Nutritional Quality and Fatty Acids Composition of Invasive Chinese Mitten Crab from Odra Estuary (Baltic Basin).

The Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is recognized as an invasive species in Europe but increasing fishing efforts may hold economic benefits and yield positive ecological and nutritional outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the yield of edible parts and the compositional and nutritional characteristics of this crab, especially as a source of n-3 PUFA. The overall yield of edible parts amounted to 38.09%, with males (27.72%) exhibiting a higher meat content compared to females (25.30%). The gonads displayed the highest protein content (24.12%), while the hepatopancreas (11.67%) showcased the highest fat content. Furthermore, the fatty acid composition varied depending on the distribution within different crab segments and gender and individual size. Notably, the gonad lipids contained the most nutritionally valuable n-3 fatty acids, followed by muscle and hepatopancreas lipids. The determined index of atherogenicity (IA) from 0.2 for gonadal lipids to 0.42 for hepatopancreas lipids, index of thrombogenicity (IT) in the range of 0.10 for gonads to 0.41 for hepatopancreas, and flesh lipid quality (FLQ) from 6.9 for hepatopancreas to 23 for muscle lipids indicate their pro-health properties. The ratio of n-3 to n-6 fatty acids showed Chinese mitten crab as an excellent source of oil that can be used for food fortification and dietary supplement production.

Investigating the effectiveness of LED lighting in the production of rich sprouts for food purposes.

In recent times, there has been a surge in interest in the impact of diet and physical activity on human health, with the goal of expanding lifespan and enhancing the quality of life. This has Light-emitting diode (LED) to interventions centered on incorporating healthy foods, including fresh sprouts, which are rich in antioxidant compounds and beneficial phytonutrients for human consumption. Various factors, such as temperature, nutritional solution, and types of light quality and intensity, can influence the nutritional value of sprouts. This study evaluates the impact of LED light with red-blue-ultraviolet (6:3:1; R:B:UV) and three levels of intensity (control, 120, and 150 µmol/m2s-1) on five different sprout species, namely wheat, barley, mung bean, alfalfa, and soybean, after seven days of germination. The research investigates the effects on various parameters, including photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls a, b, total), carotenoid, activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and soluble proteins, soluble sugars, starch, vitamin C, and element content such as potassium, iron, and phosphorus. The results indicate that the LED treatments and increasing light intensity significantly improve the physiological and antioxidant properties of edible sprouts, with the 150 µmol/m2s-1 treatment producing the most beneficial outcomes. Additionally, increasing light intensity reduces starch content while enhancing the content of photosynthetic pigments, soluble carbohydrates, vitamin C, element concentration, antioxidant enzymes, and soluble proteins. Among the five species of edible sprouts, barley had the highest content of photosynthetic pigments, while soybean and mung beans had the lowest content. Mung beans and alfalfa had the highest and lowest concentrations of potassium and iron, respectively. In terms of phosphorus concentration, soybean and barley sprouts showed the highest and lowest concentrations, respectively.

Survey of Edible Amanita in Northern Thailand and Their Nutritional Value, Total Phenolic Content, Antioxidant and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities.

Edible wild mushrooms are extremely popular among consumers and are highly valued for their potential economic benefits in northern Thailand. In this present study, a total of 19 specimens of edible Amanita were collected during investigations of wild edible mushrooms in northern Thailand during the period from 2019 to 2022. Their morphological characteristics and the phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and partial large subunit (nrLSU) of ribosomal RNA, RNA polymerase II second-largest subunit (rpb2) and partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef-1) indicated that the collected specimens belonged to A. hemibapha, A. pseudoprinceps, A. rubromarginata, A. subhemibapha, and Amanita section Caesareae. This is the first report of A. pseudoprinceps and A. subhemibapha from Thailand. Full descriptions, illustrations and a phylogenetic placement of all specimens collected in this study are provided. Subsequently, the nutritional composition and total phenolic content, as well as the antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, of each species were investigated. The results indicate that the protein contents in both A. pseudoprinceps and A. subhemibapha were significantly higher than in A. hemibapha and A. rubromarginata. The highest total phenolic content was found in the extract of A. pseudoprinceps. In terms of antioxidant properties, the extract of A. pseudoprinceps also exhibited significantly high antioxidant activity by 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. However, the extract of A. rubromarginata had the lowest total phenolic content and level of antioxidant activity. Additionally, α-glucosidase inhibitory activity varied for different Amanita species and the highest level of α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was found in the extract of A. pseudoprinceps. This study provides valuable information on the nutrient content, phenolic content and the antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of edible Amanita species found in northern Thailand.

Recent advances in Zizania latifolia: A comprehensive review on phytochemical, health benefits and applications that maximize its value.

Zizania latifolia is an aquatic and medicinal plant with a long history of development in China and the East Asian region. The smut fungus "Ustilago esculenta" parasitizes Z. latifolia and induces culm expansion to form a vegetable named Jiaobai, which has a unique taste and nutritional attributes. However, the postharvest quality of water bamboo shoots is still a big challenge for farmers and merchants. This paper traced the origin, development process, and morphological characteristics of Z. latifolia. Subsequently, the compilation of the primary nutrients and bioactive substances are presented in context to their effects on ecology a postharvest storage and preservation methods. Furthermore, the industrial, environmental, and material science applications of Z. latifolia in the fields of industry were discussed. Finally, the primary objective of the review proposes future directions for research to support the development of Z. latifolia industry and aid in maximizing its value. To sum up, Z. latifolia, aside from its potential as material it can be utilized to make different productions and improve the existing applications. This paper provides an emerging strategy for researchers undertaking Z. latifolia.

Barley in the Production of Cereal-Based Products.

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is unjustly neglected today as a food grain. Interest in the use of barley in the food industry has increased recently. The reason for this is its content of dietary fibre, especially ß-glucan, which has been shown to reduce blood cholesterol and lower blood sugar levels. The main nutritional components of barley and barley products, besides the mentioned ß-glucan, are starch, sugar, proteins, fat and ash. Although not common in the production of bakery products, barley can be very easily involved in the production of the same products, and such products have improved nutritional characteristics and acceptable sensory characteristics, which make them desirable. Barley has great potential for use in a wide range of cereal-based foods as a partial or full replacement for currently used grains (such as wheat, oats, rice and corn). This article provides basic and general information about the use of barley in food and the processing of barley grains for use in the manufacturing of cereal-based products, with particular attention to the use of barley in the manufacturing of bread (flatbread and leavened bread), noodles and pasta, muffins and cakes and cookies and biscuits.

Hemp Seeds of the Polish 'Bialobrzeskie' and 'Henola' Varieties (Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa) as Prospective Plant Sources for Food Production.

This publication characterizes the nutritional value of the Polish hemp seeds of the 'Bialobrzeskie' and 'Henola' varieties, including the profile/content of fatty acids and amino acids. Hemp seeds were found to be rich in protein, fat, and dietary fiber. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) dominated the unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) profile. Their average share within the total fatty acids (FA) was as high as 75%. Linoleic acid belonging to this group accounted for 55% of the total FA. Lipid profile indices (Σ n - 6/Σ n - 3, Σ PUFA/Σ SFA, the thrombogenicity index, the atherogenicity index and the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio) proved the high nutritional value of hemp oil. Considering the tyrosine + phenylalanine and histidine contents, hemp protein exhibited a great degree of similarity to egg protein, which is known and valued for its high biological value.

Use of Microalgae Biomass for Fortification of Food Products from Grain.

This article describes the use of Chlorella sorokiniana biomass additives in pasta recipes to enrich the product with biologically active phytonutrients, as well as to achieve the desired color range without the use of synthetic dyes. Samples of dry biomass were obtained by the cultivation of microalgae C. sorokiniana (strain), its quality indicators and nutritional value were determined for use as a food additive. A method of using dry biomass of microalgae C. sorokiniana as a phytoadditive to replace 5% of flour mixture for effective enrichment of pasta with biologically active phytonutrients was proposed. The choice of the optimal amount of addition of microalgae biomass was proved since it turned out that the replacement of flour should be no more than 5% due to the distinct fish flavor of the final product. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding dry biomass of Chlorella microalgae on total protein, lipid, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content. Substitution of 5% of pasta flour led to an increase in the content of proteins and lipids to 15.7 ± 0.50% and 4.1 ± 0.06%, respectively. Meanwhile, the addition of microalgae Chlorella to pasta has helped to increase the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, chlorophyll, and carotenoids which are necessary for the prevention of foodborne diseases. The aim of this study is to develop pasta recipe with additives of microalgae biomass C. sorokiniana and study their quality indicators.

Nutritive value of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) as a feedstuff resource in livestock nutrition: A review.

The review evaluates faba bean (Vicia faba L.; FB) seeds relative to their nutritional composition, their content of antinutritional factors, and their impact on animal performance. The literature indicates that FB plant is a cool-season, annual grain legume that grows the best in cool and humid conditions. Its seeds are rich in protein, energy, and mineral compounds and have particularly high unsaturated fatty acid levels. However, FB seeds also contain various proportions of antinutritional factors (ANFs) that can interfere with nutrient utilization in nonruminants. The various processing methods are efficient in either reducing or inactivating the ANFs of FB seeds, with extrusion treatment offering the most effective method of improving apparent nutrient and energy digestibility of nonruminants. In vivo studies on ruminants, pigs, poultry, and fishes reveal that FB seeds have the potential to be used as a substitute for soybean meal and/or cereal seeds in livestock diets in order to support milk, meat, and/or egg production.

Raman spectroscopy enables phenotyping and assessment of nutrition values of plants: a review.

Our civilization has to enhance food production to feed world's expected population of 9.7 billion by 2050. These food demands can be met by implementation of innovative technologies in agriculture. This transformative agricultural concept, also known as digital farming, aims to maximize the crop yield without an increase in the field footprint while simultaneously minimizing environmental impact of farming. There is a growing body of evidence that Raman spectroscopy, a non-invasive, non-destructive, and laser-based analytical approach, can be used to: (i) detect plant diseases, (ii) abiotic stresses, and (iii) enable label-free phenotyping and digital selection of plants in breeding programs. In this review, we critically discuss the most recent reports on the use of Raman spectroscopy for confirmatory identification of plant species and their varieties, as well as Raman-based analysis of the nutrition value of seeds. We show that high selectivity and specificity of Raman makes this technique ideal for optical surveillance of fields, which can be used to improve agriculture around the world. We also discuss potential advances in synergetic use of RS and already established imaging and molecular techniques. This combinatorial approach can be used to reduce associated time and cost, as well as enhance the accuracy of diagnostics of biotic and abiotic stresses.

Towards a Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus index: A review of nutrient profile models as a fundamental pillar of food and nutrition security.

The Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus approach should be promoted as a tool for sustainable management of resources through the interconnection of these three fundamental pillars. Particularly, food security must ensure healthy and balanced diets for everyone, but selecting individual indicators to assess all slants covered by this element is not an easy task. Hence, the objective of this paper is two-fold, to review nutrient profiling (NP) models that allow to categorize foods and evaluate diets based on their nutritional quality, and to choose the most appropriate model to be used within a WEF nexus index. To address this issue, a total of 159 documents were assessed, appraising the geographic distribution, and time evolution of the publications, as well as the characteristics and potential applications of the NP systems. The review concludes that the NRF9.3. model is the most liable option to be used in a WEF nexus index, presenting the best characteristics by means of the definition of scores and thresholds, and the use of an 'across-the-board' criteria and a reference quantity of 100 kcal, alongside offering higher ability to assess diets and foods than the other competitive model (HEI) through the evaluation of nutrients to encourage instead of foods. A secondary outcome of the review is the identification of the NP models as a useful tool to enable institutions with information to establish policies in the field of public health and facilitating the decision-making process according to the current healthy claims.

Recovery of high value-added protein from enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction (EAE) of soybeans by dead-end ultrafiltration.

The skim fraction (SF) obtained from enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction (EAE) of soybeans is a by-product with high protein content of up to 60.67%. As such, it is of great interest to develop an efficient method to recover protein from this fraction. In this study, the potential of dead-end ultrafiltration (UF) in recovering skim protein extracted with different proteases was evaluated. Two polyethersulfone (PES) membranes with molecular weight cutoffs (MWCO) of 3 kDa and 5 kDa were utilized. Results revealed that the membrane with the MWCO of 5 kDa exhibited better filtration efficiency, since higher permeate flux values and lower impurity rejections were observed. Compared with Flavourzyme and Protex 7L, Alcalase 2.4L and Protex 6L exhibited stronger hydrolyzing ability, resulting in higher filtration fluxes but lower protein rejection coefficients. The recovered protein showed comparable amino acid profile to SPC, while with significantly reduced levels of trypsin inhibitors and phytate (p < 0.05), indicating high quality of the recovered protein. Overall, UF can be applicable to recover high value-added protein from EAE of soybeans and remove undesired components from the resulting protein products.

[The Rational Diet of Children in Family as a Factor of Population Health].

The article considers issues concerning limitation of consumption of foodstuff in families with children. It is emphasized that problem of rational diet of population has a marked social value and relates to quality and longevity of human life and human health. The practical experience demonstrates that children diet in families with lower income does not correspond to established modern medical biological standards. Frequently, the category of such households covers statistically average family with one or several children born and hence quality of life of these households drastically deteriorated. The poor and low-income population is limited in foodstuff consumption. The article presents the analysis of nutrition and energy value of diet in all types of examined families. It is emphasized that in households with one or two children the nutrition value of foodstuff is significantly lower than in households with many children. However, in families with few children diet includes high content of fats that is an important factor of development of obesity in growing generation. In families with many children the diet is characterized by lower consumption of protein, including animal one. The inadequate and "poor" type of diet results in increasing of protein-calorie deficiency шт families with many children. In households with children the diet does not correspond to standards of cost of living according food substances. Therefore, modern Russian family with more than one child, is characterized by deficiency of energy value of diet per every its member. The increasing of number of children in family significantly decreases quality of diet of its members. Accordingly, quality of diet in families with one child is higher than in families households with to and more children.

Nutritional content of bat-consumed fruits in a forest fragment in Southern Brazil / Conteúdo nutricional de frutos consumidos por morcegos em um fragmento florestal do sul do Brasil

Abstract The State Park Mata dos Godoy has 42 identified bat species, among which 21 are frugivorous and belong to the Phyllostomidae family. Current study investigated the concentrations of carbohydrate, lipid and protein in fruits consumed by Artibeus lituratus, Carollia perspicillata and Sturnira lilium to understand their potential differentiated food preferences. The Sampling effort it was from April/2013 to March/2014. Animals captured in mist nets were identified in the field and maintained in cotton bags for 30 minutes to defecate. The diet was inferred from fecal samples analyzed in the laboratory, the fruits whose seeds were found in the feces had the determinations of the nutrients accomplished by centesimal composition method. Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's multiple comparison method verified the most abundant nutrients for each species of bat. Whereas Carollia perspicillata and Sturnira lilium feeds mainly in food with carbohydrates that provide them with more energy, the diet of Artibeus lituratus is richer in carbohydrates and lipids. Only fruits considered scarcely represent a complete nutrition for the three bat species, however, the complementarity with other food items such as leaves, pollen, and insects, can provide a complete nutrient diet for these animals.

Resumo O Parque Estadual Mata dos Godoy possui 42 espécies descritas de morcegos, dentre as quais 21 são frugívoras e representadas pela família Phyllostomidae. O objetivo foi verificar qual a concentração de carboidratos, lipídeos e proteínas nos frutos consumidos por Artibeus lituratus, Carollia perspicillata, e Sturnira lilium para entender suas preferências alimentares diferenciadas. A amostragem se deu de abril/2013 a março/2014. Os animais capturados em redes de neblina foram identificados em campo e alocados em sacos de algodão por 30 minutos para defecarem. A dieta foi inferida a partir de amostras fecais analisadas em laboratório, os frutos cujas sementes foram encontradas nas fezes tiveram as determinações dos nutrientes realizadas por composição centesimal. Para verificar qual nutriente mais abundante na dieta foi realizado, para cada espécie de morcego, o teste de Kruskal Wallis seguido do método de comparações múltiplas de Dunn. Enquanto que Carollia perspicillata e Sturnira lilium alimentam-se de frutos que provém energia a partir de mais carboidratos, a dieta de Artibeus lituratus é rica não apenas em carboidratos como também lipídeos. Apenas os frutos analisados não representam uma nutrição completa para as três espécies de morcegos, no entanto, a complementariedade com outros itens alimentares como folhas, pólen e insetos, pode fornecer uma dieta completa em nutrientes para estes animais.

How fat will it make me? Estimation of weight gain in anorexia nervosa.

This study investigates the subjective estimation of weight gain in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) when being confronted with food cues both in a general (self-unrelated) and in an intent-to-eat (self-related) condition. Looking at the presentation of different snack pictures with different nutrition values (high-low calories), AN patients (N = 24) and age-matched healthy women (N = 27) estimated the weight gain when they imagined eating the presented portions of snack pictures once a day in addition to the normal daily nutrition in the following two conditions: 1) a general condition without specific additional instruction, 2) an intent-to-eat condition, in which they were instructed to imagine that they would eat the snack themselves. Compared to healthy women, patients with AN estimated a higher weight gain only in the intent-to-eat condition, i.e. when they imagined eating the snacks themselves, but not in the general, not self-related condition. In the patient group, mean estimations of weight gain were associated with the "drive for thinness". This study suggests cognitive abnormalities related to the effects of food intake on the weight gain in AN, and that these cognitive anomalies could be related to the fear of gaining weight, one central symptom of AN. It appears that the self-reflective disturbed cognition, rather than the general cognition, could be the main driver underlying anorexia and that the overestimation of the energetic content of food is related to the drive for thinness.

Effects of temperature-fluctuation in a refrigerator on antioxidative index and storage qualities of various foods / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to examine the association of temperature-fluctuation with freshness quality in various foods. METHODS: We investigated the effects of storage conditions on antioxidant activities of cherries and romaine lettuce during storage at 0.7 ± 0.6℃, 1.2 ± 1.4℃, and 1.6 ± 2.8℃. Cherries and romaine lettuce were stored for a period of 9 days and 7 days, respectively. We also analyzed the effects of storage conditions on fresh quality of beef and salmon during storage at −0.3 ± 0.8℃, −0.6 ± 2.3℃, and −1.5 ± 4.4℃. Both of them were stored for a period of 14 days. RESULTS: The amount of water loss was highest in beef, and the microbial count was also the highest at −1.5 ± 4.4℃. In the case of salmon, there was no difference in water loss according to storage, and TBA value was significantly increased at −1.5 ± 4.4℃. Moisture retention was the highest at 0.7 ± 0.6℃ in both romaine lettuce and cherry samples. The contents of polyphenol and flavonoid were significantly higher in cherries, and content of polyphenols in romaine lettuce was significantly higher at 0.7 ± 0.6℃ (p 1.2 ± 1.4℃> 1.6 ± 2.8 ℃ over 7 days. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that temperature-fluctuation may affect qualities of foods stored in a refrigerator.

Effect of barley ß-glucan addition as a fat replacer on muffin quality.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to perform the partial replacement of bakery fat with barley ß-glucan in muffins and to determine its effect on the physical properties of products. Most shortenings used in the industry are solid fats rich in saturated fatty acids and often trans fatty isomers, which are nutritionally unfavorable. METHODS: Dough and baked muffins were used as the research material. Five muffin recipes were prepared: control (K0%) with 16% fat content in the total dough weight, with fat content decreased by 10% (PG10%), 15% (PG15%), 20% (PG20%) and 25% (PG25%). ß-glucan was used as a fat replacer in the 1:4 ratio. The parameters determining the physical characteristics and sensory attributes were measured, compared and statistically analyzed using a principal component analysis (PCA) method. RESULTS: Although the partial replacement of shortening with barley ß-glucan is possible, it may negatively influence the physical properties of dough (aeration) and baked products (volume, density). It has been observed that increasing the content of this fat replacer enlarges the pores of the crumb. The textural properties of muffins with a fat content decreased by 20% are most similar to the control. Moreover, it has been shown that the overall sensory quality goes down when the amount of fat replacer in the muffin recipe is increased. However, adding ß-glucan to products in which fat content was decreased by 10% did not influence significantly the typical taste. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the adverse effect of ß-glucan on the physical and sensorial properties, it was found to be reasonable to use it even in small amounts (up to 10%) to increase the nutritional value of products.

Caracterización morfológica y composición química de chayotas (Sechium edule) cultivadas en las Islas canarias (España) / Morphological and chemical composition characterization of chayotas (Sechium edule) grown in the Canary Islands (Spain)

Se analizaron características morfológicas relacionadas con el fruto, espinas, endocarpio y semilla, así como parámetros fisicoquímicos y nutricionales (humedad, proteínas, ºBrix, fibra alimentaria, cenizas, pH, acidez, ácido ascórbico, compuestos fenólicos totales, minerales: Na, K, Ca y Mg y elementos traza: Fe, Cu, Zn y Mn), en muestras de chayota (Sechium edule) pertenecientes a 7 entradas cultivadas en las islas de Tenerife y La Palma (España) y cosechadas durante el período comprendido entre junio y noviembre de 2005. Se observaron diferencias importantes en la composición química y características morfológicas entre las diferentes entradas de chayota estudiadas. La entrada 4 destacó por su alto contenido en minerales y sólidos solubles totales (ºBrix) y bajo contenido en agua, mientras que la entrada 1 presentó altos contenidos en Na, cenizas y ácido ascórbico. El contenido de humedad y de ácido ascórbico varió en función de la parte del fruto analizada, sin embargo, los contenidos de compuestos fenólicos y de cenizas no fueron dependientes de las partes. La fecha de muestreo mostró una gran influencia sobre la composición química, observándose las mayores diferencias en las muestras cosechadas en el mes otoñal de noviembre respecto a las restantes cosechadas en meses estivales. El análisis discriminante permitió diferenciar las muestras de chayota en función de la entrada y fecha de muestreo, por lo que es una herramienta muy útil para la caracterización de muestras(AU)

Morphological and chemical composition characterization of chayotas (Sechium edule) grown in the Canary Islands (Spain). Morphological characteristics related to the fruit, thorns, endocarp and seed, as well as physicochemical and nutritional parameters (moisture, protein, ºBrix, fiber, ash, pH, acidity, ascorbic acid, total phenolics, minerals: Na, K, Ca and Mg, and trace elements: Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn) were analyzed in samples of chayote (Sechium edule) belonging to 7 accessions grown on the islands of Tenerife and La Palma (Spain) and harvested during the period between June and November 2005. Significant differences in chemical composition and morphology between the chayote accessions studied were observed. The accession 4 features a high mineral content and soluble solids (Brix degree) and low water content, while the accession 1 had high contents of Na, ash and ascorbic acid. The moisture content and ascorbic acid varied depending on the portion of the fruit analyzed, however, the contents of phenolic compounds and ash were not affected. The sampling date showed a great influence on the chemical composition, the greatest differences observed in the samples harvested in the month of November autumn, with respect to the remaining summer months. Discriminant analysis allowed differentiate samples chayota according to the accession and sampling date, so it is a very useful tool for the characterization of these samples(AU)

Nutrição e saúde: o papel do ultraprocessamento de alimentos / Nutrition and health the role of the ultra-processed foods

Introdução: A prevalência de obesidade e doenças crônicas não transmissíveis tem aumentado em todo o mundo, enquanto as deficiências de micronutrientes continuam sendo um grave problema de saúde pública. Este cenário tem sido impulsionado, entre outros fatores, por transformações recentes no sistema alimentar global, caracterizadas principalmente pela substituição dos hábitos alimentares tradicionais pelo consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados. Objetivos: Os objetivos deste estudo são analisar o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados no Brasil e sua influência sobre a qualidade nutricional da alimentação e indicadores de obesidade e avaliar o uso de dados de aquisição domiciliar de alimentos para estimar o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados. Métodos: Foram produzidos quatro manuscritos baseados em dados da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares 2008-2009. Os três primeiros utilizaram dados do módulo de consumo alimentar individual, que avaliou 34.003 adolescentes e adultos brasileiros. Todos os alimentos consumidos foram classificados de acordo com as características do processamento industrial. Alimentos ultraprocessados foram definidos como formulações industriais feitas predominantemente de substâncias extraídas diretamente de alimentos (óleos, gorduras, açúcar), derivadas de constituintes de alimentos (gorduras hidrogenadas, amido modificado) ou sintetizadas em laboratório a partir de matérias orgânicas (corantes, aromatizantes, realçadores de sabor).

Introduction: Rates of obesity and other chronic diseases have increased worldwide while micronutrient deficiencies remain a serious public health problem. This transition is paralleled with recent transformations in the globalizing food system, mainly characterized by the replacement of traditional food habits by the consumption of ultra-processed foods. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the consumption of ultra-processed foods in Brazil and its influence on the nutritional dietary quality and on obesity indicators, and to evaluate the use of household food acquisition data to estimate actual consumption of ultra-processed foods. Methods: Four manuscripts were produced based on data from the Brazilian Household Budget Survey 2008-2009. The first three manuscripts were based on the module of individual food consumption, which evaluated 34,003 Brazilian adolescents and adults. All food items were classified according to characteristics of food processing. Ultra-processed foods were defined as industrial formulations that are predominantly made from substances that are extracted from food (oils, fats, sugar), derived from food constituents (hydrogenated fats, modified starch) or synthesized in a laboratory from organic materials (colorants, flavorings, flavor enhancers).

New metrics of affordable nutrition: which vegetables provide most nutrients for least cost?

Measuring food prices per gram, rather than per calorie, is one way to make healthful vegetables appear less expensive. However, a better measure of affordability would take the nutrient content of vegetables into account. This study, based on analyses of US Department of Agriculture datasets, aimed to identify which vegetables, including juices and soups, provided the most nutrients per unit cost. Nutrient density was measured using the Nutrient Rich Foods (NRF) index, based on nine nutrients to encourage: protein; fiber; vitamins A, C, and E; calcium; iron; magnesium; and potassium; and on three nutrients to limit: saturated fat, added sugar, and sodium. Food cost in dollars was calculated per 100 g, per 100 kcal, per serving, and per nutrient content. One-way analyses of variance with post hoc tests were used to determine statistical significance. Results showed that tomato juices and tomato soups, dark green leafy and nonleafy vegetables, and deep yellow vegetables, including sweet potatoes, had the highest NRF scores overall. Highest NRF scores per dollar were obtained for sweet potatoes, white potatoes, tomato juices and tomato soups, carrots, and broccoli. Tomato sauces, raw tomatoes, and potato chips were eaten more frequently than were many other vegetables that were both more affordable and more nutrient-rich. These new measures of affordable nutrition can help foodservice and health professionals identify those vegetables that provide the highest nutrient density per unit cost. Processed vegetables, including soups and juices, can contribute to the quality and the affordability of the diet.

Bebida à base de flocos de abóbora com inulina: características prebióticas e aceitabilidade / Drink based on pumpkin flakes containing insulin: prebiotic characteristics and acceptability

OBJETIVO: Formular bebida para crianças de 4 a 6 anos, à base de flocos de abóbora adicionada de inulina, e caracterizá-la quanto ao valor nutricional, à aceitação e ao efeito prebiótico. MÉTODOS: O valor nutricional da bebida foi avaliado por meio de análise da umidade, de proteínas, lipídeos, cinzas, fibra alimentar, carboidratos e carotenóides. As características microbiológicas foram avaliadas por meio de análises de coliformes a 35ºC e a 45ºC, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella ssp, Bacillus cereus, de contagem padrão de aeróbios, bolores e leveduras. A aceitabilidade foi determinada por testes sensoriais, aplicados em duas creches da região metropolitana do Recife (PE), o efeito prebiótico foi avaliado por fermentação in vitro, em meio diferencial para bactérias homefermentativas e heterofermentativas-Ágar, e as análises de ácidos graxos de cadeia curta, foram avaliadas por cromatografia a gás. RESULTADOS: Os resultados físico-químicos demonstram que as formulações pouco diferiram quanto à composição centesimal e que a ingestão 200mL/dia contribui, em média, com 10,8 por cento, 36,0 por cento, 10,2 por cento, 12,6 por cento, 37,1 por cento e 126,4 por cento da Recomendação de Ingestão Diária de energia, proteínas, carboidratos, lipídeos, fibra alimentar e carotenóides, respectivamente. Os resultados microbiológicos comprovaram a inocuidade do produto; os sensoriais que as formulações obtiveram uma aceitação em torno de 70 por cento e os dados da avaliação do efeito prebiótico sugerem maior estudo sobre o tema. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados permitem concluir que as formulações são nutricionalmente adequadas para pequenas refeições de crianças de 4 a 6 anos, pois, além de prevenir a carência de vitamina A apresentam indícios de efeitos prebióticos.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to formulate a drink for kids aging from 4 to 6 years based on pumpkin seeds and with insulin, and characterize the drink regarding its nutritional value, acceptance and prebiotic effect. METHODS: The nutritional value of the drink was assessed by determining moisture, proteins, lipids, ash, dietary fiber, carbohydrates and carotenoids. The microbiological characteristics were assessed by coliform analysis at 35ºC and 45ºC, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella ssp, Bacillus cereus, standard aerobic organism count, yeasts and molds. Acceptance was determined by sensory tests in two daycare units of the metropolitan region of Recife (PE). The prebiotic effect was assessed by in vitro fermentation in a differential medium for homofermentative and heterofermentative bacteria. Short chain fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography. RESULTS: The physical-chemical results showed that the formulations differed slightly regarding the centesimal composition and that the ingestion of 200mL/day contributes, on average, with 10.8 percent, 36.0 percent, 10.2 percent, 12.6 percent, 37.1 percent and 126.4 percent of the recommended daily intake of energy, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, dietary fiber and carotenoids respectively. The microbiological results proved that the product is innocuous. The acceptance of the product was of roughly 70 percent. The results of the prebiotic effects showed that more research is necessary. CONCLUSION: The results allow us to conclude that the formulations are nutritionally adequate for small meals of children aging from 4 to 6 years, since the product not only avoids vitamin A deficiency but also presents evidence of some prebiotic effects.