Associations of starchy and non-starchy vegetables with risk of metabolic syndrome: evidence from the NHANES 1999-2018

BACKGROUND

Higher dietary quality, including increased vegetable consumption, was associated with a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, specific vegetable consumption in the development of MetS remains obscure. Our study aimed to investigate the correlation between starchy and non-starchy vegetables and MetS.

METHODS

Secondary data analysis from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999-2018). MetS was defined by National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult treatment Panel III (NCEP ATPIII) and dietary consumption was assessed by trained staff using two 24-h diet recall methods. Weighted logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression were performed to further investigate specific vegetable subtypes and MetS.

RESULTS

This research enrolled 24,646 individuals (11,725 females and 12,921 males), with an average age of 45.84 ± 0.23 years. Approximately 15,828(64.22%) participants were defined to be with non-MetS and 8818(35.78%) were with MetS. Both total starchy vegetables and potatoes were associated with increased MetS risk, with the corresponding OR per standard deviation (SD) (95%CI, p-trend) being 1.06(1.02-1.11, p-trend = 0.028) and 1.08(1.04-1.13, p-trend = 0.011), respectively. However, an inverse correlation was found between dark-green vegetables and MetS, and the OR per SD (95%CI, p-trend) was 0.93(0.90-0.97, p-trend = 0.010). Subgroup analyses showed that the positive associations of starchy vegetables and potatoes on MetS risk were stronger in non-Hispanic White participants (p for interaction < 0.050).

CONCLUSION

Total starchy vegetables and white potatoes were both associated with an increased risk of MetS, while consumption of dark-green vegetables was negatively associated with MetS risk. These findings might provide a promising and healthy dietary strategy for preventing MetS.

Effect of varying UAV height on the precise estimation of potato crop growth

A phenotyping pipeline utilising DeepLab was developed for precisely estimating the height, volume, coverage and vegetation indices of European and Japanese varieties. Using this pipeline, the effect of varying UAV height on the precise estimation of potato crop growth properties was evaluated. A UAV fitted with a multispectral camera was flown at a height of 15 m and 30 m in an experimental field where various varieties of potatoes were grown. The properties of plant height, volume and NDVI were evaluated and compared with the manually obtained parameters. Strong linear correlations with R2 of 0.803 and 0.745 were obtained between the UAV obtained plant heights and manually estimated plant height when the UAV was flown at 15 m and 30 m respectively. Furthermore, high linear correlations with an R2 of 0.839 and 0.754 were obtained between the UAV-estimated volume and manually estimated volume when the UAV was flown at 15 m and 30 m respectively. For the vegetation indices, there were no observable differences in the NDVI values obtained from the UAV flown at the two heights. Furthermore, high linear correlations with R2 of 0.930 and 0.931 were obtained between UAV-estimated and manually measured NDVI at 15 m and 30 m respectively. It was found that UAV flown at the lower height had a higher ground sampling distance thus increased resolution leading to more precise estimation of both the height and volume of crops. For vegetation indices, flying the UAV at a higher height had no effect on the precision of NDVI estimates.

Identification of genes governing resistance to PCN (Globodera rostochiensis) through transcriptome analysis in Solanum tuberosum

Potato cyst nematodes (PCNs) are major pests worldwide that affect potato production. The molecular changes happening in the roots upon PCN infection are still unknown. Identification of transcripts and genes governing PCN resistance will help in the development of resistant varieties. Hence, differential gene expression of compatible (Kufri Jyoti) and incompatible (JEX/A-267) potato genotypes was studied before (0 DAI) and after (10 DAI) inoculation of Globodera rostochiensis J2s through RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Total sequencing reads generated ranged between 33 and 37 million per sample, with a read mapping of 48-84% to the potato reference genome. In the infected roots of the resistant genotype JEX/A-267, 516 genes were downregulated, and 566 were upregulated. In comparison, in the susceptible genotype Kufri Jyoti, 316 and 554 genes were downregulated and upregulated, respectively. Genes encoding cell wall proteins, zinc finger protein, WRKY transcription factors, MYB transcription factors, disease resistance proteins, and pathogenesis-related proteins were found to be majorly involved in the incompatible reaction after PCN infection in the resistant genotype, JEX/A-267. Furthermore, RNA-Seq results were validated through quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and it was observed that ATP, FLAVO, CYTO, and GP genes were upregulated at 5 DAI, which was subsequently downregulated at 10 DAI. The genes encoding ATP, FLAVO, LBR, and GP were present in > 1.5 fold before infection in JEX-A/267 and upregulated 7.9- to 27.6-fold after 5 DAI; subsequently, most of these genes were downregulated to 0.9- to 2.8-fold, except LBR, which was again upregulated to 44.4-fold at 10 DAI.

Prospective cohort study on potato intake and mortality from cardiovascular diseases: the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study (JACC study)

PURPOSE

The association between potato intake and risk of cardiovascular diseases is unknown. This study aimed to examine the association between potatoes intake and mortality from stroke and coronary heart disease among Japanese.

METHODS

The study included 74,750 participants of the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study, aged 40-79, who were initially free of cardiovascular diseases or cancer at baseline (1988-1990) and provided information on their potato intake. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated by fitting a Cox proportional hazards model according to the frequency of potatoes intake (0, 0.4, 1.5, 3.5 and 7 servings per week) adjusting for geographic location, age, body mass index, drinking status, smoking status, perceived mental stress, education level, walking time, dietary intakes of total energy, meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, dairy products, cakes, and salt.

RESULTS

Over a median of 19.2 years of follow-up, 4908 deaths from cardiovascular diseases were identified: 1019 from coronary heart diseases and 2153 from strokes (738 ischemic strokes and 495 hemorrhagic strokes). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, the hazard ratio of mortality from cardiovascular diseases for daily potato intake compared with no potato intake was 0.82 (95% confidence interval: 0.70, 0.95) among women, and 1.01 (0.88, 1.16) among men. Among women, the multivariable hazard ratios were 0.67 (0.48, 0.96) for coronary heart disease, 0.83 (0.66-1.05) for total stroke, 0.70 (0.43-1.15) for hemorrhagic stroke, and 0.75 (0.49-1.13) for ischemic stroke.

CONCLUSION

We found an inverse association of potato intake with mortality from total cardiovascular diseases, especially that from coronary heart disease, among Japanese women. To our knowledge, this is the first report to show an inverse association between potato intake and total cardiovascular diseases.

Peppermint essential oil volatiles as natural alternative to prevent potato sprouting induced by gibberellic acid

The objective was to evaluate the effect of peppermint essential oil (PEO) on the inhibition of potato sprouting induced by gibberellic acid (GA) during storage. PEO (0.08 and 0.15 mL L-1) was applied in the presence and absence of gibberellic acid (10 mg L-1). The presence of phytopathogens and changes in breaking of dormancy, weight loss, moisture content, and total soluble solids were measured during 28 days. The inhibition of potato sprouting by the PEO occurred at the lowest concentration, even in the presence of GA. Sprout development was inhibited with PEO addition, delaying the dormancy break and reducing weight loss. However, potato sprouting was still inhibited after the removal of the PEO, evidencing its residual efficacy. PEO application at both concentrations had a satisfactory effect on sprout suppression and can be used as a promising eco-friendly approach for inhibiting the sprouting of potato tubers during storage.

Potato consumption is not associated with cardiometabolic health outcomes in Framingham Offspring Study adults

Some consider potatoes to be unhealthy vegetables that may contribute to adverse cardiometabolic health outcomes. We evaluated the association between potato consumption (including fried and non-fried types) and three key cardiometabolic outcomes among middle-aged and older adults in the Framingham Offspring Study. We included 2523 subjects ≥30 years of age with available dietary data from 3-d food records. Cox-proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for hypertension, type 2 diabetes or impaired fasting glucose (T2DM/IFG), and elevated triglycerides, adjusting for anthropometric, demographic and lifestyle factors. In the present study, 36 % of potatoes consumed were baked, 28 % fried, 14 % mashed, 9 % boiled and the rest cooked in other ways. Overall, higher total potato intake (≥4 v. <1 cup-equivalents/week) was not associated with risks of T2DM/IFG (HR 0⋅97, 95 % CI 0⋅81, 1⋅15), hypertension (HR 0⋅95; 95 % CI 0⋅80, 1⋅12) or elevated triglycerides (HR 0⋅99, 95 % CI 0⋅86, 1⋅13). Stratified analyses were used to evaluate effect modification by physical activity levels and red meat consumption, and in those analyses, there were no adverse effects of potato intake. However, when combined with higher levels of physical activity, greater consumption of fried potatoes was associated with a 24 % lower risk (95 % CI 0⋅60, 0⋅96) of T2DM/IFG, and in combination with lower red meat consumption, higher fried potato intake was associated with a 26 % lower risk (95 % CI 0⋅56, 0⋅99) of elevated triglycerides. In this prospective cohort, there was no adverse association between fried or non-fried potato consumption and risks of T2DM/IFG, hypertension or elevated triglycerides.

Potato consumption is not associated with elevated cardiometabolic risk in adolescent girls

We examined the association between potato consumption in two different age periods during adolescence and risk of obesity and cardiometabolic dysfunction in White and Black girls. We used data from the biracial prospective National Growth and Health Study. Average potato consumption was derived from multiple 3-d food records in two age periods, 9-11 and 9-17 years, and included white and sweet potatoes from all sources. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate OR for becoming overweight, developing prehypertension, elevated TAG levels or impaired fasting glucose (IFG) at 18-20 years of age according to the category of daily potato intake. We also stratified by cooking method (fried/non-fried) and race. ANCOVA was also used to estimate adjusted mean levels of BMI, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, log-transformed TAG, the TAG:HDL ratio and fasting glucose levels associated with potato intake category. Higher potato consumption was associated with higher fruit and non-starchy vegetable intakes and higher Healthy Eating Index scores in Black girls. There were no statistically significant associations overall between moderate or higher (v. lower) intakes of potatoes and risks of overweight, prehypertension, elevated fasting TAG, high TAG:HDL ratio or IFG. Also, no adverse associations were found between fried or non-fried potato intake and cardiometabolic outcomes. Potato consumption has been the subject of much controversy in recent years. This study adds evidence that potato consumption among healthy girls during the critical period of adolescence was not associated with cardiometabolic risk.

Associations between intake of starchy and non-starchy vegetables and risk of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Current dietary guidelines generally treat all types of vegetables the same. However, whether specific vegetables are more beneficial or deleterious for preventing chronic liver disease (CLD) remains uncertain.

METHODS

We investigated the associations between starchy and non-starchy vegetables and the odds of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in a US nationwide cross-sectional study. Diet was assessed by the 24-h dietary recalls. Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were defined based on vibration-controlled transient elastography (TE). Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Among 4170 participants with reliable TE test, 1436 were diagnosed with steatosis, 255 with advanced fibrosis. Increased intake of total starchy vegetables was associated with higher odds of steatosis (OR per 1-SD increment 1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.24) and advanced fibrosis (OR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.15-1.69). Similar positive associations were observed for potatoes. Conversely, intakes of total non-starchy (OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.71-0.95) and dark-green vegetables (OR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.82-0.97) were inversely associated with steatosis prevalence. Replacing 5% of energy from starchy vegetables (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.44-0.97) or potatoes (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.43-0.97) with equivalent energy from dark-green vegetables was associated with lower odds of steatosis.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the recommendation to limit starchy vegetable intake and increase non-starchy vegetable intake in CLD prevention, and provide evidence for the potential health benefit from dietary substitution of non-starchy vegetables for starchy vegetables.

Replacement of potatoes with other vegetables and risk of myocardial infarction in the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort

Intake of vegetables is recommended for the prevention of myocardial infarction (MI). However, vegetables make up a heterogeneous group, and subgroups of vegetables may be differentially associated with MI. The aim of this study was to examine replacement of potatoes with other vegetables or subgroups of other vegetables and the risk of MI. Substitutions between subgroups of other vegetables and risk of MI were also investigated. We followed 29 142 women and 26 029 men aged 50-64 years in the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort. Diet was assessed at baseline by using a detailed validated FFQ. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95 % CI for the incidence of MI were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression. During 13·6 years of follow-up, 656 female and 1694 male cases were identified. Among women, the adjusted HR for MI was 1·02 (95 % CI 0·93, 1·13) per 500 g/week replacement of potatoes with other vegetables. For vegetable subgroups, the HR was 0·93 (95 % CI 0·77, 1·13) for replacement of potatoes with fruiting vegetables and 0·91 (95 % CI 0·77, 1·07) for replacement of potatoes with other root vegetables. A higher intake of cabbage replacing other vegetable subgroups was associated with a statistically non-significant higher risk of MI. A similar pattern of associations was found when intake was expressed in kcal/week. Among men, the pattern of associations was overall found to be similar to that for women. This study supports food-based dietary guidelines recommending to consume a variety of vegetables from all subgroups.

Developing the collection of statistical food waste data on the primary production of fruit and vegetables

In order to meet global goals of reducing food waste, feasible monitoring methods to verify the impact of reduction measures are needed. In this study, a method was developed for gathering food waste data related to the primary production of fruit and vegetables using a questionnaire for farmers. A data collection form was planned and tested for this purpose. Data was collected on the volumes of different uses of yields and the reasons why part of the yield does not end up in food use. The crop species that were included in this pilot study were food potatoes, carrots, white cabbage, and strawberries. In primary production, the share of food use of the total yield was highest for potatoes (96%) and lowest for carrots (72%). In the case of strawberries and white cabbage, 86% and 90% were used as food, respectively. In the future, it is recommended that this kind of survey be added to annual crop production surveys that cover agricultural and horticultural enterprises in Finland. To improve the response rate and decrease the reporting load of farmers, it is important that the questionnaire is designed to be as easy as possible to answer.

Electrochemical flow injection analysis for the rapid determination of reducing sugars in potatoes

Non-enzymatic electrochemical sensors for the monitoring of reducing sugars in foods has great potential as a rapid in-situ detection method. This development involved the assembly of a nanoporous platinum structure on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). The modified electrode was then employed as an amperometric sensing element in a flow injection analysis (FIA) manifold. The system was successfully applied to the rapid detection of reducing sugars in potatoes, without the need for sample preparation. Optimal signals were achieved in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL min^-1 and an applied potential of 0.6 V. Experimental results demonstrated the sensor's long-term stability and high selectivity for reducing sugars. This method provides high sample throughput due to a rapid response time of less than five seconds. Reducing sugar values determined were in good agreement with those recorded using a commercially available enzymatic assay kit.

Current intake levels of potatoes and all-cause mortality in China: A population-based nationwide study

OBJECTIVE

Current levels of potato consumption in relation to mortality in Chinese people remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the intakes of total potatoes, fried potatoes, non-fried potatoes, and sweet potatoes as dietary carbohydrate sources in relation to all-cause mortality in the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS).

METHODS

Overall 14 117 participants ≥20 y of age were included, with a median follow-up of 14 y. The cumulative average consumption of potatoes and other foods were calculated and validated using weighing methods in combination with 3-d, 24-h dietary recalls at both household and individual levels. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression models after multivariate adjustment.

RESULTS

We documented 1007 deaths among the participants. The low and moderate intakes of total potatoes, fried potatoes, and non-fried potatoes were inversely associated with mortality. Compared with non-consumers, the intakes of total potatoes (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.38-0.59), fried potatoes (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.34-0.56), and non-fried potatoes (HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.37-0.61) at low consumption levels were most significantly related to lower mortality. Sweet potato consumption was inversely associated with mortality after full adjustment (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.69-0.96) compared with non-consumers. Substituting grains and mixed beans for potatoes with equal amounts at high consumption levels strengthened the inverse associations.

CONCLUSION

In the CHNS, current low and moderate, but not high levels of total potato and fried/non-fried potato consumption as well as sweet potato consumption were inversely associated with all-cause mortality among Chinese people.

Substitutions between potatoes and other vegetables and risk of ischemic stroke

PURPOSE

Intake of vegetables has been associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke in observational studies controlling for total energy intake. However, adjustment for energy intake introduces a substitution aspect, which affects the interpretation of the results. We investigated replacement of potatoes with other vegetables, substitutions between vegetable subgroups, and risk of ischemic stroke and ischemic stroke subtypes.

METHODS

The Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort included 57,053 participants aged 50-64 years at recruitment in 1993-1997. Diet was assessed from a validated 192-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. We calculated hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the incidence of ischemic stroke using Cox proportional hazard regression.

RESULTS

During 13.5 years of follow-up, 1879 cases of ischemic stroke were identified including 319 cases of large-artery atherosclerosis and 844 cases of small-vessel occlusion. The adjusted HR for total ischemic stroke associated with food substitutions of equal amounts (500 g/week) was 0.86 (95% CI 0.76, 0.97) for replacement of potatoes with fruiting vegetables and 0.92 (95% CI 0.84, 1.02) for replacement of potatoes with other root vegetables. The HR for replacing potatoes with the sum of other vegetables was 0.95 (95% CI 0.90, 1.00). Substitution of cabbage for either potatoes, fruiting vegetables or other root vegetables was associated with a statistically non-significant higher risk of ischemic stroke. The patterns of associations were similar for ischemic stroke subtypes and for equivalent substitutions using isocaloric amounts.

CONCLUSION

Replacing potatoes with fruiting vegetables was associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke.

Daily intake of non-fried potato does not affect markers of glycaemia and is associated with better diet quality compared with refined grains: a randomised, crossover study in healthy adults

Epidemiological studies suggest that consumption of potatoes is associated with increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases. However, few clinical trials have empirically tested this. The aim of this single-blind, randomised, crossover study was to evaluate the effect of daily potato consumption, compared with refined grains, on risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. It was hypothesised that no difference in cardiometabolic endpoints would be detected between conditions, but diet quality would improve with potato consumption. Healthy participants on self-selected diets received one potato-based side dish or one refined grain-based side dish daily, for 4 weeks, separated by a minimum 2-week break. Dishes were isoenergetic, carbohydrate-matched and prepared without excess saturated fat or Na. Participants were instructed to consume the side dish with a meal in place of carbohydrates habitually consumed. Lipids/lipoproteins, markers of glycaemic control, blood pressure, weight and pulse wave velocity were measured at baseline and condition endpoints. Diet quality was calculated, based on 24-h recalls, using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015. Fifty adults (female n 34; age 40 (sd 13) years; BMI 24·5 (sd 3·6) kg/m²) completed the present study. No between-condition differences were detected for fasting plasma glucose (–0·05 mmol/l, 95 % CI –0·14, 0·04; P = 0·15), the primary outcome or any other outcomes. Compared with refined grains, the HEI-2015 score (3·5, 95 % CI 0·6, 6·4; P = 0·01), K (547 mg, 95 % CI 331, 764, P < 0·001) and fibre (2·4 g, 95 % CI 0·6, 4·2, P = 0·01) were higher following the potato condition. Consuming non-fried potatoes resulted in higher diet quality, K and fibre intake, without adversely affecting cardiometabolic risk.

Biochar applied to soil under wastewater irrigation remained environmentally viable for the second season of potato cultivation

The environmental effectiveness of plantain peel biochar in the second season of its application to soil was studied using outdoor lysimeters (0.45 m diameter x 1.0 m height) packed with sandy soil, cultivated with potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) and irrigated with wastewater. Biochar (1% w/w) was amended in the soil one-time in the first season. For two seasons, the biochar improved the soil properties, immobilized the heavy metals in the soil, and reduced their uptake by the crop. The CEC of the biochar-amended soil (WW + B) for example, as compared to the unamended treatment (WW-B), was significantly higher (p<0.05; >65%) for both seasons due to higher pH which controls the availability of cations in soils, influencing their CECs. The soil sampled in the second season showed accumulation of all the heavy metals in the topsoil, while only Zn, Pb and Fe moved to the 0.1 m depth. The Fourier transform infra-red spectra of the soil and soil-biochar mix were similar and suggested that oxygen-containing functional groups were partly responsible for binding the heavy metals. The heavy metals translocated to all the potato parts (flesh, peel, root, stem and leaves). The concentrations of the heavy metals in potato parts under freshwater were lower than those under wastewater irrigated condition. After the second season of being in the soil, biochar significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb and Zn in the edible flesh suggesting that biochar immobilized wastewater-laden heavy metals in soil and reduced their uptake in potatoes for at least two seasons.

Soil loss due to crop harvesting in the European Union: A first estimation of an underrated geomorphic process

Over the last two decades or so, there has been many research carried out to understand the mechanics and spatial distribution of soil loss by water erosion and to a lesser extent of wind, piping and tillage erosion. The acquired knowledge helped the development of prediction tools useful to support decision-makers in both ex-ante and ex-post policy evaluation. In Europe, recent studies have modelled water, wind and tillage erosion at continental scale and shed new light on their geography. However, to acquire a comprehensive picture of soil erosion threats more processes need to be addressed and made visible to decision-makers. Since 1986, a small number of studies have pointed to an additional significant soil degradation process occurring when harvesting root and tuber crops. Field observations and measurements have shown that considerable amounts of soil can be removed from the field due to soil sticking to the harvested roots and the export of soil clods during the crop harvest. This study aims to scale up the findings of past studies, carried out at plot, regional, and national level, in order to obtain some preliminary insights into the magnitude of soil loss from cropland due to sugar beets and potatoes harvesting in Europe. We address this issue at European Union (EU) scale taking into account long-term (1975-2016) crop statistics of sugar beet and potato aggregated at regional and country levels. During the period 2000-2016, sugar beets and potatoes covered in average ca. 4.2 million ha (3.81%) of the EU-28 arable land estimated at 110 million ha. The total Soil Loss by Crop Harvesting (SLCH) is estimated at ca. 14.7 million tons yr-1 in the EU-28. We estimate that ca. 65% of the total SLCH is due to harvesting of sugar beets and the rest as a result of potatoes harvesting.

Potato consumption and risk of pancreatic cancer in the HELGA cohort

Potatoes have been a staple food in many countries throughout the years. Potatoes have a high glycaemic index (GI) score, and high GI has been associated with several chronic diseases and cancers. Still, the research on potatoes and health is scarce and contradictive, and we identified no prospective studies that had investigated the association between potatoes as a single food and the risk of pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the association between potato consumption and pancreatic cancer among 114 240 men and women in the prospective HELGA cohort, using Cox proportional hazard models. Information on diet (validated FFQ’s), lifestyle and health was collected by means of a questionnaire, and 221 pancreatic cancer cases were identified through cancer registries. The mean follow-up time was 11·4 (95 % CI 0·3, 16·9) years. High consumption of potatoes showed a non-significantly higher risk of pancreatic cancer in the adjusted model (hazard ratio (HR) 1·44; 95 % CI 0·93, 2·22, P_{for trend} 0·030) when comparing the highest v. the lowest quartile of potato consumption. In the sex-specific analyses, significant associations were found for females (HR 2·00; 95 % CI 1·07, 3·72, P_{for trend} 0·020), but not for males (HR 1·01; 95 % CI 0·56, 1·84, P_{for trend} 0·34). In addition, we explored the associations by spline regression, and the absence of dose–response effects was confirmed. In this study, high potato consumption was not consistently associated with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. Further studies with larger populations are needed to explore the possible sex difference.

Effect of biochar on heavy metal accumulation in potatoes from wastewater irrigation

In many developing countries water scarcity has led to the use of wastewater, often untreated, to irrigate a range of crops, including tuber crops such as potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.). Untreated wastewater contains a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, which can find their way into the edible part of the crop, thereby posing a risk to human health. An experiment was undertaken to elucidate the fate and transport of six water-borne heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn), applied through irrigation water to a potato (cv. Russet Burbank) crop grown on sandy soil, having either received no biochar amendment or having top 0.10 m of soil amended with 1% (w/w) plantain peel biochar. A non-amended control, irrigated with tap water, along with the two contaminated water treatments were replicated three times in a completely randomized design carried out on nine outdoor PVC lysimeters of 1.0 m height and 0.45 m diameter. The potatoes were planted, irrigated at 10-day intervals, and leachate then collected. Soil samples collected two days after each irrigation showed that all heavy metals accumulated in the surface soil; Fe, Pb and Zn were detected at 0.1 m depth, while only Fe was detected at 0.3 m depth. Heavy metals were not detected in the leachate. Tested individually, all portions of the potato plant (tuber flesh, peel, leaf, stem and root) bore heavy metals. Biochar-amended soil significantly reduced only Cd and Zn concentrations in tuber flesh (69% and 33%, respectively) and peel compared to the non-amended wastewater control (p < 0.05). Heavy metal concentrations were significantly lower in the tuber flesh than in the peel, suggesting that when consuming potatoes grown under wastewater irrigation, the peel poses a higher health risk than the flesh.

Potatoes Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Evidence of increased type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk associated with potatoes consumption is equivocal. We aimed to perform a meta-analyses on the association between potatoes consumption and T2D risk in prospective cohort studies.

METHODS

Studies published prior to 31 Aug 2016 were identified in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Pooled relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) based upon the highest vs. lowest category of potatoes consumption in each study were calculated in meta-analysis using random-effects models. Dose-response meta-analysis was fitted using generalized least squares regression in order to quantify the association between potatoes consumption and T2D risk.

RESULTS

The pooled RR comparing the highest vs. lowest category of potato consumption was 1.077 (95%CI: 1.005, 1.155). Dose-response meta-analysis revealed T2D risk increased 3.5% (RR=1.035, 95% CI: 1.004-1.067) for additional three serving per week serving of potato. The pooled RR comparing the highest vs. lowest category of French fries consumption was 1.362 (95%CI: 1.004, 1.850). Dose-response meta-analysis indicated T2D risk increased 18.7% (RR = 1.187, 95% CI: 1.067-1.321) for additional three serving per week of French fries.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis support a significant positive association between high potatoes consumption and risk of T2D, especially the consumption of French fries.

Potatoes and risk of chronic disease: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

Purpose

We aimed to synthesize the evidence on the relation between different types of potato consumption with risk of all-cause mortality, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, type 2 diabetes (T2D), colorectal cancer (CRC), and hypertension.

Methods

Systematic searches until May 2018 were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Random effects meta-analyses comparing extreme categories, linear and non-linear dose–response analyses were conducted.

Results

Twenty-eight reports were identified. Only total potato consumption was available for some endpoints which showed no associations with all-cause mortality (RR: 0.88, 95% CI 0.69–1.12), CHD (RR: 1.03, 95% CI 0.96–1.09), stroke (RR: 0.98, 95% CI 0.93–1.03), and CRC (RR: 1.05, 95% CI 0.92–1.20) per one daily/serving (150 g/day) increase. Consumption of one daily serving of boiled/baked/mashed-potatoes was not associated with risk of hypertension (RR: 1.08, 95% CI 0.96–1.21), but slightly with the risk of T2D (RR: 1.09, 95% 1.01–1.18). Positive associations for the risk of T2D (RR: 1.66, 95% CI 1.43–1.94) and hypertension (RR: 1.37, 95% CI 1.15–1.63) were observed for each 150 g/day increase in French-fries consumption. The quality of evidence was rated mostly low (moderate quality of evidence for the risk-associations of French-fries).

Conclusion

Total potato consumption is not related to risk for many chronic diseases but could pose a small increase in risk for T2D if consumed boiled. A clear risk relation was found between French-fries consumption and risk of T2D and hypertension. For several outcomes, the impact of different preparation procedures could not be assessed.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00394-018-1774-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Pre-pregnancy consumption of starchy vegetables and legumes and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus among Tehranian women

AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between legumes and starchy vegetables, including 1. potatoes and 2. other starchy vegetables (corn, squash, green pea, and green lima beans), and GDM among Tehranian women.

METHODS

Our study included 1026 pregnant women, aged 18-45 years, who consecutively attended prenatal clinics in five hospitals affiliated to universities of medical sciences in Tehran. The diagnosis of GDM was based on the criteria set by the American Diabetes Association. Dietary intakes were assessed during gestational age ≤6 weeks with a validated food frequency questionnaire.

RESULTS

Of the 1026 pregnant women, 6.9% developed GDM. With respect to potato, higher consumption was negatively associated with GDM risk; OR for those who consumed ≥2.1 servings/week was 0.53 (95% CI 0.29-0.97), an association which disappeared after adjustment for confounding factors. For legumes, higher consumption was negatively associated with GDM; OR for those who consumed ≥3.3 servings/week was 0.38 (95% CI 0.19-0.74), also an association that did not change appreciably after adjustment for confounding factors. There was no significant association with the consumption of total starchy or other starchy vegetables with GDM.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher consumption of legumes during reproductive age decrease the risk of GDM during pregnancy.

Potato phenolics impact starch digestion and glucose transport in model systems but translation to phenolic rich potato chips results in only modest modification of glycemic response in humans

Beneficial effects of some phenolic compounds in modulation of carbohydrate digestion and glycemic response have been reported, however effects of phenolics from processed potato products on these endpoints are not well known. The aims of this study were to characterize phenolic profiles of fresh potatoes (purple, red, or white fleshed; 2 varieties each) and chips, and to examine the potential for potato phenolic extracts (PPE) to modulate starch digestion and intestinal glucose transport in model systems. Following in vitro assessment, a pilot clinical study (n=11) assessed differences in glycemic response and gastric emptying between chips from pigmented and white potatoes. We hypothesized that phenolics from pigmented potato chips would be recovered through processing and result in a reduced acute glycemic response in humans relative to chips made from white potatoes. PPEs were rich in anthocyanins (~98, 11 and ND mg/100 g dw) and chlorogenic acids (~519, 425 and 157 mg/100 g dw) for purple, red and white varieties respectively. While no significant effects were observed on starch digestion by α-amylase and the α-glucosidases, PPEs significantly (p<0.05) decreased the rate of glucose transport, measured following transport of 1,2,3,4,5,6,6-d7 -glucose (d7-glu) across Caco-2 human intestinal cell monolayers, by 4.5-83.9%. Consistent with in vitro results, consumption of purple potato chips modestly but significantly (p<0.05) decreased blood glucose at 30 and 60 minutes post consumption compared to white chips without impacting gastric emptying. These results suggest that potato phenolics may play a modest role in modulation of glycemic response and these effects may result in subtle differences between consumer products.

Evaluation of Trace Elements in Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) from a Suburban Area of Naples, Italy: The "Triangle of Death"

Human exposure to contaminated food is a general health concern worldwide; it is necessary to evaluate food safety with respect to contaminants present in the edible parts of major food crops. This study evaluated the concentrations of 17 trace elements (As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Tl, V, and Zn) from 51 potato plantations in the Campania region, inside the area known as the "Triangle of Death," with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis. Results confirm that the potatoes collected from the suburban area of Naples contained concentrations of trace elements below the safe limits prescribed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization. The concentrations of elements were similar to those reported for potatoes grown in other countries. Monitoring the content of toxic and potentially toxic elements is one of the most important aspects of food quality assurance. The environmental persistence of metals may result in the accumulation of significant levels of these contaminants in plants. They are absorbed to different extents, depending on their source, soil and climatic factors, plant genotype, and agrotechnical conditions, thereby entering the food chain and representing a risk to human health.

Degradation Processes of Pesticides Used in Potato Cultivations

Potato is one of the most important crops, after maize, rice and wheat. Its global production is about 300 million tons per year and is constantly increasing. It grows in temperate climate and is used as a source of starch, food, and in breeding industry.Potato cultivation requires application of numerous agro-technical products, including pesticides, since it can be affected by insects, weeds, fungi, and viruses. In the European Union the most frequently used pesticides in potato cultivations check are: thiamethoxam, lambda-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin (insecticides), rimsulfuron (herbicide) and metalaxyl (fungicide).Application of pesticides improves crop efficiency, however, as pesticides are not totally selective, it affects also non-target organisms. Moreover, the agrochemicals may accumulate in crops and, as a consequence, negatively influence the quality of food products and consumer health. Additional risks of plant protection products are related to their derivatives, that are created both in the environment (soil, water) and in plant organisms, since many of these compounds may exhibit toxic effects.This article is devoted to the degradation processes of pesticides used in potato crop protection. Attention is also paid to the toxicity of both parent compounds and their degradation products for living organisms, including humans. Information about the level of pesticide contamination in the environment (water, soil) and accumulation level in edible plants complement the current knowledge about the risks associated with widespread use of thiamethoxam, lambda-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin, rimsulfuron and metalaxyl in potato cultivation.

Substitution of meat and fish with vegetables or potatoes and risk of myocardial infarction

Red meat has been suggested to be adversely associated with risk of myocardial infarction (MI), whereas vegetable consumption has been found to be protective. The aim of this study was to investigate substitutions of red meat, poultry and fish with vegetables or potatoes for MI prevention. We followed up 29 142 women and 26 029 men in the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health study aged 50-64 years with no known history of MI at baseline. Diet was assessed by a validated 192-item FFQ at baseline. Adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % CI for MI associated with specified food substitutions of 150 g/week. During a median follow-up of 13·6 years, we identified 656 female and 1694 male cases. Among women, the HR for MI when replacing red meat with vegetables was 0·94 (95 % CI 0·90, 0·98). Replacing fatty fish with vegetables was associated with a higher risk of MI (HR 1·23; 95 % CI 1·05, 1·45), whereas an inverse, statistically non-significant association was found for lean fish (HR 0·93; 95 % CI 0·83, 1·05). Substituting poultry with vegetables was not associated with risk of MI (HR 1·00; 95 % CI 0·90, 1·11). Findings for substitution with potatoes were similar to findings for vegetables. Among men, a similar pattern was observed, but the associations were weak and mostly statistically non-significant. This study suggests that replacing red meat with vegetables or potatoes is associated with a lower risk of MI, whereas replacing fatty fish with vegetables or potatoes is associated with a higher risk of MI.

Resistant starch analysis of commonly consumed potatoes: Content varies by cooking method and service temperature but not by variety

Resistant starch (RS) has unique digestive and absorptive properties which may provide health benefits. We conducted a study to determine the contributions of cultivar, cooking method and service temperature on the RS contents of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.). We hypothesized that the RS content would vary by variety, cooking method and service temperature. Potatoes of three common commercial varieties (Yukon Gold, Dark Red Norland, and Russet Burbank) were subjected to two methods of cooking (baking or boiling) and three service temperatures: hot (65°C), chilled (4°C) and reheated (4°C for 6d; reheated to 65°C) and analyzed the starch content by modification of a commercially available assay. Results showed that RS content (g/100g) varied by cooking method and service temperature but not variety. Baked potatoes had higher RS contents than boiled; chilled potatoes had more RS than either hot or reheated. These results may assist in dietary choices for reducing chronic disease risk.

Interception and transfer of wet-deposited (134)Cs to potato foliage and tubers

Contamination levels on potato foliage and tubers were investigated by repeated sampling after multiple foliar contaminations of wet-deposited (134)Cs at five different growth stages in a micro-plot field experiment in three successive years. Application of the radionuclide early in the growing season (deposition date 19-27 June, growth stage II = plant establishment) resulted in low (134)Cs activity concentration in potato tubers across sampling occasions (mean 60, 25 and 115 Bq kg(-1) dry weight (D.W.) for years 1, 2 and 3, respectively). Following radionuclide deposition in the middle of the growing season (15-24 July, growth stage III = tuber initiation), (134)Cs activity concentration in tubers across sampling occasions was found to be highest (mean 150, 850 and 660 Bq kg(-1) D.W. for years 1, 2 and 3, respectively). When the radionuclide was sprayed on at later stages (5-7 August, growth stage IV = tuber bulking), (134)Cs activity concentrations in tubers across sampling dates decreased (mean 75, 310 and 395 Bq kg(-1) D.W. for years 1, 2 and 3, respectively). Deposition in the second half of August (15-28 August, late growth stage IV and beginning of growth stage V = tuber maturation) resulted in yet lower (134)Cs activity concentration in tubers. Potato tubers may concentrate as much as up to 2 times more (134)Cs than foliage depending on deposition date of radionuclide.

Multiple QTLs Linked to Agro-Morphological and Physiological Traits Related to Drought Tolerance in Potato

Dissection of the genetic architecture of adaptation and abiotic stress-related traits is highly desirable for developing drought-tolerant potatoes and enhancing the resilience of existing cultivars, particularly as agricultural production in rain-fed areas may be reduced by up to 50 % by 2020. The "DMDD" potato progeny was developed at International Potato Center (CIP) by crossing the sequenced double monoploid line DM and a diploid cultivar of the Solanum tuberosum diploid Andigenum Goniocalyx group. Recently, a high-density integrated genetic map based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), diversity array technology (DArT), simple sequence repeats (SSRs), and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers was also made available for this population. Two trials were conducted, in greenhouse and field, for drought tolerance with two treatments each, well-watered and terminal drought, in which watering was suspended 60 days after planting. The DMDD population was evaluated for agro-morphological and physiological traits before and after initiation of stress, at multiple time points. Two dense parental genetic maps were constructed using published genotypic data, and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis identified 45 genomic regions associated with nine traits in well-watered and terminal drought treatments and 26 potentially associated with drought stress. In this study, the strong influence of environmental factors besides water shortage on the expression of traits and QTLs reflects the multigenic control of traits related to drought tolerance. This is the first study to our knowledge in potato identifying QTLs for drought-related traits in field and greenhouse trials, giving new insights into genetic architecture of drought-related traits. Many of the QTLs identified have the potential to be used in potato breeding programs for enhanced drought tolerance.

Effect of farming systems on the yield, quality parameters and sensory properties of conventionally and organically grown potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers

The objectives of this two-year research were to study the impact of two different farming types, conventional and organic, on the yield and sensory properties of five Lithuanian varieties of potato tuber. The parameters and properties examined were: phenolic acids; dry matter and starch content; and the spread and intensity of Phytophthora infestans growth. It was determined that potato yield fluctuates with the variety, but for conventional farming it is significantly (p<0.05) higher than that obtained by organic farming. The farming type has no significant effect (p>0.05) on the content of phenolic acids. No significant effect (p>0.05) of farming type on dry matter and starch content, or sensory properties was found. No significant relation (p>0.05) was found between the content of phenolic acids and P. infestans spread. The spread of P. infestans was faster and infection was heavier in organically grown potatoes.

Bio-preparates support the productivity of potato plants grown under desert farming conditions of north Sinai: Five years of field trials

Organic agriculture as well as good agricultural practices (GAPs) intrigues the concern of both consumers and producers of agricultural commodities. Bio-preparates of various rhizospheric microorganisms (RMOs) are potential sources of biological inputs supporting plant nutrition and health. The response of open-field potatoes to the application of RMO bio-preparates, the biofertilizer “Biofertile” and the bioagent “Biocontrol”, were experimented over 5 successive years under N-hunger of north Sinai desert soils. Both vegetative and tuber yields of a number of tested cultivars were significantly improved due to rhizobacterial treatments. In the majority of cases, the biofertilizer “Biofertile” did successfully supply ca. 50% of plant N requirements, as the yield of full N-fertilized plants was comparable to those received 50% N simultaneously with bio-preparates treatment. The magnitude of inoculation was cultivar-dependent; cvs. Valor and Oceania were among the most responsive ones. Bio-preparate introduction to the plant–soil system was successful via soaking of tubers and/or spraying the plant canopy. The “Biocontrol” formulation was supportive in controlling plant pathogens and significantly increased the fruit yields. The cumulative effect of both bio-preparates resulted in tuber yield increases of ca. 25% over control.