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GLV supplements increased plasma beta-carotene, vitamin C, zinc and hemoglobin in young healthy adults
Abstract
Green leafy vegetables (GLV) are rich sources of beta-carotene, iron and other micronutrients. Our in vitro studies have demonstrated good antioxidant potential in GLV. Moreover linkages of GLV intakes with plasma retinol and ascorbic acid were seen in apparently healthy Indians.
To investigate the effect of GLV as a natural fortificant of multiple micronutrients through a prospective human trial.
Short-term (0-4 h) response (AUC) of single dose of 7.9 mg beta-carotene and 130 mg ascorbic acid through a spinach-carrot meal against the standard meal without GLV plus10 mg beta-carotene and 150 mg ascorbic acid tablets was studied in two groups of 4 young volunteers each. In the second trial of 3 weeks' supplementation, 5 groups of young adults (n = 40) were given either 100 g GLV/day alone or with tablets of vitamin E (100 mg/day), or C (100 mg/day) or more oil (5 g/day) or non-GLV meal with tablet of beta-carotene (10 mg/day). Hemoglobin (Hb), plasma beta-carotene, zinc, vitamin C, glucose, and triglycerides were measured.
In a postprandial response, AUC were comparable in both GLV and standard meals for beta-carotene and ascorbic acid. In case of triglycerides and glucose AUC the GLV meal showed a better recovery to the baseline value after 4 hours than the standard meal. Three weeks' supplementation of GLV with more oil resulted in significant increase of plasma beta-carotene (51%) and Hb (9%). GLV with vitamin E showed a significant increase in plasma beta-carotene (40%), Hb (8%) and plasma vitamin C (6%). Supplementing beta-carotene without GLV significantly increased Hb (11%), plasma zinc (14%) in addition to beta-carotene. Multiple regression analyses weighted for energy intake indicated a significant association of percent increase in Hb with intakes of iron, riboflavin, folic acid, beta-carotene, copper, phytate and fiber (p < 0.01), percent change in plasma zinc with intakes of zinc, beta-carotene, vitamin C, riboflavin, copper, iron, and thiamin (p < 0.01), percent change in vitamin C with intakes of vitamin C, vitamin E, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, beta-carotene, zinc, phytate and fiber (p < 0.05) and percent change in plasma beta-carotene with intakes of beta-carotene, thiamin, folic acid, zinc, phytate and tannins (p < 0.05).
Using 100 g GLV/day with 10 g oil could be a single moderate strategy for supplementation of iron, beta-carotene, ascorbic acid and zinc.
... Greater improvements in iron status were also seen among anaemic 1-to 8-year-old (Mejia and Chew, 1988) and 9-to 12-year-old children (Mwanri et al., 2000) and in pregnant women (Panth et al., 1990; Suharno et al., 1993; Kolsteren et al., 1999; Muslimatum et al., 2001) when iron and vitamin A supplements were given simultaneously rather than when iron or vitamin A were supplemented alone. In addition, iron absorption from iron-fortified foods was enhanced when vitamin A in the chemical form of either retinol or b-carotene was added (Garcia-Casal et al., 1998); improvements in iron status were also seen when vitamin A-fortified foods (Mejia and Arroyave, 1982; Muhilal et al., 1988) and b-carotene-rich foods such as gac (Momordica cochinchinensis) fruit (Vuong et al., 2002), amaranth, spinach, cabbage, colocasia and radish leaves (Agte et al., 2006) and papaya and carrot (Ncube et al., 2001) were consumed. In contrast, a study conducted by de Pee et al. (1998) designed to compare the bioavailability of carotenoids from orange fruit and from leafy vegetables and carrots among anaemic schoolchildren showed that Hb concentration did not change among those fed green leafy vegetables and carrots despite significant improvements in their serum carotenoid concentrations. ...
... As a comparison, the provision of weekly iron supplements to Filipino schoolchildren for 27 week resulted in a mean increase in Hb of 0.4 g per 100 ml and a reduction of anaemia prevalence by 53.7% (34). Studies in other countries have likewise shown that carotenoid-rich diets or b-carotene supplements can increase Hb concentrations (de Pee et al., 1998; Ncube et al., 2001; Vuong et al., 2002; Agte et al., 2006). The type of carotene-rich foods may have an influence on the magnitude of Hb increase, with fruits being more effective than dark-green leafy vegetables (de Pee et al., 1998). ...
... Influence of carotene-rich meals on iron status of schoolchildren CC Maramag et al of anaemia in the study area such as malaria infection and gum bleeding (Takyi, 1999 ). However, a study among nonanaemic adults showed a significant increase from 6.4 to 11.1% in Hb concentration after consuming green leafy vegetables for only 3 weeks (Agte et al., 2006). The inconsistencies among studies regarding the effect of carotene-rich meals on Hb concentration may be due to differences in the food provided and the biological characteristics of subjects. ...
To determine the effects of eating carotene-rich green and yellow vegetables on the prevalence of anaemia, iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anaemia in schoolchildren.
Schoolchildren (n=104), aged 9-12 years, received standardized meals containing 4.2 mg of provitamin A carotenoids/day (mainly beta-carotene) from yellow and green leafy vegetables and at least 7 g dietary fat/day. The meals were provided three times/day, 5 days/week, for 9 weeks at school. Before and after the dietary intervention, total-body vitamin A pool size was assessed by using the deuterated-retinol-dilution method; serum retinol and beta-carotene concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography; and whole blood haemoglobin (Hb) and zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) concentrations were measured by using a photometer and a hematofluorometer, respectively.
After 9 weeks, the mean total-body vitamin A pool size increased twofold (95% confidence interval (CI): -0.11, -0.07 micromol retinol; P<0.001), and serum beta-carotene concentration increased fivefold (95% CI: -0.97, -0.79 micromol/l; P<0.001). Blood Hb (95% CI: -1.02, -0.52 g per 100 ml; P<0.001) and ZnPP increased (95% CI: -11.82, -4.57 microol/mol haem; P<0.001). The prevalence of anaemia (Hb<11.5 g per 100 ml) decreased from 12.5 to 1.9% (P<0.001). There were no significant changes in the prevalence of iron deficiency or iron-deficiency anaemia.
Ingestion of carotene-rich yellow and green leafy vegetables improves the total-body vitamin A pool size and Hb concentration, and decreases anaemia rates in Filipino schoolchildren, with no effect on iron deficiency or iron-deficiency anaemia rates.
... There were no changes in ferritin in men and nonanemic vegetarian women who consumed tea, nor did total iron binding capacity, hemoglobin, serum iron, or hematocrit change in groups from baseline to end line (69). In a study that compared the iron status of Indian men and women aged 20-25 y (n = 46), polyphenolrich diets that contained leafy green vegetable supplements did not significantly affect individuals' hemoglobin concentrations after 3 wk of supplementation compared with those consuming a control meal with no leafy green vegetables (70). Confounding antinutritional diet factors make intervention increases in tannin consumption alone difficult. ...
... In epidemiologic studies, tannin compounds that inhibit iron bioavailability in single-meal studies were not correlated with iron status changes (55) or iron deficiency (53,54). Furthermore, studies lasting $4 wk that focused on tanninrich foods did not find alterations in iron status (69,70). Some animal (38,48) and human (40,41) studies that were reviewed point instead to the idea of long-term adaptation to antinutritional factors, including tannins. ...
Iron deficiency remains a global health issue, and antinutritional factors, such as tannins, are often cited as contributors to the high prevalence of deficiency. Despite this, tannin-rich diets may have potential beneficial cardiovascular and cancer fighting properties due to tannins' antioxidant activity. Further, epidemiological studies and long-term trials involving participants who consumed diets rich in antinutritional factors, particularly tannins, conflict with single-meal bioavailability studies. The purpose of this narrative review is to determine tannins' effects on iron bioavailability and status, and establish whether adaptation to tannins reduces tannins' antinutritional effects over time. We also aimed to compare tannins used in iron studies. Common themes related to iron bioavailability and iron status with tannin consumption were collected and collated for summary and synthesis based on models and subjects used. Overall, there was dissonance among iron bioavailability and status in studies. Single meal studies with hydrolyzable and oligomeric catechin/epicatechin tannins (tea and tannic acid) generally support reductions in bioavailability with tannin consumption compared to condensed tannin's consumption, although condensed tannins are more commonly found in food. Long term animal models, epidemiological data, and multi-meal studies generally do not support changes in iron status related to tannin intake. Studies suggest that long-term tannin consumption may reflect iron status differently than single meal studies or bioavailability iron models predict. Further, iron bioavailability studies employing condensed tannins, which are more commonly consumed, may better predict mealtime iron bioavailability. More research is needed to develop representative antinutritional-iron studies, as well as the possibility of, and mechanisms underlying the adaptation to tannins and other antinutritional factors that occurs over time.
... In contrast to earlier suggestions [49,50], the current evidence shows that naturally derived vitamin C added to meals during prolonged periods of time can overcome food-related inhibition of iron absorption and improve functional iron status. This said, it cannot be excluded that compounds other than vitamin C in natural products may also exert effects on iron absorption (for example, non-provitamin A carotenoids, organic acids [16,51]) or hemoglobin formation (for example, pro-vitamin A carotenoids, B-vitamins [52,53]). Our finding of halving the prevalence of anemia among Indian children with a relatively simple measure as adding guava fruit to school meals is of utmost public health relevance and warrants follow-up. ...
... Anemia was greatly reduced in children who ate yellow or orange vegetables such as pumpkin, carrots, squash, or sweet potatoes. Several studies found improvements in the level of iron in the body after the consumption of vitamin A-fortified foods and β-carotene-rich foods such as amaranth, gac (Momordica cochinchinensis) fruit, spinach, cabbage, radish leaves, papaya, and carrot, similar to our findings [45][46][47][48][49]. The consumption of carotene-rich yellow and green leafy vegetables can increase the total size of the pool of vitamin A and the Hb concentration and lower anemia rates [50]. ...
Background
Childhood anemia is a global public health issue. In this study, we assessed the potential sociodemographic and dietary factors associated with the prevalence of anemia among children aged 6–59 months in Nigeria.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, we collected dietary information and demographic data on 6,338 children with anemia from the Nigerian Demographic and Health Surveys (2018). The association between the occurrence of anemia and the demographic and dietary factors was determined by conducting Chi-squared tests. Additionally, bivariate and multivariate order logit models were constructed and reported as odds ratios.
Results
The results of the multivariate analysis showed that the risk of anemia was reduced by 13% and 44% in children aged 13–36 months (OR = 0.87; 95% CI = 0.77–0.98; p = 0.019) and 37–59 months (OR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.49–0.63; p < 0.001), respectively, compared to the risk of anemia in children aged 6–12 months. Anemia was 28% less likely in children of non-anemic mothers (OR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.66–0.80; p < 0.001) than children of anemic mothers. Children fed pumpkin, carrot, squash, and sweet potato showed a lower occurrence of anemia by 17% (OR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.70–0.99; p = 0.036) compared to those who were not fed these vegetables. Chances of anemia increased by 14% in children who were fed white potatoes, white yams, manioc, cassava, and other root-based foods (OR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.01–1.29; p = 0.036).
Conclusion
This study highlighted the impact of a plant-based diet on the high prevalence of childhood anemia in Nigeria. Therefore, reformation of dietary habits, the inclusion of nutritional supplements, and food-fortification programs with reductions in maternal anemia are recommended.
... The differences in results may be due to the variations in the initial vitamin A status of the subjects and type of model studied [23]. Improvements in Fe status were also seen when vitamin A-fortified foods [39,40] and β-carotene-rich foods such as amaranth, spinach, cabbage, colocasia and radish leaves [41] and papaya and carrot [42] were consumed, similar to our report. Layrisse et al. [35,43] also reported the significant effect of vitamin A on Fe absorption from breads. ...
This study aimed at evaluating the effect of β-carotene rich vegetables and acidulants on the copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and chromium (Cr) bioaccessibility from selected cereals (rice and sorghum) and pulses (green gram and chickpea). The assessment of the possible effect of β-carotene on minerals bioaccessibility was done by adding two levels of carrot and amaranth (2.5 and 5 g) to 10 g of selected grain. The amounts of acidulants added to the grains were at the level that produced a pH decrease by 1 unit. The bioaccessible minerals were estimated by employing an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion procedure in both raw and cooked grains. The enhanced bioaccessible Cu, Mn, and Cr in the cooked grains, as a result of the addition of carrot and amaranth, was in the range of 17–52%, 24–270%, and 17–71%, respectively. A significant increase in Cu, Mn, and Cr bioaccessibility from food grains was also observed in the presence of acidulants, and the increase was from 42 to 169%, 69–164%, and 59–100%, respectively. Thus, we observed the beneficial effect of β-carotene and acidulants on the bioaccessibility of these minerals. This information on the effect of exogenous components on the bioaccessibility of Cu, Cr and Mn is novel, and finds usefulness in evolving dietary strategies to improve the intake of these important trace minerals.
... In recent years, there has been a growing body of evidence showing edible greens to be a good source of dietary antioxidants [1]. Consumption of dietary antioxidants is often associated with reduced risks of certain serious diseases [2]. ...
A central field of research in recent times is the control of oxidative stress with the help of natural antioxidants. Green leafy vegetables are an important source of antioxidants in the diet. Microgreens, a novel form of leafy vegetables, are gaining popularity as a culinary ingredient. In this study, phytochemicals such as ascorbic acid (AsA), lutein (Lut), chlorophyll (Chl), total phenolics (TP) and total flavonoids (TF) with antioxidant functions were quantified in ten culinary microgreens. The antioxidant capacities of methanolic extracts of these microgreens were also determined using assays targeting different antioxidant mechanisms: DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, FRAP and inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation (ILAP). The study reports for the first time an overall assessment of the antioxidant potential of microgreens evaluated using the overall phytochemical composite index (OPCI) and antioxidant potential composite index (APCI). Roselle microgreens had the highest AsA, TP and TF content, and DPPH RSA and ILAP activities. Roselle and fennel microgreens recorded high OPCI and APCI. These indices were higher or comparable to the values obtained for spinach mature leaves. Correlation analysis revealed a significant contribution of TP and TF to radical scavenging activities, OPCI, and APCI. Thus, microgreens rich in antioxidant components could be used as a promising health-promoting culinary ingredient.
... Similar studies have observed significant changes in ferritin (30), and hemoglobin (42) in nonanemic women consuming antinutritional factors over a period of 3-4 wk, respectively, suggesting that these markers of iron status can be changed with antinutritional factors. Although week 0 percentage maximum iron absorption was significantly greater than that for week 4 in the covariate adjusted model (Table 4), phytic acid supplementation did not change iron absorption, hemoglobin, or ferritin when consumed 3 times daily for 4 weeks in both covariate-adjusted and -nonadjusted models (Tables 3 and 4). ...
Background: Acute phytic acid intake has been found to decrease iron bioavailability; however, repeated phytic acid consumption leads to iron absorption adaptation. Salivary proline-rich proteins (PRPs) have been shown to inhibit iron chelation to tannins and may mediate similar iron
absorption adaptation with phytic acid intake.
Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine whether salivary proteins bind to phytic acid in vitro, and to explore a proof of concept in a pilot study that examined the impact of 4-wk, daily phytic acid supplementation on individuals’ iron status, bioavailability, and salivary PRP concentrations.
Methods: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight were used to characterize in vitro salivary protein–phytic acid interactions. Nonanemic women (n = 7) consumed 350 mg phytic acid supplements 3 times daily
for 4 wk, and meal challenges were employed to determine iron bioavailability, iron status, and salivary protein concentrations before and after supplementation periods. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis of purified protein fractions and participant saliva
identified proteins bound to phytic acid.
Results: In vitro salivary protein–phytic acid interaction identified cystatin SN, a non–proline rich salivary protein, as the specific bound protein to phytic acid. Iron bioavailability (P = 0.32), hemoglobin (P = 0.72), and serum ferritin (P = 0.08) concentrations were not reduced from week
0 to week 4 after phytic acid supplementation. Basic PRPs and cystatin SN concentrations were positively correlated with iron bioavailability at week 4.
Conclusions: Overall, results suggest that phytic acid binds to the non-PRP cystatin SN and that salivary protein production may improve iron bioavailability with phytic acid consumption.
... Similar studies have observed significant changes in ferritin (30), and hemoglobin (42) in nonanemic women consuming antinutritional factors over a period of 3-4 wk, respectively, suggesting that these markers of iron status can be changed with antinutritional factors. Although week 0 percentage maximum iron absorption was significantly greater than that for week 4 in the covariate adjusted model (Table 4), phytic acid supplementation did not change iron absorption, hemoglobin, or ferritin when consumed 3 times daily for 4 weeks in both covariate-adjusted and -nonadjusted models (Tables 3 and 4). ...
Background:
Acute phytic acid intake has been found to decrease iron bioavailability; however, repeated phytic acid consumption leads to iron absorption adaptation. Salivary proline-rich proteins (PRPs) have been shown to inhibit iron chelation to tannins and may mediate similar iron absorption adaptation with phytic acid intake.
Objectives:
The objectives of this study were to determine whether salivary proteins bind to phytic acid in vitro, and to explore a proof of concept in a pilot study that examined the impact of 4-wk, daily phytic acid supplementation on individuals' iron status, bioavailability, and salivary PRP concentrations.
Methods:
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight were used to characterize in vitro salivary protein-phytic acid interactions. Nonanemic women (n = 7) consumed 350 mg phytic acid supplements 3 times daily for 4 wk, and meal challenges were employed to determine iron bioavailability, iron status, and salivary protein concentrations before and after supplementation periods. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis of purified protein fractions and participant saliva identified proteins bound to phytic acid.
Results:
In vitro salivary protein-phytic acid interaction identified cystatin SN, a non-proline rich salivary protein, as the specific bound protein to phytic acid. Iron bioavailability (P = 0.32), hemoglobin (P = 0.72), and serum ferritin (P = 0.08) concentrations were not reduced from week 0 to week 4 after phytic acid supplementation. Basic PRPs and cystatin SN concentrations were positively correlated with iron bioavailability at week 4.
Conclusions:
Overall, results suggest that phytic acid binds to the non-PRP cystatin SN and that salivary protein production may improve iron bioavailability with phytic acid consumption.
... They found increases in serum retinol after supplementation, and observed that there was higher absorption in those with lower levels of serum retinol at baseline. Agte et al. (2006), Persson et al. (2001) and Tyssandier et al. (2002) also reported that β-carotene levels increased when children were supplemented with dark green leafy vegetables and other carotenoid-rich foods respectively. In a wellcontrolled study, Jalal (1991) found an increase in serum retinol when he supplemented red sweet potato and dark green leafy vegetables. ...
Background: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) could be prevented by the consumption of pro-vitamin A (β-carotene)-rich Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) leaves. M. oleifera grows well in many developing countries, and dried leaves also retain a high percentage of β-carotene on storage; they could thus serve as an excellent, convenient source of this pro-vitamin A carotenoid. This study assessed the efficacy of the supplementation of dried M. oleifera leaves on the vitamin A and haematological status of children in Ada-East district, Ghana.
Methodology: Children aged 5–12 years were supplemented three times a week at 0.2 g/kg body weight for nine weeks. Background data were collected on the socio-demographic status of the children. Data were collected on vitamin A and haematological status of the children at baseline and at the end of the study. Malaria and hookworm morbidity were also assessed at baseline and at the end of the study.
Results: There was a significant increase in mean serum vitamin A levels after supplementation (end of study) in the intervention group (p,0.05), but not in the control group. Haematological parameters Haemoglobin (HGB), Red Blood Count (RBC), Haematocrit (HCT), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) did not show any significant changes in either group (p,0.05). A bivariate analysis, however, showed a significant association between vitamin A and haematological indices in the intervention group, but
not in the control group.
Conclusion: M. oleifera leaf consumption significantly increased the vitamin A status of children in
Ada-East district, Ghana, and has the potential of increasing the haematological status of children. It
could thus play a major role as a food-based strategy in vitamin A defi ciency control.
... For instance, Wijesinha-Bettoni, Kennedy, Dirorimwe, and Muehlhoff (2013) reported use of dried vegetable products to supply dietary micronutrients during the offseason period in most developing countries. Additionally, mixed dried vegetable products were reported to provide a balanced food matrix that improved zinc bioavailability, and hence plasma zinc concentration (Agte, Jahagirdar, & Chiplonkar, 2006;Tidemann-Andersen, Acham, Maage, & Malde, 2011;Uusiku, Oelofse, Duodu, Bester, & Faber, 2010). Therefore, product F2 can be used in complementary foods to increase iron and zinc, as micronutrients of concern reported in complementary feeding programmes in developing countries (Dewey, 2013;Kulwa, Mamiro, Kimanya, Mziray, & Kolsteren, 2015). ...
Micronutrients are an important part of human nutrition that support survival and functioning of the body. Vegetables play a major role in the supply of micronutrients to human diet. In this study, different ratios of F1 (1:1:1), F2 (2:1:1), F3 (1:1:2) and F4 (1:2:1) by weight of solar-dried Moringa oleifera leaves (ML), Ipomoea batatas leaves (IBL) and Daucus carota (DC) were studied to determine the optimum mix for a novel product formulation. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was used for the evaluation of iron and zinc, while β-carotene was analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results for iron in the formulated products were 39.71, 58.54, 19.41 and 50.98 mg/100g for F1, F2, F3 and F4, respectively. On the other hand, zinc values were 1.75, 2.15, 1.40 and 1.80 mg/100g for F1, F2, F3 and F4, respectively. Beta-carotene values were 3.58, 4.16, 4.34 and 2.40 mg/100g for F1, F2, F3 and F4, respectively. A significant variation in zinc, iron and β-carotene among all formulations (p < 0.05) was observed. Formulation F2 was highly associated with zinc (R² = 0.963) and iron (R² = 0.998) and based on these parameters was selected as the best novel vegetable product formulation. Therefore, mixed solar-dried vegetables powder at a ratio of 2:1:1 for ML, IBL and DC, respectively, can be promoted to ensure the supply of iron, zinc and β-carotene in the diet throughout the year.
... A similar study showed that 4-wk tea supplementation, similar to this study's 0.25-g supplement dose, resulted in significantly lower ferritin concentrations in nonanemic and anemic women (31), suggesting that there may be differences in the impact of tannin type on iron status. Interestingly, in a study observing effects from green leafy vegetables on hemoglobin, significant improvements were seen after only 3 wk (58). Although supplementation amounts in our study at 1.5 g were 50 3 .0.03-g and 10 3 .0.25-g tannin doses, iron absorption was only modestly reduced in the 1.5-g supplementation period (equivalent to consuming 100 g high tannin sorghum 3 times/d), and there were no significant reductions in iron status over time. ...
Background: Repeated phytic acid consumption leads to iron absorption adaptation but, to the best of our knowledge, the impact of repeated tannin consumption has not yet been established. Salivary proline-rich proteins (PRPs) may improve iron absorption by precipitating tannins.
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of long-term, dose-response condensed tannin supplementation on iron bioavailability and status and to assess the effect of salivary proteins on iron bioavailability during prolonged condensed tannin consumption. A secondary objective was to assess astringency as a potential marker for adaptation to tannins and iron bioavailability.
Methods: Eleven nonanemic women were enrolled in a double-blind 3-dose crossover trial. Three (1.5, 0.25, or 0.03 g) condensed tannin supplements were consumed 3 times/d for 4 wk in random order, with 2-wk washouts in between. Meal challenges were employed before and after supplementation to assess iron bioavailability, iron status, salivary PRP changes, and astringency.
Results: Tannin supplementation in any dose did not change iron bioavailability at any dose (P > 0.82) from weeks 0 to 4. Hemoglobin (P = 0.126) and serum ferritin (P = 0.83) were unchanged by tannin dose from weeks 0 to 4. There were significant correlations among tannin supplementation and iron bioavailability, basic proline-rich proteins (bPRPs) (r = 0.366, P = 0.003), and cystatin production (r = 0.27, P = 0.03). Astringency ratings did not change significantly within or between tannin doses (P > 0.126), but there were negative relations among bPRP (r < −0.32, P < 0.21), cystatin production (r < −0.2, P < 0.28), and astringency ratings.
Conclusions: Condensed tannin consumption did not affect iron bioavailability or status regardless of the supplementation period in premenopausal nonanemic women. Correlation analyses suggest that bPRPs and cystatins are associated with improved iron bioavailability and that lower ratings of astringency may predict improved iron absorption with repeated tannin consumption.
... However, the evidence supporting this antinturient function have mostly been single meal studies utilizing hydrolyzable tannic acid or oligomeric epigallocatechin gallate found in tea. Studies that have explored long-term consumption of tannins [21,22] and other antinutritional factors [23,24], as well as epidemiological studies [25][26][27] have questioned whether potent tanninnon-heme iron inhibition is sustained over time. ...
Background:
Tannins are often cited for antinutritional effects, including chelation of non-heme iron. Despite this, studies exploring non-heme iron bioavailability inhibition with long-term consumption have reported mixed results. Salivary proline-rich proteins (PRPs) may mediate tannin-antinutritional effects on non-heme iron bioavailability.
Aim:
To review evidence regarding biochemical binding mechanisms and affinity states between PRPs and tannins, as well as effects of PRPs on non-heme iron bioavailability with tannin consumption in vivo.
Methods:
Narrative systematic review and meta-analysis. Common themes in biochemical modeling and affinity studies were collated for summary and synthesis; data were extracted from in vivo experiments for meta-analysis.
Results:
Thirty-two studies were included in analysis. Common themes that positively influenced tannin-PRP binding included specificity of tannin-PRP binding, PRP and tannin stereochemistry. Hydrolyzable tannins have different affinities than condensed tannins when binding to PRPs. In vivo, hepatic iron stores and non-heme iron absorption are not significantly affected by tannin consumption (d = -0.64-1.84; -2.7-0.13 respectively), and PRP expression may increase non-heme iron bioavailability with tannin consumption.
Conclusions:
In vitro modeling suggests that tannins favor PRP binding over iron chelation throughout digestion. Hydrolyzable tannins are not representative of tannin impact on non-heme iron bioavailability in food tannins because of their unique structural properties and PRP affinities. With tannin consumption, PRP production is increased, and may be an initial line of defense against tannin-non-heme iron chelation in vivo. More research is needed to compare competitive binding of tannin-PRP to tannin-non-heme iron complexes, and elucidate PRPs' role in adaption to non-heme iron bioavailability in vivo.
... There is a real risk of vegan populations becoming deficient unless they change their eating habits or take a supplement (31). However, micronutrient status can be enhanced by increasing the intake of vegetables and fruit, and by improving the bioavailability of micronutrients by appropriate methods such as sprouting or fermentation (32,33). ...
... Hoverer, the consumption of leafy vegetables has been investigated and the results from different experimental researches have revealed contradictory, and confused conclusions, especially with regard to the green leaves of spinach (Spinacea oleracea L.), which is a very common and widely eaten vegetable among Palestinian families. on the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of iron and hence hemoglobin concentration [44][45][46] , while other study mentioned the negative effects 47 . ...
Purpose: Hemoglobin (Hb) level could be affected by different interfering factors that include nutritional, socio-demographical, economical, and habitual determinant factors. The present study was designed to identify possible factors that could affect the hemoglobin level in adolescence students (14-22 years) at Gaza Strip, Palestine. Methods: Complete blood count (CBC), serum iron (SI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and HbA2 were performed on blood samples of 1171 students from both sexes (548 M & 623 F). Socioeconomic, demographic, habitual and nutritional information were collected through close-ended questionnaire. Results: Iron deficiency and beta thalassemia minor are prevalent in 9.6% and 4.2%, respectively, of the adolescent students. At all categorizations, except in carriers for beta
thalassemia gene, significantly higher Hb levels were reported in males than females. The determinant factors for Hb level of the overall subjects were student education (school vs university), parents consanguinity, geographical locality (urban, rural, refugee camp), owning house, smoking, family size/income, tea drinking, consumption of citrus, meat, and green leafy vegetables. Conclusions: It was concluded that different sociodemographic variables and nutritional factors are significant detriments for Hb levels in Palestinian adolescents (14-22 yr). Interventional educational programs directed toward improving the dietary and nutritional issues among the adolescents is recommended.
Keywords: Hemoglobin; Determinant factors, Socioeconomic; Demographic; Refugees.
... A study on a small group of healthy young females in Pune, West India, compared the short-term effects of consumption of a green leafy vegetable meal with a standard meal without green leafy vegetables (35) . No difference in plasma b-carotene or vitamin C concentrations between the two groups was observed 4 h after the meal. ...
Intakes of micronutrient-rich foods are low among Indian women of reproductive age. We investigated whether consumption of a food-based micronutrient-rich snack increased markers of blood micronutrient concentrations when compared with a control snack. Non-pregnant women (
n
222) aged 14–35 years living in a Mumbai slum were randomised to receive a treatment snack (containing green leafy vegetables, dried fruit and whole milk powder), or a control snack containing foods of low micronutrient content such as wheat flour, potato and tapioca. The snacks were consumed under observation 6 d per week for 12 weeks, compliance was recorded, and blood was collected at 0 and 12 weeks. Food-frequency data were collected at both time points. Compliance (defined as the proportion of women who consumed ≥ 3 snacks/week) was >85 % in both groups. We assessed the effects of group allocation on 12-week nutrient concentrations using ANCOVA models with respective 0-week concentrations, BMI, compliance, standard of living, fruit and green leafy vegetable consumption and use of synthetic nutrients as covariates. The treatment snack significantly increased β-carotene concentrations (treatment effect: 47·1 nmol/l, 95 % CI 6·5, 87·7). There was no effect of group allocation on concentrations of ferritin, retinol, ascorbate, folate or vitamin B
12
. The present study shows that locally sourced foods can be made into acceptable snacks that may increase serum β-carotene concentrations among women of reproductive age. However, no increase in circulating concentrations of the other nutrients measured was observed.
... Compared with supplementation and fortification, a natural dietary modification is preferred as a costeffective approach to combat micronutrient malnutrition and offers the benefits of providing more than one nutrient [14]. For example, it has been suggested that 100 g/d of green leafy vegetables could be a single moderate strategy to improve the micronutrient status, mainly of iron, b-carotene, ascorbic acid, and zinc, in Indian adults [15]. However, the effectiveness of such a strategy to improve the status of zinc and other micronutrients in adolescents has yet to be demonstrated. ...
The present study was aimed at assessing the effect of zinc- and micronutrient-rich food supplementation compared with ayurvedic zinc tablets on the blood levels of zinc and vitamin A in adolescent girls.
One hundred eighty apparently healthy schoolgirls (12.5 ± 0.85 y old) were recruited for a 10-wk intervention trial. They were randomized to three groups: one group received a food supplement that was prepared using zinc- and micronutrient-rich foods and by adopting food-processing methods that increase zinc bioavailability; the second group received ayurvedic zinc (Jasad) tablets as a natural elemental zinc supplement; and the third group served as the control without any supplementation. Diet was assessed by 24-h recall on 3 non-consecutive days. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for plasma levels of zinc, β-carotene, retinol, vitamin C, and hemoglobin at baseline and the end of the study period.
Food supplementation showed a significant increase in plasma levels of zinc (9.9%), β-carotene (56.2%), and vitamin C (28.0%, P < 0.05) and a non-significant increase in hemoglobin (1.7%), although small, non-significant changes in blood micronutrient levels were observed in the control group (P > 0.1). Food supplementation decreased the prevalence of zinc deficiency (73% to 53.1%), β-carotene deficiency (31.1% to 17.4%), and mild anemia (32.2% to 23.7%). Ayurvedic zinc supplementation significantly improved plasma zinc (61.3%) and plasma retinol (38.2%) and decreased the prevalence of zinc deficiency (73.7% to 36.2%) and vitamin A deficiency (65.4% to 20.4%, P < 0.05).
Zinc- and micronutrient-rich food supplementation was effective in improving the zinc and vitamin A status of adolescent girls.
... Fortified wheat-and milk-based porridge with micronutrients and zinc was also found to have a positive effect on growth [20]. A study suggesting vegetarian food supplements, i.e., green leafy vegetables, has been done to improve the micronutrient status of Indian adults [21]. However, no such diet modification has been reported in schoolchildren. ...
Populations subsisting on plant foods are believed to be at a high risk of mineral deficiencies. The aim of the present study was to examine the diet patterns of vegetarian adolescent girls for zinc adequacy and devise recipes to improve bioavailable zinc intakes.
A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 630 schoolgirls (10-16 y old) from Pune, India, from 2006 to 2007. Diet was assessed by a 24-h recall method on 3 random days. Diet patterns were identified by principal component analysis. Nutrient intakes were estimated using the cooked-foods database of our laboratory. Twenty recipes representing the diet patterns were formulated using foods that have a high zinc content and using methods such as sprouting/fermentation. In vitro zinc dialyzability of the recipes was determined by simulating gastrointestinal conditions and atomic absorption spectrometry.
Five diet patterns were identified reflecting intakes of different cereals. Girls in the five diet patterns had inadequate intakes of energy, protein, and micronutrients including zinc compared with the recommended dietary intakes of India. In the new cereal-based recipes, the average contents of energy, protein, iron, calcium, zinc, beta-carotene, and vitamin C per 100g of cooked weight were 205 kcal, 6.2g, 2.5mg, 105 mg, 1.5mg, 716 microg, and 4.4 mg, respectively. Therefore, a supplement of 200 g of the recipe would fulfil 75% of the daily zinc requirement of adolescents and increase other micronutrient intake manifolds.
Diets of Indian schoolgirls were deficient in zinc. Zinc-rich recipes with high bioavailability have the potential to alleviate zinc deficiency in adolescents.
... There is a real risk of vegan populations becoming deficient unless they change their eating habits or take a supplement 31. However, micronutrient status can be enhanced by increasing the intake of vegetables and fruit, and by improving the bioavailability of micronutrients by appropriate methods such as sprouting or fermentation 32, 33. ...
Abstract
Background
Micronutrient malnutrition has many adverse effects on human health, not all of which may be clinically evident.
Objective
To explore linkages between subclinical health complaints and micronutrient status in lactovegetarian Indian adults.
Design
Health was assessed in 502 lactovegetarian adults (275 men, 227 women, aged 30.6±9 years) using a structured questionnaire for existing complaints with severity of symptoms on a four-point scale and morbidity over the preceding month. Subjects were categorized as having no complaints (NC), or complaints of mild (MI) or moderate (MD) degree, using cluster analysis. Diet was recorded by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and nutrient intakes were computed using standard databases. Levels of haemoglobin, vitamin C, retinol, ceruloplasmin, riboflavin (EGRAC), folic acid, vitamin B12 and erythrocyte membrane zinc (RBCMZn) in blood were estimated.
Results
Health complaints of a mild and moderate degree were observed in 30.5% and 24.7% of the subjects, respectively. Average dietary intakes of β-carotene, riboflavin, iron and zinc were observed to be only about half of the recommended dietary intakes. There was a decreasing trend in micronutrient intakes from NC to MD. Intakes of iron, zinc, niacin and thiamin of men from the MI group tended to be lower than in the NC group (p<0.1). Men from the MD group had significantly lower intakes of calcium, zinc and riboflavin than those from the NC group (p<0.05). The intakes of these nutrients in women from NC, MI and MD were not significantly different. Multinomial logistic regression of health status revealed that plasma vitamin C and RBCMZn were negatively associated with MD and RBCMZn with MI.
Conclusions
The study indicates a need to increase micronutrient intakes of vegetarian populations, especially regarding vitamin C and zinc for maintenance of health.
Keywords: health complaints, micronutrients, vitamin C, zinc
Hydrophobic β-carotene and hydrophilic riboflavin offer a wide range of health benefits, but their limited stability and bioaccessibility pose challenges to their use in the food industry. This study developed a water-in-oleic acid-in-water (W/OA/W) emulsion. The effects of internal/external water phase emulsifiers were investigated on their microstructure, encapsulation efficiency, and stability. Only 0.05 wt% soybean-derived phosphatidylcholine was required as a lipophilic emulsifier to produce W/OA/W emulsions that can encapsulate both hydrophobic β-carotene and hydrophilic riboflavin. Compared to the commercial pea protein isolate (PPI), the PPI-xylooligosaccharide conjugate demonstrated superior performance as hydrophilic emulsifiers in stabilizing W/OA/W emulsions. The W/OA/W emulsion co-delivery system improved the thermal stability, light stability, and bioaccessibility of β-carotene, as well as the light stability of riboflavin. Overall, the W/OA/W emulsion holds great promise for application in natural food and for co-delivering hydrophobic and hydrophilic bioactive ingredients.
Background:
Numerous studies acknowledged the importance of an adequate vegetable consumption for human health. However, current methods to estimate vegetable intake are often prone to measurement errors due to self-reporting and/or insufficient detail. More objective intake biomarkers for vegetables, using biological specimens, are preferred. The only concentration biomarkers currently available are blood carotenoids and vitamin C, covering total fruit and vegetable intake. Identification of biomarkers for specific vegetables is needed for a better understanding of their relative importance for human health. Within the FoodBAll Project under the Joint Programming Initiative "A Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life", an ambitious action was undertaken to identify candidate intake biomarkers for all major food groups consumed in Europe by systematically reviewing the existent literature. This study describes the review on candidate biomarkers of food intake (BFIs) for leafy, bulb, and stem vegetables, which was conducted within PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science for studies published through March 2019.
Results:
In total, 65 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility for leafy vegetables, and 6 full-text articles were screened for bulb and stem vegetables. Putative BFIs were identified for spinach, lettuce, endive, asparagus, artichoke, and celery, but not for rocket salad. However, after critical evaluation through a validation scheme developed by the FoodBAll consortium, none of the putative biomarkers appeared to be a promising BFI. The food chemistry data indicate that some candidate BFIs may be revealed by further studies.
Conclusion:
Future randomized controlled feeding studies combined with observational studies, applying a non-targeted metabolomics approach, are needed in order to identify valuable BFIs for the intake of leafy, bulb, and stem vegetables.
Background:
Vitamins and minerals are essential for growth and maintenance of a healthy body, and have a role in the functioning of almost every organ. Multiple interventions have been designed to improve micronutrient deficiency, and food fortification is one of them.
Objectives:
To assess the impact of food fortification with multiple micronutrients on health outcomes in the general population, including men, women and children.
Search methods:
We searched electronic databases up to 29 August 2018, including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial (CENTRAL), the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) Group Specialised Register and Cochrane Public Health Specialised Register; MEDLINE; Embase, and 20 other databases, including clinical trial registries. There were no date or language restrictions. We checked reference lists of included studies and relevant systematic reviews for additional papers to be considered for inclusion.
Selection criteria:
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster-RCTs, quasi-randomised trials, controlled before-after (CBA) studies and interrupted time series (ITS) studies that assessed the impact of food fortification with multiple micronutrients (MMNs). Primary outcomes included anaemia, micronutrient deficiencies, anthropometric measures, morbidity, all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality. Secondary outcomes included potential adverse outcomes, serum concentration of specific micronutrients, serum haemoglobin levels and neurodevelopmental and cognitive outcomes. We included food fortification studies from both high-income and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Data collection and analysis:
Two review authors independently screened, extracted and quality-appraised the data from eligible studies. We carried out statistical analysis using Review Manager 5 software. We used random-effects meta-analysis for combining data, as the characteristics of study participants and interventions differed significantly. We set out the main findings of the review in 'Summary of findings' tables, using the GRADE approach.
Main results:
We identified 127 studies as relevant through title/abstract screening, and included 43 studies (48 papers) with 19,585 participants (17,878 children) in the review. All the included studies except three compared MMN fortification with placebo/no intervention. Two studies compared MMN fortification versus iodised salt and one study compared MMN fortification versus calcium fortification alone. Thirty-six studies targeted children; 20 studies were conducted in LMICs. Food vehicles used included staple foods, such as rice and flour; dairy products, including milk and yogurt; non-dairy beverages; biscuits; spreads; and salt. Fourteen of the studies were fully commercially funded, 13 had partial-commercial funding, 14 had non-commercial funding and two studies did not specify the source of funding. We rated all the evidence as of low to very low quality due to study limitations, imprecision, high heterogeneity and small sample size. When compared with placebo/no intervention, MMN fortification may reduce anaemia by 32% (risk ratio (RR) 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56 to 0.84; 11 studies, 3746 participants; low-quality evidence), iron deficiency anaemia by 72% (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.39; 6 studies, 2189 participants; low-quality evidence), iron deficiency by 56% (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.60; 11 studies, 3289 participants; low-quality evidence); vitamin A deficiency by 58% (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.62; 6 studies, 1482 participants; low-quality evidence), vitamin B2 deficiency by 64% (RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.68; 1 study, 296 participants; low-quality evidence), vitamin B6 deficiency by 91% (RR 0.09, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.38; 2 studies, 301 participants; low-quality evidence), vitamin B12 deficiency by 58% (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.71; 3 studies, 728 participants; low-quality evidence), weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ) (mean difference (MD) 0.1, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.17; 8 studies, 2889 participants; low-quality evidence) and weight-for-height/length z-score (WHZ/WLZ) (MD 0.1, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.18; 6 studies, 1758 participants; low-quality evidence). We are uncertain about the effect of MMN fortification on zinc deficiency (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.08; 5 studies, 1490 participants; low-quality evidence) and height/length-for-age z-score (HAZ/LAZ) (MD 0.09, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.18; 8 studies, 2889 participants; low-quality evidence). Most of the studies in this comparison were conducted in children. Subgroup analyses of funding sources (commercial versus non-commercial) and duration of intervention did not demonstrate any difference in effects, although this was a relatively small number of studies and the possible association between commercial funding and increased effect estimates has been demonstrated in the wider health literature. We could not conduct subgroup analysis by food vehicle and funding; since there were too few studies in each subgroup to draw any meaningful conclusions. When we compared MMNs versus iodised salt, we are uncertain about the effect of MMN fortification on anaemia (R 0.86, 95% CI 0.37 to 2.01; 1 study, 88 participants; very low-quality evidence), iron deficiency anaemia (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.09 to 1.83; 2 studies, 245 participants; very low-quality evidence), iron deficiency (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.17; 1 study, 88 participants; very low-quality evidence) and vitamin A deficiency (RR 0.19, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.55; 2 studies, 363 participants; very low-quality evidence). Both of the studies were conducted in children. Only one study conducted in children compared MMN fortification versus calcium fortification. None of the primary outcomes were reported in the study. None of the included studies reported on morbidity, adverse events, all-cause or cause-specific mortality.
Authors' conclusions:
The evidence from this review suggests that MMN fortification when compared to placebo/no intervention may reduce anaemia, iron deficiency anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies (iron, vitamin A, vitamin B2 and vitamin B6). We are uncertain of the effect of MMN fortification on anthropometric measures (HAZ/LAZ, WAZ and WHZ/WLZ). There are no data to suggest possible adverse effects of MMN fortification, and we could not draw reliable conclusions from various subgroup analyses due to a limited number of studies in each subgroup. We remain cautious about the level of commercial funding in this field, and the possibility that this may be associated with higher effect estimates, although subgroup analysis in this review did not demonstrate any impact of commercial funding. These findings are subject to study limitations, imprecision, high heterogeneity and small sample sizes, and we rated most of the evidence low to very low quality. and hence no concrete conclusions could be drawn from the findings of this review.
Background:
The objective of this study was to identify an association among dietary components, iron, and inflammatory status among adolescent girls.
Method:
Dietary information for 85 adolescent girls was collected through food frequency questionnaires. Biomarkers of iron and inflammatory status were analyzed.
Results:
We found that 28.2% of adolescent girls had anemia and 65.9% girls were iron-deficient. Girls who did not consume guava had 3.8-fold (95% confidence interval =1.1-9.4; p = 0.020) increased the risk of having low serum iron levels. Girls who consumed amaranth had significantly (p = 0.024) higher serum hepcidin levels (n = 44; 129.7 ± 81.40 pg/mL vs n = 41; 94.6 ± 55.8 pg/mL) as well as ferritin levels (n = 44; 19.7 ± 16.4 µg/L vs n = 41; 14.0 ± 10.2 µg/L). Overall consumption of fruits and green leafy vegetables among girls significantly affects their iron status.
Conclusions:
Regular consumption of vitamin C-rich fruits and green leafy vegetable intake are imperative for improvement of iron status among adolescent girls.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 recommended increased consumption of vegetables, particularly dark green vegetables, one of the vegetable subgroups. Green vegetables are good sources of vitamins such as A (as precursor carotenoids such as β-carotene), C, K, and folate, and minerals including potassium, magnesium, iron, and calcium. Carotenoids, natural pigments in green vegetables and other foods, may help prevent chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, and eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration, although some results are inconclusive. In particular, lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoid pigments, have been studied for their role in preventing eye disease. Many dark green leafy vegetables, both cultivated and wild, exist worldwide, and people in developing countries may improve their nutrition, food security, and personal livelihood by using wild vegetation. Researchers continue to identify and characterize the components of cultivated and wild greens potentially responsible for their health benefits. To foster increased consumption of vegetables, many multifaceted community-, school-, and/or home-based strategies have shown potential to increase the consumption of vegetables among children and adults.
A randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the effect of African leafy vegetable (ALV) consumption on Fe, Zn and vitamin A status in children.
Children were randomly allocated to receive either a 300 g cooked ALV dish and school meal starch (n 86) or the normal school meal (n 81) five times per week for three months. ALV in the dish consisted mainly of Amaranthus cruentus (at least 80 %) and the remainder of Cleome gynandra, Cucurbita maxima or Vigna unguiculata. Nutrient content and consumer acceptance of the ALV dish were also determined.
North West Province, South Africa.
Grade R to grade 4 children (6-12 years old) of two farm schools.
The ALV dish contributed 11·6-15·8 mg Fe and 1·4-3·7 mg Zn. At baseline, prevalence of deficiencies in the intervention group was 16·0 %, 16·3 %, 7·0 % and 75·6 %, respectively, for anaemia (Hb<11·5 g/dl), Fe (serum ferritin<15 µg/l), vitamin A (serum retinol<20 μg/dl) and Zn (serum Zn<65 μg/dl); and in the control group 10·5 %, 18·5 %, 2·5 % and 75·3 %, respectively. No significant estimated intervention effect was found.
This randomized controlled trial showed that ALV were unable to improve serum retinol, serum ferritin or Hb if there are only mild deficiencies present. Furthermore, despite the low Zn status in the study population, ALV consumption did not improve serum Zn concentrations either.
Fruits and vegetables contain high quantity of essential vitamins, antioxidants (vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids), minerals, fibers and water. Health professionals recommend to eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day since people who eat more generous amounts as part of a healthful diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases in which an increased oxidative stress is potentially implicated (cardiovascular diseases, cancers…). However, more precisions should be given in order to clarify what does it really mean 5 servings with respect to the quantity, the choice, the colour and the variability of these aliments. Moreover, only a few data are available about the impact of such a diet on the oxidative stress status of an individual (plasma concentrations in antioxidants and markers of oxidative stress). The present paper was to summarize the most significant studies about this matter.
Garlic (Allium sativum) is popularly consumed because of its role in the treatment and management of several diseases. However, unregulated and chronic intake of garlic can cause damage to cells through the production of free radicals. This study was carried out in order to assess the ability of some tropical green leafy vegetables (Telfairia occidentalis, Solanum macrocapon, Corchorus olitorius, Baselia alba, Cnidoscolus acontifolus, Amarantus cruentus, and Ocimum gratissimum) to prevent garlic-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Wistar strain albino rats were fed diet containing 4% garlic along with or without 40% green leafy vegetable supplement for 14 days. Thereafter, the feeding trial was terminated, the serum of the blood was prepared, and the liver, spleen, intestine, and organ were isolated for gross pathological investigation. The results of the study revealed that there was a significant increase (P < .05) in serum glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) of the albino rats fed diet containing 4% garlic supplement when compared with the rats fed the basal diet without garlic and vegetable (40%) supplement. However, there was a significant decrease (P < .05) in the serum total protein and albumin levels in those rats. Conversely, there was a consistent significant decrease (P < .05) in the SGOT and SGPT of the rats fed diet containing garlic (4%) and T. occidentalis (40%) and C. acontifolus (40%) supplement compared with those rats fed diet containing garlic (4%) supplement, while there were no consistent significant decrease in those rats fed diet with garlic (4%) alongside with 40% of other leafy vegetables (S. macrocanum, C. olitorius, B. alba, A. cruentus, and O. gratissimum). An increase in serum level of total protein and albumin was also observed in the rats fed T. occidentalis and C. acontifolus. Thus, T. occidentalis and C. acontifolus proved to be better vegetables in preventing garlic-induced hepatotoxicity compared with the other vegetables used in this study.
Diets prevalent in vegetarian populations using rice and other whole grains as staples with little consumption of yellow vegetables are low in riboflavin. These diets have poor bioavailability of iron and zinc because metals are present as inorganic salts with low solubility. Riboflavin has the capacity to form complexes, and supplementation of riboflavin may result in increased absorption of zinc and iron, thus increasing the cellular transport. Therefore, riboflavin may have direct as well as indirect effects on growth. Using this as the conceptual basis, experiments were conducted on pregnant and lactating mice. Two groups, each of 12 mice (9 females and 3 males), were observed on a low-riboflavin rice-based diet (adequate in all other nutrients), one with and one without supplementation of 10 mg riboflavin/kg diet. There was significant improvement in the growth parameters like percent conception, mean weight gain in pregnancy, mean weight of pups at the age of 21 d, and percentage hemoglobin due to riboflavin supplementation (p < 0.05). Percent zinc absorption, for the low-riboflavin diet, the supplemented diet, and the synthetic control diet were 16.4+/-5.7, 33.7+/-8.9, and 44.6+/-4.0, respectively, indicating the beneficial effect of riboflavin supplementation on iron and zinc utilization.
Most dietary iron remains unabsorbed and hence may be available to participate in Fenton-driven free radical generation in conjunction with the colonic microflora, leading to the production of carcinogens or direct damage to colonocytes.
Our aims were to measure the proportion of fecal iron available to participate in free radical generation and to determine the effect of an oral supplement of ferrous sulfate on free radical generation.
Eighteen healthy volunteers recorded their food intake and collected fecal samples before, during, and after 2 wk of supplementation (19 mg elemental Fe/d). Total, free, and weakly chelated fecal iron were measured and free radical production was determined by using an in vitro assay with dimethyl sulfoxide as a free radical trap.
Fecal iron increased significantly during the period of supplementation and returned to baseline within 2 wk. The concentration of weakly bound iron in feces (approximately 1.3% of total fecal iron) increased from 60 micromol/L before to 300 micromol/L during supplementation, and the production of free radicals increased significantly (approximately 40%). Higher-carbohydrate diets were associated with reduced free radical generation.
Unabsorbed dietary iron may increase free radical production in the colon to a level that could cause mucosal cell damage or increased production of carcinogens.
To examine interrelationships between (1) dietary habits, (2) socioeconomic and (3) environmental factors, and their impact on plasma retinol and plasma ascorbic acid.
Cross-sectional study on adults from Western India.
Rural, semi urban, urban higher/middle/lower socioeconomic regions (HSE/MSE/LSE) having diverse dietary habits and environmental conditions.
A total of 214 men and 108 women (20-50 y), apparently healthy and non-anemic.
Food intake by food frequency questionnaire, weight, height, age, smoking, environmental score, education, income, plasma retinol and plasma ascorbic acid.
Mean plasma retinol in women (24.84+/-5.1 microg/dl) and men (24.75+/-4.53 microg/dl) were not significantly different and 21% had plasma retinol below 20 microg/dl. Mean plasma ascorbic acid in women (0.35+/-0.12 mg/dl) and men (0.30+/-0.12 mg/dl) was similar with 75% having plasma ascorbic acid below 0.4 mg/dl. Vitamin A intake (as retinol equivalent) and plasma retinol showed a significant dose response (P<0.05) but not vitamin C intake and plasma ascorbic acid. Plasma retinol showed significant correlation with income (rho=0.24), education (rho=0.27), and environment (rho=0.21; rho=0.0001). Similar correlations with plasma ascorbic acid were 0.29, 031, -0.23 respectively (P=0.0001). Logistic regression showed education, environment, green leafy vegetables (GLV) and milk intake as predictors of plasma retinol deficiency, while non-sweet fruit intake, education and passive smoking for plasma ascorbic acid deficiency (P<0.05).
Subnormal status of retinol and vitamin C emphasizes the need to increase consumption of fruit, GLV and milk products, and also better education and environment. Avoiding passive smoking demands attention in order to improve levels of these vitamins.
Department of Science and Technology, India (project no. SP/SO/B39/94).
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a leading cause of death in India. Dietary changes could reduce risk, but few studies have addressed the association between diet and IHD risk in India.
The goal was to address the association between diet and IHD risk among Indians in New Delhi (northern India) and Bangalore (southern India).
We collected data from 350 cases of acute myocardial infarction and 700 controls matched on the basis of age, sex, and hospital as part of a hospital-based case-control study in 8 hospitals. Long-term dietary intake was assessed by using food-frequency questionnaires developed for New Delhi and Bangalore. We used conditional logistic regression to control for the matching factors and other predictors of risk.
We observed a significant and dose-dependent inverse association between vegetable intake and IHD risk. The inverse association was stronger for green leafy vegetables; in multivariate analysis, persons consuming a median of 3.5 servings/wk had a 67% lower relative risk (RR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.64; P for trend = 0.0001) than did those consuming 0.5 servings/wk. Controlling for other dietary covariates did not alter the association. Cereal intake was also associated with a lower risk. Use of mustard oil, which is rich in alpha-linolenic acid, was associated with a lower risk than was use of sunflower oil [for use in cooking: RR: 0.49 (95% CI: 0.24, 0.99); for use in frying, RR: 0.29 (95% CI: 0.13, 0.64)].
Diets rich in vegetables and use of mustard oil could contribute to the lower risk of IHD among Indians.
The amount of dietary fat required for optimal bioavailability of carotenoids in plant matrices is not clearly defined.
The objective was to quantify the appearance of carotenoids in plasma chylomicrons after subjects ingested fresh vegetable salads with fat-free, reduced-fat, or full-fat salad dressings.
The subjects (n = 7) each consumed 3 salads consisting of equivalent amounts of spinach, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and carrots with salad dressings containing 0, 6, or 28 g canola oil. The salads were consumed in random order separated by washout periods of > or =2 wk. Blood samples were collected hourly from 0 to 12 h. Chylomicrons were isolated by ultracentrifugation, and carotenoid absorption was analyzed by HPLC with coulometric array detection.
After ingestion of the salads with fat-free salad dressing, the appearance of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lycopene in chylomicrons was negligible. After ingestion of the salads with reduced-fat salad dressing, the appearance of the carotenoids in plasma chylomicrons increased relative to that after ingestion of the salads with fat-free salad dressing (P < 0.04). Similarly, the appearance of the carotenoids in plasma chylomicrons was higher after the ingestion of salads with full-fat than with reduced-fat salad dressing (P < 0.02).
High-sensitivity HPLC with coulometric array detection enabled us to quantify the intestinal absorption of carotenoids ingested from a single vegetable salad. Essentially no absorption of carotenoids was observed when salads with fat-free salad dressing were consumed. A substantially greater absorption of carotenoids was observed when salads were consumed with full-fat than with reduced-fat salad dressing.
To examine influence of micronutrient status in recently diagnosed anemic patients, a cross-sectional survey on adults from rural and urban parts of Western India was undertaken. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) patients (81 men, 102 women) and age-sex matched healthy controls (80 men, 100 women) (32.85 ± 8.9 yr) were studied for their blood status of iron and seven micronutrients and nutrient intakes. Median levels of serum iron (647 μg/L), serum ceruloplasmin (192 mg/L), ascorbic acid (2.3 mg/L) and B12 (368 ng/L) were significantly lower in anemic subjects than the control group (750 μg/L, 251 mg/L, 3.2mg/L, 416 ng/L respectively, p 0.05). Prevalence of riboflavin deficiency (EGRAC: erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity coefficient >1.2) was more in anemic group than control (p = 0.038). A positive correlation of plasma retinol was observed with serum transferrin (r = 0.42, p
The potential of 24 green leafy vegetables (GLV) in cooked form was assessed for the contents of eight micronutrients; bioavailability of iron, zinc and copper; and for proximate principles. The bioavailable densities of iron, zinc and copper (1.3±1.2, 1.1±0.5, 0.7±0.3 mg/1000 kcal) in individual GLV and GLV-based meals were higher than those in meals based on cereals or legumes. Average bioavailable iron density in particular, was 3.6 times higher (P<0.01) than the average value for composite cereal–legume-based meals indicating GLV as promising fortificants of iron for vegetarians. Contents per 100 g cooked weight of beta-carotene (80–5920 μg), ascorbic acid (2.2–58.2 mg), folic acid (35.6–185 μg), riboflavin (0.03–0.08 mg) and thiamin (0.04–0.46 mg) were found to show large variability among different GLV but the average levels of beta-carotene and ascorbic acid were significantly higher than the other food classes (P<0.05). The contents of the vitamins were compared in cereal–legume meals (12), cereal–fruit vegetable meals (16), and cereal–GLV meals (30) in another experiment. The results indicate a highly significant and 8.7-13.1-fold rise in beta-carotene levels, and a 1.7–2.3-fold rise in the levels of folic acid and riboflavin in GLV meals as compared to other meals indicating the potential for increasing these three vitamin levels using GLV.
There is a high prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia in many developing countries today; especially in vegetarian women. The major cause of this state is low bioavailability of nonheme iron from vegetarian diets. An investigation was undertaken to improve bioavailable contents of nonheme iron from vegetarian meals. Forty-eight meals with combinations of roti (unleavened whole cereal pancake) of one of the six cereals and one of the four commonly consumed green leafy vegetables (GLV) along with 35 meals with cereal roti and fruit vegetable/legume were tested for their in vitro dialysability of iron using simulated gastrointestinal conditions and standardised protocol with 59Fe as a tracer. Average bioavailable iron density of GLV-based meals was significantly higher (1.2±0.7 mg /1000 kcal) as against the value in prevailing dietary patterns having cereal-legume or cereal-fruit vegetable combinations (0.36±0.17 mg/1000 kcal, p⩽0.001). Around 31 GLV-based meals were identified as having higher amounts of bioavailable iron density than 0.75 mg/1000 kcal. Thus, one such GLV-based meal per day will increase gross as well as bioavailable iron intake which will help in meeting daily requirements of iron especially for vegetarian women of reproductive age.
Phytate degradation of 272 different traditionally cooked meals was studied using ion exchange chromatography using a Dowex resin 1×8 (200–400 mesh, Cl−form) with gradient elution. Results indicate that the total phytate content of Indian meals is 2.7 times larger than meals from Western and other Asian countries. The hexa form is 45% of total phytate in Indian meals while it was 48–54% in meals from other countries, indicating more degradation during cooking of Indian meals. Further examination of the phytate degradation pattern indicated higher values (p<0.01) for IP1/IP6and IP1+2/IP5+6for Indian meals than for meals of other regions. Comparison of cereal-based diets showed significant differences between meals based on rice and millets (p<0.01), wheat and finger millet (p<0.01) for IP1/IP6, while IP1+2/IP5+6was similar for wheat, rice and sorghum (p>0.1) and significantly different (p<0.01) from pearl millet, finger millet and maize.
Background: To gain more insight into the relation between vegetable consumption and the risk of chronic diseases, it is important to determine the bioavailability of carotenoids from vegetables and the effect of vegetable consumption on selected biomarkers of chronic diseases. Objective: To assess the bioavailability of beta-carotene and lutein from vegetables and the effect of increased vegetable consumption on the ex vivo oxidizability of LDL. Design: Over 4 wk, 22 healthy adult subjects consumed a high-vegetable diet (490 g/d), 22 consumed a low-vegetable diet (130 g/d), and 10 consumed a low-vegetable diet supplemented with pure beta-carotene (6 mg/d) and lutein (9 mg/d). Results: Plasma concentrations of vitamin C and carotenoids (ie, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin) were significantly higher after the high-vegetable diet than after the low-vegetable diet. In addition to an increase in plasma beta-carotene and lutein, the pure carotenoid-supplemented diet induced a significant decrease in plasma lycopene concentration of -0.11 mu mol/L (95% CI: -0.21, -0.0061). The responses of plasma beta-carotene and lutein to the high-vegetable diet were 14% and 67%, respectively, of those to the pure carotenoid-supplemented diet. Conversion of beta-carotene to retinol may have attenuated its plasma response compared with that of lutein. There was no significant effect on the resistance of LDL to oxidation ex vivo. Conclusions: Increased vegetable consumption enhances plasma vitamin C and carotenoid concentrations, but not resistance of LDL to oxidation. The relative bioavailability of lutein from vegetables is higher than that of beta-carotene.
Experiments were carried out to assess spirulina fusiformis — a blue green algae as a source of vitamin A in rats. In one experiment, the control rats were fed synthetic vitamin A and the experimental rats spirulina as the sole source of vitamin A. The liver vitamin A concentration of spirulina-fed rats of both sexes was found to be significantly higher than that of the control rats. In another experiment the absorption of carotenes from the solvent extract of spirulina and their availability (vitamin A value) as judged by the levels of vitamin A and carotene in plasma and liver were compared with those of synthetic β-carotene or vitamin A in male rats. The absorption of β-carotene from spirulina extract tended to be lower than that of crystalline β-carotene at doses of 550 and 1100 μg of β-carotene. The difference became insignificant at lower β-carotene dose of 275 μg.
Spirulina carotene-fed rats did not show a strict dose related increase in the liver or serum vitamin A concentration. The liver vitamin A storage and plasma levels of vitamin A of spirulina carotene-fed rats was much hither than expected. The results of the two studies reported suggest that the algae spirulina can be a valuable source of vitamin A.
The effect of riboflavin deficiency on gastrointestinal Fe distribution and loss was studied in weanling rats. Riboflavin deficiency was associated with a significant increase in crypt depth in the upper and mid small intestine and a twofold increase in the rate of crypt cell production compared with weight-matched and ad lib.-fed control rats. The rate of loss of endogenous Fe, measured as faecal 59Fe after intraperitoneally administered 59Fe, was twice that from riboflavin-deficient rats compared with weight-matched controls. We suggest that while there may be a contribution from turnover of enterocytes with an enhanced Fe content, enhanced Fe loss associated with riboflavin deficiency is due predominantly to an accelerated rate of small-intestinal epithelial turnover.
Fe deficiency is considered to be the commonest of nutritional deficiencies worldwide. Adverse effects are stated to include lower growth rate and impaired cognitive scores in children and poor pregnancy outcome and lower working capacity in adults. In the present review, Fe intake, stores of the element, the magnitude of deficiencies and the benefits from interventions, as reflected in the results of clinical trials, are discussed. Because of inadequacies of knowledge in numerous respects, more information is needed regarding the extent to which clinical trials relate to public health realities, before introducing regional or national supplementation programmes. While Fe supplements are needed in certain groups, and in particular regions, increased dietary intakes could be supplied by food fortification, as well as by individual improvements in intake.
To gain more insight into the relation between vegetable consumption and the risk of chronic diseases, it is important to determine the bioavailability of carotenoids from vegetables and the effect of vegetable consumption on selected biomarkers of chronic diseases.
To assess the bioavailability of beta-carotene and lutein from vegetables and the effect of increased vegetable consumption on the ex vivo oxidizability of LDL.
Over 4 wk, 22 healthy adult subjects consumed a high-vegetable diet (490 g/d), 22 consumed a low-vegetable diet (130 g/d), and 10 consumed a low-vegetable diet supplemented with pure beta-carotene (6 mg/d) and lutein (9 mg/d).
Plasma concentrations of vitamin C and carotenoids (ie, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin) were significantly higher after the high-vegetable diet than after the low-vegetable diet. In addition to an increase in plasma beta-carotene and lutein, the pure carotenoid-supplemented diet induced a significant decrease in plasma lycopene concentration of -0.11 micromol/L (95% CI: -0.21, -0.0061). The responses of plasma beta-carotene and lutein to the high-vegetable diet were 14% and 67%, respectively, of those to the pure carotenoid- supplemented diet. Conversion of beta-carotene to retinol may have attenuated its plasma response compared with that of lutein. There was no significant effect on the resistance of LDL to oxidation ex vivo.
Increased vegetable consumption enhances plasma vitamin C and carotenoid concentrations, but not resistance of LDL to oxidation. The relative bioavailability of lutein from vegetables is higher than that of beta-carotene.
Micronutrient deficiency is a serious public health concern in most developing countries. In India, iron deficiency, vitamin A deficiency, and iodine deficiency disorder are of greatest public health significance. In addition, subclinical zinc deficiency, flourosis, and fluoride-deficient dental caries are important areas of concern. The National Pilot Program on Control of Micronutrient Malnutrition was launched in 1995 to address these problems and the Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition of the All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health (Calcutta) was entrusted to coordinate its activities. The program presently covers one northeastern and four eastern states, namely Assam, Bihar (Jharkhand), Orissa, West Bengal, and Tripura. Baseline analyses were conducted on demographic situation, food and nutrient intake pattern, nutritional deficiency diseases (e.g., iron deficiency anemia), iodine deficiency disorder, and vitamin A deficiency. It was observed that except for cereals, the diet was deficient in all other food groups. Nutrient intake (i.e., energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals) was also deficient in almost the entire state. Anthropometric indices (e.g., weight-for-age and height-for-age data) indicated that large percentages of <5-year-old and 6-14-year-old children were in grade II or III malnutrition. Mean dietary zinc intakes in all the surveyed districts were much lower than the RDA. Large percentages of salt samples had iodine levels less than 15 ppm. The point prevalence of anemia in various age groups was found to be high. Bitot's spot was mainly noted in the age group of 6-71 months. Nightblindness was noted in young children as well as the children 24-71 months old. High prevalence of nightblindness in pregnant women is a point of concern. Actions needed to control micronutrient deficiencies include: intervention strategies, extensive nutrition and health education through innovative IEC materials to support problem-specific programs, strengthening of various state government programs and the role of NGOs.
To estimate the micronutrient (riboflavin, folate, vitamin C, vitamin B(12), iron, zinc and copper) bioavailability in healthy adults from a multi-micronutrient dietary supplement to assess the possible influence on it by the tablet disintegration properties and by the relative intestinal permeability of subject.
The bioavailability of seven micronutrients from a single brand of multi-micronutrient dietary supplement was measured on two separate occasions in the presence of a standardized test meal in 15 healthy adult subjects. Each subject visited the Metabolic Research Unit on four separate randomized occasions for an absorption test. One test measured the intestinal permeability. The other three tests measured the postprandial changes in plasma or serum concentrations after consuming a test meal alone (control:placebo effect), or the test meal with either whole or crushed and powdered dietary supplements. 15 healthy Caucasian adult volunteers, aged 42 +/- 14 years.
The 12 hour-post-dose AUC for riboflavin, folate and vitamin C (whole and crushed tablet), and that for vitamin B(12) (only for the crushed tablet treatment) and iron (only for the whole tablet treatment) were all significantly (p < 0.001) higher than after a test meal alone. In contrast there was no significant increase in the AUC after supplement intake for zinc and copper. Neither the form of the supplement for all micronutrients tested nor intestinal permeability of the subject for riboflavin, folate, vitamin C, iron, zinc and copper influenced the postdose nutrient AUC. In contrast, for vitamin B(12) the intestinal permeability of the subject influenced significantly the nutrient AUC (p = 0.003).
Tablet disintegration characteristics of this dietary supplement did not limit absorption of these seven micronutrients. The intestinal permeability of subject was only positively correlated with the B(12) bioavailability. Results are suggestive of using multi-micronutrients dietary supplements as a vehicle to decrease the prevalence of multiple micronutrient deficiencies overall for vitamins in healthy adults.
Green leafy vegetables (GLV) offer a cheap but rich source of a number of micronutrients and other phytochemicals having antioxidant properties. The potential of 30 GLV in the raw and cooked form as natural antioxidant supplements for vegetarian diets was assessed. There was a large variability in the values of antioxidant activity of various GLV extracts in the lipid micelles (1.5-5.6 mM vitamin E/100 g for raw samples and 1.6-3.8 mM vitamin E/100 g for cooked samples). Similar to thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values, the super oxide scavenging ability values also exibited large variation (10.6-55.9), with significantly higher values in the raw state than the cooked state (P<0.001). Omum leaves, radish leaves and lettuce had high values for this index. The range of values for ferrous iron chelating activity was from 9.3 to 65.7 mM EDTA/100 g food material, indicating again a large variability in this assay. Leaves of coriander, amaranthus viridis, colcasia green and drumstick showed high values, while Amaranthus p. Colocasia black and amaranthus red exibited low values. Differences between raw and cooked values were highly significant for all the three indices (P<0.001).
In Tanzania, as in other developing countries, dietary intake of nutrients in pregnant women is marginal or lower than the recommended intakes and therefore these women are at high risk for deficiencies. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between diet and plasma levels of retinol, carotenoids, and alpha-tocopherol in the third trimester of pregnancy. Ninety pregnant women aged between 18 and 45 years were equally recruited from three villages. Seven-day food frequency data was collected by questionnaire. Plasma levels of retinol, carotenoids, and tocopherols were assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results indicated that cooked green leafy vegetables constituted the major source of provitamin A carotenoids, with low intake of yellow/orange fruits and preformed vitamin A. Lutein, lycopene, and beta-carotene were the predominant carotenoids in the plasma with mean values of 1.61, 0.84, and 0.63 mumol/L, respectively. There was no significant correlation between frequencies of vegetable consumption and either plasma retinol or carotenoids. However, increased consumption of green leafy vegetables with oil, which increases bioavailability, was correlated with high plasma retinol levels (p = 0.03). Low retinol levels (< or = 0.70 mumol/L) were present in 26% of women. The mean plasma retinol concentration was 0.89 mumol/L and 63% of the women had values below 1.05 mumol/L. The mean plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration was 15.4 mumol/L and women with plasma retinol concentration > 1.05 mumol/L had significantly higher mean alpha-tocopherol than women with plasma retinol concentration < or = 0.70 mumol/L (p < or = 0.01). Twenty-four percent of the women were anemic (hemoglobin: Hb < 110 g/L) and the mean Hb value was 116.3 g/L.
Reports of low carotenoid absorption from food sources has undermined their postulated 'protective' role as one of the active agents in diets rich in vegetable matter.
This study quantified beta-carotene and lutein absorption from a representative green vegetable with different degrees of processing, using both mass balance and metabolic modelling of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein plasma fraction (TRL) response.
Whole or chopped-leaf cooked spinach was fed to volunteers (n = 7, paired) with vegetable oil (40 g) in yoghurt. Blood and ileal effluent samples were collected for up to 24 h. Effluent and TRL samples were analysed for lutein and beta-carotene by HPLC. A digesta transit model was used to describe meal transit and a single compartment model used to predict percentage absorption from the plasma TRL response.
Mass balance showed 25% of lutein and beta-carotene were absorbed from chopped spinach, compared with 25% beta-carotene and 40 % lutein from whole-leaf spinach. Increased lutein absorption correlated to slower gastrointestinal (GI) transit for the whole-leaf meal. An area under the curve (AUC) response for the TRL fraction, found in 50% of cases, was not confined to those with the greatest percentage absorption. Absorption by mass balance and TRL AUC indicate a half-life of newly absorbed carotenoid around 11 min
GI residence time appears to have an effect on the absorption of lutein but not beta-carotene. Rapid clearance is probably the main reason for absence of measurable plasma concentration excursions. Lack of plasma response cannot be interpreted as lack of carotenoid absorption without knowledge of the absorption and disposal kinetics.
Epidemiological studies have shown that low plasma levels of antioxidant micronutrients, which are commonly found in fruit and vegetables, are associated with increased risk for diseases such as heart disease, cancer, metabolic disorders and the like. The aim of this study was to monitor the dietary habits of a group of healthy, middle-aged, men and women and to assess the effect of supplementation with a natural phytonutrient preparation from fruits and vegetables, on plasma levels of various antioxidant micronutrients and oxidative stress assessed by measuring 8-oxodGuo (8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine) in urine.
The study followed a double-blind randomized cross-over design involving 59 healthy men and women (40-60 years of age). The supplement or a placebo was given to two groups for a total period of 14 weeks (crossover week 7). Blood levels of beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and folate were measured at 0, 7 and 14 weeks. Fruit and vegetable consumption was monitored by means of a retrospective food frequency questionnaire at week 0, 7 and 14. Urinary 8-oxodGuo was also determined at these time points.
Significant increases in blood nutrient levels after active supplementation were observed for beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and folate. Ranges measured, after supplementation, often fell into those associated with a reduced risk for disease. Our data suggests that, although generally health conscious, participants still fell short of the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. No significant group changes were noted for 8-oxodGuo concentration in urine.
Supplementation with mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrates effectively increased plasma levels of important antioxidant nutrients and folate.
Oral ferrous sulphate increases the free radical generating capacity of feces from healthy volunteers
- E K Lund
- S G Wharf
- S J Fairwheather-Tait
- Johnson It
- Lund
Lund EK, Wharf SG, FairWheather-Tait
SJ, Johnson IT (1999) Oral ferrous sulphate increases the free radical generating capacity of feces from healthy volunteers. Am J Clin Nutr 69:250-255
Assessment of the bioavailability of micronutrients. Proceedings of ILSI Europe Workshop
- R S Parker
Parker RS (1997) Assessment of the
bioavailability of micronutrients. Proceedings of ILSI Europe Workshop, Eur
J Clin Nutr 54(Suppl):S86-S90
Assessment of the bioavailability of micronutrients
- M J Jackson
- S J Fairweather-Tait
- Berg Henk Van Den
- W Cohn
Jackson MJ, Fairweather-Tait SJ, Berg
Henk van den, Cohn W (1997) Assessment of the bioavailability of micronutrients. Proceedings of ILSI Europe
Workshop. Eur J Clin Nutr 54(Suppl):
S70
Factors affecting absorption of β-carotene using human ileostomy model
- Agte Vaishali
- Agte
Agte Vaishali (2004) Factors affecting
absorption of β-carotene using human
ileostomy model. Bombay Hospital
Journal 46(1):11-15
Assessment of the bioavailability of micronutrients
- R S Parker
- Parker
Assessment of the bioavailability of micronutrients. Proceedings of ILSI Europe Workshop
- M J Jackson
- S J Fairweather-Tait
- Berg Henk Van Den
- W Cohn
- Jackson