Avaliação da ingestão de nutrientes antioxidantes pela população brasileira e sua relação com o estado nutricional

Impact of rearing systems in the Eastern Amazon on cholesterol, β-carotene and vitamin E homologues in steer

Introduction

The quality of meat, with a focus on compounds important for human health, is directly related to the rearing systems in which the animals are produced. The search for a balanced diet, with an emphasis on low cholesterol and adequate levels of vitamins, aligns with society's emphasis on healthy eating, directly correlated with the importance of the offer made by producers for the cattle's diet.

Objective and methodology

The objective was to verify the impact of different rearing systems, in the Eastern Amazon, during the rainy season, on the concentrations of vitamins (A, E) and cholesterol in the muscle (Longissimus lumborum) of crossbred Nelore cattle, castrated, aged between 24 and 36 months, and weighing between 410 and 628 kg. Twelve animals, from each of the three pasture rearing systems: native pasture in flooded areas of Monte Alegre; native pasture in a flooded area of Santa Cruz do Arari; and pasture cultivated on dry land in São Miguel do Guamá, all located in Pará, Brazil-were sampled in commercial slaughterhouses.

Results

A notable influence was observed in the concentrations of β-carotene (p < 0.01), α-Tocopherol (p = 0.02), β-Tocopherol (p < 0.01) and the combined sum of β-Tocotrienol and γ-Tocopherol (p < 0.01), as well as δ-Tocopherol (p < 0.01) when contrasting extensive with intensive systems (confinement). However, there was a difference in the content of vitamins and cholesterol between the isolated extensive systems, or between the four rearing systems (p > 0.05). Extensive systems, mainly in Monte Alegre, demonstrated greater amounts of α-Tocopherol and δ-Tocopherol.

Conclusion

On the other hand, the intensive system exhibited higher levels of other investigated compounds, clarifying the nutritional variations generated by different livestock rearing practices in the region. Therefore, the results obtained are innovative in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil, in addition to inspiring the development of new research to meet other demands in this field, and achieve additional results, such as determining which meat, coming from cattle in production systems in the country, presents the better compositional quality of vitamins and lipids.

ENERGY AND NUTRIENT INTAKE IN OSTOMY PATIENTS AND CORRELATIONS WITH ANTHROPOMETRIC VARIABLES: RESULTS FROM A REFERENCE HOSPITAL IN THE STATE OF PERNAMBUCO, BRAZIL

BACKGROUND

Studies that assess the food intake and nutritional status of ostomy patients are scarce in the literature. However, such individuals have symptoms in the postoperative period that determine changes in the intake of calories and nutrients as well as anthropometric variables.

OBJECTIVE

Estimate the energy and nutrient intake of ostomy patients and determine correlations with anthropometric variables.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with ostomy individuals in outpatient follow-up at a reference hospital for postoperative ostomy surgery in the city of Recife, Brazil. Demographic, socioeconomic, clinical, anthropometric, and dietary data were collected through interviews and from patient charts. Statistical analyses were performed with the aid of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 13.0 for Windows, with the level of significance set at 5% (P≤0.05).

RESULTS

The sample was composed of 100 individuals (54% males) with a mean age of 55.1±15.4 years. Colostomy patients predominated (82%) and had a greater frequency of excess weight compared to ileostomy patients (86.36% versus 13.64%). Median intake was below the Estimated Average Requirements, especially for vitamins A, C, and E. Significant inverse correlations were found between carbohydrate intake and both arm circumference and triceps skinfold (P=0.0302 for each) and a positive correlation was found between protein intake and arm muscle circumference (P=0.0158) in male patients.

CONCLUSION

The present study found significant correlations between macronutrient intake and anthropometric variables indicative of reserves of lean and adipose mass. Moreover, intake was below the recommended values according to sex and age group, especially with regards to vitamins.

Metabolic syndrome in adolescents and antioxidant nutrient intake: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To verify the association between metabolic syndrome and its components, and intake of antioxidant nutrients in adolescents.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study of the data of 327 adolescents in a high school in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, pertaining to their socioeconomic background, anthropometric measurements, dietary intake (selenium; copper; zinc; vitamins A, C, and E), hemodynamics, and biochemical tests. The criteria for diagnosing metabolic syndrome in adolescents were applied. Binary logistic regression was used to verify the association between metabolic syndrome and its components, and intake of antioxidants. The level of significance was established at p<0.05.

RESULTS

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 7.0%, with a significant association between body mass index and blood pressure. Lower tertiles of copper and vitamins A and E intake were associated with high triglyceride and glycemic levels. The association with vitamins A and E remained after adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant association between lower vitamins A and E intake and metabolic syndrome components (altered triglycerides and glycemic levels) was found. Besides further studies on this issue, the need for health interventions was found, which ensures the appropriate intake of antioxidant nutrients during adolescence.

Low urinary selenium levels are associated with iodine deficiency in Brazilian schoolchildren and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Selenium (Se) and iodine (Io) are important micronutrients for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, as they are crucial for the synthesis and activation of the thyroid hormones (TH) triiodothyronine (T₃) and thyroxine (T₄).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the Se and Io nutritional status among schoolchildren.

METHODOLOGY

Cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study conducted in 982 schoolchildren aged 6-14 years from public schools in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Sociodemographic and anthropometric variables, as well as urinary Se (USC) and Io concentrations (UIC) using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from filter paper blood collection, were evaluated.

RESULTS

The median USC and UIC were 38.7 and 210.0 (IQR: 26.8-52.9 and 129.3-334.1 μg/L, respectively). The prevalence of iodine deficiency and excessive UIC were observed in 17.1% and 30.9% of schoolchildren, respectively. Concomitant low USC and IoD was found in 3.9% of schoolchildren. There was a positive correlation between USC and UIC (r = 0.60; p = 0.00). The median TSH was 0.95 (IQR: 0.69-1.30 µUI/L).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that USC is a good biomarker for assessing Se status, meantime more studies are needed to establish cutoff USC in child population. Despite adequate median intake, a subgroup of schoolchildren had IoD and low USC. The correlation between UIC and USC point at the importance of two micronutrients, raising the question whether measuring Se should be included in monitoring programs that address the prevention of nutritional disturbances.

DNA damage is inversely associated to blood levels of DHA and EPA fatty acids in Brazilian children and adolescents

This study aimed to investigate the association between DNA damage and blood levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), retinol, beta-carotene and riboflavin in Brazilian children and adolescents. Subjects (n = 140) were healthy boys and girls aged 9 to 13 years in Ribeirão Preto (SP, Brazil). Data collection included anthropometry, assessment of energy intake and blood sampling. DNA damage was evaluated by single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to verify associations between blood concentrations of vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids and DNA damage. Multiple regression analyses, k-means cluster, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), adjusted for confounding variables such as age, sex, energy intake, body mass index and total cholesterol (when needed), were applied to confirm the associations. PCA explained 69.4% of the inverse relationships between DNA damage and blood levels of DHA, EPA, retinol, and beta-carotene. Results were confirmed by ANCOVA and multiple regression analyses for DHA and EPA. In conclusion, omega-3-fatty acids were inversely associated with DNA damage in Brazilian children and adolescents and may be a protective factor against the development of future diseases.

Association of dietary total antioxidant capacity with anthropometric indicators, C-reactive protein, and clinical outcomes in hospitalized oncologic patients

OBJECTIVE

Many studies have shown an inverse association between higher dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) and chronic non-communicable diseases, including cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of the DTAC with anthropometric and biochemical indicators and clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with cancer.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out with 196 hospitalized patients diagnosed with cancer. The DTAC, determined by the ferric-reducing antioxidant power method, was calculated using a validated standard spreadsheet. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess the association, identifying anthropometric indicators that were associated with DTAC and the variables of interest. P < 0.05 was statistically significant.

RESULTS

The individuals included in the last tertile of DTAC presented lower occurrences of death (P = 0.032), constipation (P = 0.010), dysphagia (P = 0.010), painful swallowing and chewing (P = 0.019), and dehydration (P = 0.032) than individuals in the first tertile. The C-reactive protein values were significantly lower (P = 0.010) and handgrip strength values were higher (P = 0.037) in individuals in the third tertile than in the other participants.

CONCLUSIONS

DTAC was associated with a better prognosis of hospitalized cancer patients, considering signs and symptoms of nutritional impact, as well as the inflammatory state of the patients. These factors may influence the length of hospital stay and mortality. The findings of this research provide important information for a preventive and nutritional management perspective in this population.

Association of Selenium Intake and Development of Depression in Brazilian Farmers

Introduction: Depression and deficiency in the consumption of micronutrients are a public health problem, especially in the rural population. The deficiency in selenium consumption affects mental health, contributing to the development of major depressive disorders. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate selenium intake and its association with depressive symptoms in farmers in southeastern Brazil. Material and Methods: Epidemiological, cross-sectional, and analytical study with 736 farmers aged between 18 and 59. A semistructured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical condition data. For evaluation of food intake, three 24-h recalls were applied, and for identification of depressive episodes, the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview was conducted. Results: A total of 16.1% (n = 119) of the farmers presented symptoms of major depressive episodes, 5.8% (n = 43) presented symptoms of current depressive episodes, and 10.3% (n = 76) presented symptoms of recurrent major depressive episodes. Sociodemographic factors associated with depression were gender (p < 0.001), marital status (p = 0.004), and socioeconomic class (p = 0.015). The consumption of high doses of selenium was associated with a reduction of ~54% in the chances of occurrence of depression (OR = 0.461; 95% CI = 0.236-0.901). Conclusion: High selenium intake is associated with a lower prevalence of depression even after adjusting for sociodemographic variables, lifestyle, and pesticide intoxication. The findings of this study contributed to highlighting the high prevalence of depression in rural areas and its relationship with selenium intake.

Unbalance of Se and nutritional status in male infertility

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the selenium status and oxidative stress in male infertility cases selected from a private human reproduction center in the state of Ceará, Brazil.

METHODS

The present study had a cross-sectional quantitative approach, carried out between January and October 2013 at a Human Reproduction Center. The studied population was composed of 49 male individuals seen at the clinic, aged between 18 and 60 years. Blood samples were collected to measure serum selenium concentrations, erythrocyte activity and glutathione peroxidase. After medical diagnosis, the participants were divided into fertile and infertile groups. Blood samples were collected for establishing Se concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes, and measurements of the enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase in the erythrocytes.

RESULT

it resulted in 53.1% of fertile men and 46.9% of infertile men. The average age of the fertile group was 34.1 years and the infertile group was 37.3 years. Regarding the assessment of nutritional status, the scatter diagram of the infertility group showed a higher body mass index and waist circumference, showing that this group has a higher risk of global and abdominal obesity compared to the fertile group (p<0.0001, respectively). There were similarities between the groups regarding caloric intake, macronutrient and selenium intake.

CONCLUSION

We can conclude that the serum values of selenium, in excess and in deficiency, can be harmful to male fertility.

Study of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adolescents: Association between Intake of Vitamins A and E and Lipid Profile

Background:

The diet of Brazilian adolescents is characterized by high intake of fats and sugars and low consumption of antioxidant micronutrients, particularly vitamins A and E. In addition to dietary inadequacies, a significant number of these adolescents present changes in plasma lipoproteins, which may be caused by environmental and lifestyle factors.

Objective:

To investigate the association between inadequate intake of vitamins A and E and changes in plasma lipoprotein concentrations in Brazilian adolescents.

Methods:

Cross-sectional, descriptive, multicenter, school-based, nationwide study with 37,023 Brazilian adolescents aged 12 to 17 years were included. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, vitamin A and E intake, and lipid and anthropometric profile were collected. The Student’s t-test was used to compare means and a logistic regression to verify associations; analyses were conducted in the STATA software version 14.0. The study was approved by the Ethics Committees of the participating institutions and all participants signed an Assent Form.

Results:

The average vitamin A intake was higher among boys, but consumption below recommendation was found in both sexes. Inadequate intake of vitamins A and E was associated with a higher risk of low HDL-c levels in male and public school adolescents. Low vitamin E intake was associated with a higher risk of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia in Brazilian adolescents.

Conclusion:

This study showed a high prevalence of inadequate intake of vitamins A and E among Brazilian adolescents and data suggesting associations between low intake of these micronutrients and changes in plasma lipoprotein concentrations in this public.

VITAMIN E INTAKE AND FOOD SOURCES IN ADOLESCENT DIET: A CROSS-SECTIONAL POPULATION-BASED STUDY

Objective:

To assess vitamin E intake and its relationship with sociodemographic variables, and to identify the main dietary sources of the nutrient in the diet of adolescents.

Methods:

This is a population-based cross-sectional study that used data from 891 adolescents living in Campinas, SP, participating in ISACamp 2014/15 (Health Survey) and ISACamp-Nutri 2015/16 (Food Consumption and Nutritional Status Survey). The nutrient intake averages were estimated using the Generalized Linear Model, adjusted for the total energy of the diet. Dietary sources of vitamin E were identified from the calculation of the relative contribution.

Results:

The average vitamin E intake was 3.2 mg for adolescents aged 10 to 13 years and 3.5 mg for those aged 14 to 19 years, results far below the recommended values of 9 and 12 mg, respectively. The prevalence of inadequacy was 92.5%. ­Ten ­foods/­food groups represented 85.7% of vitamin E present in the adolescents’ diet; the vegetable oils group accounted for more than a quarter of the contribution (25.5%), followed by cookies (9.1%) and beans (8.9%).

Conclusions:

There were a low intake and a high prevalence of inadequate vitamin E intake among adolescents in Campinas, with vegetable oil as the main source. For the total number of adolescents, almost 33% of the nutrient content was derived from foods of poor nutritional quality such as cookies, packaged snacks, and margarine. The results of this study can guide public health actions that aim to improve the quality of adolescents’ diets.

Dietary Intake and Urinary Excretion of Manganese in Korean Healthy Adults

Manganese (Mn) is an essential element for the body's composition and is required for various functions, including nutrient metabolism, immune system function, and antioxidant ability. However, there are insufficient data on the nutritional status of Mn. In this study, we aimed to analyze the relationship between Mn intake and urinary excretion in Korean adults. A twice dietary intake survey using a 24-h recall method was conducted on 640 adults (320 men and 320 women), aged 20 to 69 years. Eighty 24-h urine samples were also twice collected and urinary Mn excretions were analyzed. Results indicated that total Mn intake per day was 4.1 mg for men and 3.9 mg for women (p < 0.05). Mn intake per 1000 kcal of energy consumption was significantly higher in women than in men (2.0 mg/1,000 kcal vs. 2.2 mg/1000 kcal, p < 0.01). Additionally, Mn intake as a percentage of Adequate Intake was 103.0% for men and 110.3% for women (p < 0.05). Mn was mostly consumed from cereals (1.78 mg/day for men and 1.53 mg/day for women), followed by vegetables, seasonings, fruits, and pulses. The main food sources of Mn were rice (27.8% for men, 22.0% for women), kimchi (3.5% for men, 1.4% for women), and tofu (2.8% for men, 2.3% for women); the percentage of Mn consumed from 20 types of foods was 55.6% (women) to 60.4% (men). Urinary Mn excretion was negatively correlated with Mn intake from cereals and positively with mushrooms only for women after adjusting for confounding factors (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary Mn intake by Korean adults was adequate to meet the Dietary Reference Intake, but the relationship between Mn intake and urinary excretion was not clear.

Association between antioxidant vitamins and oxidative stress among patients with a complete hydatidiform mole

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the potential relationship between oxidative stress, dietary intake, and serum levels of antioxidants in patients with a complete hydatidiform mole (CHM) compared with controls.

METHODS

This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A total of 140 women were enrolled in this study and divided into four groups: 43 patients with CHM, 33 women who had had an abortion, 32 healthy pregnant women, and 32 healthy non-pregnant women. All participants underwent blood sampling, assessment using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire, and anthropometric measurement. Blood samples were collected after overnight fasting (10-12 h). Vitamin levels (A, C, and E) were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography, and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels were assessed using an automated quantitative analysis system (Dimension®, Siemens).

RESULTS

Although all groups showed sufficient serum vitamin A and E levels, the participants had inadequate dietary intake of these vitamins. Conversely, all groups had an insufficient serum level of vitamin C, despite adequate intake. The gamma-glutamyl transferase values did not differ significantly among the groups. However, elevated serum levels of this enzyme were observed in several patients.

CONCLUSIONS

All groups exhibited high levels of oxidative stress, as evaluated by gamma-glutamyl transferase levels, and had inadequate intake of antioxidant vitamins. Therefore, the high exposure to oxidative stress found in our study, even in healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women, may increase the incidence of CHM in this region.

Associations Between Dietary Antioxidant Intake and Markers of Atherosclerosis in Middle-Aged Women From North-Western Algeria

Background: The role of several dietary antioxidants in preventing the development and the progression of atherosclerosis has recently aroused considerable interest. Although they are not yet conclusive, most of the existing suggestions support this hypothesis.

Objective: The aim of the present work was to investigate the intake of dietary antioxidant nutrients in relation to atherogenic indices in a group of Algerian middle aged women with and without type 2 diabetes.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a group of middle-aged women from the north western region of Algeria. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated 3-days food record. Atherogenic indices -total cholesterol-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL) and apolipoprotein (apo) B-to-apo A1 ratio, were calculated. Associations between antioxidants dietary intake and atherogenic indices were examined using logistic regressions.

Results: 95 women with type 2 diabetes were compared to 93 non-diabetic ones. Statistical differences (p < 0.05) were revealed for body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and total cholesterol levels. Furthermore, significant differences were noted for vitamin C, E and copper dietary intakes. The TC/HDL ratio was significantly associated to the highest quartiles of vitamin C in all patients; 3.519[2.405–4.408], p = 0.009 and in non-diabetic women; 3.984[1.775–7.412], p = 0.020, respectively. The odd ratios of vitamin E intakes were about 2.425[2.017–5.715], p = 0.012 in all patients and 1.843[1.877–2.731], p = 0.019 in non-diabetic group, respectively. However, the Apo B/Apo A1 ratio was more correlated to the highest quartiles of zinc and copper in non-diabetic group; OR = 0.059[0.006–0.572], p = 0.015 and 0.192[0.048–0.766], p = 0.019, respectively.

Conclusion: The estimated risk of atherosclerosis measured through the TC/HDL ratio was correlated to vitamins antioxidant intake, while the probable risk assessed by the Apo B/Apo A1 ratio was more associated to the mineral profile.