Search

Long chain polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids (LC-PUFA) are of functional and structural importance for brain development. Observational studies have shown positive relations between fatty fish consumption and cognitive performance in children, but Results from intervention studies using supplementary n-3 LC-PUFA are conflicting. Salmon is a good source of n-3 LC-PUFA, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). We tested the hypothesis that an increased dietary salmon intake results in better cognitive outcomes than a meat based diet.Children (n = 205, age 4-6 years) in this trial were individually randomized to eating meals containing farmed Atlantic salmon or meat three times weekly for 16 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention a cognitive test (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, 3rd edition, WPPSI-III) and a fine-motor coordination test (Nine Hole Peg Test, 9-HPT) were performed. Biochemical analyses included glycerophospholipid fatty acid profiles in plasma and cheek cells, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and urinary iodine concentration. Dietary intake before and during the study were determined using food frequency questionnaires.Intakes of EPA, DHA, vitamin D and iodine were higher in the salmon than the meat group, but on biomarker level only EPA and DHA increased significantly in the salmon group compared to the meat group (p 0.001). In general linear models no significant differences between the intervention groups were found in the scale scores of the WPPSI-III tests and the 9-HPT. In analyses of the raw scores, the salmon group showed significantly better improvement in two of the eight raw scores compared to the meat group (symbol search p = 0.038, picture concepts p = 0.047).Intake of farmed Atlantic salmon led to a greater increase of the raw scores of the picture concept and symbol search subtests, while in the six other subtests raw scores were not different between the groups. This might indicate a modest positive association of salmon intake with the performance of preschool children in some subtests evaluating fluid intelligence but does not suggest an influence on global IQ development.ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT01951937.

Suboptimal vitamin B status might affect cognitive performance in early childhood. We tested the hypothesis that short-term supplementation with folic acid and selected B vitamins improves cognitive function in healthy children in a population with relatively low folate status. We screened 1,002 kindergarten children for suboptimal folate status by assessing the total urinary para-aminobenzoylglutamate excretion. Two hundred and fifty low ranking subjects were recruited into a double blind, randomized, controlled trial to receive daily a sachet containing 220 μg folic acid, 1.1 mg vitamin B2, 0.73 mg B6, 1.2 μg B12 and 130 mg calcium, or calcium only for 3 months. Primary outcomes were changes in verbal IQ, short-term memory and processing speed between baseline and study end. Secondary outcomes were urinary markers of folate and vitamin B12 status, acetyl-para-aminobenzoylglutamate and methylmalonic acid, respectively, and, in a subgroup of 120 participants, blood folate and plasma homocysteine. Pre- and post-intervention cognitive measurements were completed by 115 children in the intervention and 122 in the control group. Compared to control, median blood folate increased by about 50 % (P for difference, P

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) enrichment of preterm infant formulas is recommended to meet high demands. Dietary LC-PUFA may inhibit endogenous LC-PUFA synthesis, thus limiting their benefit. We investigated effects of different docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intakes on plasma and erythrocyte fatty acids and endogenous LC-PUFA synthesis in preterm infants.Forty-two preterm infants (birth weight 1000-2200 g) were randomized double-blind to preterm formulas with γ-linolenic acid (0.4%) and arachidonic acid (AA, 0.1%) but different DHA contents (A: 0.04%, B: 0.33%, C: 0.52%); 24 received human milk (HM: 0.51% AA, 0.38% DHA, nonrandomized). Blood was sampled on study days 0, 14, and 28. Uniformly C-labeled linoleic acid (2 mg/kg) and α-linolenic acid (1 mg/kg) were applied orally on day 26 and blood samples collected 48 hours later.On day 28, group A had the lowest and group C the highest plasma phospholipid concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA. Erythrocyte phospholipid DHA was lowest in group A, but comparable in groups B, C, and HM. Plasma and erythrocyte AA were lower in formula groups than in HM. DHA intake had no effect on DHA synthesis. LC-PUFA synthesis was lower in HM infants.DHA supply dose dependently increased plasma DHA. Formula DHA levels of 0.33% matched plasma DHA status of infants fed HM. LC-PUFA synthesis was lower in infants fed HM than formulas with different DHA and low AA contents. With the LC-PUFA supplementation used, DHA in formulas did not inhibit AA or DHA synthesis.

Ubergewicht ist eines der grosten Gesundheitsprobleme in der westlichen Welt. Aktuelle Studien zeigen einen alarmierenden Anstieg in der Pravalenz von Ubergewicht und Adipositas im Kindes- und Jugendalter. Seit 1976 stieg die Haufigkeit in Deutschland um mindestens 50% an. Eine kurzlich vorgestellte deutsche Studie des Robert Koch-Instituts an 17.000 Kindern und Jugendlichen zeigte, dass insgesamt 15% aller deutschen Kinder und Jugendlichen ubergewichtig sind, 6,3% leiden unter Adipositas. Aus ubergewichtigen Kindern entwickeln sich in den meisten Fallen ubergewichtige Erwachsene mit hohen Risiken fur akute und chronische Folgeerkrankungen wie Bluthochdruck, Fettstoffwechselstorungen, koronare Herzkrankheit, Krebs, Gicht, psychosoziale Storungen und orthopadische Erkrankungen. Die Pravention von Ubergewicht muss bereits ab der fruhen Kindheit erfolgen. Bisher werden nur etwa 20% der ubergewichtigen Kinder diagnostiziert und behandelt.

The availability of cysteine is thought to be the rate limiting factor for synthesis of the tripeptide glutathione (GSH), based on studies in rodents. GSH status is compromised in various disease states and by certain medications leading to increased morbidity and poor survival. To determine the possible importance of dietary cyst(e)ine availability for whole blood glutathione synthesis in humans, we developed a convenient mass spectrometric method for measurement of the isotopic enrichment of intact GSH and then applied it in a controlled metabolic study. Seven healthy male subjects received during two separate 10-day periods an l -amino acid based diet supplying an adequate amino acid intake or a sulfur amino acid (SAA) (methionine and cysteine) free mixture (SAA-free). On day 10, l -[1- 13 C]cysteine was given as a primed, constant i.v. infusion (3μmol⋅kg −1 ⋅h −1 ) for 6 h, and incorporation of label into whole blood GSH determined by GC/MS selected ion monitoring. The fractional synthesis rate (mean ± SD; day -1 ) of whole blood GSH was 0.65 ± 0.13 for the adequate diet and 0.49 ± 0.13 for the SAA-free diet ( P < 0.01). Whole blood GSH was 1,142 ± 243 and 1,216 ± 162 μM for the adequate and SAA-free periods ( P > 0.05), and the absolute rate of GSH synthesis was 747 ± 216 and 579 ± 135 μmol⋅liter −1 ⋅day −1 , respectively ( P < 0.05). Thus, a restricted dietary supply of SAA slows the rate of whole blood GSH synthesis and diminishes turnover, with maintenance of the GSH concentration in healthy subjects.

Background The endogenous conversion of linoleic acid into long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids is of potential importance for meeting substrate requirements, particularly in young infants. After application of [13C]-linoleic acid, we estimated its conversion to dihomo-γ-linolenic and arachidonic acids from only two blood samples. Design Oral tracer doses were given to five healthy adults as a single bolus. In four subjects the tracer was given in nine equal portions over 3 days. Concentration and 13C content of fatty acids from serum phospholipids were analysed by gas chromatography combustion isotope ratio–mass spectrometry. Areas under the tracer–concentration curves were calculated, and fractional transfer and turnover rates estimated from compartmental models. Results The median fractional turnover of linoleic acid was 93.7% per day (interquartile range 25.3) in the bolus group and 80.0% per day (6.3) in the fraction group (NS). Fractional conversion of linoleic to dihomo-γ-linolenic acid was 1.5% (0.9) vs. 2.1% (0.7) (bolus vs. fraction, P

Effects of the dietary glycaemic load on postprandial blood glucose and insulin response might be of importance for fat deposition and risk of obesity. We aimed to investigate the metabolic effects, acceptance and tolerance of a follow-on formula containing the low glycaemic and low insulinaemic carbohydrate isomaltulose replacing high glycaemic maltodextrin. Healthy term infants aged 4 to 8 completed months (n = 50) were randomized to receive the intervention follow-on formula (IF, 2.1g isomaltulose (Palatinose™)/100mL) or an isocaloric conventional formula (CF) providing 2.1g maltodextrin/100mL for four weeks. Plasma insulinaemia 60min after start of feeding (primary outcome) was not statistically different, while glycaemia adjusted for age and time for drinking/volume of meal 60min after start of feeding was 122(105,140) mg/dL in IF (median, interquartile range) and 111(100,123) in CF (p = 0.01). Urinary c-peptide:creatinine ratio did not differ (IF:81.5(44.7, 96.0) vs. CF:56.8(37.5, 129),p = 0.43). Urinary c-peptide:creatinine ratio was correlated total intake of energy (R = 0.31,p = 0.045), protein (R = 0.42,p = 0.006) and fat (R = 0.40,p = 0.01) but not with carbohydrate intake (R = 0.22,p = 0.16). Both formulae were well accepted without differences in time of crying, flatulence, stool characteristics and the occurrence of adverse events. The expected lower postprandial plasma insulin and blood glucose level due to replacement of high glycaemic maltodextrin by low glycaemic isomaltulose were not observed in the single time-point blood analysis. In infants aged 4 to 8 completed months fed a liquid formula, peak blood glucose might be reached earlier than 60min after start of feeding. Non-invasive urinary c-peptide measurements may be a suitable marker of nutritional intake during the previous four days in infants. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT01627015","term_id":"NCT01627015"}}NCT01627015

OBJECTIVE To investigate whole body in vivo cysteine kinetics and its relationship to whole blood glutathione (GSH) synthesis rates in septic, critically ill pediatric patients and controls. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Multidisciplinary intensive care unit and pediatric inpatient units at a children's hospital. PATIENTS Ten septic pediatric patients and ten controls (children admitted to the hospital for elective surgery). INTERVENTIONS Septic patients (age, 31 months to 17 yrs) and controls (age, 24 months to 21 yrs) received a 6-hr primed, constant, intravenous tracer infusion of l-[1-13C]cysteine. Blood samples were obtained to determine isotopic enrichment of plasma cysteine and whole blood [1-13C]cysteinyl-glutathione by gas-chromatography mass spectrometric techniques. The plasma flux and oxidation rate of cysteine and the fractional and absolute synthesis rates of GSH were determined. Septic patients received variable protein and energy intake, as per routine clinical management, and controls were studied in the early postabsorptive state. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Plasma cysteine fluxes were increased in the septic patients when compared with the controls (68.2 +/- 17.5 [sd] vs. 48.7 +/- 8.8 micromol x kg(-1) x hr(-1); p

The endogenous conversion of linoleic acid into long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids is of potential importance for meeting substrate requirements, particularly in young infants. After application of [13C]-linoleic acid, we estimated its conversion to dihomo-gamma-linolenic and arachidonic acids from only two blood samples.Oral tracer doses were given to five healthy adults as a single bolus. In four subjects the tracer was given in nine equal portions over 3 days. Concentration and 13C content of fatty acids from serum phospholipids were analysed by gas chromatography combustion isotope ratio-mass spectrometry. Areas under the tracer-concentration curves were calculated, and fractional transfer and turnover rates estimated from compartmental models.The median fractional turnover of linoleic acid was 93.7% per day (interquartile range 25.3) in the bolus group and 80. 0% per day (6.3) in the fraction group (NS). Fractional conversion of linoleic to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid was 1.5% (0.9) vs. 2.1% (0.7) (bolus vs. fraction, P0.05), and fractional conversion of linoleic to arachidonic acid was 0.3% (0.3) vs. 0.6% (0.3) (bolus vs. fraction, NS). In the fraction group conversion was significantly higher based on areas under the curve. The ratio of tracer concentration in conversion products to linoleic acid 48 h after dosing correlated very well (r/= 0.94, P0.05) with the ratio of areas under the curve.Using areas under the curve overestimates the conversion, because different residence times are not considered. Estimation of conversion intensity appears possible with only one blood sample obtained after tracer application.

The field of pediatric nutrition continues to advance, with increasing evidence that diets early in life have long-lasting effects on health and disease well into adulthood. Pediatricians and nutritionists have long appreciated the importance of adequate nutrition in infancy for optimal growth and development, but only in recent years has the link between pediatric nutrition and diseases of so-called "adult onset" been realized. Two important topics in the field, obesity and the use of low-fat diets early in life, have been the subject of recent literature, and developments in these areas are summarized. Although the genetic basis for some causes of obesity are becoming clear, reliable assessment and treatment of obese children are still wanting in many cases. The ease with which healthy pediatric diets meet the recommended dietary guidelines for fat intake is also reviewed. Finally, the possibility that changes in federal funding of food assistance programs might have adverse effects on pediatric nutrition is also noted.

Background Folate status, as reflected by red blood cell (RCF) and plasma folates (PF), is related to health and disease risk. Folate degradation products para-aminobenzoylglutamate (pABG) and para-acetamidobenzoylglutamate (apABG) in 24 hour urine have recently been shown to correlate with blood folate. Aim Since blood sampling and collection of 24 hour urine are cumbersome, we investigated whether the determination of urinary folate catabolites in fasted spot urine is a suitable non-invasive biomarker for folate status in subjects before and during folic acid supplementation. Study Design and Methods Immediate effects of oral folic acid bolus intake on urinary folate catabolites were assessed in a short-term pre-study. In the main study we included 53 healthy men. Of these, 29 were selected for a 12 week folic acid supplementation (400 µg). Blood, 24 hour and spot urine were collected at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks and PF, RCF, urinary apABG and pABG were determined. Results Intake of a 400 µg folic acid bolus resulted in immediate increase of urinary catabolites. In the main study pABG and apABG concentrations in spot urine correlated well with their excretion in 24 hour urine. In healthy men consuming habitual diet, pABG showed closer correlation with PF (rs = 0.676) and RCF (rs = 0.649) than apABG (rs = 0.264, ns and 0.543). Supplementation led to significantly increased folate in plasma and red cells as well as elevated urinary folate catabolites, while only pABG correlated significantly with PF (rs = 0.574) after 12 weeks. Conclusion Quantification of folate catabolites in fasted spot urine seems suitable as a non-invasive alternative to blood or 24 hour urine analysis for evaluation of folate status in populations consuming habitual diet. In non-steady-state conditions (folic acid supplementation) correlations between folate marker (RCF, PF, urinary catabolites) decrease due to differing kinetics. ISSN:1932-6203

Background Folate status, as reflected by red blood cell (RCF) and plasma folates (PF), is related to health and disease risk. Folate degradation products para-aminobenzoylglutamate (pABG) and para-acetamidobenzoylglutamate (apABG) in 24 hour urine have recently been shown to correlate with blood folate. Aim Since blood sampling and collection of 24 hour urine are cumbersome, we investigated whether the determination of urinary folate catabolites in fasted spot urine is a suitable non-invasive biomarker for folate status in subjects before and during folic acid supplementation. Study Design and Methods Immediate effects of oral folic acid bolus intake on urinary folate catabolites were assessed in a short-term pre-study. In the main study we included 53 healthy men. Of these, 29 were selected for a 12 week folic acid supplementation (400 µg). Blood, 24 hour and spot urine were collected at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks and PF, RCF, urinary apABG and pABG were determined. Results Intake of a 400 µg folic acid bolus resulted in immediate increase of urinary catabolites. In the main study pABG and apABG concentrations in spot urine correlated well with their excretion in 24 hour urine. In healthy men consuming habitual diet, pABG showed closer correlation with PF (rs = 0.676) and RCF (rs = 0.649) than apABG (rs = 0.264, ns and 0.543). Supplementation led to significantly increased folate in plasma and red cells as well as elevated urinary folate catabolites, while only pABG correlated significantly with PF (rs = 0.574) after 12 weeks. Conclusion Quantification of folate catabolites in fasted spot urine seems suitable as a non-invasive alternative to blood or 24 hour urine analysis for evaluation of folate status in populations consuming habitual diet. In non-steady-state conditions (folic acid supplementation) correlations between folate marker (RCF, PF, urinary catabolites) decrease due to differing kinetics., PLoS ONE, 8 (2), ISSN:1932-6203