Bioavailability of Lutein from Marigold Flowers (Free vs. Ester Forms): A Randomised Cross-Over Study to Assess Serum Response and Visual Contrast Threshold in Adults.

Lutein (Lut) and zeaxanthin (Zeax) are found in the blood and are deposited in the retina (macular pigment). Both are found in the diet in free form and esterified with fatty acids. A high intake and/or status is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases, especially eye diseases. There is a large global demand for Lut in the dietary supplement market, with marigold flowers being the main source, mainly as lutein esters. As the bioavailability of Lut from free or ester forms is controversial, our aim was to assess the bioavailability of Lut (free vs. ester) and visual contrast threshold (CT). Twenty-four healthy subjects (twelve women, twelve men), aged 20-35 and 50-65 years, were enrolled in a cross-sectional study to consume 6 mg lutein/day from marigold extract (free vs. ester) for two months. Blood samples were taken at baseline and after 15, 40, and 60 days in each period. Serum Lut and Zeax were analysed using HPLC, and dietary intake was determined with a 7-day food record at the beginning of each period. CT, with and without glare, was at 0 and 60 days at three levels of visual angle. Lut + Zeax intake at baseline was 1.9 mg/day, and serum lutein was 0.36 µmol/L. Serum lutein increased 2.4-fold on day 15 (up to 0.81 and 0.90 µmol/L with free and ester lutein, respectively) and was maintained until the end of the study. Serum Zeax increased 1.7-fold. There were no differences in serum Lut responses to free or ester lutein at any time point. CT responses to lutein supplementation (free vs. ester) were not different at any time point. CT correlated with Lut under glare conditions, and better correlations were obtained at low frequencies in the whole group due to the older group. The highest correlations occurred between CT at high frequency and with glare with serum Lut and Lut + Zeax. Only in the older group were inverse correlations found at baseline at a high frequency with L + Z and with Lut/cholesterol and at a low frequency with Lut/cholesterol. In conclusion, daily supplementation with Lut for 15 days significantly increases serum Lut in normolipemic adults to levels associated with a reduced risk of age-related eye disease regardless of the chemical form of lutein supplied. Longer supplementation, up to two months, does not significantly alter the concentration achieved but may contribute to an increase in macular pigment (a long-term marker of lutein status) and thus improve the effect on visual outcomes.

Status and Dietary Intake of Phytoene and Phytofluene in Spanish Adults and the Effect of a Four-Week Dietary Intervention with Lutein-Rich Fruits or Vegetables.

Phytoene (PT) and phytofluene (PTF) are colourless carotenoids presents in the human diet and in blood, faeces and tissues and are biologically active. However, there is very little data on these carotenoids. This study aims to assess PT and PTF concentrations in serum from healthy Spanish normolipemic subjects (n = 101, 45-65 years) and the effect of a fruit and vegetable dietary intervention (4 weeks, n = 29) on PT and PTF concentration in serum and faeces and dietary intake. Serum and faecal concentrations were analysed by HPLC and dietary intake by 3 × 24 h recalls. PT showed higher concentrations than PTF in serum, faeces and in the dietary intake. Considering both studies, PT and PTF concentrations in serum were 0.16 ± 0.07 and 0.05 ± 0.04 µmol/L, respectively, in faeces 17.7 ± 20.3 and 6.5 ± 7.9 µg/g, respectively, and in dietary intake the median was 2.4 and 0.6 mg/p/day, respectively. Carrots and tomatoes were the major dietary contributors of these carotenoids. The dietary intervention did not cause significant variations in the PT and PTF intake or serum concentrations, but a lower concentration in faeces was observed for the fruit group (PT: p = 0.024; PTF isomer-3: p = 0.034). These data highlight the need for further research on the activities of these carotenoids in humans.

Assessment of Food Sources and the Intake of the Colourless Carotenoids Phytoene and Phytofluene in Spain.

Phytoene (PT) and phytofluene (PTF), colorless carotenoids, have largely been ignored in food science studies, food technology, and nutrition. However, they are present in commonly consumed foods and may have health-promotion effects and possible uses as cosmetics. The goal of this study is to assess the most important food sources of PT and PTF and their dietary intakes in a representative sample of the adult Spanish population. A total of 62 food samples were analyzed (58 fruit and vegetables; seven items with different varieties/color) and carotenoid data of four foods (three fruits and one processed food) were compiled. PT concentration was higher than that of PTF in all the foods analyzed. The highest PT content was found in carrot, apricot, commercial tomato juice, and orange (7.3, 2.8, 2.0, and 1.1 mg/100 g, respectively). The highest PTF level was detected in carrots, commercial tomato sauce and canned tomato, apricot, and orange juice (1.7, 1.2, 1.0, 0.6, and 0.04 mg/100 g, respectively). The daily intakes of PT and PTF were 1.89 and 0.47 mg/person/day, respectively. The major contributors to the dietary intake of PT (98%) and PTF (73%) were: carrot, tomato, orange/orange juice, apricot, and watermelon. PT and PTF are mainly supplied by vegetables (81% and 69%, respectively). Considering the color of the edible part of the foods analyzed (fruit, vegetables, sauces, and beverages), the major contributor to the daily intake of PT and PTF (about 98%) were of red/orange color.

Changes in Lutein Status Markers (Serum and Faecal Concentrations, Macular Pigment) in Response to a Lutein-Rich Fruit or Vegetable (Three Pieces/Day) Dietary Intervention in Normolipemic Subjects.

Lutein is mainly supplied by dietary fruit and vegetables, and they are commonly jointly assessed in observational and interventional studies. Lutein bioavailability and health benefits depend on the food matrix. This study aimed to assess the effect of dietary intervention with lutein-rich fruit or vegetables on lutein status markers, including serum and faecal concentrations (by high pressure liquid chromatography), dietary intake (24 h recalls ×3), and macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and contrast threshold (CT) as visual outcomes. Twenty-nine healthy normolipemic subjects, aged 45-65 y, consumed 1.8 mg lutein/day supplied from fruits (14 subjects, 500 g/day of oranges, kiwi and avocados) or vegetables (15 subjects, 180 g/day of green beans, pumpkin, and sweet corn) for four weeks. Serum lutein concentration increased by 37%. The effect of the food group intervention was statistically significant for serum lutein+zeaxanthin concentration (p = 0.049). Serum α- and ß-carotene were influenced by food type (p = 0.008 and p = 0.005, respectively), but not by time. Serum lutein/HDL-cholesterol level increased by 29% (total sample, p = 0.008). Lutein+zeaxanthin/HDL-cholesterol increased, and the intervention time and food group eaten had an effect (p = 0.024 and p = 0.010, respectively) which was higher in the vegetable group. The MPOD did not show variations, nor did it correlate with CT. According to correlation matrixes, serum lutein was mainly related to lutein+zeaxanthin expressed in relation to lipids, and MPOD with the vegetable group. In faecal samples, only lutein levels increased (p = 0.012). This study shows that a relatively low amount of lutein, supplied by fruit or vegetables, can have different responses in correlated status markers, and that a longer intervention period is needed to increase the MPOD. Therefore, further study with larger sample sizes is needed on the different responses in the lutein status markers and on food types and consumption patterns in the diet, and when lutein in a "pharmacological dose" is not taken to reduce a specific risk.

Evaluation of the potential of total proanthocyanidin content in feces as an intake biomarker.

Due to the health benefits associated with proanthocyanidins (PAs), it is useful to identify dietary PA biomarkers that can be determined by simple methods. Since increased levels of circulating PA metabolites are associated with increased fecal PA content, this study explores the spectrophotometric measurement of fecal PA content and its use as a biomarker of PA intake. To this end, fecal PA content was measured using an adaptation of Porter's spectrophotometric method in samples from a preclinical study and an observational study. In the former, excretion of 250-400 mg PA polymer equivalents/100 g feces was observed during supplementation and the day after, together with a significant association (p < 0.05) between PA intake and the excretion of both intact PAs and some PA metabolites, i.e., (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin and syringic acid. No relationship between intake and excretion was found in the observational study, either for the entire group (mean excretion of 240 ± 226 mg PA polymer equivalents/100 g feces) or after stratification into tertiles of consumption. In conclusion, the spectrophotometric determination of total PA content in feces proved to be a valid compliance marker in a preclinical study, but it was not associated with PA intake in free-living subjects. The potential of total PA excretion in observational studies, determined in fecal samples collected the day before dietary recall or in several fecal samples from the same subject, remains to be elucidated, as does a complete validation of the method proposed here.

Predictors of macular pigment and contrast threshold in Spanish healthy normolipemic subjects (45-65 years) with habitual food intake.

INTRODUCTION: The dietary carotenoids lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) are transported in the bloodstream by lipoproteins, sequestered by adipose tissue, and eventually captured in the retina where they constitute macular pigment. There are no L&Z dietary intake recommendations nor desired blood/tissue concentrations for the Spanish general population. Our aim was to assess the correlation of L&Z habitual dietary intake (excluding food supplements), resulting serum concentrations and lipid profile with macular pigment optical density (MPOD) as well as the contrast sensitivity (CT), as visual outcome in normolipemic subjects (n = 101) aged 45-65. METHODS: MPOD was measured by heterochromatic flicker photometry, serum L&Z by HPLC, the dietary intake by a 3-day food records and CT using the CGT-1000-Contrast-Glaretester at six stimulus sizes, with and without glare. RESULTS: Lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations (median) in serum: 0.361 and 0.078 µmol/L, in dietary intake: 1.1 mg L+Z/day. MPOD: 0.34du. L+Z intake correlates with their serum concentrations (rho = 0.333, p = 0.001), which in turn correlates with MPOD (rho = 0.229, p = 0.000) and with fruit and vegetable consumption (rho = 0.202, p = 0.001), but not with lutein+zeaxanthin dietary intake. MPOD correlated with CT, with and without glare (rho ranges: -0.135, 0.160 and -0.121, -0.205, respectively). MPOD predictors: serum L+Z, L+Z/HDL-cholesterol (ß-coeficient: -0.91±0.2, 95%CI: -1.3,-0.5) and HDL-cholesterol (R2 = 15.9%). CT predictors: MPOD, mainly at medium and smaller visual angles (corresponding to spatial frequencies for which sensitivity declines with age) and gender (ß-coefficients ranges: -0.95,-0.39 and -0.13,-0.39, respectively). CONCLUSION: A higher MPOD is associated with a lower ratio of L+Z/HDL-cholesterol and with a lower CT (higher contrast sensitivity). The HDL-cholesterol would also act indirectly on the CT improving the visual function.

Dietary ß-Cryptoxanthin and α-Carotene Have Greater Apparent Bioavailability Than ß-Carotene in Subjects from Countries with Different Dietary Patterns.

ß-carotene, α-carotene and ß-cryptoxanthin are greater contributors to vitamin A intake than retinol in the human diet for most people around the world. Their contribution depends on several factors, including bioavailability and capacity of conversion into retinol. There is an increasing body of research showing that the use of retinol activity equivalents or retinol equivalents could lead to the underestimation of the contribution of ß-cryptoxanthin and of α-carotene. The aim is to assess their apparent bioavailability by comparing concentrations in blood to their dietary intakes and identifying the major food contributors to their dietary intake. Dietary intake (3-day 24-h records) and serum concentrations (by HPLC) were calculated in normolipemic subjects with adequate retinol status (≥1.1 µmol/L) from our studies (n = 633) and apparent bioavailability calculated from 22 other studies (n = 29,700). Apparent bioavailability was calculated as the ratio of concentration in the blood to carotenoid intake. Apparent bioavailabilities for α-carotene and ß-cryptoxanthin were compared to those for ß-carotene. Eating comparable amounts of α-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin and ß-carotene foods resulted in 55% greater α-carotene (95% CI 35, 90) and 686% higher ß-cryptoxanthin (95% CI 556, 1016) concentrations than ß-carotene in blood. This suggests differences in the apparent bioavailability of α-carotene and ß-cryptoxanthin and even larger differences with ß-cryptoxanthin, greater than that of ß-carotene. Four fruits (tomato, orange, tangerine, red pepper) and two vegetables (carrot, spinach) are the main contributors to their dietary intake (>50%) in Europeans.

Extraction and Analysis by HPLC-DAD of Carotenoids in Human Faeces from Spanish Adults.

Carotenoids are bioactive compounds with widely accepted health benefits. Their quantification in human faeces can be a useful non-invasive approach to assess their bioavailability. Identification and quantification of major dietary carotenoids in human faeces was the aim of the present study. Faeces and dietary intake were obtained from 101 healthy adults (45-65 years). Carotenoid concentrations were determined by HPLC in faeces and by 3-day food records in dietary intake. Carotenoids quantified in faeces (µg/g dry weight, median) were: ß-carotene (39.5), lycopene (20), lutein (17.5), phytoene (11.4), zeaxanthin (6.3), ß-cryptoxanthin (4.5), phytofluene (2.9). α-carotene (5.3) and violaxanthin were found 75.5% and 7.1% of the faeces. The carotenoids found in the highest concentrations corresponded to the ones consumed in the greatest amounts (µg/d): lycopene (13,146), phytoene (2697), ß-carotene (1812), lutein+zeaxanthin (1148). Carotenoid concentration in faeces and in dietary intake showed correlation for the total non-provitamin A carotenoids (r = 0.302; p = 0.003), phytoene (r = 0.339; p = 0.001), phytofluene (r = 0.279; p = 0.005), lycopene (0.223; p = 0.027), lutein+zeaxanthin (r = 0.291; p = 0.04) and ß-cryptoxanthin (r = 0.323; p = 0.001). A high proportion of dietary carotenoids, especially those with provitamin A activity and some of their isomers, reach the large intestine, suggesting a low bioavailability of their intact forms.

Lack of a Synergistic Effect on Cardiometabolic and Redox Markers in a Dietary Supplementation with Anthocyanins and Xanthophylls in Postmenopausal Women.

Fruits and vegetables are pivotal for a healthy diet due partly to their content in bioactive compounds. It is for this reason that we conducted a parallel study to unravel the possible effect on cardiometabolic parameters of the ingestion of anthocyanins, xanthophylls, or both groups of bioactives together in postmenopausal women. Seventy-two postmenopausal women were randomized into an 8-month parallel study: a group consuming 60 mg/day anthocyanins (Group A), a group consuming 6 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin per day (Group X), and a third group consuming a combination of anthocyanins and xanthophylls in the same amounts (Group A+X). Non-targeted metabolomic analysis was done in plasma samples at baseline and after the 8-month intervention by HPLC-QTOF-MS. Inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardiometabolic parameters were measured at the beginning of the study and after 4 and 8-months intervention. Compared with baseline values, none of the 8-month treatments significantly (p < 0.05) changed systolic or diastolic blood pressure (BP), plasma C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 or matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9. Only plasma glucose levels were significantly decreased by treatment A+X after 8 months, and the plasma metabolomic profile was clearly affected by all three dietary supplementations after 8 months. In parallel, there was an increase, also for the three groups, in the plasma ferric reducing antioxidant power value that did not show any synergistic effect between the two groups of bioactives. Postmenopausal women could benefit from an increase in anthocyanins and xanthophylls intake, through the consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in these two types of compounds. Accordingly, plasma glucose and, above all, the reducing power in plasma, could be improved.

Effect of Long-Term Xanthophyll and Anthocyanin Supplementation on Lutein and Zeaxanthin Serum Concentrations and Macular Pigment Optical Density in Postmenopausal Women.

Xanthophylls (lutein, L; zeaxanthin, Z) and anthocyanins are often included in food supplements to improve ocular health. There are no dietary reference intakes for them. The aim was to assess the effects of L, Z and anthocyanin supplementation on short and long-term lutein status markers (serum concentration and macular pigment optical density (MPOD)). Seventy-two postmenopausal women were randomized into a parallel study of 8 months: Group A-anthocyanines (60 mg/day); Group X-xanthophylls (6 mg L + 2 mg Z/day); Group X+A-anthocyanines (60 mg/day) + xanthophylls (6 mg L + 2 mg Z/day). At the beginning of the study, 4 and 8 month serum L and Z concentrations were determined (HPLC), as well as L, Z and anthocyanine dietary intake and MPOD (heterochromic flicker photometry). Baseline concentrations of L (0.35 ± 0.19 µmol/L), Z (0.11 ± 0.05 µmol/L), L+Z/cholesterol/triglycerides (0.07 ± 0.04 µmol/mmol) increased in Group X (2.8- and 1.6-fold in L and Z concentrations) and in group XA (2- and 1.4-fold in L and Z concentrations). MPOD (baseline: 0.32 ± 0.13 du) was not modified in any of the groups at the end of the study. There were no differences in the dietary intake of L+Z and anthocyanin at any point in time in any group. Supplementation of L and Z at a dietary level provoked an increase in their serum concentration that was not modified by simultaneous supplementation with anthocyanins.

Assessment of individual carotenoid and vitamin A dietary intake in overweight and obese Dominican subjects.

INTRODUCTION: Carotenoids are plant pigment with important biological activities in humans, such as provitamin-A among others. At present, there are no individual carotenoid intake data in the Dominican population, which is at risk of vitamin A deficiency and has an important percentage of overweight and obese individuals . OBJECTIVE: To assess the individual components of vitamin A intake (retinol, α-carotene, ß-carotene and ß-cryptoxanthin) and that of other relevant dietary carotenoids like lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene of Dominican daily food intake. METHODS: Fifty overweigth and obese subjects (22-69 y). Individual carotenoid intake, from whole diet and from the ingestion of fruits and vegetables, was determined using three 24 h diet recalls and a specific carotenoid database. Retinol, macronutrient and energy intake were calculated using DIAL® software. RESULTS: The total carotenoid intake was 6363.2 µg/day, 56. 1% corresponding to provitamin A carotenoids (74.3% ß-carotene). Vitamin A intake was supplied by retinol (40%) and by provitamin A carotenoids (60%); vegetables contributed more than fruits (39.2% and 19.2%, respectively). Non-provitamin A carotenoid intake represents 43.9% of the total intake and is supplied by lycopene and lutein plus zeaxanthin in similar percentages (52.3% and 47.7%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The diet of these Dominican subjets met the recommended vitamin A intake, when expressed as retinol equivalents, 59% of which was supplied by provitamin-A carotenoids from plant sources, mainly by red/orange and white/yellow foods. Individual carotenoid intake is an aspect of great interest for issuing dietary recommendations in the public health setting.

Assessment of individual carotenoid and vitamin A dietary intake in overweight and obese Dominican subjects / Valoración de la ingesta individualizada de carotenoides y de vitamina A en sujetos dominicanos con sobrepeso y obesidad

Introduction: Carotenoids are plant pigment with important biological activities in humans, such as provitamin-A among others. At present, there are no individual carotenoid intake data in the Dominican population, which is at risk of vitamin A deficiency and has an important percentage of overweight and obese individuals. Objective: To assess the individual components of vitamin A intake (retinol, α-carotene, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin) and that of other relevant dietary carotenoids like lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene of Dominican daily food intake. Methods: Fifty overweigth and obese subjects (22-69 y). Individual carotenoid intake, from whole diet and from the ingestion of fruits and vegetables, was determined using three 24 h diet recalls and a specific carotenoid database. Retinol, macronutrient and energy intake were calculated using DIAL® software. Results: The total carotenoid intake was 6363.2 μg/day, 56 .1% corresponding to provitamin A carotenoids (74.3% β-carotene). Vitamin A intake was supplied by retinol (40%) and by provitamin A carotenoids (60%); vegetables contributed more than fruits (39.2% and 19.2%, respectively). Non-provitamin A carotenoid intake represents 43.9% of the total intake and is supplied by lycopene and lutein plus zeaxanthin in similar percentages (52.3% and 47.7%, respectively). Conclusions: The diet of these Dominican subjets met the recommended vitamin A intake, when expressed as retinol equivalents, 59% of which was supplied by provitamin-A carotenoids from plant sources, mainly by red/orange and white/yellow foods. Individual carotenoid intake is an aspect of great interest for issuing dietary recommendations in the public health setting (AU)

Introducción: los carotenoides son pigmentos con importantes actividades biológicas en los seres humanos, entre las que detaca la actividad provitamínica A. No hay datos de ingesta de carotenoides en la población dominicana, en la que hay un elevado porcentaje de individuos con sobrepreso y obesidad, así como riesgo de deficiencia en vitamina A. Objetivo: valorar la ingesta de los componentes individuales de vitamina A (retinol, β-caroteno, α-caroteno, β-criptoxantina) y de otros carotenoides relevantes (licopeno, luteína, zeaxantina) en sujetos dominicanos. Métodos: cincuenta sujetos con sobrepeso y obesidad (22-69 años). Tres recuerdos de dieta de 24 h y una aplicación específica para carotenoides, para valorar ingesta de carotenoides a partir de la dieta total y de la ingesta de frutas y hortalizas. La ingesta de retinol, macronutrientes y energía se calcula utilizando la aplicación DIAL®. Resultados: la ingesta total de carotenoides fue 6363,2 μg/día, correspondiendo el 56,1% a carotenoides provitamina-A (74,3% β-caroteno). La ingesta de vitamina A procede del retinol (40%) y de los carotenoides provitamínicos (60%); las hortalizas contribuyeron más que las frutas (39,2% y 19,2%, respectivamente). Los carotenoides no-provitamínicos representaron el 43,9% de la ingesta total, con un aporte de licopeno y de luteína más zeaxantina en proporciones similares (52,3% y 47,7%, respectivamente). Conclusiones: la dieta de estos sujetos dominicanos cubre las recomendaciones de ingesta de vitamina A, expresada en equivalentes de retinol, siendo aportada por fuentes vegetales en un 59%, principalmente a partir de alimentos de colores rojo/anaranjado y blanco/amarillento. La ingesta individual de carotenoides es un aspecto de gran interés para emitir recomendaciones dietéticas en el ámbito de la salud pública (AU)

Lutein and zeaxanthin supplied by red/orange foods and fruits are more closely associated with macular pigment optical density than those from green vegetables in Spanish subjects.

Lutein and zeaxanthin (L+Z) accumulate in the retina. Although vegetables are major contributors to their intake, a stronger association between fruits and macular pigment optical density (MPOD) has been reported. We hypothesized that L+Z intake from fruits would have a stronger association with L+Z status markers (MPOD, serum concentrations) than intake from vegetables or eggs, and that those associations would also differ according to plant foods color. One hundred eight subjects (57 men; age groups, 20-35 and 45-65 years) were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. L+Z intake from fruits, vegetables, and eggs was determined using three 24-hour diet recalls and a country-specific carotenoid database. Vegetables were the major contributors (75%) to L+Z intake, followed by eggs (10%) and fruits (4%). Vegetables supplied 86% and 84% of the LandZ intake, respectively, and fruits supplied 3% and 16%. Green foods supplied 78% and 52% of LandZ, respectively, followed by red/orange (9% and 38%) and white/yellow (14% and 9%). Factorial analysis showed associations in older subjects. The explained variance of the first 2 principal components was 54% considering L+Z intake from fruits, vegetables, and eggs, and 55% considering L+Z intake from plant foods grouped by color. Macular pigment optical density is related to L+Z intake from fruits (0.264, P=.003) and is independent of that from vegetables and eggs. It is related to L+Z intake from red/orange foods (0.320, P=.000) and the serum concentrations to that from green foods (0.222, P=.11). Although vegetables and green foods of plant origin are the major contributors to L+Z intake, red/orange foods and fruits have the strongest relationship to MPOD in study participants (45-65 years of age).

Assessment of lutein and zeaxanthin status and dietary markers as predictors of the contrast threshold in 2 age groups of men and women.

Lutein and zeaxanthin (L + Z) status is associated with the macular pigment (MP). The relationship between MP and visual function is controversial. We hypothesized that, within the framework of nutrition, visual function was related to MP and nutritional and/or/dietary factors influencing it. A cross-sectional study was performed in 108 volunteers divided into 2 age groups (20-35 years; 45-65 years), each 27 women and 27 men, to assess the relationship between MP optical density (MPOD) and contrast threshold (CT), considering the influence of L + Z and, fruit and vegetable (F + V) intake. MPOD, L + Z in serum and dietary intake were determined using heterochromatic flicker photometry, high-performance liquid chromatography and 3-day food records, respectively. CT was measured with the CGT-1000 Contrast Glaretester at 6 stimulus sizes, with and without glare. Spearman correlation coefficient and a generalized linear model were used for the statistical study. MPOD and CT were higher and lower, respectively in younger than in elder individuals (P < .000) and were correlated only in the older group. CT were higher under glare conditions, at the intermediate and smaller visual angles, with greater differences in the older (P < .003) than the younger group (P < .014). In the total sample, CT correlated inversely with MPOD (correlation coefficients and P values ranging from -.245 to -.152 and from .000 to .026, respectively) and directly with F + V intake (correlation coefficients and P values ranging from -.265 to -.176 and from .000 to .010, respectively). As predictors of CT in the total sample, MPOD, F + V (every 100 g/d) and sex were identified (ß coefficients ranged from -0.01 to -1.86; from 0.01 to 0.08 and from 0.01 to 0.40, respectively). CT revealed age-specific nutritional predictors: MPOD and serum lutein in the 45- to 65-year group, and F + V intake in the 20- to 35-year group.

Effect of pre-treatment on physicochemical and structural properties, and the bioaccessibility of ß-carotene in sweet potato flour.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of microwave or steam pre-treatment of raw sweet potato on physicochemical and microstructural properties, and the bioaccessibility of ß-carotene in sweet potato flour. This is the first report on using the in vitro digestion model suitable for food, as proposed in a consensus paper, to assess the bioaccessibility of ß-carotene in sweet potato flour. The pre-treatments produced a rearrangement of the flour matrix (starch, protein and non-starch polysaccharides), which was greater by using microwaves (M6) conducting to a greater increase in the phase transition temperatures up to 4.14 °C, while the enthalpy presented the higher reduction (4.49 J/g), both parameters in respect to the control. The resistant starch fraction was not modified, with about 3% in all samples. Microwave (M6) and all the steam pre-treatments showed the higher bioaccessibility of ß-carotene. This flour can be used in the development of new products with high ß-carotene content.

Assessment of dietary lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene intakes and sources in the Spanish survey of dietary intake (2009-2010).

We assessed the intake and major dietary sources of lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene (non-provitamin A carotenoids) in Spain using food consumption data from the Spanish National Dietary Intake Survey (2009-2010). Three-day diaries and one 24-h recall were used to collect dietary data and a software application that includes HPLC data was used. Average intake of those carotenoids was 4290.8 µg/d (67.1% total carotenoid intake), mainly from vegetables (3414.0 µg/d), followed by fruits (393.5 µg/d), oils/fats (204.0 µg/d) and eggs/egg products (170.0 µg/d). Main sources of lutein and zeaxanthin were vegetables (62.9% total diet, 1235.2 µg/person/d). Lycopene intake was 3055.6 µg/d (71.2% of non-provitamin A carotenoids), mainly from tomato and by-products (86.3%) and watermelon. Red- and orange-colored fruits and vegetables were the major contributors of non-provitamin carotenoids (3219.0 µg/person/d). Balanced diets should favor fruits and vegetables over other dietary sources (oils, eggs, processed foods) that contain components to be consumed with moderation.

THAO-CHILD HEALTH PROGRAMME: COMMUNITY BASED INTERVENTION FOR HEALTHY LIFESTYLES PROMOTION TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES: RESULTS OF A COHORT STUDY.

INTRODUCTION: childhood obesity is one of the main public health concerns. The multifactorial and multilevel causes require complex interventions such the community based interventions (CBI). Thao-Child Health Programme is a CBI implemented in Spain since 2007. GOAL: show the Thao methodology and the latest cross-sectional and longitudinal results. METHODS: longitudinal cohort study (4 years of follow- up) and cross sectional study. RESULTS: the longitudinal study found an increase of 1% in the overweight prevalence after a follow-up of 4 years of Thao-Programme implementation in 10 municipalities with 6 697 children involved. The cross-sectional study carried out with 20 636 children from 22 municipalities found a childhood overweight prevalence of 26.6%. DISCUSSION: currently a brake in the increase of childhood overweight prevalence is considered a success due to the high prevalence worldwide. More studies well methodologically performed are needed to know the efficacy of the CBI's in this field.

Introducción: la obesidad infantil es una de las principales preocupaciones de salud pública. La etiología multifactorial y multinivel requiere de intervenciones complejas como las intervenciones de base comunitaria (CBI). El Programa Thao-Salud Infantil es una CBI implementada en España desde 2007. Objetivo: mostrar la metodología Thao y los últimos resultados transversales y longitudinales. Métodos: estudio de cohortes longitudinal (4 años de seguimiento) y estudio transversal. Resultados: el estudio longitudinal encontró un incremento del 1% en la prevalencia de exceso de peso tras 4 años de implementación del Programa Thao en 10 municipios con 6.697 niños y niñas involucrados. El estudio transversal llevado a cabo con 20.636 niños y niñas de 22 municipios encontró una prevalencia de exceso de peso infantil del 26,6%. Discusión: actualmente un freno en el incremento de la prevalencia de exceso de peso infantil es considerado como un éxito debido a la alta prevalencia a nivel mundial. Son necesarios más estudios metodológicamente bien realizados para conocer la eficacia de las CBI en este campo.

Thao-Child Health Programme: community based intervention for healthy lifestyles promotion to children and families: results of a cohort study / Programa Thao-Salud Infantil: intervención de base comunitaria de promoción de estilos de vida saludables en la población infantil y las familias: resultados de un estudio de cohorte

Introduction: childhood obesity is one of the main public health concerns. The multifactorial and multilevel causes require complex interventions such the community based interventions (CBI). Thao-Child Health Programme is a CBI implemented in Spain since 2007. Goal: show the Thao methodology and the latest cross-sectional and longitudinal results. Methods: longitudinal cohort study (4 years of follow-up) and cross sectional study. Results: the longitudinal study found an increase of 1% in the overweight prevalence after a follow-up of 4 years of Thao-Programme implementation in 10 municipalities with 6 697 children involved. The cross-sectional study carried out with 20 636 children from 22 municipalities found a childhood overweight prevalence of 26.6%. Discussion: currently a brake in the increase of childhood overweight prevalence is considered a success due to the high prevalence worldwide. More studies well methodologically performed are needed to know the efficacy of the CBI’s in this field (AU)

Introducción: la obesidad infantil es una de las principales preocupaciones de salud pública. La etiología multifactorial y multinivel requiere de intervenciones complejas como las intervenciones de base comunitaria (CBI). El Programa Thao-Salud Infantil es una CBI implementada en España desde 2007. Objetivo: mostrar la metodología Thao y los últimos resultados transversales y longitudinales. Métodos: estudio de cohortes longitudinal (4 años de seguimiento) y estudio transversal. Resultados: el estudio longitudinal encontró un incremento del 1% en la prevalencia de exceso de peso tras 4 años de implementación del Programa Thao en 10 municipios con 6.697 niños y niñas involucrados. El estudio transversal llevado a cabo con 20.636 niños y niñas de 22 municipios encontró una prevalencia de exceso de peso infantil del 26,6%. Discusión: actualmente un freno en el incremento de la prevalencia de exceso de peso infantil es considerado como un éxito debido a la alta prevalencia a nivel mundial. Son necesarios más estudios metodológicamente bien realizados para conocer la eficacia de las CBI en este campo (AU)

Assessment of dietary vitamin A intake (retinol, α-carotene, ß-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin) and its sources in the National Survey of Dietary Intake in Spain (2009-2010).

The aim of this study is to assess the intake of the individual components of vitamin A and major dietary sources in the Spaniards using data on food consumption from Spanish National Dietary Intake Survey (2009-2010). A 24-h dietary recall, 3-day diet diary and a software application that includes HPLC analytical data were used. Average dietary vitamin A intake is 716.4 µg retinol equivalents (RE), which is supplied as retinol (57.9%RE) and as provitamin-A carotenoids (42.1%RE). ß-Carotene represents 71.9% of provitamin-A carotenoids, ß-cryptoxanthin 15.3%, α-carotene 12.8%. Red- and orange-colored fruits and vegetables are major contributors of provitamin-A (1587 µg/day). Spanish diet covers the dietary reference on the intake for vitamin A, provided mainly by foods of animal origin. The main contributors to the intake of provitamin-A carotenoids are carrots, tomatoes, spinach and oranges. Data on the intake of individual components of vitamin A contribute to improving our understanding of the relationship between diet and health.

Markers of lutein and zeaxanthin status in two age groups of men and women: dietary intake, serum concentrations, lipid profile and macular pigment optical density.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in retina (macular pigment). Their nutritional status can be assessed using dietary or biochemical markers and both have been associated with macular pigment optical density. We proposed to assess dietary and status markers of lutein and zeaxanthin in a group of healthy Spanish volunteers, considering the potential influence of age, gender and serum lipids to investigate the predictors of the macular pigment optical density. METHODS: Serum lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations, dietary intake and macular pigment optical density were determined in 108 healthy men and women (20-35 and 45-65 years), using high-performance liquid chromatography, 3-day food records and heterochromic flicker photometry, respectively. Mann-Whitney U-test, Spearman correlation coefficient and multivariate regression analysis were used for the statistical study. RESULTS: Serum concentrations and dietary intake of lutein plus zeaxanthin (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.001, respectively) were higher in older vs younger subjects, whereas macular pigment optical density was lower (p = 0.038). The highest correlation coefficients between intake and serum were for fruit and serum lutein (ρ = 0.452, p < 0.0001) and for fruit and lutein + zeaxanthin (ρ = 0.431, p < 0.0001) in the younger group. Macular pigment optical density correlated with serum xanthophylls (ρ = 0.223, p = 0.02) and fruit and vegetable intake (ρ = 0.350, p = 0.0002), showing highest correlations when lutein and zeaxanthin were expressed in relation to serum lipids in older subjects (ρ = 0.262, p = 0.006). Multivariate regression analysis identified age and serum lutein as major predictors of macular pigment optical density (total sample), and a coefficient of determination of 29.7% for the model including lutein + zeaxathin/cholesterol + triglycerides, sex and fruit + vegetables in the older group. CONCLUSIONS: The establishment of normal/reference ranges for serum lutein and zeaxanthin should consider age ranges and be expressed in relation to lipid concentrations, at least in subjects over 45 years, as this could influence macular pigment optical density. The macular pigment optical density showed age-specific correlations with lutein plus zeaxanthin expressed in relation to serum lipid concentrations as well as with the fruit and vegetable intake.