Search

Although oral drug delivery is the preferred administration route and has been used for centuries, modern drug discovery and development pipelines challenge conventional formulation approaches and highlight the insufficient mechanistic understanding of processes critical to oral drug absorption. This review presents the opinion of UNGAP scientists on four key themes across the oral absorption landscape: (1) specific patient populations, (2) regional differences in the gastrointestinal tract, (3) advanced formulations and (4) food-drug interactions. The differences of oral absorption in pediatric and geriatric populations, the specific issues in colonic absorption, the formulation approaches for poorly water-soluble (small molecules) and poorly permeable (peptides, RNA etc.) drugs, as well as the vast realm of food effects, are some of the topics discussed in detail. The identified controversies and gaps in the current understanding of gastrointestinal absorption-related processes are used to create a roadmap for the future of oral drug absorption research. European Cooperation in Science and Technology CA16205 National Centre for Research and Development POIR.01.02.00-00-0011/17 Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic TC19039, LTC18003 Czech Science Foundation 18-00132S

Carotenoids are isoprenoids widely distributed in foods that have been always part of the diet of humans. Unlike the other so-called food bioactives, some carotenoids can be converted into retinoids exhibiting vitamin A activity, which is essential for humans. Furthermore, they are much more versatile as they are relevant in foods not only as sources of vitamin A, but also as natural pigments, antioxidants, and health-promoting compounds. Lately, they are also attracting interest in the context of nutricosmetics, as they have been shown to provide cosmetic benefits when ingested in appropriate amounts. In this work, resulting from the collaborative work of participants of the COST Action European network to advance carotenoid research and applications in agro-food and health (EUROCAROTEN, www.eurocaroten.eu, https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA15136/#tabs|Name:overview) research on carotenoids in foods and feeds is thoroughly reviewed covering aspects such as analysis, carotenoid food sources, carotenoid databases, effect of processing and storage conditions, new trends in carotenoid extraction, daily intakes, use as human, and feed additives are addressed. Furthermore, classical and recent patents regarding the obtaining and formulation of carotenoids for several purposes are pinpointed and briefly discussed. Lastly, emerging research lines as well as research needs are highlighted.

High-pressure technologies are among those with increased interest in the sustainable production of quality-enhanced food products. In this work, Ortanique mandarin juices have been submitted to traditional pasteurization conditions (time/temperature of 65 °C/15 s, 85 °C/15 s and 92 °C/30 s) and energy-saving high-pressure homogenization (HPH, 150 MPa) treatments to compare the effects on the physicochemical composition and in vitro bioaccessibility of carotenoids and flavonoids. In general, physicochemical attributes of the homogenized sample were similar to those found in fresh juice, with similar ascorbic acid content and cloudiness but with significant colour differences in all cases. The bioaccessibility of total carotenoids was similar in fresh and pasteurized juices in contrast to the HPH sample that exhibited a five-fold increase, which suggests a positive effect of particle size reduction to favour the action of digestive enzymes. A clear increase in the levels of epoxycarotenoids was detected in the micellar fractions of digested HPH juices, although such carotenoids are not detected in human fluids or tissues. Regarding the bioaccessibility of flavonoids, no significant differences were found in the samples studied. Results obtained can help the implementation of HPH processing to obtain natural beverages with enhanced nutritional properties. Junta de Andalucía P11-AGR-7783, CAROTINCO-P12-AGR-1287 Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria RTA2014-00034-C04

Production of high-quality healthy foods through sustainable methodologies is an urgent necessity. High pressure homogenization (HPH) is an interesting alternative to obtain premium citrus juices, but its effects on bioactive compounds are unclear. There was studied the influence of HPH (150 MPa) and pasteurization (92 °C for 30 s and 85 °C for 15 s) processing on physicochemical properties and in vitro bioaccessibility of carotenoids and flavonoids in orange juices. Regarding fresh juice, physicochemical properties of samples remained unchanged although cloudiness was improved by homogenization. Pasteurization did not affect total carotenoids content and retinol activity equivalents (RAE) of juices whereas homogenization yielded a significant reduction (1.37 and 1.35-fold, respectively). Interestingly, particle size reduction from homogenization drastically enhanced (about 5-fold) bioaccessibility of carotenoids including hardly bioaccessible epoxycarotenoids, finding unaltered rates in pasteurized samples. Bioaccessibility of flavonoids was constant in all cases. Results can promote HPH as an efficient option to obtain health-enhanced foods. Junta de Andalucía CAROTINCO-P12-AGR-1287, P11-AGR7783 Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria RTA2014-00034-C04

En la presente tesis doctoral hemos estudiado el efecto de diferentes dieras en los niveles de carotenoides, retinoides y ¿-tocoferol en tejidos biológicos que diferentes especies ganaderas (caprino, ovino, porcino, vacuno y equino). Tanto los carotenoides como las vitaminas liposolubles, entre ellas el retinol y el tocoferol, pueden conferir propiedades saludables a los productos animales y, así, mejorar el punto de vista de los consumidores respecto a ellos. Estos compuestos se encuentran presentes en las dietas de los animales críados en sistemas extensivos, los cuales están más valorados por los consumidores que los intensivos. Además, los mamíferos pueden absorber y metabolizar algunos carotenoides, siendo la dieta uno de los factores más importantes que afecta al contenido de carotenoides, retinoides y tocoferol en tejidos animales. Aunque no todas las especies de animales absorben y metabolizan estos compuestos de igual manera ya que existen diferencias específicas entre especies ganaderas al respecto. Se analizó el efecto de tres dietas distintas respecto a su contenido en carotenoides (pasto, concentrado y una dieta enriquecida con pulpa de naranja) en los niveles de retinol y carotenoides en plasma y leche de ganado caprino. Se observaron niveles más altos (P