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Diabetes mellitus is a complex and progressive metabolic disease which is associated with multiple complications. Chronic hyperglycaemia is the defining characteristic of diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycaemia leads to generation of free radicals and induces oxidative stress, which has become the chief factor that leads to diabetic complications. This review supports the use of antioxidant vitamins as therapeutic agents in the management of diabetes mellitus and its complications, and also provides an insight into the potential pharmacological effects of natural antioxidant vitamins in diabetic conditions. These antioxidant vitamins can be used as safe supplements to manage the occurrence and complications of the disease. Selected studies have reported on the beneficial effects of antioxidant vitamins in experimental models. The involvement of oxidative stress in diabetes and its complications has made the use of natural antioxidant vitamins (free radical scavengers) from plants inevitable as they may be very effective and safer in the management of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The causes of stunting are complex but likely include prenatal effects, inadequate postnatal nutrient intake, and recurrent infections. Low-birth-weight (LBW) infants are at high risk of stunting. More than 25% of live births in low- and middle-income countries are at full term with low birth weight (FT-LBW). Evidence on the efficacy of specific interventions to enhance growth in this vulnerable group remains scant. Objective: We investigated the independent and combined effects of a directed use of a water-based hand sanitizer (HS) and a mineraland vitamin-enhanced micronutrient powder (MNP) (22 minerals and vitamins) to prevent infections and improve nutrient intake to reduce stunting in FT-LBW infants. Design: The study was a prospective 2 × 2 factorial, clusterrandomized trial in 467 FT-LBW infants during 2 periods: from 0 to 5 mo postpartum (0–180 d postpartum) and from 6 to 12 mo postpartum (181–360 d postpartum) with the use of 48 clusters. All groups received the same general nutrition, health, and hygiene education (NHHE) at enrollment and throughout the 12 mo. Group assignments initially included the following 2 groups: no HS (control) group or HS from 0 to 5 mo postpartum. These assignments were followed by further divisions into the following 4 groups from 6 to 12 mo postpartum: 1) no HS and no MNP (control), 2) HS only, 3) MNP only, and 4) HS and MNP. Results: When delivered in combination with NHHE, the use of an HS showed no additional benefit in reducing indicators of infection in the first or second half of infancy or the likelihood of stunting at 12 mo postpartum. FT-LBW infants who received the MNP (with or without the HS) were significantly less likely to be stunted at 12 mo than were controls (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.84; P = 0.017). Conclusions: The use of a mineral- and vitamin-enhanced MNP significantly reduced stunting in FT-LBW infants in this high-risk setting. The use of a water-based HS did not have an additive effect. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01455636. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of the protein content is a major indicator of the nutritional quality of rice, and the protein quality of rice is the best among cereal crops. Essential amino acids play an irreplaceable role in human growth, development and health care. Essential amino acid is a key ingredient to measure the nutritional value of rice. Using the experimental rice processed from the rice variety " Yuzhenxiang" sprayed with plant nutrients (patent number: ZL201110103910. 9), namely high essential amino acid nutritional rice, combined with five kinds of high quality rice imported by COFCO and homegrown "Wuchang rice", we send the samples of the seven kinds of rice to Hunan Food Testing Center, and adopt HPLC method to test the content of protein and eight kinds of essential amino acids. Three bags of rice are randomly selected for each kind of rice, and each bag is a replication. The test results show that there are highly significant differences in the content of essential amino acids between different kinds of rice (F = 246. 29 **, P = 5 x 10 -71), and there are also highly significant differences in the content between different kinds of essential amino acids (F = 3937. 09 **, P = 4 x 10 -146). The test results of protein content indicate that there are highly significant differences in the content of protein between different kinds of rice (F = 3937. 0973. 29 **, P = 5. 81 x 10 -11), and the test results of lysine content show that there are highly significant differences in the content of lysine between different kinds of rice ( F = 3937. 0973.29**, P-5. 81 x 10 -11). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abolishment of some of the Danish food supplement requirements leads to further demands on food business operators. The changes will most probably have quite an impact on food business operators marketing food supplements in Denmark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to assess the potential of date fruit powder as a refined sugar replacer in rock buns to help promote and diversify the utilization of date fruit. Design/methodology/approach – Date fruit pulp was sun dried, milled into powder, sieved and its proximate composition determined. Refined sugar in rock buns was replaced with date fruit powder at 0, 50, 80 and 100 per cent levels. The samples were then subjected to proximate, mineral and sensory evaluation. Findings – Date fruit powder had 1.47 per cent crude fiber and was high in carbohydrate (82.15 per cent). Carbohydrate content of samples decreased (48.55-29.72 per cent), while crude protein (6.78-9.97 per cent), crude fat (22.74-33.66 per cent) and crude fiber (0-0.49 per cent) contents increased with an increasing substitution of date powder. Of all, 0 and 50 per cent substituted rock bun samples were the most preferred. Date powder significantly (p < 0.05) increased the potassium (0.55-1.57 per cent), calcium (0.08-1.08 per cent) and iron (0.53-0.625 per cent) contents of the samples. Originality/value – This research assessed the potential of date fruit powder as a replacer of refined sugar in rock buns, as it remains an underutilized commodity in Ghana. Replacing 50 per cent of refined sugar improved the nutrient composition of rock buns, thereby making date fruit powder a nutritious sugar replacer which could be used in pastry products. This when adopted would diversify the utilization of date fruits while providing good nutrition to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lower levels of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) are associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular complications in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. The aim of the study was to longitudinally investigate the association between the use of 11 vitamins and minerals (vitamins E, C, D, B1, folic acid, carotenoids, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and selenium) and change in HbA1c levels over 10 years in non-diabetic individuals drawn from the general population. Methods: Baseline data were available from 4447 subjects included in the population-based “Monitoring of Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular Diseases” (MONICA) Augsburg S3 survey (1994/95). Follow-up data were derived from 2774 participants in the follow-up survey named “Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg” (KORA) F3 (2004/05). Vitamin/mineral intake from supplements and medications was assessed in a personal interview, where participants were asked to bring product packages of preparations that had been ingested during the last 7 days prior to the examination. Associations between regular vitamin/mineral intake amounts and HbA1c levels measured at baseline and follow-up were investigated using generalized estimating equation models. For carotenoids, analyses were stratified by smoking status. Results: None of the investigated nutrients except for carotenoids was significantly associated with changes in HbA1c levels after 10 years. Regular intake of carotenoids from supplements and medications in amounts > 6.8mg/d (upper tertile) was associated with an absolute –0.26% (95% CI: –0.43 to –0.08) lower increase in HbA1c levels compared with no intake of carotenoids. An inverse association was observed in those who never smoked but not in (former) smokers. Conclusion: Larger prospective and intervention studies in non-diabetic/non-smoking individuals are needed to confirm the results and to assess whether the observed associations between carotenoid intake and change in HbA1c levels are causal. If our results are confirmed, high carotenoid intake could be one strategy for the prevention of cardiovascular complications in non-diabetic people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A large portion of Americans are not meeting the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for several essential vitamins and minerals due to poor dietary choices. Dairy products are a key source of many of the nutrients that are under consumed, but children and adults do not consume the recommended amounts from this food group. This study modeled the impact of meeting daily recommended amounts of dairy products on population-based nutrient intakes. Methods: Two-day 24-h dietary recalls collected from participants ≥2 years (n = 8944) from the 2007-2010 What We Eat in America, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. Databases available from the WWEIA/NHANES and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) were used to determine nutrient, food group, and dietary supplement intakes. Modeling was performed by adding the necessary number of dairy servings, using the dairy composite designed by USDA, to each participant's diet to meet the dairy recommendations outlined by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. All analyses included sample weights to account for the NHANES survey design. Results: The majority of children 4 years and older (67.4-88.8 %) and nearly all adults (99.0-99.6 %) fall below the recommended 2.5-3 daily servings of dairy products. Increasing dairy consumption to recommended amounts would result in a significant reduction in the percent of adults with calcium, magnesium, and vitamin A intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) when considering food intake alone (0-2.0 vs. 9.9-91.1 %; 17.3-75.0 vs. 44.7-88.5 %; 0.1-15.1 vs. 15.3-48.0 %, respectively), as well as food and dietary supplement intake. Minimal, but significant, improvements were observed for the percent of people below the EAR for vitamin D (91.7-99.9 vs. 91.8-99.9 %), and little change was achieved for the large percentage of people below the Adequate Intake for potassium. Conclusions: Increasing dairy food consumption to recommended amounts is one practical dietary change that could significantly improve the population's adequacy for certain vitamins and minerals that are currently under-consumed, as well as have a positive impact on health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of health food aimed to integrate and "enrich" the diet with vitamins and minerals and/or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect, including botanicals and preparations based on plants, algae, fungi or lichens, is continuously increasing. Unlike other jurisdictions (e.g., Canada), in the European Union and in the Member States no homogeneous legislation exists that specifically regulates food with health-functional effects on the basis of their components of plant origin. Rather, these foods are regulated, both at the European and National levels, by various regulations adopted, inter alia, over the past years. As a matter of fact, since a total harmonisation is missing, the Member States, with regard to non-harmonized aspects, are "free" to establish further rules on food supplements. The present article gives an overview of the Italian specific provisions, as well as their interpretation and application in the legal practise through Ministerial Guidelines and case law, concerning the use of food supplements containing botanicals and the indications that may be made with regard to their beneficial effects on human health. The use of health food aimed to integrate and "enrich" the diet with vitamins and minerals and/or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect, including botanicals and preparations based on plants, algae, fungi or lichens, is continuously increasing. Unlike other jurisdictions (e.g., Canada), in the European Union and in the Member States no homogeneous legislation exists that specifically regulates food with health-functional effects on the basis of their components of plant origin. Rather, these foods are regulated, both at the European and National levels, by various regulations adopted, inter alia, over the past years. As a matter of fact, since a total harmonisation is missing, the Member States, with regard to non-harmonized aspects, are "free" to establish further rules on food supplements. The present article gives an overview of the Italian specific provisions, as well as their interpretation and application in the legal practise through Ministerial Guidelines and case law, concerning the use of food supplements containing botanicals and the indications that may be made with regard to their beneficial effects on human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dietary factors have been hypothesized to affect the risk of esophageal cancer via different mechanisms, but the intake of minerals is understudied and the evidence is conflicting. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the associations of dietary intake of minerals with risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Design: We used data from the Golestan Cohort Study, which was launched in a high-risk region for esophageal cancer in Iran. Participants were enrolled in 2004-2008 and were followed to 2014. Intakes of minerals were assessed with a validated food-frequency questionnaire. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate HRs and 95% CIs of ESCC for dietary intakes of selected minerals. Results: We identified 201 ESCC cases among 47,405 subjects. Calcium intake was significantly inversely associated with the risk of ESCC (HR per 100-mg/d increase: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.81, 0.96; P = 0.005; quartile 4 vs. quartile 1 HR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.82; P-trend = 0.013). Zinc intake was also inversely associated with ESCC, but the quartile association did not reach significance (HR per 1-mg/d increase: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.98; P = 0.027; quartile 4 vs. quartile 1 HR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.28, 1.12; P-trend = 0.097). The relations between dietary intakes of selenium, magnesium, and copper and risk of ESCC were nonlinear (P-nonlinear trend = 0.001, 0.016, and 0.029, respectively). There was no relation between dietary intake of manganese and the risk of ESCC. Conclusion: The results suggest that higher intakes of calcium and zinc are associated with a lower risk of ESCC in a high-risk region of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapes and grape products are important sources of fiber, nutrients and minerals to the human body. For example, zinc and copper are two elements that are found in all parts of grapes (seeds, pulp, skins). In optimal concentrations, they are beneficial. If, however, it exceeds the daily dose of zinc (overdose), can occur several adverse reactions in the stomach (heartburn, nausea), tiredness, weakness. Copper overdose can lead to poor absorption of other essential minerals for the body (iron, calcium, magnesium, etc.). The aim of this study is to analyze the level of Zn and Cu in Vitis Vinifera L. grapes fruits and soil from the Murfatlar city, Constanta, Romania. These elements were quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) after the chemical mineralization of the samples with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide in a Digesdahl device. It can be noticed that the values of cooper and zinc concentrations from both kind of samples (grapes and soil) were lower than the recommendable maximum limit of these metals in fruits respectively soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chloride and phosphorus are the major dietary minerals involved in various biological functions and are commonly measured in the blood serum. Sufficient mineral intake is especially important for children due to their rapid growth. Currently, the genetic mechanisms influencing serum mineral levels are poorly understood, especially for children. We carried out a genome-wide association (GWA) study on 5,602 European-American children and 4,706 African-American children who had mineral measures available in their electronic medical records (EMR). While no locus met the criteria for genome-wide significant association, our results demonstrated a nominal association of total serum calcium levels with a missense variant in the calcium –sensing receptor (CASR) gene on 3q13 (rs1801725, P = 1.96 × 10-3) in the African-American pediatric cohort, a locus previously reported in Caucasians. We also confirmed the association result in our pediatric European-American cohort (P = 1.38 × 10-4). We further replicated two other loci associated with serum calcium levels in the European-American cohort (rs780094, GCKR, P = 4.26 × 10-3; rs10491003, GATA3, P = 0.02). In addition, we replicated a previously reported locus on 1q21, demonstrating association of serum magnesium levels with MUC1 (rs4072037, P = 2.04 × 10-6). Moreover, in an extended gene-based association analysis we uncovered evidence for association of calcium levels with the previously reported gene locus DGKD in both European-American children and African-American children. Taken together, our results support a role for CASR and DGKD mediated calcium regulation in both African-American and European-American children, and corroborate the association of calcium levels with GCKR and GATA3, and the association of magnesium levels with MUC1 in the European-American children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence, indications, and associated factors for complementary and alternative medicine use during the last trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted of women with a live birth (N5700) admitted to the post-natal unit at the Royal Aberdeen Maternity Hospital, northeast Scotland. Outcome measures included: complementary and alternative medicine used; vitamins and minerals used; reasons for complementary and alternative medicine use; independent associated factors for use; views; and experiences. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: The response rate was 79.6% of eligible women. Two thirds of respondents (61.4%) reported using complementary and alternative medicine, excluding vitamins and minerals, during the third trimester. Respondents reported using a total of 30 different complementary and alternative medicine modalities, of which oral herbal products were the most common (38% of respondents, 40 different products). The independent associated factors for complementary and alternative medicine use identified were: complementary and alternative medicine use before pregnancy (odds ratio [OR] 4.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.39-7.95, P = .001); a university education (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.46-4.0, P5.001), and complementary and alternative medicine use by family or friends (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.61-3.47, P = .001). There was no association with health care professional recommendations. Users were significantly more likely than nonusers to agree that complementary and alternative medicines were safer than prescribed medicines (P ≤ .006), less likely to be associated with side effects (P ≤ .001), and could interfere with conventional medicines (P ≤ .001). CONCLUSION: Despite the majority of respondents, and notably users, being uncertain about their safety and effectiveness, complementary and alternative medicine modalities and complementary and alternative medicine products are widely used during the third trimester of pregnancy in this study population. Although prior use was the most significant independent associated factor, the role of family and friends, rather than health professionals, in the decision to use complementary and alternative medicine may be of concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Iodine content in table salt was adjusted from 30-50 mg/kg to 21-39 mg/kg from March of 2012 in Henan Province, China. The vulnerable population may be at risk of iodine deficiency. Objectives: To determine whether the iodine intake was sufficient in vulnerable populations and to investigate what factors may be associated with iodine status in these vulnerable populations in Henan Province, China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 17 cities in Henan Province, China, from April 2012 to December 2012 to assess the iodine status in vulnerable populations, including women of reproductive-age (n=2648), pregnant women (n=39684), lactating women (n=6859), infants <2 years of age (n=16481), and children aged 8-10 years (n=3198). Questionnaires (n=4865) related to demographic and dietary factors were collected from the investigated women to identify factors that were related to iodine intake and iodine status. Results: The median urinary iodine concentrations (mUICs) were 205 μg/L, 198 μg/L, 167 μg/L, 205 μg/L and 200 μg/L, respectively, in reproductive-age, pregnant and lactating women, infants <2 years of age and children aged 8-10 years. Higher income, and consuming more poultry and fish in the diet had positive impact on UIC levels. Low salt intake, consuming more rice and vegetables in the diet were negative factors for UIC. Conclusions: Iodine status of the vulnerable populations was generally adequate in Henan Province, China, according to WHO criteria. But the mUICs were slightly above the adequate level in reproductive-age women and children aged 8-10 years. It's important to monitor the iodine status in vulnerable populations after the adjustment on iodine content in table salt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This work represents the first part of a progressive review of AuSPEN's 1999 Guidelines for Provision of Micronutrient Supplementation in Adult Patients receiving Parenteral Nutrition, in recognition of the developments in the literature on this topic since that time. Methods: A systematic literature review was undertaken and recommendations were made based on the available evidence and with consideration to specific elements of the Australian and New Zealand practice environment. The strength of evidence underpinning each recommendation was assessed. External reviewers provided feedback on the guidelines using the AGREE II tool. Results: Reduced doses of manganese, copper, chromium and molybdenum, and an increased dose of selenium are recommended when compared with the 1999 guidelines. Currently the composition of available multi-trace element formulations is recognised as an obstacle to aligning these guidelines with practice. A paucity of available literature and limitations with currently available methods of monitoring trace element status are acknowledged. The currently unknown clinical impact of changes to trace element contamination of parenteral solutions with contemporary practices highlights need for research and clinical vigilance in this area of nutrition support practice. Conclusions: Trace elements are essential and should be provided daily to patients receiving parenteral nutrition. Monitoring is generally only required in longer term parenteral nutrition, however should be determined on an individual basis. Industry is encouraged to modify existing multi-trace element solutions available in Australia and New Zealand to reflect changes in the literature outlined in these guidelines. Areas requiring research are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition and specific nutritional supplements can have prophylactic or therapeutic properties with respect to certain psychiatric disorders. A traditional Mediterranean diet, for example, seems to have prophylactic benefits against depression and dementia, whereas overeating and obesity increase the risk for both. Although evidence for nutritional supplements in the treatment of psychiatric disorders is not sufficient for general recommendations, data from observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCT) seem to point to their use for specific indications. Folate, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), for instance, seem to have antidepressant properties, zinc may be beneficial in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) could reduce extrapyramidal side effects of antipsychotics and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) seems to be effective against negative symptoms, abnormal movements and akathisia in schizophrenia. Psychiatric disorders, in turn, may lead to deficiency of mineral nutrients and vitamins. For instance, vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency is common in alcohol-dependent patients and should therefore be considered during withdrawal treatment. Although vitamin malnutrition is uncommon in developed countries, vitamin deficiency syndromes, such as pernicious anemia or Wernicke's encephalopathy are still relevant differential diagnoses. Some psychopharmacological drugs may additionally change the nutritional habits of the patients in an unfavorable way leading to weight gain and obesity and the risk for further psychiatric problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of minor and major (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, Ca, K, Na and Mg) elements were determined in six apple varieties (Florina, Golden Delicious, Idared, Jonathan, Prima and Starkrimson). The apple samples were collected from an orchard located in the North-West region of Romania, Cluj County, during September 2011. The analytical method for the determination of selected elements in apple consists in microwave acid digestion followed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) measurement. In all samples, of all the investigated minor elements, iron was found to be the dominant element (4.64 mg/kg). The increasing order was: Mn

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding different levels of protein to black Baladi breed kids. Weanling Baladi kids (n=18; 75 to 90 days old) were selected and individually housed at our experimental farm. Kids were divided randomly to one of the three treatments for 12 weeks. The three dietary treatments were: T1: control ration, formulated according to NRC to cover the protein (level 1) and other nutrients requirements. T2: ration formulated to cover only 75% of protein (level 2) recommended by NRC. T3: control diet + 2.4 g undegradable methionine (Smartamine®)/day/kid (level 3). Feed intake, initial and monthly body weights were recorded. Blood samples were collected monthly and analyzed for metabolites and Co, Zn and Cu levels. Decreasing the dietary level of protein (T2) negatively affected (P<0.05) the total live weight gain, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio when compared with the control and T3 groups. Moreover, treatment, time and time × treatment caused a significant change on Co concentration in blood serum with higher value at the end of the experiment. Treatments had a significant effect (P<0.05) on blood serum cholesterol and protein levels. Undegradable methionine supplementation (T3) significantly increased longissimus dorsi weight, fat thickness and omental fat%. In conclusion, feeding Baladi kids below the NRC requirements of protein negatively affect the growth performance and feed efficiency. The recommended protein level by NRC for growing kids cover the requirements of growing black Baladi kids for maximum growth and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition and micronutrients such as B-vitamins influence both mental and physical performance. It is well established that even mild micronutrient deficiencies can lead to reduced cognitive and physical capabilities. This is corroborated by strong epidemiological evidence indicating that micronutrient status can affect cognitive function at all ages. However, intervention studies with single or restricted vitamin ranges have yielded mixed results. On the other hand trials with multivitamins suggest efficacy in terms of cognitive and psychological functioning. A high-dose vitamin B supplement (Berocca) is one of the rare vitamin and mineral supplements being supported by multiple double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trials as outlined in this review. This neurotropic unique vitamin combination containing water-soluble vitamins of the B complex, vitamin C and the minerals calcium, magnesium and zinc is backed up by extensive scientific evidence showing positive effects of supplementation in terms of brain function and mental performance and improvement of some aspects of physical fitness or performance. Given that a large section of the population is unable or unwilling to eat an adequately balanced diet that would satisfy micronutrient requirements it seems that supplementation with multi-vitamins/minerals may be a useful and possibly necessary option to improve their mental and physical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About half of the human population suffers from deficiency of mineral elements, mostly iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). The purpose of the research was to compare the concentration of Fe and Zn in grain of 19 spring barley (in Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes and the concentration of Zn and manganese (Mn) in grain of 19 winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes grown in organic and conventional management systems during two growing seasons. The average concentration of Fe in barley ranged from 32.51-86.85 mg·kg-1 and was higher under conventional management (p < 0.001); the effect of genotype was significant (p = 0.014). The average concentration of Zn in barley ranged 16.79-48.51 mg·kg-1 and was significantly higher under the organic system (p < 0.001); in wheat it was 21.52-29.89 mg·kg-1 with no difference between the management systems; the effect of genotype was significant (p = 0.03 and p < 0.001 for barley and wheat, respectively). The average concentration of Mn in wheat ranged from 24.63-36.07 mg·kg-1 and was higher under the conventional system (p < 0.001); significant differences between genotypes were observed (p < 0.001). Barley and wheat genotypes with higher concentrations of the investigated elements were identified for use in breeding for improvement of grain quality. Zn concentration correlated negatively with grain yield and positively with grain protein concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Description: Update of the 2003 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on vitamin supplementation to prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer. Methods: The USPSTF reviewed the evidence on the efficacy of multivitamin or mineral supplements in the general adult population for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Population: This recommendation applies to healthy adults without special nutritional needs (typically aged 50 years or older). It does not apply to children, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, or persons who are chronically ill or hospitalized or have a known nutritional deficiency. Recommendation: The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of multivitamins for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer. (I statement) The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of single- or paired-nutrient supplements (except β-carotene and vitamin E) for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer. (I statement) The USPSTF recommends against β-carotene or vitamin E supplements for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer. (D recommendation) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The U.S. dietary supplement market increased by 7.5% in 2012 compared with 2011, reaching $32.5 billion in sales. Therefore, federally supported research on dietary supplements is important to determine their health effects, safety, and efficacy. A portfolio analysis was performed across the NIH and the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) for fiscal years (FYs) 2009-2011 by using the databases Human Nutrition Research Information Management (HNRIM) and Computer Access to Research on Dietary Supplements (CARDS). The results indicated that total NIH dietary supplement- related funding for FYs 2009-2011 was $855 million ($295 million in 2009, $311 million in 2010, and $249 million in 2011). The institutes and centers with the highest investment in dietary supplement research were as follows: the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute ($135 million); the National Cancer Institute ($188 million); the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine ($99 million); the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases ($68 million); the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences ($58 million); and the ODS ($32 million). The dietary supplement ingredients receiving the most funding were botanicals (22%), vitamins (20%), lipids (14%), and minerals and trace elements (10%). The top 3 outcome research areas were cancer (61% of total dietary supplement investment), cardiovascular disease (47%), and women's reproductive health (38%). In FYs 2009, 2010, and 2011, the ODS provided 3.5%, 3.6%, and 4.1%, respectively, of the NIH investment in dietary supplement research. ODS funding focused on cellular, enzymatic, or molecular mechanisms (64% of total ODS funding). This portfolio analysis demonstrates that the NIH has committed substantial funding to dietary supplement research in an effort to expand the scientific knowledge base on the efficacy and safety of dietary supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study that assessed contributions of micronutrients to intakes derived from multivitamin/mineral (MVMM) supplements and compared those intakes to the dietary reference intakes of U.S. residents according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2010. Topics discussed include that total intakes of vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as calcium, magnesium and potassium. Also mentioned is the finding on micronutrient insufficiency.

We examined the association of use of multivitamins or single vitamin/mineral supplements with risk of four upper gastrointestinal cancers in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study cohort with 11 years of follow-up. After exclusions, 490,593 persons were included in our analytic cohort and 1780 upper gastrointestinal cancers were accrued. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox models with adjustment for potential confounders. We observed no significant associations between multivitamin use and risk for the four cancer outcomes in crude or adjusted models. Among individual vitamin or mineral supplements, use of iron supplements was associated with significantly lower risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma (HR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.49 to 0.94) and a significantly increased risk of gastric noncardia adenocarcinoma (HR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.24 to 2.05). For gastric noncardia adenocarcinoma, we saw associations with zinc use (HR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.62) and vitamin C use (HR = 0.79 95% CI = 0.65 to 0.96). Calcium use, some of which was reported as antacids and used to treat reflux disease, was associated with higher risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma (HR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.06 to 1.52) and gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (HR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.56) cancers. We saw no evidence that multivitamin use was associated with reduced risk of four highly fatal upper gastrointestinal cancers, but there were some differences in risk with reported use of individual supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench, Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertner, Fagopyrum emarginatum) has gained importance as a result of the people's demand for healthy foods. Buckwheat, which is grown in many countries as an annual plant, is a pseudocereal. Its importance and commercial value are increasing so far. Buckwheat is a highly nutritious pseudocereal known as especially dietary source of protein and also including starch, dietary fiber, vitamins, essential minerals and trace elements. Phenolic compounds are also found in abundance in buckwheat including rutin, orientin, quercetin. A worldwide research for "gluten-free" food products (i.e. bread, pasta, and cookies) are usually based on pseudocereals. In addition, buckwheat flour is an important source to obtain alternative gluten-free foods for coeliac patients who have allergic reaction to gluten. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Overall multi-modal vitamin A proficiency test data cannot easily be assessed. [•] Normal phase chromatography separates vitamin A cis/trans isomers. [•] Results from separated cis/trans isomers are unimodal. [•] Ability to separate cis/trans isomers is used to assess PT results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Among the mineral elements required by humans, iron (Fe) is the most common cause of nutritional deficiencies, particularly anaemia. Legume plants are extremely important in the world's diet and they are major sources of mineral nutrients. However, when these plant foods are grown in calcareous soil, their production is severely affected by Fe deficiency chlorosis (IDC), and when less Fe is available for absorption, less amount of this element will be available for accumulation in the edible plant parts. As Fe plays critical roles in photosynthesis and respiration, when lacking this element, plants develop chlorosis and their growth is drastically reduced. IDC morphological symptoms were monitored in soybean (Glycine max), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and the model crop barrel medic (Medicago truncatula). When compared to the other two legumes, G. max presented lower Fe-reduction rates and severe chlorosis, associated with lower SPAD values. Transcriptome analysis was performed in roots of the three species when grown in Fe deficiency and Fe sufficiency, and 114,723 annotated genes were obtained for all samples. Four IDC-related genes were up-regulated in common by the three species and can be considered key players involved in the IDC response, namely, metal ligands, transferases, zinc ion binding and metal ion binding genes. With regards to the genes most highly expressed under iron deficiency individually by each species, we found that the most highly expressed genes were a defensin in P. vulgaris, a phosphatase in M. truncatula and a zinc ion binding gene in G. max. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ObjectiveTo measure total daily salt intake using 24 h urinary Na excretion within a sample of Victorian schoolchildren aged 5–13 years and to assess discretionary salt use habits of children and parents.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingCompleted within a convenience sample of independent primary schools (n 9) located in Victoria, Australia.SubjectsTwo hundred and sixty children completed a 24 h urine collection over a school (34 %) or non-school day (66 %). Samples deemed incomplete (n 18), an over-collection (n 1) or that were incorrectly processed at the laboratory (n 3) were excluded.ResultsThe sample comprised 120 boys and 118 girls with a mean age of 9·8 (sd 1·7) years. The average 24 h urinary Na excretion (n 238) was 103 (sd 43) mmol/24 h (salt equivalent 6·0 (sd 2·5) g/d). Daily Na excretion did not differ by sex; boys 105 (sd 46) mmol/24 h (salt equivalent 6·1 (sd 2·7) g/d) and girls 100 (sd 41) mmol/24 h (salt equivalent 5·9 (sd 2·4) g/d; P = 0·38). Sixty-nine per cent of children (n 164) exceeded the recommended daily Upper Limit for Na. Reported discretionary salt use was common: two-thirds of parents reported adding salt during cooking and almost half of children reported adding salt at the table.ConclusionsThe majority of children had salt intakes exceeding the recommended daily Upper Limit. Strategies to lower salt intake in children are urgently required, and should include product reformulation of lower-sodium food products combined with interventions targeting discretionary salt use within the home. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]