Effect of routine prenatal supplementation on vitamin concentrations in maternal serum and breast milk

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of multivitamin supplements and their different vitamin A sources on retinol concentrations in serum and colostrum milk of postpartum women.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study composed of healthy postpartum women attending two Brazilian private maternity wards (N = 100). According to the type of multivitamin taken during pregnancy, the women were assigned to one of four groups: control group (CG; n = 25), formulation 1 (F1; n = 25), formulation 2 (F2; n = 25), and formulation 3 (F3; n = 25). Blood and colostrum samples were collected under fasting conditions and retinol was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Dietary vitamin A was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Retinol concentrations <20 μg/dL (<0.70 μmol/L) in serum and <60 μg/dL (2.10 μmol/L) in colostrum were considered indicative of vitamin A deficiency.

RESULTS

Of women in the control group, 12% (n = 3) presented serum retinol levels below the cut-off value for adequacy; this was not observed in the supplemented groups. Evaluating the retinol content in breast milk, supplemented groups F1 and F3 presented 4% (n = 1) of inadequacy cases, whereas F2 presented 40% (n = 10). The concentrations found in the F2 and F3 groups were statistically different (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of multivitamin supplements containing vitamin A during pregnancy prevents vitamin A deficiency regardless of the source administered. In breast milk, supplementation with β-carotene provided a lower concentration of vitamin A compared with retinol.

Supercritical Carbon Dioxide and Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Functional Lipophilic Compounds from Arthrospira platensis

Arthrospira platensis biomass was used in order to obtain functional lipophilic compounds through green extraction technologies such as supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction (SFE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The temperature (T) factor was evaluated for MAE, while for SFE, pressure (P), temperature (T), and co-solvent (ethanol) (CS) were evaluated. The maximum extraction yield of the obtained oleoresin was (4.07% ± 0.14%) and (4.27% ± 0.10%) for SFE and MAE, respectively. Extracts were characterized by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The maximum contents of functional lipophilic compounds in the SFE and MAE extracts were: for carotenoids 283 ± 0.10 μg/g and 629 ± 0.13 μg/g, respectively; for tocopherols 5.01 ± 0.05 μg/g and 2.46 ± 0.09 μg/g, respectively; and for fatty acids 34.76 ± 0.08 mg/g and 15.88 ± 0.06 mg/g, respectively. In conclusion, the SFE process at P 450 bar, T 60 °C and CS 53.33% of CO₂ produced the highest yield of tocopherols, carotenoids and fatty acids. The MAE process at 400 W and 50 °C gives the best extracts in terms of tocopherols and carotenoids. For yield and fatty acids, the MAE process at 400 W and 70 °C produced the highest values. Both SFE and MAE showed to be suitable green extraction technologies for obtaining functional lipophilic compounds from Arthrospira platensis.

[Optimization for determination methods of alpha-, beta- carotene in vegetables]

OBJECTIVE

To optimize the determination method of carotene in order to separate the alpha and beta carotene.

METHODS

The homogenized samples were extracted with ethanol before saponification, and then extracted with petroleum ether followed by wash, dry and concentration. At last, the separation was performed on the high performance liquid chromatographic with YMC Carotenoid C30 column (3 microm 4.6 mm x 150 mm). The mobile phase was consisted of A (methanol: acetonitrile: water = 73.5: 24.5:2) and B (methyl tert-butyl ether), with a linear gradient elution. The detection wavelength was 450 nm.

RESULTS

The C30-HPLC column was used throughout the experiment exhibiting a significant benefit for the separation of carotienes and isomers. Multifactor analysis of variance showed that heating by the anhydrous ethyl alcohol before the saponification was more suitable for extracting the carotenoids from vegetables. Under the optimal condition, the linear range of alpha-carotene was 0.495-9.90 microg/mL, and all-trans-beta-carotene was 0.552-10.4 microg/mL, with the linear correlation coefficient were above 0. 999. The relative standard deviation for the alpha and beta carotene were less than 10% (n = 6). The average spike recoveries for alpha and beta carotene in vegetables were 81.6%-93.3%. The detection and quantification limits for alpha and beta carotene were 0.5 microg/100 g and 1.5 microg/100 g, respectively, when taking 5g samples.

CONCLUSION

The method is accurate, reliable, and fit for analyzing alpha-carotene and beta-carotene in fresh vegetables.

Differential Pigment Accumulation in Carrot Leaves and Roots during Two Growing Periods

Carotenoids are important secondary metabolites involved in plant growth and nutritional quality of vegetable crops. These pigments are highly accumulated in carrot root, but knowledge about the impact of environmental factors on their accumulation is limited. The purpose of this work was to investigate the impact of environmental variations on carotenoid accumulation in carrot leaves and roots. In this work, carrots were grown during two contrasting periods to maximize bioclimatic differences. In leaves, carotenoid and chlorophyll contents were lower in the less favorable growing conditions, whereas relative contents were well conserved for all genotypes, suggesting a common regulatory mechanism. The down-regulation of all genes under environmental constraints demonstrates that carotenoid accumulation is regulated at the transcriptional level. In roots, the decrease in α-carotene and lutein contents was accompanied by an increase of β-carotene relative content. At the transcriptional level, LCYB and ZEP expression increased, whereas LCYE expression decreased, in the less favorable conditions, suggesting that carotenoid biosynthesis is switched toward the β-branch.

Selective carotenoid accumulation by varying nutrient media and salinity in Synechocystis sp. CCNM 2501

Nutrients are the deciding factors in the biological production of bioactive compounds. Various growth media like BG11, Zarrouk's and Chu's 10 were studied for carotenoid production in Synechocystis sp. CCNM 2501. Maximum carotenoid content (dry weight basis) was found in Zarrouk's medium (ZM, 7.99mgg(-1)) followed by BG11 (5.13mgg(-1)). Echinenone content was 4 times higher in ZM (3.81mgg(-1)) as compared to BG11 (0.95mgg(-1)) and Chu's 10 (0.77mgg(-1)). Being an economical medium, BG11 was selected for carotenoid production. Further, increase in salinity from 0 to 0.2M in BG11 medium increases total carotenoid content from 5.82 to 7.05mgg(-1) and later it declines to 6.23mgg(-1) (1M). 3 times more β-carotene is produced at 1M salinity as compared to control BG11. The variation in carotenoid composition with change in nutrients/salinity can be a good strategy to enhance certain targeted carotenoids.

Flow-through cross-polarized imaging as a new tool to overcome the analytical sensitivity challenges of a low-dose crystalline compound in a lipid matrix

Assessing the physical state of a low-dose active compound in a solid lipid or polymer matrix is analytically challenging, especially if the matrix exhibits some crystallinity. The aim of this study was first to compare the ability of current methods to detect the presence of a crystalline model compound in lipid matrices. Subsequently, a new technique was introduced and evaluated because of sensitivity issues that were encountered with current methods. The new technique is a flow-through version of cross-polarized imaging in transmission mode. The tested lipid-based solid dispersions (SDs) consisted of β-carotene (BC) as a model compound, and of Gelucire 50/13 or Geleol mono- and diglycerides as lipid matrices. The solid dispersions were analyzed by (hyper) differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and microscopic techniques including atomic force microscopy (AFM). DSC and XRPD could analyze crystalline BC at concentrations as low as 3% (w/w) in the formulations. However, with microscopic techniques crystalline particles were detected at significantly lower concentrations of even 0.5% (w/w) BC. A flow-through cross-polarized imaging technique was introduced that combines the advantage of analyzing a larger sample size with high sensitivity of microscopy. Crystals were detected easily in samples containing even less than 0.2% (w/w) BC. Moreover, the new tool enabled approximation of the kinetic BC solubility in the crystalline lipid matrices. As a conclusion, the flow-through cross-polarized imaging technique has the potential to become an indispensable tool for characterizing low-dose crystalline compounds in a lipid or polymer matrix of solid dispersions.

Wide-genome QTL mapping of fruit quality traits in a tomato RIL population derived from the wild-relative species Solanum pimpinellifolium L

QTL and candidate genes associated to fruit quality traits have been identified in a tomato genetic map derived from Solanum pimpinellifolium L., providing molecular tools for marker-assisted breeding. The study of genetic, physiological, and molecular pathways involved in fruit development and ripening has considered tomato as the model fleshy-fruited species par excellence. Fruit quality traits regarding organoleptic and nutritional properties are major goals for tomato breeding programs since they largely decide the acceptance of tomato in both fresh and processing markets. Here we report the genetic mapping of single-locus and epistatic quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated to the fruit size and content of sugars, acids, vitamins, and carotenoids from the characterization of a RIL population derived from the wild-relative Solanum pimpinellifolium TO-937. A genetic map composed of 353 molecular markers including 13 genes regulating fruit and developmental traits was generated, which spanned 1007 cM with an average distance between markers of 2.8 cM. Genetic analyses indicated that fruit quality traits analyzed in this work exhibited transgressive segregation and that additive and epistatic effects are the major genetic basis of fruit quality traits. Moreover, most mapped QTL showed environment interaction effects. FrW7.1 fruit size QTL co-localized with QTL involved in soluble solid, vitamin C, and glucose contents, dry weight/fresh weight, and most importantly with the Sucrose Phosphate Synthase gene, suggesting that polymorphisms in this gene could influence genetic variation in several fruit quality traits. In addition, 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase and Tocopherol cyclase genes were identified as candidate genes underlying QTL variation in beta-carotene and vitamin C. Together, our results provide useful genetic and molecular information regarding fruit quality and new chances for tomato breeding by implementing marker-assisted selection.

Nutritional values and bioactive components of under-utilised vegetables consumed by indigenous people in Malaysia

BACKGROUND

Diverse plants species in the forest remain under-utilised and they are mainly consumed only by local people. However, increasing issues in food security prompted the present study, which explores the nutritional and antioxidant aspects of Malaysian under-utilised vegetables. The studied vegetables were Paku Nyai (Stenochlaena palustris), Cemperai (Champereia manillana), Maman Pasir (Cleome viscose), Dudung (Erechtites valerianifolia) and Semambuk (Ardisia pendula).

RESULTS

Overall, these vegetables exhibited a low proximal content but they were high in vitamin C [7.07-1263 mg kg(-1) edible fresh sample (EFS)] and β-carotene content (18.4-43.9 mg kg(-1) kg(-1) EFS). Cemperai had the highest calcium content (565 mg kg(-1) EFS), whereas Semambuk had the highest total phenolic content [28.21 g gallic acid equivalents kg(-1) edible dried sample (EDS)] and antioxidant activity (86.1%) measured using β-carotene bleaching assay. Maman Pasir contained the highest total flavonoid content (39.99 g CE kg(-1) EDS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging activity (82.2%). The extracts of these vegetables had significantly prevented the oxidation of haemoglobin and low-density lipoprotein, which yielded a reduced production of malondialdehyde.

CONCLUSION

Semambuk and Maman Pasir are potent to be used as new food and functional food sources as they are rich in nutrients and antioxidants.

Beta-cryptoxanthin as a source of vitamin A

Beta-cryptoxanthin is a common carotenoid that is found in fruit, and in human blood and tissues. Foods that are rich in beta-cryptoxanthin include tangerines, persimmons and oranges. Beta-cryptoxanthin has several functions that are important for human health, including roles in antioxidant defense and cell-to-cell communication. Most importantly, beta-cryptoxanthin is a precursor of vitamin A, which is an essential nutrient needed for eyesight, growth, development and immune response. We evaluate the evidence for beta-cryptoxanthin as a vitamin A-forming carotenoid in this paper. Observational, in vitro, animal model and human studies suggest that beta-cryptoxanthin has greater bioavailability from its common food sources than do alpha- and beta-carotene from theirs. Although beta-cryptoxanthin appears to be a poorer substrate for beta-carotene 15,15' oxygenase than is beta-carotene, animal model and human studies suggest that the comparatively high bioavailability of beta-cryptoxanthin from foods makes beta-cryptoxanthin-rich foods equivalent to beta-carotene-rich foods as sources of vitamin A. These results mean that beta-cryptoxanthin-rich foods are probably better sources of vitamin A, and more important for human health in general, than previously assumed.

Linear Polarized Transmission Resonance Raman Studies in Fruits: Experimental Versus Model Calculations

A linear polarized transmission resonance Raman spectroscopic technique was developed to measure the depolarization ratio of different β-carotene Raman bands in carrot roots and mangos. Basically, this optical property was measured as a function of the vegetal tissue thickness and fruit postharvest lifetime. In general, the depolarization ratio increases as the sample optical thickness does and decreases as the fruit postharvest lifetime increases. In addition, a previous theoretical model was extended by considering the light state of polarization to obtain the depolarization ratio as a function of the sample absorption and scattering coefficient. It was shown how the reported theoretical model is able to satisfactorily describe the fruit optical parameter dependence on both the sample thickness and its postharvest time. Finally, the advantages and limitations of the present technique and theoretical mode are discussed.

[Resonance Raman Spectral Properties Studies of Beta-carotene in Solution]

Beta-carotene is an important kind of polyene biomolecules, which has significant applications on researching optoelectronic and functional materials. In-situ high pressure Raman spectra of beta-carotene are measured in CS2 solution and water respectively at pressure range from 0-0.60 GPa. Then we compared both of them the Raman shift and CC bond of the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the Raman spectra. It is therefore concluded that both of the samples' Raman shift moved to the high wave number and the full width at half maximum increased depending of the pressure. The experiment phenomena were interpreted by the theory of "coherent weakly damped electronic-lattice vibration model" and "effective conjugation length model". The mechanism is that the beta-carotene is compressed and has the lower structure order, shorte the effective conjugation length, decreased Raman active, weaker the coherent weakly damping CC bond vibration in high pressure. Because of the CC bond length become short, so the Raman spectra are found to blueshift. The CC bond of the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the Raman spectra increased is attributed to the increase of difference in C--C and C==C bond lengths. Moreover, due to dissolving in non-polar CS2 solvent, the beta-carotene encounters the interaction of the surrounding solvent molecules. So the dispersion force interaction between solute and solvent is more sensitive to pressure. Then it makes that the slop of Raman shift and the full width at half maximum in the CS2 solution are faster than dissolved in water with increasing pressure. This paper provides an application value for research on molecular structure change under the external field and the presence form of polyenes biomolecules in the solvent.

Genotypic and Environmental Impact on Natural Variation of Nutrient Composition in 50 Non Genetically Modified Commercial Maize Hybrids in North America

This study was designed to assess natural variation in composition and metabolites in 50 genetically diverse non genetically modified maize hybrids grown at six locations in North America. Results showed that levels of compositional components in maize forage were affected by environment more than genotype. Crude protein, all amino acids except lysine, manganese, and β-carotene in maize grain were affected by environment more than genotype; however, most proximates and fibers, all fatty acids, lysine, most minerals, vitamins, and secondary metabolites in maize grain were affected by genotype more than environment. A strong interaction between genotype and environment was seen for some analytes. The results could be used as reference values for future nutrient composition studies of genetically modified crops and to expand conventional compositional data sets. These results may be further used as a genetic basis for improvement of the nutritional value of maize grain by molecular breeding and biotechnology approaches.

Compositional assessments of key maize populations: B73 hybrids of the Nested Association Mapping founder lines and diverse landrace inbred lines

The present study provides an assessment of the compositional diversity in maize B73 hybrids derived both from the Nested Association Mapping (NAM) founder lines and from a diverse collection of landrace accessions from North and South America. The NAM founders represent a key population of publicly available lines that are used extensively in the maize community to investigate the genetic basis of complex traits. Landraces are also of interest to the maize community as they offer the potential to discover new alleles that could be incorporated into modern maize lines. The compositional analysis of B73 hybrids from the 25 NAM founders and 24 inbred lines derived from landraces included measurements of proximates (protein, fat, ash, and starch), fibers, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, tocopherols (α-, γ-, and δ-), β-carotene, phytic acid, and raffinose. Grain was harvested from a replicated trial in New York, USA. For each data set (NAM and landrace) canonical discriminant analysis allowed separation of distinct breeding groups (tropical, temperate, flint, mixed/intermediate) within each data set. Overall, results highlighted extensive variation in all composition components assessed for both sets of hybrids. The variation observed for some components within the landraces may therefore be of value for increasing their levels in modern maize lines. The study described here provided significant information on contributions of conventional breeding to crop compositional variation, as well as valuable information on key genetic resources for the maize community in the development of new improved lines.

Gardening practices in a rural village in South Africa 10 years after completion of a home garden project

BACKGROUND

Few studies have documented whether the behavior changes produced by home garden projects have been maintained after completion of the projects.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the benefits and challenges affecting production and consumption of β-carotene-rich vegetables and fruits in a rural South African village 10 years after completion of a home garden project.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey assessed gardening practices and household consumption of β-carotene-rich vegetables and fruits using a questionnaire (n = 186). Benefits and challenges affecting production and consumption of β-carotene-rich vegetables and fruits were assessed through focus group discussions.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine percent of the households currently planted β-carotene-rich vegetables and fruits. Major challenges included lack of fencing, animals eating crops, and lack or shortage of water. Planting materials for β-carotene-rich vegetables were sourced from the community nursery, while papaya was grown from its own seed. Shops were the most likely alternative sources of β-carotene-rich vegetables. The frequency of consumption of orange-fleshed sweet potato, butternut, spinach, and papaya when in season differed significantly, with households planting β-carotene-rich vegetables and fruits having more frequent consumption than households not planting these vegetables and fruits. Households planting β-carotene-rich vegetables and fruits were perceived as "well-to-do" and "healthy" households and as "givers".

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that 10 years after the endline evaluation of a home garden project, approximately one-third of the households in the village planted β-carotene-rich vegetables and fruits, which is very similar to the proportion at project completion and a postintervention study that was done 6 years later, despite various challenges, indicating that the practice of planting these vegetables and fruits was continued over the years.

Analytical tools for the analysis of β-carotene and its degradation products

β-Carotene, the precursor of vitamin A, possesses pronounced radical scavenging properties. This has centered the attention on β-carotene dietary supplementation in healthcare as well as in the therapy of degenerative disorders and several cancer types. However, two intervention trials with β-carotene have revealed adverse effects on two proband groups, that is, cigarette smokers and asbestos-exposed workers. Beside other causative reasons, the detrimental effects observed have been related to the oxidation products of β-carotene. Their generation originates in the polyene structure of β-carotene that is beneficial for radical scavenging, but is also prone to oxidation. Depending on the dominant degradation mechanism, bond cleavage might occur either randomly or at defined positions of the conjugated electron system, resulting in a diversity of cleavage products (CPs). Due to their instability and hydrophobicity, the handling of standards and real samples containing β-carotene and related CPs requires preventive measures during specimen preparation, analyte extraction, and final analysis, to avoid artificial degradation and to preserve the initial analyte portfolio. This review critically discusses different preparation strategies of standards and treatment solutions, and also addresses their protection from oxidation. Additionally, in vitro oxidation strategies for the generation of oxidative model compounds are surveyed. Extraction methods are discussed for volatile and non-volatile CPs individually. Gas chromatography (GC), (ultra)high performance liquid chromatography (U)HPLC, and capillary electrochromatography (CEC) are reviewed as analytical tools for final analyte analysis. For identity confirmation of analytes, mass spectrometry (MS) is indispensable, and the appropriate ionization principles are comprehensively discussed. The final sections cover analysis of real samples and aspects of quality assurance, namely matrix effects and method validation.

Carotenoid profile of tomato sauces: effect of cooking time and content of extra virgin olive oil

The consumption of carotenoid-rich vegetables such as tomatoes and tomato sauces is associated with reduced risk of several chronic diseases. The predominant carotenoids in tomato products are in the (all-E) configuration, but (Z) isomers can be formed during thermal processing. The effect of cooking time (15, 30, 45 and 60 min) and the addition of extra virgin olive oil (5% and 10%) on the carotenoid extractability of tomato sauces was monitored using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) and LC-ultraviolet detection (LC-UV). The thermal treatment and the addition of extra virgin olive oil increased the levels of antioxidant activity, total carotenoids, Z-lycopene isomers, α-carotene and β-carotene. These results are of particular nutritional benefit since higher lycopene intake has been associated with a reduced risk of lethal prostate and a reduction of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Moreover, β-carotene has been reported to suppress the up-regulation of heme oxygenase-1 gene expression in a dose dependent manner and to suppress UVA-induced HO-1 gene expression in cultured FEK4.

Comparison of content and in vitro bioaccessibility of provitamin A carotenoids in home cooked and commercially processed orange fleshed sweet potato (Ipomea batatas Lam)

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) remains a public health problem in some regions of Brazil. Increased use of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) as a source of pro-vitamin A represents a potential strategy for prevention of VAD. We compared the pro-vitamin A content, vitamin A equivalency and bioaccessibility of β-carotene (βC) of two varieties of home cooked OFSP and two commercial sources of processed OFSP. Pro-vitamin A carotenoid content in home cooked, Beauregard variety of OFSP exceeded that in Amelia variety and commercial products for babies. All-trans-βC was the most abundant carotenoid in raw, cooked and commercial OFSP. Boiling and frying OFSP generally decreased total βC. A serving of 100 g FW Beauregard variety of cooked OFSP contained greater than 100% of the estimated average requirement (EAR) for children and women, and up to 92% EAR for lactating women. Although the efficiency of micellarization of all-trans-βC during simulated digestion of OFSP was relatively low (4-8%) and significantly less than for cis-isomers, the quantities of trans-βC incorporated into micelles from boiled Beauregard and fried Amelia varieties exceeded that in micelles generated by digesting commercial OFSP. The bioaccessibility of pro-vitamin A carotenoids in the micelle fraction of digested OFSP was confirmed with differentiated cultures of Caco-2 human intestinal cells. Continued development of OFSP such as the Amelia and Beauregard varieties that are rich in trans-βC and dissemination of best practices for home cooking are encouraged to increase consumption of this food to decrease the risk of vitamin A deficiency in Brazil.

Drop coating deposition Raman spectroscopy of blood plasma for the detection of colorectal cancer

We have recently applied the technique of drop coating deposition Raman (DCDR) spectroscopy for colorectal cancer (CRC) detection using blood plasma. The aim of this study was to develop a more convenient and stable method based on blood plasma for noninvasive CRC detection. Significant differences are observed in DCDR spectra between healthy (n = 105) and cancer (n = 75) plasma from 15 CRC patients and 21 volunteers, particularly in the spectra that are related to proteins, nucleic acids, and β-carotene. The multivariate analysis principal components analysis and the linear discriminate analysis, together with leave-one-out, cross validation were used on DCDR spectra and yielded a sensitivity of 100% (75/75) and specificity of 98.1% (103/105) for detection of CRC. This study demonstrates that DCDR spectroscopy of blood plasma associated with multivariate statistical algorithms has the potential for the noninvasive detection of CRC.

Vitamin retention in eight fruits and vegetables: a comparison of refrigerated and frozen storage

Four vitamins were analyzed in several fruit and vegetable commodities to evaluate the differences between fresh and frozen produce. Ascorbic acid, riboflavin, α-tocopherol, and β-carotene were evaluated in corn, carrots, broccoli, spinach, peas, green beans, strawberries, and blueberries. Samples of each commodity were harvested, processed, and analyzed for nutrient content at three storage times per treatment. Ascorbic acid showed no significant difference for five of the eight commodities and was higher in frozen samples than fresh for the remaining three commodities. Apart from broccoli and peas, which were higher and lower in frozen vs fresh samples, respectively, none of the commodities showed significant differences with respect to riboflavin content. Three commodities had higher levels of α-tocopherol in the frozen samples, while the remaining commodities showed no significant difference between fresh and frozen. β-Carotene was not found in significant amounts in blueberries, strawberries, and corn. Peas, carrots, and spinach were lower in β-carotene in the frozen samples, while green beans and spinach showed no significant difference between the two storage methods. Overall, the vitamin content of the frozen commodities was comparable to and occasionally higher than that of their fresh counterparts. β-Carotene, however, was found to decrease drastically in some commodities.

Interrelations between herbage yield, α-tocopherol, β-carotene, lutein, protein, and fiber in non-leguminous forbs, forage legumes, and a grass-clover mixture as affected by harvest date

Pastures with diverse botanical composition may enhance animal-derived product quality. A recent study demonstrated high vitamin concentrations and yields in some forb species. The objectives of the present study were to investigate interrelations between herbage yields, vitamin concentrations, protein and fiber contents and analyze the effect of harvest date. We hypothesized that interrelations would be similar across investigated forage species. Four nonleguminous forbs: salad burnet (Sanguisorba minor), caraway (Carum carvi), chicory (Cichorium intybus), and ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), three legumes: yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis), lucerne (Medicago sativa), and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and a perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)-white clover (Trifolium repens) mixture were sown in a field trial with two replicated and randomized blocks. Forage in 1.5 m × 9 m plots was grown in two consecutive years and cut four times per year (May-October). Analyses of variance were performed. In most herbages, α-tocopherol and β-carotene were positively correlated as were β-carotene and lutein; all vitamins were negatively correlated with fiber content and herbage yield. β-Carotene was positively correlated with protein content. α-Tocopherol and β-carotene contents were generally highest in October and lowest in July. Our results showed similar interrelationships in most investigated species, and we suggest that these species may be mixed when designing novel biodiverse mixtures for particular product quality characteristics.

Effect of UV-C radiation on bioactive compounds of pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr.) by-products

BACKGROUND

The industrial processing of pineapple generates a high quantity of by-products. To reduce the environmental impact of these by-products and the inherent cost of their treatment, it is important to characterise and valorise these products, converting them into high added value products. Ultra-violet radiation is one of the main sustainable sanitation techniques for fruits. Since this radiation can induce plant stress which can promote the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds, it is important to evaluate its effect in fruits.

RESULTS

The amounts of vitamins (C and E) and carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, neoxanthin, violaxanthin and zeaxanthin) in pineapple by-products (core and rind) were analysed before and after treatment with UV radiation. All treated and untreated pineapple by-products contained β-carotene as the main carotenoid (rind, 2537-3225 µg; and core, 960-994 µg 100 g(-1) DW). Pineapple rind also contained lutein (288-297 µg 100 g(-1) DW) and α-carotene (89-126 µg 100 g(-1) DW).

CONCLUSION

The results provide evidence of the potential of pineapple by-products as a source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity, which can be used by pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries. In addition, UV-C was shown to be a treatment that can add nutritional value to pineapple by-products.

Proteome analysis of cytoplasmatic and plastidic β-carotene lipid droplets in Dunaliella bardawil

The halotolerant green alga Dunaliella bardawil is unique in that it accumulates under stress two types of lipid droplets: cytoplasmatic lipid droplets (CLD) and β-carotene-rich (βC) plastoglobuli. Recently, we isolated and analyzed the lipid and pigment compositions of these lipid droplets. Here, we describe their proteome analysis. A contamination filter and an enrichment filter were utilized to define core proteins. A proteome database of Dunaliella salina/D. bardawil was constructed to aid the identification of lipid droplet proteins. A total of 124 and 42 core proteins were identified in βC-plastoglobuli and CLD, respectively, with only eight common proteins. Dunaliella spp. CLD resemble cytoplasmic droplets from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and contain major lipid droplet-associated protein and enzymes involved in lipid and sterol metabolism. The βC-plastoglobuli proteome resembles the C. reinhardtii eyespot and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plastoglobule proteomes and contains carotene-globule-associated protein, plastid-lipid-associated protein-fibrillins, SOUL heme-binding proteins, phytyl ester synthases, β-carotene biosynthesis enzymes, and proteins involved in membrane remodeling/lipid droplet biogenesis: VESICLE-INDUCING PLASTID PROTEIN1, synaptotagmin, and the eyespot assembly proteins EYE3 and SOUL3. Based on these and previous results, we propose models for the biogenesis of βC-plastoglobuli and the biosynthesis of β-carotene within βC-plastoglobuli and hypothesize that βC-plastoglobuli evolved from eyespot lipid droplets.

Effects of some extrusion variables on physicochemical characteristics of extruded corn starch-passion fruit pulp (Passiflora edulis) snacks

The aim of this work was to study the effect of the addition of passion fruit pulp (PFP: 0-7%), the variation of barrel temperature in the third zone extruder (BT: 80-140 °C) and feed moisture (FM:16-30%) in a blend of corn starch and passion fruit pulp on different physicochemical characteristics of directly expanded snacks by extrusion technology. Single-screw laboratory extruder and a central, composite, rotatable experimental design were used. Expansion index of extrudates ranged between 1.0 and 1.8. Decreasing of feed moisture (18%), passion fruit pulp concentration (1.42%) and the increasing of barrel temperature (127 °C) resulted in higher expansion index. The increasing of feed moisture and passion fruit pulp concentration resulted in higher penetration force values of extrudates. The passion fruit pulp concentration showed a highly significant effect (p ≤ 0.01) on the L *, a * and b * parameters. Passion fruit pulp has a reasonable source of β-carotene, proteins and dietary fibers that can be added to expanded snacks.

Lipid-dissolved γ-carotene, β-carotene, and lycopene in globular chromoplasts of peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) fruits

High levels of β-carotene, lycopene, and the rare γ-carotene occur predominantly lipid-dissolved in the chromoplasts of peach palm fruits. First proof of their absorption from these fruits is reported. The structural diversity, the physical deposition state in planta, and the human bioavailability of carotenoids from the edible fruits of diverse orange and yellow-colored peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) varieties were investigated. HPLC-PDA-MS(n) revealed a broad range of carotenes, reaching total carotenoid levels from 0.7 to 13.9 mg/100 g FW. Besides the predominant (all-E)-β-carotene (0.4-5.4 mg/100 g FW), two (Z)-isomers of γ-carotene (0.1-3.9 mg/100 g FW), and one (Z)-lycopene isomer (0.04-0.83 mg/100 g FW) prevailed. Approximately 89-94 % of total carotenoid content pertained to provitamin A carotenoids with retinol activity equivalents ranging from 37 to 609 µg/100 g FW. The physical deposition state of these carotenoids in planta was investigated using light, transmission electron, and scanning electron microscopy. The plastids found in both orange and yellow-colored fruit mesocarps were amylo-chromoplasts of the globular type, containing carotenoids predominantly in a lipid-dissolved form. The hypothesis of lipid-dissolved carotenoids was supported by simple solubility estimations based on carotenoid and lipid contents of the fruit mesocarp. In our study, we report first results on the human bioavailability of γ-carotene, β-carotene, and lycopene from peach palm fruit, particularly proving the post-prandial absorption of the rarely occurring γ-carotene. Since the physical state of carotenoid deposition has been shown to be decisive for carotenoid bioavailability, lipid-dissolved carotenoids in peach palm fruits are expected to be highly bioavailable, however, further studies are required.

Extraction of pigment information from near-UV vis absorption spectra of extra virgin olive oils

This work reports a new approach to extract the maximum chemical information from the absorption spectrum of extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) in the 390-720 nm spectral range, where "oil pigments" dominate the light absorption. Four most important pigments, i.e., two carotenoids (lutein and β-carotene) and two chlorophylls (pheophytin-a and pheophytin-b), are chosen as reference oil pigments, being present in all the reported analytical data regarding pigments of EVOOs. The method allows the quantification of the concentration values of these four pigments directly from the deconvolution of the measured absorption spectrum of EVOOs. Advantages and limits of the method and the reliability of the pigment family quantification are discussed. The main point of this work is the description of a fast and simple method to extract of such information in less than a minute, through the mathematical analysis of the UV-vis spectrum of untreated samples of oil.