Options for substantiating protein content claims for conventional foods.

In Canada and the United States, front-of-package protein content claims require data to support the quality of the protein. In general, protein quality reflects the product of the amino acid composition of the food protein relative to human amino acid requirements and a measure of digestibility. The currently accepted method in both jurisdictions is the protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) that requires the measurement of true fecal protein (nitrogen) digestibility. The latter must be measured in vivo using a rat model. This requirement for animal testing is inconsistent with international efforts to reduce the usage of animals in testing for regulatory purposes. The current commentary positions four options to remove the need to use animal testing for determining protein quality, when considering protein content claim substantiation. These options include (i) a focus on protein quantity alone; (ii) the use of the amino acid score alone, with no correction for digestibility; (iii) the use of a fixed digestibility coefficient to estimate protein quality; and (iv) the use of in vitro methods to measure protein and/or amino acid digestibility. The relative merits and deficiencies of the options are positioned with the goal of encouraging dialogue within the regulatory agencies to move towards alternative approaches for substantiating protein content claims on foods, including those derived from plant-based sources.

Faecal metabolome responses to an altered dietary protein:carbohydrate ratio in adult dogs.

High-protein diets may aid weight loss and weight maintenance programs in both humans and dogs, although the effect of dietary protein levels on gut metabolism and functionality has not been studied in depth. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of an altered dietary protein:carbohydrate ratio on gut function in adult dogs by means of faecal metabolomic fingerprinting. More specifically, functional metabolic differences in dogs fed a high-protein/low-carbohydrate (HPLC) vs. low-protein/high-carbohydrate (LPHC) diet were studied by equally allocating twelve clinically healthy (6 lean and 6 obese) Beagles into two groups in a cross-over design, with each group receiving two isocaloric diets for four weeks. The faecal metabolome revealed that different protein:carbohydrate ratio can influence host and/or gut microbiome metabolism and function, while no effect was observed on the body condition. Targeted analysis demonstrated that the HPLC diet significantly increased the concentration of indole, spermidine, and pipecolinic acid and decreased the concentration of azelaic acid, D-fructose, mannose, and galactose (p < 0.05). Multivariate modelling (OPLS-DA) of the untargeted faecal metabolome revealed distinctly different metabolomic profiles following the HPLC vs. LPHC diet, with 18 altered pathways. The HPLC diet influenced amino acid and lipid metabolism, potentially promoting weight loss and immune function, whereas the LPHC diet affected carbohydrate fermentation and may promote anti-oxidative function.

Dynamic Metabolic Signatures of Choline and Carnitine across Healthy Pregnancy and in Cord Blood: Association with Maternal Dietary Protein.

BACKGROUND: In pregnancy, choline is deemed an essential nutrient and carnitine needs are increased, but amounts remain undefined. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to measure choline and total dietary protein and dairy protein intake from food and supplements across pregnancy and the response to intake by profiling choline and carnitine metabolites across pregnancy and in cord blood. METHODS: An exploratory analysis of choline and protein intake from 3-d diet records and measures of 36 serum choline and carnitine metabolites in early (12-17 wk) and late (36-38 wk) pregnancy was conducted in participants from the Be Healthy in Pregnancy study randomized to high dairy protein+walking exercise or usual care. Metabolites were measured in fasted maternal and cord serum using multisegment injection-capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry. Mixed ANOVA adjusted for body mass index was performed for comparison of metabolites across pregnancy and between intervention and control. RESULTS: In 104 participants, the median (Q1, Q3) total choline intake was 347 (263, 427) mg/d in early and 322 (270, 437) mg/d in late pregnancy. Only ∼20% of participants achieved the recommended adequate intake (450 mg/d) and ∼10% consumed supplemental choline (8-200 mg/d). Serum-free choline (µmol/L) was higher in late compared with early pregnancy [12.9 (11.4, 15.1) compared with 9.68 (8.25, 10.61), P < 0.001], but choline downstream metabolites were similar across pregnancy. Serum carnitine [10.3 (9.01, 12.2) compared with 15.9 (14.1, 17.9) µmol/L, P < 0.001] and acetylcarnitine [2.35 (1.92, 2.68) compared with 3.0 (2.56, 3.59), P < 0.001] were significantly lower in late pregnancy. High cord:maternal serum metabolite ratios were found in most measured metabolites. CONCLUSIONS: Despite inadequate choline intake, serum-free choline was elevated in late pregnancy and enriched in cord blood compared with maternal serum. Serum carnitine declined in late pregnancy despite a high protein diet. The higher cord:maternal concentrations in choline and carnitine metabolites suggest active uptake in late pregnancy, reflecting the importance of these circulating metabolites in fetal development. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01689961.

The impact of lactating Hu sheep's dietary protein levels on lactation performance, progeny growth and rumen development.

This study aimed to investigate whether lactating Hu sheep's dietary protein levels could generate dynamic effects on the performance of their offspring. Twelve ewes with similar parity were fed iso-energy diets which contained different protein levels (P1: 9.82%, P2: 10.99%) (n = 6), and the corresponding offspring were divided into SP1 and SP2 (n = 12). At 60 days, half of the lambs were harvested for further study: the carcass weight (p = 0.043) and dressing percentage (p = 0.004) in the SP2 group were significantly higher than SP1. The acetic acid (p = 0.007), propionic acid (p = 0.003), butyric acid (p < 0.001) and volatile fatty acids (p < 0.001) in rumen fluid of SP2 were significantly lower than SP1. The expression of MCT2 (p = 0.024), ACSS1 (p = 0.039) and NHE3 (p = 0.006) in the rumen of SP2 was lower than SP1, while the HMGCS1 (p = 0.026), HMGCR (p = 0.024) and Na+/K+-ATPase (p = 0.020) was higher than SP1. The three dominant phyla in the rumen are Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. The membrane transport, amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism of SP1 were relatively enhanced, the replication and repair function of SP2 was relatively enhanced. To sum up, the increase of dietary protein level significantly increased the carcass weight and dressing percentage of offspring and had significant effects on rumen volatile fatty acids, acetic acid activation and cholesterol synthesis related genes. HIGHLIGHTSIn the early feeding period, the difference in ADG of lambs was mainly caused by the sucking effect.The increase in dietary protein level of ewes significantly increased the carcass weight and dressing percentage of offspring.The dietary protein level of ewes significantly affected the volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and genes related to acetic acid activation and cholesterol synthesis in the rumen of their offspring.The membrane transport, amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism of the offspring of ewes fed with a low protein diet were relatively enhanced.The replication and repair function of the offspring of ewes fed with a high protein diet was relatively strengthened.

Advances in dietary proteins binding with co-existed anthocyanins in foods: Driving forces, structure-affinity relationship, and functional and nutritional properties.

Anthocyanins, which are the labile flavonoid pigments widely distributed in many fruits, vegetables, cereal grains, and flowers, are receiving intensive interest for their potential health benefits. Proteins are important food components from abundant sources and present high binding affinity for small dietary compounds, e.g., anthocyanins. Protein-anthocyanin interactions might occur during food processing, ingestion, digestion, and bioutilization, leading to significant changes in the structure and properties of proteins and anthocyanins. Current knowledge of protein-anthocyanin interactions and their contributions to functions and bioactivities of anthocyanin-containing foods were reviewed. Binding characterization of dietary protein-anthocyanins complexes is outlined. Advances in understanding the structure-affinity relationship of dietary protein-anthocyanin interaction are critically discussed. The associated properties of protein-anthocyanin complexes are considered in an evaluation of functional and nutritional values.

Metabolomic markers of glucose regulation after a lifestyle intervention in prediabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Disentangling the specific factors that regulate glycemia from prediabetes to normoglycemia could improve type 2 diabetes prevention strategies. Metabolomics provides substantial insights into the biological understanding of environmental factors such as diet. This study aimed to identify metabolomic markers of regression to normoglycemia in the context of a lifestyle intervention (LSI) in individuals with prediabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a single-arm intervention study with 24 weeks of follow-up. Eligible study participants had at least one prediabetes criteria according to the American Diabetes Association guidelines, and body mass index between 25 and 45 kg/m2. LSI refers to a hypocaloric diet and >150 min of physical activity per week. Regression to normoglycemia (RNGR) was defined as achieving hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) <5.5% in the final visit. Baseline and postintervention plasma metabolomic profiles were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. To select metabolites associated with RNGR, we conducted the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator-penalized regressions. RESULTS: The final sample was composed of 82 study participants. Changes in three metabolites were significantly associated with regression to normoglycemia; N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (OR=0.54; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.82), putrescine (OR=0.90, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.98), and 7-methylguanine (OR=1.06; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.17), independent of HbA1c and weight loss. In addition, metabolomic perturbations due to LSI displayed enrichment of taurine and hypotaurine metabolism pathway (p=0.03) compatible with biomarkers of protein consumption, lower red meat and animal fats and higher seafood and vegetables. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from this study suggests that specific metabolomic markers have an influence on glucose regulation in individuals with prediabetes after 24 weeks of LSI independently of other treatment effects such as weight loss.

Circulatory amino acid responses to milk consumption in dairy and lactose intolerant individuals.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Self-reported digestive intolerance to dairy foods is common. As dairy can be an important source of dietary protein, this study aimed to identify whether milk protein digestion is compromised in individuals with digestive intolerance. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Adult women (n = 40) were enroled in this double-blinded, randomised cross-over trial, with digestive symptoms characterised using a lactose challenge and self-reported digestive symptom questionnaire. Participants were classified as either lactose intolerant (LI, n = 10), non-lactose dairy intolerant (NLDI, n = 20) or dairy tolerant (DT, n = 10). In a randomised sequence, participants consumed three different kinds of milk (750 ml); conventional milk (CON), a2 Milk™ (A2M), and lactose-free conventional milk (LF-CON). Circulatory plasma amino acid (AA) concentrations were measured at baseline and every 30 min until 3 h post-ingestion. RESULTS: In all participants across all milk types, plasma AA concentrations (AUC0-180) increased after milk ingestion with no significant differences in responses observed between milk types or participants (P > 0.05), with the exception of the suppressed lysine response in the DT group following A2M ingestion, relative to the other two groups and milk types (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Milk protein digestion, as determined by circulatory AAs, is largely unaffected by dairy- and lactose- intolerances.

The effects of dietary protein and fiber levels on growth performance, gout occurrence, intestinal microbial communities, and immunoregulation in the gut-kidney axis of goslings.

The current study evaluated the effects of dietary protein and fiber levels on growth performance, gout occurrence, intestinal microbial communities, and immunoregulation in the gut-kidney axis of goslings. A completely randomized 2 × 3 factorial design was adopted with 2 CP levels (180 [18CP] and 220 [22CP] g/kg) and 3 crude fiber (CF) levels (30 [low CF], 50 [mid CF], and 70 [high CF] g/kg). The high CP or low CF diets predisposed the goslings to gout. The high protein diets worsened renal function; serum concentrations of UA and Cr as well as XOD activity in 9-day-old goslings fed 22% CP diets were significantly increased. Although CF levels from 3 to 7% did not directly affect kidney health, increasing CF levels might accelerate the increase of probiotics in the cecum of goslings and withhold maleficent bacteria, alleviating the gut dysbiosis caused by high protein diets. An analysis of the cecal microbiota via 16Sr RNA sequencing revealed that the abundance of Enterococcus in the 22CP group was higher than that in the 18CP group but decreased with increasing CF levels on d 9. The abundance of Lactobacillus increased with increasing CF levels. Additionally, higher serum LPS and proinflammatory cytokine concentrations and upregulated mRNA expression levels in the cecal, tonsil, and kidney tissues indicated that high-protein diets could activate the TLR4/MyD88/NFκB pathway and induce both intestinal and renal inflammation in young goslings. Serum LPS concentrations on d 9 were found to decrease with increasing CF, although altering dietary CF levels did not directly affect the serum immune indices of goslings. In conclusion, the high CP diet exerted a negative effect on gout occurrence, microbial communities, and immunoregulation in the gut-kidney axis of goslings, while appropriately increased dietary fiber levels helped maintain intestinal balance and reduced serum LPS concentration. We propose a diet of 18% CP paired with a 5% CF as the optimal combination for gosling feed.

Therapeutic Food Development from Maize Grains, Pulses, and Cooking Banana Fruits for the Prevention of Severe Acute Malnutrition.

In children under five years of age, severe acute malnutrition is a complex and challenging problem, especially those living in poor communities. Therefore, this study aimed to formulate ready-to-use therapeutic foods from affordable, locally available cereals, pulses, and banana fruits to overcome the problem of severe acute malnutrition. Maize grains, pulses (soybeans), and cooking banana fruits were ingredients used in formulations of ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF). A completely randomized design was done with two replicates. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance. A significant difference existed in the appearance and consistency for RUTF1, RUTF2, and RUTF3 samples (P < 0.05). The study findings revealed that the moisture content varied from 6.7 to 13.4%, energy from 513.2 to 642.41 kcal/100 g, protein from 13.9 to 19.34%%, and crude fat from 24.12 to 35.54%. The calcium content ranged from 225 to 302 g/100 mg, iron from 10.34 to 12.26 g/100 mg, and zinc from 10 to 20 g/100 mg. In this study, the phytate content varied from 314.74 to 369.3 µg/g and crude tannin, from 101.36 to 153.25 µg/g. This study concluded that the ingredients used in the RUTF1, RUTF2, and RUTF3 formulations met the standard ready-to-use therapeutic foods. Therefore, it is important to prescribe ready-to-use dietary supplements made from inexpensive, locally available, and culturally acceptable foods to prevent severe acute malnutrition in infants.

Wool keratin - A novel dietary protein source: Nutritional value and toxicological assessment.

Keratin derived protein (KDP) was extracted from sheep wool using high pressure microwave technology and food acids and investigated for its potential as a novel dietary protein. The proximate composition, amino acid profile, element profile, in vitro cytotoxicity and digestibility of KDP were evaluated. Nutritive effects of KDP at 50% dietary supplementation were compared with a casein-based diet in a growing rat model for 95 days. Results indicate KDP to be rich in protein (86%), amino acid cysteine (8.8 g/100 g) and element selenium (0.29 µg/g). KDP was non-cytotoxic in vitro at ≤ 2 mg/mL concentration. There were no differences in the rat's weight gain compared to the control group (P > 0.05). Overall, the inclusion of the KDP in the diet was an effective substitute for casein protein at 50% and KDP has the potential to be used in the food industry as a novel dietary protein, free of fat and carbohydrate.

Protein intake pattern in non-breastfed infants and toddlers: A survey in a nationally representative sample of French children.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Protein intake plays a key role in infants and children's growth, but high protein intake may have adverse long-term effects. Data on actual intakes in various populations are scarce. The aims of this study were (i) to assess daily protein intake (DPI) in non-breastfed infants and children aged 0.5-35 months in comparison with the population reference intake (PRI) set by the European Food Safety Authority, and to examine (ii) the various sources of this intake and their consumption patterns, and (iii) time-related changes in DPI over the last 4 decades. METHODS: Data from the Nutri-Bébé cross-sectional survey were used to assess DPI, DPI/kg BW and the protein-energy ratio (E%) by age group. The amounts and quality of each food consumed were recorded over three non-consecutive days and validated by two face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: Overall, this study included 1035 children. Median DPI were consistently above the PRI, reaching 4 times PRI in the older toddlers (41.4 g/d; range 15.1-64.0). Regardless of age, more than 95% of children had a DPI/kg BW above the PRI. Protein intake remained below 14 E% until 6 months of age and increased thereafter from 10% to 75% in children older than one year. Overall, DPI gradually decreased from 1981 to 2013. Milk and dairy products were the main contributors to DPI up to 2 years, while the share of other animal sources became predominant later. Plant contribution remained below 25% of DPI. CONCLUSION: Despite a gradual decrease over the last few decades, DPI have remained well above the PRI. As the predominant contributors to these intakes are animal sources, the potential long term health consequences of such high intake deserve consideration. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER: NCT03327415 on ClinicalTrials.gov.

The Role of Bovine and Non-Bovine Milk in Cardiometabolic Health: Should We Raise the "Baa"?

Although causality is yet to be confirmed, a considerable volume of research has explored the relationships between cow milk consumption, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Contrastingly, it has not been comprehensively examined whether milk of non-bovine origin can provide cardiometabolic protection. This narrative review outlines the marked differences in macronutrient composition, particularly protein and lipid content, and discusses how whole milk product (and individual milk ingredients) from different species could impact cardiometabolic health. There is some data, although primarily from compositional analyses, animal studies, and acute clinical trials, that non-bovine milk (notably sheep and goat milk) could be a viable substitute to cow milk for the maintenance, or enhancement, of cardiometabolic health. With a high content of medium-chain triglycerides, conjugated linoleic acid, leucine, and essential minerals, sheep milk could assist in the prevention of metabolic-related disorders. Similarly, albeit with a lower content of such functional compounds relative to sheep milk, goat and buffalo milk could be plausible counterparts to cow milk. However, the evidence required to generate nutritional recommendations for 'non-bovine milk' is currently lacking. Longer-term randomised controlled trials must assess how the bioactive ingredients of different species' milks collectively influence biomarkers of, and subsequently incidence of, cardiometabolic health.

Protein Intake among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Influence of (Pre-) Motivational Determinants.

An adequate protein intake is important for healthy ageing, yet nearly 50% of Dutch community-dwelling older adults do not meet protein recommendations. This study explores protein intake in relation to eight behavioral determinants (I-Change model) among Dutch community-dwelling older adults. Data were collected through an online questionnaire from October 2019-October 2020. Protein intake was assessed by the Protein Screener 55+, indicating a high/low chance of a low protein intake (<1.0 g/kg body weight/day). The behavioral determinants of cognizance, knowledge, risk perception, perceived cues, attitude, social support, self-efficacy and intention were assessed by evaluating statements on a 7-point Likert scale. A total of 824 Dutch community-dwelling older adults were included, recruited via online newsletters, newspapers and by personal approach. Poisson regression was performed to calculate quartile-based prevalence ratios (PRs). Almost 40% of 824 respondents had a high chance of a low protein intake. Univariate analyses indicated that lower scores for all different behavioral determinants were associated with a higher chance of a low protein intake. Independent associations were observed for knowledge (Q4 OR = 0.71) and social support (Q4 OR = 0.71). Results of this study can be used in future interventions aiming to increase protein intake in which focus should lie on increasing knowledge and social support.

High-sugar, high-fat, and high-protein diets promote antibiotic resistance gene spreading in the mouse intestinal microbiota.

Diet can not only provide nutrition for intestinal microbiota, it can also remodel them. However, is unclear whether and how diet affects the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the intestinal microbiota. Therefore, we employed selected high-sugar, high-fat, high-protein, and normal diets to explore the effect. The results showed that high-sugar, high-fat, and high-protein diets promoted the amplification and transfer of exogenous ARGs among intestinal microbiota, and up-regulated the expression of trfAp and trbBp while significantly altered the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites. Inflammation-related products were strongly correlated with the spread of ARGs, suggesting the intestinal microenvironment after diet remodeling might be conducive to the spreading of ARGs. This may be attributed to changes in bacterial membrane permeability, the SOS response, and bacterial composition and diversity caused by diet-induced inflammation. In addition, acceptor bacteria (zygotes) screened by flow cytometry were mostly Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, and most were derived from dominant intestinal bacteria remodeled by diet, indicating that the transfer of ARGs was closely linked to diet, and had some selectivity. Metagenomic results showed that the gut resistance genome could be affected not only by diet, but by exogenous antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB). Many ARG markers coincided with bacterial markers in diet groups. Therefore, dominant bacteria in different diets are important hosts of ARGs in specific dietary environments, but the many pathogenic bacteria present may cause serious harm to human health.

Low-carbohydrate diet and risk of cancer incidence: The Japan Public Health Center-based prospective study.

Epidemiological evidence on the effects of a long-term low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) on cancer incidence remains sparse. We investigate the association between LCD and the risk of overall and specific cancer site incidence in a Japanese population-based prospective cohort study among 90 171 participants aged 45-74. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During a median 17.0 y of follow-up, we identified 15 203 cancer cases. A higher overall LCD score was associated with increased overall cancer risk (HR = 1.08 [CI: 1.02-1.14], P-trend = .012), while it was associated with decreased gastric cancer (GC) risk (0.81 [0.71-0.93], P-trend = .006). A higher animal-based LCD score was associated with higher risk of overall cancer (1.08 [1.02-1.14], P-trend = .003), colorectal cancer (CRC) (1.11 [0.98-1.25], P-trend = .018), rectal cancer (RC) (1.24 [1.00-1.54], P-trend = .025), lung cancer (LC) (1.16 [1.00-1.34], P-trend = .042), and lower risk of GC (0.90 [0.79-1.01], P-trend = .033). Furthermore, we found that plant-based LCD score was related to lower GC incidence (0.87 [0.77-0.99], P-trend = .031). Additionally, adjusted for plant fat intake amplified the adverse associations (overall cancer: 1.08 [1.02-1.14] vs. 1.11 [1.05-1.18]; CRC: 1.08 [0.95-1.22] vs. 1.13 [0.99-1.30]; LC: 1.14 [0.98-1.33] vs. 1.19 [1.01-1.41]). We conclude that LCD enriching with animal products was associated with increased overall cancer, CRC, and LC incidence. These adverse associations could be attenuated by plant fat consumption. LCD reduces the risk of developing GC. Long-term adherence to LCD without paying attention to the balance between animal and plant food source consumption might cause adverse overall cancer incidence consequences.

Macronutrient Intake and Risk of Dementia in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Nine-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the association between macronutrient intake and incident dementia. OBJECTIVE: To identify an optimal range of macronutrient intake associated with reduced risk of dementia. METHODS: Our analysis included 93,389 adults aged 60-75 years from the UK Biobank. Diet was assessed using a web-based 24-h recall questionnaire between 2009-2012. Dementia was ascertained using hospital inpatient, death records, and self-reported data up to January 2021. We calculated a macronutrient score based on associations between an individual's macronutrient intake and incident dementia. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 8.7 years, 1,171 incident dementia cases were documented. We found U-shape relationships for carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake with incident dementia. Compared to individuals with optimal carbohydrate intake, those with high intake (HR (95%CI): 1.48(1.15-1.91)) but not low intake (1.19(0.89-1.57)) had a higher risk of dementia. In the multivariable analysis, a low-fat intake (HR (95%CI): 1.42(1.11-1.82)) was associated with a higher risk of all-cause dementia. After adjustment for covariates, a high (HR (95%CI): 1.41(1.09-1.83)) but not low protein intake (1.22(0.94-1.57)) was associated with an increased risk of dementia. Individuals in quintiles 3-5 of optimal macronutrient score had a lower risk of dementia compared with those in quintile 1 (HR (95%CI): 0.76(0.64-0.91) for quintile 3, 0.71(0.60-0.85) for quintile 4, 0.74(0.61-0.91) for quintile 5). The association between macronutrient score and incident dementia was significant across subgroups of age, gender, education, and smoking. CONCLUSION: Moderate intakes of carbohydrate, fat, and protein were associated with the lowest risk of incident dementia.

Consequences of varying dietary crude protein and metabolizable energy levels on growth performance, carcass characteristics and biochemical parameters of growing geese.

This research aimed to investigate the effect of varying dietary crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) quantity on growth, carcass characteristics, biochemical blood parameters and molecular aspects of growing geese. Overall, a total of 180 Egyptian goslings were used in a 2 × 3 factorial design. Two levels of CP (18% and 16%) and three levels of ME (3000, 2900 and 2800 kcal/kg diet) were employed. Growth traits showed no significant differences as a result of different CP or ME levels. Birds fed the higher CP level consumed more feed than the lower. Carcass, dressing, heart, spleen, abdominal fat and thigh percentages within the group fed 18% CP were higher than the other group. Compared with the other ME-based diet, geese fed a low-ME based diet had the highest heart percentage. Feeding growing geese on a 2900 Kcal/kg ME-based diet increased the serum content of total protein and globulin. Geese fed the high-ME diet showed the highest levels of ALP and C4 as compared with other ME levels. Regarding Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), different protein and energy levels did not affect the molecular weight of blood proteins of Egyptian geese during the growing phase. It could be concluded the levels of 16% CP and 2800 kcal/kg ME are enough to maintain the growth performance and the other physiological indices as well as molecular aspects.

Specific Dietary Protein Sources Are Associated with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study.

BACKGROUND: Puerto Rican adults residing in the US mainland experience a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). A diet containing healthy protein-rich sources may help control risk factors for MetS. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate 2-year longitudinal associations between intake of various protein-rich foods and changes in the six MetS components. DESIGN: This is a secondary analysis of a longitudinal cohort study using data from the baseline (2004-2007) and 2-year follow-up visits (2006-2011) in the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Participants were self-identified Puerto Ricans, aged 45 to 75 years, residing in Boston, Massachusetts, or the surrounding area (n = 1,126). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: MetS components were fasting glucose, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and waist circumference. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Baseline intake of foods reported in a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire were expressed as servings/day, and protein-rich foods were categorized as unprocessed white meat, unprocessed red meat, processed meat, milk and yogurt, cheese, fish and seafood, beans, nuts, and eggs. Associations between each continuous protein food group and continuous 2-year change in MetS components were assessed using linear mixed models adjusted for socioeconomic and behavioral factors, and other dietary sources. RESULTS: The top contributors to total protein intake were unprocessed red meat (13.3%) and unprocessed poultry (13.0%), and the lowest were eggs (2.92%) and nuts (0.91%). Higher intake of processed meats was associated with an increase in waist circumference over 2 years (ß = 1.28; standard error [SE] = 0.63), whereas higher intake of fish and seafood was associated with a decrease in waist circumference (ß = -3.47; SE = 1.39). Intake of unprocessed poultry was associated with a decrease in triglycerides (ß = -24.5; SE = 9.13). No other significant associations were observed between protein sources and 2-year changes in MetS components. CONCLUSIONS: Consuming less processed meat and more fish and seafood and unprocessed poultry was associated with decreases in waist circumference and triglycerides among US mainland Puerto Ricans. Other dietary protein sources were not related to cardiometabolic health.

Long-term dietary protein intake and subjective cognitive decline in US men and women.

BACKGROUND: Diet is one of the modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline. However, studies on dietary protein intake and cognitive decline have remained limited and inconclusive. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate the associations between long-term dietary protein intake and subsequent subjective cognitive decline (SCD). METHODS: We included 49,493 women from the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) (1984-2006) and 27,842 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) (1986-2002). For the NHS, average dietary intake was calculated from 7 repeated semi-quantitative FFQs (SFFQs), and SCD was assessed in 2012 and 2014. For the HPFS, average dietary intake was calculated from 5 repeated SFFQs, and SCD was assessed in 2008 and 2012. Poisson regression was used to examine the associations between dietary protein, amino acids, and various protein food sources with subsequent SCD. RESULTS: Higher protein intake compared with total carbohydrates was associated with lower odds of SCD. When substituting 5% energy from protein for the equivalent percentage of energy from total carbohydrates, the pooled multivariable-adjusted ORs (95% CIs) were 0.89 (0.85, 0.94) for total protein, 0.89 (0.84, 0.94) for animal protein, and 0.74 (0.62, 0.88) for plant protein. When substituting 5% of energy from animal protein with plant protein, the OR was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.72, 0.97). For protein food sources, higher intakes of beans/legumes, fish, and lean poultry were significantly associated with lower odds of SCD, but higher intake of hotdogs was associated with higher odds of SCD. CONCLUSIONS: Higher protein intake was associated with lower odds of SCD when compared isocalorically with carbohydrate. Plant protein sources were also associated with lower odds when compared with animal protein sources. Our findings suggest that adequate protein intake, and choices of protein sources could play a role in the maintenance of cognition and should be studied further.

Association between Diet and Xerostomia: Is Xerostomia a Barrier to a Healthy Eating Pattern?

OBJECTIVE: Xerostomia is a subjective feeling of dry mouth and is commonly observed in patients with autoimmune diseases. Our study examines the association between xerostomia and diet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional study includes 1405 adults from 15 Lithuanian geographical areas (52% response rate). A self-reported questionnaire inquired about xerostomia, sex, age, education, residence, and consumption of selected 23 diet items. For the multivariable analysis, 23 diet items were categorized into eight major diet groups. The data were analyzed by bivariate and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: When comparing participants with and without xerostomia, there were significant differences in consumption frequencies concerning cold-pressed oil (p = 0.013), bread (p = 0.029), processed meat products (p = 0.016), fat and lean fish (p = 0.009), and probiotic supplements (p = 0.002). In the multivariable binary logistic regression model, when controlled for other determinants, the higher consumption of carbohydrates (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.23-0.65), proteins (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32-0.99), and oils (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.34-1.00) was associated with a lower likelihood of xerostomia. CONCLUSIONS: The association between xerostomia and the consumption of the six diet items-cold-pressed oils, lean and fat fish, bread, processed meat, and probiotic supplements- and the three major diet groups-carbohydrates, proteins, and oils-was observed. Longitudinal studies are needed to validate the observed associations.