Determinação do teor de proteínas e carboidratos totais em suplementos tipo Whey Protein / Determination of proteins and total carbohydrates in Whey Protein supplements

O consumo de whey protein, no Brasil e no mundo, aumentou nos últimos anos em decorrência da preocupação com a saúde e bem-estar físico. Atualmente, estão disponíveis no comércio uma série de marcas e diferentes tipos de whey protein. Os estudos têm demonstrado irregularidades na composição química de amostras analisadas, e em especial, nos teores de proteínas e carboidratos totais, em comparação com os citados nos respectivos rótulos. Neste trabalho, foram avaliadas 15 amostras de whey protein concentrado quanto aos teores de carboidratos totais por meio de Lane Eynon e de nitrogênio total e proteínas por Kjeldahl. As metodologias utilizadas são oficiais e os métodos analíticos foram previamente validados. Os resultados obtidos foram comparados com os valores expressos nos rótulos dos produtos. Para o teor de carboidratos totais, das 15 amostras avaliadas, apenas quatro atenderam ao conteúdo indicado no rótulo. Quanto ao teor proteico, duas amostras não atenderam aos valores expressos no rótulo, considerando-se o limite de tolerância de ± 20 %, de acordo com a Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA). Sugere-se a criação de normas específicas para esse tipo de produto, para estabelecer uma melhor fiscalização e garantia da qualidade, que beneficiarão os seus consumidores.

In the recent years, the consumption of whey protein has increased in Brazil and in the world, due to the health concerns and the physical well-being. Currently, diverse brands and types of whey protein are commercially available. Several studies have shown irregularities in the chemical composition of analyzed samples, mainly in protein and total carbohydrate contents, when compared with those indicated in the labels. This study evaluated 15 samples of concentrated whey protein purchased in the Rio de Janeiro city. The total carbohydrate contents were determined by Lane Eynon, and the total nitrogen and protein by means of Kjeldahl. The used methodologies are official; and the analytical methods were previously validated. The results were compared with the values expressed in the respective products labels. For the total carbohydrate contents, of 15 evaluated samples only four complied with the labels. For protein contents, two samples did not meet the amounts stated on the label, considering the tolerance limit of ± 20 %, according to the ANVISA (Brazilian Agency for Health Surveillance). It is suggested to institute the specific standards for this type of product, for establishing better supervision and quality assurance, which will be profitable to the consumers.

Historical review of clinical vaccine studies at Oswaldo Cruz Institute and Oswaldo Cruz Foundation - technological development issues

This paper presents, from the perspective of technological development and production, the results of an investigation examining 61 clinical studies with vaccines conducted in Brazil between 1938-2013, with the participation of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC) and the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz). These studies have been identified and reviewed according to criteria, such as the kind of vaccine (viral, bacterial, parasitic), their rationale, design and methodological strategies. The results indicate that IOC and Fiocruz have accumulated along this time significant knowledge and experience for the performance of studies in all clinical phases and are prepared for the development of new vaccines products and processes. We recommend national policy strategies to overcome existing regulatory and financing constraints.