Essential Oils and Melatonin as Functional Ingredients in Dogs.

The use of nutraceuticals or functional ingredients is increasingly widespread in human food; their use is also widespread in animal feed. These natural compounds generally come from plant materials and comprise a wide range of substances of a very diverse chemical nature. In animals, these compounds, so-called phytogenics, are used to obtain improvements in feed production/stability and also as functional components with repercussions on animal health. Along with polyphenols, isoprenoid compounds represent a family of substances with wide applications in therapy and pet nutrition. Essential oils (EOs) are a group of complex substances with fat-soluble nature that are widely used. Melatonin is an indolic amine present in all living with amphiphilic nature. In this work, we present a review of the most relevant phytogenics (polyphenol, isoprenoid, and alkaloid compounds), their characteristics, and possible uses as nutraceuticals in dogs, with special emphasis on EOs and their regulatory aspects, applied in foods and topically. Additionally, a presentation of the importance of the use of melatonin in dogs is developed, giving physiological and practical aspects about its use in dog feeding and also in topical application, with examples and future projections. This review points to the combination of EOs and melatonin in food supplements and in the topical application as an innovative product and shows excellent perspectives aimed at addressing dysfunctions in pets, such as the treatment of stress and anxiety, sleep disorders, alopecia, and hair growth problems, among others.

Melatonin in Brassicaceae: Role in Postharvest and Interesting Phytochemicals.

Brassicaceae plants are of great interest for human consumption due to their wide variety and nutritional qualities. Of the more than 4000 species that make up this family, about a hundred varieties of 6-8 genera are extensively cultivated. One of the most interesting aspects is its high content of glucosinolates, which are plant secondary metabolites with widely demonstrated anti-oncogenic properties that make them healthy. The most relevant Brassicaceae studies related to food and melatonin are examined in this paper. The role of melatonin as a beneficial agent in seedling grown mainly in cabbage and rapeseed and in the postharvest preservation of broccoli is especially analyzed. The beneficial effect of melatonin treatments on the organoleptic properties of these commonly consumed vegetables can be of great interest in the agri-food industry. Melatonin application extends the shelf life of fresh-cut broccoli while maintaining optimal visual and nutritional parameters. In addition, an integrated model indicating the role of melatonin on the organoleptic properties, the biosynthesis of glucosinolates and the regulatory action of these health-relevant compounds with anti-oncogenic activity is presented.

[STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE THE NUTRITIONAL AND HEALTH CHARACTERISTICS OF MEAT PIE OF MURCIA]. / ESTRATEGIAS PARA MEJORAR LAS CARACTERÍSTICAS NUTRITIVAS Y SALUDABLES DEL PASTEL DE CARNE DE MURCIA.

OBJECTIVES: improvement of the nutritive quality and healthy properties of the meat pie of Murcia (MMP), maintaining its appreciated organoleptic quality and the design of a functional MMP through the addition of a natural ingredient rich in fructooligosaccharides. METHODS: different formulations of the MMP (healthy MMP and functional MMP) have been elaborated by changing the type and amount of some of its ingredients. The nutritional composition, the caloric value, the fatty acid profile and the fat quality have been determined. Different sensory attributes have been evaluated together with the global acceptance using a descriptive scale and an hedonic scale respectively. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: the healthy MMP presents a lower energy content (15.4%), total fat (39%), saturated fat (48%) and salt (45%), and a decrease of the potential atherogenic (27%), trombogenic (30%) and hipercholesterolemic (30%) indexes than the traditional product. Among the four amounts assayed (2.5, 5, 10 y 15%), only the substitution with 2.5 and 5% of the functional ingredient, did not diminish the global acceptance of the functional MMP when compared to the traditional one. CONCLUSIONS: the changes in the formulation have improved the nutritive composition and the healthy characteristics of the traditional MMP, keeping its organoleptic quality. The functional MMP elaborated with the functional ingredient at 5% represents an improvement in the functional characteristics of the studied food. These strategies contribute to the maintenance of this type of traditional foods, avoiding the lose of culture, identity and gastronomic heritage of Spain and in particular in the Region of Murcia.

Objetivos: mejorar la composición nutritiva y las características saludables del pastel de carne de Murcia (PCM), manteniendo sus apreciadas cualidades organolépticas y el diseño de un PCM funcional, mediante la adición de un ingrediente natural rico en fuctooligosacáridos. Métodos: mediante cambios relacionados con el tipo y cantidad de algunos de sus ingredientes se han elaborado diversas formulaciones del PCM (PCM saludable y PCM funcional). Se ha determinado la composición nutritiva, el valor calórico, el perfil de ácidos grasos y la calidad de la grasa. Además, se han valorado diversos atributos sensoriales y la aceptación global utilizando una escala descriptiva hedónica de nueve puntos. Resultados y discusión: el PCM saludable presenta un menor contenido de energía (15,4%), grasa total (39%), grasa saturada (48%) y sal (45%), así como una disminución de la potencial capacidad aterogénica (27%), trombogénica (30%) e hipercolesterolémica (30%) que el PCM tradicional. De las cuatro cantidades ensayadas (2,5, 5, 10 y 15%), solo la sustitución del 2,5 y 5% del ingrediente funcional no disminuyeron la aceptación global del PCM funcional, en comparación con el PCM tradicional. Conclusiones: los cambios en la formulación han mejorado la composición nutritiva y las características saludables del PCM tradicional, manteniendo sus cualidades organolépticas. El PCM funcional, elaborado con el ingrediente funcional al 5%, representa una mejora factible en las características funcionales del alimento estudiado. Estas estrategias contribuyen a mantener este tipo de alimentos tradicionales y a evitar la pérdida en la cultura, identidad y herencia gastronómica de España en general y de la Región de Murcia en particular.

Estrategias para mejorar las características nutritivas y saludables del pastel de carne de Murcia / Strategies to improve the nutritional and health characteristics of meat pie of Murcia

Objetivos: mejorar la composición nutritiva y las características saludables del pastel de carne de Murcia (PCM), manteniendo sus apreciadas cualidades organolépticas y el diseño de un PCM funcional, mediante la adición de un ingrediente natural rico en fuctooligosacáridos. Métodos: mediante cambios relacionados con el tipo y cantidad de algunos de sus ingredientes se han elaborado diversas formulaciones del PCM (PCM saludable y PCM funcional). Se ha determinado la composición nutritiva, el valor calórico, el perfil de ácidos grasos y la calidad de la grasa. Además, se han valorado diversos atributos sensoriales y la aceptación global utilizando una escala descriptiva hedónica de nueve puntos. Resultados y discusión: el PCM saludable presenta un menor contenido de energía (15,4%), grasa total (39%), grasa saturada (48%) y sal (45%), así como una disminución de la potencial capacidad aterogénica (27%), trombogénica (30%) e hipercolesterolémica (30%) que el PCM tradicional. De las cuatro cantidades ensayadas (2,5, 5, 10 y 15%), solo la sustitución del 2,5 y 5% del ingrediente funcional no disminuyeron la aceptación global del PCM funcional, en comparación con el PCM tradicional. Conclusiones: los cambios en la formulación han mejorado la composición nutritiva y las características saludables del PCM tradicional, manteniendo sus cualidades organolépticas. El PCM funcional, elaborado con el ingrediente funcional al 5%, representa una mejora factible en las características funcionales del alimento estudiado. Estas estrategias contribuyen a mantener este tipo de alimentos tradicionales y a evitar la pérdida en la cultura, identidad y herencia gastronómica de España en general y de la Región de Murcia en particular (AU)

Objectives: improvement of the nutritive quality and healthy properties of the meat pie of Murcia (MMP), maintaining its appreciated organoleptic quality and the design of a functional MMP through the addition of a natural ingredient rich in fructooligosaccharides. Methods: different formulations of the MMP (healthy MMP and functional MMP) have been elaborated by changing the type and amount of some of its ingredients. The nutritional composition, the caloric value, the fatty acid profile and the fat quality have been determined. Different sensory attributes have been evaluated together with the global acceptance using a descriptive scale and an hedonic scale respectively. Results and discussion: the healthy MMP presents a lower energy content (15.4%), total fat (39%), saturated fat (48%) and salt (45%), and a decrease of the potential atherogenic (27%), trombogenic (30%) and hipercholesterolemic (30%) indexes than the traditional product. Among the four amounts assayed (2.5, 5, 10 y 15%), only the substitution with 2.5 and 5% of the functional ingredient, did not diminish the global acceptance of the functional MMP when compared to the traditional one. Conclusions: the changes in the formulation have improved the nutritive composition and the healthy characteristics of the traditional MMP, keeping its organoleptic quality. The functional MMP elaborated with the functional ingredient at 5% represents an improvement in the functional characteristics of the studied food. These strategies contribute to the maintenance of this type of traditional foods, avoiding the lose of culture, identity and gastronomic heritage of Spain and in particular in the Region of Murcia (AU)

Chemical and functional properties of the different by-products of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) from industrial canning processing.

In this study, the basic chemical composition and functional properties of six by-product fractions collected from different steps of artichoke industrial processing were evaluated. Fractions differed in thermal treatment, the bract position in the artichoke head and the cutting size. Contents of moisture, ash, protein, fat, dietary fibre, inulin, total phenolics, total flavonoids, caffeoyl derivatives and flavones were analysed. Antioxidant activity values were also determined. All assessed artichoke by-product fractions contained high-dietary fibre (53.6-67.0%) and low fat (2.5-3.7%). Artichoke by-product fractions contained high levels of inulin, especially in the boiled inner bracts (30%). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity (153-729 µmol gallic acid equivalents, 6.9-19.2 µmol quercetin equivalents and 85-234 µmol ascorbic acid equivalents per gram of dry matter, respectively) varied widely with the bract positions in the artichoke head and the thermal treatments. The more interesting fractions for use as functional ingredients were those situated closer to the artichoke heart and thermally treated.

Caracterización y valor nutritivo de un alimento artesanal: el pastel de carne de Murcia / Characterization and nutritional value of a food artisan: the meat pie of Murcia

Objetivos: Describir las características de un producto típico de la gastronomía murciana, determinar su valor nutritivo y energético, analizar su perfil de ácidos grasos y la calidad de su grasa. Material y métodos: Se estudiaron 24 muestras de Pastel de carne de Murcia, procedentes de los seis establecimientos de mayor venta en la Región. (Cuatro unidades por establecimiento). Mediante los métodos oficiales de análisis de alimentos se determinaron los contenidos de humedad, proteína, grasa, carbohidratos, fibra y minerales, el valor energético, el perfil de ácidos grasos (Método de Folch et al. 1957) y la calidad de la grasa. Todos los análisis se realizaron por triplicado. Resultados y discusión: El peso medio fue de 192,3 ± 11,8 g, y en él se diferenciaron tres partes (base, relleno y tapa de hojaldre). Todos sus ingredientes fueron materias primas naturales: harina de trigo, manteca de cerdo, carne picada de ternera, rodajas de huevo cocido y de chorizo, agua y especias (sal, pimienta, ajo, pimentón y nuez moscada). La mayoría de sus atributos organolépticos son debidos al tipo y cantidad de la grasa, manteca de cerdo. El resto de atributos los aporta la combinación de los otros ingredientes y particularmente la formulación de las especias. Por su contenido en proteínas (11,0%), este producto puede sustituir a otros platos a base de carne, e incorporarlo a una dieta equilibrada, pero teniendo en cuenta su contenido en grasa (17,3%) y su aporte energético (317 kcal/100 g). A diferencia de otros muchos productos actuales de pastelería, éste no contiene ácidos grasos trans. Conclusiones: El estudio revela que el producto analizado sigue siendo, en el momento actual, un alimento artesanal, y ofrece información fiable y representativa del valor nutritivo y energético del pastel de carne de Murcia, un producto típico de la gastronomía de la Región de Murcia (AU)

OBJECTIVES: The main aims of this study are to describe the characteristics of the meat pie, a typical product of the regional gastronomy of Murcia and to determine its nutritional and energy values, fatty acid profile and fat quality. METHODS: There were studied 24 samples of Murcia's meat pie from the six best-selling retail establishments in this Region (four units per establishment).The moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fibre and minerals, contents and the energy value, fatty acid profile and fat quality were analyzed using the Official Analysis Methods of Foods. All analyses were performed by triplicate. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The average weight of this product was 192.3 ± 11.8 g, with three differentiated parts (base, filling and pastry lid). All ingredients were natural raw materials: wheat flour, lard, ground beef, sliced boiled egg and chorizo, water and spices (salt, pepper, garlic, paprika and nutmeg). Most of its organoleptic attributes are due to the type and amount of fat or lard. The combination of the other ingredients and the particular formulation of the spices are also responsible of other attributes. Due to its protein content (11.0%), this meat pie can replace other meat dishes, and be incorporated into a balanced diet. However, it is necessary to take into account its fat and energy contents (17.3 g and 317 kcal/100 g, respectively). Unlike many common pastry products, it contains no trans fatty acids. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the research show that the studied product remains, at present, an artisan food, and offer reliable information that it is representative of the energy and nutritional values of the Murcia's meat pie, a typical product of the gastronomy of the Region of Murcia (AU)

[Characterization and nutritional value of a food artisan: the meat pie of Murcia]. / Caracterización y valor nutritivo de un alimento artesanal; el pastel de carne de Murcia.

OBJECTIVES: The main aims of this study are to describe the characteristics of the meat pie, a typical product of the regional gastronomy of Murcia and to determine its nutritional and energy values, fatty acid profile and fat quality. METHODS: There were studied 24 samples of Murcia's meat pie from the six best-selling retail establishments in this Region (four units per establishment).The moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fibre and minerals, contents and the energy value, fatty acid profile and fat quality were analyzed using the Official Analysis Methods of Foods. All analyses were performed by triplicate. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The average weight of this product was 192.3 ± 11.8 g, with three differentiated parts (base, filling and pastry lid). All ingredients were natural raw materials: wheat flour, lard, ground beef, sliced boiled egg and chorizo, water and spices (salt, pepper, garlic, paprika and nutmeg). Most of its organoleptic attributes are due to the type and amount of fat or lard. The combination of the other ingredients and the particular formulation of the spices are also responsible of other attributes. Due to its protein content (11.0%), this meat pie can replace other meat dishes, and be incorporated into a balanced diet. However, it is necessary to take into account its fat and energy contents (17.3 g and 317 kcal/100 g, respectively). Unlike many common pastry products, it contains no trans fatty acids. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the research show that the studied product remains, at present, an artisan food, and offer reliable information that it is representative of the energy and nutritional values of the Murcia's meat pie, a typical product of the gastronomy of the Region of Murcia.

Objetivos: Describir las características de un producto típico de la gastronomía murciana, determinar su valor nutritivo y energético, analizar su perfil de ácidos grasos y la calidad de su grasa. Material y métodos: Se estudiaron 24 muestras de Pastel de carne de Murcia, procedentes de los seis establecimientos de mayor venta en la Región. (Cuatro unidades por establecimiento). Mediante los métodos oficiales de análisis de alimentos se determinaron los contenidos de humedad, proteína, grasa, carbohidratos, fibra y minerales, el valor energético, el perfil de ácidos grasos (Método de Folch et al. 1957) y la calidad de la grasa. Todos los análisis se realizaron por triplicado. Resultados y discusión: El peso medio fue de 192,3 ± 11,8 g, y en él se diferenciaron tres partes (base, relleno y tapa de hojaldre). Todos sus ingredientes fueron materias primas naturales: harina de trigo, manteca de cerdo, carne picada de ternera, rodajas de huevo cocido y de chorizo, agua y especias (sal, pimienta, ajo, pimentón y nuez moscada). La mayoría de sus atributos organolépticos son debidos al tipo y cantidad de la grasa, manteca de cerdo. El resto de atributos los aporta la combinación de los otros ingredientes y particularmente la formulación de las especias. Por su contenido en proteínas (11,0%), este producto puede sustituir a otros platos a base de carne, e incorporarlo a una dieta equilibrada, pero teniendo en cuenta su contenido en grasa (17,3%) y su aporte energético (317 kcal/100 g). A diferencia de otros muchos productos actuales de pastelería, éste no contiene ácidos grasos trans. Conclusiones: El estudio revela que el producto analizado sigue siendo, en el momento actual, un alimento artesanal, y ofrece información fiable y representativa del valor nutritivo y energético del pastel de carne de Murcia, un producto típico de la gastronomía de la Región de Murcia.

[Polyamines, implications for infant health]. / Implicaciones de las poliaminas en la salud infantil.

Polyamines are a family of nitrogenous compounds widely distributed in biological systems. Numerous studies have described their possible role in human health and the early stages of life. Its beneficial effects have been associated with cellular growth, maturation and differentiation. Further studies are needed to establish the appropriate dose and proportions of each of the polyamines for addition to infant formulas. In the present article, current knowledge on the characteristics of polyamines is reviewed, and their possible implications on the development and health of babies during their first months of life.