Composición nutricional y declaraciones nutricionales del plátano de Canarias / Nutritional composition and nutritional claims of Canary Islands banana

Objetivos: el plátano de Canarias es el único fruto del género Musa que se produce en territorio español. Desde el año 2013 se cataloga como un alimento con Indicación Geográfica Protegida (IGP). El plátano de Canarias presenta características propias a nivel organoléptico que lo diferencian de otros frutos de consumo del mismo género como la banana. Sin embargo, hasta la fecha no se habían realizado estudios detallados sobre su composición nutricional y las posibles declaraciones nutricionales derivadas de su composición. Métodos: en el presente trabajo se muestran los resultados del análisis bromatológico del plátano de Canarias, realizado a través de distintas técnicas (cromatografía liquida, espectroscopia, espectrofotometría y polarimetría) en un estado óptimo de maduración del fruto (estadio 6). Adicionalmente, se hizo uso de la legislación vigente concerniente a las declaraciones de la composición nutricional de alimentos (Reglamento N.º 1169/2011) para esclarecer aquellas atribuibles al plátano. Resultados: el plátano de Canarias es un alimento con alto contenido por porción comestible en vitamina B6 (0,52 g/100 g) y fuente de potasio (419,9 mg/100 g), fibra dietética total (2,22 g/100 g) y vitamina C (12,35 mg/100 g) de manera natural, de acuerdo con la legislación vigente en materia de etiquetado alimentario. Conclusiones: la ingesta diaria de un plátano de Canarias contribuye a alcanzar el consumo recomendado de tres piezas de fruta al día, aportando unos valores de referencia de nutrientes (VRN) óptimos de vitaminas (B6, C), minerales (potasio) y fibra dietética, con el consiguiente valor añadido a nivel nutricional que pone de manifiesto su importancia como alimento de producción local y su incorporación como tal en el contexto de una dieta saludable. (AU)

Objectives: Canary Islands bananas represent the only native cultivar of Musa spp. present in Spanish territory. Since 2013, it has the Protected Geographical Indication label, which confers an additional value to this fruit. Bananas from the Canary Islands have certain organoleptic properties that make them stand out from among other commonly consumed Musa spp. However, to date, no studies have been reported including an extended nutritional composition of this product. Methods: the present work shows the main nutritional components of bananas from the Canary Islands as determined by different analytical techniques (mainly liquid chromatography, spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, and polarimetry) when at their best in terms of ripeness (grade 6). Moreover, potential nutrition claims relating to their composition were proposed using the current legislation. Results: the fruit's remarkable content, edible portion, in vitamin B6 (0.52 g/100 g), dietary fiber (2.22 g/100 g), potassium (419.9 mg/100 g), and vitamin C (12.35 mg/100 g) should be highlighted. Additionally, these components could appear on nutritional labeling as claims, according to current European regulations. Conclusions: a daily consumption of one Canary Islands banana contributes to the recommended dietary intake of vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. The high nutritional value of this fruit enhances its presence in the Mediterranean eating pattern, being remarkable as a local product with excellent nutritional properties. (AU)

[Nutritional composition and nutritional claims of Canary Islands banana]. / Composición nutricional y declaraciones nutricionales del plátano de Canarias.

INTRODUCTION: Objectives: Canary Islands bananas represent the only native cultivar of Musa spp. present in Spanish territory. Since 2013, it has the Protected Geographical Indication label, which confers an additional value to this fruit. Bananas from the Canary Islands have certain organoleptic properties that make them stand out from among other commonly consumed Musa spp. However, to date, no studies have been reported including an extended nutritional composition of this product. Methods: the present work shows the main nutritional components of bananas from the Canary Islands as determined by different analytical techniques (mainly liquid chromatography, spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, and polarimetry) when at their best in terms of ripeness (grade 6). Moreover, potential nutrition claims relating to their composition were proposed using the current legislation. Results: the fruit's remarkable content, edible portion, in vitamin B6 (0.52 g/100 g), dietary fiber (2.22 g/100 g), potassium (419.9 mg/100 g), and vitamin C (12.35 mg/100 g) should be highlighted. Additionally, these components could appear on nutritional labeling as claims, according to current European regulations. Conclusions: a daily consumption of one Canary Islands banana contributes to the recommended dietary intake of vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. The high nutritional value of this fruit enhances its presence in the Mediterranean eating pattern, being remarkable as a local product with excellent nutritional properties.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Objetivos: el plátano de Canarias es el único fruto del género Musa que se produce en territorio español. Desde el año 2013 se cataloga como un alimento con Indicación Geográfica Protegida (IGP). El plátano de Canarias presenta características propias a nivel organoléptico que lo diferencian de otros frutos de consumo del mismo género como la banana. Sin embargo, hasta la fecha no se habían realizado estudios detallados sobre su composición nutricional y las posibles declaraciones nutricionales derivadas de su composición. Métodos: en el presente trabajo se muestran los resultados del análisis bromatológico del plátano de Canarias, realizado a través de distintas técnicas (cromatografía liquida, espectroscopia, espectrofotometría y polarimetría) en un estado óptimo de maduración del fruto (estadio 6). Adicionalmente, se hizo uso de la legislación vigente concerniente a las declaraciones de la composición nutricional de alimentos (Reglamento N.º 1169/2011) para esclarecer aquellas atribuibles al plátano. Resultados: el plátano de Canarias es un alimento con alto contenido por porción comestible en vitamina B6 (0,52 g/100 g) y fuente de potasio (419,9 mg/100 g), fibra dietética total (2,22 g/100 g) y vitamina C (12,35 mg/100 g) de manera natural, de acuerdo con la legislación vigente en materia de etiquetado alimentario. Conclusiones: la ingesta diaria de un plátano de Canarias contribuye a alcanzar el consumo recomendado de tres piezas de fruta al día, aportando unos valores de referencia de nutrientes (VRN) óptimos de vitaminas (B6, C), minerales (potasio) y fibra dietética, con el consiguiente valor añadido a nivel nutricional que pone de manifiesto su importancia como alimento de producción local y su incorporación como tal en el contexto de una dieta saludable.

Changes in food pricing and availability on the Navajo Nation following a 2% tax on unhealthy foods: The Healthy Diné Nation Act of 2014.

INTRODUCTION: In 2014, the Navajo Nation Healthy Diné Nation Act (HDNA) was passed, combining a 2% tax on foods of 'minimal-to-no-nutritional value' and waiver of 5% sales tax on healthy foods, the first-ever such tax in the U.S. and globally among a sovereign tribal nation. The aim of this study was to measure changes in pricing and food availability in stores on the Navajo Nation following the implementation of the HDNA. METHODS: Store observations were conducted in 2013 and 2019 using the Nutrition Environment Measurement Survey-Stores (NEMS-S) adapted for the Navajo Nation. Observations included store location, type, whether healthy foods or HDNA were promoted, and availability and pricing of fresh fruits and vegetables, canned items, beverages, water, snacks and traditional foods. Differences between 2013 and 2019 and by store type and location were tested. RESULTS: The matched sample included 71 stores (51 in the Navajo Nation and 20 in border towns). In 2019, fresh produce was available in the majority of Navajo stores, with 71% selling at least 3 types of fruit and 65% selling at least 3 types of vegetables. Compared with border town convenience stores, Navajo convenience stores had greater availability of fresh vegetables and comparable availability of fresh fruit in 2019. The average cost per item of fresh fruit decreased by 13% in Navajo stores (from $0.88 to $0.76) and increased in border stores (from $0.63 to $0.73), resulting in comparable prices in Navajo and border stores in 2019. While more Navajo stores offered mutton, blue corn and wild plants in 2019 compared to 2013, these changes were not statistically significant. DISCUSSION: The findings suggest modest improvements in the Navajo store environment and high availability of fruits and vegetables. Navajo stores play an important role in the local food system and provide access to local, healthy foods for individuals living in this rural, tribal community.

Human Breast Milk Composition and Function in Human Health: From Nutritional Components to Microbiome and MicroRNAs.

Human breast milk (HBM) is not only an indispensable source of nutrients for early human growth and development, supplying components that support infant growth and development, but also contains various essential immunologic components with anti-infectious activities and critical roles in the formation of immunity. It is also known that HBM contains its own unique microbiome, including beneficial, commensal, and potentially probiotic bacteria, that can contribute to infant gut colonization. In addition, HBM-derived extracellular vesicles, exosomes, and microRNA are attracting increasing interest for their potential to transfer to the infant and their role in infant development. In this article, we examine some of the various constituents in HBM and review the evidence supporting their associated health effects and their potential applications in human health.

Association between the Nutritional Quality of Household At-Home Food Purchases and Chronic Diseases and Risk Factors in the United States, 2015.

Lower diet quality is a leading preventable risk factor for obesity and chronic diseases. This study assesses differences in the nutritional quality of at-home food purchases, using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 and its components, among households with and without a member reporting type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, and/or smoking. We use the 2015 IRI Consumer Network nationally representative household food purchase scanner data, combined with the IRI MedProfiler and the USDA's Purchase-to-Plate Crosswalk datasets. For each/multiple condition(s), the difference in mean HEI score adjusted for covariates is tested for equivalence with the respective score against households without any member with the condition(s). The HEI score is higher for households without a member with reported T2D (2.4% higher), CVD (3.2%), obesity (3.3%), none of the three conditions (6.1%, vs. all three conditions), and smoking (10.5%) than for those with a member with the respective condition. Households with a member with T2D score better on the added sugar component than those with no member reporting T2D. We found that the average food purchase quality is lower than the recommended levels, especially for households with at least one member reporting a chronic condition(s).

The Association between Milk Intake and Nutrient Intake Adequacy among Japanese Female Junior High School Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The consumption of dairy products, including milk, may be important for improving the overall quality of a diet. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between milk intake and nutritional adequacy among Japanese female junior high school students. The participants of this study were Japanese female junior high school students aged between 12 and 15 years. Dietary habits over the past month were assessed by a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire. The adequacy of each nutrient intake was determined based on the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese 2020, with two goals: the estimated average requirement for fourteen nutrients and tentative dietary goals for preventing lifestyle-related diseases for six nutrients. The participants were classified into five groups according to milk intake (Q1 (lowest) to Q5 (highest)) by quintile. The adequacy of vitamin B2, calcium, magnesium, and potassium were higher among students with a higher milk consumption than among those with a lower milk consumption. However, the intake of saturated fatty acids was in excess among higher milk consumers. The present study suggests that milk intake was related to an adequate intake of some vitamins and minerals and an inadequate intake of saturated fatty acids among Japanese female junior high school students.

Unintended Consequences: Nutritional Impact and Potential Pitfalls of Switching from Animal- to Plant-Based Foods.

Consumers are shifting towards plant-based diets, driven by both environmental and health reasons. This has led to the development of new plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) that are marketed as being sustainable and good for health. However, it remains unclear whether these novel PBMAs to replace animal foods carry the same established nutritional benefits as traditional plant-based diets based on pulses, legumes and vegetables. We modelled a reference omnivore diet using NHANES 2017-2018 data and compared it to diets that substituted animal products in the reference diet with either traditional or novel plant-based foods to create flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan diets matched for calories and macronutrients. With the exception of the traditional vegan diet, all diets with traditional plant-based substitutes met daily requirements for calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron and Vitamin B12 and were lower in saturated fat, sodium and sugar than the reference diet. Diets based on novel plant-based substitutes were below daily requirements for calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc and Vitamin B12 and exceeded the reference diet for saturated fat, sodium and sugar. Much of the recent focus has been on protein quality and quantity, but our case study highlights the risk of unintentionally increasing undesirable nutrients while reducing the overall nutrient density of the diet when less healthy plant-based substitutes are selected. Opportunities exist for PBMA producers to enhance the nutrient profile and diversify the format of future plant-based foods that are marketed as healthy, sustainable alternatives to animal-based products.

[Quantification, dietary intake adequacy, and food sources of nutrients involved in the methionine-methylation cycle (choline, betaine, folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12) in pregnant women in Spain]. / Cuantificación, adecuación de la ingesta y fuentes alimentarias de nutrientes relacionados con el ciclo metionina-metilación (colina, betaína, folatos, vitamina B6 y vitamina B12) en mujeres embarazadas en España.

INTRODUCTION: Objective: a quantification of dietary intakes of the micronutrients involved in the methylation-methionine cycle (choline, betaine, folate, vitamins B6 and B12) in a representative sample of pregnant women in Spain; assessment of intake adequacy to available official recommendations; and analysis of their main food sources. Material and methods: the median intake of each micronutrient was established using food consumption data reported in the National Dietary Survey of adults, the elderly, and pregnant women (ENALIA-2) (n = 133). For folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 intake, nutritional composition data from the Spanish Food Composition Tables were used, whereas for choline and betaine, which are not included in European food composition databases, the National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) was considered. Intake adequacy was estimated in accordance with the recommendations of the main Spanish, European, and US guidelines. Results: mean daily intakes observed were 271.1 mg/day of choline; 142.5 mg/day of betaine; 182.8 µg/day of folate; 1.4 mg/day of vitamin B6; and 4.5 µg/day of vitamin B12. Intake adequacy levels were insufficient for choline (< 60.2 %) and folate (< 30.5 %); close to adequacy for vitamin B6 (> 71.6 %); and fully adequate only in the case of vitamin B12 (> 101.1 %). It is not possible to draw any conclusions regarding betaine intake in the absence of established recommendations. Main food sources included foods of animal origin for choline and vitamin B12 (71.8 % and 97.4 %, respectively); cereals and derivatives for betaine (85.3 %); vegetables (27.5 %) together with cereals and derivatives (18.6 %) for folate; and meats and derivatives (26.6 %) followed by vegetables (17.9 %) for vitamin B6. Conclusions: these findings are clearly indicative of the need to improve the intake and nutritional status of these components, which are of great nutritional interest for the health of pregnant women and, consequently, of their offspring. Consequent to the degree of adequacy observed, it seems necessary and urgent to employ not only dietary improvement strategies and the use of fortified foods, but also nutritional supplements with an individualized approach.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Objetivo: cuantificar las ingestas dietéticas de los micronutrientes implicados en el ciclo metilación-metionina (colina, betaína, folatos, vitaminas B6 y B12) en una muestra representativa de mujeres gestantes residentes en España; determinar la adecuación a las recomendaciones, y analizar sus principales fuentes alimentarias. Material y métodos: la determinación de la ingesta media se realizó a partir de los datos de consumo de los alimentos recogidos en la "Encuesta Nacional de Alimentación en población adulta, mayores y embarazadas" (ENALIA-2) (n = 133). Para el cálculo del aporte de folatos y de vitaminas B6 y B12 se emplearon los datos de composición nutricional recogidos en las "Tablas de Composición de Alimentos en España", mientras que para la colina y la betaína, nutrientes no incluidos en las bases de datos de composición de alimentos en Europa, se empleó la "Base de Datos Nacional de Nutrientes para Referencia Estándar del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos" (USDA). La adecuación de la ingesta se estimó de acuerdo con las recomendaciones de las principales guías españolas, europeas y estadounidenses. Resultados: las ingestas medias diarias observadas fueron de 271,1 mg/día de colina; 142,5 mg/día de betaína; 182,8 µg/día de folatos; 1,4 mg/día de vitamina B6; y 4,5 µg/día de vitamina B12. Los niveles de adecuación a las recomendaciones resultaron insuficientes para la colina (< 60,2 %) y los folatos (< 30,5 %); cercanos a la adecuación para la vitamina B6 (> 71,6 %); y plenamente adecuados únicamente en el caso de la vitamina B12 (> 101,1 %). No resulta posible extraer ninguna conclusión con respecto al aporte de betaína al no existir recomendaciones establecidas. Las principales fuentes alimentarias fueron: alimentos de origen animal para la colina y la vitamina B12 (71,8 % y 97,4 %, respectivamente); cereales y derivados para la betaína (85,3 %); verduras y hortalizas (27,5 %) junto a cereales y derivados (18,6 %) para los folatos; y carnes y derivados (26,6 %), seguidos de verduras y hortalizas (17,9 %) para la vitamina B6. Conclusiones: los resultados obtenidos son indicativos de la necesidad de mejorar la ingesta y el estado nutricional de estos componentes de gran interés para la salud de la mujer embarazada. Como consecuencia del grado de adecuación observado, parece necesario y urgente el empleo no solo de estrategias para mejorar la dieta y el uso de alimentos fortificados, sino también de suplementos nutricionales de manera personalizada.

Application of Light-Emitting Diodes for Improving the Nutritional Quality and Bioactive Compound Levels of Some Crops and Medicinal Plants.

Light is a key factor that affects phytochemical synthesis and accumulation in plants. Due to limitations of the environment or cultivated land, there is an urgent need to develop indoor cultivation systems to obtain higher yields with increased phytochemical concentrations using convenient light sources. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have several advantages, including consumption of lesser power, longer half-life, higher efficacy, and wider variation in the spectral wavelength than traditional light sources; therefore, these devices are preferred for in vitro culture and indoor plant growth. Moreover, LED irradiation of seedlings enhances plant biomass, nutrient and secondary metabolite levels, and antioxidant properties. Specifically, red and blue LED irradiation exerts strong effects on photosynthesis, stomatal functioning, phototropism, photomorphogenesis, and photosynthetic pigment levels. Additionally, ex vitro plantlet development and acclimatization can be enhanced by regulating the spectral properties of LEDs. Applying an appropriate LED spectral wavelength significantly increases antioxidant enzyme activity in plants, thereby enhancing the cell defense system and providing protection from oxidative damage. Since different plant species respond differently to lighting in the cultivation environment, it is necessary to evaluate specific wavebands before large-scale LED application for controlled in vitro plant growth. This review focuses on the most recent advances and applications of LEDs for in vitro culture organogenesis. The mechanisms underlying the production of different phytochemicals, including phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and antioxidant enzymes, have also been discussed.

Breakfast Food Advertising and Prevention of Obesity: Analysis of the Nutritional Value of the Products and Discursive Strategies Used in the Breakfast Ads from 2015 to 2019.

Breakfast is widely considered the most important meal of the day. Despite this, the consumption of ready to eat industrial products with low nutritional value is increasing. This study correlated longitudinally the nutritional value of breakfast products with advertising discursive strategies. The research design applied quantitative analysis to compile all media advertising data from 2015 to 2019, qualitative analysis of the content, and a study of the adverts' discourse. Moreover, a Nutri-score analysis was used to determine the products' nutritional value. Results indicated that breakfast products advertised in Spain presented a low or very low nutritional value. In addition, they showed that the lower the nutritional value of the product, the greater the proportion of positive emotions or moods that emerge from the discourse used in the advertisement. To establish effective policies for the prevention of obesity, greater involvement of the government, and better self-regulation mechanisms for the food industry, communication agencies, and advertisers are needed. In this sense, the hedonistic language used in advertisements for unhealthy food must treated as a priority. This measure would have the aim not only of protecting minors from ads for unhealthy food that are broadcast during breakfast time but would also generate healthy eating patterns within the family.

The multifaceted role of cell cycle regulators in the coordination of growth and metabolism.

Adapting to changes in nutrient availability and environmental conditions is a fundamental property of cells. This adaptation requires a multi-directional coordination between metabolism, growth, and the cell cycle regulators (consisting of the family of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), their regulatory subunits known as cyclins, CDK inhibitors, the retinoblastoma family members, and the E2F transcription factors). Deciphering the mechanisms accountable for this coordination is crucial for understanding various patho-physiological processes. While it is well established that metabolism and growth affect cell division, this review will focus on recent observations that demonstrate how cell cycle regulators coordinate metabolism, cell cycle progression, and growth. We will discuss how the cell cycle regulators directly regulate metabolic enzymes and pathways and summarize their involvement in the endolysosomal pathway and in the functions and dynamics of mitochondria.

Intake and adequacy of the vegan diet. A systematic review of the evidence.

BACKGROUND: Vegan diets, where animal- and all their by-products are excluded from the diet, have gained popularity, especially in the last decade. However, the evaluation of this type of diet has not been well addressed in the scientific literature. This study aimed to investigate the adequacy of vegan diets in European populations and of their macro- and micronutrient intakes compared to World Health Organization recommendations. METHODS: A systematic search in PubMed, Web of Science, IBSS, Cochrane library and Google Scholar was conducted and 48 studies (12 cohorts and 36 cross-sectional) were included. RESULTS: Regarding macronutrients, vegan diets are lower in protein intake compared with all other diet types. Veganism is also associated with low intake of vitamins B2, Niacin (B3), B12, D, iodine, zinc, calcium, potassium, selenium. Vitamin B12 intake among vegans is significantly lower (0.24-0.49 µg, recommendations are 2.4 µg) and calcium intake in the majority of vegans was below recommendations (750 mg/d). No significant differences in fat intake were observed. Vegan diets are not related to deficiencies in vitamins A, B1, Β6, C, E, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and folate and have a low glycemic load. CONCLUSIONS: Following a vegan diet may result in deficiencies in micronutrients (vitamin B12, zinc, calcium and selenium) which should not be disregarded. However, low micro- and macronutrient intakes are not always associated with health impairments. Individuals who consume a vegan diet should be aware of the risk of potential dietary deficiencies.

Valoración del estado nutricional y la condición física de estudiantes de educación básica de Chile / Assessment of the nutritional status and physical condition of basic education students in Chile

INTRODUCCIÓN: actualmente, el ejercicio físico practicado de manera regular es la mejor herramienta disponible para fomentar el bienestar de las personas y una mejor salud. OBJETIVO: el objetivo del estudio fue determinar el nivel de condición física y el estado nutricional, así como la relación entre estos, en estudiantes de enseñanza básica de la ciudad de Chillán. MÉTODOS: el estudio es de tipo descriptivo, de corte transversal y relacional. Participaron 2500 estudiantes. Para evaluar la condición física se utilizaron los siguientes test: Wells y Dillons (flexibilidad), Sargent Test (potencia miembros inferiores), Test de 1 Milla de la AAPHARD (capacidad aeróbica) y Abdominales en 30 segundos (capacidad muscular localizada). RESULTADOS: al comparar por sexos, los hombres presentaron diferencias estadísticas significativas en las variables físicas de capacidad aeróbica (p = 0,00), abdominales (p = 0,00) y salto (p = 0,00); solo en el caso de la flexibilidad las mujeres presentaron mejores resultados (p = 0,01). Al relacionar el IMC con la capacidad física se observa una relación negativa en ambos sexos, es decir: a mayor IMC, menor es la cantidad de abdominales realizados (r = -0,032; r = -0,084, mujeres y hombres, respectivamente) y la capacidad aeróbica (r = -0,063 y r = -0,023, mujeres y hombres, respectivamente). En flexibilidad y salto se observa una correlación positiva, aunque esta es insignificante. CONCLUSIÓN: los hombres y las mujeres con normopeso presentan una mejor condición física en comparación con quienes presentan sobrepeso u obesidad. En cuanto al sexo, los hombres presentan una mejor condición física salvo en la prueba de flexibilidad, donde las mujeres presentan los mejores resultados. Además, se observa una relación negativa en ambos sexos entre la condición física y la composición corporal, donde un IMC elevado se traduce en un bajo nivel de rendimiento físico

INTRODUCTION: currently, regular physical exercise is the best tool available to promote people's well-being and improve their health. OBJECTIVE: the objective of the study was to determine the level of physical condition and nutritional status, as well as the relationship between them, in elementary school students in the city of Chillán. METHODS: the study is of the descriptive, cross-sectional, relational type. A total of 2500 students participated. To evaluate physical condition, the followingtests were used: Wells and Dillons (flexibility), Sargent Test (lower limb power), AAPHARD's 1-Mile Test (cardiorespiratory resistance), and Sit-ups in 30 seconds (localized muscular resistance). RESULTS: when comparing by sex, men presented significant statistical differences in the physical variables of aerobic capacity (p = 0.00), situps (p = 0.00) and jumping (p = 0.00); only in the case of flexibility did women present better results (p = 0.01). When relating BMI to physical capacity a negative relationship is observed in both sexes-that is, the higher the BMI, the lower the amount of sit-ups (r = -0.032; r = -0.084, women and men, respectively) and aerobic capacity (r = -0.063 and r = -0.023, women and men, respectively). In flexibility and jump a positive though negligible correlation was observed. CONCLUSION: normal-weight men and women have a better physical condition as compared to those with overweight or obesity. As for sex, men have a better physical condition except for the flexibility test, where women obtain the best results. In addition, a negative relationship is observed in both sexes between physical condition and body composition, where a high BMI results in a low level of physical performance

Valoración del estado dietético-nutricional, la composición corporal, el comportamiento alimentario y la percepción de la imagen en deportistas de gimnasia rítmica / Assessment of nutritional-dietary status, body composition, eating behavior, and perceived image in rhythmic gymnastics athletes

INTRODUCCIÓN: entre las gimnastas adolescentes se ha observado cierta preocupación por el peso, con dietas insuficientes en energía y algunos nutrientes en búsqueda del máximo rendimiento. Esta preocupación puede estar relacionada con trastornos de la conducta alimentaria, menstruación irregular, cansancio y descanso insuficiente. OBJETIVOS: evaluar el estado diétético-nutricional, la composición corporal, el comportamiento alimentario y la preocupación por la imagen corporal de las gimnastas de competición. MÉTODOS: estudio observacional y transveral en el que participaron 33 gimnastas femeninas (edad: M = 14,52, DT = 1,85), subélite, de entre 11 y 18 años de edad. Se realizaron valoraciones antropométricas, se les aplicó un test de actitudes alimentarias (EAT-26) y un cuestionario sobre la figura corporal (BSQ), y se las entrevistó, recogiéndose datos sociodemográficos, sociodeportivos, de salud y sobre la ingesta. RESULTADOS: la dieta de las deportistas es principalmente deficitaria en agua, carbohidratos, proteínas, vitaminas D y E, fibra, hierro y calcio, con sobreingesta de vitamina A y sodio. Las deportistas presentan normopeso y valores altos de masa muscular, bajos de masa grasa y medios de los componentes del somatotipo (endomorfo equilibrado con tendencia a central). Se detectaron dos casos de riesgo de trastorno de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) y preocupación por la imagen corporal percibida en un cuarto de la muestra. CONCLUSIONES: el riesgo de padecer un TCA se relaciona con el consumo de fármacos prohibidos o sustancias adictivas, la menstruación irregular, el cansancio y dormir menos horas

INTRODUCTION: among adolescent gymnasts some concern for body weight has been observed, with diets inadequate in energy and some nutrients in the search for maximum performance. OBJECTIVE: the aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary-nutritional status, body composition, eating behavior, and perceived body image concerns of female gymnasts at sub-national competition levels. In addition, to study the relationship between the prevalence of the risk of eating disorders and variables such as substance use, irregular menstruation, fatigue, and hours of sleep. MATERIALS AND METHOD: a total of 33 female subelite gymnasts participated (age: M = 14.52, SD = 1.85), with age ranging from 11 to 18 years. Anthropometric evaluations (restricted profile) were made, the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) were administered, and the subjects were then interviewed for collecting sociodemographic, socio-sports, health, and food intake data. RESULTS: the results showed that their diet was deficient, among other micro- and macro-nutrients, in water, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins D and E, fiber, iron and calcium, whereas they ingested an excess of vitamin A and sodium. These athletes had normal weight, high muscle mass values, low fat mass levels, and intermediate somatotype components (balanced endomorph with a tendency to central). Two cases at risk for an eating disorder, and concerns related to perceived body image in a quarter of the sample were identified. CONCLUSION: the risk of having an eating disorder is related to the consumption of prohibited drugs or addictive substances, irregular menstruation, tiredness, and fewer hours of sleep

Phenolic Compounds in Mesoamerican Fruits-Characterization, Health Potential and Processing with Innovative Technologies.

Diets rich in phenolic compounds have been associated to reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome and its derived disorders. Fruits are healthy components of the human diet because of their vitamin, mineral, fiber and phenolic profile. However, they have a short shelf-life which is limited by microbiological growth and enzymatic activity. Innovative preservation methods such as high hydrostatic pressure, pulsed electric fields, ultrasound, microwave, cold plasma and ultraviolet light have become popular for the processing of fruits because they can preserve nutritional quality. In this review, the phenolic profile and health potential of 38 Mesoamerican fruits were assessed. Phenolic compounds were classified based on their contribution to the diet as flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannin, lignins and stilbenoids. Due to this composition, fruits showed a wide range of bioactivities which included anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive and anti-obesity activities, among others. Phenolic content in fruits submitted to innovative food processing technologies depended on parameters such as enzymatic activity, antioxidant capacity, microstructure integrity and cell viability. Innovative technologies could increase phenolic content while assuring microbiological safety by (i) promoting the release of bound phenolic compounds during processing and (ii) inducing the synthesis of phenolic compounds by activation of phenylpropanoid pathway during storage.

A novel modelling approach to quantify the response of dairy goats to a high-concentrate diet.

High-producing ruminants need high-concentrate diets to satisfy their nutrient requirements and meet performance objectives. However, such diets induce sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA), which will adversely affect dry matter intake and lead to lower production performance. This work develops a novel modelling approach to quantify the capacity of dairy goats to adapt to a high-concentrate diet challenge at the individual level. The animal model used was dairy goats (from Saanen or Alpine breed), and rumen pH was used as the indicator of the response. A three-step modelling procedure was developed to quantify daily scores and produce a single global index for animals' adaptive response to the new diet. The first step summarizes the post-prandial kinetics of rumen acid status using three synthetic variables. In the second step, the effect of time on the response of goats is described, in the short and long terms. In the last step, a metric based on phase trajectories ranks goats for their resilience capacity. This modelling procedure showed a high variability among the goats in response to the new diet, highlighting in particular their daily and general strategies to buffer the effect of the diet change. Two main categories of adaptive strategies were observed: (i) acid status increased, but the goats tried to minimize its variations, and (ii) acid status oscillated between increases and decreases. Such phenotyping, alongside other behavioral, digestive, and metabolic measures, can help to determine biomarkers of goats' capacity to adapt to diets of higher nutritive value and to increase production performance without compromising their health status. Quantifying the capacity of goats to buffer the effect of highly fermentable diets helps to better adapt feed to animals in precision livestock farming. This procedure is generic and can be adapted to any indicator of animal health and performance. In particular, several indicators can be combined to assess multi-performance, which is of major interest in the context of selection for robust animals.

The impact of voluntary front-of-pack nutrition labelling on packaged food reformulation: A difference-in-differences analysis of the Australasian Health Star Rating scheme.

BACKGROUND: Front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FoPL) of packaged foods can promote healthier diets. Australia and New Zealand (NZ) adopted the voluntary Health Star Rating (HSR) scheme in 2014. We studied the impact of voluntary adoption of HSR on food reformulation relative to unlabelled foods and examined differential impacts for more-versus-less healthy foods. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Annual nutrition information panel data were collected for nonseasonal packaged foods sold in major supermarkets in Auckland from 2013 to 2019 and in Sydney from 2014 to 2018. The analysis sample covered 58,905 unique products over 14 major food groups. We used a difference-in-differences design to estimate reformulation associated with HSR adoption. Healthier products adopted HSR more than unhealthy products: >35% of products that achieved 4 or more stars displayed the label compared to <15% of products that achieved 2 stars or less. Products that adopted HSR were 6.5% and 10.7% more likely to increase their rating by ≥0.5 stars in Australia and NZ, respectively. Labelled products showed a -4.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): -6.4% to -1.7%, p = 0.001] relative decline in sodium content in NZ, and there was a -1.4% [95% CI: -2.7% to -0.0%, p = 0.045] sodium change in Australia. HSR adoption was associated with a -2.3% [-3.7% to -0.9%, p = 0.001] change in sugar content in NZ and a statistically insignificant -1.1% [-2.3% to 0.1%, p = 0.061] difference in Australia. Initially unhealthy products showed larger reformulation effects when adopting HSR than healthier products. No evidence of a change in protein or saturated fat content was observed. A limitation of our study is that results are not sales weighted. Thus, it is not able to assess changes in overall nutrient consumption that occur because of HSR-caused reformulation. Also, participation into labelling and reformulation is jointly determined by producers in this observational study, impacting its generalisability to settings with mandatory labelling. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we observed that reformulation changes following voluntary HSR labelling are small, but greater for initially unhealthy products. Initially unhealthy foods were, however, less likely to adopt HSR. Our results, therefore, suggest that mandatory labelling has the greatest potential for improving the healthiness of packaged foods.

Objective understanding of the Nutri-score front-of-pack label by European consumers and its effect on food choices: an online experimental study.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of Front-of-Pack nutrition Labels (FoPLs) may be influenced by national context. In light of the ongoing efforts to harmonize FoPLs across Europe, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of five FoPLs (Health Star Rating system, Multiple Traffic Lights, Nutri-Score, Reference Intakes, Warning symbols) on consumer understanding and food choice in 12 European countries. METHODS: In 2018-2019, for three food categories, approximately 1000 participants per country were asked to select which food they would prefer to purchase between three products with distinct nutritional quality profiles, and then to rank the products by nutritional quality. Participants (N = 12,391 in total) completed these tasks first with no FoPL and then, after randomization to one of the five FoPLs, with a FoPL on the food packages. Associations between FoPLs and change in (i) nutritional quality of food choices and (ii) ability to correctly rank the products by nutritional quality were assessed with logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics of participants, conducted overall and by country. FINDINGS: Compared with the Reference Intakes, the Nutri-Score (OR = 3.23[2.75-3.81]; p < 0.0001), followed by the Multiple Traffic Lights (OR = 1.68[1.42-1.98]; p < 0.0001), was the most effective FoPL in helping consumers identify the foods' nutritional quality, overall and in each of the 12 countries. Differences between FoPLs regarding food choice modifications were smaller, but the effect of the Nutri-Score seemed slightly higher in eliciting healthier food choices overall compared with the Reference Intakes, followed by the Warning symbols, the Multiple Traffic Lights and the Health Star Rating system. INTERPRETATION: In the context of FoPL harmonization in Europe, these findings from an online experiment provide insights into the Nutri-Score's effectiveness on European consumers.

The Relationships between Total Protein Intake, Protein Sources, Physical Activity, and Lean Mass in a Representative Sample of the US Adults.

BACKGROUND: Although dietary protein and physical activity play essential roles in developing and preserving lean mass, studies exploring these relationships are inconsistent, and large-scale studies on sources of protein and lean mass are lacking. Accordingly, the present study examined the relationship between total protein intake, protein sources, physical activity, and lean mass in a representative sample of US adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 2011-2016 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and corresponding Food Patterns Equivalents Database (n = 7547). Multiple linear regression models were performed to examine the sex-specific associations between total protein intake, protein sources (Dairy, Total Protein Foods, Seafood, and Plant Proteins), physical activity, and lean mass adjusting for demographics, weight status, and total daily energy intake. RESULTS: Total protein intake was inversely related to lean mass in females only (Lean mass index: ß= -0.84, 95%CI: -1.06--0.62; Appendicular lean mass index: ß= -0.35, 95%CI: -0.48--0.22). However, protein sources and physical activity was positively associated with lean mass in males and/or females (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Study results suggest that consuming more protein daily had a detrimental influence on lean mass in females whereas eating high-quality sources of proteins and being physically active are important for lean mass for men and women. However, the importance of specific protein sources appears to differ by sex and warrants further investigation.

Effects of addition of nutritionally improved straw in dairy cow diets at 2 starch levels.

The objective of this experiment was to explore the effects of different dietary neutral detergent fiber sources within diets of high-producing dairy cattle with low or high starch concentrations on milk yield and composition, dry matter intake (DMI), total-tract digestibility, nitrogen (N) partitioning, and rumen function and health. Holstein-Friesian cows in early- to mid-lactation (n = 12; 666 ± 67 kg of body weight at the start of the experiment) and dry cannulated Holstein-Frisian cows (n = 4; 878 ± 67 kg of body weight at the start of the experiment) were used in multiple 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment and were offered 4 different diets. The treatments were 50:50 forage-to-concentrate diets within a total mixed ration (TMR) consisting, on a dry matter (DM) basis, of 42.4% grass silage as the main forage, 7.6% chopped untreated wheat straw, or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) wheat straw pellets, known as nutritionally improved straw (NIS), and 50.0% of 1 of 2 different concentrates with low or high starch level (TMR starch level of 16.0 vs. 24.0% of DM, respectively). Four experimental periods were used, each consisting of a 21-d adaptation period and 7 d of sampling. Dry matter intake and milk yield were both affected by the type of straw included in the diet. A 1.6 kg/d higher DMI was seen when NIS was fed compared with untreated straw, resulting in a 1.7 kg/d higher milk yield. Milk protein concentration was affected by straw type and starch level, and it was 4 and 3% higher when NIS and high-starch diets were fed, respectively. Diets with NIS were more positively effective when fed with low levels of starch. These results illustrate that feeding NIS to high-producing lactating dairy cows fed low or high starch concentrations has a positive effect on performance.