ABSTRACT
Folic acid contained in potato (<i>Solanum tuberosum L.</i>) tubers is concentrated in potato chips by dehydration during frying. It is a vitamin recommended to young women which helps protect fetus from congenital disease. Additionally, folic acid can lower plasma homocysteine concentrations, a known independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This study was designed to determine whether the dietary consumption of potato chips affect serum folic acid concentration and plasma homocysteine concentration in human subjects. Results showed a significant increase in serum concentrations of folate 1, 3, and 6 hours after ingestion. Vitamin B<sub>6</sub>, on the other hand, increased significantly after 3 hours of intake. In contrast, plasma homocysteine concentration decreased significantly 6 hours after ingestion. These results suggest that potato chips would be a good dietary source of folic acid for humans.<br>
ABSTRACT
<b>Object:</b> Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide in brown marine algae. Gagome kombu (<i>Kjellmaniella crassifolia</i>) is a Japanese edible seaweed and contains fucoidan abundantly. Recently, it was reported that fucoidan from Gagome kombu (GKF) had anti-tumor, immune-enhancing and anti-coagulant activities. In this study, we conducted a safety of GFK on the healthy adult.<br> <b>Methods:</b> Thirty-two healthy volunteers were randomly divided into 4 groups and administered a standard volume and three times volume of two kinds of test drinks containing GKF for 4 weeks.<br> <b>Result:</b> No abnormal changes were observed after test drinks ingestion on blood chemistry, urinalysis, hematological data and blood pressure. No severe adverse events related to test drinks were observed. Moreover, increase of Th1 cells was observed in immunological analysis.<br> <b>Conclusion:</b> This study suggests that GKF is safe in healthy adults.<br>