Ivanka Miletic’s research while affiliated with University of Belgrade and other places

Research conducted during the 1980s demonstrated Se deficiency in humans. Increased inclusion of selenium in animal feeds started from the year 2000 onwards. The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of selenium inclusion in animal feeds on human selenium status and dietary habits of the Serbian population related to food of animal origin. Plasma selenium concentration in healthy adult volunteers, including residents of one of the regions with the lowest (Eastern Serbia,n= 60) and of one of the regions with the highest Se serum levels reported in the past (Belgrade,n= 82), was determined by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. Multivariate analysis was employed to determine the correlation between Se plasma levels and dietary intake data derived from food frequency questionnaires and laboratory tests. The mean plasma Se level of the participants was 84.3 ± 15.9 μg/L (range: 47.3-132.1 μg/L), while 46% of participants had plasma Se levels lower than 80 μg/L. Frequency of meat, egg, and fish consumption was significantly correlated with plasma selenium level (r = 0.437,p= 0.000). Selenium addition to animal feed in the quantity of 0.14 mg/kg contributed to the improvement of human plasma selenium levels by approximately 30 μg/L.

Researches conducted worldwide indicate a frequent deficiency in mineral matters. Due to the increased need during the period of accelerated growth and development, children belong to the group that is exposed to the highest risk of mineral matter deficiency. Our objectives were to determine the iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and calcium intake in the collective diet of the preschool population in the in the northwestern region of Bosnia- in the Republic of Srpska and to estimate the adequacy of the application of the international food composition tables for nutrition planning relating to mineral matters. Samples of food intended for children’s diet were collected in the preschool institution “Radost” (a kindergarten), in the city of Prijedor. In daily portions, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Ca contents were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Contents of mineral matters in daily meals were also calculated by the food composition tables. An average daily meal contained 2.86 mg of Fe, 1.71 mg of Zn, 0.19 mg of Cu, 0.21 mg of Mn, and 83.5 mg of Ca. With calculation method, contents of all minerals are significantly higher than the experimental data for all used food composition tables. The obtained results indicate a significant deficiency in mineral matters in the collective diet of the preschool population in the Republic of Srpska, a certain non-compliance with the applicable recommendations, and also suggest a need to create food composition tables for food being consumed in our region.

Introduction. Childhood obesity is currently considered to be one of the most prevailing and challenging public health issues in industrialized countries and some developing countries, including the Republic of Srpska. Objective. Our objective was to determine macronutrients intake in collective diet of preschool children and to estimate the rate of obesity in this population. Methods. Samples of food intended for preschool children diet were collected in a preschool facility in the western region of the Republic of Srpska. In daily portions, the content of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, water and mineral matter were determined using standard methods. The body mass index was determined on the basis of anthropometric measurements. Results. An average daily meal contained 17.5 g of fats, 19.1 g of proteins and 101.5 g of carbohydrates. The energy value was 676 Kcal. The analysis of the data from the menu showed that the number of consumed servings of fruits, vegetables, legumes, milk and dairy products was less than one portion per day. However, the amount of consumed meat and meat products exceeded one portion per day. Out of the total number of children, 10.0% were undernourished, 16.7% were overweight and 13.3% were obese. Conclusion. Daily portions in the preschool facility are not in accordance with the recommended dietary allowance for energy and carbohydrates intake, and the composition of meals is inadequate. Parents and caregivers should be encouraged to expose young children to a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and to balance food intake with the requirements.

The typical Serbian diet is characterised by high intake of cereal products and also legumes are often used. The content of total fibre as well as certain fibre fractions was determined in cereals, cereal products, and cooked legumes. The content of total fibre in cooked cereals and cereal products ranged from 2.5 to 20.8g/100g, and in cooked legumes from 14.0 to 24.5g/100g (on dry matter basis). Distribution of analysed fibre fractions and their quantities differed significantly depending on food groups. Fructans and arabinoxylans were the most significant fibre fractions in rye flakes, and β-glucan in oat flakes, cellulose and resistant starch were present in significant amounts in peas and kidney beans. When the size of regular food portions was taken into consideration, the best sources of total dietary fibre were peas and kidney beans (more than 11g/serving). The same foods were the best sources of cellulose (4.98 and 3.56g/serving) and resistant starch (3.90 and 2.83g/serving). High intake of arabinoxylans and fructans could be accomplished with cooked wheat (3.20g and 1.60g/serving, respectively). Oat (1.39g/serving) and barley flakes (1.30g/serving) can be recommended as the best sources of β-glucan.

The use of selenium as animal feed supplement in Serbia was approved in 1989 for some categories of pigs, sheep and poultry. From 2000 selenium in animal feed became a requirement for all categories of farm animals. The aim of this study was to determine the consumption of selenium by Serbian livestock and in poultry production between 1990-1991 and 2000-2008 and to analyze the selenium content of meat, milk and eggs sold on Serbian markets to gain insight into human selenium intake. Data indicate a low level of selenium inclusion in animal feed during 1990-1991 compared to during 2000-2008. These results coincide with Serbian regulations. From 2001 an organic form of selenium (selenized yeast) was introduced in small quantities (less than 8% of the total consumed selenium). Analysis of meat, milk and eggs from Serbian markets shows increased selenium levels compared to 1991. However, the estimated total human daily intake in Serbia is 40.9 μg, which is under the recommended quantity. Increasing the quantity of selenium included in animal feed and the substitution of inorganic selenium with selenized yeast could be beneficial for animal health and farm productivity. As a consequence a further improvement in the human selenium status in Serbia should be possible.

Objectives: Secretory IgA is predominant immunoglobulin in secretions of the mucosal immune system. Low concentration of salivary IgA is associated with a higher risk of respiratory tract infections episodes in athletes during the training season. The purpose of this study was to determine whether orange-flavored whey based drink has beneficial effect on level of IgA in saliva after the training. Methods: Twenty healthy, young karate players participated in this study. They were divided into two groups. One group rinsed a mouth with 20 ml of liquid whey, two times in 30-min period: 15 and 30 min after training. Second group rinsed a mouth with 20 ml of whey based orange flavored soft drink, at the same time. Saliva was collected before the training, just after the training and after application of fluids. Results: We observed decrease in salivary flow after physical activity. The salivary flow was higher after the application of flavored drink compared to salivary flow after the application of whey. The absolute concentration of sIgA and sIgA secretion rate decreased just after exercise compared to pre exercise values. Application of whey elevated sIgA levels on day 1, while application of flavored drink caused increasing in sIgA levels on day 3. In all other cases sIgA level was decreasing even after applied stimuli. Conclusions: The exercise induces decreasing in salivary flow, sIgA absolute concentration and sIgA secretion rate. Application of fluid whey and flavored whey-based drink elevated salivary flow, but had little effect on absolute concentration of sIgA and sIgA secretion rate in young karate players.

A 16-week-long experiment was performed to compare the effect of sodium selenite (SS) and selenium-enriched yeast (SY) supplementation on eggshell quality and also to evaluate breaking force correlation with other parameters of shell quality originating from hens fed with selenium supplementation. One hundred Shaver 579 hens (27 weeks old) with similar body size were randomly divided for five dietary treatments: basal diet without selenium supplementation and basal diets with two levels of selenium supplementation (0.4 or 0.8 mg/kg) via SS or SY. No adverse effect of Se inclusion in hen's feed, regardless of its source, on shell breaking force, shell deformation, shape index, shell thickness and shell percentage, were observed throughout the current study (P > 0.05). Moderate correlations were found between breaking force and nondestructive shell deformation for all diets (P < 0.05). There was no significant overall correlation between egg breaking force and shell thickness or/and percentage shell in the presence of selenium supplementation (P > 0.05). Shape index in all four selenium-supplemented groups was not related to the breaking force (P > 0.05). Selenium supplementation of up to 0.8 mg/kg, regardless of its source, in the diet of laying hens in their first phase of laying does not adversely affect eggshell quality.

The total fiber intake in the adolescent population living in a boarding school was calculated using weighted food records and food composition tables. Total, insoluble, and soluble fiber daily intakes were also analyzed using the enzymatic-gravimetric method. The results were used to estimate the applicability of the calculation method to the Serbian diet pattern. The calculated total fiber daily intake was 28.8+/-10.86 g/d in winter and 32.6+/-13.68g/d in summer season. Analyzed intakes of soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, and total fiber in the winter season were 4.2+/-2.14 g/day, 29.7+/-12.11 g/day, and 33.65+/-11.374 g/day, respectively. In summer the season daily intakes were 3.4+/-1.41 g/day for soluble fiber, 40.6+/-16.65 g/day for insoluble fiber, and 43.57+/-17.021 g/day for total fiber. The noticed differences for insoluble and soluble fibers between seasons were significant. The calculation method consistently gave lower values, both in winter and summer samples, in comparison with the enzymatic-gravimetric method, and the difference was on average -20.5% (P<0.05).

A 16-week experiment was conducted to compare effects of various levels of sodium selenite (SS) and Se-enriched yeast (SY), on the whole-egg Se content and hen's productivity. One hundred Shaver 579 hens, 27 weeks old, were placed on one of five experimental treatments. Each treatment was replicated four times with five hens per cage. Treatments consisted of feeding a low Se diet without supplementation (basal diet) or basal diet with one of two levels of supplemented Se (0.4 or 0.8 mg/kg) supplied by SS or SY. All supplemented treatments had significantly higher whole-egg Se concentration from basal diet (P < 0.05). On the same supplemented level, hens fed on SY had higher egg Se content from hens feed on SS (P < 0.001). No effects of dietary treatments on egg weight, percentages of dirty and cracked egg, and feed intake and conversion of feed were observed throughout the trial (P < 0.05). In the first 8 weeks, there was no significant difference (P < 0.05) in hen-day egg production among treatments. From the ninth week on to the end of the trial, supplementation of SY to hen's diet resulted in a higher egg production than SS (P < 0.01).

Dietary supplement is a general term that refers to a concetrated source of nutrients that is usually prescribed to be taken in addition to the daily diet to increase nutrient intake. Dietary supplement come in many forms, such as tablets, capsules and powders. In the AIS Sports Supplement Program supplements are classified into four groups according to their effectiveness and safety. Multi-vitamin and mineral supplements make up a very large sport supplement category that are designed to provide athletes with mixtures of the essential and nonessential nutrients, mostly vitamins and minerals. Vitamins are required in the diet for the maintenance of health, metabolic functioning, growth, recovery and athletic performance. Minerals have long been regarded as nutrients essential for proper health and vigor.