Concentrations of trace elements [corrected] and organochlorines in Mutton bird (Puffinus griseus)

The Sooty Shearwater (Puffinus griseus, commonly known as Mutton bird) is a migratory wild seabird, annually harvested for food by certain native groups in New Zealand and Australia and in many parts of the world. The concentrations of 22 elements and several organochlorine pesticides [2,2-bis(chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (DDT), its derivatives dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene (DDE) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD), aldrin, chlordane, dicofol, lindane, and methoxychlor] in Mutton bird were determined over two consecutive years to evaluate its safety for human consumption. Twenty bird carcasses were purchased in each of 2007 and 2008 from a local source. No significant year effect (P>0.05) was found in the following nine trace elements: Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Se. The concentrations of Hg, Li and Na were higher (P<0.05) in 2008 samples compared to 2007. The toxic trace elements (mg/kg wet weight) in all the samples were below the maximum residual level (MRL). The concentration of Fe, Ca and Se in Mutton bird was higher than that in domestic land animal meats reported in literature. The residual organochlorine concentrations were all below the recommended MRL. Thus Mutton bird meat is high in essential nutrient elements and of low toxicological risk. Due to active use of agrochemical in New Zealand, a monitoring program for contaminants in Mutton birds is recommended.     

Proximate composition and lipid profile of red mullet (Mullus barbatus) from two sites of the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic seas (Italy): a seasonal differentiation

Proximate composition, unsaponifiable lipid components (cholesterol, squalene, tocopherols, all-trans retinol, total carotenoids) and fatty acid profile were evaluated on red mullet (Mullus barbatus) caught in the Central Tyrrhenian and Central Adriatic seas (Italy). The study was conducted in spring, the reproduction period, and in autumn, the period of maximum recruitment and market demand for this species. Results showed that, in fish from both sites, protein (18.1–18.8 g 100 g⁻¹), nonprotein nitrogen (0.32–0.35 g 100 g⁻¹), ash (1.27–1.42 g 100 g⁻¹) and cholesterol (56.8–73.7 mg 100 g⁻¹) contents were almost stable. Total lipid levels were highly variable, with very low levels in spring (0.96–1.48 g 100 g⁻¹) and high levels in autumn (7.28–8.72 g 100 g⁻¹). On a total fatty acids basis, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were significantly higher in spring (30–40% of total fatty acids), when fish was lean, than in autumn (20%), while monounsaturated fatty acids were significantly higher in autumn (35–38%) than in spring (18–29%). Saturated fatty acids were almost stable throughout the year (34–39% of total fatty acids). Red mullet from the two sites showed a good nutritional value; in particular they proved to be a good source of n-3 PUFA, which accounted for 75–80% of total PUFA, regardless of the fishing season. However, it was in autumn that red mullet exhibited the highest content of n-3 PUFA (>1000 mg 100 g⁻¹ wet fillet). The comparison of samples by geographical origin showed no difference in autumn, while slight differences were observed in spring.     

Lipid and protein quality of common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) reared in semi-extensive conditions

Common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is a species with potential to produce high quality meat. Rearing these birds in semi-extensive regime for other purposes than just for hunting has drawn producers’ attention. This study aimed to evaluate the lipid and protein composition of breast and leg meat from male and female pheasant. Meat portions exhibited significant differences between total lipid (1.3 and 3.5 g/100 g), total cholesterol contents (0.5 and 0.57 mg/g), fatty acids profile, protein content (89 and 82% dry weight) and amino acids profile, not related with sex. The amino acids content tended to be slightly higher in leg, being comparable to farmed pheasants. Lysine was the prevailing essential amino acid (EAA) in both portions, which are also an exceptional arginine source. Pheasant meat is an interesting source of high quality lean protein, being a healthier alternative to other frequently consumed meats.     

Nutritional content,mercury, and trace element analyses of two skate (Rajidae) species in the Gulf of Alaska

Seafood is recognized as an important source of proteins and long chain omega-3 fatty acids. However, one of the primary concerns with seafood consumption is the level of heavy metals, particularly mercury, present in fish tissues, which may influence the demand of certain fishery products. We sampled muscle and liver tissues from 20 big (Beringraja binoculata) and 20 longnose (Raja rhina) skates collected near Kodiak and Cordova, Alaska, and analyzed their nutritional content (protein, moisture and lipid content and fatty acid profiles), heavy metal (mercury, arsenic, cadmium, lead) and trace element (selenium) load. Big and longnose skate muscle was composed of lean protein (14.7% ± 0.7% SD) with 1.2% (±0.4%) lipids and 83% (±0.8%) moisture. Skate livers were very high in lipids, between 52.5 and 57.5% and had high percentages of omega-3 fatty acids (30.2%). Mercury in these skates had mean levels of 0.21 mg/kg, lower than average levels found in Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis). Overall, the risk/benefit ratio of consuming skate muscle was slightly positive (3.62%) based on the balance of mercury toxicity and omega-3 fatty acid benefits. Big skates were overall more beneficial to consume, and only longnose skates from Cordova had a negative risk/benefit ratio. These data can be used by the fishing industry to understand current and future market demands for skate products, and to be aware of any health concerns of consuming Gulf of Alaska skates.     

Proximate composition and fatty acid profile of edible tissues of Capoeta damascina (Valenciennes, 1842) reared in freshwater and brackish water

This study aimed to determine the proximate composition and fatty acid profile of edible tissues of Capoeta damascina reared in freshwater and brackish water. The Juveniles of freshwater originating C. damascina were acclimated to brackish water of different salinities (6, 12, and 24 g/l); and grown in same conditions as their counterparts in freshwater. Increase in salinity led to higher moisture and lower lipid content (P < 0.05) in muscle, but had no marked impact (P > 0.05) on proximate composition of liver. In both tissues, the contents of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and n-3 PUFAs were significantly (P < 0.05) increased, while the content of total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) by increase in salinity. The contents of eicosapentanoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3), docosahexanenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3), and arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6) were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while linoleic acid (18:2 n-6) and α-linolenic acid (18:3 n-3) were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) by salinity. Considering the contents of fatty acids in 100 g of edible portions, fillets of C. damascina reared in 6 and 12 g/l salinities as well as freshwater group were good sources of n-3 PUFAs particularly EPA and DHA.     

Milk fat chemical composition of yak breeds in China

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the fatty acid composition, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and cholesterol contents in the milk from three yak breeds, Maiwa yak (n = 24), Zhongdian yak (n = 16) and Gannan yak (n = 16) and two yak crossbreeds, Maiwa yak × yellow cattle (n = 16) and Gannan yak × yellow cattle (n = 16). Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in the proportions of individual milk fatty acids were observed among the three yak breeds. The proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) did not differ statistically (P > 0.05) among the three yak breeds. However, the percentage of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in Zhongdian yak milk (4.82%) was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than in Maiwa (3.99%) and Gannan (3.68%) yak milks. The contents of α-linolenic acid (C18:3) and cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) were significantly different (P < 0.05) among the three yak breeds. The total SFAs, MUFAs and PUFAs were not significantly different (P > 0.05%) between the two yak crossbreeds. The cholesterol contents in milk samples from yak breeds and yak crossbreeds were found to be in the range 12.32-16.17 mg/100 g. Cholesterol contents in milk samples from yak breeds and yak crossbreeds were positively correlated with their fat contents.     

Comparison of the nutrient composition,biogenic amines and selected functional parameters of meat from different parts of Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)

The aim of the study was to compare nutritional parameters (contents of fat, protein and the individual amino acids), biogenic amines (histamine, tyramine, phenylethylamine, tryptamine, putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine and spermine) content, selected functional properties (colour and textural properties) and pH values of six parts of crocodile carcass (tail dorsal – TD, tail ventral – TV, neck – N, shoulder – S, leg – L and cheek – C). The individual parts of the crocodile carcass showed different values of nutritional parameters. TD and C had the highest values of Essential Amino Acid Index (104–126). Valine, threonine and leucine were determined as limiting amino acids in individual parts of the crocodile carcass. The content of biogenic amines was very low. These results will provide crocodile meat producers as well as consumers with new and useful information about the nutritional value of this meat and its relevance for nutrition.     

Nutritional composition,bioactive compounds and volatile profile of cocoa beans from different regions of Cameroon

Analysis of the complex composition of cocoa beans provides fundamental information for evaluating the quality and nutritional aspects of cocoa-based food products, nutraceuticals and supplements. Cameroon, the world’s fourth largest producer of cocoa, has been defined as “Africa in miniature” because of the variety it habitats. In order to evaluate the nutritional characteristics of cocoa beans from five different regions of Cameroon, we studied their polyphenolic content, volatile compounds and fatty acids composition. The High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) analysis showed that the Mbalmayo sample had the highest content of theobromine (11.6?mg/g) and caffeic acid (2.1?mg/g), while the Sanchou sample had the highest level of (?)-epicatechin (142.9?mg/g). Concerning fatty acids, the lowest level of stearic acid was found in the Mbalmayo sample while the Bertoua sample showed the highest content of oleic acid. Thus, we confirmed that geographical origin influences the quality and nutritional characteristics of cocoa from these regions of Cameroon.     

Proximate, amino acid and mineral composition of pupae of the silkworm Antheraea pernyi in China

The chemical composition and the nutritional quality of protein of pupae of the silkworm Antheraea pernyi were investigated. Investigations showed that the pupal powder contained 7.6% moisture, 71.9% crude protein, 20.1% fat and 4.0% ash on a dry matter basis. The mineral analysis indicated high K content with a low Na/K ratio and low heavy metal content. The pupal protein contained 18 known amino acids, including all of the essential amino acids and sulphur-containing amino acids. Compared with the amino acid profile recommended by FAO/WHO, the pupal protein was of high quality due to its high content of essential amino acids. The results of the present study provide some technical information and suggestions for the food industry for more effective utilization of pupae of the silkworm A. pernyi.     

Discriminant amino-acid components of Bactrian (Camelus bactrianus) and Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) meat

Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) and Bactrian (Camelus bactrianus) camels are close species and their hybrids fertile, but until now no comparative data on the nutrient composition of their meat has been available. Six muscle samples were collected from nine Bactrians and 10 dromedaries from Kazakhstan and the Sultanate of Oman, respectively. They were used for amino-acid pattern determination. The essential amino-acid index was higher for all muscles in the dromedary meat than in Bactrian meat with a mean value of 216.9 and 191.6, respectively, which is high compared to other red meats. The between-muscle variability was higher in dromedary than in Bactrian meat and was more important than the between-species variability. However, the two species were well discriminated on the second factor of the linear factorial discriminant analysis with 93.14% well-classed meat based on 7 discriminant amino-acid including 4 essential ones. The Bactrian camel meat was richer in proline and leucine and the dromedary camel meat in serine, tyrosine, histidine, threonine and arginine. In spite of these differences, both meats were characterized by their richness in methionine and leucine. Consequently, the dromedary and Bactrian meats could provide an excellent source of high-quality proteins for human consumers.     

Impact of flour particle size on nutrient and phenolic acid composition of commercial wheat varieties

In the present study, the effect of particle size (PS) on phenolic acid content and proximate composition (moisture, ash, protein, total fat, crude fiber and total carbohydrates) of whole-wheat flour (WWF) was determined. Five different particle size fractions <1.18 to>0.43, <0.43 to>0.30, <0.30 to>0.15, < 0.15 to>0.08 mm, and < 0.08 mm (ASTM recommended), of three commercial wheat varieties (Benazir, TJ-83, Imdad) were used for the present study. Total phenolic acid was determined using HPLC-DAD detections after base hydrolysis of the samples. Proximate composition of each particle size fraction of all three wheat flours were determined by recommended AOAC methods. In all wheat varieties, maximum quantities of total phenolic acids (162.12–554.16 mg/100 g) were obtained from <1.18 to>0.43 mm PS fractions. The maximum moisture content (8.12–8.98 g/100 g) was observed in the two lower PS (<0.15 mm) fractions while ash and protein were highest in the largest PS (<1.18 to>0.43) i.e. 2.10–2.77 mg/100 g and 10.9–11.8 mg/100 g respectively. The total fat (0.24-0.53 mg/100 g) and crude fiber (0.40-0.59 mg/100 g) were highest in <0.43 to>0.30 PS fraction of all wheat varieties. The average carbohydrates (g/100 g) and energy (kilojoules) were ranged from 77.4-79.9, 1502.0-–1518.8 for Imdad; 79.7-84.3, 1518.8-–1527.2 for Benazir; and 78.4-81.1, 1506.2-–1518.8 for TJ-83 wheat varieties. Pearson correlation showed negative correlation between particle size and carbohydrate and energy content and positive correlation with phenolic acids content. This study concludes that particle size has direct influence on the distribution of phenolic acids, carbohydrate, protein, crude fiber, ash, crude fat and moisture in the three wheat varieties.     

Nutritional values, metabolic profile and radical scavenging capacities of wild asparagus (A. acutifolius L.)

Wild asparagus, Asparagus acutifolius L., produces edible spears used in local diets of Mediterranean countries for millenia. Recently, interest has risen for its cultivation as frugal crop for niche markets, but only limited information exists on the nutritional values of this vegetable. In this paper, the nutritional values and metabolic profile (i.e. moisture content, total proteins, lipids and phenols, folic and ascorbic acids, ribose, arabinose, xylose, fructose, mannose, glucose, galactose, total and free aminoacids, and fatty acid composition) and radical scavenging capacities of spears of A. acutifolius from the Caserta area (southern Italy) were compared to those of the cultivated Asparagus officinalis L. On a fresh weight basis, proteins (4.83 vs. 3.62 g/100 g), essential amino acids (184.08 vs. 78.13 mg/100 g) and lipids (0.90 vs. 0.33 g/100 g) were higher in wild asparagus. Among the fatty acids, the two essential n-6 linoleic and n-3 alpha-linolenic, and palmitic acids were the most abundant in both species, representing about 90% of the total acids analysed. A. acutifolius contained comparable amounts of pentoses such as ribose (0.13 vs. 0.15 g/100 g) and xylose (0.17 vs. 0.14 g/100 g), and hexoses such as galactose (0.21 vs. 0.19 g/100g) and fructose (0.17 vs. 0.17 g/100 g), lower arabinose (0.27 vs. 0.39 g/100 g) and higher mannose (0. 90 vs. 0.49 g/100 g) and glucose (2.52 vs. 1.21 g/100 g) content, compared to A. officinalis. Folic acid was lower in A. acutifolius (47.5 vs. 80.6 μg), while ascorbic acid was more than fivefold higher (117 vs. 23 mg/100 g). Phenolic compounds were more abundant in A. acutifolius spears (41.97 vs. 27.62 mg/100 g) as was the radical scavenging activity against DPPH radical and nitric oxide. A. acutifolius appears nutritionally interesting for its high content in dry matter, proteins, lipids, phenols and for its strong antioxidant properties, raising interest for this potential new crop.     

Revalorization of Tunisian wild Amaranthaceae halophytes: Nutritional composition variation at two different phenotypes stages

Wild halophytes are traditionally consumed in Tunisia as gourmet vegetables due to their salty taste and organoleptic proprieties. However, their nutritional composition is not deeply studied. The aim of this study was to characterize three Tunisian wild halophytic species (Arthrocnemum indicum (Willd.) Moq, Halocnemum strobilaceum (Pall.) M. Bieb., and Suaeda fruticosa Forssk) at two different phenotypic stages according to the seasonal variation. Amaranthaceae, is one of the well spread halophytes family shrubs in the world, mainly in Mediterranean countries. The studied wild halophytes are an interesting source of nutrients and could be considered as healthy foods with high levels of dietary fibers (7.63–10.14 g/100 g fw), protein (2.45–4.14 g/100 g fw), n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in green phenotypic stage (29.87 %–40.5 %) and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in red-violet phenotypic stage (25.4 %–75.26 %), with particular relevance to linolenic acid content (20.7 %–75.22 %). These halophytes are also a good source of minerals, particularly sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium, as well as vitamins C and E, with a major abundance of α-tocopherol.     

Seasonal and geographical variation in chemical composition and lipid stability of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) caught in Icelandic waters

Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) appears in Icelandic waters during its heavy feeding period, resulting in variation in product quality. Fish caught at different times during the summers of 2012 and 2013 (July, August, September) and at different sites of the Icelandic fishing area (East, Northeast, South and Southeast) were analysed. Measurements of lipid and water content, fatty acid composition, lipid hydroperoxide (PV), thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) and free fatty acids (FFA) were studied with the aim of investigating whether this raw material was suitable for the production of high quality products for human consumption. In general, samples collected during the summer of 2012 showed a better condition than fish from 2013. The results indicated seasonal variation in lipid content and rancidity development. The lowest rancidity values were observed in the middle of the Icelandic catching season, indicating that this raw material was best suited for production of high quality products. Moreover, geographical variation of the mackerel catches had an impact on the saturation of the fatty acids, and appeared as follows: East > Northeast.     

Nutrient and mineral composition of dried mamaki leaves (Pipturus albidus) and infusions

Mamaki, Pipturus albidus, is currently one of the few native Hawaiian plants suitable for herbal tea preparation. This study reports the nutritional composition and mineral content of dried mamaki leaves and infusions. Three varieties and two sub-varieties, namely “hybrid purple”, “green”, “purple sub-variety 1”, “purple sub-variety 2” and “panaewa”, of mamaki were harvested in winters and summers over a 3-year period. Statistical analyses showed macronutrient values in dried mamaki leaves harvested in summer were significantly different from those in winter. The elemental values of phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, boron, copper, iron, manganese and zinc were also significantly different between the two seasons. Dried mamaki leaves contained higher amounts of ash, protein, fat and total fibers when compared with various commercial teas. Copper and iron levels in infusions from the leaves harvested in summer were significantly higher from those in winter. Phosphorus, potassium, sodium, boron, iron, manganese, and zinc values in steeped infusions of whole, ground, and crushed leaves were significantly different from each other. The dried leaves and infusions both contained the highest amount of calcium when compared to those in other commercial teas. The high calcium content found in infusions make the mamaki leaves a valuable commodity.     

Epidemiology of thyroid disease in Hamilton (New Zealand) general practice

Objective: To retrospectively review health records in two general practices in Hamilton, New Zealand (NZ) linking three data sources to estimate the prevalence of diagnosed thyroid dysfunction (TD). Methods: A record‐linkage study using computerised searches to find cases of diagnosed TD by diagnostic codes, prescribing data, and laboratory data. Data was verified against computerised and written records. Results: The prevalence of diagnosed TD was 3.1%. Overt hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 2.5%, overt hyperthyroidism in 0.2% and ‘other’ conditions such as goitres, nodules and thyroiditis in 0.4% of the study population. Conclusions: This study provides a representation of TD in the community prior to mandatory iodine fortification. Our prevalence data is similar to national and international literature with the burden of TD being greater in women and in the older population. Implications: A national study with a sufficient sample of Māori and Pacific patients is needed before supplementation with iodine is introduced.     

Lipid profiles of Chinese soft-shell turtle eggs (Pelodiscus sinensis)

Studies have shown potential beneficial functions of turtle eggs, but the mechanism is not clear. The species and content of lipids have a significant impact on human health. The major lipid classes and fatty acids composition of dried Chinese soft-shell turtle eggs were characterized with the aim of clarifying the potential beneficial functions of turtle eggs from the perspective of lipid nutrition. 100 g dried turtle eggs power contained an average of 24.7 g of triacylglycerol (TAG), 1.24 g of phospholipid (PL) and 0.72 g of cholesterol. The striking feature of the lipid composition was the abundant n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, resulting in an excellent n-6/n-3 ratio (1.27) and low atherogenic index (AI) and thrombogenic index (TI) values, which were considered to be a healthier option for the human diet. A total of 85 TAG molecular species and 95 PL molecular species were obtained by lipidomics. ΣcisC18:1, C18:2n-6 and C18:3n-3 were preferentially esterified at sn-2 position of TAG. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) accounted for more than 90 % of the PL, while no sphingomyelin (SM) was detected. C22:6n-3 and C20:5n-3 were preferentially bound to PE and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) respectively.     

The lipid content and fatty acid composition of four eastern central Pacific native fish species

Fish is an important source of nutritious n-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for the prevention of cardiovascular and neurological diseases. The lipid content and fatty acid composition of economically important fishes from the eastern central Pacific, namely, Caranx caballus, Cynoscion phoxocephalus, Lutjanus guttatus and Scomberomorus sierra, were determined. Seasonal variations in their n-3 fatty acid composition were investigated as well. The lipid content of all these fish species was less than 4% by weight. In general, the studied species have moderate proportions of n-3 fatty acids. C. caballus was the fish species with the highest concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (898 mg/100 g) followed by S. sierra (596 mg/100 g), C. phoxocephalus (421 mg/100 g) and L. guttatus (342 mg/100 g). The n-3/n-6 ratio of all the species studied ranged from 4.86 to 8.12. Results of this study indicate that all these fish species are highly recommended as a source of low calorie food that can meet the n-3 fatty acid dietary requirements of the Panamanian population.