Scientific Evidence for the Beneficial Effects of Dietary Blueberries on Gut Health: A Systematic Review

Emerging evidence indicates the association between an unhealthy gut and chronic diseases. A healthy gut comprises an intact gut epithelium and balanced gut microbes. Diet is one of the critical factors that modulate gut health by positively or negatively affecting the intestinal barrier and gut microbes. Blueberries are an excellent source of health-promoting bioactive components, and this systematic review is conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary blueberries on gut health. A literature search is conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases to review relevant studies published between 2011 and 2022 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation Risk of Bias (SYRCLE-RoB) tool is used for methodological quality assessments. Sixteen studies included from four countries are reviewed and the results are synthesized narratively. This data analysis indicates that blueberry supplementation improves gut health by improving intestinal morphology, reducing gut permeability, suppressing oxidative stress, ameliorating gut inflammation, and modulating the composition and function of gut microbes. However, there are significant knowledge gaps in this field. These findings indicate that further studies are needed to establish the beneficial effects of blueberries on gut health.

Nutritional aspects of non-conventional edible plants from Brazil: Caruru (Amaranthus spinosus L) and trapoeraba (Commelina benghalensis)

Caruru (Amaranthus spinosus L) and trapoeraba (Commelina benghalensis) are NCEPs introduced into Brazil and are widely used by certain communities. Given the lack of information on carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals present in A. spinosus and C. benghalensis grown in Brazil, this study aimed to determine the proximate composition and the micronutrient profile of these two NCEPs obtained from family farming in the Middle Doce River (Médio Rio Doce) region in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The proximate composition was evaluated using AOAC methods, vitamin E by HPLC with fluorescence detection, vitamin C and carotenoids by HPLC-DAD, and minerals by atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. In summary, the leaves of A. spinosus exhibited a high content of dietary fiber (10.20 g.100 g^-1), potassium (708.8 mg·100 g^-1), iron (4.0 mg·100 g^-1) and β-carotene (6.94 mg·100 g^-1), while the leaves of C. benghalensis were sources of potassium (1399.31 mg·100 g^-1), iron (5.7 mg·100 g^-1), calcium (163 mg·100 g^-1), zinc (1.3 mg·100 g^-1), ascorbic acid (23.61 mg·100 g^-1), and β-carotene (31.33 mg·100 g^-1). It was therefore concluded that C. benghalensis and A. spinosus, especially, presented excellent potential as important nutritional sources for human consumption, highlighting the gap existing between the available technical and scientific material, thus making them an important and necessary axis of research.

Incidence and Associated Factors of Weight Gain During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Introduction and Aims

The behavioral changes that arose from quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the weight of people. This study aims to investigate the incidence and predictors of weight gain during the quarantine period.

Methods

An online survey was performed five months after the social distance measures implementation. Participants recorded their current and usual weight before lockdown. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed.

Results

Data on 1334 participants were evaluated (33.6y, 79.8% females), and 58.8% have gained weight (3.0 kg; 0.1 to 30.0 kg). Predictors of weight gain were increased food intake (OR = 5.40); snacking (OR = 2.86); fast food (OR = 1.11); canned products (OR = 1.08); and in physical activity (OR = 0.99) concerning the period before the pandemic; also time spent at work, including household chores (OR = 1.58); evening snack (OR = 1.54); higher frequency of alcoholic beverage intake (OR = 1.59) and dose of alcoholic beverage (OR = 1.11); uncontrolled eating (OR = 1.01), and vegetable intake (OR = 0.92) during the quarantine and physical activity before pandemic period (OR = 0.99).

Conclusion

Most participants have gained weight during the pandemic because of working changes, lifestyle, eating habits changes, and uncontrolled eating behavior. These results can be useful to encourage changes during future quarantine periods to prevent weight gain.

Effects of Curcumin Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers, Muscle Damage, and Sports Performance during Acute Physical Exercise in Sedentary Individuals

Exhaustive and acute unusual physical exercise leads to muscle damage. Curcumin has been widely studied due to the variety of its biological activities, attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, it has shown positive effects on physical exercise practitioners. However, there is no literature consensus on the beneficial effects of curcumin in acute physical activities performed by sedentary individuals. Therefore, we systematically reviewed evidence from clinical trials on the main effects of curcumin supplementation on inflammatory markers, sports performance, and muscle damage during acute physical exercises in these individuals. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases, and only original studies were analyzed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The included studies were limited to supplementation of curcumin during acute exercise. A total of 5 studies were selected. Methodological quality assessments were examined using the SYRCLE's risk-of-bias tool. Most studies have shown positive effects of curcumin supplementation in sedentary individuals undergoing acute physical exercise. Overall, participants supplemented with curcumin showed less muscle damage, reduced inflammation, and better muscle performance. The studies showed heterogeneous data and exhibited methodological limitations; therefore, further research is necessary to ensure curcumin supplementation benefits during acute and high-intensity physical exercises. Additionally, mechanistic and highly controlled studies are required to improve the quality of the evidence and to elucidate other possible mechanisms. This study is registered with Prospero number CRD42021262718.

Quarantine During COVID-19 Outbreak: Eating Behavior, Perceived Stress, and Their Independently Associated Factors in a Brazilian Sample

The study aimed to assess the eating behavior [uncontrolled eating (UE), emotional eating (EE), and cognitive restraint (CR)], the perceived stress, and independently associated factors among Brazilians during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey was conducted and data about 1,368 participants were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to identify factors independently associated (socioeconomic, lifestyle, and eating habits data) with eating behaviors and perceived stress. Working in the COVID-19 frontline (OR = 2.19), increased food delivery (OR = 1.49), increased food intake (OR = 1.48), increased number of meals (OR = 1.13), and EE (OR = 1.05) were factors independently associated with UE. Variables that were independently associated with EE were: increased food intake (OR = 2.57), graduation in a non-health-related course (OR = 1.78), perceived stress (OR = 1.08), UE (OR = 1.07), and CR (OR = 1.02). Reduced snacking (OR = 2.08), female gender (OR = 1.47), having a higher degree (OR = 1.44), increased homemade meals (OR = 1.31), the higher difference in the frequency of instant meals and snacks intake (OR = 0.91), EE (OR = 1.01), not increased alcohol dose intake (OR = 0.57), and increased physical activity (OR = 0.54) were independently associated with CR. Perceived stress was independently associated with changes in the way of working or studying (OR = 2.48), worse sleep quality (OR = 2.22), younger age (OR = 1.06), and EE (OR = 1.02). This study indicates that socioeconomic variables, lifestyle, and eating habits were independently associated with the eating behaviors of Brazilians and perceived stress during the quarantine.

Comparison of bioactive compounds and nutrient contents in whey protein concentrate admixture of turmeric extract produced by spray drying and foam mat drying

We developed a whey protein admixture of turmeric extract by spray drying (TWPC-SD) and by foam mat drying (TWPC-FMD) and compared its bioactive compounds and nutrients contents. TWPC samples were evaluated for preference and acceptability. Vitamins and carotenoids were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Total phenolics, curcumin and antioxidant capacity were determined by spectrophotometry. Centesimal composition was performed according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Chemical elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. TWPC containing 3.6 mg of curcumin showed good acceptability. Carotenoids and riboflavin were not detected in either TWPC. Vitamin C content was maintained, and antioxidant capacity was increased in both products (p < 0.05). TWPC-SD showed higher total phenolic and curcumin contents compared to TWPC-FMD (p < 0.05). Thus, the TWPC-SD is a good alternative for human consumption since it showed good sensory acceptability and its nutrients and bioactive compounds can contribute to human health.

Stability of B vitamins, vitamin E, xanthophylls and flavonoids during germination and maceration of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)

The impact of maceration and germination on the concentration of bioactive compounds still needs to be evaluated. The stability of B complex vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine), vitamin E (α, β, γ, δ tocopherols and tocotrienols), xanthophylls (lutein and zeaxanthin) and flavonoids (3-deoxyanthocyanidins-3-DXAs, flavones and flavanones) was evaluated in sorghum grains subjected to maceration and germination, using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Maceration and germination reduced thiamine and pyridoxine concentrations (retentions ranging from 3.8 to 50.2%). Riboflavin and Vitamin E concentrations were not affected by maceration. Germination increased riboflavin and reduced vitamin E. 3-DXAs were sensitive to maceration and germination (retentions of 69.6% and 69.9%, respectively). Flavones contents decreased with germination. Our results indicate that, after germination and/or maceration, sorghum had important nutritional and functional value. Thus, its intake, mainly in macerated forms, should be encouraged, since concentrations of riboflavin, vitamin E and flavones were not altered during this processing.

Effects of curcumin supplementation on sport and physical exercise: a systematic review

Curcumin is the main phenolic compound in turmeric. It has been investigated recently due to its numerous medicinal properties and health benefits. However, few studies assessed the effects of curcumin supplementation on physical activity practice. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to assess the available evidences with human beings about the potential effects of curcumin supplementation on sport and physical exercise. This systematic review was conducted within the period from January to February, 2019, following the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) guidelines. The LILACS, Medline, SciELO and PubMed databases were used for the search, with no publication date limit. The following terms, with the respective Boolean operators, were searched: "curcumin" AND sports; "curcumin" AND exercise; curcumin AND "aerobic exercise"; "curcumin" AND "resistance exercise"; "curcumin" AND "endurance exercise"; "curcumin" AND "strength exercise". Eleven papers were selected for this review. Most of the studies displayed positive effects of the curcumin supplementation for athletes and physical exercise practitioners, and no side effects were reported. Participants supplemented with curcumin displayed reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, decreased pain and muscle damage, superior recovery and muscle performance, better psychological and physiological responses (thermal and cardiovascular) during training and improved gastrointestinal function. Curcumin supplementation appears to be safe and beneficial for sport and physical exercise in human beings. PROSPERO (CRD42019126763).

Impact of rice fortified with iron, zinc, thiamine and folic acid on laboratory measurements of nutritional status of preschool children

Abstract Fortification of food constitutes an important strategy for the control of micronutrient deficiency and has advantages such as high population coverage and maintenance of eating habits. This study aimed to assess the impact of using fortified rice (Ultra Rice® - UR®) on the nutritional status of preschoolers. Ninety-nine children enrolled in two philanthropic preschools participated of the study. Children of one of the preschools were offered UR® mixed with polished rice, as part of school meals (test group) and the children of another preschool were offered pure polished rice (control group). Biochemical evaluations were performed before and after 4 months of intervention. Dietary assessment and sensory evaluation of UR® mixed with polished rice were performed during the study. The fortified rice improved the concentrations of zinc (p < 0.001), thiamine (p < 0.001), folic acid (p = 0.003), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (p < 0.001) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (p < 0.001). The fortified rice showed good acceptability among preschoolers. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of using rice fortified with iron, zinc, thiamine and folic acid on the nutritional status of children.

Chia Seed Shows Good Protein Quality, Hypoglycemic Effect and Improves the Lipid Profile and Liver and Intestinal Morphology of Wistar Rats

Chia has been consumed by the world population due to its high fiber, lipids and proteins content. The objective was to evaluate the protein quality of chia untreated (seed and flour) and heat treated (90 °C/20 min), their influence on glucose and lipid homeostasis and integrity of liver and intestinal morphology of Wistar rats. 36 male rats, weanling, divided into six groups which received control diet (casein), free protein diet (aproteic) and four diet tests (chia seed; chia seed with heat treatment; chia flour and chia flour with heat treatment) for 14 days were used. The protein efficiency ratio (PER), net protein ratio (NPR) and true digestibility (TD) were evaluated. The biochemical variables and liver and intestinal morphologies of animals were determined. The values of PER, NPR and TD did not differ among the animals that were fed with chia and were lower than the control group. The animals that were fed with chia showed lower concentrations of glucose; triacylglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol than the control group. The liver weight of animals that were fed with chia was lower than the control group. Crypt depth and thickness of intestinal muscle layers were higher in groups that were fed with chia. The consumption of chia has shown good digestibility, hypoglycemic effect, improved lipid and glycemic profiles and reduced fat deposition in liver of animals, and also promoted changes in intestinal tissue that enhanced its functionality.

A high fat diet does not affect the iron bioavailability in Wistar rats fed with chia and increases gene expression of iron metabolism proteins

This study evaluated the effect of chia on the iron bioavailability and gene expression of proteins involved in iron metabolism in animals fed with a high fat diet and a standard diet.

Bioavailability of zinc in Wistar rats fed with rice fortified with zinc oxide

The study of zinc bioavailability in foods is important because this mineral intake does not meet the recommended doses for some population groups. Also, the presence of dietary factors that reduce zinc absorption contributes to its deficiency. Rice fortified with micronutrients (Ultra Rice^®) is a viable alternative for fortification since this cereal is already inserted into the population habit. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioavailability of zinc (Zn) in rice fortified with zinc oxide. During 42 days, rats were divided into four groups and fed with diets containing two different sources of Zn (test diet: UR^® fortified with zinc oxide, or control diet: zinc carbonate (ZnCO₃)), supplying 50% or 100%, respectively, of the recommendations of this mineral for animals. Weight gain, food intake, feed efficiency ratio, weight, thickness and length of femur; retention of zinc, calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in the femur and the concentrations of Zn in femur, plasma and erythrocytes were evaluated. Control diet showed higher weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, retention of Zn and Zn concentration in the femur (p < 0.05). However, no differences were observed (p > 0.05) for dietary intake, length and thickness of the femur, erythrocyte and plasmatic Zn between groups. Although rice fortified with zinc oxide showed a lower bioavailability compared to ZnCO₃, this food can be a viable alternative to be used as a vehicle for fortification.

Method for simultaneous analysis of eight vitamin E isomers in various foods by high performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection

The objective of this study was to optimize a method to investigate the occurrence and to quantify the full isomeric composition of vitamin E (α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherols and tocotrienols) in 6 vegetables (raw and cooked), 3 herbs/spices, raw and cooked eggs, vegetable oils (canola, olive and soybean), flaxseed and sorghum (flour and seeds) and soy (flour) by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Different conditions of extraction and analysis were tested. The optimized method consisted of direct extraction with solvent (hexane:ethyl acetate, 85:15, v/v). For analysis normal phase column was used with mobile phase consisting of hexane:isopropanol:acetic acid (98.9:0.6:0.5) with isocratic elution and fluorescence detection. Excellent separation of all isomers was obtained along with adequate quantification in the foods analyzed. Recovery rates of standards ranged from 91.3 to 99.4%. The linearity range for each isomer varied from 2.5 to 137.5 ng/mL (R² greater than 0.995 in all cases). Detection limits ranged from 21.0 to 48.0 ng/mL for tocopherols and from 56.0 to 67.0 ng/mL for tocotrienols, while quantification limits ranged from 105.0 to 240.0 ng/mL for tocopherols and from 280.0 to 335.0 ng/mL for tocotrienols. The optimized method was considered simple, fast and reliable, and also preserved vitamin E isomers when compared to validated methods involving saponification.

Carotene and provitamin A content of vegetables sold in Viçosa, MG, Brazil, during spring and winter

This study investigated the α- and β-carotene content and provitamin A value of four leafy vegetables sold at local and street markets in Viçosa, MG, Brazil, in the spring and winter of 2002. Carotenoids were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. α-Carotene was detected in all samples sold during spring, but was only present in a few samples of smooth and curly lettuce and kale in winter. β-Carotene was found in marked quantities in all leafy vegetables analyzed. Duncan's test (α = 5%) showed significantly higher α-carotene content in curly lettuce and vitamin A value in large-leaved watercress in the spring. Mean β-carotene content and vitamin A value were 7544, 8751, 2584, 2792, 8193, and 5338 μg/100 g and 666, 760, 227, 238, 698, and 460 μg RAE/100 g in large-leaved and hydroponic watercress, smooth and curly lettuce, kale and spinach, respectively. All leafy vegetables analyzed represent important sources of provitamin A and supply an important part of the daily requirements of children and adults.

[Control of carotenoid loss in vegetables prepared in a hospital foodservice]

The aim of this study was to assess the handling procedures of kale and tomatoes in a hospital foodservice (HFS) in order to control loss of beta-carotene and licopene. The adopted measures, up to then not used by the HFS, were: 24-h storage under refrigeration (10 degrees C), hygienizing for 15 min and distribution immediately after preparation. Vegetable samples were collected after reception and after each stage of manipulation in the HFS. The samples were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a mobile phase of methanol, ethyl acetate and acetonitrile (50:40:10). ANOVA (alpha = 0.05) was used to detect significant differences. No significant differences in the content of the components were found between the different stages of manipulation but there was an important decrease in the retention rates. In kale a retention rate of 68.2% for beta-carotene was verified 60 minutes after preparation whereas in tomatoes 91.96% of this compound were preserved for 120 minutes after preparation. No important decrease was observed in the retention of licopene. The high retention rates showed that the evaluated procedures contributed to control the loss of carentoids in vegetables and therefore these measures should be adopted in other HFS.