Nutritional Profile of Local and Western Fast Foods Consumed in Bahrain

The aim of this study was to determine the proximate, mineral, and vitamin content of 16 commonly consumed fast foods (local and Western-based) in Bahrain. Samples were collected from several food outlets in Manama city, the capital of Bahrain, and analyzed using standard methods. In general, the findings revealed that local fast foods had higher cholesterol and energy content (ranging from 0-118 mg and 762-1796 kJ/100 g, respectively) compared to Western fast foods (ranging from 11-34 mg/100 g and 980-1172 kJ/100 g, respectively). Protein content was higher in most of the local fast foods compared to the Western fast foods (5.8-30.4 g/100 g and 10.3-17.9 g/100 g, respectively). Most of the minerals were higher in local fast foods, but calcium (16-153 mg/100 g) and phosphorous (54-273 mg/100 g) were higher in Western fast foods. Some of these foods had considerable levels of vitamin B₆ (0.03-0.25 mg/100 g), vitamin B₁₂ (0.1-2.3 μg/100 g), folacin (9.0-106 μg/100 g), and niacin (1.0-12.1 mg/100 g), while the rest of the vitamins were present to a lesser extent. Fat, energy, and sodium levels were also higher in local fast foods. It is evident that the conception that local fast foods are healthier than Western-based fast foods is inappropriate. Hence, nutrition education programmes need to focus on the nutritional aspects of both local and Western fast foods.     

The nutrient content of five traditional South African dark green leafy vegetables—A preliminary study

The nutrient content (proximate composition, vitamin B₂, ß-carotene, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus) of 5 traditional dark green leafy vegetables, traditionally consumed by rural inhabitants of South Africa (SA), was determined in this study. The nutritional dilemma in SA, with many children and adults suffering from micronutrient deficiencies, is a strong motivation for determining the nutritional composition of traditional foods. The moisture, protein, ash and fat content in the raw leaves per 100 g ranged from 81.0 to 89.9 g/100 g, 3.49 to 5.68 g/100 g, 1.42 to 3.23 g/100 g and 0.12 to 0.36 g/100 g respectively. There was an increase in moisture content in the cooked leaves, while the protein, fat and ash decreased during the cooking process. Raw misbredie (Amaranthus tricolor), pumpkin leaves (Curcubita maxima) and cat's whiskers (Cleome gynandra) had a high iron content compared to cowpea leaves (Vigna unguiculata) and wild jute (Corchorus olitorius), which in nutritional terms might play a role in combating iron deficiency in SA. The zinc content ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 mg/100 g, while the magnesium ranged from 54.7 mg to 146 mg/100 g. As expected, the minerals decreased during cooking. Cowpea leaves was the poorest source of minerals compared to the other leafy vegetables but had a good index of nutritional quality for protein. Raw and cooked pumpkin leaves had the highest index of nutritional quality for protein. Both raw and cooked leafy vegetables contained high levels of beta-carotene (with total beta-carotene levels in the range of 796–6134 μg/100 g) but low levels of vitamin B₂ (0.01–0.12 mg/100 g).     

Evaluation of vitamin B12 status in Egypt IV: Food consumption patterns among lactating mothers and their impact on the intake of the vitamin

The adequacy of vitamin B₁₂ intake was assessed among 62 lactating mothers in the 2–32 weeks of lactation by an interactive 24-h recall and an open-ended food frequency questionnaire. Double portions of the foods consumed were sampled and assayed microbiologically for its vitamin B₁₂ content. Based on the food item and its respective vitamin B₁₂ content, combined with the usual portion size in grams and the frequency of consumption, a rapid calculator of approximate dietary vitamin B₁₂ intake was developed. The estimated vitamin B₁₂ intake averaged 4.17±0.74?µg/d. Only 25.8% of the lactating mothers had adequate vitamin B₁₂ intake (>2.5?µg vitamin B₁₂ daily). Three quarter of the studied population were consuming vitamin B₁₂<2.5?µg/d. Out of those, 50% had estimated daily intake <2.0?µg/d. This percentage prevalence confirms the additional burden on the lactating mothers to satisfy the daily vitamin B₁₂ requirement for its breast-fed baby.     

Calcium Analysis of Selected Western African Foods

Because mineral composition data for Western African foods are incomplete, it is essential to obtain analyses of foods in order to assess the quality of existing food as well as to estimate dietary intake of various minerals, such as calcium. Twenty-eight Western African foods were analyzed for calcium using the method described by Ferguson et al., (1993) and the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) (Padmore, 1990). Calcium concentrations were determined using an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer (ICP). Calcium recovery was 94.4% of the expected value with respect to a standard reference material (corn husk). For all foods assessed, the content of calcium ranged from 3.04 to 3630 mg/100 g dry wt. Based on dry weight, the top five foods for calcium in rank order were sorrel leaves (3630 mg/100 g), amaranth leaves (3590 mg/100 g), okra leaves (2850 mg/100 g), onion leaves (2540 mg/100 g), and baobab leaves (2240 mg/100 g). Data from this study provide calcium analyses of some commonly eaten Western African foods, which should help in planning food-based intervention programs to improve mineral nutrition.     

Dried bee pollen: B complex vitamins,physicochemical and botanical composition

We investigated the concentration of B complex vitamins (B₁, B₂, B₆ and PP) including their vitamers, physicochemical composition and botanical origin of dried bee pollen samples from the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The possible influence of pollen types on the proximate composition and vitamin content was also verified. Vitamins, after simultaneous extraction, were quantified by HPLC, with fluorescence detection. The results showed a great concentration difference of B complex vitamins in the samples analyzed. The variations were (dry basis): 0.59–1.09 mg/100 g for vitamin B₁; 1.73–2.56 mg/100 g for vitamin B₂; 6.43–15.34 mg/100 g for vitamin PP and 0.33–0.68 mg/100 g for vitamin B₆. All samples were considered sources of vitamin B₂. For the proximate composition, this was not observed, and the results were: 3.47 ± 0.30% for moisture; 2.98 ± 0.18% for ash; 5.39 ± 0.60% for lipids and 23.38 ± 1.24% for protein. The frequency of the plant families presented showed a total of 10 significant pollen types: Arecaceae, Cecropia, Cestrum, Cyperaceae, Eucalyptus, Ilex, Myrcia, Piper, Vernonia and Trema. The data analyzed served as an indication of the nutritional quality and value for commercial dried bee pollen.     

Dietary source of vitamin B12 intake and vitamin B12 status in female elderly Koreans aged 85 and older living in rural area

Recently, we found and analyzed vitamin B₁₂ in some Korean traditional plant foods which had not reported, yet. This study was to investigate vitamin B₁₂ intake and its dietary sources and the vitamin B₁₂ status in the very old elderly Koreans. We measured serum vitamin B₁₂ level and estimated the amounts of vitamin B₁₂ intake from different dietary sources in female elderly Koreans aged 85 and over who had consumed a relatively low animal traditional diet for the whole life. The average age of the subjects (n = 127) was 98.0 years (85-108 years). The assessment on energy and nutrient intake involved a one-day 24-hour recall, and serum vitamin B₁₂ concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay. Overall diet pattern was not different between the 85-99 yr-old group and centenarians, except centenarians were taking more dairy product. The average ratio of plant food to animal food consumption was 87.5:12.5 in weight. The average vitamin B₁₂ intake of our subjects was 3.2 µg/day, and 52.7% of subjects consumed under estimated average requirement, 2.0 µg/day. On dietary source, 67.3% of dietary vitamin B₁₂ was from meat, eggs and fishes and 30.6% was from plant foods, such as soybean-fermented foods, seaweeds, and kimchi. The average serum vitamin B₁₂ concentration was 450.5 pg/mL, and low serum vitamin B₁₂ (< 200 pg/mL) was found in 9.6% of subjects. Dietary vitamin B₁₂ intake was significantly lower in subjects with low serum vitamin B₁₂ (0.79 µg/day) than those with normal serum vitamin B₁₂ (3.47 µg/day). There were no significant difference in vitamin B₁₂ intake and its dietary sources and serum vitamin B₁₂ level between the 85-99 yr-old group and centenarians. In conclusion, several plant-origin foods including seaweed, soybean-fermented foods, and kimchi, may contribute significantly to good vitamin B₁₂ status in very old elderly Koreans.     

Vitamins profile as an indicator of the quality of frozen Agaricus bisporus mushrooms

Fresh mushrooms have been known as a functional food, especially as a good source of vitamins from B-group. The work determined the effect of pre-treatment (blanching, vacuum soaking), method of freezing (air-blast and cryogenic), temperature (−20 °C, −30 °C) and period (0, 6, 12 months) of frozen storage on the vitamins profile in white A. bisporus. Niacin and riboflavin were the most abundant vitamins in all mushroom products (154–362 mg; 1.57–5.06 mg/100 g dm, respectively). The greatest influence on the vitamins profile was pre-treatment. The highest levels of vitamin B₃ and L-ascorbic acid were found in blanched mushrooms, vitamin B₆ in vacuum soaked, α-tocopherol and vitamin B₁ in unblanched. The greatest losses occurred between the 6th and 12th month of storage, and therefore mushrooms should not be stored for longer than 6 months. After storage the greatest losses were found in vitamin B₁, L-ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol. A. bisporus mushrooms contain small amounts of L-ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol, therefore the level of vitamin B₁ may be regarded as a quality indicator. The freezing method affected only vitamin B₃, with levels higher after cryogenic than air-blast freezing. The storage temperature generally had no effect on vitamin levels.     

Vitamin B12 status,dietary protein intake and proton pump inhibitor use in geriatric rehabilitation subjects

Aim: To compare the dietary intake and nutritional status of users and non‐users of proton pump inhibitor medications. Methods: Cross‐sectional study of subacute rehabilitation inpatients. Forty‐nine patients (nine men and 40 women) without dementia fulfilled the study criteria. Information was collected on admission and included medical history, duration of proton pump inhibitor medication use, nutritional status and cognitive scores. Dietary data were collected by food frequency questionnaire and blood samples were analysed for vitamin B₁₂, homocysteine and methylmalonic acid concentrations. Results: Age was 80.4 ± 7.7 (mean ± SD) years and body mass index was 26 ± 6.7 kg/m². Twenty‐one (of 49) subjects had subclinical vitamin B₁₂ deficiency, which was defined as serum vitamin B₁₂ <148 pmol/L or 148–258 pmol/L and methylmalonic acid >0.30 µmol/L or tHcy >13 µmol/L (women) and >15 µmol/L (men). Subjects were stratified according to proton pump inhibitor use and vitamin B₁₂ status. The presence of subclinical deficiency was similar between the groups (χ²‐test P= 0.17). Proton pump inhibitor users had higher dietary protein and calcium intakes (but not supplement calcium intakes) compared with non‐users (93 vs 81 g/day, P= 0.002 and 968 vs 742 mg/day, P= 0.038, respectively). Conclusions: Subjects using proton pump inhibitor medications did not have lower vitamin B₁₂ status, but had higher dietary protein intakes suggesting higher intakes of meats, eggs and dairy foods may reduce the risk of developing vitamin B₁₂ deficiency whilst taking proton pump inhibitor medications.     

Effects of dietary supplementation of high-dose folic acid on biomarkers of methylating reaction in vitamin B12-deficient rats

Folate is generally considered as a safe water-soluble vitamin for supplementation. However, we do not have enough information to confirm the potential effects and safety of folate supplementation and the interaction with vitamin B₁₂ deficiency. It has been hypothesized that a greater methyl group supply could lead to compensation for vitamin B₁₂ deficiency. On this basis, the present study was conducted to examine the effects of high-dose folic acid (FA) supplementation on biomarkers involved in the methionine cycle in vitamin B₁₂-deficient rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed diets containing either 0 or 100 µg (daily dietary requirement) vitamin B₁₂/kg diet with either 2 mg (daily dietary requirement) or 100 mg FA/kg diet for six weeks. Vitamin B₁₂-deficiency resulted in increased plasma homocysteine (p<0.01), which was normalized by dietary supplementation of high-dose FA (p<0.01). However, FA supplementation and vitamin B₁₂ deficiency did not alter hepatic and brain S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) concentrations and hepatic DNA methylation. These results indicated that supplementation of high-dose FA improved homocysteinemia in vitamin B₁₂-deficiency but did not change SAM and SAH, the main biomarkers of methylating reaction.     

Vitamin profile of some standardized nigerian composite dishes

The purpose of the study was to determine the vitamin content of twenty standardized dishes commonly consumed in Nigeria. Representative samples of twenty Nigerian dishes were analyzed for fat-soluble (vitamins A, D, E, and K) and water-soluble (vitamin C and B- complexes) vitamins. The foods analyzed included those based on cereals, starchy tubers and roots, legumes, and vegetables. The analysis was carried out using spectrophotometry. The results revealed the following concentrations (mg/100 g): vitamin C , undetectable to 2.692 mg/100 g; thiamine, 0.011-1.094 mg/100 g; riboflavin, 0.011-0.816 mg/100 g; pyridoxine, undetectable to 0.412 mg/100 g; niacin, 0.070-0.967 mg/100 g; pantothenic acid, 0.060-1.193 mg/100 g; biotin, undetectable to 2.092 mg/100 g; B12, 0.045-2.424 μg/100 g; folate, 7.822-101.764 μg/100 g; total vitamin A, undetectable to 121.444 μg RE/100 g; vitamin D, undetectable to 2.445 IU/100 g; vitamin E, undetectable to 2.627 IU/100 g; and vitamin K, 0.266-13.091 μg/100 g. The results suggest that these dishes are good sources of fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins and will provide baseline data that will be valuable in complementing available food composition data, and in estimating dietary intake of vitamins in Nigeria.     

Generating fatty acid and vitamin D composition data of Indonesian foods

The Indonesian food composition table lacks data on individual fatty acids; data on vitamin D is incomplete. The primary aim of this study was to generate data on individual fatty acid content of Indonesian foods. Secondary objective was to analyze vitamin D content. Based on intake data of 4–12 year old children from a nationally representative Indonesian survey, 120 foods contributing 95% to children’s total polyunsaturated fatty acid intake were selected for chemical analysis of fat and fatty acid content. Vitamin D3 was analyzed in a subset of 60 foods. Food samples were collected throughout Indonesia; per food one representative composite sample was chemically analyzed. Of the analyzed foods, sardines (0.97 g/100 g), tempeh (0.62 g/100 g) and tofu (0.56 g/100 g) had the highest n-3 fatty acids content, peanuts (15.9 g/100 g) and palm oil (11.4 g/100 g) were richest in n-6 fatty acids. Vitamin D3 content in foods was limited. This paper significantly contributes to the current knowledge on the fatty acid and vitamin D content of a broad range of commonly consumed Indonesian foods, which can be used in future research to monitor dietary intake and guide policy makers and the food industry to steer nutrient intake in the Indonesian population.     

A comparative study of dietary intake among urban Japanese and Chinese aged 50∼79

This study examined the difference in dietary intake between middle-aged and elderly Japanese and Chinese. Volunteers aged 50–79 living in two cities in both Japan and China were recruited in local community service centers and were asked to complete a 3-day diet recording. The final results were based on 356 subjects (166 Chinese and 190 Japanese). In men, the Japanese subjects significantly consumed more energy, with a large proportion of the energy coming from carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B₂, vitamin C and they consumed less iron, and a lower proportion of energy from protein and fat than in the Chinese subjects. In women, the Japanese subjects had significantly higher intakes of energy, the proportion of energy from carbohydrates, dietary fiber, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂, vitamin C and they consumed less iron, with the proportion of energy from protein and from fat in comparison with the Chinese women. Fat intake provided more than 29% of the total dietary energy in Chinese subjects. Daily intake of food items was significantly greater in the Japanese participants, both men and women (18.54 ±2.85, 20.11 ± 2.40, respectively), than in the Chinese subjects (14.11 ± 3.62, 15.51 ± 4.15, respectively) (p<0.01 by Mann WhitneyU-test). The present study suggests that the middleaged and elderly Chinese subjects should increase their variety of foods consumed while decreasing their consumption of high-fat foods. For the Japanese subjects, the higher intake of total calories among the woman should also be noted.     

B-vitamins in Relation to Depression in Older Adults Over 60 Years of Age: The Trinity Ulster Department of Agriculture (TUDA) Cohort Study

ObjectivesMental health disorders are major contributors to disease burden in older people. Deficient status of folate and the metabolically related B vitamins may be implicated in these conditions. This study aimed to investigate folate, vitamin B₁₂, vitamin B₆, and riboflavin in relation to depression and anxiety in aging and also considered the role of fortified foods as a means of optimizing B-vitamin status and potentially reducing the risk of these mental health disorders.DesignThe Trinity Ulster Department of Agriculture (TUDA) aging study was a cross-sectional cohort study.Setting and ParticipantsCommunity-dwelling adults (n = 5186; ≥60 years) recruited from 2 jurisdictions within the island of Ireland from 2008 to 2012.MeasuresDepression and anxiety were assessed using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scales, respectively. The following B-vitamin biomarkers were measured: red blood cell folate, serum total vitamin B₁₂, plasma pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP; vitamin B₆), and erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficient (EGRac; riboflavin).ResultsBiomarker values in the lowest 20% of status for folate (odds ratio [OR] 1.79; 95% CI 1.23-2.61), vitamin B₆ (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.01-2.06), or riboflavin (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.10-2.00), but not vitamin B₁₂, were each associated with an increased risk of depression (CES-D score ≥16). Correspondingly, B vitamin–fortified foods if consumed daily were associated with a reduced risk of depression (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.41-0.70). A deficient status of vitamin B₆ (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.07-2.81), but not other vitamins, was associated with increased anxiety.Conclusions/ImplicationsBetter B-vitamin status may have a role in impacting positively on mental health in older adults. Regular intake of fortified foods can provide a means of optimizing B-vitamin status and thus could contribute to reducing depression. If confirmed by a randomized trial, these results may have implications for nutrition and mental health policy, and thus quality of life, in older people.     

Nutritional quality of sandbox tree (Hura crepitans Linn.)

Antinutrient, proximate, mineral, fatty acid, vitamin, and amino acid analyses of sandbox tree (Hura crepitans) seeds were carried out. The results of antinutrient analysis showed that H. crepitans seed contains alkaloid (5.0 +/- 0.2 mg/100 g), tannins (5.0 +/- 0.3 mg/100 g), phytate (53.0 +/- 6.0 mg/100 g), cardiac glycoside (1890.0 +/- 1.5 mg/100 g), and saponin (2.2 +/- 0.1 mg/100 g). Its trypsin inhibitor activity was found to be 30.27 +/- 1.86 TIU/mg of protein. The results of proximate analysis showed that H. crepitans seed is very rich in crude protein (25.16 +/- 0.22%), crude oil (51.43 +/- 0.22%), and energy content (2,621.891 +/- 6.357 kJ/100 g). H. crepitans seed also contains 1.85 ppm Na, 3.4 ppm K, 0.088 ppm Ca, and trace amounts of Mg, Fe, and Zn. The results also showed that H. crepitans oil contains 20.12% oleic acid, followed by stearic acid (3.0%), while linoleic acid is present at the lowest level (0.03%) among the other acids. The Hura oil has a high saponification value (127.16 +/- 0.18 mg/g) and low acid value (3.56 +/- 0.16 mg/g). The results also showed that the average molecular weight of glycerides is higher in the oil as reflected by the ester value (123.6 +/- 0.73 mg/g). The iodine value of Hura oil was found to be 65.62 +/- 0.73%. A low peroxide value (6.6 +/- 0.2 mg/g) was observed in Hura oil. The results showed that H. crepitans seed contains 328.1 IU of vitamin A/100 g, 0.398 mg of vitamin E/100 g, and 0.26 mg of vitamin K/100 g. The results also showed that H. crepitans seed is very rich in glutamate (14.41 g/100 g of protein) and deficient in cysteine (0.78 g/100 g of protein). Among the essential amino acids, arginine has the highest value (5.97 g/100 g of protein). This is followed by leucine, at 4.16 g/100 g of protein. Therefore, H. crepitans seed is a nutritionally promising seed.     

Vitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in raw and cooked pork cuts

The contents of vitamin D₃ and its metabolically active metabolite 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25OHD₃) were examined by HPLC in different parts of four common raw pork cuts (loin boneless, leg inside, thin belly, neck) and in cooked meat (loin boneless). In whole raw pork cuts, varying in fat content from 2.2 to 26.5 g/100 g, concentrations of vitamin D₃ from 0.05 to 0.21 μg/100 g were measured. Pork cuts also contained significant amounts of 25OHD₃, from 0.07 to 0.14 μg/100 g. Further, the study demonstrated that most of the vitamin D₃ and 25OHD₃ is located in the fatty tissues, and that rind, despite its limited fat content, has a high concentration of vitamin D₃ and 25OHD₃. Cooking increased vitamin D₃ and 25OHD₃ calculated per 100 g of tissue in all parts and in the whole cut (in whole cuts in raw and cooked meat, respectively: vitamin D₃: 0.15 (0.08–0.24) μg/100 g and 0.18 (0.11–0.28) μg/100 g; P=0.33; 25OHD₃: 0.09 (0.06–0.18) μg/100 g and 0.13 (0.10–0.18) μg/100 g; P=0.02); however, correcting for differences in dry matter content, ameliorated all significant differences. 25OHD₃ has a higher (from 1.5 to 5 times) biological activity than vitamin D₃. Meat 25OHD₃ contributes significantly to vitamin D activity. Food databases should include concentrations of both vitamin D and 25OHD.     

成都市6～12岁儿童常消费预包装食品营养成分分析

目的 分析成都市儿童经常消费的预包装食品营养成分现状,为开展儿童青少年健康教育提供科学依据。方法基于西南儿童营养与生长发育队列2021—2022年成都调查点6～12岁队列儿童的3 d 24 h膳食调查数据,采取线下线上结合的方式收集预包装食品营养信息,对全部食品逐级分类,统计每100 g或100 mL食品的营养素含量,并对营养素含量进行分级判断。结果 共调查了十大类23个亚类1 902种儿童预包装食品。坚果种子类、休闲食品类、方便速食类和其他乳制品类总能量较高(2 476,2 027,1 728,1 816 kJ/100 g),营养素参考值百分比(NRV%)均超过20%。鱼禽肉蛋及其制品类蛋白质含量(22.8 g/100 g)最高,NRV%为38%;坚果种子类脂肪含量(47.5 g/100 g)最高,NRV%为79%;糖果果冻类碳水化合物含量(82.1 g/100 g)最高,NRV%为27%;调味面制品类钠含量(2 352 mg/100 g)最高,NRV%高达118%。调味面制品类、方便速食类食品大多属于高钠高脂高碳水化合物食品,烘焙膨化类食品几乎均为高脂高碳水化合物食品,鱼禽肉蛋及其...     

Phytate, zinc, and calcium contents of 30 East African foods and their calculated phytate:Zn, Ca:phytate, and [Ca][phytate]/[Zn] molar ratios

Representative samples of 30 staple Malawian foods, raw and prepared “as eaten,” were analyzed for phytate using an anion-exchange method, and for calcium and zinc by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Phytic acid contents expressed on a fresh weight (FW) basis ranged from 211–1089 mg/100 g for cereals and 166–1297 mg/100 g for legumes, to 4–97 mg/100 g for leaves, 10–59 mg/100 g for roots, and 11–25 mg/100 g for fruits. In general, leaves had the highest calcium content (81–514 mg/100 g FW), followed by kidney beans (90 mg/100 g FW), and dry pigeon peas (112 mg/100 g FW). The calcium content of other foods analyzed was relatively low. The zinc content of wild blight, cassava leaves, and okra leaves was comparable to that for the less refined cereals and legumes (i.e., > 1.0 mg/100 g FW), but higher than that of highly refined cereals, pumpkin leaves, chinese cabbage, and other foods analysed (i.e., < 1.0 mg/100 g FW). Cooking had no effect on the phytate content of cereals, but milling and fermentation reduced both the phytate and zinc contents of maize flour. The phytate:Zn molar ratios calculated for all cereals and most legumes analyzed were greater than 20:1. Corresponding Ca:phytate molar ratios were low. Fruits, except for mangoes, vegetables, and roots, had low phytate: Zn molar ratios, but their Ca:phytate and [Ca][phytate]/[Zn] molar ratios were high. Mangoes had high phytate:Zn, Ca:phytate, and [Ca][phytate]/[Zn] molar ratios. These analytical results suggest that the bioavailability of zinc in the Malawian diet is probably low, due to the high phytic acid content of the staple foods.     

Breath ethane and pentane as measures of vitamin E protection of Macaca radiata against 90 days of exposure to ozone.

Bonnet monkeys, Macaca radiata, were exposed to 0, 0.5, or 0.8 ppm of O₃ for 7 days (one/group), 28 days (two/group) or 90 days (three/group). Ethane and pentane, hydrocarbon gases that derive from decomposition of ω3- and ω6-fatty acid hydroperoxides, respectively, were measured in expired breath within 2–3 hr following the exposures. There were no significant differences in the levels of ethane and pentane produced by the monkeys in the three O₃-concentration groups or in the three exposure-time groups as would be expected had not vitamin E provided protection. Blood plasma and lung tissue vitamin E levels were 0.69 ± 0.34 mg/100 ml and 1.42 ± 0.48 mg/100 g wet wt, respectively. Analysis of the diet showed that the monkeys were consuming 85 mg of vitamin E/kg of diet, a level about eight times the minimum requirement based upon linoleic acid content of the diet. It was concluded that this high dietary level of vitamin E provided ample protection against O₃-induced lipid peroxidation in the lungs.     

B vitamin supplementation improves cognitive function in the middle aged and elderly with hyperhomocysteinemia

Objective: An intervention study was performed to determine if supplement containing folic acid, vitamin B₆, and vitamin B₁₂ could improve cognitive function and lower homocysteine in middle-aged and elderly patients with hyperhomocysteinemia.

Methods: One hundred and four participants with hyperhomocysteinemia were recruited in Tianjin, China, aged 55–94 years old. Fifty-seven individuals with hyperhomocysteinemia were included in the intervention group (vitamin B group, which received 800 µg/day of folate, with 10 mg of vitamin B₆ and 25 µg of vitamin B₁₂) and 47 patients in the placebo group. The endpoint was the improvement in cognitive function as evaluated by Basic Cognitive Aptitude Tests (BCATs). All parameters were measured before and after the treatment period of 14 weeks.

Results: The BCAT total score and four sub-tests scores (digit copy, Chinese character rotation, digital working memory, and recognition of meaningless figure) of BCAT at 14 weeks significantly increased only for the vitamin B group. Serum total homocysteine (tHcy) levels significantly decreased in the intervention group, while serum concentrations of folate, vitamin B₆, and vitamin B₁₂ significantly increased in the intervention group.

Conclusion: The results demonstrated that supplement containing folate, vitamin B₆, and vitamin B₁₂ in middle-aged and elderly patients with hyperhomocysteinemia could improve their cognitive function partly and reduce serum tHcy levels.     

Determination of Nutritional and Energy Value of Viburnum mullaha Buch.-Ham. Ex D. Don (Indian Cranberry)

Nutritional and energy value of an underutilized wild edible Viburnum mullaha was determined. Vitamin analysis confirmed that the fruit contains high amounts of vitamin C (122.27 mg/100 g), vitamin B2 (0.14 mg/g), and vitamin E (13.47 mg/g). Macronutrient profile revealed that Viburnum mullaha is a rich source of carbohydrates (18.4 g/100 g), proteins (11.3 g/100 g), and lipids (18.4 g/100 g). It was calculated that 100 g of fruit berries can provide an average of 284.4 kcal (1185.7 kJ) energy. Analysis of magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, and manganese estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometer confirmed that fruit berries of Viburnum mullaha can be utilized for developing various edible products. This is the first study ever on the biochemical analysis and nutritional value of this species; hence, it will provide nutritional statistics that scientific societies and the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries can use for their expanding investigations of the ultrasonically assisted technique described here in food and medicine.