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Prophylactic doses of 120 mg of iron (Fe) are commonly used to prevent Fe-deficiency anemia in vulnerable populations, especially in developing countries. Evidence shows that residual Fe in the large bowel may alter the normal antioxidant capacity of the fecal stream. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of dietary antioxidants from the Carotino Tocotrienol-Carotene Mixed Concentrate (CTCMC) on the depletion of fecal antioxidant capacity by oral Fe supplementation. In total, 17 healthy male adults participated in the 2 phases of the study, 5 in the pilot study and 12 in the definitive intervention trial. Participants received different treatments, separated by washout periods. These included: 120 mg Fe; 120 mg Fe and refined palm oil (FeOil); and 120 mg Fe in refined palm oil combined with 1 of 2 dosages (0.4 g and 0.8 g) of CTCMC/5 mL of refined palm oil (CTCB and CTCA treatments, respectively). Fecal samples were collected and analyzed to quantify the products of hydroxyl radical attack on salicylic acid (2,5 dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2,3-dihydrobenzoic acid, and catechol) at baseline and after active supplementation. Fe supplementation in either form (Fe or FeOil treatments) increased the concentrations of hydroxylated compounds in fecal samples. The production of hydroxylated compounds was significantly lower in treatments CTCB and CTCA than in the FeOil reference. Baseline antioxidant capacity state was virtually restored with dietary carotenoids and tocotrienols from the CTCMC. In conclusion, dietary antioxidants can reverse the depletion of fecal antioxidant capacity induced by oral Fe supplements. J. Nutr. 140:1105-1110, 2010. doi:10.3945/jn.109.111104.

We utilized a vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene knockout model to study the effects of maternal and fetal absence of VDR on maternal fertility, fetal-placental calcium transfer, and fetal mineral homoeostasis. Vdr null mice were profoundly hypocalcemic, conceived infrequently, and had significantly fewer viable fetuses in utero that were also of lower body weight. Supplementation of a calcium-enriched diet increased the rate of conception in Vdr nulls but did not normalize the number or weight of viable fetuses. Among offspring of heterozygous (Vdr.sup.+/-] ) mothers (wild type, [Vdr.sup.+/-] , and Vdr null fetuses), there was no alteration in serum Ca, P, or Mg, parathyroid hormone, placental [sup.45]Ca transfer, Ca and Mg content of the fetal skeleton, and morphology and gene expression in the fetal growth plates. Vdr null fetuses did have threefold increased 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels accompanied by increased 1[alpha]-hydroxylase mRNA in kidney hut not placenta; a small increase was also noted in placental expression of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP). Among offspring of Vdr null mothers, [Vdr.sup.+/-] and Vdr null fetuses had normal ionized calcium levels and a skeletal ash weight that was appropriate to the lower body weight. Thus our findings indicate that VDR is not required by fetal mice to regulate placental calcium transfer, circulating mineral levels, and skeletal mineralization. Absence of maternal VDR has global effects on fetal growth that were partly dependent on maternal calcium intake, but absence of maternal VDR did not specifically affect fetal mineral homeostasis. fetus; calcitriol; skeletal mineralization; parathyroid hormone-related protein; parathyroid hormone; calbindin-[D.sub.9k]; calcium-adenosinetriphosphatase; calcium transporter 1 and 2; 1[alpha]-hydroxylase; placenta

We used the calcitonin/calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-[alpha] gene knockout model (Ct/Cgrp null) to determine whether calcitonin and CGRP[alpha] are required for normal fetal mineral homeostasis and placental calcium transfer. Heterozygous (Ct/[Cgrp.sup.+/-]) and Ct/Cgrp null females were mated to Ct/[Cgrp.sup.+/-] males. One or two days before term, blood was collected from mothers and fetuses and analyzed for ionized Ca, Mg, P, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and calcitonin. Amniotic fluid was collected for Ca, Mg, and P. To quantity skeletal mineral content, fetuses were reduced to ash, dissolved in nitric acid, and analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy for total Ca and Mg. Placental transfer of [sup.45]Ca at 5 min was assessed. Ct/Cgrp null mothers had significantly fewer viable fetuses in utero compared with Ct/[Cgrp.sup.+/-] and wild-type mothers. Fetal serum Ca, P, and PTH did not differ by genotype, but serum Mg was significantly reduced in null fetuses. Placental transfer of [sup.45]Ca at 5 min was normal. The calcium content of the fetal skeleton was normal; however, total Mg content was reduced in Ct/Cgrp null skeletons obtained from Ct/Cgrp null mothers. In summary, maternal absence of calcitonin and CGRP[alpha] reduced the number of viable fetuses. Fetal absence of calcitonin and CGRP[alpha] selectively reduced serum and skeletal magnesium content but did not alter ionized calcium, placental calcium transfer, and skeletal calcium content. These findings indicate that calcitonin and CGRP[alpha] are not needed for normal fetal calcium metabolism but may regulate aspects of fetal Mg metabolism. fetus; placental calcium transfer; skeletal mineralization: mineral homeostasis

Abstract Background Complementary feeding is currently recommended after six months of age, when the nutrients in breast milk alone are no longer adequate to support growth. Few studies have examined macro- and micro-nutrient intakes from complementary foods (CF) only. Our purpose was to assess the sources and nutritional contribution of CF over the first year of life. Methods In July 2003, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on a nationally representative sample of mothers with infants aged three to 12 months. The survey was administered evenly across all regions of the country and included a four-day dietary record to assess infants' CF intakes in household (tablespoon) measures (breast milk and formula intakes excluded). Records from 2,663 infants were analyzed for nutrient and CF food intake according to 12 categories. Mean daily intakes for infants at each month of age from CF were pooled and compared to the Dietary Reference Intakes for the respective age range. Results At three months of age, 83% of infants were already consuming infant cereals. Fruits and vegetables were among the most common foods consumed by infants at all ages, while meats were least common at all ages except 12 months. Macro- and micro-nutrient intakes from CF generally increased with age. All mean nutrient intakes, except vitamin D and iron, met CF recommendations at seven to 12 months. Conclusions Complementary foods were introduced earlier than recommended. Although mean nutrient intakes from CF at six to 12 months appear to be adequate among Canadian infants, further attention to iron and vitamin D intakes and sources may be warranted.

Abstract Background Iron supplementation may be associated with oxidative stress particularly in premature infants. Our purpose was to examine 1) early supplemental iron during treatment with erythropoietin (EPO) and oxidative stress; 2) enhanced iron absorption during EPO in those infants receiving human milk. Therefore, we determined the effect of erythropoietin plus supplemental iron intakes (4 mg/kg/d) on antioxidant status and iron incorporation. Methods Ten very-low-birth-weight infants who were enterally fed and receiving either human milk or formula were followed for 4 weeks during erythropoietin therapy; blood and urine were collected at 3 times; baseline, 2 and 4 weeks later. Once oral feeds commenced the study protocol was initiated. After baseline blood collection, a dose of Fe57 was administered. Two weeks later, a dose of Fe58 was administered as ferrous chloride to determine the effect of human-milk or formula on iron incorporation into RBCs. Results Infants started the study at 35 ± 13 days. Incorporation of isotope into RBCs did not differ between formula fed for Fe57 (mean incorporation 8 ± 2.9 n = 3) compared to human-milk fed infants (8.7 ± 5 n = 7) nor for Fe58 (6 ± 2.7 n = 3 vs. 8.6 ± 5 n = 7). Tissue damage measured by malondialdehyde in plasma and F-2 – isoprostanes in urine, did not differ by feed or over time. Neither ability to resist oxidative stress/nor RBC superoxide dismutase differed according to feed or over time. Conclusion Data suggest that during erythropoietin therapy antioxidant defence in VLBW infants are capable of dealing with early supplemental iron during treatment with EPO.

Non-nutritive sweeteners are thought to be useful replacements for caloric sweeteners in sweet food and beverages, since the reduction in energy and carbohydrate intake may lead to health benefits stemming from weight management and glycemic control. However, the potential effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on glucose metabolism and gut hormones have not been determined definitively. Here, the available evidence of the effects of aspartame and sucralose consumption on glucose metabolism and gut hormones is reviewed. A majority of studies have found that consumption of aspartame or sucralose has no effect on concentrations of blood glucose, insulin, or gut hormones; however, 2 trials have shown that aspartame consumption affects glucose, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide 1 concentrations, while only a few trials have shown that sucralose consumption affects glucose, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide 1 concentrations. One study found higher glucose concentrations after sucralose consumption, while 3 studies found lower concentrations and 33 studies found no change in glucose concentrations. Moreover, only 4 studies reported increased concentrations of glucagon-like peptide 1. Three studies reported decreased insulin sensitivity following sucralose consumption, while 1 trial reported an increase in insulin sensitivity. In summary, the evidence from the clinical trials conducted to date is contradictory because of the different protocols used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effect of pure forms of sucralose and aspartame, in doses reflective of commonconsumption, on glucose metabolism. Healthy participants consumed pure forms of a non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) that weremixed with water and standardized to doses of 14% (0.425 g) of the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for aspartame and 20% (0.136 g)of the ADI for sucralose every day for 2 weeks. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for glucose, insulin, active glucagonlikepeptide-1 (GLP-1), and leptin. Seventeen participants (10 females and 7 males; age, 24 �} 6.8 years; body mass index, 22.9 �}2.5 kg/m2) participated in the study. The total area under the curve values of glucose, insulin, active GLP-1 and leptin were similarfor the aspartame and sucralose treatment groups compared with the baseline values in healthy participants. There was nochange in insulin sensitivity after NNS treatment compared with the baseline values. These findings suggest that daily repeatedconsumption of pure sucralose or aspartame for 2 weeks had no effect on glucose metabolism among normoglycaemic adults.However, these results need to be tested in studies with longer durations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Iron is an essential nutrient for normal growth and neurodevelopment of infants. Iron deficiency (ID) remains the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide. There are convincing data that ID is associated with negative effects on neurological and psychomotor development. Objectives: In this review, we provide an overview of current knowledge of the importance of iron in normal term breast-fed infants with a focus on recommendations, metabolism, and iron requirements. Conclusions: Health organizations around the world recommend the introduction of iron-rich foods or iron supplements for growing infants to prevent ID. However, there is no routine screening for ID in infancy. Multicenter trials with long-term follow-up are needed to investigate the association between iron fortification/supplementation and various health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Urinary biomarkers are used in assessment of severe, clinical oxidative stress. Little is known, however, about their diagnostic value within the normative range.Objective: To evaluate the response of urinary thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as indicators of systemic oxidation in response to short-term oral iron and antioxidant supplementation.Methods: Five healthy adult men participated in the pilot study phase and 12 in the definitive intervention trial. For 7 days each, separated by 12-day washouts, the subjects received different treatment regimens, consisting of 120 mg of iron, 120 mg of iron in refined palm oil, and 120 mg of iron in palm oil combined with one of the two doses of Carotino Tocotrienol Carotene Mixed Concentrate (CTCMC). Creatinine-normalized urinary TBARS and 8-OHdG concentrations were quantified in samples taken from subjects with and without active supplementation. Temporal and correlative associations between TBARS and 8-OHdG were explored.Results: Daily intake of supplemental iron failed to produce any increment in urinary excretion of TBARS or 8-OHdG. However, a significant within-individual correlation between the urinary biomarkers was observed (Spearman r = 0.697, p < .0001, n = 466). Both doses of CTCMC significantly lowered urinary excretion of both oxidation indicators.Conclusions: Despite the lack of effect of oral iron on the biomarkers of systemic oxidation, they show a strong and significant mutual association within the nonpathological range of oxidative stress in healthy male adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical screening of digested human milk protein using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORACFL) antioxidant assay confirmed the presence of a peptide fraction (PF23) with high antioxidant activity [5.53 mmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/g] that contained tryptophan as a main component. We evaluated the effects of both PF23 and tryptophan alone on the modulation of oxidative stress in cultured intestinal cells using a dichlorofluorescein diacetate probe. Despite the high ORACFL value, PF23 enhanced (P< 0.05)2, 2′-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (peroxyl radical generator)-induced intracellular oxidation in the Caco-2 human adenocarcinoma cell line, suggesting prooxidant activity. Compared to selected peptide fractions with relatively lower ORACFL values, PF23 induced oxidative stress more than all other peptide fractions tested (P < 0.05) and contained more tryptophan than the others (P < 0.05). Similar prooxidant activity was observed for tryptophan when it was added to culture medium for both the Caco-2 cells and FHs 74 Int primary fetal enterocytes, while also exhibiting a high ORACFL value (9.69 mmol TE/g). The effect of tryptophan that involves activation of the Nrf-2 pathway and transcription of antioxidant enzymes was therefore investigated in FHs 74 Int cells. Exposure of infant intestinal cells to tryptophan resulted in Nrf-2 activation and an increase in the gene transcript level of glutathione peroxidase 2. We conclude that tryptophan-induced oxidative stress associated with tryptophan-containing milk peptides induces an adaptive response that involves the activation of the antioxidant responsive signaling pathway in intestinal cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prophylactic doses of 120mg of iron (Fe) are commonly used to prevent Fe-deficiency anemia in vulnerable populations, especially in developing countries. Evidence shows that residual Fe in the large bowel may alter the normal antioxidant capacity of the fecal stream. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of dietary antioxidants from the Carotino Tocotrienol-Carotene Mixed Concentrate (CTCMC) on the depletion of fecal antioxidant capacity by oral Fe supplementation. In total, 17 healthy male adults participated in the 2 phases of the study, 5 in the pilot study and 12 in the definitive intervention trial. Participants received different treatments, separated by washout periods. These included: 120 mg Fe; 120 mg Fe and refined palm oil (FeOiI); and 120 mg Fe in refined palm oil combined with 1 of 2 dosages (0.4 g and 0.8 g) of CTCMC/5 mL of refined palm oil (CTCB and CTCA treatments, respectively). Fecal samples were collected and analyzed to quantify the products of hydroxyl radical attack on salicylic acid (2,5 dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2,3-dihydrobenzoic acid, and catechol) at baseline and after active supplementation. Fe supplementation in either form (Fe or FeOil treatments) increased the concentrations of hydroxylated compounds in fecal samples. The production of hydroxylated compounds was significantly lower in treatments CTCB and CTCA than in the FeOil reference. Baseline antioxidant capacity state was virtually restored with dietary carotenoids and tocotrienols from the CTCMC. In conclusion, dietary antioxidants can reverse the depletion of fecal antioxidant capacity induced by oral Fe supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Complementary feeding is currently recommended after six months of age, when the nutrients in breast milk alone are no longer adequate to support growth. Few studies have examined macro- and micro-nutrient intakes from complementary foods (CF) only. Our purpose was to assess the sources and nutritional contribution of CF over the first year of life. Methods: In July 2003, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on a nationally representative sample of mothers with infants aged three to 12 months. The survey was administered evenly across all regions of the country and included a four-day dietary record to assess infants' CF intakes in household (tablespoon) measures (breast milk and formula intakes excluded). Records from 2,663 infants were analyzed for nutrient and CF food intake according to 12 categories. Mean daily intakes for infants at each month of age from CF were pooled and compared to the Dietary Reference Intakes for the respective age range. Results: At three months of age, 83% of infants were already consuming infant cereals. Fruits and vegetables were among the most common foods consumed by infants at all ages, while meats were least common at all ages except 12 months. Macro- and micro-nutrient intakes from CF generally increased with age. All mean nutrient intakes, except vitamin D and iron, met CF recommendations at seven to 12 months. Conclusions: Complementary foods were introduced earlier than recommended. Although mean nutrient intakes from CF at six to 12 months appear to be adequate among Canadian infants, further attention to iron and vitamin D intakes and sources may be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dietary energy restriction (ER) offers certain health benefits, particularly when ER is controlled through manipulation of dietary fats. Our hypothesis is that cellular immunity is modulated by dietary ER. Furthermore, we believe that the immune response may differ between spleen and colon because their lymphatic and vascular organization is different. The objective of the study was to test this hypothesis by determining the effects of dietary ER through manipulation of energy intake from high-fat (HF) diets on the expression and frequency of the CD4+ (T-helper/T-inducer) and CD8+ (T-cytotoxic/T-suppressor) cells, CD45RA (B-cell–specific marker), and immunoglobulins (Ig) A-, G-, and M-bearing cells in spleen and colon in rats by immunohistochemical method. Rats fed the HF diet had a significantly (P < .05) reduced number of immune cells as compared with those fed ER diets. Energy-restricted diet–fed rats showed higher (P < .05) numbers of CD4+, CD8+, IgA, IgM, IgG, and CD45RA cells in spleen and CD4+, IgA, and CD45RA cells in colonic lamina propria. The IgA-containing cells were markedly higher in the colon compared with the spleen. No change occurred in the number of IgM- and IgG-containing cells in colonic tissues between groups, except for the 20% ER group where IgM-labeled cells were higher (P < .05) compared with HF and 40% ER groups. These findings suggest that ER may modulate adaptive immune function and that CD4+ and IgA cells may serve as biological indicators for dietary energy-modulated immunoresponse in spleen and colon, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lower body fat percentage is positively associated with climbing performance. This may lead climbers to practice unhealthy diet restriction when no sport-specific nutrition information exists. This study examined whether prolonged diet restriction affects body composition, oxidative stress, or other potential health risks in outdoor rock climbers. Two healthy male climbers conducted a 5 week rock climbing trip with a limited food budget ($1 each per day). Subjects underwent an energy restriction of approximately 40%. Loss of body weight and fat mass at week 5 were 5.8% and 16.1%, respectively, and were accompanied by significant subcutaneous fat loss in the iliac crest and abdomen. Triacylglycerols (TG), free fatty acids and C-reactive protein (CRP) dramatically decreased from baseline to week 2, and then maintained the lower level until week 5. Plasma vitamin C was below the normal range, and F2-isoprostanes, a marker of oxidative stress, continuously increased to week 5. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase increased to week 2, but had returned to baseline levels at week 5. These results indicate that prolonged reduced energy intake while climbing may have an impact on weight loss and fat mass loss, which may contribute to low circulating TG and CRP, indicating improvements in markers of cardiovascular risk, and may lead to increased oxidative stress and reduced circulating antioxidants. Further studies are warranted to determine whether antioxidant supplementation or increased energy intake reduce oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Iron supplementation may be associated with oxidative stress particularly in premature infants. Our purpose was to examine 1) early supplemental iron during treatment with erythropoietin (EPO) and oxidative stress; 2) enhanced iron absorption during EPO in those infants receiving human milk. Therefore, we determined the effect of erythropoietin plus supplemental iron intakes (4 mg/kg/d) on antioxidant status and iron incorporation. Methods: Ten very-low-birth-weight infants who were enterally fed and receiving either human milk or formula were followed for 4 weeks during erythropoietin therapy; blood and urine were collected at 3 times; baseline, 2 and 4 weeks later. Once oral feeds commenced the study protocol was initiated. After baseline blood collection, a dose of Fe57 was administered. Two weeks later, a dose of Fe58 was administered as ferrous chloride to determine the effect of human-milk or formula on iron incorporation into RBCs. Results: Infants started the study at 35 ± 13 days. Incorporation of isotope into RBCs did not differ between formula fed for Fe57 (mean incorporation 8 ± 2.9 n = 3) compared to human-milk fed infants (8.7 ± 5 n = 7) nor for Fe58 (6 ± 2.7 n = 3 vs. 8.6 ± 5 n = 7). Tissue damage measured by malondialdehyde in plasma and F-2 - isoprostanes in urine, did not differ by feed or over time. Neither ability to resist oxidative stress/nor RBC superoxide dismutase differed according to feed or over time. Conclusion: Data suggest that during erythropoietin therapy antioxidant defence in VLBW infants are capable of dealing with early supplemental iron during treatment with EPO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used the calcitonin/calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-α gene knockout model (Ct/Cgrp null) to determine whether calcitonin and CGRPα are required for normal fetal mineral homeostasis and placental calcium transfer. Heterozygous (Ct/Cgrp+/-) and Ct/Cgrp null females were mated to Ct/Cgrp+/- males. One or two days before term, blood was collected from mothers and fetuses and analyzed for ionized Ca, Mg, P, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and calcitonin. Amniotic fluid was collected for Ca, Mg, and P. To quantify skeletal mineral content, fetuses were reduced to ash, dissolved in nitric acid, and analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy for total Ca and Mg. Placental transfer of 45Ca at 5 min was assessed. Ct/Cgrp null mothers had significantly fewer viable fetuses in utero compared with Ct/Cgrp+/- and wild type mothers. Fetal serum Ca, P, and PTH did not differ by genotype, but serum Mg was significantly reduced in null fetuses. Placental transfer of 45Ca at 5 min was normal. The calcium content of the fetal skeleton was normal; however, total Mg content was reduced in Ct/Cgrp null skeletons obtained from Ct/Cgrp null mothers. In summary, maternal absence of calcitonin and CGRPα reduced the number of viable fetuses. Fetal absence of calcitonin and CGRPα selectively reduced serum and skeletal magnesium content but did not alter ionized calcium, placental calcium transfer, and skeletal calcium content. These findings indicate that calcitonin and CGRPα are not needed for normal fetal calcium metabolism but may regulate aspects of fetal Mg metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feeding of colostrum and mother's transitional milk improves immune protection and neurodevelopmental outcomes. It also helps with gut maturation and decreases the risks of infection. The supply of nutrients from human milk (HM) is not adequate for preterm infants, even though preterm mother's milk contains higher concentrations of protein, sodium, zinc, and calcium than mature HM. The human milk fortifiers, particularly those with protein, calcium, and phosphate, should be used to supplement HM to meet the necessities of preterm infants. The management of fluid and electrolytes is a challenging aspect of neonatal care of preterm infants. Trace minerals such as iron, zinc, copper, iodine, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, chromium, and fluoride are considered essential for preterm infants. Vitamins such as A, D, E, and K play an important role in the prevention of morbidities, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, and intraventricular hemorrhage. Therefore, supplementation of HM with required nutrients is recommended for all preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]