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Type 1 diabetes has become prevalent among the adult population, who have increasingly gained access to sensing technology. This study delved into the impact of diet, nutritional status, and the use of a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM) on glycemic regulation among adults diagnosed with T1D. Employing a prospective design, data were gathered from 151 participants aged 18–60 across multiple cycles. Participants utilized the FreeStyle Libre (FSL) Flash Glucose Monitoring (FGM) System and provided dietary details via questionnaires and diaries. The findings unveiled correlations between dietary patterns and glycemic control, with higher protein intake associated with improved glycated hemoglobin A1C values (p = 0.019), yet elevated fat and protein consumption was linked to heightened rates of hyperglycemia. Conversely, no significant relationship was observed between dietary variables and hypoglycemia occurrence. Interestingly, subjects with more readings of glucose levels consumed fewer carbohydrates (p = 0.004) and more proteins (p = 0.000). Furthermore, physical activity and marital status correlated with glycemic stability, while higher education was associated with enhanced glycemic control (p = 0.021). This study confirmed the importance of structured education on glycemic regulation and the importance of dietary patterns in glucose management. Also, the educational role of the FGM system in changing dietary habits was confirmed, which is one of the key factors for improving glycemic regulation in continuous glucose monitoring system users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with severe mental disorders often require special care. Other than institutionalized care, some organizations provide housing options and special care in the form of organized living. Few studies provide a detailed description of nutrient intake in this type of care. The aim of this prospective study was to assess nutritional status and adherence to dietary recommendations in both people with mental disorders (beneficiaries) and their caregivers. Across three levels of care, 46 beneficiaries and 19 caregivers participated in the study. The mean intakes of energy (kcal/day) and macro- and micronutrients (g/day) were estimated from a 3-day dietary record and compared with dietary reference values (DRVs) set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The majority of participants did not meet energy intake recommendations (kcal/day). The contribution of total fat to energy intake (% E) was higher than recommended in both beneficiaries and caregivers with 42.1 ± 4.4% and 38.5 ± 6.5%, respectively. A total of 45.2% of beneficiaries and 61.1% of caregivers had their carbohydrate intake within the recommended range. Fiber intake was well below the recommendations (25 g/day) in all groups. Across all levels of care, lower micronutrient intake for pantothenic acid, biotin, folate, potassium, magnesium, copper, selenium, and iodine was observed. Based on the current results, the development and implementation of nutritional guidelines may be targeted to specific populations and nutrient intakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphenols receive special attention from consumers and researchers due to their proven health benefits. They are present in different plants, and chokeberries are one of the significant polyphenol sources. Polyphenols found in chokeberries belong to the groups of phenolic acids, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols and flavanols. The highest concentration found in chokeberries belongs to proanthocyanidins followed by anthocyanins. The analysis of polyphenols is very demanding due to the great diversity and presence of conjugated forms. So, development of sensitive, rapid, and accurate analytical methods for analysis of polyphenols is very important. Liquid chromatography is a promising technique for polyphenols analysis, especially one equipped with mass spectrometry that gives additional information about molecular mass and structure. In this review, relevant studies conducted on the analysis of chokeberry polyphenols are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National food consumption survey on adolescents and adults from 10 to 99 years of age was conducted in the period from January 2018 to June 2023. Following the EU Menu methodology developed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), this survey aimed to facilitate cross‐country comparisons on dietary habits. The survey encompassed all seasons and days of the week to provide insight into the diverse patterns of food consumption. Alongside dietary data, information concerning socioeconomic factors, health status, physical activity, and food supplement usage was collected. Trained interviewers conducted the fieldwork using 24–hour recall and food diaries to record dietary intake. Data gathering and analysis were conducted using NutriCro® software. Before the main data collection, a pilot study conducted from October to November 2021 confirmed the feasibility of the data collection methodology. The study involved a nationally representative sample of 1913 participants (261 adolescents, 783 adults up to 65 years of age, and 522 individuals from 65 to 74 years of age (elderly) and 260 individuals aged 75 to 99 years (very elderly). The overall participation rate was 24.8%. The collected data offer valuable insights into the dietary habits of the studied population groups, serving as a crucial resource in various analyses, especially contributing to national food safety initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National food consumption survey on children aged from three months to nine years of age in Croatia was implemented from 2017 to 2022. It is the first harmonized food consumption survey among children in Croatia following the EU Menu methodology designed by EFSA to collect comparable among countries data. Data were collected in all seasons and days of the week in order to cover seasonal and day‐to‐day variation in food consumption. In addition to food consumption, data on socio‐economic factors, anthropometry, health status, physical activity and food supplement consumption were also collected. Fieldwork was carried out by trained interviewers. Dietary intake was recorded through food diaries collected by participants and checked by the interviewers before being integrated in the specially designed NutriCro® software. During the first interview, data reported through other questionnaires were also entered by the interviewers in the database through the software. Prior to the main fieldwork, a pilot study was conducted from February to March 2019, which resulted in several adaptations of the tools used for data collection. Ultimately, 1820 children were included in the study with an overall response rate of 22.76%. Collected data provide insight into the nutrition of this most vulnerable population group, which is of paramount importance for national programs on food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions with dietary fibers in the gastrointestinal tract might affect the potential bioactivities of phenolic compounds. In this study, the interactions between apple phenolic compounds and β-glucan (a dietary fiber) were studied by studying the adsorption process in simulated gastric and intestinal fluid electrolyte solutions. Phenolic compounds were extracted from apples, adsorbed onto β-glucan (2 h, 37 °C, in gastric or intestinal fluid electrolyte solutions), and determined using high performance liquid chromatography. Phenolic compounds (flavan-3-ols, flavonols, phenolic acids, and dihydrochalcone) were stable in the gastric fluid (pH 3). In the intestinal fluid (pH 7), flavan-3-ols were not found and chlorogenic acid isomerized. Polyphenols from the apple peel (up to 182 and 897 mg g−1) and flesh (up to 28 and 7 mg g−1) were adsorbed onto β-glucan in the gastric and intestinal fluids, respectively. The adsorption was affected by the initial concentration of the polyphenols and β-glucan and by the environment (either gastric or intestinal fluid electrolyte solution). By increasing the initial polyphenol amount, the quantity of adsorbed polyphenols increased. Increasing the amount of β-glucan decreased the amount adsorbed. The results can be helpful in explaining the fate of phenolic compounds in the gastrointestinal tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of processing (45 °C/48 h and 65 °C/6 h) and two yearsÆ storage on sage (Salvia officinalis L.) honey and to determine the period in which the compliance to the regulations is fulfilled and degradation of nutritive components are minimal. The results showed that processing at higher temperature for shorter period had a greater impact on enzyme activity decrease and increase of color than heating at lower temperature for longer time. Processing had no significant effect on HMF increase, while during storage HMF content increased above maximum prescribed value. Although processing and storage increased phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, at the same time, quality was significantly degraded regarding enzyme activity and HMF content. Therefore, it is recommended to store sage honey for less than two years and if processing is necessary to heat it at as low temperature as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease of the macular area and is the most common cause of irreversible vision loss in people over 50 years of age. Many AMD risk factors, including aging, smoking, exposure to UV and blue light, chronic inflammation, and improper diet, can be associated with oxidative stress. In this regard, certain food ingredients and supplements that have antioxidant properties may contribute to the prevention of AMD and it's progression. Polyphenols can be considered as preventive and therapeutic compounds in the prevention of diseases associated with aging due to the antioxidant properties. For example, quercetin, present in onions, improves anti-VEGF therapy, which is the only effective drug for the wet form of AMD, while resveratrol, found in grape skin, red wine, blueberries and mulberries, neutralizes the negative effects of anti-VEGF therapy. Blueberry anthocyanins have a protective effect on induced damage of retina caused by blue light. Carotenoids that are part of the macular pigment; lutein and zeaxanthin, found in leafy green vegetables and eggs, have the ability to filter light ("natural sunglasses"), but also have direct antioxidant properties. Zinc and copper homeostasis in the retina-choroid complex also play a role in retinal health and AMD prevention. Adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in blue fish, nuts and seeds, reduces the risk of progression to the late stage of AMD. Oxidative stress can be exacerbated by improper diet, and thus increase the possibility of the occurrence and progression of AMD, which is why during the eye examination of persons at risk, it is necessary to advise on proper nutrition and appropriate supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High growth rate and feed efficiency are the two main targets in poultry production. For several decades, antibiotics have been widely used in the chicken diet. However, the use of antibiotics in broilers feeding has resulted in numerous problems and therefore their usage as a growth promoter is no longer acceptable and is prohibited in the European Union countries. Propolis as a natural substance pose itself as a valuable alternative in that sense. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of propolis supplementation on weight gain, feed conversion and selected biochemical blood parameters of broilers. This experimental study was conducted on 180 Ross 308 chickens equally distributed by sex and divided into three groups: the control group of chickens (C) fed with a basal diet and two experimental groups of chickens (E) fed with the same diet supplemented with propolis (E1 2g/kg and E2 4g/kg). Blood sampling was performed by wing vein puncture with direct needle injection coupled with a test tube under vacuum on the 42th day of the study. The collected blood samples were analyzed for the following biochemical parameters (Fe, Ca, Na, P, Mg, K, Cl, cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, total proteins, globulins and albumins). The mentioned biochemical parameters were determined using Olympus AU 680 automatic analyzer (Olympus Life Science Research Europa GmbH, Germany). Laboratory analyses were performed at the Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Centre Osijek. The numerical variables were described as mean and standard deviation. The ANOVA and Kruskal- Wallis test were used for the comparison of numerical variables among the groups. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The study revealed that there were no statistically significant differences in weight gain between C and E groups of chickens on 1st (p = 0.547), 2nd (p = 0.464), 3rd (p = 0.792), 4th (p = 0.426), 5th (p = 0.925) and 6th (p = 0.971) week of feeding. The study also showed that there were no statistically significant differences in feed conversion between C and E groups in any of the week of feeding (p = 0.368). Finally, the study revealed that there were statistically significant differences in Na levels (p = 0.039) and Ca levels (p = 0.045) while there were no statistically significant differences in HDL cholesterol (p = 0.719), LDL cholesterol (p = 0.382), cholesterol (p = 0.462), triglycerides (p = 0.481), proteins (p = 0.249), albumins (p = 0.661), globulins (p = 0.058), glucose (p = 0.179), Fe (p = 0.068), Mg (p = 0.557), K (p = 0.590), P (p = 0.397) and Cl (p = 0.128) levels between C and E groups. It can be concluded that applied doses of propolis did not affect the observed performance indicators and selected biochemical blood parameters of broilers thus it is important to evaluate the effects of such supplementation through some other indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of dietary supplementation with propolis on the technological properties of skinless chicken breasts evaluated through breast muscle pH value measured 45 minutes (pH1) and 24 hours post mortem (pH2), water-holding capacity of breast muscle, consistency of breast muscle and its color (L*, a*, b*) and to determine its macronutrient content (protein and fat content). The study was conducted on 180 Ross 308 chickens equally distributed by sex and divided into three groups: the control group of chickens (C) fed with a basal diet and two experimental groups of chickens (E) fed with the same diet supplemented with propolis (E1 2g/kg and E2 4g/kg). There was no statistically significant difference between C and E considering pH1 (p=0.260) but there was statistically significant difference between them considering pH2 (p=0.037). There was statistically significant difference in L* breast muscle color (p=0.039) between C and E while there were no statistically significant differences in a* and b* breast muscle color between them (p=0.167 and p=0.637, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences between the C and E considering water-holding capacity (p=0.767) and consistency (p=0.505) of breast muscle. There were no statistically significant differences in protein and fat content between C and E (p=0.368 and p=0.244, respectively). The obtained results confirm the benefits of the tested supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The potential of right-angle fluorescence spectroscopy and selected chemical parameters for discrimination of botanical origin of Croatian honey types ( n = 55) previously classified by physicochemical and melissopalynological analyses was evaluated. Systematic step-by-step fluorescence analysis included the measurement of complete excitation-emission matrix (EEM) in the range of excitation wavelengths from 260 to 400 nm, and emission wavelengths from 300 to 600 nm, followed by fluorescence intensity measurement at detected peaks of different excitation/emission wavelengths, and emission spectra recordings at selected specific excitation wavelengths of honey solutions in 50 mmol L phosphate buffer pH 7.0 and methanol. A total of five different sets of emission spectral data for buffer and two for methanolic honey solutions were considered for chemometric analysis of original and normalized emission spectra including principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis. Additionally, chemical analysis of buffer and methanolic honey solutions included determination of protein, total polyphenol and reactive amino group content. Results showed that right-angle fluorescence spectroscopy of honey solutions has great potential for honey botanical origin discrimination, either by visual comparison of excitation-emission spectra landscapes, or even better, by normalized emission fluorescence spectra recordings at 260 and 280 nm of excitation. Moreover, increased honey discrimination was achieved in conjunction with chemometrics of fluorescence spectras. In addition, two rapid markers/indicators of honey authentication were found. Chestnut honey could be clearly discriminated from the other honey types by simple measurement of fluorescence intensity at 390/470 nm, while sage honeys by measurement of reactive amino group content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although health-promoting properties of royal jelly are known for many years, the absence of quality standards and methods prescribed for their determination leads to royal jelly adulteration. Royal jelly is a source of unique unsaturated fatty acid, (2E)-10-hydroxydec-2-enoic acid (10-HDA), and its content is considered as one of the freshness and authenticity parameter. In this study, high performance liquid chromatographic method (HPLC) with UV detection was validated and 10-HDA content in fresh royal jelly samples produced in Eastern Croatia was determined. The data about Croatian royal jelly are not available, therefore the results presented in this study could be considered as pioneer results for Croatian royal jelly characterization in respect of the 10-HDA. Method performance characteristics showed that the used method is fit for purpose. The content of 10-HDA in analysed samples varied from 1.56% up to 3.78%. According to the international recommendations for royal jelly quality, samples were fresh and authentic regarding 10-HDA content. Furthermore, the effect of packaging material on 10-HDA content was observed. Based on the obtained results, the conclusion was reached that if the samples were collected at the same time and frozen after collection, collection and storage of fresh royal jelly in glass and plastic containers had no effect on 10-HDA content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In honey, the content of proteins, including the enzymes, is relatively low and has a minor nutritive significance. On the other hand, the proteins, including the enzymes, are usually used as honey quality evaluation parameters. This is because protein content and enzyme activities vary regarding the botanical origin of the honey. Since the results of protein content, glucose-oxidase, and acid phosphatase, for honeys produced in Croatia, are not available, four of the most abundant honey types produced in Croatia (black locust, sage, chestnut, and honeydew honey) are characterised according to the protein and proline content and enzyme activities. The characterisation was done to determine specificities and contribute to the characterisation of unifloral honeys. Dark honey types (honeydew and chestnut honey) had a higher proline content, and diastase, invertase, and glucose-oxidase activity than lighter sage and black locust honey. Black locust honey has a naturally low enzyme activity and showed the highest acid phosphatase activity among the analysed honey types, while honeydew honey, otherwise known to possess high proline content and enzyme activity, had a low protein content comparable to black locust honey. Statistically significant correlations were obtained between all analysed parameters, with the exception of acid phosphatase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five honey types produced in Croatia (black locust, lime, sage, chestnut and honeydew) were characterised from the aspect of antioxidant capacity in order to evaluate possible application of antioxidant capacity as a criterion for botanical origin identification. Towards better understanding honey antioxidant capacity, relationship between antioxidant capacity and quality parameters (moisture, electrical conductivity, HMF content, colour, phenolic content) was evaluated using correlation coefficients and principal component analysis (PCA). Antioxidant capacity of analysed honey types varied significantly depending on the botanical origin. Highest antioxidant capacity was determined in dark honeydew and chestnut honey, followed by lime and sage honey, while the lightest black locust honey had the lowest antioxidant capacity. Among evaluated parameters, antioxidant capacity showed highest correlation with phenolic content and colour, with correlation coefficients above 0.89 ( p < 0.05). PCA showed that different honey types can be differentiated based on their antioxidant capacity and related parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper was to compare the growth of rural Croatian infants with 2000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth standards and to evaluate the potential preventive influence of breastfeeding on the development of obesity in infancy. Two hundred three infant-mother pairs from Baranja, an Eastern region of Croatia, were enrolled into this study. Retrospective evaluation of infants' medical charts was used to obtain anthropometric data recorded at the birth, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age. Infant feeding mode was self-reported by mothers. Breastfed infants gained the least weight of all observed groups. Up to 6 months of age, formula fed infants had the highest weight gain and after 6 months of age, mixed milk fed infants had the highest weight gain. At 12 months of age, 6.4% of all study infants and 7.6% of mixed milk fed infants were at risk of overweight, while the same risk for the group of breastfed infants was 4%. Most of the study infants achieved higher values of body mass and length than the child growth standards. Exclusively breastfed infants, in comparison with other study groups (formula fed infants, mixed milk fed infants and cow's milk fed infants), had lower weight-for-length z-scores during the first year, which suggests that breastfeeding may have a preventive impact on obesity development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although minerals have important protective effects in human health, their role in nutrition is still underestimated and insufficiently investigated in Croatian population. The aim of this research was to examine sodium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and copper intake in 120 adults, aged 18-54 years. The research was conducted using the 10 times repeated 24-h recall method during 1 year. Participants were separated according to age, as well as according to the sex and body mass index. There were significant differences in daily intake of sodium, potassium, magnesium and copper between age groups, but not for phosphorus and iron. When divided by sex, significant differences in daily intake were found for all minerals. When nutritive density was considered, significant difference was found only for potassium and magnesium regarding sex. In conclusion, considering recommendations, the sodium dietary intake of the examined population is too high, while the intake of iron is to low among women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of vitamins in nutrition of the Croatian population is still underestimated and insufficiently investigated although they have important protective effects in human health. The aim of this research was to examine vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, niacin and ascorbic acid intake in 120 adults, aged 18-54 years (mean 33.8 years). The research was conducted using a 24-h recall method, and was repeated 10 times during 1 year. Participants were separated according to age into two groups (≤30 years, and > 30 years), as well as according to sex. There were no significant differences in vitamins intake between age groups. When divided by sex, significant difference in vitamins intake was found. When nutritive density was considered, significant difference was found for more vitamins regarding age, and less regarding sex. In conclusion, considering recommendations, the examined population took adequate amounts of vitamins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The original version of this article unfortunately contained an incorrect version of author's names and surnames (underlined). The correct names and surnames are: 'Ivica Strelec', 'Lidija Brodar', 'Ivana Flanjak', 'Frane Čačić Kenjerić', 'Tihomir Kovač', 'Daniela Čačić Kenjerić', 'Ljiljana Primorac'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]