Olestra: A New Food Additive

In 1987, Procter and Gamble Company (Cincinnati, Ohio) petitioned the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to amend the food additive regulations to allow sucrose esterified with fatty acids (olestra) to be used as a replacement for conventional fats. The petitioner later restricted its request for use in savory snacks. FDA considered evidence submitted by the petitioner, the opinions of experts, proceedings from the FDA Food Advisory Committee, and public discussion and concluded on January 25, 1996, that olestra was safe for use in savory snacks (eg, salty snacks such as potato chips, corn chips). Olestra is not toxic, carcinogenic, genotoxic, or teratogenic and is neither absorbed nor metabolized by the body, but may be associated with gastrointestinal tract symptoms such as cramping or loose stools. In addition, olestra affects the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins but does not affect the absorption of water-soluble nutrients. The petitioner's studies concluded that when olestra was consumed with foods containing vitamins A, D, E, or K, the fat substitute could have an effect on the absorption of these nutrients. Therefore, FDA is requiring that fat-soluble vitamins lost through absorption be added back to olestra as follows: 170 IU vitamin A per gram olestra, 12 IU vitamin D per gram olestra, 2.8 IU vitamin E per gram olestra, and 8 μg vitamin K per gram olestra. As part of the conditions of approval FDA is requiring that the food labels of products containing olestra disclose the vitamin compensation and the potential gastrointestinal effects. FDA is also requiring that further studies examining consumption patterns and the effects of olestra on human beings be conducted. J Am Diet Assoc. 1998;98:565–569.     

Fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamin contents of breast milk from Japanese women

To determine the concentrations of fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins in the maternal milk of Japanese women, we collected human milk samples from more than 4,000 mothers living throughout Japan between December 1998 and September 1999, and defined as group A the 691 samples among these that met the following conditions: breast milk of mothers who were under 40 y of age, who did not smoke habitually and/or use vitamin supplements, and whose babies showed no symptoms of atopy and had birth weights of 2.5 kg or more. We then analyzed the contents of vitamins individually. Large differences were observed among the contents of individual human milk samples. The mean contents of each component were as follows: vitamin A, 159.0 +/- 95.2 IU/100 mL; vitamin E, 0.325 +/- 0.165 alpha-TE mg/100mL; vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), 8.0 +/- 10.7 ng/100mL; vitamin B1 (thiamin), 12.3 +/- 3.2 microg/100 mL; vitamin B2, 38.4 +/- 12.7 microg/100 mL; vitamin B6, 5.7 +/- 2.5 microg/100 mL; vitamin B12, 0.04 +/- 0.02 microg/100 mL; vitamin C, 5.1 +/- 1.9 mg/100 mL; biotin, 0.50 +/- 0.23 microg/100 mL; choline, 9.2 +/- 1.8 mg/100 mL; folic acid, 6.2 +/- 2.9 microg/100 mL; inositol, 12.6 +/- 3.6 mg/100 mL; niacin (nicotinamide), 32.9 +/- 20.4 microg/100 mL and pantothenic acid, 0.27 +/- 0.09 mg/100 mL. The concentrations of derivatives and/or related compounds of vitamin A (retinol, beta-carotene), vitamin E (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol), and B2 (riboflavin, FMN, and FAD) were determined separately. The contents of each were found to vary greatly as the duration of lactation increased. The present results indicate that it is necessary to evaluate individual differences in human milk in order to perform valid research regarding infant formula.     

妊娠期妇女脂溶性维生素水平对子痫前期的预测价值

目的探讨脂溶性维生素对妊娠期妇女子痫前期的预测价值。方法选取2017年7月-2018年11月在该院进行产前检查的妊娠期妇女189例,其中子痫前期82例(子痫前期组),妊娠期高血压疾病107例(妊娠期高血压疾病组),另选取同期的正常妊娠妇女205例(正常妊娠组)。采用超高效液相色谱-串联质谱法(UPLC-MS/MS)测定所有研究对象血清维生素A、1,25-(OH)2D3、维生素E和维生素K1的水平,比较3组上述指标的差异。采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评价脂溶性维生素对子痫前期的预测价值。结果 3组间妇女年龄、体质指数(BMI)、孕周、妊娠次数比较,差异均无统计学意义(均P>0. 05)。与正常妊娠组相比,妊娠期高血压疾病组和子痫前期组维生素E和维生素K1水平明显升高(均P<0. 05),妊娠期高血压疾病组和子痫前期组上述指标比较,差异均无统计学意义(均P>0. 05)。3组间维生素A和1,25-(OH)2D3水平比较,差异均无统计学意义(均P>0. 05)。维生素A、1,25-(OH)2D3、维生素E、维生素K1预测子痫前期ROC曲线下面积分别是0. 527、0. 523、0. 563和0. 618,相应的诊断临界值分别为479. 11μg/ml (灵敏度为87. 71%,特异度为30. 77%)、12. 68 ng/ml(灵敏度为20. 73%,特异度为88. 78%)、10. 46μg/ml (灵敏度为59. 76%,特异度为53. 85%)和0. 58 ng/ml (灵敏度为76. 83%,特异度为48. 29%)。结论妊娠期妇女脂溶性维生素水平尚不能用于预测子痫前期的发病。     

Multinutrient-Fortified Juices Improve Vitamin D and Vitamin E Status in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundProvision of fortified juices may provide a convenient method to maintain and increase blood fat-soluble vitamins.ObjectiveTo determine whether children consuming orange juice fortified with calcium and combinations of vitamins D, E, and A could increase serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], α-tocopherol, and retinol levels.DesignA 12-week randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.Participants/settingOne hundred eighty participants (aged 8.04±1.42 years) were recruited at Tufts (n=70) and Boston University (n=110) during 2005-2006. Of those recruited, 176 children were randomized into three groups: CaD (700 mg calcium+200 IU vitamin D), CaDEA (700 mg calcium+200 IU vitamin D+12 IU vitamin E+2,000 IU vitamin A as beta carotene), or Ca (700 mg calcium). Children consumed two 240-mL glasses of CaD, CaDEA, or Ca fortified orange juice daily for 12 weeks.Main outcome measuresSerum 25(OH)D, α-tocopherol, and retinol concentrations.Statistical analysesChanges in 25(OH)D, α-tocopherol, retinol, and parathyroid hormone concentrations were examined. Covariates included sex, age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, and baseline 25(OH)D, α-tocopherol, retinol, or parathyroid hormone levels. Multivariate models and repeated measures analysis of variance tested for group differences with pre–post measures (n=141).ResultsBaseline 25(OH)D was 68.4±27.7 nmol/L (27.4±11.10 ng/mL) ), with 21.7% of participants having inadequate 25(OH)D (<50 nmol/L [20.03 ng/mL]). The CaD group's 25(OH)D increase was greater than that of the Ca group (12.7 nmol/L [5.09 ng/mL], 95% CI 1.3 to 24.1; P=0.029). The CaDEA group's increase in α-tocopherol concentration was greater than that in the Ca or CaD groups (3.79 μmol/L [0.16 μg/mL], 95% CI 2.5 to 5.1 and 3.09 μmol/L [0.13 μg/mL], 95% CI −1.8 to 4.3), respectively (P<0.0001). Retinol levels did not change, and body weight remained as expected for growth.ConclusionsDaily consumption of orange juice providing 200 IU vitamin D and 12 IU vitamin E increased 25(OH)D and α-tocopherol concentrations in young children within 12 weeks.     

食品、多维片和饮料中12种维生素的高效液相色谱法同时测定

目的建立食品、多维片和饮料中水溶性维生素C、B1,B2,B6,B12,烟酸、烟酰胺、叶酸和脂溶性维生素A、D3、E、K1的反相高效液相色谱同时测定方法。方法样品中水溶性维生素经0.01mol/LHCl超声提取,脂溶性维生素经皂化法提取。饮品直接过滤后测定。色谱条件:色谱柱为C18柱,流动相为0.05mol/LKH2PO4溶液(pH6.0)-甲醇,梯度洗脱流速1.1~1.5ml/min;柱温40℃。结果 12种维生素标准曲线的线性范围:VC为0～5μg,烟酸为0～0.5μg,其余均为0～1μg;相关系数均大于0.996;相对标准偏差均小于5.0%;方法检出限为0.073～0.193μg/ml;加标回收率为75.5%～118.0%。结论所建立的方法快速、简便、灵敏、准确,应用于复合维生素片、米粉、饮料中12种维生素的同时分析,取得了较好结果。     

强化食品中维生素D的化学测定法

本文采用三氯化锑比色法测定强化食品中维生素D的含量。用毛地黄皂甙沉淀胆固醇,用磷酸氢钠处理的氧化铝柱,聚乙二醇-600-酸洗101白色担体柱和漂白土柱去除干扰杂质,并用马来酐沉淀速甾醇。在500nm和550nm处比色测定。用已知量维生素D加入到强化麦乳精、强化奶粉及浓缩油剂中,其回收率分别为106—107％,83.8—85.7％,97.2—101％。     

Fat-Soluble Vitamin Supplementation Using Liposomes,Cyclodextrins, or Medium-Chain Triglycerides in Cystic Fibrosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency remains a challenge in cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic pancreatitis, and biliary atresia. Liposomes and cyclodextrins can enhance their bioavailability, thus this multi-center randomized placebo-controlled trial compared three-month supplementation of fat-soluble vitamins in the form of liposomes or cyclodextrins to medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) in pancreatic-insufficient CF patients. The daily doses were as follows: 2000 IU of retinyl palmitate, 4000 IU of vitamin D3, 200 IU of RRR-α-tocopherol, and 200 µg of vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7, with vitamin E given in soybean oil instead of liposomes. All participants received 4 mg of β-carotene and 1.07 mg of vitamin K1 to ensure compliance with the guidelines. The primary outcome was the change from the baseline of all-trans-retinol and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations and the percentage of undercarboxylated osteocalcin. Out of 75 randomized patients (n = 28 liposomes, n = 22 cyclodextrins, and n = 25 MCT), 67 completed the trial (89%; n = 26 liposomes, n = 18 cyclodextrins, and n = 23 MCT) and had a median age of 22 years (IQR 19–28), body mass index of 20.6 kg/m² [18.4–22.0], and forced expiratory volume in 1 s of 65% (44–84%). The liposomal formulation of vitamin A was associated with the improved evolution of serum all-trans-retinol compared to the control (median +1.7 ng/mL (IQR −44.3–86.1) vs. −38.8 ng/mL (−71.2–6.8), p = 0.028). Cyclodextrins enhanced the bioavailability of vitamin D3 (+9.0 ng/mL (1.0–17.0) vs. +3.0 ng/mL (−4.0–7.0), p = 0.012) and vitamin E (+4.34 µg/mL (0.33–6.52) vs. −0.34 µg/mL (−1.71–2.15), p = 0.010). Liposomes may augment the bioavailability of vitamin A and cyclodextrins may strengthen the supplementation of vitamins D3 and E relative to MCT in pancreatic-insufficient CF but further studies are required to assess liposomal vitamin E (German Clinical Trial Register number DRKS00014295, funded from EU and Norsa Pharma).     

Faecal elastase-1 and fat-soluble vitamin profiles in patients with cystic fibrosis in Western Norway

Summary. Background: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is a major clinical manifestation of cystic fibrosis (CF). Almost nine of ten patients develop signs and symptoms of maldigestion and malabsorption, which often deteriorates nutritional status and therefore worsens the prognosis. Human faecal elastase-1 (FE-1) has shown promising results to assess exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and this test has been used at Haukeland University Hospital since 1996. Aim of the study: To evaluate FE-1 values and fat-soluble vitamin profiles in patients with CF and to correlate exocrine pancreatic function as measured as FE-1 to fat-soluble vitamin profiles. Moreover, we wanted to assess if there are differences between fat-soluble vitamin profiles in patients with impaired versus patent exocrine pancreatic function, and thirdly, if fat-soluble vitamin deficiency at diagnosis is effectively treated by supplementation. Methods: Consecutive analyses (N = 212) of fat-soluble vitamin profiles and 35 analyses of FE-1 were investigated in 35 patients with CF. In 17 out of 35 patients fat-soluble vitamin profiles were also assessed at diagnosis. Results Mean value of FE-1 for all CF patients was 256.9 μg/g faeces (median 24.1 μg/g faeces). CF patients considered to have maldigestion (N=24) showed a mean value of 19.9 μg/g faeces (median 18.7 μg/g faeces), those without pancreas affection had a mean value of 773.9 μg/g faeces (median 728.9 μg/g faeces, p < 0.01). There was no difference in fat-soluble vitamin profiles among patients with or without exocrine pancreatic insufficiency while on appropriate supplementation. Median value for vitamin E in patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency at diagnosis was low (3.6 mg/L). Supplementation of pancreatic enzymes and vitamins normalised profiles in this group at follow-up. There was no significant correlation between exocrine pancreatic function as measured as FE-1 and fat-soluble vitamin profiles, neither in patients with impaired nor in those with patent pancreatic function. Conclusions: Severe degree of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is common in patients with cystic fibrosis. There was no correlation of faecal elastase-1 levels to fat-soluble vitamin status. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E) given in appropriate dosages combined with pancreatic enzymes ensured normal profiles in our patients with CF and malabsorption. Officially recommended supplementation of vitamin A and D in Norway during infancy and childhood may explain why so few patients had vitamin deficiencies at diagnosis. Received: 20 March 2002, Accepted: 11 June 2002     

Vitamin E and C concentrations in human milk with maternal megadosing: a case report

Vitamins C and E were selected for analysis in this patient to study the effect of megavitamin ingestion on water-soluble and milk-fat-soluble vitamin concentration. This mother also had chronically consumed megadose amounts of vitamins A, B-6, B-12, and thiamin. Although these vitamins were not quantitated in her milk, one would anticipate that they were elevated, as were vitamins C and E. Long-term megavitamin intake of vitamins C and E, 40 and 99 times the RDAs, respectively, was associated with elevated blood and milk vitamin levels. The thesis that dietary water-soluble but not fat-soluble vitamins alter milk vitamin concentrations was not supported. Milk vitamin C levels were elevated above established norms, and milk vitamin E levels were more than three times the upper range of normal.     

Serum and whole blood concentrations of fat and water soluble vitamins in normal persons and athletes

Water-and fat-soluble vitamins have a key function in many metabolic processes and are of special importance for athletes. The water-soluble vitamins thiamine, riboflavin and pyridoxine and the fat-soluble vitamins beta-carotene, retinol and alpha-tocopherol were determined by High-Pressure-Liquid-Chromatography (HPLC). The mean serum values in non athletes (ng/ml) were for thiamine 9.23 +/- 3.62, riboflavin 6.17 +/- 2.46 and pyridoxine 12.41 +/- 4.59; the blood values for thiamine 20.12 +/- 7.58, riboflavin 13.43 +/- 3.97 and pyridoxine 18.75 +/- 6.66. The mean values of the fat-soluble vitamins were for beta-carotene 3.76 +/- 252 micrograms/l, retinol 598 +/- 141 micrograms/l and alpha-tocopherol 12.6 +/- 2.9 mg/l. The values of athletes (of different sport disciplines) for the water-soluble vitamins were much higher compared to the values found in non-athletes whereas the values for the fat-soluble vitamins were not much different.     

三种维生素对仔鸡发育及组织维生素含量的影响

目的：　研究日粮维生素Ａ（ＶＡ）、维生素Ｄ（ＶＤ）、维生素Ｅ（ＶＥ）在营养方面的相互影响。方法：　在基础日粮中添加不同剂量的维生素组成试验日粮进行动物试验,测定肉鸡的增重、饲料转化率和组织维生素含量。　结果：　当饲粮ＶＥ含量为２０ ＩＵ／ｋｇ 时,采食每千克饲粮添加２０ ０００ＩＵ ＶＡ的仔鸡增重显著低于采食每千克饲粮添加１ ５００ＩＵ 的仔鸡（Ｐ＜ ０．０５）;高ＶＡ组鸡的血浆和肝脏ＶＥ含量非常显著低于低ＶＡ组（Ｐ＜ ０．０１）,表明日粮高水平ＶＡ可能抑ＶＥ的吸收;当饲粮ＶＡ含量为３０ ０００ＩＵ／ｋｇ、ＶＥ为２０ＩＵ／ｋｇ 时,随ＶＤ水平极度提高,雏鸡体重呈下降趋势。而饲粮ＶＤ含量为２００ＩＵ和１ ０００ＩＵ／ｋｇ 对鸡生长及血液和肝脏ＶＡ、ＶＥ含量无显著性影响;当ＶＥ水平提高到２００ ＩＵ／ｋｇ,ＶＤ水平提高到８ ０００ ＩＵ／ｋｇ 时,雏鸡体重显著增加（Ｐ＜ ０．０５）;在相同ＶＤ水平下,高水平ＶＥ日粮组试鸡的体重均高于低水平日粮组。结论：日粮ＶＡ、ＶＤ和ＶＥ间存在着显著的相互影响,在配制动物日粮时应注意ＶＡ、Ｄ和Ｅ的适宜比例关系。     

Haemolytic anaemia and a clotting disorder as first signs of cystic fibrosis in two infants

2 infants, a boy aged 8 weeks and a girl aged 5 months, presented with symptoms of fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies. The first infant had frequently voluminous bowel movements, anaemia and was not thriving; he had anaemia due to vitamin-E deficiency. The second infant had multiple haematomas on the trunk and legs due to a vitamin-K deficiency-related clotting disorder. The sweat test was positive in both cases, confirming the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. The infants were treated with supplementary pancreatic enzymes and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Cystic fibrosis rarely presents with symptoms of fat-soluble vitamin deficiency. However, in cases of unexplained haemolytic anaemia or haemorrhagic disorder due to vitamin E or K deficiencies, respectively, cystic fibrosis should be considered as a possible cause.     

Influence of excess vitamin E on vitamin A toxicity in rats.

Male Holtzman rats (78 g) were fed semipurified 16% protein diets for 8 weeks using a food grade soy protein concentrate as the protein source. The basal diet (A) contained added DL-methionine (0.26%) and adequate amounts of vitamins A (14,535 IU/kg as retinyl acetate) and E (60 IU/kg as DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate) and all other required nutrients. Experimental diets included: (B) basal plus 600 IU of vitamin E/kg; (C) basal plus 6,000 IU of vitamin E/kg; (D) basal plus 2.9 X 10(6) IU of vitamin A/kg; (E) basal plus 2.9 X 10(6) IU of vitamin A plus 600 IU of vitamin E/kg; and (F) basal plus 2.9 X 10(6) IU of vitamin A plus 6,000 IU of vitamin E/kg. Both vitamin A and vitamin E had a significant (P less than 0.05) effect on growth. There was an increase in growth with vitamin E intake and a decrease in growth with vitamin A intake. The net result of these two effects was that the groups fed both vitamins tended to be quite close in mean values to the group fed only the basal diet. Vitamin A significantly (P less than 0.05) increased relative weights of spleen and testes; vitamin E reduced that effect. Vitamin E also significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced relative adrenal weight whereas vitamin A significantly increased it. The two effects tend to cancel each other in the sense that the group fed both vitamins had an average relative adrenal weight quite close to that of the group fed only the basal diet. However, vitamin A still had an effect even when 6,000 IU of vitamin E was fed. The interaction effect of the two vitamins was significant (P less than 0.05) for plasma total protein and liver vitamin A. There was an increase in liver vitamin A with increasing levels of vitamin E in the diet. Blood urea nitrogen and plasma cholesterol were unchanged. A significant interaction of vitamins A and E was found to effect plasma total protein, liver vitamin A, and relative weight of spleen and testes.     

超高效液相色谱-串联质谱法同时快速检测微量血清中6种脂溶性维生素

目的 建立超高效液相色谱-串联质谱法（UPLC-MS/MS）同时快速检测微量血清中维生素A、维生素D（25-OH-VD2 、25-OH-VD3 ）、维生素E（α-、β-和γ-生育酚）的方法。方法 血清中脂溶性维生素经甲醇-乙腈（50:50, v/v)沉淀蛋白、正己烷萃取,以Phenomenex Kinetex F5色谱柱为分离柱,2.5 mmol/L甲酸铵-0.1%甲酸水溶液和甲醇为流动相,梯度洗脱,电喷雾电离（ESI+ ）、多反应监测（MRM）模式下检测,同位素内标法定量。结果 血清中6种脂溶性维生素线性范围内线性关系良好,相关系数 r >0.995;6种脂溶性维生素的检测限为0.20~1.25 ng/ml,定量限为0.39~3.88 ng/ml;加标回收率为86.6%~107.7%,日内精密度<9.6%,日间精密度<9.3%。NIST标准参照品SRM 968f验证方法准确度,结果偏差均在5%以内。结论 本方法准确度高、重现性好、用血量少,适于婴幼儿等采血困难者微量血样中多种脂溶性维生素的同时快速检测。     

Selected Vitamins and Essential Elements in Meat from Semi-Domesticated Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) in Mid- and Northern Norway: Geographical Variations and Effect of Animal Population Density

Meat samples (n = 100) were collected from semi-domesticated reindeer originating from 10 grazing districts in Norway. We aimed at studying concentrations, correlations, geographical variations and the effect of animal population density on vitamins A, B3, B7, B12 and E, and calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, chromium and cobalt. Mean concentrations of vitamins A, B3, B7; B12 and E were <5 μg, 6.6 mg, <0.5 μg, 4.7 μg and 0.5 mg/100 g wet weight, respectively. Concentrations of calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, chromium and cobalt were 4.7 mg, 2.8 mg, 6.4 mg, 19.4 μg, 1.7 μg and 0.5 μg/100 g wet weight, respectively. Vitamin E and selenium were the nutrients that exhibited the largest geographical variations (p < 0.05), although no geographical gradient was observed for any of the studied nutrients. Age had a significant effect on zinc and selenium concentrations. Iron was significantly positive correlated with calcium (r = 0.3416, p < 0.01) and vitamin B12 with zinc (r = 0.35, p < 0.05). Reindeer from districts with low animal population density had significantly higher selenium concentration than those from districts with medium and high population densities (p < 0.01). Reindeer meat contained higher vitamin B12, iron, zinc and selenium concentrations when compared to Norwegian beef, lamb, mutton, pork and chicken meat.     

The interactive effect of dietary fat-soluble vitamin levels on the depression of gonadal development in growing male rats kept under disturbed daily rhythm. Investigations based on the L₁₆(2¹⁵) type orthogonal array

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of nutrients on the gonadal development of male rats kept under constant darkness as a model of disturbed daily rhythm. In the present study we examined fat-soluble vitamins and their interactions in this test population. Four fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A (V.A), vitamin D (V.D), vitamin E (V.E) and vitamin K (V.K)) were selected as experimental factors, and the dietary content of these vitamins was normal (AIN-93G) or three times the normal content. Lighting conditions (constant darkness or normal lighting) were also added as a factor. Four-week-old rats (Fischer 344 strain) were kept under constant darkness or normal lighting (12-h light/dark cycle) for 4 wk. The lighting condition and V.E, and the interactions between the lighting condition and V.E and between V.A and V.D were observed to affect the testes and epididymides weights. There was an influence of the lighting condition only on the seminal vesicles and prostate weights and the serum testosterone concentration. Among the constant darkness groups (D-groups), the highest value for testes weight was observed under the normal-V.A, normal-V.D and high-V.E diet. The interaction between lighting condition and V.E showed the testes weight increased slightly in response to changing to a high-V.E diet from a normal-V.E diet under normal lighting (N-group) but was greatly increased in response to this change in the D-group. It became clear that the amount of dietary V.E necessary for the gonadal development of rats increases when rats are kept under constant darkness.     

Dietary intake of seven B vitamins based on a total diet study in Japan

The present study estimated the dietary intake of seven B vitamins using a total diet study (TDS) in Japan. The daily intake of vitamins estimated by TDS was calculated based on the mean contents of vitamins in 18 food groups, and the amount of food intake in the Nation Health and Nutrition Survey in Japan, 2006. The estimated daily intake of these vitamins for all ages was 22.8 mg NE/d for niacin, 7.4 μg/d for vitamin B(12), 146 μg/d for folic acid, 4.52 mg/d for pantothenic acid, 1.06 mg/d for riboflavin, and 1.44 mg/d for pyridoxine. The estimated daily intake of the vitamins of niacin, vitamin B(12) and pyridoxine exceeded the dietary reference values for adults aged 18-29 y. The estimated daily intake of these vitamins by TDS was higher than the daily intake reported in the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Japan, 2006. There was a strongly positive correlation between the intake levels estimated by TDS and those reported in the National Health and Nutrition Survey. This suggests that TDS is an effective dietary survey for estimating the dietary intake of water-soluble vitamins. Therefore, when being determined by TDS, the estimated daily intake of biotin was 51.0 μg/d for all ages.     

Fat-soluble vitamins and atopic disease: what is the evidence?

The prevalence of asthma and other atopic disorders continues to increase worldwide. Examination of the epidemiologic patterns has revealed that this rise has occurred primarily in western, industrialised countries and countries transitioning to this lifestyle. While many changes have occurred in human populations over the years, it has been hypothesised that some of the relevant changes that have led to the rise in asthma and atopic disorders have been the changes from a traditional diet to a more western diet consisting of decreased intake of fruits and vegetables (sources of antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids) leading to decreased intakes of vitamins E and A, and a decrease in sun exposure (e.g. greater time spent indoors and heavy use of sunscreen) leading to decreased circulating levels of vitamin D. This review will examine the evidence for an effect of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D and K) on the development and severity of asthma and allergies. While observational studies suggest that these vitamins may play a salutary role in asthma and allergies, large, well-designed clinical trials are lacking. Of the fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin D holds great promise as an agent for primary and secondary prevention of disease. Ongoing clinical trials will help determine whether results of observational studies can be applied to the clinical setting.     

Essential fatty acid sufficiency does not preclude fat-soluble-vitamin deficiency in short-bowel syndrome

Patients with extensive small-bowel resection may experience malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies. We evaluated the ability to absorb fat and fat-soluble vitamins in a short-gut patient. For 18 wk after stopping intravenous lipid, while consuming a low-lactose, low-fat diet, he exhibited no clinical manifestations of essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD). Serum 20:4n-6 (20:4 omega-6) and 18:2n-6 fatty acid concentrations were normal, whereas the concentration of 20:3n-9 remained less than or equal to 0.1% of total serum fatty acids. Although serum vitamin A was normal, beta-carotene was undetectable despite oral supplementation. Prothrombin time was elevated until parenteral vitamin K was given. This patient has fat absorption adequate to prevent EFAD but inadequate absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. In patients with short bowel, the requirements for parenteral lipids and fat-soluble vitamins should be determined independently.     

Livestock-owning households of Kazakstan part 2: Food patterns and health- seasonal and regional analysis

Six Saudi Arabian dishes based on cereals or legumes were analyzed for nine mineral elements and vitamins. Results indicated the following concentrations (mg/ 100 g): sodium 14–590, potassium 24–215, calcium 21–37, phosphorus 61–123, magnesium 22–31, iron 0.25–2.22, zinc 0.26–0.94, copper 0.23–0.47, and manganese 0.36–1.14. The concentration of the vitamins were: vitamind A 5–16 Retinol Equivalents/100 g, thiamine 0.031–0.106 mg/100 g, riboflavin, 0.013–0.114 mg/100 g, pyridoxine 0.021–0.078 mg/100 g, niacin0.667–1.749 mg/100 g, folacin 3–37 μg/100 g and pantothenic acid 0.100–0.366 mg/100 g. These results are discussed in relation to the Recommended Dietary Allowances for U.S. population set by the Food and Nutrition Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences.