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The study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and techno-functionality of brewers’ spent grain (BSG) treated with two-steps treatment involving 5, 15, and 25 min bath-ultrasonication (USB) continued with autoclave (AH) at 90, 110, and 130 °C and/or water-bath (CWH) at 80, 90, and 100 °C. The two-steps treatments slightly affected the water- and oil-holding capacity and extractable fat content. Most of the two-steps treatments increased the amount of flavan-3-ols and phenolic acids, up to 4 times higher compared to its control. The two-steps treatment involving CWH had no significant (p > 0.05) impact on fat content, antioxidants and techo-functionality of BSG. Up to 15 min USB increased the poly-unsaturated fatty acids and lowered the amount of saturated fatty acids. In conclusion, the two-steps treatment consists of USB (up to 15 min) continued with AH and CWH increased the amount of nutritional-related chemical composition such as UFA and phenolic acids as well as antioxidant activity of BSG.

Plant seeds from the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family are commonly edible. However, little has been done to study the phytochemicals of red clover (Trifolium pratense) seeds. Our study aims to obtain comprehensive and novel findings on red clover seeds and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE)-extracted oil, with the purpose of exploring their potential as a new source of functional ingredients for food and health care products. In our study, red clover seed oil was extracted by supercritical CO2. Forty-four phytochemical compounds were preliminarily identified in red clover seeds and the extracted oil by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS metabolomics method. These compounds mainly belong to lipids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids and phytosterols. Red clover seeds contain fatty acids (4,676.1 mg/100 g dried seeds) and bioactive components such as phenolic compounds (228.4 mg/100 g) and tocopherols (94.9 mg/100 g). In red clover seed oil, unsaturated fatty acids are over 83% and are rich in linoleic acid (54.7 g/100 g oil) and oleic acid (14.0 g/100 g oil). These findings provide important guidance for introducing red clover seed oil into pharmaceutical products or as functional foods.

Cyclodextrins are tapered cyclic oligosaccharides, which are used to encapsulate a wide range of compounds, such as phytochemicals and drugs. They can be divided roughly into native, modified, and large-ring cyclodextrins: native- and large-ring cyclodextrins are prepared from starch by cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase and are further chemically modified, improving their chemical properties, such as water-solubility. Cyclodextrins have many possible applications in food processing due to their inclusion complexation characteristics. Cyclodextrins can be used to improve the color properties of food by protecting natural pigments from degradation during storage or by inhibiting enzymatic browning. In addition, encapsulation of bitter compounds inhibits their interactions with taste receptors in the oral cavity, decreasing undesirable taste properties. Finally, encapsulation of hydrophobic compounds improves their dispersion in the aqueous matrix, increasing the bioavailability and antioxidative activity of the target compounds. Studies have shown that successful use of the cyclodextrin requires good planning and understanding of the chemical composition of the food product.

This report demonstrates the first asymmetric synthesis of enantiopure structured triacylglycerols (TAGs) of the ABC type presenting three non-identical fatty acids, two of which are unsaturated. The unsaturated fatty acids included monounsaturated oleic acid (C18:1 n-9) and polyunsaturated linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6). This was accomplished by a six-step chemoenzymatic approach starting from (R)- and (S)-solketals. The highly regioselective immobilized Candida antarctica lipase (CAL-B) played a crucial role in the regiocontrol of the synthesis. The synthesis also benefited from the use of the p-methoxybenzyl (PMB) ether protective group, which enabled the incorporation of two different unsaturated fatty acids into the glycerol skeleton. The total of six such TAGs were prepared, four constituting the unsaturated fatty acids in the sn-1 and sn-2 positions, with a saturated fatty acid in the remaining sn-3 position of the glycerol backbone. In the two remaining TAGs, the different unsaturated fatty acids accommodated the sn-1 and sn-3 end positions, with the saturated fatty acid present in the sn-2 position. Enantiopure TAGs are urgently demanded as standards for the enantiospecific analysis of intact TAGs in fats and oils.

Abstract The nuts of Torreya grandis are abundant in flavonoids, providing potential antioxidant activity. Considering that T. grandis can yield nuts for hundreds or thousands of years, effects of tree age on flavonoids and antioxidant activity of T. grandis nuts were targeted in this study for the first time. Results revealed that antioxidant activity and total flavonoid contents in 100‐ and 1000‐years‐old T. grandis nuts were much higher compared to 10‐years‐old T. grandis. The content of 19 flavonoids showed significant correlations with antioxidant activity in 100‐ and 1000‐years‐old trees using metabolites profiling. Transcriptome and coexpression analysis indicated that seven genes were associated with aged‐related flavonoids biosynthesis. Further analysis showed that abscisic acid and gibberellin might regulate the age‐related differential flavonoids accumulation. Our study provides a novel viewpoint that aged T. grandis is likely to present a better source of natural antioxidants and has yet to be examined in other tree models.

Byproduct of the brewery industry, brewers’ spent grain (BSG), has been reported for enhancing the nutritional value of food products thus potentially as a future sustainable food ingredient. As it is a byproduct, society as potential consumers tend to consider BSG as waste. Consequently, commercialization of BSG-added food products would be responded negatively by potential consumers. Campaign education seems to be important in order to familiarize such products to the society thus change the consumers perspective and finally increase the consumers acceptability. This study, which was conducted by an online survey platform (surveymonkey.com), aims to educate the society about the positive value of BSG for human health and its valorisation to the environment which generates sustainable food and to observe their opinion and expectation regarding such products. Majority of participants (57.38%) never knew BSG before. After BSG was introduced, most of the provided information about BSG is new for the majority of participants and they are convinced that consuming BSG-added food products would be beneficial for their health and help a sustainable environment. Furthermore, if such products are claimed as healthy foods, 81.97% of the participants are willing to buy. Besides the mindset of consumers, several issues might need to be considered in commercializing BSG-added food products including food regulation and safety as well as specific health conditions. Further study is still needed in order to educate society in a wider and to be specific in certain groups of community.

Acylation of anthocyanin with fatty acid has been extensively applied for the improvement of their lipophilicity and stability. However, their functionalities are not fully investigated. This work prepared cyanidin-3-O-glucoside–lauric acid ester (C3G–LA) and investigated its protective effect against oxidative stress in H2O2-induced human normal liver (LO2) cells. The results indicated that C3G–LA possessed notable antioxidant activity and better protective effect than its anthocyanin precursor cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G). It protected the cells from H2O2-induced cell death and apoptosis by suppressing the overproduction of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, restoring superoxide dismutase activity and ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction and membrane damage. The increase in the expression levels of phosphorylated Akt, Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 further indicated that the antioxidant protective effect of C3G–LA involved the PI3K/Akt-mediated activation of the Nrf2–HO-1/NQO1 pathway. The findings indicated that, in addition to improve lipophilicity and stability, acylation of anthocyanin can enhance their anti-oxidative stress activity.

Torreya grandis is a characteristic rare economic tree species in subtropical mountainous areas. The kernels of T. grandis have rich content of organic acids, and malate is the predominant organic acid in T. grandis kernels. However, the contents, biosynthesis/metabolism pathway and transcriptional regulation of malate in developing T. grandis kernels remain completely unknown. Here, the organic acid composition in developing T. grandis kernels was first analyzed. The results showed that the content of malate was increased during the maturation T. grandis kernels. A malate synthase (TgMLS) gene might be involved in the accumulation of malate based on transcriptome data, gene expression and enzyme activity analysis. Transient expression of TgMLS in tobacco resulted in the high malate synthase activity and malate content. Furthermore, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor (bHLH), TgbHLH87 was identified to positively regulate the TgMLS expression via directly binding the TgMLS promoter. Our finding contributes to mechanism underlying malate accumulation in T. grandis kernels.

Current study aimed to evaluate the utilization of protein from brewers' spent grain (BSGP) on microstructural formation as well as rheological behavior, acidity and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) profile during the refrigerated storage. Three different BSGPs were provided including BSGP-C (extracted without enzymatic hydrolysis), BSGP-P (with protease), and BSGP-PF (with protease co-incubated with flavourzyme). The results demonstrated that BSGPs improved lactic acid forming capability in yogurt production to a higher level than milk-protein based enrichment. BSGPs improved the growth and survival of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), particularly BSGP-P in improving the survival rate of L. bulgaricus. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that BSGP-P generated a denser, softer and more homogenous surface appearance as well as showed the tendency to form more compact networks; had a weaker initial gel forming, increased and preserved the consistency of the yogurt during the storage. In conclusion, BSGPs in yogurt improved and preserved the textural properties, consistency, acidity and lactic acid bacteria.

Water soluble coconut extract (WSCE) was reported as a suitable matrix for probiotic delivery as yogurt alternatives. The study aimed to evaluate the roles of brewers’ spent grain (BSG) derivatives in enhancing the properties of WSCE-based yogurt alternatives. BSG flour (BSGF) and 3 different protein extracts (BSGPs) including protein control (BSGP-C), protamex treatment (BSGP-P), and protamex combined with flavourzyme treatment (BSGP-PF) were incorporated in WSCE-based yogurt alternatives. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that BSGPs prepared with protease treatment generated less dense fat distribution and more homogenous globules compared to that in WSCE control yogurt. It also resulted in a softer, denser and more homogenous matrix. The modification in microstructural properties was aligned with differences in several functional groups including ⍺-glycosidic bond and hydroxyl groups from polysaccharides, aliphatic ethers and acid functional groups as well as aromatic hydrocarbons of lignin, amide I, acetyl groups and amide III. BSGF and BSGPs increased the mechanical properties, viscosity and modified flow behaviour properties demonstrating its ability in maintaining textural and gel formation. After 14 days of storage, maintenance in flow behaviour, syneresis and mechanical properties was identified. Furthermore, BSG derivatives enhanced lactic acid production up to 3 folds. In conclusion, BSG derivatives maintained the microstructure and gel formation, improved the properties of WSCE-based yogurt alternatives and preserved its behaviour during 14 days of storage.

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The study aimed to investigate the capability of bath-ultrasonication and its combination with conventional water-bath and autoclave treatment in modifying the volatile composition of brewers’ spent grain (BSG). It was hypothesized that the treatments modified the volatile composition of BSG due to the sonochemical modification. The results demonstrated that the treatments intensified the desirable odor and removed the undesirable one which might allow the possibility of masking and renewing the odor perception of BSG. Besides the influence on odor perception related compounds, it is worth to highlight that the treatments eliminated herbicidal compounds such as (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal and (E)-2-hexenal which might be present from herbicidal treatment. Combination of bath-ultrasonication with autoclave treatment modified the volatile aldehydes while its combination with conventional water-bath generated the same profile as it was in untreated BSG. Time elevation on bath-ultrasonication had no significant impact on the amount of ketones and alkanes, while the fluctuation occurred as an impact of thermal exposures. Moreover, the treatment reduced the amount of alcohol and increased the fatty acids. In conclusion, bath-ultrasonication and its combination with thermal exposure modified the volatile compositions of BSG.

ObjectivesThe fatty acid (FA) composition of breast milk is a relevant aspect related to the development of the lactating infant. The present study aimed at exploring correlations between dietary intake of macro- and micronutrients with the FA profile in breast milk, and the possible implication for infants' growth.Study DesignBreast milk samples from a cohort of lactating women were collected 7–15 days postpartum. The FA profiles in triacylglycerol (TAG) and phospholipid (PL)-rich fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography. Diet was registered during the third trimester of pregnancy by means of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). In addition, anthropometric measurements of infants were collected from gestation and up to 12 months postpartum.ResultsThe FA profile in breast milk was characterized by a median of 37.4, 41.3 and 16.8% of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated FAs, respectively. From the dietary components, zinc, iron, and B group vitamins were correlated positively with the proportion of total n-3 FAs in TAG and C20:5 n-3 in PL. Lycopene, vitamin E, zinc, and vitamin B2 showed a similar correlation with total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), total n-6 FAs, C20:4 n-6, and C18:2 n-6 in TAG. Regarding food groups, nuts showed the strongest association with several PUFA both in TAG and PL, while the vegetable group was also positively associated with C18:3 n-3. Furthermore, the concentration of linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3) and palmitic acid (C16:0) were positively associated with increased length for age (LFA) and weight for age (WFA) at 12 months compared with birth [ΔLFA −0.16 (−0.85, 0.37); ΔWFA −0.26 (−0.77, 0.21)].ConclusionsMothers' intake of nuts, dietary sources of zinc, iron, and B group vitamins were identified as potential predictors of a high-unsaturated FA profile in breast milk. In addition, linolenic and palmitic acids in breast milk were positively associated with infants' growth in the first year of life.

Since the dietary regimen rich in fruits is being widely recognized and encouraged, Citrus L. fruits have been growing in popularity worldwide due to their high amounts of health-promoting phytonutrients and bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamins, carotenoids, pectins, and fatty acids. The diverse physicochemical properties and multiple utilization of citrus fruits in food industry are associated with their unique chemical compositions. Throughout the world, citrus has been used for producing various value-added and nutritionally enhanced products, including juices, wines, jams, canned citrus, and dried citrus. However, the current studies regarding the phytochemical and nutritional characteristics and food applications of citrus are scattered. This review systematically summarizes the existing bibliography on the chemical characteristics, functional and nutraceutical benefits, processing, and potential applications of citrus. A thorough understanding of this information may provide scientific guidance for better utilizing citrus as a functional fruit and benefit the extension of citrus value chain.

Wild lingonberries are a traditional source of food in the Nordic countries and an important contributor to economic activity of non-wood forest products in the region. Lingonberries are a rich source of bioactive compounds and can be a valuable contributor to a healthy diet. However, there are few studies available on how the bioactive compounds in lingonberries develop as they ripen. In this investigation, we examined the content of 27 phenolic compounds, three sugars, four organic acids, and 71 volatile organic compounds at five ripening stages. The study showed that, while the highest content of phenolic compounds was found early in the development, the organoleptic quality of the fruits improved as they ripened. From the first to the last stage of development, anthocyanins went from being nearly absent to 100 mg/100 g fw, and there was an increased content of sugars from 2.7 to 7.2 g/100 g fw, whereas the content of organic acids decreased from 4.9 to 2.7 g/100 g fw, and there were several changes in the profile of volatiles. The contents of flavonols, cinnamic acid derivatives, flavan-3-ols, and the total concentration of phenolic compounds were significantly lower in the fully ripe berries compared to berries in the early green stage. In addition to the changes occurring due to ripening, there was observed variation in the profile of both phenolic compounds and volatiles, depending on the growth location of the berries. The present data are useful for the assessment of harvest time to obtain the desired quality of lingonberries.

This study aimed to valorize brewer's spent grain (BSG) from a side-stream into protein ingredients suitable for human consumption. The impact of protease treatments was studied for solubilizing BSG proteins. Treatment with Protamex or simultaneous co-incubation of Protamex and Flavourzyme solubilized up to 60% of the total protein in BSG, whereas co-incubation with Flavourzyme increased the availability of hydrophobic amino acids (Val, Phe, Ala, Leu, Ile) in extracts. The scale-up of protease treatments demonstrated comparable solubilized protein fractions in 0.1 L and 10 L reaction volumes. Thorough sequence-based peptide analysis by liquid chromatography-ion mobility-mass spectrometry resulted in the identification of 479 and 451 water-soluble peptides in the hydrolysates obtained with Protamex or co-incubation of Protamex and Flavourzyme, respectively. Main cutting sites on BSG proteins were identified between Leu-Gln, Tyr-Phe, Pro-X (Protamex), complementing with a variety of cutting sites mainly next to Gln, Pro, Ile, and Phe when combined with Flavourzyme. Uniform protease activity throughout the entire B-hordein sequence and the formation of peptides with varying sequence lengths did not increase the bitterness of the hydrolysates compared to the BSG sample with water extraction. These results support the characterization of enzymatic treatments in plant-based materials and the production of hydrolysates with desired composition.

The development of new fermentative strategies exploiting the potential of different wine-related species is of great interest for new winemaking conditions and consumer preferences. One of the most promising non-conventional approaches to wine fermentation is the combined use of deacidifying and acidifying yeasts. Lachancea thermotolerans shows several other properties besides lactic acid production; among them, high malic acid consumption is of great interest in the production of red wines for avoiding undesirable refermentations once bottled. The combination of a L. thermotolerans strain that is able to consume malic acid with a Schizosaccharomyces pombe strain helps to ensure malic acid elimination during alcoholic fermentation while increasing the final acidity by lactic acid production. To properly assess the influence of this alternative strategy, we developed combined fermentations between specific strains of L. thermotolerans and S. pombe under sequential inoculation. Both species showed a great performance under the studied conditions, influencing not only the acidity but also the aromatic compound profiles of the resulting wines. The new proposed biotechnological strategy reduced the final concentrations of ethanol, malic acid and succinic acid, while it increased the concentrations of lactic acid and esters.

Abstract Background Human breast milk is one of the key early postnatal biological exposures for the developing child. It includes bioactive compounds, such as cortisol and fatty acids, which may be linked via the mother’s lipid metabolism. Methods This study investigated the associations between cortisol and lipids in human milk at the infant age of 2.5 months. Human milk cortisol concentrations were measured using luminescence immunoassay, and two groups of milks (n = 50 each) were formed based on either high (> 10 nmol/L) or low (

Sea buckthorn berries have been reported to have beneficial effects on plasma lipid profile and cardiovascular health. This study aimed to investigate the impact of intervention with sea buckthorn berry puree on plasma metabolomics profile and gut microbiota in hypercholesterolemic subjects. A total of 56 subjects with hypercholesterolemia consumed 90 g of sea buckthorn berry puree daily for 90 days, and plasma metabolomic profile was studied at 0 (baseline), 45, and 90 days of intervention by using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR). Gut microbiota composition was analyzed at the baseline and after 90 days of supplementation by using high-throughput sequencing. The plasma metabolic profile was significantly altered after 45 days of intervention as compared to the baseline (day 0). A clear trend of returning to the baseline metabolomic profile was observed in plasma when the intervention extended from 45 days to 90 days. Despite this, the levels of several key plasma metabolites such as glucose, lactate, and creatine were lowered at day 90 compared to the baseline levels, suggesting an improved energy metabolism in those patients. In addition, intervention with sea buckthorn puree enriched butyrate-producing bacteria and other gut microbes linked to lipid metabolisms such as Prevotella and Faecalibacterium while depleting Parasutterella associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease. These findings indicate that sea buckthorn berries have potential in modulating energy metabolism and the gut microbiota composition in hypercholesterolemic patients.

Human milk is an intricate, bioactive food promoting infant health. We studied the composition of human milk samples collected over an 8-month lactation using 1H NMR metabolomics. A total of 72 human breast milk samples were collected from ten Chinese mothers at eight different time points. The concentrations of ten human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), fucose and lactose were quantified. Six of the mothers were classified as Lewis-positive secretors (Se+Le+) and four as Lewis-positive non-secretors (Se−Le+) based on the levels of 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL), lacto-N-fucopentaose (LNFP) II, lactodifucotetraose (LDFT) and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT). Acetate, citrate, short/medium-chain fatty acids, glutamine and urea showed a time-dependent trend in relation to the stage of lactation. The concentrations of 2′-FL, 3-FL (3-fucosyllactose), 3′-SL (3′-sialyllactose), LDFT, LNFP I, LNFP II, LNFP III, LNnT, LNT (lacto-N-tetraose), and fucose were statistically different between secretors and non-secretors. A temporal difference of approximately 1–2 months between the development of non-secretor and secretor HMO profiles was shown. The results highlighted the importance of long-term breastfeeding, especially among non-secretors.

To study the effect of photoperiodic conditions on the chemical composition of potato tubers, seven cultivars, grown under controlled conditions, were evaluated for the content of free amino acids (FAA) and sugars. The differences in these compounds may have an effect on the susceptibility of acrylamide formation during potato processing as well as on the flavor profile of potato products. Tubers were produced in growth chambers under two artificially induced photoperiods; 8 h light and 15 h light per day, resulting in conditions with two different daily light integral (DLI) levels. The photoperiodic treatments influenced the total FAA and free sugar contents and composition. Of the analyzed 19 FAAs, the concentrations of 14 FAAs were significantly lower in tubers exposed to the 15 h light period compared to 8 h light, whereas the glucose content was significantly higher. The total FAA concentrations were 15–46% lower and the glucose concentrations 6–64% higher in the seven cultivars exposed to the 15 h light conditions than in those grown in 8 h light.

Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras) pickled in vinegar is a common product in the Nordic countries. Other weak acids are used to cook and preserve fish in other food cultures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of weak acids to produce safe and nutritious pickled fish products with varying sensory properties. The influence of acetic, citric, lactic, malic, and tartaric acids on the preservability and quality of pickled and marinated Baltic herring was studied by measuring microbiological quality, pH, chemical composition, and lipid oxidation and by sensory profiling. Pickling with these acids with pH levels of 3.7–4.2 resulted in pickled Baltic herring products with high microbiological quality. The results of the chemical analysis of the samples indicated that pickling and storage on marinade influenced the chemical composition of fish. The most significant changes in chemical composition were the increase in moisture and decrease in protein content of the samples during storage. Fat content decreased during the storage period in acetic acid and malic acid samples. All tested acids inhibited lipid oxidation for one month, but at three and four month time points, the content of oxidation products increased except in the samples pickled with tartaric acid. The highest oxidation level was observed in the case of citric acid and the lowest with tartaric acid. The results indicate that replacing acetic acid with other weak acids frequently used in the food industry results in pickled and marinated fish products with novel and milder sensory profiles.

Triterpenoids are among the bioactive components of Chaga, the sterile conk of the medicinal fungus Inonotus obliquus. Supercritical fluid extraction of Chaga triterpenoids was carried out with supercritical CO2, while a modified Folch method was used as a comparison. Three temperature-pressure combinations were tested varying between 314–324 K (40–50 °C) and 281–350 bars, using time- and volume-limited extractions. Six triterpenoids were identified with GC-MS and quantified with GC-FID: ergosterol, lanosterol, β-sitosterol, stigmastanol, betulin, and inotodiol. The Folch extraction resulted in recovery of trametenolic acid, which was not extracted by supercritical CO2. Inotodiol was the major triterpenoid of all the extracts, with a yield of 87–101 mg/100 g and 139 mg/100 g, for SFEs and the Folch method, respectively. The contents of other major triterpenoids, lanosterol and ergosterol, varied in the ranges 59–63 mg/100 g and 17–18 mg/100 g by SFE, respectively. With the Folch method, the yields were 81 mg/100 g and 40 mg/100 g, respectively. The highest recovery of triterpenoids with SFE in relation to Folch was 56% and it was obtained at 324 K (50 °C) and 350 bar, regardless of extraction time or volume of CO2. The recoveries of lanosterol and stigmastanol were unaffected by SFE conditions. Despite the lower yield, SFE showed several advantages including shorter extraction time and less impact on the environment. This work could be a starting point for further studies on green extraction methods of bioactive triterpenoids from Chaga.

The dietary intake of fatty acids (FAs) affects the composition and distribution of FAs in the body. Here, a first-generation (n-3)-deficiency study was conducted by keeping young (age 21 ± 2 days) Sprague–Dawley male rats on a peanut-oil-based diet for 33 days after weaning in order to compare the effect of mild (n-3)-deficiency on the lipid composition of different organs and feces. Soybean-oil-based diet was used as a control. The plasma FA levels corresponded to FAs levels in the organs. Lower docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content was detected in the plasma, brain, testis, visceral fat, heart, and lungs of the (n-3)-deficient group, whereas the DHA content of the eye and feces did not differ between the experimental groups. The DHA content of the brains of the (n-3)-deficient group was 86% of the DHA content of the brains of the (n-3)-adequate group. The DHA level of the organs was affected in the order of visceral fat > liver triacylglycerols > lung > heart > liver phospholipids > testis > eye > brain, with brain being least affected. The low levels of (n-3) FAs in the liver, brain, eye, heart, and lung were offset by an increase in the (n-6) FAs, mainly arachidonic acid. These results indicate that, in rats, adequate maternal nutrition during pregnancy and weaning does not provide enough (n-3) FAs for 33 days of an (n-3)-deficient diet. Results of this study can be used also to evaluate the conditions needed to reach mild (n-3) deficiency in the first generation of rats and to evaluate the feasibility to collect data from a variety of organs or only selected ones.

Fractionation is a potential way to valorize under-utilized fishes, but the quality of the resulting fractions is crucial in terms of their applicability. The aim of this work was to study the quality of protein isolates and hydrolysates extracted from roach (Rutilus rutilus) and Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras) using either pH shift or enzymatic hydrolysis. The amino acid composition of protein isolates and hydrolysates mostly complied with the nutritional requirements for adults, but protein isolates produced using pH shift showed higher essential to non-essential amino acid ratios compared with enzymatically produced hydrolysates, 0.84–0.85 vs. 0.65–0.70, respectively. Enzymatically produced protein hydrolysates had a lower total lipid content, lower proportion of phospholipids, and exhibited lower degrees of protein and lipid oxidation compared with pH-shift-produced isolates. These findings suggest enzymatic hydrolysis to be more promising from a lipid oxidation perspective while the pH-shift method ranked higher from a nutrient perspective. However, due to the different applications of protein isolates and hydrolysates produced using pH shift or enzymatic hydrolysis, respectively, the further optimization of both studied methods is recommended.

Soluble sugars, malic acid, and ascorbic acid in 17 apple cultivars (Malus domestica Borkh.) and three wild forms (M. pumila ‘Saiwaihong’, M. prunifolia (Willd.) Borkh. and M. micromalus Makino) from three major apple cultivation regions in China were quantified using gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Fructose was the most abundant sugar, followed by sucrose, glucose, and sorbitol. Wild apples contain more sorbitol and less sucrose and were significantly more acidic than cultivated fruits. The total sugar content varied from 110 to 160 mg/g fresh fruits, total acid content from 2 to 6 mg/g, with a strong influence of genetic background and growth location. Overall, ‘Gala’, ‘Xiali’, ‘Liuyuehong’, ‘Lihong’, ‘Starking Delicious’, and ‘Starkrimson’ were characterized by higher sugar/acid ratio indicating sweeter taste compared to other cultivars. The wild apples had the highest content of ascorbic acid (0.6–0.96 mg/g). Compared to other cultivars, ‘Zhongqiuwang’, ‘Qinguan’, and ‘Nagafu No. 2′ were richer in ascorbic acid. The ascorbic acid content in the commercial cultivars was highly dependent on growth location. The content of malic acid and sucrose positively correlated to altitude, and that of glucose negatively. Malic acid positively correlated with ascorbic acid and sucrose, glucose content with ascorbic acid.

Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras) is one of the most abundant commercially caught fish species from the Baltic Sea. Despite the high content of fat and omega-3 fatty acids, the consumption of Baltic herring has decreased dramatically over the last four decades, mostly due to the small sizes and difficulty in processing. At the same time there is an increasing global demand for fish and fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This study aimed to investigate enzyme-assisted oil extraction as an environmentally friendly process for valorizing the underutilized fish species and by-products to high quality fish oil for human consumption. Three different commercially available proteolytic enzymes (Alcalase®, Neutrase® and Protamex®) and two treatment times (35 and 70 min) were investigated in the extraction of fish oil from whole fish and by-products from filleting of Baltic herring. The oil quality and stability were studied with peroxide- and p-anisidine value analyses, fatty acid analysis with GC-FID, and volatile compounds with HS-SPME-GC-MS. Overall, longer extraction times led to better oil yields but also increased oxidation of the oil. For whole fish, the highest oil yields were from the 70-min extractions with Neutrase and Protamex. Protamex extraction with 35 min resulted in the best fatty acid composition with the highest content of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) but also increased oxidation compared to treatment with other enzymes. For by-products, the highest oil yield was obtained from the 70-min extraction with Protamex without significant differences in EPA and DHA contents among the oils extracted with different enzymes. Oxidation was lowest in the oil produced with 35-min treatment using Neutrase and Protamex. This study showed the potential of using proteolytic enzymes in the extraction of crude oil from Baltic herring and its by-products. However, further research is needed to optimize enzymatic processing of Baltic herring and its by-products to improve yield and quality of crude oil.

The polysaccharides of the sterile conk of Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) have demonstrated multiple bioactivities. The mycelium of this basidiomycete, obtained after submerged cultivation, has been considered a feasible alternative to the sterile conk for the production of polysaccharides. However, previous research has paid little attention to the differences in the structures of polymers obtained from the different resources. Moreover, the birch wood colonized by I. obliquus has never been investigated as a source of bioactive polysaccharides. In the present study, polysaccharide fractions produced from cultivated mycelium, sterile conks of different geographical origins, and birch heart rot were investigated. High amounts of phenolic compounds, possibly lignans, were bound to the sterile conk polysaccharides. Mycelial polysaccharides were rich in α- and β-glucans and had high (105 Da) and low (104 Da) molecular weight populations. On the other hand, sterile conk polysaccharides were mainly β-glucan of lower and monodispersed molecular weight (103 Da). Heart rot polysaccharides were comprised mainly of low molecular weight (103 Da) hemicelluloses. Nevertheless, fungal polysaccharides were identified in the extracts. The differences in structure and molecular properties among the polysaccharide fractions of mycelium, heart rot, and sterile conk are likely associated with differences in bioactivities and, therefore, in nutraceutical potential.

Understanding the importance of the gut microbiota (GM) in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has raised the hope for therapeutic microbes. We have shown that high hepatic fat content associated with low abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in humans and, further, the administration of F. prausnitzii prevented NAFLD in mice. Here, we aimed at targeting F. prausnitzii by prebiotic xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) to treat NAFLD. First, the effect of XOS on F. prausnitzii growth was assessed in vitro. Then, XOS was supplemented or not with high (HFD, 60% of energy from fat) or low (LFD) fat diet for 12 weeks in Wistar rats (n = 10/group). XOS increased F. prausnitzii growth, having only a minor impact on the GM composition. When supplemented with HFD, XOS ameliorated hepatic steatosis. The underlying mechanisms involved enhanced hepatic β-oxidation and mitochondrial respiration. Nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) analysis of cecal metabolites showed that, compared to the HFD, the LFD group had a healthier cecal short-chain fatty acid profile and on the HFD, XOS reduced cecal isovalerate and tyrosine, metabolites previously linked to NAFLD. Cecal branched-chain fatty acids associated positively and butyrate negatively with hepatic triglycerides. In conclusion, XOS supplementation can ameliorate NAFLD by improving hepatic oxidative metabolism and affecting GM.

Oats are increasingly popular among consumers and the food industry. While data exist on sensory characteristics of oats as such, previous studies focusing on the pleasantness of oats, and especially investigations of a wide range of oat products by European and Asian consumers, are scarce. An online questionnaire was organized in Finland (n = 381; 83.7% Finnish) focusing on the liking and familiarity of oat products, followed by sensory tests in Finland (n = 65 and n = 73) and China (n = 103) using the Check-All-That-Apply method and hedonic ratings. A questionnaire revealed that the Finnish consumers rated the pleasantness and familiarity of several oat product categories, such as breads and porridges, higher compared to participants of other ethnicities. Sensory tests showed both similarities, e.g., porridges were described as “natural”, “healthy” and “oat-like”, and differences between countries, e.g., sweet biscuits, were described as “crispy” and “hard” by Finnish consumers and “strange” and “musty” by Chinese consumers. Sweet products were unanimously preferred. The ethnicity had an important role affecting the rating of pleasantness and familiarity of oat product categories, whereas food neophobia and health interest status also had an influence. The proved healthiness of oats was a crucial factor affecting the choices of consumers and their acceptance in both countries.

A gluten-free diet may result in high fat and low fiber intake and thus lead to unbalanced microbiota. This study characterized fecal microbiota profiles by 16S MiSeq sequencing among oat-using healthy adult subjects (n = 14) or adult subjects with celiac disease (CeD) (n = 19) or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) (n = 10). Selected microbial metabolites, self-reported 4d food diaries and perceived gut symptoms were compared. Subjects with NCGS experienced the highest amount of gut symptoms and received more energy from fat and less from carbohydrates than healthy and CeD subjects. Oat consumption resulted in reaching the lower limit of the recommended fiber intake. Frequent consumption of gluten-free pure oats did not result in microbiota dysbiosis in subjects with CeD or NCGS. Thus, the high number of gut symptoms in NCGS subjects was not linked to the microbiota. The proportion of fecal acetate was higher in healthy when compared to NCGS subjects, which may be linked to a higher abundance of Bifidobacterium in the control group compared to NCGS and CeD subjects. Propionate, butyrate and ammonia production and β-glucuronidase activity were comparable among the study groups. The results suggest that pure oats have great potential as the basis of a gluten-free diet and warrant further studies in minor microbiota disorders.

The circular economy is an umbrella concept that applies different mechanisms aiming to minimize waste generation, thus decoupling economic growth from natural resources. Each year, an estimated one-third of all food produced is wasted; this is equivalent to 1.3 billion tons of food, which is worth around US$1 trillion or even $2.6 trillion when social and economic costs are included. In the fruit and vegetable sector, 45% of the total produced amount is lost in the production (post-harvest, processing, and distribution) and consumption chains. Therefore, it is necessary to find new technological and environmentally friendly solutions to utilize fruit wastes as new raw materials to develop and scale up the production of high value-added products and ingredients. Considering that the production and consumption of fruits has increased in the last years and following the need to find the sustainable use of different fruit side streams, this work aimed to describe the chemical composition and bioactivity of different fruit seeds consumed worldwide. A comprehensive focus is given on the extraction techniques of water-soluble and lipophilic compounds and in vitro/in vivo functionalities, and the link between chemical composition and observed activity is holistically explained.

To study the effects of sea buckthorn juice and L-quebrachitol on type 2 diabetes, db/db mice were given 10-week gavage administration of pure sea buckthorn juice or sea buckthorn juice enriched with L-quebrachitol. Treatment with sea buckthorn juice reduced the feed intake, body weight gain, random blood glucose level, and the expression of insulin receptor β in the liver. Sea buckthorn juice significantly improved glucose tolerance and the integrity of pancreatic tissue. Administration of sea buckthorn juice enriched in L-quebrachitol increased fasting insulin level in plasma and showed similar effects on random blood glucose level, glucose tolerance and the pancreatic tissue as observed for pure sea buckthorn juice. The results suggest hypoglycaemic effects of sea buckthorn juice in type 2 diabetic db/db mice, likely associated with improvement of pancreas and reversal of insulin resistance. L-quebrachitol present in sea buckthorn might have contributed to the effects observed.

Breast feeding results in long term health benefits in the prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases at both individual and population levels. Geographical location directly impacts the composition of breast milk including microbiota and lipids. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of geographical location, i.e., Europe (Spain and Finland), Africa (South Africa) and Asia (China), on breast milk microbiota and lipid composition in samples obtained from healthy mothers after the first month of lactation. Altogether, 80 women (20 from each country) participated in the study, with equal number of women who delivered by vaginal or caesarean section from each country. Lipid composition particularly that of polyunsaturated fatty acids differed between the countries, with the highest amount of n-6 PUFA (25.6%) observed in the milk of Chinese women. Milk microbiota composition also differed significantly between the countries (p=0.002). Among vaginally delivered women, Spanish women had highest amount of Bacteroidetes whereas Chinese women had highest amount of Actinobacteria. Women who had had a caesarean section had higher amount of Proteobacteria as observed in the milk of the Spanish and South African women. Interestingly, the Spanish and South African women had significantly higher bacterial genes mapped to lipid, amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism (p

The composition of human breast milk is highly variable, and it can be influenced by genetics, diet, lifestyle, and other environmental factors. This study aimed to investigate the impact of geographical location and mode of delivery on the nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) metabolic profile of breast milk and its relationship with the milk microbiome. Human milk metabolic and microbiota profiles were determined using NMR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, respectively, in 79 healthy women from Finland, Spain, South Africa, and China. Up to 68 metabolites, including amino acids, oligosaccharides, and fatty acid-associated metabolites, were identified in the milk NMR spectra. The metabolite profiles showed significant differences between geographical locations, with significant differences (p < 0.05) in the levels of galactose, lacto-N-fucopentaose III, lacto-N-fucopentaose I and 2-fucosyllactose, 3-fucosyllactose, lacto-N-difucohexaose II, lacto-N-fucopentaose III, 2-hydroxybutyrate, 3-hydroxybutyrate, proline, N-acetyl lysine, methyl-histidine, dimethylamine, kynurenine, urea, creatine and creatine phosphate, formate, lactate, acetate, phosphocholine, acetylcholine, LDL, VLDL, ethanolamine, riboflavin, hippurate, spermidine, spermine and uridine. Additionally, the effect of caesarean section on milk metabolome was dependent on the geographical region. Specific interrelations between human milk metabolites and microbiota were also identified. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacilli were most significantly associated with the milk metabolites, being either positively or negatively correlated depending on the metabolite. Our results reveal specific milk metabolomic profiles across geographical locations and also highlight the potential interactions between human milk’s metabolites and microbes.

Maillard reaction products (MRPs) were prepared from mushroom hydrolysate (MH) by heating with d-xylose and l-cysteine at various temperatures (100 °C–140 °C) for 2 h at a pH of 7.4. The sensory characteristics of MH and MRPs were evaluated by panelists and volatile compounds were analyzed by GC/MS. Additionally, partial least squares regression (PLSR) was performed to analyze the correlation between quantitative sensory characteristics and GC/MS data. GC/MS results revealed that higher reaction temperature resulted in more nitrogen and sulfur containing compounds in MRPs while alcohols, ketones and aldehydes were the major flavor compounds obtained in MH. PLSR results showed that 3-phenylfuran and 2-octylfuran were the compounds responsible for the caramel-like flavor; 1-octen-3-ol, (E)-2-octen-1-ol and geranyl acetone were significantly and positively correlated to mushroom-like flavor, whereas, 2-thiophene-carboxaldehyde, 2,5-thiophenedicarboxaldehyde and 3-methylbutanal positively affected MRPs meat-like attribute. Overall, 125 °C was identified as the optimal temperature for preparing MRPs with abundant volatile compounds and favorable sensory characteristics; the concentration of free amino acids and 5′-GMP, which are associated with the umami taste, in MRPs derived under 125 °C were 3 to 4 times higher than those in MH.

OBJECTIVE:To explore the associations between picky eating behaviour and pre-schoolers' growth and development. Corresponding potential mechanisms, such as nutrient and food subgroup intake, as well as micronutrients in the blood, will be considered. METHODS:Picky eating behaviour was present if it was reported by parents. From various areas of China, 937 healthy children of 3-7 years old were recruited using a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method. Children and their mothers' socio-demographic information and children's anthropometry, intelligence, blood samples, one 24-hour dietary intake record and food frequency questionnaire were collected. Z-scores and intelligence tests were used to evaluate growth and development (cognitive development). Multilevel models were employed to verify the associations between picky eating behaviour and growth and development. RESULTS:The prevalence of picky eating as reported by parents was 54% in pre-schoolers. Compared with the non-picky eaters, weight for age in picky eaters was 0.14 z-score (95% CI: -0.25, -0.02; p = 0.017) lower while no significant difference was found in intelligence (p > 0.05). Picky eating behaviour lasting over two years was associated with lower weight for age, as was nit-picking meat (the prevalence from parents' perception was 23% in picky eaters) (p < 0.05). Picky eaters consumed fewer cereals, vegetables, and fish (p < 0.05), and had a lower dietary intake of protein, dietary fibre, iron, and zinc (p < 0.05). There were no differences in the concentrations of essential minerals in whole blood (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Picky eating behaviour is reported by parents in half of the Chinese pre-schoolers, which is negatively associated with growth (weight for age). Lower protein and dietary fibre as well as lower iron and zinc intakes were associated with picky eating as were lower intakes of vegetables, fish and cereals.