Nutritional value of the marine invertebrates Anemonia viridis and Haliothis tuberculata and effects on serum cholesterol concentration in ratsopen star

The purpose of this study was to determine the nutritional value of diets with protein from two marine species (Haliotis tuberculata and Anemonia viridis) as compared to a high-quality protein reference based on casein or casein supplemented with olive oil. We also investigated the effects of these diets on serum lipid levels. Male rats were fed these diets for 23 days. Protein quality indicators (true digestibility, net protein utilization, biological value) were similar to those obtained for casein-based feeds except for lower true digestibility and net protein utilization values for the Anemonia viridis feed. HDL-cholesterol level was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the groups fed marine species or casein supplemented with olive oil than in the casein group. Total-cholesterol level was higher in the group fed Haliotis tuberculata fed than in the other groups. These results suggest that these marine species are a good protein source, and that they may have positive effects on serum cholesterol level.

Nutritive value of protein from sea urchin, and its effects on intestinal leucine aminopeptidase and intestinal and hepatic gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase

Seafoods are a rich source of easily digestible protein that also provides polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals for human nutrition. The purpose of this study was to determine the nutritive value of diets high in protein from two species of sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus and Echinus esculentus) as compared to a high-quality reference protein such as casein, as well as the effects of these diets on leucine aminopeptidase and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, intestinal and hepatic enzymes. The test was carried out on three groups of male rats fed these diets for 23 days. The result of the nutritive parameters indicated that sea urchin, Echinus esculentus, were significantly lower than the casein protein except for food intake, and the nutritive parameters of sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus, were similar to the values obtained for casein protein except for digestibility and net protein utilization. Intestinal leucine aminopeptidase activity was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the group fed Paracentrotus lividus as compared to the group fed casein. Intestinal gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase showed a significantly higher activity in the group fed E. esculentus than in the two other groups and the hepatic gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity in the groups fed the two species of sea urchin were lower. Nutritive values suggested that these marine species are a good protein source and similar to casein. The activity of the enzymes under study must have been affected by the amino acid composition of the protein.

Dietary effects of marine food intake on intestinal and hepatic enzyme activities in rats

Dietary effects of two diets high in protein from two marine species (Haliotis tuberculata and Anemonia viridis) as compared to a high-quality patron protein such as casein (or casein supplemented with olive oil) on intestinal and hepatic enzymes were studied. After 23 days, the two marine species as diet compared to casein increased the disaccharidase and alkaline phosphatase activities. Feeding Haliotis tuberculata meal produced a decrease on intestinal leucine aminopeptidase activity. The hepatic gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity decreased slightly in animals fed Haliotis tuberculata meal. Supplementation of casein with olive oil tended to decrease the intestinal and hepatic enzyme activity.

Effects of sea urchin-based diets on serum lipid composition and on intestinal enzymes in rats

The dietary effects of two high protein diets from two species of sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus and Echinus esculentus) as compared to a reference protein such as casein on serum lipid levels and on intestinal disaccharidases and alkaline phosphatase were studied. After 23 days, the containing the two sea urchins as diets compared to casein decreased the cholesterol level and significantly increased the HDL-cholesterol in serum. The consumption of Echinus esculentus meal produced a significant decrease in lactase activity. The intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity increased not significantly in animals fed on the sea urchin meal.

Nutritional value of Holothuria forskali protein and effects on serum lipid profile in rats

Two groups of rats were fed on diets with protein from a marine specie holothuria (Holothuria forskali) or casein (for the control group) during 16 days with the aim of assessing the nutritional value of the holothuria protein. Several serum lipid levels were also determined. The results of the nutritive parameters indicate that except for True Digestibility (which did not differ significantly between the two groups) all other indicators were significantly lower for the holothuria fed group. HDL-cholesterol level was significantly higher in the holothuria fed group, while triglyceride level was lower.

[Study of dietary habits of students in Galicia]

The food habits of 168 university students in Galicia (a region in Northwest Spain) were investigated by means of a questionnaire. Alcohol consumption, smoking and frequency of physical exercise were also evaluated, and height, body weight and blood pressure were determined for all subjects. Our results show that in the diet of university students all groups of foods are present, and their frequency consumption is within the recommended intake by Health Authorities. Smoking and alcohol consumption is low among the study population.

[Consumption of lipids in the university population of Spain, evaluation of the hepatic profile and of serum cholesterol]

In the present study we tried to characterise the diet of university students in Northwest Spain, paying particular attention to lipids and fibre intake. We administered a 24 hour recall dietary-habits questionnaire. Saturated and monounsaturated fats predominated, with the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids being considerably lower. Mean daily cholesterol intake was in most cases in excess of the recommended maximum and mean fibre intake showed a considerable variation among individuals. The obtained hepatic profile is found within normal range. The calories provided by the diet result adapted in half of the studied population approximately, while the fourth part does not cover the recommended quantity. These results could be considered a risk in the future.

[Nutritional status of the university student population in Galicia]

In this work we have investigated the dietary habits of 107 university students in Northwest Spain. From the different types of questionnaires that exist, the "24 hours recall" has been elected. Biochemical analysis were carried out in blood and urine to complete the nutritional study. Our results indicate that the distribution of energy intake over the day is generally acceptable though in many cases a bigger breakfast would be advisable. The results of blood and urine analysis were in all cases within the corresponding normal ranges which means that there aren't any evidence of pathological alteration.

Effects of orange and apple pectin on cholesterol concentration in serum, liver and faeces

To investigate the effects of pectin on cholesterol metabolism, normal rats were fed for three weeks a diet containing 2.5 or 5 % apple or orange pectin, or without pectin (control). Cholesterol concentrations were determined in faeces after 1, 2 and 3 weeks of treatment, and in liver and serum at the end of the experimental trials. Cholesterol concentration in faeces showed a significant increase by week 3 in rats fed 5 % orange or apple pectin. Hepatic cholesterol concentration declined significantly in all pectin-fed groups. Serum cholesterol only declined significantly in apple-fed groups. The decrease of cholesterol levels in liver and serum, and its increase in faeces could explain the beneficial effect of including these fibers in the diet to prevent some nowadays very frequent diseases.