Adulterated dietary supplements commercialized in Brazil: development of a screening method and a preliminary study of cytotoxicity.

The high consumption of dietary supplements was a fundamental driver for the creation of the regulatory framework by the Brazilian governmental authorities. However, the regulatory agencies lack official low-cost methodologies to evaluate the quality of food supplements. A preliminary screening method by HPLC-DAD was proposed and validated for screening and quantification of adulterants in dietary supplements. The limits of detection and quantification were <0.11 and 0.37 µg.g-1, respectively. The method was applied for the investigation of ten unauthorized substances (spironolactone, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, clenbuterol, testosterone, testosterone propionate, yohimbine, vardenafil, tadalafil, and sildenafil) with a time of analysis of <5 min. Sixteen percent of the 44 samples analyzed had at least one adulterant at or above therapeutic concentrations. Subsequently, in vitro evaluations were performed of the potential cytotoxicity to evaluate the cell viability, DNA damage, determination of nitric oxide levels, and quantification of reactive oxygen species. Despite the necessity of further studies, the results indicate a relationship between the presence of adulterants in food supplements and a potential cytotoxic effect.

Human Health Risk Assessment of Arsenic and Other Metals in Herbal Products Containing St. John's Wort in the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City.

Consumption of St. John's wort plant is high worldwide due to its various medicinal properties. However, herbal products containing St. John's wort may be contaminated with toxic metals. This is often related to contamination of both water and the atmosphere, lack of proper cultivation methods, and inadequate plant storage conditions, as well as a lack of stricter sanitary supervision. A safety assessment of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) content in 23 products containing St. John's wort (pharmaceutical herbal products, food supplements and traditional herbal remedies) sold in the metropolitan area of Mexico City was conducted. The analysis of metals was determined using a graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. All herbal products were contaminated with Cu, Pb, Cd and As. The pharmaceutical herbal items showed less contamination by metals. The daily human intake (DHI) values for Pb exceeded the permissible limits in the group of traditional herbal remedies. The DHI calculation for As exceeded the permitted intake values for all items in the group of traditional herbal remedies, five food supplements and one pharmaceutical herbal product. The hazard indicator calculation of the non-carcinogenic cumulative risk values for traditional herbal remedies was greater than 1, suggesting a risk to human health.

Effect of Dietary Supplements with ω-3 Fatty Acids, Ascorbic Acid, and Polyphenolic Antioxidant Flavonoid on Gene Expression, Organ Failure, and Mortality in Endotoxemia-Induced Septic Rats.

Sepsis syndrome develops through enhanced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Sepsis syndrome is characterized by vascular hyperpermeability, hypotension, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and increased mortality, among others. Endotoxemia-derived sepsis is an important cause of sepsis syndrome. During endotoxemia, circulating endotoxin interacts with endothelial cells (ECs), inducing detrimental effects on endothelium function. The endotoxin induces the conversion of ECs into fibroblasts, which are characterized by a massive change in the endothelial gene-expression pattern. This downregulates the endothelial markers and upregulates fibrotic proteins, mesenchymal transcription factors, and extracellular matrix proteins, producing endothelial fibrosis. Sepsis progression is modulated by the consumption of specific nutrients, including ω-3 fatty acids, ascorbic acid, and polyphenolic antioxidant flavonoids. However, the underlying mechanism is poorly described. The notion that gene expression is modulated during inflammatory conditions by nutrient consumption has been reported. However, it is not known whether nutrient consumption modulates the fibrotic endothelial gene-expression pattern during sepsis as a mechanism to decrease vascular hyperpermeability, hypotension, MODS, and mortality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the consumption of dietary ω-3 fatty acids, ascorbic acid, and polyphenolic antioxidant flavonoid supplements on the modulation of fibrotic endothelial gene-expression patterns during sepsis and to determine the effects on sepsis outcomes. Our results indicate that the consumption of supplements based on ω-3 fatty acids and polyphenolic antioxidant flavonoids was effective for improving endotoxemia outcomes through prophylactic ingestion and therapeutic usage. Thus, our findings indicated that specific nutrient consumption improves sepsis outcomes and should be considered in treatment.

Effects of bioactive compounds from Pleurotus mushrooms on COVID-19 risk factors associated with the cardiovascular system.

Mushrooms are a group of fungi with great diversity and ultra-accelerated metabolism. As a consequence, mushrooms have developed a protective mechanism consisting of high concentrations of antioxidants such as selenium, polyphenols, ß-glucans, ergothioneine, various vitamins and other bioactive metabolites. The mushrooms of the Pleurotus genus have generated scientific interest due to their therapeutic properties, especially related to risk factors connected to the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this report, we highlight the therapeutic properties of Pleurotus mushrooms that may be associated with a reduction in the severity of COVID-19: antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, antiatherogenic, anticholesterolemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihyperglycemic properties. These properties may interact significantly with risk factors for COVID-19 severity, and the therapeutic potential of these mushrooms for the treatment or prevention of this disease is evident. Besides this, studies show that regular consumption of Pleurotus species mushrooms or components isolated from their tissues is beneficial for immune health. Pleurotus species mushrooms may have a role in the prevention or treatment of infectious diseases either as food supplements or as sources for pharmacological agents.

Physically inactive adults are the main users of sports dietary supplements in the capital of Brazil.

PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study aimed to provide estimates of dietary supplements (DS) use and to examine the relationship between sports dietary supplements (SDS) use and sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristic, body mass index and total daily physical activity (PA) in the adult population of Brasília, Brazil. METHODS: DS use was collected from 506 adults via a Food Frequency Questionnaire. DS were divided into multivitamin-minerals, electrolyte drinks, energy, protein, partial meal replacements, creatine, caffeine, and others. Electrolyte drinks, energy, and protein supplements were considered as SDS. PA was estimated from a 24-h PA recall, and total MET (metabolic equivalents)/day and MET-h/day were calculated. Participants were categorized as physically inactive or active according to MET-h/day. RESULTS: DS were used by 68% of adults; multivitamin-minerals (38%) and protein supplements (29%) were the most commonly used products. SDS use was associated with the highest socioeconomic level, younger age, and male gender, but not with PA. Also, most SDS users were physically inactive. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that SDS may be used unnecessarily by adults in Brasília. Specific recommendations and control procedures for the use of SDS are warranted.

Determination of in vitro digestibility of forage species used in ruminant feeding.

Within the evaluation of the quality of forage resources, the main parameter that defines it is the digestibility of dry matter, which together with the amount of neutral and acidic detergent fibers and crude protein constitutes the basic information to assess forages which are supplied in the diet of the cattle. This research was carried out at the University of Los Llanos (Villavicencio, Colombia), and its objective was to determine the digestibility of three forages in cattle through three different in vitro techniques: inoculation with ruminal fluid and with feces and enzymatic digestibility technique, making the comparison with the in situ technique in order to validate the techniques and equipment that are being used for these procedures. The following species were evaluated: Pennisetum purpureum (PP), Tithonia diversifolia (TD), and Bauhinia variegata (BV), assessing the curve and rate of degradation of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and total protein (TP) (0 to 72 h). A design of repeated measures was used, under which the analysis of variance was carried out to determine the ranges of deviation between the techniques and thus establish the trend of the data; the variables evaluated were the DM, NDF, and TP digestibilities of the three forages using the four techniques (three in vitro and one in situ). After verifying the differences between the variances of the digestibilities and checking the sphericity assumption with the Mauchly test, multiple comparisons were made with the Bonferroni test with a significance of 5%. The digestibility of DM, NDF, and TP varied between 38.62 and 44.22, 54.18 and 66.97, and 47.54 and 57.05%; 49.07 and 70.70, 72.52 and 75.44, and 62.61 and 74.02%; 29.93 and 34.84, 26.21 and 70.88, and 25.67 and 50.60% respectively in forages PP, TD, and BV, depending on the technique used for their estimation. Despite finding statistically significant differences between several of the comparisons made in the digestibility techniques, a high coefficient of determination and a high correlation between the in vitro estimations with respect to the in situ estimation were found; therefore, it is possible to use these techniques routinely thus avoiding the need to have cattle with fistulae to perform digestibility tests, with enzymatic digestibility technique being the most practical one.

Polymethoxy-1-Alkenes Screening of Chlorella and Spirulina Food Supplements Coupled with In Vivo Toxicity Studies.

Selected species of cyanobacteria and green algae have been reported to produce lipophilic polymethoxy-1-alkenes (PMAs) which were shown to exhibit in vivo teratogenicity. Considering that information on PMAs in Arthospira sp. (known commercially as Spirulina) and Chlorella sp. cultivated for food supplement production was essentially lacking, the present study screened Chlorella (n = 10) and Spirulina (n = 13) food supplements registered in the European Union. Mass spectrometry analysis of column fractionated extracts was performed. None of the four variants previously reported in some cyanobacteria and green algae, nor any potentially related structures were detected in the studied samples. Since the isolated lipophilic fractions contained various compounds, they were further screened for in vivo teratogenicity in Danio rerio embryo, and for the potential to induce oxidative stress and genotoxicity in the liver and neurotoxicity in the brain of adult zebrafish. None of the tested food supplements had detectable levels of PMAs or any potentially related structures. No teratogenicity was revealed except for spinal curvature induced by fractions obtained from two Chlorella products. Selected fractions revealed cytotoxicity as indicated by an increased level of reactive oxygen species, catalase activity, lipid peroxidation and increased frequency of DNA strand breaks in hepatic tissue. The majority (60%) of Chlorella fractions induced an increase in cholinesterase activity in zebrafish brain homogenate while exposure to 61.5% of Spirulina fractions was associated with its decrease. The present study confirms that Chlorella and Spirulina food supplements are free of teratogenic PMAs, although the observed in vivo toxicities raise questions regarding the quality of selected products.

Closing the Nutrition Impact Gap Using Program Impact Pathway Analyses to Inform the Need for Program Modifications in Mexico's Conditional Cash Transfer Program.

BACKGROUND: Mexico's Prospera-Oportunidades-Progresa Conditional Cash Transfer Program (CCT-POP) included the distribution of fortified food supplements (FFS) for pregnant and lactating women and young children. Rigorous evaluations showed significant impacts on nutrition outcomes but also substantial gaps in addressing nutrition problems. OBJECTIVES: To highlight the program design-related and implementation-related gaps and challenges that motivated further research and the eventual design and roll-out of a modified nutrition component for CCT-POP. METHODS: We used a program impact pathway approach to highlight the extent and quality of implementation of CCT-POP, and its impact on nutrition outcomes. We drew on previously published and new primary data, organized into 3 sources: impact evaluations, studies to inform reformulation of the FFS, and a longitudinal follow-up study using qualitative and quantitative methods to document FFS use and the dietary intake of women and children. RESULTS: Despite positive impacts, a high prevalence of malnutrition persisted in the population. Coverage and use of health services improved, but quality of care was lacking. Consumption of FFS among lactating women was irregular. Micronutrient intake improved among children who consumed FFS, but the pattern of use limited frequency and quantity consumed. Substantial diversity in the prevalence of undernutrition was documented, as was an increased risk of overweight and obesity among women. CONCLUSIONS: Three key design and implementation challenges were identified. FFS, although well accepted for children, had limited potential to substantially modify the quality of children's diets because of the pattern of use in the home. The communications strategy was ineffective and ill-suited to its objective of motivating FFS use. Finally, the program with its common design across all regions of Mexico was not well adapted to the special needs of some subgroups, particularly indigenous populations. The studies reviewed in this paper motivated additional research and the eventual redesign of the nutrition component.

Perfil hídrico e consumo de suplementos por frequentadores de academias / Water profile and consumption of supplements by academics / Perfil hídrico y consumo de suplementos por frecuentadores de gimnasios

Objetivo: avaliar o perfil hídrico e o consumo de suplementos de pessoas fisicamente ativas inseridas em academias da cidade Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Método: Trata-se de estudo transversal, realizado com praticantes de atividade física, em 2018. Participaram da pesquisa 200 pessoas, maiores de 20 anos, de ambos os sexos, frequentadores de academias. Realizou-se a avaliação nutricional dos participantes, com aplicação de questionário estruturado, contendo questões relacionadas à prática de atividade física, ingestão hídrica e uso de suplementos alimentares. Resultados: dentre os participantes, 52,5% era do sexo feminino e 65% estavam com peso adequado. Verificou-se que a 71% da população estuda consumia mais que dois litros de água por dia. Dentre os praticantes de atividade física, 60,5% e 99% não faziam o uso de suplementos e anabolizantes, respectivamente. Além disso, 96% não utilizavam ergogênicos. Conclusão: este estudo demonstrou que a população estudada possui ingestão adequada de água e baixo consumo de suplementos, anabolizantes e ergogênicos.(AU)

Objective: to evaluate the water profile and the consumption of supplements by physically active people inserted in academies of the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Method: This is a cross-sectional study, carried out with physical activity practitioners in 2018. The study included 200 people, over 20 years old, of both sexes, attending academies. The nutritional evaluation of the participants was carried out with the application of a structured questionnaire containing questions related to the practice of physical activity, water intake and use of dietary supplements. Results: among the participants, 52.5% were female and 47.5% male. Among all respondents, 65% had normal weight. It was found that 71% of the study population consumed more than two liters of water per day. Among practitioners of physical activity, 60.5% and 99% were not using supplements and steroids, respectively. In addition, 96% of the participants did not use ergogenics. Conclusion: this study demonstrated that the population had adequate water intake and low intake of supplements, steroids and ergogenics.(AU)

Objetivo: evaluar el perfil hídrico y el consumo de suplementos de personas físicamente activas insertadas en gimnasios de la ciudad Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Método: Se trata de un estudio transversal, realizado con practicantes de actividad física, en 2018. Participaron de la investigación 200 personas, mayores de 20 años, de ambos sexos, frecuentadores de gimnasios. Se realizó la evaluación nutricional de los participantes, con aplicación de cuestionario estructurado, conteniendo cuestiones relacionadas a la práctica de actividad física, ingestión hídrica y uso de suplementos alimenticios. Resultados: de los participantes, el 52,5% era del sexo femenino y el 47,5% del sexo masculino. Entre todos los entrevistados, el 65% estaba con peso adecuado. Se verificó que el 71% de la población estudia consumía más de dos litros de agua al día. Entre los practicantes de actividad física, el 60,5% y el 99% no hacían el uso de suplementos y anabolizantes, respectivamente. Además, el 96% de los estudiados no utilizaba ergogénicos. Conclusión: este estudio demostró que la población estudiada posee ingestión adecuada de agua y bajo consumo de suplementos, anabolizantes y ergogénicos.(AU)

Anti-inflammatory evaluation and acute toxicity of three food supplements that contain Moussonia deppeana.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the anti-inflammatory activity through two murine models and in the median Lethal Dose (LD50) of three dietary supplements that contain Moussonia deppeana. METHODS: The anti-inflammatory activity of three dietary supplements (Cicatrisan/Gastricus®, Gastinol®, and Gastrovita®) EtOH extracts was evaluated by TPA and by carrageenan murine models; also, median Lethal Dose (LD50) was determined. Verbascoside was quantified by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. ß-sitosterol, stigmasterol and the mixture of ursolic and oleanolic acids were identified in all supplements by TLC; however, none of these dietary supplements contain verbascoside. RESULTS: For the TPA model, Cicatrisan/Gastricus® generated a notable effect with 38.24% inhibition. While in the carrageenan model, it also exhibited noteworthy anti-inflammatory activity of ear edema with 66.39% of paw edema inhibition at 150 mg/kg, followed by Gastinol® and Gastrovita® with ≈50% at 300 mg/kg. Finally, LD50 was >2 g/kg for all supplements, when was administered intragastrically and Body Weight (BW) gain in mice was not altered after 14 days. CONCLUSIONS: Of the three food supplements containing M. deppeana, only the EtOH extract from Cicatrisan/Gastricus® formulation (tablets) showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in both experimental models and the LD50 was >2 g/kg.

Liquid chromatographic determination of caffeine and adrenergic stimulants in food supplements sold in Brazilian e-commerce for weight loss and physical fitness.

Methyl-xanthines and adrenergic stimulants, such as caffeine and synephrine, are commonly added to food supplements due to their stimulating and thermogenic effects. In addition, the abusive consumption of food supplements with ergogenic and aesthetic purposes has been observed worldwide. This work describes the study of caffeine, p-synephrine, hordenine, octopamine, tyramine, ephedrine and salicin as stimulants in dietary supplements marketed in Brazil for weight loss and physical fitness claims. A total of 94 different products were acquired from 30 Brazilian websites. Thus, the sampling of marketed supplements was performed in virtual commerce (e-commerce) with claims of weight loss, appetite reduction, fat burning and metabolism acceleration. The developed analytical method involved the separation of the stimulants by HPLC with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) by using a gradient elution of flow rate (0.7-2.5 ml min(-1)) and mobile phase composition (0.1% H3PO4/methanol). The validated method was applied to the study of 46 dietary supplements. Caffeine, p-synephrine and ephedrine were found to be present as stimulants in 52% of the studied samples marketed as encapsulated or bulk forms. Caffeine was found to be present in concentrations that represent doses from 25.0 to 1476.7 mg day(-1). Synephrine was found in concentrations that represent doses from 59.1 to 127.0 mg day(-1). Ephedrine was found to be associated with caffeine in one formulation at a concentration representing a 26.1 mg day(-1) dosage.

CONHECIMENTO SOBRE NUTRIÇÃO E CONSUMO DE SUPLEMENTOS EM ACADEMIAS DE GINÁSTICA DE JUIZ DE FORA, BRASIL / KNOWLEDGE ON NUTRITION AND SUPPLEMENT CONSUMPTION AT FITNESS CENTERS IN THE CITY OF JUIZ DE FORA, BRAZIL / CONOCIMIENTO SOBRE NUTRICIÓN Y CONSUMO DE SUPLEMENTOS EN GIMNASIOS EN LA CIUDAD DE JUIZ DE FORA, BRASIL

Introdução O consumo de suplementos alimentares tem ganhado destaque entre desportistas. Contudo, mudanças nos hábitos alimentares são menos expressivas nesta população. Objetivo Verificar o uso de suplementos alimentares e o conhecimento sobre princípios básicos de nutrição de desportistas frequentadores de academias da cidade de Juiz de Fora, MG, Brasil. Métodos Estudo transversal, em 19 academias selecionadas por sorteio. A amostra totalizou 348 indivíduos maiores de 18 anos, de ambos os sexos, frequentadores das academias participantes, que concordaram em responder ao questionário contendo questões relacionadas aos dados sociodemográficos, prática de atividade física, conhecimento sobre nutrição e uso de suplementos alimentares. Resultados Dos participantes, 55% afirmaram se sentir insatisfeitos com o peso. Ao verificar o conhecimento prévio dos participantes sobre nutrição, 41,5% afirmaram que os micronutrientes são fornecedores de calorias; 79% da amostra conhecem a função dos macronutrientes, contudo desconhecem, na totalidade, as principais fontes alimentares dos mesmos. A proteína foi o nutriente que segundo 66% dos entrevistados deveria estar em maior proporção na dieta. Dos 54% de participantes que fazem uso de suplementos 43,9% utilizam um suplemento, 19,1% dois, 30,5% de três a quatro e 6,3% mais de quatro por dia. A orientação para este consumo partiu 34,2% das vezes do nutricionista, 31% do educador físico, seguido por outros meios de indicação; o objetivo de ganho de massa magra foi o mais citado (58,2%). Conclusão Este trabalho demonstrou elevado consumo de suplementos, insatisfação corporal e equívocos sobre conceitos básicos em nutrição.

Introduction The consumption of food supplements has been gaining prestige among athletes. However, changes in eating habits are less expressive in this population. Objective To verify the use of food supplements by athlete-users of fitness centers in the city of Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil as well as their knowledge of the basic principles of nutrition. Methods Cross-sectional study in 19 fitness centers selected using a drawing. The sample included 348 participants over age 18 of both sexes who are users of the selected fitness centers and who agreed to answer a questionnaire containing questions related to sociodemographic data, physical activity, knowledge of nutrition, and use of food supplements. Results Fifty-five percent of participants said they feel dissatisfied with their weight. When checking participants' background knowledge of nutrition, 41.5% said that micronutrients supply calories, 79% of the sample knew the function of macronutrients, but all respondents were not aware of the main food sources of these macronutrients. According to 66% of respondents, protein is the nutrient that should make up the greatest proportion of the diet. Out of the 54% of participants who use supplements, 43.9% use one supplement, 19.1% use two, 30.5% use three to four and 6.3% use more than four per day. Of this group, 34.2% said they were advised on the use of supplements by a nutritionist, while 31% were advised by a physical educator, followed by other means of receiving recommendations. The most frequently mentioned goal was lean mass gain (58.2%). Conclusion This study showed high consumption of supplements, body dissatisfaction and misconceptions about basic concepts of nutrition.

Introducción El consumo de suplementos alimenticios ha ganado prominencia entre los deportistas. Sin embargo, los cambios en los hábitos alimenticios son menos expresivos en esta población. Objetivo Investigar el uso de suplementos alimenticios y el conocimiento sobre los principios básicos de la nutrición de los deportistas de gimnasios en la ciudad de Juiz de Fora, MG, Brasil. Métodos Estudio transversal en 19 gimnasios seleccionados por sorteo. La muestra consistió de 348 sujetos mayores de 18 años, de ambos sexos, asistentes de los gimnasios participantes, que aceptaran participar y contestar el cuestionario con preguntas relacionadas con datos socio-demográficos, la práctica de actividad física, conocimientos de nutrición y el uso de suplementos alimenticios. Resultados Del total de los participantes, el 55% dijeron sentirse insatisfechos con el peso. Tras un análisis de los antecedentes de los participantes acerca de la nutrición, el 41,5% dijeron que los micronutrientes son proveedores de calorías; el 79% de la muestra tuvieran conocimiento de la función de los macronutrientes, pero ignoran por completo las principales fuentes de los mismos. La proteína fue el nutriente que de acuerdo con el 66% de los participantes, tiene que estar en mayor proporción en la dieta. Del 54% de los participantes que usan suplementos, el 43,9% utilizan un suplemento, el 19,1% dos; el 30,5% tres a cuatro y el 6,3% más de cuatro por día. La orientación de un nutricionista en el consumo de suplementos fue del 34,2%, el 31% del educador físico, seguido por otros medios de indicación; el objetivo de aumento de masa magra fue la más citada (58,2%). Conclusión Este trabajo demostró un alto consumo de suplementos, de insatisfacción corporal y nociones erróneas acerca de conceptos básicos de nutrición.

Homologous human milk supplement for very low birth weight preterm infant feeding / Aditivo homólogo para a alimentação do recém-nascido pré-termo de muito baixo peso

OBJECTIVE: To develop a homologous human milk supplement for very low-birth weight infant feeding, using an original and simplified methodology, to know the nutritional composition of human milk fortified with this supplement and to evaluate its suitability for feeding these infants. METHODS: For the production and analysis of human milk with the homologous additive, 25 human milk samples of 45mL underwent a lactose removal process, lyophilization and then were diluted in 50mL of human milk. Measurements of lactose, proteins, lipids, energy, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and osmolality were performed. RESULTS: The composition of the supplemented milk was: lactose 9.22±1.00g/dL; proteins 2.20±0.36g/dL; lipids 2.91±0.57g/dL; calories 71.93±8.69kcal/dL; osmolality 389.6±32.4mOsmol/kgH2O; sodium 2.04±0.45mEq/dL; potassium 1.42±0.15mEq/dL; calcium 43.44±2.98mg/dL; and phosphorus 23.69±1.24mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: According to the nutritional contents analyzed, except for calcium and phosphorus, human milk with the proposed supplement can meet the nutritional needs of the very low-birth weight preterm infant. .

OBJETIVO: Elaborar com metodologia original e simplificada um aditivo homólogo do leite humano para a alimentação do recém-nascido de muito baixo peso, conhecer a composição nutricional do leite humano fortificado com esse aditivo e avaliar sua adequação para a alimentação desses recém-nascidos. MÉTODOS: Para a produção e análise do leite humano com o aditivo homólogo, 25 amostras de 45 mL de leite humano passaram por processos de retirada de lactose, liofilização e foram diluídas em 50 mL de leite humano. Foram feitas dosagens de lactose, proteínas, lipídios, energia, sódio, potássio, cálcio, fósforo e osmolalidade. RESULTADOS: A composição do leite aditivado foi lactose 9,22 ± 1 g/dL; proteínas 2,20 ± 0,36 g/dL; lípides 2,91 ± 0,57 g/dL; calorias 71,93 ± 8,69 kcal/dL; osmolalidade 389,6 ± 32,4mOsmol/kgH2O; sódio 2,04 ± 0,45mEq/dL; potássio 1,42 ± 0,15mEq/dL; cálcio 43,44 ± 2,98 mg/dL; e fósforo 23,69 ± 1,24 mg/dL. CONCLUSÕES: De acordo com os teores nutricionais analisados, com exceção do cálcio e do fósforo, o leite humano com o aditivo proposto pode atender às necessidades nutricionais do recém-nascido pré-termo de muito baixo peso. .

Nutraceuticals: a novel concept in prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

Alzheimer's disease is a growing health problem worldwide. The pharmaceutical industry has not recently developed any new drugs that have had a significant impact on the natural history of the disease, so considerable attention has been given to nutraceuticals and nutritional bioactive compounds that can be obtained directly from diet or supplementation. These compounds may be able to modify physiopathological processes responsible for neurodegeneration and/or to have pro-cognitive properties. Here, we review current knowledge on the role of diet modifications, lipid and carbohydrates consumption, vitamin supplementation, and the possible effects of antioxidant and nutraceutical compounds with neuroprotective activity, in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

Efecto de la suplementación con grasas protegidas sobre parámetros productivos y reproductivos en vacas lactantes / Effect of protected fat supplementation on productive and reproductive performance in lactating cow

Objetivo. Investigar el efecto de la suplementación con jabones cálcicos protegidos, conteniendo ácidos grasos omega 3 ó 6 sobre la producción, composición de la leche y desempeño reproductivo. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaron 24 vacas en un diseño mixto desde 20 días antes de la fecha prevista del parto hasta 105 días postparto, asignadas a los diferentes tratamientos; C: dieta control, O6: animales suplementados con grasas protegidas conteniendo omega 6 y O3: animales suplementados con grasas protegidas conteniendo omega 3. Se determinó la producción y la composición de la leche, así como la condición corporal (CC), el primer calor y primera ovulación posparto. Resultados. La suplementación con omega 3 ó 6 no afectó la producción láctea, ni los porcentajes de grasa, proteína, sólidos no grasos (SNG) y sólidos totales (ST). Sin embargo, hubo un efecto positivo a los 45 días posparto sobre la CC cuando los animales fueron suplementados con omega 6 (p<0.05) lo que se reflejó en una recuperación ovárica posparto más rápida (42.24±16.75 días a la primera ovulación posparto). Conclusiones. La utilización de la suplementación con omega 6 mejoró la condición corporal de los animales en el posparto temprano, disminuyendo los días a la primera ovulación y primer calor posparto, sin afectar la producción ni composición de la leche. La suplementación con omega 3 no influyó en ningún parámetro productivo en el posparto temprano.

Objective. To investigate the effects of supplements with protected fat such as calcium soaps containing omega 3 or 6 milk production, composition and reproductive performance. Materials and methods. Twenty-four Holstein cows were used in a mixed model design. From 20 days before calving until 105 days postpartum, cows were assigned to different treatments; C: control diet, O6: animals supplemented with protected unsaturated fat including a higher amount of omega, 6 and O3: animals fed with protected unsaturated fat including higher amounts of omega 3. Milk volume and composition, and body condition score (CC) were determined, along with the first postpartum heat and ovulation. Results. Supplementation with omega 3 or 6 had no effect on milk volume, and fat percentages, protein, milk non-fat solids (SNF) and total solids (ST). However, there is a positive effect of omega 6 supplementation on the CC at 45 days postpartum (p<0.05). This was also reflected in a faster ovarian recovery (42.24±16.75 days to first postpartum ovulation). Conclusions. The use of omega 6 supplementation improves body condition score of animals during early postpartum, decreasing the days to the first ovulation and postpartum heat without affecting the volume or composition of the milk. Supplementation with omega 3 does not affect any productive parameters in the early postpartum.

Herbal Reference Standards: applications, definitions and regulatory requirements

This review concerns the definitions and appropriate analytical characterisations of herbal reference standards within the framework of regulatory requirements. It describes currently applicable rules and regulations, as well as future issues relating to the European Pharmacopoeia and United States Pharmacopoeia. It provides an update on the use and availability of pharmacopoeial (EP and USP) herbal reference standards since our last review was published in 2009. The continuing challenges facing manufacturers, suppliers and analysts are discussed on the basis of exemplary reference substances for herbal products in medicinal and food products. The article also reviews the special aspects of Brazilian stipulations (Brazilian Pharmacopoeia, Anvisa) by comparison with European regulations. The term herbal products as used throughout this article refers to herbal drugs, herbal preparations and finished herbal medicinal products unless a different meaning is obvious from the context. More specific terms are used where necessary.

Fatores associados ao uso de suplementos em recém-natos em alojamento conjunto no município do Rio de Janeiro, 2009 / Factors associated with the use of supplements among newborns in communal wards in Rio de Janeiro, 2009

O Hospital Amigo da Criança preconiza só dar leite materno a recém-nascidos, a não ser que haja indicação médica". O objetivo foi estimar a prevalência do uso de suplementos em recém-natos e analisar os fatores associados a este. Estudo transversal realizado em 2009 mediante entrevista a amostra representativa de 687 mães em alojamento conjunto em 15 hospitais do Sistema Único de Saúde no município do Rio de Janeiro. Foram obtidas razões de prevalência do uso de suplementos por regressão de Poisson com variância robusta, segundo modelo hierarquizado. A prevalência de uso de suplementos foi de 49,8%, tendo como fatores associados: realização de teste rápido anti-HIV (RP = 1,37; IC95%:1,18-1,58), parto cesáreo (RP = 1,57; IC95%:1,38-1,79), não ajuda na sala de parto para amamentar (RP = 1,60; IC95%:1,29-1,99), afastamento do bebê de sua mãe (RP = 1,24; IC95%:1,05-1,46), uso de chupeta (RP = 1,31; IC95%:1,08-1,58), intercorrências maternas ou neonatais (RP = 1,56; IC95%:1,34-1,82), certificação como HAC (RP = 0,52; IC95%:0,44-0,61) e não recebimento de ajuda no alojamento conjunto para amamentar (RP = 0,78; IC95%:0,66-0,92). A suplementação ao leite materno vem sendo amplamente utilizada. Rotinas hospitalares devem ser revistas para que o aleitamento materno exclusivo converta-se em norma.

The scope of this study was to estimate the prevalence of the use of supplements among newborns and analyze the factors associated with their use. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2009 with a representative sample of 687 mothers interviewed in 15 communal wards in hospitals of the Unified Health System in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Prevalence ratios (PR) of supplement use were obtained by Poisson Regression with robust variance, using a hierarchical model. The prevalence of supplement use was 49.8%. Factors associated with supplement use were: being submitted to the rapid HIV test (PR = 1.37; CI95%:1.18-1.58); cesarean delivery (PR = 1.57; CI95%:1.38-1.79); not being helped to breastfeed in the delivery room (PR = 1.60; CI95%:1.29-1.99); mother-child separation (PR = 1.24; CI95%:1.05-1.46); pacifier use (PR = 1.31; CI95%:1.08-1.58); maternal or neonatal interventions (PR = 1.56; CI95%:1.34-1.82); BFH certification (PR = 0.52; CI95%:0.44-0.61); and not receiving help to breastfeed in the communal ward (PR = 0.78; CI95%:0.66-0.92). Supplements to breast milk are being widely used. Hospital routines should be reviewed, so that exclusive breastfeeding becomes the norm.

Consumo de proteína por praticantes de musculação que objetivam hipertrofia muscular / Protein consumption by bodybuilding practitioners aiming muscle hypertrophy

A grande procura por academia frequentemente está relacionada com o visual estético e na maioria dos casos com o aumento de massa muscular, principalmente por praticantes de musculação. Existe uma crença entre os atletas de que proteína (PTN) adicional aumenta a força e melhora o desempenho. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o consumo de proteína dos praticantes de musculação que objetivam hipertrofia muscular em uma academia do interior do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. A amostra foi composta por 23 praticantes de musculação, do sexo masculino, com idade entre 19 e 33 anos. Participaram do estudo os praticantes de musculação que realizavam treino para ganho de massa muscular com frequência mínima de três vezes por semana e que tinham experiência em treinamento resistido de no mínimo 12 semanas. Um formulário foi preenchido, sobre informações pessoais e alguns dados específicos em relação ao treino e à alimentação. Foi realizado registro alimentar de três dias. As medidas antropométricas foram retiradas do banco de dados do software de avaliação física da academia. Também foi avaliado o estado nutricional, através do cálculo do índice de massa corporal (IMC). A média de ingestão de proteína foi de 1,7g/kg. A massa magra atual (61,7kg) apresentou valores mais elevados que a massa magra inicial (59,9kg), sendo que esta mostrou-se menor para as três classificações (abaixo, recomendado e acima do recomendado) da ingestão de PTN. Foi detectada diferença estatística significativa para as classificações dentro da faixa recomendada (p < 0,001) e acima do recomendado (p < 0,05), em que, nas duas situações, a massa magra atual se mostrou significativamente mais elevada que a massa magra inicial. Os achados neste estudo sugerem que a amostra não se caracteriza por apresentar o consumo de PTN acima ou abaixo do recomendado, tendo característica de dieta hiperproteica.

The high demand for health clubs is often related to aesthetics and in most cases to increase of muscle mass, especially by practitioners of bodybuilding. There is a belief among athletes that additional protein (LWA) increases strength and improves performance. This study aimed to evaluate the protein consumption of bodybuilding practitioners aiming muscle mass increase, in a health club from Rio Grande do Sul. The sample consisted of 23 male bodybuilding practitioners, aged between 19 and 33 years. Bodybuilding practitioners who trained to gain muscle mass with minimum frequency of three times per week and had experience in endurance training for at least twelve weeks participated in the study. A form with personal information and some specific data concerning training and nutrition was filled out. Food record was held for three days. The anthropometric measurements were taken from the physical evaluation software database of the health club. Nutritional status was also assessed by the calculation of the Body Mass Index (BMI). Average protein intake was 1.7 g / kg. The current lean mass (61.7 kg) presented values higher than the initial lean mass (59.9 kg), which was lower for the three LWA intake classifications (low, recommended and above recommended).Statistically significant difference was detected for the classifications within the recommended range (p <0.001) and higher than recommendation (p <0.05), where, in both situations, the current lean mass was significantly higher than the initial lean mass. The findings in this study suggest that the sample is not characterized by the consumption of LWA above or below the recommendation, and presents hyperprotein diet feature.

Dismorfia muscular e o uso de suplementos ergogênicos em desportistas / Muscle dysmorphia and the use of ergogenic supplements in athletes

A dismorfia muscular (DM) é um transtorno da imagem corporal que acomete principalmente homens que, apesar da grande hipertrofia muscular, consideram-se pequenos e fracos. Tendo em vista o crescente uso de substâncias ergogênicas para o aumento de massa muscular e o elevado número de indivíduos com transtornos corporais, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a presença de DM e o uso de suplementos ergogênicos em desportistas frequentadores de academia. Foram avaliados 23 indivíduos do sexo masculino com média de idade de 24 ± 3,8 anos, praticantes de treinamento de força, com idades entre 18 e 35 anos. Para a avaliação corporal foi realizado o teste de bioimpedância, com o qual se obteve os dados de massa magra e gorda, respectivamente, de 66,5 ± 10,1kg e 10,5 ± 3,1kg. Para detectar o risco de DM, foi usada uma escala (MASS - Muscle Appearance Satisfaction Scale); se o resultado desta fosse acima de 52 pontos, estes apresentavam o risco de DM. Juntamente, foi respondido outro questionário para o conhecimento do uso de suplementos. A análise dos resultados identificou que, dos avaliados, 17,4 por cento (n = 4) apresentaram risco positivo para o desenvolvimento deste transtorno corporal; porém, destes, apenas 25 por cento declararam fazer uso de suplementos alimentares. Conclui-se que não houve relação entre o uso de suplementos e a presença de dismorfia muscular.

Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) is a body image disorder that affects especially men, who despite the large muscular hypertrophy, consider themselves tiny and weak. Considering the increasing use of ergogenic substances to increase muscular mass and the large number of individuals with body disorders, this research aim was to evaluate the presence of MD and the use of ergogenic supplements by athletes who go to health clubs. The study sample was formed by 23 male individuals with mean age of 24±3.8 years, who practice strength exercises and and aged between 18 and 35 years. Body was assessed through a bioimpedance test from which it was possible to get the data of lean and fat mass, which were 66.5±10.1Kg and 10.5±3.1Kg, respectively. DM risk was detected with a scale (MASS- Muscle appearance satisfaction scale). If the result was above 52 points, it presented DM risk. Additionally, a questionnaire was answered to provide information about the use of supplements. The results analysis showed that among the evaluated sample, 17.4 percent (n=4) demonstrated positive risk to the development of body disorders, but only 25 percent of them declared the use of food supplements. It was concluded that there was not correlation between use of supplements and presence of muscle dysmorphia.

O fim da comida: suplementação alimentar e alimentação entre frequentadores assíduos de academias de musculação e fitness do Rio de Janeiro / The end of food: dietary supplementation and diet among avid members of workout and fitness centers in Rio de Janeiro

Aborda a singularidade alimentar de um grupo de frequentadores assíduos de academias e fitness da cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Destaca a relação do alimento com a manutenção da forma física e com a sociabilidade prevalecente. Em 12 academias das Zonas Norte e Sul da cidade fizeram-se observações etnográficas - diretas e participantes - e entrevistas abertas, durante três anos. Alimentar-se, para o grupo, significa articular um sistema de saberes ligados à ciência da nutrição visando administrar a forma física e o desempenho atlético. O alimento torna-se, assim, poderoso artifício químico para o aprimoramento estético do corpo.