Ácido Esteárico (mas não o Ácido Palmítico) está Associado a Biomarcadores Inflamatórios e de Disfunção Endotelial em Indivíduos em Risco Cardiovascular / Stearic Acid, but not Palmitic Acid, is Associated with Inflammatory and Endothelial Dysfunction Biomarkers in Individuals at Cardiovascular Risk

Resumo Fundamento Vários estudos têm associado o consumo de ácidos graxos saturados (AGSs) com risco cardiovascular, mas ainda existem muitas controvérsias. A maioria desses estudos avaliou os efeitos do ácido palmítico sobre lipídios circulantes. O ácido esteárico geralmente apresenta um efeito neutro sobre os lipídios sanguíneos, mas faltam estudos clínicos avaliando sua relação com marcadores de inflamação e de disfunção endotelial. Objetivos Avaliar a associação de AGSs das hemácias (ácido palmítico e ácido esteárico) com biomarcadores inflamatórios e de disfunção endotelial circulantes. Métodos Estudo transversal que incluiu 79 adultos de ambos os sexos com pelo menos um fator de risco cardiovascular, mas sem eventos prévios (infarto agudo do miocárdio ou acidente vascular cerebral). Biomarcadores plasmáticos - lipídios, marcadores glicometabólicos, proteína C ultrassensível (PCR-us), Interleucina 6 (IL-6), Interleucina 10 (IL-10), Fator de Necrose Tumoral-α (TNF-α), Proteína quimioatraente de Monócitos 1 (MCP-1) - e ácidos graxos das hemácias (ácidos palmítico e esteárico) foram analisados. As associações foram avaliadas por análises de correlações e regressões lineares múltiplas, com significância estatística estabelecida em p<0,05. Resultados O ácido palmítico não apresentou associações com fatores de risco cardiovasculares ou com marcadores inflamatórios. Por outro lado, o ácido esteárico foi inversamente correlacionado com PCR-us, IL-6 e TNF-α, mas independentemente associado com PCR-us, IL-6, e TNF-α. Conclusão O ácido esteárico está associado com biomarcadores inflamatórios e disfunção endotelial em indivíduos com um ou mais fatores de risco cardiovascular.

Abstract Background Several studies have associated dietary saturated fatty acids (SFAs) with cardiovascular risk but there are still many controversies. Most of these studies have focused on the effects of palmitic acid on circulating lipids. Stearic acid usually shows a neutral effect on blood lipids, however, there is a lack of clinical studies assessing the link with inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers. Objective To evaluate the association of red blood cell (RBC) SFA (palmitic and stearic acids) with circulating inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers. Methods Cross-sectional study of 79 adults of both sexes with at least one cardiovascular risk factor but without previous events (acute myocardial infarction or stroke). Plasma biomarkers - lipids, glucometabolic markers, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) - and RBC palmitic and stearic fatty acids were analyzed. The associations were assessed by correlation and multiple linear regression analyses, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results Palmitic acid showed no significant associations with traditional cardiovascular risk factors or inflammatory markers. Stearic acid, on the other hand, was inversely correlated with blood cholesterol and triglycerides, but independently associated with hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α. Conclusion Stearic acid is associated with inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers in individuals with at least one cardiovascular risk factor.

Os Ácidos Graxos Poli-insaturados Ômega-6 e Ômega-3 Presentes nas Hemácias Exercem uma Influência Distinta sobre o Tamanho das Partículas de LDL e suas Alterações Estruturais / Red Blood Cells' Omega-6 and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Have a Distinct Influence on LDL Particle Size and its Structural Modifications

Resumo Fundamento Embora os ácidos graxos poli-insaturados ômega-3 e ômega-6 (AGPIs n-3 e n-6) tenham efeitos bem conhecidos sobre os fatores de risco de doenças cardiovasculares (DCV), ainda existe um conhecimento limitado sobre como eles afetam os indicadores de qualidade da LDL. Objetivo Avaliar as associações dos AGPIs n-3 e n-6 de hemácias com o tamanho da partícula da LDL, LDL-c pequena e densa (sdLDL-c) e com LDL eletronegativa [LDL(-)] em adultos com fatores de risco para DCV. Métodos Estudo transversal com 335 homens e mulheres de 30 a 74 anos com, pelo menos, um fator de risco cardiovascular. Foram realizadas análises de parâmetros bioquímicos, como glicose, insulina, HbA1c, proteína C reativa (PCR), perfil lipídico, subfrações de lipoproteínas, partícula eletronegativa de LDL [LDL(-)] e seu autoanticorpo, e os AGPIs n-3 e n- 6 de hemácias. Os testes t independente/teste de Mann-Whitney, ANOVA unidirecional/teste de Kruskal-Wallis e regressões lineares múltiplas foram aplicados. Todos os testes foram bilaterais e um valor de p inferior a 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados A relação n-6/n-3 de hemácias foi associada ao aumento dos níveis de LDL(-) (β = 4,064; IC de 95% = 1,381 - 6,748) e sdLDL-c (β = 1,905; IC de 95% = 0,863 - 2,947), e redução do tamanho das partículas de LDL (β = -1,032; IC de 95% = -1,585 − -0,478). Individualmente, os AGPIs n-6 e n-3 apresentaram associações opostas com esses parâmetros, realçando os efeitos protetores do n-3 e evidenciando os possíveis efeitos adversos do n-6 na qualidade das partículas de LDL. Conclusão O AGPI n-6, presente nas hemácias, foi associado ao aumento do risco cardiometabólico e à aterogenicidade das partículas de LDL, enquanto o AGPI n-3 foi associado a melhores parâmetros cardiometabólicos e à qualidade das partículas de LDL.

Abstract Background While Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 and n-6 PUFAs) have established effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, little is known about their impacts on LDL quality markers. Objective To assess the associations of n-3 and n-6 PUFA within red blood cells (RBC) with LDL particle size, small dense LDL-c (sdLDL-c), and electronegative LDL [LDL(-)] in adults with CVD risk factors. Methods Cross-sectional study involving 335 men and women aged 30 to 74 with at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Analyses were conducted on biochemical parameters, such as glucose, insulin, HbA1c, C-reactive protein (CRP), lipid profile, lipoprotein subfractions, electronegative LDL particle [LDL(-)] and its autoantibody, and RBC n-3 and n-6 PUFAs. Independent t-test/Mann-Whitney test, one-way ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple linear regressions were applied. All tests were two-sided, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The RBC n-6/n-3 ratio was associated with increased LDL(-) (β = 4.064; 95% CI = 1.381 - 6.748) and sdLDL-c (β = 1.905; 95% CI = 0.863 - 2.947) levels, and reduced LDL particle size (β = -1.032; 95% CI = -1.585 − -0.478). Separately, n-6 and n-3 PUFAs had opposing associations with those parameters, reinforcing the protective effects of n-3 and showing the potential negative effects of n-6 on LDL particle quality. Conclusion RBC n-6 PUFA was associated with increased cardiometabolic risk and atherogenicity of LDL particles, while n-3 PUFA was associated with better cardiometabolic parameters and LDL particle quality.

Quantification of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Commonly Consumed Salami in Brazil

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic compounds that have been found in different food categories, and meat products can have high concentrations of PAHs, since the technological processes to which they are subjected, such as smoking, can produce several compounds. Considering the risk that these compounds can bring to the population's health, it is essential to develop an accurate and reliable method to evaluate the contamination of PAHs in products of animal origin. The objective of this study was to optimize and validate a method for the quantification of 4 PAHs (benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and benzo[a]pyrene) in salami. The methodology included saponification, liquid­liquid extraction, solid-phase purification, and quantification by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. The effects of saponification parameters were investigated by experimental design, whereas the model obtained by regression analysis was considered satisfactory with the dissolution solvent of potassium hydroxide providing the highest global sum of areas. In validation, the parameters studied were adequate and within European and INMETRO Guidelines limits. The evaluation of 22 samples indicated that 27% were contaminated with at least one of the 4 PAHs, and benz[a]anthracene being the prevalent one with content varying between < 1.00 and 17.58 µg/kg. Two samples showed PAHs contamination above the maximum tolerable limit in the European Commission Regulation.

Phytosterols Content in Vegetable Oils of Brazil: Coconut, Safflower, Linseed and Evening Primrose

Abstract In the last years phytosterols, natural components of plants, have received more attention due to association of their consumption with reducing risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. There are several scientific studies about phytosterols in vegetable oils, but they are scarce in unconventional oils. The objective of this research was evaluating the content of phytosterols (β-sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol) in vegetable oils sold in São Paulo city, in Brazil. The analysis included cold alkaline saponification, derivatization with hexamethyldisilazane and trimethylchlorosilane reagents, and quantification by gas chromatography using flame ionization detection and internal standardization. The quality control parameters indicated that the method was suitable for analysis. Total sterols were between 272.3 mg kg-1 (coconut oil) to 6169.7 mg kg-1 (evening primrose oil). β-sitosterol was the component found in higher concentrations and evening primrose oil was the most representative in quantity of phytosterols.

Rótulos de suplementos de vitaminas e minerais comercializados na cidade de São Paulo: atendem as normas sanitárias brasileiras? / Vitamin and mineral supplement labels marketed in the São Paulo city: are they in compliance with the Brazilian sanitary standards?

Introdução: As informações em rótulos de suplementos contribuem para a orientação do consumidor sobre a escolha do produto mais adequado às suas necessidades, no entanto, rótulos com informações não conformes à legislação sanitária podem afetar negativamente a saúde dos consumidores. Objetivos: Avaliar a conformidade de rótulos de suplementos de vitaminas e minerais comercializados na cidade de São Paulo no período de 2014 a 2017. Método: Foi elaborado um checklist com os principais itens relacionados à rotulagem, os quais foram verificados em cada embalagem: denominação de venda; lista de ingredientes; composição; conteúdo líquido; identificação de origem; identificação de lote; prazo de validade; frase de advertência e de orientação; cuidados de conservação; uso de expressões; rotulagem nutricional; informação sobre presença de glúten e aditivos permitidos. Resultados: As principais irregularidades observadas foram a presença de frases ou expressões induzindo o consumidor a engano (29%), a denominação de venda de forma incorreta (15%) e a declaração de componentes ativos não autorizados para suplementos vitamínicos (5%). Conclusões: Os resultados evidenciam os problemas relacionados à comercialização de suplementos vitamínicos e minerais no Brasil, em decorrência da complexa legislação, que dificulta sua interpretação gerando pretextos para as empresas produtoras burlarem a lei, prejudicando a saúde da população.

Introduction: The information provided in supplements labels contributes to consumer guidance on choosing the most suitable product for their needs; therefore, labels with nonconformity information to health legislation can negatively affect consumer health. Objectives: To evaluate the compliance of vitamin and mineral supplements labels marketed in the São Paulo city during the 2014­2017 period. Method: A checklist was drawn up covering the main items related to the labeling, which were verified in each package: name under which the product is sold; list of ingredients; composition; net quantity; identification of origin; batch identification; expiration date; warning and guidance statements; storage instructions; use of expressions; nutrition labeling; information on the presence of gluten and permitted additives. Results: The main irregularities observed were the presence of phrases or expressions inducing the consumer to mistake (29%), the incorrect description name (15%), and statement of active components not authorized to vitamin supplements (5%). Conclusions: The results highlight the problems related to the commercialization of vitamin and mineral supplements in Brazil, due to a complex legislation difficult to interpret that makes it possible for producing companies to create excuses to circumvent the law, damaging the health of the population.

Stability of antioxidant vitamins in commercial vitamin supplements

The stability of vitamins A, E, and C was determined in 12 brands of vitamin supplements over a 12-month storage period. The variations in concentrations of these vitamins across three different batches of five brands were measured. Vitamins A and E was determined by HPLC method, and vitamin C was measured by using potentiometric titration. All samples for stability studies were maintained at room temperature and protected from light. Measurements were carried out in the first semester of the expiration date and then every six months up to 12 months of storage. After this period, only one sample showed no significant decrease in vitamin A and E concentrations in relation to the concentrations measured at the beginning of the study. The concentration of vitamin C showed no significant decrease in 50% of the samples after 6 months of storage, although after 12 months, 92% had significant losses in concentration. The analysis of the different batches showed significant variations in the vitamin levels, which do not seem to be significant for inspection purposes considering the tolerance outlined in the legislation. Over-fortification of vitamin supplements during manufacture seems to be required, but the additional amount of supplementation will depend on each sample.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons content and fatty acids profile in coconut, safflower, evening primrose and linseed oils

This study aimed at evaluating the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contamination of commercial vegetable oils and examined the identity through the fatty acids profiles. Coconut, safflower, evening primrose, and linseed oils marketed in São Paulo (Brazil) were investigated totaling 69 samples. Four PAHs, benzo[a] anthracene (BaA), chrysene (Chr), benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF), and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), were detected in 96% of the samples at individual levels ranging from not detected to 14.99 µg kg−1. Chrysene was the abundant hydrocarbon found among all types of oils, with the highest median values. The results of the fatty acid profiles revealed that 43% showed different profiles according to the ones on their labels, with a higher incidence of adulteration of evening primrose oils. The maximum tolerable limits by European Regulation No. 835/2011 were exceeded for BaP in 12%, and for total 4 PAHs in 28%, with a greater contribution of adulterated samples

Validação e aplicação de métodos cromatográficos para determinação de vitaminas em suplementos / Validation and application of chromatographic methods for determination of vitamins in supplements

Foram propostas duas metodologias para realizar a determinação de vitaminas em suplementos porcromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE): uma para a determinação simultânea de vitaminas lipossolúveis (acetato de retinol, palmitato de retinol, acetato de α-tocoferol e β-caroteno) e outra para a determinação simultânea de vitaminas hidrossolúveis (B1, vitamina C, nicotinamida, ácidonicotínico, B6 e ácido pantotênico). A validação das metodologias foi realizada utilizando-se materialde referência certificado SRM 3280 do NIST e padrões de vitaminas. Os limites de detecção (LDs) e de quantificação (LQs) variaram entre 0,3 e 4,3 µg/mL e entre 0,5 e 14,0 µg/mL, respectivamente. Os percentuais de recuperação dos padrões adicionados nas matrizes variaram entre 92 % e 109 % e entre 86 % e 108 % no material de referência. A repetitividade foi calculada utilizando-se o desvio padrão relativo (RSD); e foram detectados valores entre 0,2 % e 9,6 %. Os métodos validados foramaplicados para a determinação de vitaminas A, E, B1, C, niacina, B6 e ácido pantotênico em 10 amostras de suplementos vitamínicos. Ambos os métodos são adequados para a análise de vitaminas em suplementos e suas aplicações serão imprescindíveis, visto a necessidade urgente de efetuarmonitoramento e fiscalização destes produtos.

Two methodologies were proposed to carry out the determination of vitamins in high-performance liquid chromatography (CLAE) supplements: one for the simultaneous determination of liposoluble vitamins (retinol acetate, retinol palmitate, α-tocopherol acetate and β-carotene) and another For the simultaneous determination of water soluble vitamins (B1, vitamin C, nicotinamide, acidicotinic, B6 and pantothenic acid). Validation of methodologies was performed using NIST SRM certified reference material 3280 and vitamin standards. Limits of detection (LDs) and quantification (LQs) varied between 0.3 and 4.3 μg / mL and between 0.5 and 14.0 μg / mL, respectively. The recovery percentages of the standards added in the matrices varied between 92% and 109% and between 86% and 108% in the reference material. Repeatability was calculated using the relative standard deviation (RSD); And values ​​between 0.2% and 9.6% were detected. The validated methods were applied for the determination of vitamins A, E, B1, C, niacin, B6 and pantothenic acid in 10 samples of vitamin supplements. Both methods are suitable for the analysis of vitamins in supplements and their applications will be essential, since there is an urgent need for monitoring and inspection of these products.

Validation and application of chromatographic methods for determination of vitamins in supplements / Validação e aplicação de métodos cromatográficos para determinação de vitaminas em suplementos

Two methodologies were proposed for determining vitamins in supplements by means of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC): one for simultaneous determination of fat soluble vitamins (retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, -tocopheryl acetate and -carotene), and the other for the simultaneous determination of water soluble vitamins (B1, C, nicotinamide, nicotinic acid, B6 and pantothenic acid). The methodologies were validated using certified reference material SRM 3280 from NIST and vitamins standards. The limits of detection (LODs) and the limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.3 to 4.3 µg/mL and from 0.5 to 14.0 µg/mL, respectively. The recoveries of spiked vitamin standards in supplements ranged from 92 % to 109 %, and from 86 % to 108 % in the reference material. The repeatability was calculated by the relative standard deviation (RSD), with values from 0.2 % to 9.6 %. The validated methods were applied for determining vitamins A, E, B1, C, niacin, B6 and pantothenic acid in 10 multivitamin supplements samples. Both methods are suitable for determining vitamins in multivitamin supplements, and their applications will be essential, considering the urgent need for monitoring and for surveying these products.

Foram propostas duas metodologias para realizar a determinação de vitaminas em suplementos por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE): uma para a determinação simultânea de vitaminas lipossolúveis (acetato de retinol, palmitato de retinol, acetato de -tocoferol e -caroteno) e outra para a determinação simultânea de vitaminas hidrossolúveis (B1, vitamina C, nicotinamida, ácido nicotínico, B6 e ácido pantotênico). A validação das metodologias foi realizada utilizando-se material de referência certificado SRM 3280 do NIST e padrões de vitaminas. Os limites de detecção (LDs) e de quantificação (LQs) variaram entre 0,3 e 4,3 µg/mL e entre 0,5 e 14,0 µg/mL, respectivamente. Os percentuais de recuperação dos padrões adicionados nas matrizes variaram entre 92 % e 109 % e entre 86 % e 108 % no material de referência. A repetitividade foi calculada utilizando-se o desvio padrão relativo (RSD); e foram detectados valores entre 0,2 % e 9,6 %. Os métodos validados foram aplicados para a determinação de vitaminas A, E, B1, C, niacina, B6 e ácido pantotênico em 10 amostras de suplementos vitamínicos. Ambos os métodos são adequados para a análise de vitaminas em suplementos e suas aplicações serão imprescindíveis, visto a necessidade urgente de efetuar monitoramento e fiscalização destes produtos.

Suplementos vitamínicos e/ou minerais: regulamentação, consumo e implicações à saúde / Vitamin and mineral supplements: regulation, consumption, and health implications / Suplementos de vitaminas y/o minerales: normativas, consumo e implicaciones en la salud

Em decorrência das mudanças no padrão alimentar da população, a suplementação da dieta com micronutrientes é prática comum. A preocupação com a saúde e a facilidade de comercialização dos suplementos vitamínicos e/ou minerais, aliadas ao forte apelo publicitário, têm estimulado a população ao consumo indiscriminado desses produtos, o que pode acarretar riscos à saúde. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a legislação relativa ao cenário do consumo e segurança do uso de suplementos vitamínicos e/ou minerais no Brasil. Verificou-se que as legislações brasileiras a esse respeito são complexas, dificultando o entendimento das normas e a aplicação destas. Estudos sobre o consumo de suplementos pela população brasileira são limitados, e o consumo inadequado por falta de conhecimento é um potencial risco à saúde da população. Concluiu-se que há necessidade de implementação de políticas públicas que promovam o esclarecimento da população, dos profissionais da área de saúde e do comércio sobre o assunto.

Micronutrient supplementation to reduce nutritional deficiencies has grown in recent years due to changes in the population’s dietary patterns. Widespread preoccupation with health, ease in marketing vitamin and mineral supplements, and strong advertising appeal have encouraged increasing consumption of these products, thereby posing health risks. The current study addresses legislation, consumption, and health risks related to vitamin and mineral supplements in Brazil. The Brazilian legislation on dietary supplements is complex. Studies on their consumption by the Brazilian population are limited, and inappropriate use due to gaps in knowledge poses a potential health risk to the population. The study concludes that public policies are needed to raise awareness on this topic among the general public, health professionals, and sales personnel.

Como resultado de los cambios en los hábitos alimenticios de la población, el consumo de suplementos alimenticios con micronutrientes es una práctica común. La preocupación sobre la salud y la comercialización de suplementos de vitaminas y/o minerales, combinadas con el fuerte atractivo de la publicidad, han animado a la población al consumo indiscriminado de estos productos, que pueden ocasionar riesgos a la salud. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar la legislación existente, en relación con el consumo y seguridad en el uso de suplementos de vitaminas y/o minerales. Se descubrió que la legislación brasileña -en materia de suplementos alimenticios- es compleja y difícil de entender, así como la aplicación de la normativa. Los estudios de su consumo por parte de la población son limitados, y el consumo inadecuado por falta de conocimientos es un riesgo potencial para la salud pública. Se concluye que existe la necesidad de implementar políticas públicas que promuevan la transparencia de la información a la población, profesionales de la salud y comercio sobre este tema.

Natural antioxidant from yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) prevents hamburger peroxidation

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether yerba maté alcoholic extracts at very low concentrations (0.01 and 0.1 percent), prevent/retard lipid peroxidation in beef hamburgers without impairing sensory acceptability. For this TBARs and hexanal levels, fatty acid profile and cholesterol oxides were evaluated as oxidation parameters in beef hamburgers during 90 days' storage. The addition of 0.01 percent yerba maté ethanolic extracts proved inefficient in restraining the lipid peroxidation while the addition of 0.1 percent resulted in efficient antioxidant activity. Sensory evaluation of hamburger containing 0.1 percent yerba maté ethanolic extracts showed good acceptability. Yerba maté ethanolic extracts could entirely or partially replace the phenolic synthetic antioxidants in beef hamburgers only when used at above legally allowed concentrations for antioxidant additives (0.01 percent).

Mel e especiarias como protetores da oxidação lipídica em carne de frango / Honey and spices as protectors against lipid oxidation in chicken meat

Este estudo foi estruturado em cinco capítulos. No capítulo I temos um breve referencial teórico sobre a importância da carne de frango, os mecanismos da oxidação lipídica e a utilização de antioxidantes naturais. O capítulo II traz os ensaios da avaliação da atividade antioxidante in vitro do mel e das especiarias orégano (Origanum vulgare L.) e sálvia (Salvia officinalis L.) durante a vida de prateleira. Os resultados de fenólicos totais do orégano indicaram um aumento de 1154,09 a 1611,28 mgEAG/mL (O a 12 meses) e na sálvia os valores variaram entre 1309,8 a 2032,4 mgEAG/mL no decorrer do tempo (O a 12 meses). Os resultados da porcentagem da inibição da oxidação lipídica (% IOL), pelo sistemas β-caroteno/ácido linoléico mostrou que a sálvia inibiu a oxidação em 74,6, 81,3 e 81,3%, nos tempos (0,6 e 12 meses) e o orégano apresentou valores de inibição de (43,2, 63,3 e 50,7%). Quando se avaliou o índice de atividade antioxidante (IAA) utilizando o aparelho Rancimat, a sálvia apresentou um índice de atividade antioxidante (3,35) superior aos demais, que apresentaram 1,69, 1,25 e 1,08 para o BHT, orégano e mel, respectivamente. Os resultados do ensaio da capacidade de absorbância do radical oxigênio (ORAC) revelou que o orégano apresentou valores de 544,6, 430,7 e 1019,6 ET µmol/g, nos tempos O, 6 e 12 meses, respectivamente...

This study has been structured into five chapters. Chapter I provides a brief historical theoretical reference point regarding the importance of chicken meat, the mechanisms of lipid oxidation and the use of natural antioxidants. Chapter II presents trials evaluating the in vitro antioxidant activity, of honey and the spices oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and sage (Salvia officinalis L.) over their shelf life. The results for oregano indicated an increase in total phenols from 1154.09 to 1611.28 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g (0 to 12 months). For sage, the values changed from 1309.8 to 2032.4 mg GAE/100 g over the period (0 to 12 months) and for honey, the values measured were 1007.1, 1830.4 and 2129.9 mg GAE/100 g at the times of 0,6 and 12 months, respectively. The results relating to the percentage inhibition of lipid oxidation(% ILO) by the ß-carotene/linoleic acid system showed that sage inhibited oxidation by 74.6, 81.3 and 81.3% at the times of 0,6 and 12 months, while oregano presented inhibition values of 43.2, 63.3 and 50.7%. Evaluation of the antioxidant activity index (AAI) using the Rancimat apparatus showed that the AAI for sage (3.35) was greater than the indices for the other agents, which were 1.69, 1.25 and 1.08 for BHT, oregano and honey, respectively. The results from testing the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) showed that oregano presented values of 544.6, 430.7 and 1019.6 TE µmol/g at the times of 0,6 and 12 months, respectively. Sage presented ORAC values of 610.45, 467.44 and 822.21 at the times of 0,6 and 12 months and honey presented 47.3, 22.4 and 26.1 ET µmol/g, at the times of 0,6 and 12 months. Comparing these results with those described in the literature, it can be concluded that these herbs and honey have high potential as antioxidants. Chapter III shows the influence of the bioactive compounds in sage and oregano for protection against lipid oxidation, in a microsomal substrate of chicken meat. The mean concentrations of TBARS (µmol of MDA/mg of protein) observed in the breast meat samples were, for the control, 7.45; for BHT, 1.91; and for oregano+sage, 3.45. In the thigh meat samples, the following results were observed: control (9.83); BHT (4.27); oregano+sage (3.15). The treatments (BHT and oregano+sage) reached their peak inhibition after three hours (82.42% and 82.25%, respectively). However, analysis of the inhibition of lipid oxidation in the microsomal fraction of the thigh meat showed that the BHT treatment reached its peak inhibition (66.50%) after one hour of induction and the oregano+sage treatment reached its peak inhibition after three hours (82.25%). The results relating to inhibition of lipid oxidation during the induction period showed that, in relation to the control, the treatments implemented had a positive influence regarding protection against lipid oxidation in a microsomal substrate of chicken breast meat. Chapter IV evaluates the effect of spices and honey with regard to protecting against lipid oxidation in a system consisting of a homogenate model of chilled chicken meat. The results from water action on the breast and thigh meat homogenates (either, raw or cooked) showed that the treatment (oregano+sage+10%honey) reduced the quantity of free water over the period of refrigeration. With regard to the pH values in the breast meat homogenates, it was seen that they rose over the period of refrigeration, in all the treatments evaluated. In the thigh meat, the pH values were higher than those observed in the breast meat. In the homogenates of raw breast meat, a marked loss of moisture was observed in all of the treatments and, particularly, at all durations of refrigeration. In the samples of cooked breast meat, no significant differences in moisture were seen between the control and the treatment with oreganó+sage+5%honey. In the homogenates of raw thigh meat, the moisture values ranged from 60.82 to 66.96 g/100 g. The myoglobin content in the homogenates of raw breast meat ranged from 1.95% to 2.01% at time zero. After 96 hours of refrigeration, the percentage myoglobin ranged from 1.85 to 1.96, with lower concentrations in the samples treated with spices and honey...