Nutritional value and acceptibility of soy proteins in human diet]

These studies on textured soya protein (TSP) were directed towards the evaluation of its acceptability and nutritional value in man. ACCEPTABILITY. In the beginning, the reaction of adults to the incorporation of 40 g TSP in their daily diet was studied. After a three-week period, no intolerance or fatigue with the regim was shown. In a following study, observations made on young children's attitudes along with quantitative measurements of their food intake were noted during four one-wekk periods: -- period of "imposed diet", without TSP; -- period of imposed diet", with TSP; -- period of "free diet", without TSP; -- period of "free diet", with STP; During the periods of "imposed diets", children could eat only the proposed quantities of foodstuffs. During periods of "free diets", children were able to choose the quantity and sort of food they preferred from the proposed menu. Total protein ingested (differentiating between that of animal and vegetable origin) was calculated for each child from his daily food record. Results show that only one of the twenty-four children systematically refuse soya-containing preparations. Average consumption of soya protein during "free diet" periods was close to the desired level and not significantly different to levels achieved in the "imposed diet" period. The acceptance of TSP by the children was therefore evident. NUTRITIONAL VALUE. The following studies were designed to determine the effects of the replacement of animal protein by TSP (at the maximal levels of its tolerability) in a normal diet. In the first nitrogen balance study, with 10 convalescent subjects, the following protocol was developed: -- the habitual caloric and protein intakes of the subjects was established; -- following a four-day adaptation period, the subjects entered consecutively: a control period at established levels of calories and protein, and a test period in which 20 g of soya protein replaced an equivalent quantity of animal protein. The average nitrogen balances for control and test periods were + 4.49 g and 3.62 g. The difference not being significant at a probability of 5 p. 100. In a second study with 12 adults in good health (6 males and 6 females) soya protein replaced 34-39 p. 100 of the daily protein intake (according to the menu) and the average nitrogen balances in control and test periods were + 0.16 g and 0.91 g. These studies confirm the TSP replacement of animal protein in the normal diet does not affect nitrogen balance and that TSP can make a contribution to the fulfilment protein requierements in man.     

Assessment of the chronic risk for ingestion of pesticide residues in the Brazilian diet

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a chronic dietary risk assessment of the pesticides registered in Brazil up until 1999. METHODS: The Theoretical Maximum Daily Intake (TMDI) for each pesticide was calculated using the Brazilian maximum residue limits and food consumption data from IBGE, the Brazilian Statistical Institute. The risk characterization was done comparing the TMDI with the acceptable daily intakes (ADI) from other countries and from the Codex Alimentarius. RESULTS: The TMDI was higher than the ADI (%ADI>100) at least in one Brazilian metropolitan region for 23 pesticides. Sixteen compounds are organophosphate insecticides, with methyl parathion having the TMDI exceeding the most toxicological parameter (%ADI N=9,300). Rice, beans, citrus and tomato were the commodities which most contributed to the ingestion. From the compounds under higher risk, only 6 were registered according to the Law 98.816/90, which concerns the use of pesticides in the country. CONCLUSIONS: The compounds identified in the study as presenting a potential health concern to the Brazilian consumers, and the commodities which most contributed to the ingestion, should be prioritized by the government in pesticide residue monitoring programs and in the re-registration process. In addition, residue data in food as consumed, processing factors and appropriate consumption data should be generated to allow further studies.     

Effects of a soy protein diet on exercise-induced muscle protein catabolism in rats

OBJECTIVE: We examined effects of dietary soy protein isolate on muscle calpain activity and myosin heavy chain (MHC) degradation in rats performing an acute running exercise. METHODS: In rats fed a 20% casein diet, the treadmill running exercise, fixed at 80 kg/m, transiently increased calpain activity in gastrocnemius muscles in parallel with the release of creatine kinase into plasma. The fixed running also caused an accumulation of immunoreactive degradation fragments of MHC in the muscle. Feeding a 20% soy protein isolate diet as opposed to the control casein diet to rats significantly suppressed the running-induced activation of mu- and m-calpains, fragmentation of MHC, and release of creatine kinase into plasma (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Rats fed the soy protein isolate diet had significantly higher calpastatin activity in gastrocnemius muscle than did rats fed the casein diet (P < 0.05), indicating that this increase inhibits the exercise-induced autoactivation of calpain. Activities of proteasome, cathepsin B + L, and antioxidant enzymes and the levels of glutathione and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in the muscle did not differ between the diet groups at the end of the exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that diets containing soy protein prevent exercise-induced protein degradation in skeletal muscle, possibly through inhibiting the calpain-mediated proteolysis.     

The influence of ethionine-supplemented soy protein diet on cell-mediated and humoral immunity

These studies were designed to investigate the influence of ethionine, a suspected carcinogen, on cell-mediated (CMI) and humoral immunity. It is believed that ethionine, an analog of methionine which is produced by intestinal bacteria, could have significant relevance to health. To study the effect of ethionine on immune responsiveness, three groups of mice were allowed to feed ad libitum for 5 weeks on one of the following regimens: diet 1, a basal diet of 16% soy protein; diet 2, soy protein supplemented with 0.6% dl-methionine; and diet 3, soy protein supplemented with 0.1% dl-ethionine. The immunological parameters measured were responsiveness to mitogens, [phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A), pokeweed mitogen (PWM), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)], delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB), and antibody formation to sheep red blood cells (SRBC). There were no significant differences in mitogen and antigen responses in mice maintained on diets 1 and 2 as measured by thymidine uptake in proliferating lymphocytes. However, there was a significant suppression in mitogen responsiveness in mice that received diet 3. DTH was also suppressed in mice on diet 3. Antibody levels were similar in all groups. Thus, there was clear evidence of suppression of CMI by ethionine in these studies.     

Use of the ketogenic diet and dietary practices in the UK

Background: In 2000, a survey showed that use of the ketogenic diet as a treatment for intractable epilepsy in the UK was low. Subsequently, the number of medical publications supporting its efficacy has increased and demand from parents for this treatment has also increased. This survey was undertaken to determine whether there had been an increase in the use of the ketogenic diet and the necessary resources to provide it. Methods: A survey of paediatric dietitians in the UK was undertaken. Data were collected on their experience of implementing a ketogenic diet, the type of diet used, patient caseloads, other members of the care team, the process for initiation of the diet and funding. Results: Twenty‐eight hospitals offered the ketogenic diet treatment with a total of 152 patients. The caseload per dietitian ranged from 1–36 patients. The classical diet was prescribed for 74% cases. The majority of patients began the diet as outpatients. Six dietitians were specifically funded to provide the treatment. Fifty more dietitians had experience of implementing the diet but currently had no patients. The reasons given for this were no referrals, no funding or not working with patients with epilepsy. Conclusions: The number of patients on the ketogenic diet had increased since 2000. However, numbers remained low and the main reasons given were the lack of referrals and a lack of funding. Recommendations are made to improve the dietetic and funding resources available so that an efficacious treatment for intractable epilepsy of childhood can be made more widely available.     

Neither background diet nor type of soy food affects short-term isoflavone bioavailability in women

To characterize bioavailability of soybean isoflavones, proposed anticarcinogenic food components, eight women, ages 20-41 y, were fed 0.9 mg isoflavones/kg body wt from soymilk at 0730, 1230 and 1730 h for 1 d. Subjects consumed three background diets in random order: a diet prepared for them (basic foods diet) or a self-selected diet at the specified times, or a self-selected diet eaten ad libitum. In a second study, women were fed single isoflavone doses of 0.8-1.4 mg/kg in breakfast casseroles containing tofu, tempeh, cooked soybeans or texturized vegetable protein. Both studies were conducted in randomized, cross-over designs. Plasma, urine and fecal isoflavones were measured by reverse-phase HPLC. After consumption of background diets, 48-h urinary recovery of daidzein (D) was 26-27%, and of genistein (G), 18-20% of the dose given with each diet. At 24 h after consumption of different background diets, plasma D and G concentrations were similar (1.4 +/- 0.7 mmol/L) and were not affected by diet selection. Urinary recoveries of D over 24 h from the various soy foods were 38-51%, and of G, 9-16% of the dose given. In both studies, urinary recovery of D was significantly greater than that of G. Only a few percentage of the total isoflavone dose was recovered in feces, probably due to bacterial breakdown of these compounds. Therefore, isoflavone bioavailability may not be affected by choice of background diet or food source of isoflavones.     

Food intake of a typical Brazilian diet among hospitalized malnourished patients

AIM: To verify whether malnourished inpatients receiving a typical Brazilian diet meet their food requirements. METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive surgical and medical hospitalized adults, able to feed themselves, received rice and beans based diets for 3 consecutive days. All served food was weighed before and after the meals. Nutrient intake was determined and results compared to American Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). Malnutrition was defined by the presence of at least one of these criteria: body mass index &lE 18.5 kg/m(2); height-creatinine index < 70%; or albumin level < 3. 5 g/dl. RESULTS: Malnourished and non-malnourished patients were paired in relation to age, gender, diagnoses and clinical parameters. Despite showing distinct anthropometric parameters and laboratory data, malnourished patients ingested enough quantities of food and met or exceeded RDA for energy and other nutrients. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically-stable malnourished inpatients, supplied with rice- and beans based diets have adequate energy and nutrient intake, the same occurring for non-malnourished ones.     

Nutrient intake and eating habits of triathletes on a Brazilian diet

The objectives of this study were to determine the dietary habits, energy balance, and macro- and micronutrient dietary adequacy of triathletes, and to provide an athletes' food pyramid. Thirty-eight Brazilian triathletes, had anthropometric measurements taken. Mean (+/- standard deviation) body weight, height, and percentage body fat were 71.2 kg (+/- 9.4), 176.7 cm (+/- 5.5), and 12.3 % +/- ( 3.6) for men and 55.8 kg (+/- 5.2), 161.6 cm (+/- 4.5), and 24.3 % (+/- 4.2) for women, respectively. A 24-h recall and a food-frequency questionnaire showed that mean total intakes of energy (MJ), carbohydrate, protein, and fat (g x kg(-1) x d(- 1)) were, respectively, 15.4, 7.3, 2.0, and 1.6 for men and 9.9, 5.9, 1.6, and 1.3 for women. The number of meals and intake of some food groups were insufficient, resulting in inadequate intake of carbohydrate and some micronutrients. Based on this study, athletes need help to achieve their sports-related nutrition goals, especially during intense training.     

Use of anorectic amphetamine-like drugs by Brazilian women

The history of anorectic drug use was investigated in 2370 subjects in S?o Paulo and Brasília cities. Socio-demographic data and the number of previous treatments to lose weight were obtained. When the last treatment was drug-based, the substance(s) used, its duration, the occurrence of adverse reactions, and whether it was adequate were studied. There was a prevalence of female patients, 92.7%, in both cities and as many as 72.4% of them had already undergone from 1 to >10 previous treatments. Out of those patients, 75.37% had undergone pharmacological treatment, 79.2% of those with amphetamine-like anorectic drugs. Treatment was longer than 3 months in half of the cases, and 60% of the subjects had a Body Mass Index below 29.9. Over 50% of the subjects was given amphetamine-like drugs through compounded formulas containing four or more substances, which had been specifically tailored by the doctor for each patient. On the other hand, 86.3% of all the subjects reported adverse reactions to the amphetamine-like drugs, 37.4% of them sought medical advice, and 3.9% required hospitalization. In conclusion, the use of amphetamine-like drugs in Brazil is particularly prevalent among women and this use is strongly related to the culture of slimness as a symbol of beauty.     

Effect of a soy protein diet on serum lipids of renal transplant patients

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a soy-protein diet on plasma lipid levels of renal transplant recipients with moderate hypercholesterolemia.DesignDietary intervention case-control observational study.SettingRenal transplantation outpatient clinic.PatientsFifteen stable patients who had renal transplantation (serum creatinine < 2 mg/dL) with moderate hypercholesterolemia (low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol > 140 mg/dL).InterventionAfter a baseline dietary interview, dietary counseling was given individually with the goal of substituting 25 g of animal protein with 25 g of soy protein for a 5-week period, using commercially available soy foods, according to each patient’s own preference.Main outcome measuresBefore and after the soy-diet period, plasma lipid profiles including total, LDL, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1 and B were determined. Protein catabolic rate was assumed as a measure of dietary protein intake.ResultsTwo patients dropped out. After the soy diet, total cholesterol (254 ± 22 to 231 ± 31 mg/dL, P < .05) and LDL cholesterol (165 ± 20 versus 143 ± 20 mg/dL, P < .01) decreased significantly. No significant changes were observed regarding HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Dietary protein intake did not differ at baseline (73.2 ± 22.9 g/day) and during the soy diet (72.6 ± 15.6 g/day), when the reported actual soy protein intake resulted 26 ± 8 g/day.ConclusionsThis study shows that soy proteins given as part of the daily protein intake have beneficial effects on serum LDL cholesterol levels of renal transplant recipients with moderate hypercholesterolemia. Soy proteins could be of use in the nutritional management of renal transplant recipients.     

Total antioxidant capacity and phenolic content of the Brazilian diet: a real scenario

The present study aimed to estimate the total dietary antioxidant capacity (TDAC) taken in by the Brazilian population. For analysis, the 36 most consumed foods in Brazil were evaluated. The foods were prepared according to their usual form of consumption and submitted to in vitro digestion. The daily intake of phenolics and flavonoids was estimated to be 2.31?±?0.12?g and 374.12?±?18.17?mg, respectively. The TDAC, evaluated as the ferric-reducing antioxidant power and as the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, was 10.3 and 9.4?mmol/d, respectively. The beverages, especially coffee, followed by beans, rice and salt bread were the most important sources of antioxidants. The average intake of phenolics and flavonoids of the Brazilian diet was comparatively higher than that estimated for several other countries. However, the contribution of fruits and vegetables to the phenolic intake and TDAC was minimal (4–6%).     

Intraurban Differences in the Use of Ambulatory Health Services in a Large Brazilian City

A major goal of health systems is to reduce inequities in access to services, that is, to ensure that health care is provided based on health needs rather than social or economic factors. This study aims to identify the determinants of health services utilization among adults in a large Brazilian city and intraurban disparities in health care use. We combine household survey data with census-derived classification of social vulnerability of each household’s census tract. The dependent variable was utilization of physician services in the prior 12 months, and the independent variables included predisposing factors, health needs, enabling factors, and context. Prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated by the Hurdle regression model, which combined Poisson regression analysis of factors associated with any doctor visits (dichotomous variable) and zero-truncated negative binomial regression for the analysis of factors associated with the number of visits among those who had at least one. Results indicate that the use of health services was greater among women and increased with age, and was determined primarily by health needs and whether the individual had a regular doctor, even among those living in areas of the city with the worst socio-environmental indicators. The experience of Belo Horizonte may have implications for other world cities, particularly in the development and use of a comprehensive index to identify populations at risk and in order to guide expansion of primary health care services as a means of enhancing equity in health.     

Environmental Factors Associated with Psychotropic Drug Use in Brazilian Nightclubs

The purpose of this study was to identify environmental factors associated with patterns of psychotropic drug use in nightclubs. Mixed methods were used to investigate psychotropic drugs consumption among patrons of 31 nightclubs in São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 1822 patrons at the entrance and exit of the venues and 30 staff members of the nightclubs were interviewed. The observational data were collected through 307 h of observational research using a structured guide to register environmental measures. Psychotropic drug use in nightclubs was classified into three categories (1: no drugs; 2: legal drugs [e.g., alcohol and tobacco]; or 3: illicit drugs regardless of alcohol and tobacco use). Illicit drugs used were self-reported by patrons, and alcohol use was measured using a breathalyzer. The data were analyzed in clusters using correlated multinomial logistic regression models. The following environmental variables were associated with illicit drug use in nightclubs: all-you-can-drink service (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 11.84, 95%CI [4.06;34.57]) and light effects, such as laser and “disco lights” (aOR = 24.49, 95%CI [8.48;70.77]). The number of bouncers per capita × 100 and the presence of two or more dance floors were inversely associated with the use of illicit drugs (aOR = 0.26, 95%CI [0.11;0.65], and aOR = 0.13, 95%CI [0.06;0.29], respectively). Legal drug use was associated with all-you-can-drink service (aOR = 2.17, 95%CI [1.43;5.04]), the presence of two or more dance floors (aOR = 2.06, 95%CI [1.40;3.05]), and the number of bouncers per capita × 100 (aOR = 1.39, 95%CI [1.22;1.59]). These findings suggest that this is a multivariate phenomenon that would require an integrated approach involving the venue owners, staff members, patrons, local governments, and law enforcement agencies.     

The effect of soy protein isolate in the diet on retention by the rat of iron from radiolabeled test meals

The influence of soy protein isolate (SPI) in the diet on whole-body retention of extrinsically radiolabeled iron from test meals containing or not containing SPI was evaluated in marginally iron-deficient weanling rats. In experiment 1 SPI was compared with casein in a 2 X 2 factorial design: diets and test meals were either SPI-based or casein-based. Diets were fed for 13 days prior to the test meal and for 7 days subsequent to the test meal. Rats fed the SPI-based diet retained less iron from test meals than did rats fed the casein-based diet (66.1 vs. 74.8%, P less than 0.01). Experiment 2 showed that an SPI-based diet fed during the final 4 days of a 14-day pre-test meal period and subsequent to the test meal led to less iron retention compared to a casein-based diet. In addition to the observed diet effect, experiment 1 showed that iron retention was less from an SPI-based test meal than from a casein-based test meal, confirming previous reports of adverse effects of SPI on iron retention. The present experiments show that SPI can adversely affect from retention in two ways: by its presence in the diet before and after a test meal, and by its presence in a test meal.     

High isoflavone soy diet increases insulin secretion without decreasing insulin sensitivity in premenopausal nonhuman primates

Consuming soy and soy isoflavones has been shown to cause modest improvements in plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and indices of insulin sensitivity in postmenopausal women. The effect of soy on such end points is attributed often to estrogen receptor agonism by isoflavones. Recent in vitro studies suggest that isoflavones, in combination with high estrogen concentrations (within the range seen circulating in premenopausal women), function as estrogen receptor antagonists that potentially may counteract the beneficial effects seen with soy consumption. We studied insulin sensitivity in 15 premenopausal nonhuman primates consuming either a high isoflavone soy diet or a soy-free casein/lactalbumin diet for 4 months. Insulin sensitivity was measured by intravenous glucose tolerance testing, hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps, and insulin-stimulated insulin receptor and protein kinase B phosphorylation levels in muscle. In addition, plasma lipids, adiponectin, thyroid hormone, and body weights are reported. We show that high isoflavones do not adversely affect insulin sensitivity but do significantly alter insulin secretion to glucose stimulation. Small but significant increases in thyroxine and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were observed as has been reported commonly with soy intake. These study results demonstrate that consumption of soy containing high isoflavone levels is not associated with changes in insulin sensitivity in the high estrogen milieu of the premenopausal female.     

A casein diet added isoflavone-enriched soy protein favorably affects biomarkers of steatohepatitis in obese Zucker rats

ObjectiveDietary supplementation of a soy protein enriched with isoflavones (HDI) has been shown to improve fatty liver in obese rats. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether HDI would influence the inflammatory status in livers of obese rats with fatty liver.MethodsMale obese Zucker fa/fa rats were fed casein (controls) or casein supplemented with HDI (containing 4.00 g of genistein and 4.50 g of daidzein per kilogram of diet) for 6 wk.ResultsThe HDI-fed rats had a markedly lower hepatic concentration of triacylglycerol when compared with controls. The decreased aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase ratio in plasma, together with lower circulating levels of alkaline phosphatase and bile acids after HDI feeding, implied an improved hepatitis. This was supported by decreased plasma and hepatic mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, lower plasma levels of interleukin-1β and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and an increased anti-inflammatory fatty acid index in plasma. HDI also seemed to protect the rats from oxidative damage, because the level of lipid peroxides in triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins after in vitro copper oxidation was lower for HDI-fed rats when compared with controls.ConclusionThese results show that isoflavone-enriched soy protein favorably affects biomarkers of hepatic inflammation in obese Zucker fa/fa rats with fatty liver. Thus, dietary soy proteins enriched in isoflavones may be a promising agent to improve steatohepatitis in patients.     

Imported Compounded Diet Pill Use Among Brazilian Women Immigrants in the United States

In Brazil, compounded diet pills that combine amphetamines, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, diuretics and laxatives are often prescribed. In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration banned their sale in the United States (US) citing substantial safety concerns. This study evaluates the prevalence of, and factors associated with, use of these pills among Brazilian immigrant women aged 18–50. Pill use was assessed at one clinic and two churches using an anonymous survey (n = 307). While living in the US, 18% of clinic respondents and 9% of church respondents reported using these diet pills. Nearly two thirds of pill users reported adverse effects. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, being unmarried, college educated, dissatisfied with current weight, and advised by a US physician to lose weight were associated with greater odds of imported diet pill use. To enhance care of Brazilian immigrants, US physicians should become familiar with the health consequences of imported diet pills from Brazil.