaphylaxis.

Characteristics of Allergen Labelling and Precautionary Allergen Labelling in Packaged Food Products Available in Latin America.

The characteristics of food allergen labelling are relevant for avoiding accidental exposure to the allergens of interest but no Latin American country has evaluated these characteristics. Our aim was to evaluate the characteristics of food allergen labelling and precautionary allergen labelling (PAL) in six Latin American countries. All data were collected directly from the supermarkets surveyed. A total of 10,254 packaged food products were analyzed, of which 63.3% (n = 6494) and 33.2% (n = 3405) featured allergen labelling and/or PAL, respectively. Most products complied with local regulations (≥87.4% for both locally produced and imported). Thirty-three types of PAL statements were detected; the most frequent was "may contain traces of…" (35.1%). Countries without regulations on the characteristics of allergen labelling had two-fold more products that contained allergens in their ingredients lists but no food allergen labelling. The use of PAL in countries that regulate it (38.2%) was as high as that in countries without PAL regulations (19.2%-44.7%). The findings suggest that the lack of regulations for the characteristics of allergen labeling increases the risk of accidental exposure to allergens of interest. Our findings also suggest that beyond regulations, a scientific approach is required for minimizing and standardizing the use of PAL.

Characterization of whey protein-based films incorporated with natamycin and nanoemulsion of α-tocopherol.

Food packaging materials are commonly derived from petroleum that increases global contamination; this raises the interest to evaluate raw material from renewable sources such as whey protein for the development of packaging materials, especially to produce active films. This research aimed to evaluate whey protein-based film properties when natamycin, nanoemulsioned α-tocopherol, or both were added. An oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsion of antioxidant (α-tocopherol) was prepared by microfluidization technique. Four films were prepared with different levels of natamycin and nanoemulsified α-tocopherol and were characterized in terms of physicochemical, mechanical, optical-properties, water vapor barrier, FTIR, microstructure, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The natamycin, nanoemulsified α-tocopherol, or both did not modify the moisture content of the films. Moreover lead to a significant reduction of tensile strength and elastic modulus, while presenting growth in the elongation at break. Film opacity, the total color difference, the UV-Vis light barrier, and the water vapor permeability values increased when compounds were incorporated into the film. The microstructure studies showed uniformly distributed porosity throughout the films. The addition of nanoemulsioned α-tocopherol into whey protein-based films provoked antioxidant activity and the addition of natamycin produced films with effectivity against C. albicans, P. chrysogenum, and S. cerevisiae, allowing develop a material appropriate for use as active food packaging.

Potato snacks added with active components: effects of the vacuum impregnation and drying processes.

Potato snacks can be used as an ideal strategy for nutrient delivery, since they are one of the most widely consumed products in the world. Due to fried snacks are known to be a significant source of fat intake, consumption is changing towards healthier alternatives. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of vacuum impregnation and three dehydration techniques: heated air drying, freeze drying, and microwave vacuum drying of the potato snack that has been fortified with active components: calcium and vitamins C and E. Vacuum impregnation was evaluated using the response surface methodology that had a central composite experimental design with the following independent variables: vacuum pressure, vacuum stage time, and atmospheric stage time. The following were the dependent variables: fraction and volumetric deformation in the vacuum stage and at the end of the process and effective porosity. Finally, a sensorial analysis was carried out on the dehydrated potatoes. The results of the optimal vacuum impregnation process conditions were: a vacuum pressure of 77.3 kPa for 3.0 min followed by 4.0 min at atmospheric pressure. The content of calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin E in the impregnated potato were 956, 472, and 35 mg 100 g-1 dry solids, respectively. The highest retention of the active components in snacks was obtained by the combination of vacuum impregnation and the dehydration techniques in the following order: freeze drying, microwave vacuum drying, and then heated air drying. It can be concluded that the integration processes give an added value to potato snacks due to the increased content of the active components; additionally, the vacuum impregnation process together with microwave vacuum drying was the alternative that had the highest sensorial acceptability.

Validación de material educativo del programa "Niñ@s en Movimiento" para el tratamiento de la obesidad infantil / Validation of educational material of the "Niñ@s en Movimiento" program for the treatment of childhood obesity / Avaliação de material educativo do programa "Menin@s em Movimento" para o tratamento do sobrepeso infantil

Resumen Objetivo: Validar, en un contexto colombiano, el contenido de la primera cartilla del programa "Niñ@s en Movimiento" (diseñada en España), dirigida a padres o cuidadores, y a los niños que padecen sobrepeso u obesidad, disponible en internet con acceso libre. Metodología: Investigación cualitativa. Tras el proceso de selección, participaron 14 niños con sobrepeso y sus padres o cuidadores, del Colegio Básico "Camino de Paz" de Medellín. Para la clasificación de los datos antropométricos se utilizó el programa de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Para la validación de la cartilla se elaboró una guía de preguntas y se realizaron grupos focales; se usaron los criterios de atractividad, entendimiento, identificación, aceptación e inducción a la acción. Los datos se analizaron mediante el software spss® versión 21.0, y un protocolo de análisis de datos. Resultados: En la sección "La importancia del desayuno", del material educativo, algunos padres o cuidadores manifestaron que es necesario indicar la forma adecuada para preparar los alimentos, en qué condiciones y qué cantidad deben servirles a sus hijos, lo cual no es claro en la cartilla. Respecto a los niños, en las secciones "Mis desayunos" y "Clasificación de los alimentos" se encontró que las palabras técnicas dificultan la comprensión; además, al hablar de la clasificación de alimentos, algunos no los han visto ni consumido. En la evaluación de los criterios por parte del padre o cuidador, el entendimiento fue mal calificado, porque no son claros algunos términos; los niños también calificaron negativamente este criterio, por la dificultad para entender vocabulario desconocido debido a su contexto extranjero. Conclusiones: El desayuno, aunque es un hábito establecido, puede mejorar; sin embargo, las orientaciones de la cartilla tendrían que adaptarse al lenguaje y a la cultura alimentaria local, para que las recomendaciones mejoren la aplicabilidad de este recurso educativo.

Abstract Objective: To validate the content of the first booklet "Niñ@s en Movimiento" (designed in Spain), in the Colombian setting, targeting parents or caretakers, and overweight or obese chil dren, which is available free online. Methodology: Qualitati ve research. After a selection process, 14 overweight children and their parents or caretakers were selected to participate. The children were students at the Colegio Básico "Camino de Paz" School in Medellin. To classify anthropometric data, the study used the World Health Organization program. To validate the booklet, a question guideline was drawn up and focus groups were held. The criteria used included attraction, comprehen sion, identification, acceptance and induction to action. Data were analyzed using the SPSS® software Version 21.0, and a data analysis protocol. Results: In the section "the impor tance of breakfast", in the educational material, some parents or caretakers stated that it is necessary to indicate an adequa te way to prepare food, how to serve it and the amounts that they should their children, which is not clear in the booklet. Regarding the children, in the sections "my breakfasts" and "food classification", there were technical words that compli cated comprehension. Furthermore, when talking about food classification, there are foods they have not seen nor eaten. In the parent or caretaker criteria evaluation, comprehension was poorly scored, as some of the terms were not clear. The children also ranked negatively this criterion. Vocabulary was difficult to understand because it had a foreign context. Con clusions: Breakfast, although an established habit, can impro ve; nevertheless, the guidelines of the booklet would have to be adapted to local language and food culture so that these recommendations may improve the applicability of this edu cational resource.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar, num âmbito colombiano, o conteúdo da primeira apostilha do programa "Menin@s em Movimento" (desenhada na Espanha), voltada aos pães ou cuidadores, e aos meninos que padecem sobrepeso ou obesidade, disponível na internet com ingresso libre. Metodologia: Investigação qua litativa. Trás o processo de escolha, participaram 14 meninos com sobrepeso e os seus pães ou cuidadores, da Escola Básica "Caminho de Paz" do Medellín. Para a classificação dos da dos antropométricos se utilizou o programa da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Para a avaliação da apostilha se elaborou uma guia de perguntas e se realizaram grupos focais; se usaram os critérios de atratividade, entendimento, identificação, acei tação e indução pra ação. Os dados se analisaram mediante o software SPSS® versão 21.0, e um protocolo de análises de dados. Resultantes: Na seção "A importância do dejejum", do material educativo, alguns pães ou cuidadores manifestaram que é quesito indicar o jeito mais pertinente na preparação dos alimentos, em que condições e qual quantidade devem servir-lhes aos seus filhos, o qual não apresenta clareza na cartilha. Aludindo aos meninos, nas secções "Meus cafés da manhã" e "Classificação dos alimentos" se encontrou que as expressões técnicas dificultam a compreensão; além disso, ao mencionar a classificação dos alimentos, alguns nem os conhecem nem consumiram jamais. Na avaliação dos critérios por parte do pai ou cuidador, ou entendimento foi mal qualificado, porque não são simples alguns termos; os meninos também qualificaram negativamente este critério, pela dificuldade para compreender glossário desconhecido devido ao seu contexto estrangeiro. Conclusões: O dejejum, ainda que é um hábito estabelecido, pode melhorar; contudo, as dicas do caderno teriam que se customizar com a linguajem e as tradições alimentares locais, para que as recomendações melhorem a aplicabilidade de este recurso educativo.

Development of food for an increasingly overweight population / Desarrollo de alimentos para una población cada vez más obesa

Nowadays, obesity is considered one of the biggest problems in public health, by its high prevalence and the relationship between the not chronic diseases such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, among others. At the global level, over-weight is increased not only in high-income countries, but mainly in the low and medium, substantially in urban environments. In developing countries close to 35 million people were identified with this problem, while that developed the amount just reaches 8 million.

Self-Reported Prevalence of Gluten-Related Disorders and Adherence to Gluten-Free Diet in Colombian Adult Population.

Background. Celiac disease seems to be rare in Colombians, but there are currently no data about the prevalence rates of symptomatic adverse reactions to gluten or adherence to gluten-free diet (GFD) in this population. Aim. to evaluate the self-reported prevalence rates of adverse reactions to gluten, adherence to GFD, and gluten-related disorders at population level in Colombia. Methods. A self-administered questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a population from Northwest Colombia. Results. The estimated prevalence rates were (95% CI) 7.9% (6.5-9.6) and 5.3% (4.1-6.7) for adverse and recurrent adverse reactions to wheat/gluten, respectively, adherence to GFD 5.9% (4.7-7.4), wheat allergy 0.74% (0.3-1.4), and nonceliac gluten sensitivity 4.5% (3.5-5.8). There were no self-reported cases of celiac disease. Prevalence of self-reported physician-diagnosis of gluten-related disorders was 0.41% (0.17-0.96). Most respondents reported adherence to GFD without a physician-diagnosis of gluten-related disorders (97.2%). The proportion of gluten avoiders was 17.2% (15.2-19.5). Most of them did not report recurrent adverse reactions to wheat/gluten (87.0%). Conclusions. Nonceliac gluten sensitivity is rarely formally diagnosed in Colombia, but this population has the highest prevalence rate of adherence to GFD reported to date. Consequently, most respondents were avoiding wheat- and/or gluten-based products for reasons other than health-related symptoms.

Desarrollo y caracterización de una película activa biodegradable con antioxidantes (alfa-tocoferol) a partir de las proteínas del lactosuero / Development and characterization of an active biodegradable film with antioxidants (alpha-tocopherol) from whey proteins

Justificación: Las proteínas de suero son un subproducto de la industria láctea que recientemente se ha considerado como una fuente de contaminación de los efluentes naturales. Varios estudios han demostrado sus excelentes propiedades para la fabricación de películas y recubrimientos con la adición de antioxidantes, y se han considerado como una alternativa ecológica que reduciría el uso de polímeros sintéticos y garantizaría la conservación de algunos alimentos. Objetivo: El objetivo principal de este estudio fue caracterizar las propiedades mecánicas, ópticas, morfológicas y de biodegradación de una película activa obtenida de proteínas de queso de suero y el antioxidante natural alfa-tocoferol, para su uso en la conservación de diferentes alimentos. Métodos: Las películas se desarrollaron a partir de una solución al 10% (p / p) de concentrado de proteína de suero (WPC) en agua, 7% p / p de glicerol como plastificante. y se añadieron α-tocoferol al 1 y 2% (p / p) disuelto en etanol. Las propiedades mecánicas se evaluaron bajo la norma ASTM D882-01; Además, las películas se analizaron por espectrofotometría, microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM) y se realizó un análisis de biodegradación mediante el control de la pérdida de masa. Resultados: Las películas obtenidas mostraron una apariencia física adecuada y una coloración ligeramente marrón. La tensión disminuyó de manera similar con la adición de α-tocoferol al 1 y 2%; sin embargo, el mayor alargamiento fue para películas con α-tocoferol al 1%. Las películas mostraron excelentes propiedades de barrera en el rango de 300-400 nm de la región UV. Las fotografías de SEM mostraron las gotas del antioxidante en la superficie de la película, y la biodegradación de las películas se confirmó en las películas evaluadas. Conclusión: mecánica, óptica, morfología, y las propiedades de biodegradación de las películas se vieron directamente afectadas por la cantidad de α-tocoferol utilizada en la formulación. La incorporación del compuesto natural en las películas de proteínas tiene un uso potencial para extender la vida útil de los alimentos grasos.