Search

OBJECTIVES: Milk and dairy products are a major component of dietary intake, with milk consumption estimated at 6 billion people globally. Adults are reported to consume two or more portions of dairy daily. Cow's milk is composed of a variety of micro and macro nutrients, which is impacted by a range of factors, including lactation stage, and feeding system (indoor vs. pasture). Application of Metabolomics provides in depth analysis of the metabolite composition of milk. The objective was to examine the impact of lactation on bovine milk metabolite levels. METHODS: Metabolomic analysis of bovine milk powder samples across lactation (N = 18), was performed using (1)H-NMR. Metabolites were quantified using Chenomx software (7.7). One-way repeated measures of analysis variance (ANOVA) with Tukeys post hoc test, was preformed on NMR data using SPSS (version 24.0), to assess the impact of lactation stages. P-values were corrected for multiple comparisons using Benjamini and Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) procedure. Multivariate statistical analysis of the (1)H-NMR data was carried out using SIMCA 13 (SIMCA Version 13.0.3.0 Umetrics, AB). RESULTS: 42 metabolites were identified and quantified in the (1)H-NMR spectra. Statistical analysis revealed that 17 metabolites were significantly different across lactation stages (FDR

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of 12-week daily consumption of wild blueberry (poly)phenols on cognitive performance, vascular function, cerebral blood flow and gut microbiome in healthy older individuals. METHODS: A parallel, double blind, placebo controlled RCT was conducted in 61 healthy individuals, aged 65–80 years. The impact of wild blueberry (poly)phenols on cognition, vascular function (flow-mediated dilation; FMD, and blood pressure; BP), active and resting cerebral blood flow (CBF; using transcranial doppler ultrasound) was assessed. Measurements were taken at baseline and 12-weeks following daily consumption of 26 g freeze-dried blueberry powder containing 260 mg anthocyanins (equivalent to 178 g fresh wild blueberries) or a placebo powder matched for colour, taste, nutrients and fibre. Faecal samples were collected in both visits to measure changes in the gut microbiome using 16s rRNA sequencing. Blood and 24 h urine samples were also collected for the analysis of plasma and urinary (poly)phenol metabolites using LC-MS and authentic standards. RESULTS: Linear mixed modelling analysis with baseline performance as a covariate, revealed that accuracy scores for the switching task targeting executive function, significantly improved for the wild blueberry (WBB) group compared to placebo at 12 weeks (F(1,90,12) = 5.13, P = 0.026)). Additionally, immediate recall measure (AVLT) examining short-term recall memory revealed a significant improvement for the WBB compared to placebo at 12 weeks (F(1,46) = 4.321, P = 0.043)). FMD improved by 0.86% (F(1,54) = 32.8, P

OBJECTIVES: In a time when prolonged sitting is an important part of people's daily busy lives, any easy solution contributing to enhancing general stamina and amateur fitness physical performance in a safe and inexpensive way can be always attractive. Red beetroot (Beta vulgaris rubra) and its constituents known as having important health benefits in many various areas, has become increasingly popular in the arena of exercise performance, mainly due to high concentrations of nitrate. Previous studies done in different types of professional athletes - most of them using beetroot either as juice or powder - proved its clear efficiency in increasing the physical performance both in terms of speed and endurance. Could beetroot help as well other kind of individuals who due to their busy professions, though willing to stay fit, have less access to higher degree of physical activity? The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate in which measure beetroot can be used by amateurs willing to improve their general stamina and stay physically fit. METHODS: The benefits of plant compounds contained in beetroot - such as betanin, vulgaxanthin and inorganic nitrates - known to help increase the blood oxygenation, muscle strength, and mental acuity - were evaluated among healthy adults (age 25–60) during a short sessions of simple physical activity, repeated for 7–10 days. To compare, a single serving of 100 g raw beetroot was taken 1–2 hours prior the activity and evaluations were made. An intelligent health bracelet was used to measure some of the common vital parameters. RESULTS: Though modest, an average increase in the daily physical performance of 6.17%, a general increase of 31% at the end of the period of evaluation, and most of all, a visible increase in general stamina, shows the great potential beetroot has as ergogenic aid in moderate exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Though raw beetroot may provide modest performance enhancement, the observations show to be encouraging and more research would be definitely needed, in a larger number of individuals, on a more diverse types of physical activities, and using more professional evaluating tools, in order to clarify the mechanism of action and eventually the proper dosing patterns. FUNDING SOURCES: None.

OBJECTIVES: The adolescent period is crucial for optimizing future bone health because during these years bone accumulates rapidly accounting for up to half of adult peak bone mass (PBM). Calcium intake during this stage is critical for adequate bone mineralization but this essential nutrient, the major constituent of hydroxyapatite, is usually inadequate in the diets of US adolescents. A strategy to maximize bone mineralization is to increase calcium absorption. This could be achieved by soluble corn fiber (SCF) supplementation, which fermentation through bacteria in the lower intestine produces short-chain fatty acids and increase calcium absorption. However, there are no studies determining the long-term effects of SCF on bone mass in children. The main aim of the MetA-Bone Trial is to determine the effect of one-year SCF supplementation compared to placebo on bone mass in children with low habitual calcium intake. We hypothesize that SCF supplementation will result in a higher Bone Mineral Content. We will also determine the effects of SCF supplementation on bone biomarkers; we hypothesize that supplementation with SCF will result in higher levels of bone formation and lower bone resorption biomarkers. METHODS: A total of 240 healthy children (10–13 years), with usual low dietary calcium, will be randomized to four experimental groups for 1 year: (1) SCF (12 g/d); (2) SCF (12 g/d) + 600 mg/d of calcium; (3) Placebo (maltodextrin); and (4) Placebo + 600 mg/d of calcium. The supplements will be mixed with a flavored powder beverage to dilute in water and participants will be instructed to drink this twice per day. Bone mass will be measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Serum bone biomarkers will be measured at baseline and at 12 months. RESULTS: NA CONCLUSIONS: If supplementing diets with SCF lead to higher bone mass during adolescence, this could help achieve the genetic potential for PBM and to start adult life with stronger bones. Incorporating SCF into diets may be a cost-effective intervention for bone health than increasing dairy products consumption, particularly in adolescents. FUNDING SOURCES: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development of the National Institutes of Health.

OBJECTIVES: Multiple studies have examined the effects of fresh watermelon, watermelon juice, or watermelon powder on satiety and skin health; however, few studies have addressed the effects of blenderized (flesh, rind, and seeds) watermelon juice. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of blenderized watermelon juice consumption on satiety, postprandial glucose, insulin response, and topical application on skin health in healthy adults. METHODS: In a crossover design, subjects (N = 20, 16 females, 4 males, age 22.8 ± 2.5 y, BMI 22.6 ± 2.80 kg/m(2)) consumed 8 fl oz of either blenderized watermelon juice or isocaloric sugar water. After an overnight fast, blood glucose and insulin levels were measured at baseline, and at 30 and 60 minutes after drink consumption. Measurements for satiety using a visual analogue scale and skin health using a moisture content test were conducted at baseline, right after, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after consumption and topical application of the juices. RESULTS: Both blenderized watermelon and sugar water significantly increased satiety (P

OBJECTIVES: Streptococcus salivarius (S. salivarius) K12 supplementation in children and adults has been found to reduce the risk of recurrent pharyngitis, tonsillitis, otitis media caused by group A streptococci. The protection of S. salivarius K12 supplementation may in part result from its production of lantibiotic bacteriocins salivaricin A and B. Yet, studies have not reported the effect of supplementation on oral S. salivarius K12 levels or the broader salivary microbiome. The objective of this clinical trial was to determine how supplementation with S. salivarius K12 influences the oral microbiome. METHODS: In a double-blind, placebo-control, prospective trial, 24 healthy adults were randomized to consume a probiotic powder (PRO) containing 7.8B CFU of L. acidophilus, 8.25B CFU of B. lactis, and 2B CFU of S. salivarius K12 (n = 12) or a placebo-control powder (CON) (n = 12) for fourteen consecutive days. Saliva samples were collected at baseline, at the end of the fourteen-day supplementation period and two weeks post-supplementation. Oral S. salivarius K12 and total bacteria were quantified by QPCR and the oral microbiome was measured using 16s rRNA amplicon sequencing. RESULTS: Supplementation with S. salivarius K12 significantly increased salivary S. salivarius K12 by 5 logs compared to baseline for the PRO group (P

OBJECTIVES: Multi-ingredient dietary supplements (DSs) containing green tea (GT) were analyzed for their phytochemical content (seven catechins and caffeine) as part of a Dietary Supplement Ingredient Database project. The label information required by FDA is the weight of the GT extract or leaf powder, unless it is part of a proprietary blend (only the blend weight needed). Any information about the concentration of GT phytochemicals is voluntary. We assessed the accuracy of the mandatory and voluntary portions of labels and the effect of proprietary blends on the phytochemical content. METHODS: Two lots of 37 GT DSs, estimated to contain ≥40 mg/serving of GT, were purchased in a variety of market channels. Samples were sent for analysis to two experienced laboratories. Means and standard errors for the analytically measured content of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG; the most prevalent catechin), the summed content of the catechins (total catechins, TC), and caffeine were derived for each DS and compared to label information. RESULTS: The measured content of EGCG, TC, and caffeine showed wide ranges (0 (not detected) - 442, 0–711, and 0–982 mg/day, respectively). DSs with concentration claims for EGCG and caffeine (32% and 43%, respectively) had higher content per serving compared to DSs without such information (P

OBJECTIVES: Chronic inflammation is an important driver of co-morbidities of obesity. Studies have indicated that cocoa (Theobroma cacao) and cocoa polyphenols can exert anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity properties in animal models. Fermentation and roasting are important for flavor and aroma development of cocoa but have been reported to decrease total phenolic content (TPC). The effect of these processing steps on anti-inflammatory bioactivity has not been examined in vivo. We examined the impact of fermentation and roasting on the anti-obesity and gastrointestinal protective effects of cocoa in high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. METHODS: Male and female mice were fed HFD for 9 wks to induce obesity and then randomized to receive either HFD or HFD supplemented with one of seven cocoa powders (80 mg/g diet) for an additional 8 wks. The cocoa powders differed in terms of roasting (no roast or 30 min at 120°C or 170°C) and fermentation (no, cool, or hot). Body weights were measured weekly. Following euthanasia, serum and cecal digesta were collected. Visceral fat, liver, and spleen were collected and weighed. Small intestine and colon were collected and measured. Prior to euthanasia, gut permeability was measured in a subset of mice from each group. RESULTS: Mice treated with cocoa-supplemented diets had lower rate of weight gain: final body weights were 9–13% and 5–19% in males and females, respectively. Cocoa treatment also resulted in longer colon lengths (18–26% in males and 11–24% in females) and reduced gut permeability (50–75% lower) compared to HFD-fed controls indicating reduced colonic inflammation. While fermentation and roasting did impact chemistry and bioactivity, the unfermented, unroasted cocoa was not necessarily the most effective, and some combinations resulted in equivalent or improved bioactivity. Cytokine and microbial composition analysis are ongoing. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that all treatments mitigated weight gain, colon inflammation, and gut permeability induced by HFD. The degree of fermentation and roasting and TPC may not predict efficacy. This indicates that it may be possible to develop processing steps to optimize both cocoa flavor and health-related bioactivity. FUNDING SOURCES: This work was funded by USDA AFRI.

OBJECTIVES: Dietary berries have been shown to lower cardio-metabolic risks in clinical trials. We examined the dose-response effects of two dietary achievable doses of strawberries on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and insulin resistance in adults with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: In this 14-week randomized controlled crossover study, adults with metabolic syndrome were assigned to one of the three arms for 4 weeks separated by a one-week washout period: control powder, one serving strawberries (13 g powder/day), and 2.5 servings strawberries (32 g powder/day). The freeze-dried powders were blended in water, and participants consumed half the daily dose in the morning and half in the evening. Participants were instructed to follow their usual diet and lifestyle while refraining from consuming other berries and related products throughout the study. RESULTS: Thirty participants completed all three phases of the trial (baseline profiles: weight: 90.8 ± 22.4 kg, BMI: 33.1 ± 4.2 kg/m(2), waist circumference: 109 ± 12.5 cm, HbA(1c) : 5.8 ± 0.2%). Outcome measures were analyzed using a multivariate analysis of variance with statistical significance set at P

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to develop and validate a tool to estimate vitamin A (VA) intake and identify children at risk of intake above the tolerable upper intake level (UL). METHODS: We developed, pilot-tested, and refined a screening tool to estimate VA intake among Filipino children 12–18 mo of age. Data were entered into tablets with pre-loaded food composition data to calculate VA intake immediately. The screening tool was used to identify children likely to have “adequate” (one group: 200–500 µg retinol activity equivalents, RAE/d) or “high” (two groups: >600 µg retinol/d) intake. Interviewers administered four 24-h recalls, one 12-h observed weighed record with 12-h recall, and a 30-d supplement questionnaire. Breastmilk intake and VA concentration were measured among breastfeeding children. We compared the screening tool and detailed dietary assessment (DDA) results for primary VA sources, group mean usual intake, and prevalence of intakes above the UL. RESULTS: Major VA sources were similar between methods: fortified milk powders, multivitamin supplements, and breastmilk; contributions from intervention programs (e.g., micronutrient powders, fortified staple foods) were low. Mean usual retinol intakes for the high groups (n = 47 and 39, respectively) were 1218 and 1313 µg/d by screening tool vs. 1096 and 931 by DDA; 70 and 77% had usual intake above 600 µg/d. In the adequate group (n = 37), mean total VA intake was 375 and 559 µg RAE/d by screening and DDA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This screening tool provides a reasonably good rapid estimate of VA intake among Filipino children and can be useful for identifying groups with adequate to excessive intakes. FUNDING SOURCES: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

OBJECTIVES: US children ages 4 and older use multivitamin/mineral supplements (MVMs) formulated to meet the Daily Values for adults. To better evaluate the potential for nutrient adequacy and excess, it is helpful to determine actual ingredient content instead of amounts declared on labels. We tested children's MVMs and compared the products’ labeled and measured contents with Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) and Upper Tolerable Intake Levels (UL) established for children ages 4 to 8 years. METHODS: Children's MVMs were defined as dietary supplements (DSs) containing three or more vitamins with or without minerals and other bioactive components labeled for individuals ages 4 and older. Nationally representative children's MVMs were identified based on relative market share estimates (RMSE) derived from frequency of use and respondents’ weights in infant/pediatric MVM subsets of 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, and store surveys. The 21 top and 43 lower market share DSs selected for this study represented ∼72% of the total RMSE. The DSs were purchased in 2008 from multiple market channels in regions of AL, CA, MI, MO, NY, and OK identified using a multistage probability-proportional-to-size approach. Vitamin and mineral content was measured by commercial labs in 3 to 6 lots of 47 chewable tablets, 11 gummies, 4 liquids, 1 gumball, and 1 powder DS. RESULTS: For 13 of 16 nutrients (copper, iodine, iron, zinc, folic acid, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamins A, B-12, B-6, D and E), most MVMs were labeled at or above the RDA but below UL levels. For calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, all the studied DSs were labeled below the RDAs. The DSs that contained zinc, niacin and retinol labeled above their ULs had overall mean RMSEs comparable to the DSs labeled within the RDA-UL ranges. Overages resulted in levels exceeding the UL for folic acid in 24 out of 29 DSs labeled at the UL and for retinol in 10 out 40 DSs labeled below the UL, including one of the three most highly consumed MVMs. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of children's MVMs on the US market with labeled levels at or above the RDA, or at UL, combined with analytically verified overages, suggests risks of excess in intakes for zinc, niacin, retinol and folic acid, especially when MVM use is combined with diets containing many highly fortified foods. FUNDING SOURCES: NIH ODS and USDA ARS.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine whether a novel fiber formulation improves glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles in overweight men and women consuming a low fiber diet. METHODS: Twenty individuals were enrolled in this randomized order, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Participants were young, healthy, overweight (BMI 23.0–32.0) and consumed

OBJECTIVES: In Lao PDR, 33.5% of children 0.14) but met USDA PRO powder criteria of 7 g PRO/100 g dried whey. CONCLUSIONS: WB milk and liquid and dried acid whey contain sufficient amounts of PRO, fat and energy to develop a locally-sourced nutritional supplement to rehabilitate malnourished children. FUNDING SOURCES: Funding for this research was supported by the OHSU Foundation, OHSU Graduate Programs in Human Nutrition, Vejdusit Foundation, and Bangkok Dusit Medical Services. WB milk and whey samples were generously donated by the Lao Water Buffalo Dairy in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR.

OBJECTIVES: Self-reporting methods for dietary exposure are error-prone and have had limited impact to identify food components that mitigate disease risk. The purpose of this study was to use non-targeted and targeted metabolomics from feeding trials with rice bran and navy beans for the identification of dietary biomarkers across the lifespan. METHODS: Prepared meals/snacks, and biological samples from randomized-controlled trials performed in 50 infants, 38 children and 49 adults were utilized in this study. Diet groups were placebo control, rice bran, cooked navy bean powder, or a combination of rice bran/navy beans with increasing daily doses by age group and for duration of 4, 12 or 24 weeks per protocol. Plasma/dried blood spots, urine or stool samples were collected at a baseline, midpoint and endpoint. Non-targeted profiling was performed with UPLC-MS/MS, and metabolite quantification by LC-triple-quadropole (LC-QQQ-MS). A linear mixed model to compare between time points in each group was performed using SAS. RESULTS: The plasma/blood metabolomes contained between 771–1001 metabolites and showed variation in ∼20–30% of the profile following intervention. Fold changes over time and fold-differences in metabolite abundance were assessed by age (P

OBJECTIVES: Recent research indicates that the taste quality of fatty acids, called ‘Oleogustus’, differs from the traditionally accepted five basic tastes. However, the actual quality of the sensation has not been characterized. One question is whether there is a sour component because very short-chain fatty acids, like acetic acid, the sour tastant in vinegar, is structurally a fatty acid. The present study investigated the quality sensation of fatty acids of graded chain length. METHODS: Sensory stimuli were acetic acid, butyric acid, hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, decanoic acid, lauric acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid emulsions and palmitic acid, stearic acid powder. The intensity of the samples before and after expectorating was measured. Next, participants repeatedly sipped, held for 5 seconds, and expectorated a sour solution (0.09% w/w) and rated the intensity on a gLMS until the intensity was lower than “weak”. After adaption to the sour solution, the intensity of the sample was measured before and after expectorating. Participants recorded the quality of each sample. RESULTS: The intensity of acetic acid was significantly lower after adaptation (P

OBJECTIVES: Dementia and cognitive decline are typical age-related neurological disorders. However, obesity has been linked to premature senescence manifestations in various systems including the central nervous system. Nutritional interventions play a role in curbing obesity-associated disorders. Epidemiological studies suggest that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables (F&V) is associated with a reduced risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. The objective of this study was to investigate the causal role of F&V consumption in prevention of high fat diet-induced cognitive impairment in mice. METHODS: Freeze-dried powder of a mixture of 24 F&V was added into the animal diets. Male C57BL/6 J mice (6 wk) were randomly assigned to one of the three diet groups (12/group): low fat (LF, 10% kcal fat), high fat (HF, 45% kcal fat), and HF plus 15% F&V (HF + F&V). The novel object recognition test was used to evaluate cognitive function at 17 weeks. After 20 weeks, mice were euthanized. Blood and liver were collected and biochemical variables and gene expression levels were determined. Fecal microbiota was characterized by 16S rRNA sequencing. RESULTS: Compared to the LF group, mice fed the HF diet for 17 weeks had significant cognitive impairment. F&V supplementation significantly reduced the HF diet-induced cognitive impairment. Further, compared to mice fed the LF diet, those fed the HF diet had significantly higher levels of liver lipid peroxides (measured as MDA), and circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and sphingolipid ceramides, all of which are known to contribute to neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits. These HF diet-induced adverse effects were significantly reduced in mice fed the HF + F&V diet. In addition, F&V supplementation alleviated HF diet-induced gut dysbiosis and greatly reduced abundance of some of the bacteria associated with inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence for the causal role of F&V intake in preventing high fat diet-induced cognition impairment in mice. The beneficial effects of F&V supplementation in improving cognitive function might be due to F&V-induced changes in gut dysbiosis, inflammatory cytokines, and ceramides. FUNDING SOURCES: This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture — Agricultural Research Service (ARS), under Agreement No. 58-1950-4-003.

OBJECTIVES: “Bignay” (Antidesma bunius), “lipote” (Syzygium polycephaloides) and “duhat” (Syzgium cumini) are indigenous berries in the Philippines that are known to contain high antioxidant properties and other health-promoting and disease-preventing compounds. However, oral toxicity studies on these berries are not yet explored. Hence, this study evaluated the acute oral toxicity of these berries in freeze-dried forms using 6-week old ICR mice following the OECD guidelines 425 (up and down method). METHODS: Treatment groups were administered with freeze-dried powders of “bignay”, “lipote” and “duhat” reconstituted in distilled water at various doses: 55 mg/kg body weight (BW), 175 mg/kg BW, 550 mg/kg BW, 2000 mg/kg BW and 5000 mg/kg BW while control group was administered with distilled water. Body weight, feed and water intake were obtained daily. Biochemical profiles were measured prior to administration of reconstituted berries at day 1 and prior to euthanasia. Toxicity, morbidity and mortality cases were observed daily. Euthanasia and necropsy were performed to check for gross organ abnormalities. RESULTS: Mice that received the different concentrations of “bignay”, “lipote” and “duhat” had normal feed and water consumption and gained weight during the test period. No clinical and behavioral signs of toxicity were observed and there was zero morbidity and mortality. Post-mortem evaluation showed no lesions on various organs examined. Blood ALT, BUN and creatinine levels were within normal published values. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that different concentrations of freeze-dried “bignay”, “lipote” and “duhat” are non-toxic using ICR mice and therefore have high potential to be developed into food supplements and nutraceuticals. FUNDING SOURCES: Philippine Council for Health Research and Development - Department of Food Science and Technology Enhanced Creative Work and Research Grant - Office of Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University of the Philippines.

OBJECTIVES: Chardonnay grape marc is the remaining skins and seeds after pressing and is a byproduct of winemaking that offers a rich source of phytonutrients. The objective was to evaluate postprandial lipid response following adding Chardonnay grape marc powder to the diet. METHODS: Overweight or obese men and women with hyperlipidemia between 35–65 y were recruited for this randomized, double-blinded 16-week crossover study. Subjects consumed 1500 mg of 1) placebo, 2) high Chardonnay seed extract, low Chardonnay marc blend (HE) or 3) high chardonnay marc, low chardonnay seed extract blend (HM) in a randomized order. Each intervention arm lasted 3 weeks and included two 3-week washout periods. Following each intervention, fasting blood was drawn, then subjects consumed a high fat challenge meal. Postprandial blood was subsequently drawn at 1, 2 and 3 hours. Incremental area under the curve (iAUC) was also calculated. Data were not normally distributed thus were log transformed before conducting analyses. Analyses were conducted with 24 completed subjects and intention to treat for 3 subjects who withdrew using linear mixed model ANOVA. RESULTS: Incremental area under the triglyceride curve response to a meal showed a significant effect of intervention (P = 0.05). Pairwise comparisons showed a significant difference between HE and HM (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Following HM intervention, there was a significantly lower triglyceride iAUC compared to the HE intervention, but no difference compared to placebo. HM intervention resulted in better triglyceride clearance compared to the HE intervention. FUNDING SOURCES: NIFA Phase II Small Business Innovation Research Grant awarded to Sonomaceuticals, LLC.

OBJECTIVES: Improved formulations of complementary foods (CFs) with animal-source foods (ASFs) is an eminent strategy to improve infant nutrition, but they are expensive and not readily available in many food insecure settings which are a haven of edible insects. Hence, we developed orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) based CFs supplemented with Cricket or palm weevil larvae (PWL), examined its nutritional content and microbial quality for infant feeding. METHODS: OFSP roots were sourced from local farmers, peeled, sliced, steam cooked and mechanically dried into OFSP flour. Cricket powder and PWL paste were obtained from commercial producers, steam cooked, and mechanically dried into Cricket/PWL flours. OFSP flour was mixed with either Cricket/PWL flours in the ratios of 100:0 (control), 85:15, 70:30, and 50:50 and used to produce ready-to-eat CFs. The CFs were evaluated for nutrient composition and microbial contamination using standard methods. ANOVA followed by Dunnett's test was used to compare all the formulations to the control. RESULTS: There were increase in protein (4.80 to 36.75%), iron (1.26 to 4.38 mg/100 g), zinc (0.69 to 10.65 mg/100 g) and calcium (45.54 to 152.77 mg/100 g) contents of the OFSP-based CFs with increased supplementation with Cricket/PWL flour. The carbohydrate and β-carotene content decreased but the energy content increased with increased supplementation with cricket/PWL flour from 344.52 Kcal/100 g in 100% OFSP CF to 541.09 Kcal/100 g in 50:50 CFs (OFSP: PWL) (P = 0.001). Aerobic mesophilic count (AMC) of the OFSP: Cricket CFs was 60 cfu/g as compared to 1300 cfu/g for the OFSP: PWL CFs. Comparing the OFSP-based Cricket/PWL CFs to the commercial Cricket or PWL, there was 35–331-fold reduction in AMC. Bacillus cereus (BC), aerobic (APC) and anaerobic plate count (NPC) was 0 cfu/g for the OFSP: Cricket CFs. BC, APC and NPC were 100, 260 and 130 cfu/g respectively for the OFSP: PWL CFs. CONCLUSIONS: Steam cooking, then mechanical drying significantly reduced microbial concentrations in commercial Cricket and PWL to below minimum limits set by the Ghana Standards Authority for CFs requiring heating to boiling before consumption. OFSP-based Cricket/PWL composite flours could be safe viable alternatives as nutritious CFs in countries where they are culturally accepted as food. FUNDING SOURCES: Nutritional Sciences Council at Iowa State University.

TiO2 is broadly used in a wide range of applications such as photocatalysis, pigments and additives. Despite the promising commercial opportunities, different studies have shown that TiO2 can induce oxidative stress, inflammatory and genotoxic effects. The European Union has classified certain titanium dioxide powders and powder mixtures containing TiO2 as a suspected carcinogen (Category 2) via inhalation. Considering that the information about the potential adverse health effects of TiO2 in occupational environment are still scarce and controversial, the purpose of the study was to investigate the genotoxic effects and oxidative stress in workers exposed to TiO2 during paint production. Biomarkers of early effect (DNA damage and micronuclei) were evaluated in the buccal cells and salivary leucocytes of 30 workers (15 production workers and 15 controls). To collect information about personal details, occupational history, medication, smoking, diet, physical activity, a questionnaire was administered to all workers. Personal and area monitoring have been carried out to determine airborne inhalable and respirable fraction of TiO2; a NanoTracer was used to monitor the presence of ultrafine particles. In spite of the low mass concentration and a mild percentage of nanoparticles, filter deposited TiO2 was in sub-micron size, thus accounting for its respirability. Preliminary results on salivary leucocytes show a slight higher DNA damage in the exposed workers as compared to the controls. Whereas biomarker assessment is still in progress, these preliminary findings show that workers are exposed to low but measurable levels of TiO2 able to induce a mild genotoxic damage. A combined approach using both personal exposure assessment and biomonitoring can improve the risk assessment in occupational settings in which TiO2 is handled. Moreover, this also suggest to take precautionary measure during specific activities and operational phases thus decreasing the risks for worker. Key messages The results of the present study may promote effective risk management practices in occupational environments that uses TiO2. The results obtained suggest the introduction of activities and operational phases with lower risks for the worker.

OBJECTIVES: The study investigated the effects of blueberry consumption on biomarkers of glycemic control in US veterans with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel study, fifty-five men (mean baseline characteristics: 67 years; weight, 103 kg; body mass index, 34 kg/m(2)) with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups for 8 weeks. The treatment groups were either 22 g of a freeze-dried whole blueberry powder (equivalent to 1 cup of fresh blueberries; containing 845 mg phenolics and 470 mg anthocyanins) or 22 g of a blueberry placebo treatment (matched in energy and carbohydrate content to the blueberry treatment). The study participants were asked to consume 11 g of freeze-dried (equivalent to ½ cup of fresh blueberries) blueberry powder or placebo, reconstituted with 240 ml water, with their morning and evening meals along with their typical diet. Fasting blood samples were collected at the beginning and at the end of the study. RESULTS: Fructosamine (275.5 ± 4.1 µmol/L vs. 292.4 ± 7.9 µmol/L, respectively; P = 0.04) and hemoglobin A1C (7.1 ± 0.1% vs. 7.5 ± 0.2%, respectively; P = 0.03) were significantly lower for study participants consuming blueberries for 8 weeks compared with the placebo. In addition, triglycerides (160.6 ± 13.1 mg/dl vs. 183.9 ± 10.7 mg/dl, respectively; P = 0.03), aspartate transaminase (AST) (23.2 ± 1.4 units/L vs. 30.5 ± 2.7 units/L, respectively; P = 0.02) and alanine transaminase (ALT) (35.6 ± 1.5 units/L vs. 48.3 ± 2.9 units/L, respectively; P = 0.0003), were significantly lower for those consuming blueberries compared with the placebo. Glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and body weight were not significantly different after 8 weeks of consumption of blueberries compared with the placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of 22 g of freeze-dried blueberries daily for 8 weeks results in better glycemic control, such as lowering of fructosamine and hemoglobin A1C. These results along with lower triglyceride concentrations show improvement in the liver enzymes, AST and ALT, which may beneficially affect the cardiometabolic health status of men with type 2 diabetes. FUNDING SOURCES: The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council; the study is the result of work supported with resources and the use of facilities at the Stratton VA Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA.

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether diet supplementation with blackberry or raspberry attenuate angiotensin (Ang) II-induced increase in blood pressure (BP) and decrease oxidative stress in the kidneys of mice. METHODS: Twelve-week male C57BL/6 J mice were fed AIN-93 M diets alone (control and Ang II groups) or supplemented with 10% w/w freeze-dried blackberry (BL + Ang II) or raspberry (RB + Ang II) powder for eight weeks. At week 4, mice were implanted with subcutaneous osmotic minipumps that delivered 0.9% saline (Control) or Ang II (1 µg/kg body weight/day) for another four weeks. BP was measured weekly by tail-cuff plethysmography and validated by direct measurement at endpoint using a BP catheter. Kidney expression of pro-oxidant enzymes such as NADPH oxidases (Nox) and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutates (SOD) were also measured. Results were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test. RESULTS: As expected, Ang II significantly increased systolic BP (SBP; 185 ± 4, n = 6, vs 132 ± 2 mmHg, n = 5, P

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the impact of an integrated infant and young child feeding (IYCF) – micronutrient powder intervention on IYCF practices among caregivers of children 12–23 mo in Eastern Uganda. METHODS: We used pre-/post- data from two population-based, cross-sectional surveys representative of children aged 12–23 mo in Amuria (intervention) and Soroti (non-intervention) districts. Caregivers were interviewed in June/July at baseline 2015 (N = 1260) and 12 mo after implementation in 2016 (N = 1490) about their IYCF practices the day preceding the survey. Logistic regression estimated the double-difference effect of the intervention on core World Health Organization (WHO) IYCF indicators: child ever breastfed, current breastfeeding, bottle feeding, complementary foods introduced at age 6 mo, consumption of vitamin A-rich fruits or vegetables, consumption of animal-flesh foods, minimum meal frequency (MMF) (received food ≥3 times for breastfed children and ≥4 times for non-breastfed children), minimum dietary diversity (MDD) (received foods from ≥4 of 7 WHO food groups), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) (MDD and MMF among breastfed children, and ≥2 milk feeds, MDD not including milk feeds, and MMF among non-breastfed children). Analyses were weighted and accounted for complex sampling design. RESULTS: After controlling for child age and sex, household wealth, household food security, and caregiver education, the intervention was positively associated with MMF (Adjusted Prevalence Difference-in-Difference [APDiD] 18.6%; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 11.2, 26.0) and MAD (APDiD 5.6%; 95% CI 0.02, 11.2). The intervention was associated with 21.8% higher prevalence of timely introduction of complementary feeding (95% CI 13.4, 30.1) and with increased consumption of both vitamin A-rich fruits/vegetables (APDiD 23.5%; 95% CI 12.5, 34.5) and animal-flesh foods (APDiD 9.1%; 95% CI 1.5, 16.7). The intervention did not affect breastfeeding or bottle feeding practices. Despite program impact, prevalence of some IYCF practices were low in Amuria at endline including MAD (19%) and MMF (21%). CONCLUSIONS: The integrated IYCF intervention had a positive impact on many core WHO IYCF practices; however, low endline prevalence of some indicators suggests a continued need to improve complementary feeding practices in Eastern Uganda. FUNDING SOURCES: Funding or in kind technical support provided by the Ministry of Health Uganda, World Food Programme, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the nutrients (proximate, vitamins, minerals) and sensory attributes of some products; fried plantain buns (FPB), baked plantain buns (BPB) and steamed plantain buns (SPB) made from over-ripped plantain. METHODS: A bunch of matured over-ripe plantain samples (3.2 kg) were collected, washed with deionised water, peeled, mashed into pulp. About 400 g plantain pulp were mixed with other ingredients (egg 2 medium size, baking powder (14 g), vanilla flavor (0.5 ml) and onions (13 g) ), fried, steamed and baked respectively. Nutrient composition analysis was carried out in the Food Chemistry Laboratory, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. Sensory evaluations of the three products developed were done in the Food Diet Laboratory using nine-point Hedonic scale with twenty four (24) panellists. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Standard deviation and Fisher least significance difference (FLSD) were used to compare the mean at P 0.05), the highest moisture content (56.52%) was found in steamed plantain buns. The mineral content shows that Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn levels were comparable (P > 0.05) in all the samples while potassium content ranged from 342.7 to 312.0 mg/100 g with the highest level in SPB. Generally FPB has the highest mineral contents compare with BPB and SPB. Vitamin content in all the samples showed that vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E were present. However, there was no significant (P > 0.05) difference among the products. The general acceptability of FPB, BPB and SPB in terms of color, flavor, taste and texture were very high (8.12, 7.12 & 6.71) respectively. Although FPB and BPB were most preferred, SPB was accepted sparingly. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, senescence plantain losses may be reduced if the over ripped ones are converted to buns products and this will consequently add to the value chain and also minimize economic loss globally. FUNDING SOURCES: NIL. SUPPORTING TABLES, IMAGES AND/OR GRAPHS

OBJECTIVES: Epidemiological studies have shown that consumption of fruits and vegetables (F&V) is inversely associated with incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the evidence for causality and underlying mechanisms is lacking. Our objective was to determine if increased consumption of F&V could prevent atherosclerosis and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: A unique blend of the most commonly consumed 24 F&V was freeze-dried into a powder and mixed into diets. Thirty six 4-week old male LDL receptor knockout mice were randomly assigned to one of 3 diet groups (12/group): low fat (LF, 10 kcal% fat), high-fat (27 kcal% fat) with 0% F&V (HF), and HF plus 15% F&V diet (HF + FV, equivalent to 8–9 servings for humans). After 20 weeks, mice were euthanized and blood, aorta, and liver tissue were collected. Aortic atherosclerotic lesion, hepatic steatosis, plasma lipid profile and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were measured. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in body weight among the 3 groups. Mice fed HF diet had larger aortic atherosclerotic lesion and hepatic steatosis area than mice fed LF diet by 6.5 and 1.9 fold, respectively (p

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether daily incorporation of 40 grams of whole blueberry into the diets of postmenopausal women with mild to moderate degree of bone loss will positively influence indices of bone metabolism. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind control trial, 40 postmenopausal women with mild to moderate degree of bone loss, not on hormone or other bone therapies, were randomized to either consume 40 g of lyophilized blueberry powder (LBP) (n = 20) or a placebo powder (n = 20) daily for 90 days. Plasma bone biomarkers including sclerostin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP5) and inflammatory marker, interleukin(IL)-6 was assessed at baseline, mid-point (45 days) and final (90 days). Bone density and body composition was assessed at baseline and final visits only. Fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) was utilized to determine major osteoporotic fracture risk. RESULTS: A total of 32 participants completed the study with an attrition rate of 20%. A significant increase of B-ALP was observed at mid-point in the blueberry treatment group, indicating increased bone formation, however the increase was not maintained at final point. In addition, a more pronounced decline in RANKL was observed at final point in the LBP group as compared to the placebo group. A slight decline in the probability of a major osteoporotic fracture was observed in the LBP group, while an increase of such risks was observed in the placebo group. Moreover, in the placebo group, a significant increase in IL-6 was observed at final point, but the LBP group maintained their IL-6 throughout the study with a declining trend from baseline to final point. Besides bone metabolism parameters, body weight was decreased significantly in the blueberry group at final point, along with a more pronounced decrease in %body fat as compared to the placebo group. No changes in bone densities were observed, possibly due to the short study duration. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study suggest that blueberry consumption may have nominal protective effects on bone in postmenopausal women who have mild to moderate bone loss. A longer study duration may more favorably influence bone metabolism and bone density in this population. FUNDING SOURCES: US Highbush Blueberry Council and Research Enhancement Program at Texas Woman's University.

OBJECTIVES: Approximately 1.4 million people suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, which is a major risk factor for developing colitis associated colorectal cancer (CAC). Dietary interventions with the goal to reduce colon inflammation and encourage gut microbiome homeostasis may be a strategy to reduce the risk of CAC. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds present in black raspberries (BRB) have demonstrated protective effects in the colon epithelium and may alter the composition of the gut microbiome. Previously, we showed that dietary supplementation with black raspberries significantly suppressed colitis and colon tumorigenesis promoted by the consumption of a Western type diet in mice. The goal of this study was to compare the efficacy of dietary intervention with whole, freeze-dried black raspberries on colitis and colon tumorigenesis in mice consuming either a standard diet or a Western type diet that emulates typical U.S. nutrient intakes. METHODS: C57BL/6 J male and female mice were fed a standard diet (AIN93G) or the total Western diet (TWD) supplemented with 0 to 10% (w/w) black raspberry powder for a total of 16 weeks. All mice were dosed with axozymethane and provided 1% dextran sodium sulfate in drinking water for 10 days to promote colonic inflammation and tumorigenesis. RESULTS: As previously observed, mice fed TWD experienced more pronounced symptoms of colitis with a 40% increase in the disease activity index (DAI) score. Preliminary analyses suggest that dietary supplementation with 10% BRB suppressed the DAI score in mice fed TWD such that the colitis symptoms in these mice were not apparently different compared to the AIN93G-fed controls. However, addition of 10% BRB did not appear to provide a benefit to mice fed the AIN basal diet. Composition of the fecal microbiome over the course of disease development will be determined by standard 16S rRNA sequencing, and assessment of tumor outcome is ongoing. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of a Western type diet increased symptoms of colitis, whereas dietary supplementation with 10% BRB appeared to ameliorate TWD-enhanced colitis in mice. FUNDING SOURCES: USDA NIFA Grant# 2018-67017-27516 and UAES Project UTA-1178.

OBJECTIVES: In low and middle-income countries, early child development (ECD) is associated with stunting, but the association with length-for-age z-scores (LAZ) is understudied. The objective is to examine whether the association with ECD among infants extends beyond stunting to LAZ and whether it is altered by nurturance or inflammation. METHODS: Sample: 513 infants (mean age 8.6 months, SD 2.2), 20% stunted (LAZ 1 SD, LAZ was not related to ECD (Figure 1). CRP was not related to ECD and CRP interaction was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The positive association between LAZ and ECD illustrates vulnerability prior to the threshold of stunting. Maternal nurturance is positively associated with multiple domains of infants’ ECD and attenuates relations between LAZ and receptive language and fine motor. Inflammation (measured by CRP) is not associated with ECD. Linear growth within normal and nurturant caregiving are needed to promote ECD. FUNDING SOURCES: Mathile Institute for the Advancement of Human Nutrition, Nutrition International, Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science of the New York Academy of Sciences.

OBJECTIVES: Development of a probiotic P. acidilactici NRRL B-50517 that resists to high temperature (up to 85°C), stomach acids, and air. Clinic evaluation of P. acidilactici NRRL B-50517 as a safe probiotic for regulation of weight related pro-inflammatory cytokines. METHODS: Survival studies were conducted by incubating P. acidilactici NRRL B-50517 in either liquid MRS broth, pH1.5 at 85°C overnight, or in dried powder at 85°C for 5–10 minutes. Healthy volunters were randomly assigned two capsules of placebo or Pediococcus probiotics (4 billion CFU) daily for three months. Biweekly phone interviews with 30 participants were performed to ensure daily dosage administration, and to collect the results of the questionnaire related to 6 categories of gut functions. Percent body fat measurements and serum were collected upon study initiation and completion. Serum was processed for cytokine analysis by multiplex ELISA assays. RESULTS: P. acidilactici NRRL B-50,517 survived at 85°C and pH 1.5 in MRS broth and dried powder forms. No statistical significantly changes of gut functions between the placebo group and the probiotic group in appetite: t-value 1.6808, p-value 0.1313; energy level: t-value 0.7508. p-value 0.5003; bowel movement: t-value 0.3348. p-value 0.7464; stool quality: t-value 0.6929, p-value 0.5080; bloating: t-value 2.0583. p-value 0.0736; gas t-value: 1.9560, p-value 0.0875. On average, the probiotic lost 0.86% ± 0.42% body fat whereas the control group gained 0.28% ± 0.19, P = 0.0264. Pro-inflammaroty IL-6 ratios differed by 0.61 ± 0.22 and 3.06 ± 0.87 in the probiotic and control groups, respectively (P = 0.0295); pro-inflammatory IL23 ratio was 0.65 ± 0.14 in the probiotic and 1.71 ± 0.38 in the control group, P = 0.0068. CONCLUSIONS: Novel P. acidilactici NRRL B-50,517 is safe for human consumption and may be useful in reducing body fat and pro-inflammatory markers. FUNDING SOURCES: TEDCO, Maryland.

Background Three-quarters of the ≥50 programs that use micronutrient powders (MNPs) integrate MNPs into infant and young child feeding (IYCF) programs, with limited research on impacts on IYCF practices. Objective This study assessed changes in IYCF practices in 2 districts in Nepal that were part of a post-pilot scale-up of an integrated IYCF-MNP program. Methods This analysis used cross-sectional surveys (n = 2543 and 2578 for baseline and endline) representative of children aged 6-23 mo and their mothers in 2 districts where an IYCF program added MNP distributions through female community health volunteers (FCHVs) and health workers (HWs). Multivariable log-binomial models estimated prevalence ratios comparing reported IYCF at endline with baseline and at endline on the basis of exposure to different sources of IYCF information. Mothers who received FCHV-IYCF counseling with infrequent (≤1 time/mo) and frequent (>1 time/mo) interactions were compared with mothers who never received FCHV-IYCF counseling. The receipt of HW-IYCF counseling and receipt of MNPs from an FCHV (both yes or no) were also compared. Results The prevalence of minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) was significantly higher at endline than at baseline. In analyses from endline, compared with mothers who never received FCHV counseling, only mothers in the frequent FCHV-IYCF counseling group were more likely to report feeding the minimum meal frequency (MMF) and MAD, with no difference for the infrequent FCHV-IYCF counseling group in these indicators. HW-IYCF counseling was not associated with these indicators. Mothers who received MNPs from their FCHV were more likely to report initiating solid foods at 6 mo and feeding the child the MDD, MMF, and MAD compared with mothers who did not, adjusting for HW- and FCHV-IYCF counseling and demographic covariates. Conclusions Incorporating MNPs into the Nepal IYCF program did not harm IYCF and may have contributed to improvements in select practices. Research that uses experimental designs should verify whether integrated IYCF-MNP programs can improve IYCF practices.