Absorption of calcium from milks enriched with fructo-oligosaccharides, caseinophosphopeptides, tricalcium phosphate, and milk solids.

BACKGROUND: Adequate intakes of calcium are required for optimal bone health and protection against chronic disease. Dairy products are an excellent source of calcium. OBJECTIVE: The absorption of calcium from a range of fortified milks was measured in humans with the use of stable isotopes. DESIGN: Fifteen volunteers participated in a randomized, controlled, double-blind crossover study. Five types of semi-skimmed (1.9% fat) milk drinks were administered with a light breakfast: standard milk (control milk); milk enriched with calcium from milk solids and tricalcium phosphate [(TCP) MSS milk]; milk enriched with calcium from concentrated milk (CON milk); milk with added fructo-oligosaccharides [(FOSs) FOS milk]; and milk with added caseinophosphopeptides [(CPPs) CPP milk]. All the milks were labeled with 42Ca as CaCl2. The MSS milk was also labeled with 44Ca as TCP. The quantity of calcium in each drink was kept the same by varying the volume given. RESULTS: Calcium absorption did not differ significantly between the control milk and the calcium-fortified milks (MSS and CON milk) or the FOS and CPP milks. However, calcium absorption from the TCP added to the MSS milk was significantly higher than that from the control milk (27.5 +/- 7.6% and 24.5 +/- 7.3%, respectively; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Calcium-enriched milks are a valuable source of well-absorbed calcium. Absorption of added calcium as TCP was higher than that of calcium from the control milk, but the addition of FOSs or CPPs did not significantly increase calcium absorption. Further research is needed to ascertain the cost-effectiveness and public health benefits of consuming fortified milks.

Changes in bone turnover markers after calcium-enriched milk supplementation in healthy postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, prospective clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of calcium, phosphorus, lactose, and vitamin D fortified skimmed milk on biomarkers of bone turnover in healthy postmenopausal women. DESIGN: The design was of a prospective, double-blind, randomized, 6 months study. Eighty postmenopausal women (aged 49-71 y) were allocated in two groups receiving 750 mL/day of a fortified skimmed milk containing 1,200 mg of calcium and 5.7 microg of vitamin D (group A) or 900 mg of calcium and 5.7 microg of vitamin D (group B). Ultrasound bone mass measurements and biochemical markers of bone formation, serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (AP), and carboxi-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) and of bone resorption, urinary excretion of pyridinoline (Pyr), deoxypyridinoline (D-Pyr), and urinary type I collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTx) were performed at baseline and after 10 weeks and 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: PICP levels showed a significant reduction during the study, but no differences were observed between groups (-18.47 +/- 11.4 group A vs -14.42 +/- 12.5 group B). Pyr levels decreased in group A (P < 0.001), whereas no changes were detected in group B. At the end of the study, a significant difference (P < 0.01) was detected between groups in Pyr (-23.66 +/- 5.7 group Avs 3.465 +/- 7.1 group B) and D-Pyr (-16.64 +/- 1.6 group Avs 2.955 +/- 2.1 group B). At the 6th month, serum 25OH vitamin D increased in group A and decreased in group B (P = 0.007). Additionally, no differences were observed between groups in bone mass and in the other bone markers. Body weight was unchanged for group A, whereas a significant increase was observed in group B. CONCLUSIONS: The daily intake of 750 mL of enriched skimmed milk containing 1,200 mg of calcium appears to be a useful, safe, and acceptable measure to calcium supplementation in healthy elderly postmenopausal women.

Oral administration of a turmeric extract inhibits erythrocyte and liver microsome membrane oxidation in rabbits fed with an atherogenic diet.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an oral supplementation with a Curcuma longa ethanol and aqueous extract on the susceptibility to oxidation of cellular and subcellular membranes affected in the atherosclerotic process, such as erythrocyte membranes and liver microsomes, in rabbits fed with a high-fat diet. METHODS: Twenty-four male rabbits were randomly assigned to one of two groups: group T was treated with a turmeric hydroalcoholic extract (1.66 mg/kg of body weight) dissolved in a hydroalcoholic mixture vehicle (7:2), and group C (control): received a curcuma-free hydroalcoholic solution (7:2). All rabbits had access ad libitum to 150 g/d of an experimental diet rich in cholesterol and lard to provoke an atherosclerotic process. Erythrocyte membranes and liver microsomes were isolated, and the levels of hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were measured after oxidation induction. RESULTS: The oxidation of erythrocyte membranes in group T was significantly lower than that in group C, mainly by 30 d (P < 0.05). Levels of hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in liver microsomes also were significantly lower in group T than in group C (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that oral administration of a nutritional dose of C. longa extracts reduces the susceptibility to oxidation of erythrocyte and liver microsome membranes in vitro and may contribute to the prevention of effects caused by a diet high in fat and cholesterol in blood and liver during the development of atherosclerosis.

Cardiovascular effects of milk enriched with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid, folic acid, and vitamins E and B6 in volunteers with mild hyperlipidemia.

OBJECTIVE: Results from epidemiologic studies and clinical trials have indicated that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, oleic acid, and folic acid have beneficial effects on health, including decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. We evaluated the combined effects of these nutrients through the consumption of milk enriched with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid, vitamins E and B6, and folic acid on risk factors for cardiovascular disease in volunteers with mild hyperlipidemia. METHODS: Thirty subjects ages 45 to 65 y (51.3 +/- 5.3 y) were given 500 mL/d of semi-skimmed milk for 4 wk and then 500 mL/d of the enriched milk for 8 wk. Plasma and low-density lipoproteins were obtained at the beginning of the study and at 4, 8, and 12 wk. RESULTS: Consumption of enriched milk for 8 wk increased plasma concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid and significantly (P < 0.05) decreased plasma concentrations of triacylglycerol (24%), total cholesterol (9%), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (13%). Plasma and low-density lipoprotein oxidation and vitamin E concentration remained unchanged throughout the study. Significant decreases in plasma concentrations of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (9%) and homocysteine (17%) were found, accompanied by a 98% increase in plasma concentration of folic acid. CONCLUSIONS: Dairy supplementation strategies with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid, and vitamins may be useful for decreasing risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

The administration of a multivitamin/mineral fortified dairy product improves folate status and reduces plasma homocysteine concentration in women of reproductive age.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Folate deficiency during the periconceptional period is related to the occurrence and recurrence of neural tube defects. The aim of the study was to assess whether the administration of folic acid and other vitamins and minerals as a fortified dairy product (400 microg per day of folic acid) improves the folate status in women of reproductive age. DESIGN AND METHODS: Plasma and red blood cell folate, plasma vitamin E, B12, total plasma homocysteine, plasma lipid profile, and serum ferritin and transferrin levels were investigated in 31 healthy nonpregnant women receiving 500 mL/day of the fortified dairy product for eight weeks. RESULTS: The women showed a significant increase in plasma levels of folate and vitamin B12 concentrations after four and eight weeks of supplementation. Moreover, we observed an increase in red blood cell folate concentration during the period of the study. Simultaneously, total plasma homocysteine levels decreased significantly during the intervention period. CONCLUSIONS: The regular consumption of a folic acid and other vitamins (mainly vitamins B6 and B12) and minerals in a fortified dairy product improves folate status and reduces total plasma homocysteine concentration in healthy women of childbearing age.

Daily supplementation with (n-3) PUFAs, oleic acid, folic acid, and vitamins B-6 and E increases pain-free walking distance and improves risk factors in men with peripheral vascular disease.

A number of nutrients are known to be effective in preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated the possible effects of a daily intake of low amounts of these nutrients on risk factors and clinical parameters in patients with peripheral vascular disease and intermittent claudication (PVD-IC). Male PVD-IC patients (n = 60) were randomly allocated into 2 groups. The supplement (S) group consumed 500 mL/d of a fortified dairy product containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), oleic acid, folic acid, and vitamins A, B-6, D, and E. The control (C) group consumed 500 mL/d of semiskimmed milk with added vitamins A and D. The patients received lifestyle and dietary recommendations, and they were instructed to consume the products in addition to their regular diet. Blood extractions and clinical explorations were performed after 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 mo. Plasma concentrations of EPA, DHA, oleic acid, folic acid, and vitamins B-6 and E increased after treatment with supplements (P < 0.05). Plasma total cholesterol and ApoB concentrations decreased in the S group, and total homocysteine decreased in those patients with high initial concentrations. Walking distance before the onset of claudication increased in the S group (P < 0.001), and ankle-brachial pressure index values increased (P < 0.05). The inclusion in the everyday diet of certain nutrients known to promote cardiovascular health improved clinical outcomes while reducing a variety of risk factors in men with PVD-IC, providing new evidence of the potential role of nutrition in the reduction of PVD-IC symptoms.