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Giant Indian Gooseberry (GIG) or Phyllanthus indofischeri Bennet are commercially cultivated and commonly used herbs in Traditional medicine, especially in Thailand. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of the GIG extracts in anti-aging activities to be a dermatological application. The juice, meat residues, and seeds of GIG collected from Sra Kaeo Province, Thailand, were extracted by the Boiling method (B) and the Maceration process (M) by using 95% ethanol as a solvent. The GIG extracts gave the total phenolic, total flavonoid contents and quercetin contents, as well as exhibited anti-oxidative activities. The GIG-R-B extract inhibited tyrosinase activity and had the highest anti-melanogenesis activity on B16F10 cells at 31.63 ± 0.70%. The GIG-S-B, GIG-S-M, and GIG-R-M extracts demonstrated the highest collagen biosynthesis, which was comparable to vitamin C (p < 0.05), whereas the GIG-R-B extracts gave the highest stimulation of anti-aging genes (SIRT1 and FOXO1). All extracts at the concentration of 0.1 mg/mL showed no cytotoxicity on human skin fibroblasts. Therefore, the GIG-S-B extract was discovered to be a promising natural anti-aging agent for dermatological health and aesthetic applications that can be further developed in cosmetic, functional food and food supplement industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients hospitalised with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) have low peripheral blood vitamin C concentrations and limited antioxidant capacity. The feasibility of a trial of vitamin C supplementation to improve patient outcomes was assessed. Participants with moderate and severe CAP (CURB-65 ≥ 2) on intravenous antimicrobial treatment were randomised to either intravenous vitamin C (2.5 g 8 hourly) or placebo before switching to oral intervention (1 g tds) for 7 days when they were prescribed oral antimicrobial therapy. Of 344 patients screened 75 (22%) were randomised and analysed. The median age was 76 years, and 43 (57%) were male. In each group, one serious adverse event that was potentially intervention related occurred, and one subject discontinued treatment. Vitamin C concentrations were 226 µmol/L in the vitamin C group and 19 µmol/L in the placebo group (p < 0.001) after 3 intravneous doses. There were no signficant differences between the vitamin C and placebo groups for death within 28 days (0 vs. 2; p = 0.49), median length of stay (69 vs. 121 h; p = 0.07), time to clinical stability (22 vs. 49 h; p = 0.08), or readmission within 30 days (1 vs. 4; p = 0.22). The vitamin C doses given were safe, well tolerated and saturating. A randomised controlled trial to assess the efficacy of vitamin C in patients with CAP would require 932 participants (CURB-65 ≥ 2) to observe a difference in mortality and 200 participants to observe a difference with a composite endpoint such as mortality plus discharge after 7 days in hospital. These studies are feasible in a multicentre setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To study vitamin C levels in children with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia and correlate with age, transfusions received and iron overload; and to study the effect of administering vitamin C on its levels and Malondialdehyde (MDA) in deficient patients. Methods: This case-control study enrolled 100 children with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia and 30 healthy controls. MDA levels before and after administration of vitamin C were performed randomly in 36 children with low vitamin C levels. Results: 81/95 (85.3%) study subjects vs none in control group, had low plasma vitamin C levels (P<0.001). Vitamin C levels were low in 64 of 71 (74.7%) subjects with dietary deficiency, while none of the 19 (63.3%) controls with dietary deficiency had low levels (P=0.04). Increasing serum ferritin values correlated with vitamin C deficiency (P=0.02). The mean level of MDA reduced (P<0.001) with vitamin C supplementation. Conclusions: Low levels of vitamin C are common in children with thalassemia. Dietary counseling along with supplementation with vitamin C, in those with low levels may prevent oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta-analysis aimed at investigating the impact of oral vitamin C supplementation on the post-procedural recovery of orthopedic patients, including functional outcomes and complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I). Literature search using the Medline, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases from inception till March 2021 identified seven eligible randomized controlled trials with 1,361 participants. Forest plot revealed no significant difference in the functional outcomes at 6–12 months [standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.00, 95% CI − 0.19 to 0.18, 467 patients], risk of overall complications (RR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.39, 426 patients), and pain severity at 3–6 months (SMD = − 0.18, 95% CI − 0.49 to 0.12, 486 patients) between patients with and without oral vitamin C supplementation. Pooled analysis showed that vitamin C treatment reduced the risk of CRPS I regardless of dosage (RR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.85, 1143 patients). In conclusion, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that oral vitamin C supplementation may reduce the risk of complex regional pain syndrome type I but did not improve the functional outcomes in orthopedic patients. Nevertheless, because of the small number of trials included in the present study, further large-scale clinical studies are warranted to support our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atherosclerosis is an important medical problem of modern society. High environmental tobacco smoke in casino is associated with an accelerated atherogenic process. We have previously shown vitamin B12 and C supplementation improves vascular reactivity and may be beneficial in vascular protection. Objective: To evaluate the impact of vitamin supplementation on atherosclerosis (brachial artery reactivity FMD and carotid intima-media thickness IMT) in subjects exposed to high environmental tobacco smoke. Design: Double-blind 2×2 factorial design fashion. Setting: Computer randomization in 4 treatment groups: placebo (n=24), vitamin B12 (n=21), vitamin C (n=23) and vitamin B12+C (n=23) groups. Participants: 91 passive-smoking casino employees (19.2% male, mean age 45.0±8.2 years). Intervention: Subjects were randomized to receive vitamin B12 (500µg daily), vitamin C (200mg daily), vitamin B12+C or image-matched placebo capsules for 1 year. Measurement: Brachial FMD and carotid IMT (surrogate atherosclerotic markers) were measured by ultrasound at baseline and on completion at 12 months. Methods: 91 passive smoking casino employees (19.2% male, mean age 45.0±8.2 years) were randomized to receive vitamin B12 (500µg daily), vitamin C (200mg daily), vitamin B12+C or image-matched placebo capsules in double-blind 2 × 2 factorial design fashion for 1 year. Brachial FMD and carotid IMT (surrogate atherosclerotic markers) were measured by ultrasound at baseline and 12 months. Results: Of the 78 (85.7%) passive-smoking employees completed the study, 11.5% had hypertension, 5.1% diabetes mellitus and 15.4% hypercholesterolemia. There were no significant changes in their blood pressures, lipid profiles, glucose and body mass index after supplementation for 1 year, but mild decrease in DBP (p<0.001) and blood creatinine (p<0.01) after combined vitamin B12 and C, and significant increase in blood B12 after vitamin B12 (p<0.01) and vitamin B12+C supplementations (p<0.001). Brachial FMD and cartotid IMT improved after the 3 vitamin supplementations (p<0.001), but not after placebo, being more significant after combined vitamin supplementations (p<0.0001). No adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: Vitamin B12 or C supplementation in passive smokers improved vascular reactivity and structures at 1 year, with implication in long term atherosclerosis prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: The wheatgrass juice (WGJ) contains a high concentration of vitamin C. WGJ contains a lot of highly functional nutritive ingredients potent to unify the liver with the kidneys for detoxification of the organs and filtration of the blood to build a strong immune system. Also, it boosts fertility and increases sexual desire because of the high magnesium content in phytochemical pigment (chlorophyll) which boosts the production of the enzymes that restores sex steroids. Materials and methods: The experimental animals were divided into 3 groups of 8 rats. The first group (G1) was fed on the standard normal diet. The same feeding was used also in the second group (G2) and third group (G3). But in the G2, a pharmaceutical formula (contain zinc and vitamin A) was used as a food supplement to increase fertility, and in the G3, wheatgrass juice of 11 mg/day was applied. Hunter L, a, and b values; glucose, fructose, and sucrose contents; pH; total soluble solids (TSS); acidity; concentration of vitamin C and vitamin B complex contents; and phenolic compounds of wheatgrass quality juice were measured. Results: The juice samples showed L* value of 21.78 (as a lightness index), a* value of − 7.11 (as a redness index), b* values of 17.35 (as a yellowness index), pH (6.7), TSS (5°Bx), and acidity (0.00992%). In the same time, wheatgrass chlorophyll represents 70% of its total chemical constituents that is an antioxidant and rebuilds the bloodstream. In addition, it gives the juice its distinctive green color which is the major quality factor in juice products. The results amounted to normal values of vital organs such as the liver and kidney functions in all groups. The values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were 27.88 ± 2.10, 22.50 ± 4.93, and 23.25 ± 4.71 μ/ml in G1, G2, and G3, respectively. Meanwhile, also the results of sexual hormones indicated an elevation in testosterone hormone in G3 (2.90 ± 0.26 ng/ml) than the normal negative control (2.78 ± 0.23 ng/ml) and pharmaceutical formula positive control (2.04 ± 0.40 ng/ml). However, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) decreased to 1.44 ± 0.28 IU/L and 1.45 ± 0.24 for G3 and G2, respectively, compared to 1.65 ± 0.23 IU/L in G1. Conclusion: The findings proved that WGJ increased fertility and promoted youthfulness, and the wheatgrass (WG) has the potential to be used as a "functional herb" containing natural bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baobab is an endemic African plant rich in health-promoting compounds and still not extensively studied. Characterization of bioactive molecules in baobab fruit by means of LC system coupled with a photodiode array and a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer detector is here reported. This work provides a qualitative and quantitative profile of polyphenols in baobab pulp, shell, kernel and seeds. Baobab pulp is a rich source of ascorbic acid, (−)-epicatechin and procyanidin B2 (135.6, 104.8, and 100.1 mg/100 g). Moreover, a HPLC preparative method to isolate procyanidin fraction from pulp was developed, revealing how the antioxidant activity of baobab pulp not only depend on the ascorbic acid content but also on the presence of procyanidins. The use of baobab fruit pulp as promising healthy food or food supplement is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analytical strategies to ensure the quality and safety of food products without the need for skilled personnel are highly required. The simplicity of glucose strips for diabetes monitoring should be translated to the agri-food sector, ensuring easy evaluation of certain molecules and/or the freshness of a beverage/foodstuff. In addition to the well-known advantages that are characteristic of electroanalytical methods over other methods, paper-based materials are being used to further reduce the gap between complex laboratory testing and simple point-of-need testing. This article highlights some of the most recent advances in the development of paper-based electrochemical approaches for food surveillance, specifically focusing on the use of novel paper-based materials. Two examples are discussed: the development of a miniaturized biosensor realized on copy paper for the quantification of ethanol in commercial beers, and the measurement of ascorbic acid in food supplements within printed electronics supports. Paper-based materials have the potential to lower economic costs, simplify the operative tasks, and most importantly reduce waste generation. The continued combination of manufacturing methods and functional (smart) materials will facilitate the implementation of food analysis at the point of need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objectives: Epidemiologic evidence on the relationship between antioxidant vitamin intake and stroke is limited. We aimed to investigate the association between dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins and the incidence of total stroke and ischemic stroke.Subjects/methods: The subjects were 82 044 Japanese men and women aged 45-74 years under the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Cohort Study. Between 1995 and 1997, dietary assessment was done using a food frequency questionnaire. During 983 857 person-years of follow-up until the end of 2009 we documented 3541 incident total strokes and 2138 ischemic strokes.Results: Dietary intakes of α-carotene, β-carotene, α-tocopherol and vitamin C were not inversely associated with the incidence of total stroke and ischemic stroke adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors and selected lifestyle variables. When stratified by current smoking status, the inverse association between dietary vitamin C intake and incidence of total stroke observed among non-smokers but not smokers, with respective multivariable hazard ratios for the highest versus lowest quintiles of vitamin C of 0.81 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.68-0.96; P-trend=0.03) among non-smokers; and 1.03 (0.84-1.25; P-trend=0.55) among smokers. As for ischemic stroke, the corresponding multivariable hazard ratios were 0.76 (0.60-0.96; P-trend=0.02) among non-smokers; and 1.00 (0.78-1.28; P-trend=0.61) among smokers.Conclusions: Dietary vitamin C intake was inversely associated with the incidence of total stroke and ischemic stroke among non-smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30) decreases androgen-independently with aging and is a lactone-hydrolyzing enzyme gluconolactonase (GNL) that is involved in vitamin C biosynthesis. In the present study, bone properties of SMP30/GNL knockout (KO) mice with deficiency in vitamin C synthesis were investigated to reveal the effects of SMP30/GNL and exogenous vitamin C supplementation on bone formation. Mineral content (BMC) and mineral density (BMD) of the mandible and femur of SMP30/GNL KO and wild-type mice at 2 and 3 months of age with or without vitamin C supplementation were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Body and bone weight of both age groups decreased and became significantly lower than those of wild-type mice. The bones of SMP30/GNL KO mice were rough and porous, with BMC and BMD significantly below wild-type. Oral supplementation with vitamin C eliminated differences in body weight, bone weight, BMC, and BMD between SMP30/GNL KO and wild-type mice at each age. These results indicate that bone degeneration in SMP30/GNL KO mice was caused by lack of vitamin C, and that this mouse strain is an appropriate model for bone metabolism in humans, which have no ability to synthesize vitamin C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ca and Mg contents as well as bioaccessible fractions of ten weaning foods characterized and commercialized with the attribute 'organic' were analyzed in order to evaluate them nutritionally. The influence of several dietary components on minerals and trace elements bioaccessibility was also studied. It was observed a positive correlation ( p < 0.05; r = 0.830) between protein content and Fe solubility for all samples analyzed with the exception of a jar. According with data supplied by manufacturer for this jar, the high solubility of Fe, despite the low protein content, could be due to the presence of vitamin C as ingredient. The influence of proteins was also observed in the dialysability of Zn ( p < 0.01; r = 0.998) for the weaning food that incorporated meat or legumes (chickpeas) in their list of ingredients. On the other hand, the amount of Mn dialyzable was higher when a lower amount of fat was present in the jar formulation ( p < 0.01; r = −0.781). Several interactions between trace elements were also observed, highlighting a positive soluble Cu-dialyzable Fe interaction ( p < 0.01; r = 0.818). Trace elements concentration and bioaccessible values obtained were considerably lower than those reported for weaning food without the attribute organic. It has also developed estimation to the daily intake of these elements using a probabilistic approach. The contribution of Fe, Zn and Ca to the dietary reference intakes for jars studied was below 2.5 and 5 % considering soluble and total content values, respectively, for 50 % population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) genotype has been implicated as a moderating factor in cognitive function studies. Although prior studies have suggested that vitamin C is associated with better cognitive function in elders, link between the two has been mixed. Limited data exist as to whether the APOE4 genotype influences these associations. Therefore, this study sought to determine whether the association between vitamin C and cognition in a rural community dwelling cohort differs by the APOE4 genotype. Design and Participants: Data were analyzed on 582 participants (n=183 men; n=399 women) from a rural community-based cohort. Cognition was assessed using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status and The Executive Interview. APOE genotyping was ascertained by standard methods. The relation between vitamin C supplementation and cognition were analyzed first with ANOVA and then ANCOVA with age, gender, education as covariates. Analyses were initially run in the full sample and then split by APOE4 presence (yes/no). Results: Overall, Vitamin C supplementation was associated with significantly better immediate memory (p=0.04), visuospatial skills (p=0.002), language (p=0.01), and global cognitive functioning (p=0.006). Among APOE4 non-carriers, vitamin C supplementation was positively associated with immediate memory (F[1,392] =6.7, p=0.01), visuospatial skills (F[1,391]=10.6, p=0.001), language (F[1,392]=13.0, p<0.001), attention (F[1,386]=7.9, p=0.005, and global cognition (F[1,382]=11.0, p=0.001. However, there was no significant link between vitamin C supplementation and cognition among APOE4 carriers. Conclusion: Vitamin C supplementation was found to be positively associated with cognition among this rural-dwelling community-based sample; however, the associations appeared to differ by APOE4 status. These data may suggest that targeted genotype-specific cognitive enhancement studies are needed to clarify the potential benefits of vitamin C supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rapid uptake of vitamin C into blood and retention in tissues are important indicators of the efficacy of vitamin C supplementation and its immune-supporting role. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bioavailability of vitamin C in plasma (reflective of recent intake) and leukocytes (reflective of tissue stores and influences on immune function) from a novel vitamin C formulation, Ester-C. Methods: The study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Thirty-six subjects, 18-60 years of age, were randomized to receive placebo (PL, 0 mg vitamin C), ascorbic acid (AA, 1000 mg vitamin C), and Ester-C (EC, 1000 mg vitamin C). Plasma and leukocyte vitamin C were measured baseline and at 2, 4, 8 and 24 h postdose. Results: The concentration and percent change from baseline in plasma were significantly higher with EC at all time points when compared to PL. No significant differences between EC and AA were observed in plasma concentration. Maximum plasma concentration was higher for EC compared to AA (P = 0.039) and PL (P < 0.001). Plasma area under the curve (AUC) was higher for EC (P < 0.001) compared to PL. The concentration change from baseline in leukocyte vitamin C was increased with EC at 24 h post-dose (P = 0.036) while no significant within-group changes were observed in AA or PL at any time point. The percent change in leukocyte vitamin C concentration was higher for EC at 8 and 24 h compared to AA (P = 0.028 and P = 0.034, respectively) and PL (P = 0.042 and P = 0.036, respectively). Conclusions: A single dose of EC resulted in favorable percent change in leukocyte vitamin C concentration compared to AA and PL, indicating EC is retained longer within leukocytes. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01852903 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objectives: Few studies have investigated the effects of bariatric surgery on vitamin status in the long term. We examined changes in vitamin status up to 5 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.Subjects/methods: Using a retrospectively maintained database of patients undergoing weight loss surgery, we identified all patients operated with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at our tertiary care hospital during July 2004-May 2008. Data on vitamin concentrations and patient-reported intake of dietary supplements were collected up to July 2012. Linear mixed models were used to estimate changes in vitamin concentrations during follow-up, adjusting for age and sex. All patients were recommended daily oral multivitamin, calcium/vitamin D and iron supplements and 3-monthly intramuscular B-12 after surgery.Results: Out of the 443 patients operated with gastric bypass, we included 441 (99.5%) patients with one or more measurements of vitamin concentrations (75.1% women; mean age 41.5 years, mean body mass index 46.1 kg/m(2) at baseline). At 5 years after surgery, the patients' estimated mean vitamin concentrations were either significantly higher (vitamin B-6, folic acid, vitamin B-12, vitamin C and vitamin A) or not significantly different (thiamine, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and lipid-adjusted vitamin E) compared with before surgery. Use of multivitamin, calcium/vitamin D and vitamin B-12 supplements was reported by 1-9% of patients before surgery, 79-84% of patients at 1 year and 52-83% of patients 5 years after surgery.Conclusions: In patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery, estimated vitamin concentrations were either significantly increased or unchanged up to 5 years after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of adding vitamin C (VC), oregano essential oil (OR), or their combination in diet, on growth performance, and blood parameters of broiler chicks reared under heat stress (HS) condition (38 °C). One-day-old 240 male broilers were randomly assigned to four treatment groups, six replicates of ten birds each. The birds were fed with either a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with either 200 mg L-ascorbic acid/kg of diet, 250 mg of oregano essential oil/kg of diet, or 200 mg L-ascorbic acid plus 250 mg of oregano essential oil/kg of diet. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were obtained for 42 days of age and at the end of the experiment (day 42); birds were bled to determine some blood parameters and weighted for final body weight (BW). Feeding birds with diets supplemented with oregano essential oil and vitamin C in a single or combined form increased ADG ( P > 0.05). Also BW increased and feed efficiency decreased ( P < 0.05) in the birds fed with diets including VC and OR (in a single or combined form), compared to those fed the basal diet. ADFI was not significantly influenced by dietary oregano essential oil and vitamin C ( P > 0.05). Supplemental oregano essential oil and vitamin C in a combined form decreased the serum concentration of corticosterone, triglycerides, glucose, and MDA ( P < 0.05) compared with other groups. An increase in the serum concentrations of vitamin C were seen in broiler chicks supplemented with vitamin C. From the results of the present experiment, it can be concluded that diet supplementation by combined oregano essential oil and vitamin C could have beneficial effects on some blood parameters of broiler chicks reared under heat stress condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the effects of lotus root and cucumber on antioxidant function in aged subjects. Design: Pilot comparative study. Setting: Research setting with vegetable intervention. Participants: Healthy aged subjects over the age of sixty. Intervention: 30-day supplementation of lotus root or cucumber powder. Measurements: Plasma value of ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, activity of antioxidant enzymes, contents of some antioxidants, oxidation products, hemolysis, blood mononuclear cell DNA damage and urinary excretion of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine were measured before and after the intervention. Results: Plasma glutathione peroxidase activity, contents of vitamin C, total phenolics were significantly increased, while plasma uric acid content significantly decreased in both groups at the end of the intervention. Meanwhile, hemolysis was significantly reduced in both groups and DNA injury rate of blood mononuclear cells in lotus root group and the ratio of comet tail length to total length in cucumber group were also declined significantly post-intervention. However, plasma value of ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, contents of reduced glutathione, vitamin E, malondialdehyde, oxidized low density lipoprotein, carbonyls and activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase were not changed significantly in both group after the intervention. Conclusion: These results suggest that lotus root and cucumber are not remarkably different in improving antioxidant function in aged subjects, though they are significantly different in antioxidant capacity in vitro. The benefits observed in this study may come from the additive or synergistic combinations of antioxidants contained in vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this review was to evaluate the evidence from human studies on the intake of vitamins, either as monotherapies or in combination with other vitamins, as neuroprotective agents that may delay the onset of cognitive decline in older adults. Methods: Evidence-based methodologies were used to capture and evaluate the highest levels of evidence. Findings: The current evidence available showed no association for cognitive benefits of vitamins B6 or B12 as a monotherapy, and recent systematic reviews provide no clear evidence that supplementation with vitamin B6, B12 and/or folic acid improves dementia outcomes or slows cognitive decline, even though it may normalise homocysteine levels. Meta-analyses from systematic reviews have shown an association between low vitamin D levels and diminished cognitive function, although causality cannot be confirmed from the available evidence. There is no convincing evidence for an association of vitamin A, vitamin C or vitamin E either as a monotherapy or in combination with other antioxidant vitamins such as β-carotene and the prevention of cognitive decline. The appraisal of nineteen systematic reviews and meta-analyses has highlighted the heterogeneity between studies, and the need for better consensus on definitions of cognitive decline, duration of testing and agreement on which specific endpoints are clinically relevant. Conclusions: Evaluation of the totality of the currently available evidence indicates that intake of the above vitamins, either as a monotherapy, or in combination with other vitamins, has no clinically-relevant effect on delaying cognitive decline or delaying the onset of dementia in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 240 female broilers (42 days old) were randomly assigned to four groups with six replicates and fed either a basal diet (two control groups) or a basal diet supplemented with either 1,200 μg Cr from chromium (Cr) methionine/kg (Cr group) or 1,200 μg Cr from Cr methionine plus 800 mg vitamin C (Vit C)/kg of diet (Cr + Vit C group). After 7 days on the dietary treatment, all groups except one of the controls were transported for 3 h under the summer conditions. Performance parameters were not influenced by dietary treatments. The plasma concentrations of insulin, triiodothyronine, triglyceride, and the ratio of triiodothyronine/thyroxin were decreased and the ratio of glucose/insulin was increased due to transport process. Road transportation also increased the plasma concentrations of protein, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatine kinase and decreased the concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the Cr + Vit C group. The pretransport concentrations of insulin and triiodothyronine were highest in the Cr + Vit C group. The concentration of phosphorous was lower in the Cr group than that in the other groups after transport. No significant effects of dietary treatments were observed on the other biochemical parameters. Transport increased malondialdehyde concentration in the control group and did not change plasma total antioxidant capacity and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity. Either in combination or alone, Cr increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (before transport P ≤ 0.05, after transport P = 0.07) but did not affect the concentration of malondialdehyde and activity of glutathione peroxidase. The duration of tonic immobility (TI) was similar between nontransported control chicks and transported chicks without any supplements. Pretreatment with Cr + Vit C significantly reduced the duration of TI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives:A healthy diet is an integral component of successful diabetes management. However, the comparative importance of adopting a healthy diet for cardiovascular risk factor reduction over and above medication use among newly diagnosed diabetes patients remains unclear.Subjects/Methods:We computed a dietary score consistent with American Diabetes Association and Diabetes UK recommendations in 574 newly diagnosed diabetes patients by summing standardised values for the intake of total energy, saturated fat, sodium, fibre and plasma vitamin C. In linear regression analyses, stratified by cardio-protective medication use (yes/no), we quantified the comparative longitudinal associations of baseline diet and change in diet over 1 year with change in blood pressure, HbA1c and lipids.Results:Baseline diet was generally not predictive of change in cardiovascular risk factor levels at 1 year. In contrast, dietary change over 1 year among patients prescribed and not prescribed cardio-protective medication after baseline was associated with comparative (p-interaction all ⩾0.95) reductions in diastolic blood pressure (−2.38 vs −2.93 mm Hg, respectively) and triglycerides (−0.31 vs −0.21 mmol/l, respectively), independent of potential confounding factors and change from baseline to follow-up in physical activity and smoking status.Conclusions:Modest dietary change over the first year following diagnosis of diabetes was associated with reductions in blood pressure and triglycerides, over and above the effects of cardio-protective medication. Our findings support the notion that dietary change should be viewed as an integral component of successful diabetes self-management, irrespective of medication use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A selective and accurate direct spectrophotometric method was developed for the determination of L-as cor bic acid in dietary supplements. Background correction was based on the oxidation of L-ascorbic acid by potassi um peroxydisulfate in an acidic medium. The molar absorptivity of the proposed method was 1.41 · 10 l/(mol · cm) at 265 nm. The method response was linear up to an L-ascorbic acid concentration of 12.00 μg/ml. The detection limit was 0.11 μg/ml, and the relative standard deviation was 0.9 % (n = 7) for 8.00 μg/ml L-ascorbic acid. Other compounds commonly found in the dietary supplements did not interfere with the detection of L-ascorbic acid. The proposed procedure was successfully applied to the determination of L-ascorbic acid in these supplements, and the results obtained agreed with those obtained by iodine titration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this review was to elucidate the relationship between VaD and various nutritional factors based on epidemiological studies. Background: Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common type of dementia. The prevalence of VaD continues to increase as the US population continues to grow and age. Currently, control of potential risk factors is believed to be the most effective means of preventing VaD. Thus, identification of modifiable risk factors for VaD is crucial for development of effective treatment modalities. Nutrition is one of the main modifiable variables that may influence the development of VaD. Methods: A systematic review of literature was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, and CLNAHL Plus databases with search parameters inclusive of vascular dementia, nutrition, and vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). Results: Fourteen articles were found that proposed a potential role of specific nutritional components in VaD. These components included antioxidants, lipids, homocysteine, folate, vitamin B12, and fish consumption. Antioxidants, specifically Vitamin E and C, and fatty fish intake were found to be protective against VaD risk. Fried fish, elevated homocysteine, and lower levels of folate and vitamin B12 were associated willi increased VaD. Evidence for dietary lipids was inconsistent, although elevated midlife serum cholesterol may increase risk, while late-life elevated serum cholesterol may be associated with decreased risk of VaD. Conclusion: Currently, the most convincing evidence as to the relationship between VaD and nutrition exists for micronutrients, particularly Vitamin E and C. Exploration of nutrition at the macronutrient level and additional long term prospective cohort studies are warranted to belter understand the role of nutrition in VaD disease development and progression. At present, challenges in this research include limitations in sample size, which was commonly cited. Also, a variety of diagnostic criteria for VaD were employed in the studies reviewed, indicating the need for constructing a correct nosological definition of VaD for consistency and conformity in future studies and accurate clinical diagnosis of VaD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the status of several vitamins and to investigate the effect of regular individual supplementation on their status in this population. Design: An observational study. Setting: State of Burgenland, Austria. Participants: A total of 102 non-institutionalized subjects (49% supplementing regularly, 51% without supplementation) aged between 70-90 years were recruited. Measurements: Plasma levels of vitamins A, D, E, K and C were determined by HPLC. The functional parameters of vitamins B1, B2 and B6, i.e. the activities of the erythrocyte enzymes transketolase, glutathione reductase and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, were analyzed photometrically; plasma folate and vitamin B12 were determined by RIA. Results: The status of vitamins A, E and C was generally satisfactory. Eighty-eight percent and 42% of participants were deficient in vitamins D and K, respectively, as were 29% for B6; up to 10% of participants were deficient in vitamins B1, B2, B12 and folate. A considerable percentage of participants was, however, at risk for vitamin deficiencies (vitamins B1, B6, B12, folate: 20-30%, vitamin B2: 60%). Except for vitamins A and K, regular intake of supplements had a significant positive influence on vitamin levels. Conclusion: These results indicate that use of supplements significantly improved the status of several vitamins in elderly people. Due to age-related problems concerning the intake and digestion of nutrients, a moderate, regular supplementation might be a useful option for older people who are otherwise unable to satisfy their micronutrient requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effect of aerobic training in the context of antioxidant supplementation on systemic oxidative stress and leukocytes heat shock protein (Hsp)72 expression in the elderly. Design: Sixteen septuagenarians (8 males and 8 females, mean age 74.6) were supplemented with Vitamin C and E (respectively 500 and 100mg per day) and randomly assigned either to sedentary (AS) or individualized aerobically trained (AT) group for 8 weeks. Methods: Plasma Vitamin C and E concentrations and aerobic fitness, as well as resting and post graded exercise (GXT) Hsp72 expression in leukocytes, plasma levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) were measured pre and post training / supplementation. Results: At the end of the intervention, the two groups showed a significant increase in resting plasma vitamin C and E (approximately 50 and 20% increase respectively) and a significant decrease in both resting and post GXT plasma TBARS and AOPP (approximately 25 and 20% decrease respectively). These changes were of similar magnitude in the two groups. The reduced oxidative stress was concomitant with a 15% decreased expression of Hsp72 in monocytes and granulocytes in both groups. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that in elderly, increased concentration of antioxidant vitamins C and E is associated with a reduction in oxidative stress and leukocytes Hsp72. In this context, 8 weeks of aerobic training has no impact on oxidative stress or leukocytes Hsp72 expression in elderly people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews practical policy lessons from trade in a dietary supplement (or nutraceutical) processed from Terminal/a ferdinandiana (Combretaceae), which contains extremely high levels of natural ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Most production is from wild harvest by Aboriginal people, who get USD 14 per kilogram (kg) for picked, sorted fruit. However, the main Australian company involved is struggling to get the 12 tons/year it requires, and could market much more. Although Aboriginal people ideally should benefit economically from harvest of T. ferdinandiana, there are major challenges to this objective, including Australia's high labor costs compared to Asia, Africa, and Latin America where T. ferdinandiana can be grown. In addition, although Australia is a signatory to and plays a leading role in the international Convention on Biodiversity (CBD), this has meant lithe in practice so far. "Cultural branding" and certification of organic, wild harvested T. ferdinandiana fruit collected by Aboriginal people working in partnership with commercial companies offers a possibility for Aboriginal people to continue to benefit from wild harvest or enrichment plantings. However, even the establishment of commercial horticultural production within Australia faces several challenges. For Australia to maintain and develop the international market, future development of this bush food must include: (a) implementation of existing international and national policies on protection of genetic resources; (b) formation of a producer association to increase production efficiencies; (c) functioning partnerships between Aboriginal producers and commercial partners that guarantee and expand reliable supply and develop cultural branding and certification as marketing tools; and (d) scientific research into improving I ferdinandiana fruit yields and production methods, based on improved resource management and efficient processing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-soluble vitamins include the B-group vitamins and vitamin C. In order to correctly monitor water-soluble vitamin content in fortified foods for compliance monitoring as well as to establish accurate data banks, an accurate and precise analytical method is a prerequisite. For many years microbiological assays have been used for analysis of B vitamins. However they are no longer considered to be the gold standard in vitamins analysis as many studies have shown up their deficiencies. This review describes the current status of analytical methods, including microbiological assays and spectrophotometric, biosensor and chromatographic techniques. In particular it describes the current status of the official methods and highlights some new developments in chromatographic procedures and detection methods. An overview is made of multivitamin extractions and analyses for foods and supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE:: To examine the effects of vitamin C supplementation on the concentration of oxidation markers, in particular, circulating oxidized LDL (OxLDL) and on endothelial activation markers. DESIGN:: Randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. SETTING:: Belgian population of the city of Leuven. SUBJECTS:: A total of 34 healthy male smokers aged 26-73?y. INTERVENTION:: Smokers were randomly assigned to receive either vitamin C (250?mg twice daily) or placebo capsules, each to be taken for 4 weeks. After a 1-week washout period, participants then crossed over to the alternative capsules for further 4 weeks. MEAN OUTCOME MEASURES:: Markers of oxidation (bilirubin, uric acid,a-tocopherol, retinol, malondialdehyde, circulating Oxidized LDL (OxLDL)) and markers of endothelial activation (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, vWF-antigen) were analysed. RESULTS:: Plasma ascorbate concentrations significantly increased from 46.6±17.6 to 70.1±21.2?µmol/l after a 4-week treatment with 500?mg vitamin C per day. The other plasma antioxidants concentrations, including bilirubin, uric acid,a-tocopherol and retinol, were similar in both treatment periods. Vitamin C did not change plasma malondialdehyde and circulating OxLDL compared with placebo (vitamin C 0.73±0.25?mg/dl OxLDL; placebo 0.72±0.21?mg/dl OxLDL). After vitamin C supplementation, neither sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels nor the concentration of vWF-antigen significantly differed from placebo condition. CONCLUSIONS:: Oral supplementation of vitamin C is not associated with changes in markers of oxidation or endothelial activation in healthy male smokers. SPONSORSHIP:: The Unilever Chair in Nutritional Epidemiology, University of Leuven, Belgium.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004) 58, 1587-1593. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601990 Published online 5 May 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of a self-administered food frequency questionnaire (FFQ)-used in a cohort of 48?000 men to determine dietary supplement use. DESIGN:: Questionnaire data regarding use of dietary supplements were compared with 14 24-h recall interviews spread over a year. SETTING AND SUBJECTS:: A random sample of 248 middle-aged and elderly Swedish men was included in the analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS:: Use of any supplement in at least one interview was reported by 51%(in three or more interviews by 38%). Sensitivity and specificity of the FFQ regarding any supplement use was 78 and 93%, respectively. Sensitivity for multivitamins, vitamins C and E was 69, 67 and 78%, respectively. The sensitivity increased to 93%and the specificity decreased to 88%when a user was defined as a person reporting use in at least three interviews. CONCLUSIONS:: Dietary supplement use might be measured by a self-administered questionnaire relatively well especially when supplements are used more regularly.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004) 58, 1669-1671. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602021 Published online 30 June 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the antioxidant activity of fresh apples. Use on Vitamin C as a dietary supplement because of its antioxidant activities; Study that shows that 100 grams of fresh apples has an anti-oxidant activity equivalent to 1,500 milligrams of vitamin C and that whole apple extracts inhibit the growth of cancer cells in-vitro in a dose-dependent manner; Results indicating the anti-oxidants in fresh fruit could be more effective than a supplement.