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Background Edible insects are a novel source of animal protein. Moreover, edible insects contain iron concentrations similar to meat, potentially making them a valuable iron source for human consumers. Yet, it is unknown to what extent iron from insects is absorbed in humans. Objectives In this exploratory study, we assessed fractional iron absorption from house crickets (Acheta domesticus) consumed with refined (low-phytate, noninhibiting) or nonrefined (high-phytate, inhibiting) meals. Methods Intrinsically [57Fe]-labeled and control crickets were reared. Six iron-balanced experimental meals were randomly administered crossover to 20 iron-depleted females (serum ferritin, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, ISSN:0002-9165, ISSN:1938-3207

Poor vitamin D status impairs bone growth and immune defense in school-aged children and adolescents, particularly in minorities. Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency increases the risk of acute viral respiratory infection, underscoring the need for adequate vitamin D intakes during school sessions when viral exposure may be greatest. We studied available vitamin D–related survey data and published findings based on NHANES (2001–2018) to assess the dependency of vitamin D status {25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]; in nmol/L} on vitamin D intake (μg/d) in elementary school–aged children (4–8 y), middle school children (9–13 y), and high school adolescents (14–18 y). We sought evidence supporting the need for school programs to facilitate vitamin D adequacy. Usual vitamin D intakes from food and beverages by children/adolescents (NHANES 2015–2018) examined at the 50th percentile intake by race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic) showed all age groups consumed less than half of the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for vitamin D (10 μg/d), independent of race/ethnicity. NHANES (2001–2010) analyses show evidence of lower vitamin D status in school-aged children that is linked to lower intakes of fortified milk varying over race/ethnicity and age. Adolescents had lower vitamin D status and milk intake than younger children. A total of 22–44% of vitamin D intakes occurred away from home, with larger percentages of total intakes at breakfast and lunch, at times consistent with school meals. Ever-present inadequate vitamin D intakes with a large percentage consumed away from home together with well-established benefits to growth, bone, and immune defense from enriched vitamin D–fortified milk in school intervention trials provide strong justification to require enriched vitamin D–fortified foods in school meals. An easy to implement plan for improving vitamin D intakes is possible through the FDA's amendment allowing higher vitamin D fortification levels of dairy and plant-based milk alternatives that could increase vitamin D intakes beyond the EAR with just 2 daily servings.

Iron fortification is a very popular practice in several countries, particularly in countries in which a large proportion of the population is suffering from iron deficiency, as in lower-middle-income countries. Food fortification with iron salts is a difficult operation, because most iron complexes (ferrous sulfate, ferrous chloride) are water soluble, which can cause undesirable alterations to the sensory properties of the food carriers. On the other hand, insoluble iron salts (eg, ferric pyrophosphate) do not have an unpleasant taste or color, but their bioavailability is low. These issues can be addressed with iron nanoparticles. The small particle size has been shown to have a significant impact on iron absorption. Iron nanoparticles with smaller particle sizes have more surface area, which improves their solubility in gastric juice and leads to better bioavailability. When compared with water-soluble iron complexes, nano-sized iron compounds generate negligible organoleptic alterations in food carriers. As a result, iron nanoparticles could be potentially used in food fortification to minimize iron-deficiency anemia. This review focuses on the absorption pathway and the toxicity of various forms of iron nanoparticles. In vitro cell studies and animal studies indicate that nano-sized iron particles can be taken up either by the Divalent Metal Transporter 1 pathway or the endocytic pathway. Nano-sized ferric phosphate and iron(III) oxo hydroxide show the most promising results, based on recent studies on fortification. To date, there are insufficient studies on the maximum intake level and potential adverse effects. Further extensive work is essential before introducing nano-iron compounds as food fortificants.

Abstract. Both vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are now well-documented worldwide in relation to human health, and this has raised interest in vitamin D research. The aim of this article is therefore to review the literature on sources of vitamin D. It can be endogenously synthesised under ultraviolet B radiation in the skin, or ingested through dietary supplements and dietary sources, which include food of animal and plant origin, as well as fortified foods. Vitamin D is mainly found in two forms, D3 (cholecalciferol) and D2 (ergocalciferol). In addition to the D3 and D2 forms of vitamin D, 25-hydroxy vitamin D also contributes significantly to dietary vitamin D intake. It is found in many animal-derived products. Fortified food can contain D3 or D2 forms or vitamin D metabolite 25-hydroxy vitamin D. Not many foods are a rich source (> 4 μg/100 g) of vitamin D (D represents D3 and/or D2), e.g., many but not all fish (5–25 μg/100 g), mushrooms (21.1–58.7 μg/100 g), Reindeer lichen (87 μg/100 g) and fish liver oils (250 μg/100 g). Other dietary sources are cheese, beef liver and eggs (1.3–2.9 μg/100 g), dark chocolate (4 μg/100 g), as well as fortified foods (milk, yoghurt, fat spreads, orange juice, breakfast grains, plant-based beverages). Since an adequate intake of vitamin D (15 μg/day set by the European Food Safety Authority) is hard to achieve through diet alone, dietary supplements of vitamin D are usually recommended. This review summarizes current knowledge about different sources of vitamin D for humans.

Calcium intake remains inadequate in many low- and middle-income countries, especially in Africa and South Asia, where average intakes can be below 400 mg/day. Given the vital role of calcium in bone health, metabolism, and cell signaling, countries with low calcium intake may want to consider food-based approaches to improve calcium consumption and bioavailability within their population. This is especially true for those with low calcium intake who would benefit the most, including pregnant women (by reducing the risk of preeclampsia) and children (by reducing calcium-deficiency rickets). Specifically, some animal-source foods that are naturally high in bioavailable calcium and plant foods that can contribute to calcium intake could be promoted either through policies or educational materials. Some food processing techniques can improve the calcium content in food or increase calcium bioavailability. Staple-food fortification with calcium can also be a cost-effective method to increase intake with minimal behavior change required. Lastly, biofortification is currently being investigated to improve calcium content, either through genetic screening and breeding of high-calcium varieties or through the application of calcium-rich fertilizers. These mechanisms can be used alone or in combination based on the local context to improve calcium intake within a population.

This study aimed to apply silkworm pupae (SP) to food product development. The characteristics and sensory acceptance of chicken bread spread fortified with SP at different levels (0%; SP0, 25%; SP25, 50%; SP50, and 75%; SP75) were evaluated. The fat content of the bread spread was significantly increased, whereas the protein content was decreased with increasing levels of SP (p ≤ 0.05). The increased level of SP resulted in the final products being dark in color, as indicated by the significant decrease in L* and the significant increase in a* and b* (p ≤ 0.05). SP50 was accepted by the consumer. Thereafter, the characteristics and sensory acceptance of SP50 with different levels of coconut oil (CO) (100%; SP50-100, 70%; SP50-70, 40%; SP50-40, and 10%; SP50-10 of CO content in the control sample) were studied. The firmness and stickiness increased, whereas TEF decreased with decreasing CO levels, which was related to the decreased spreadability of SP50. SP50-40 obtained satisfactory sensory properties by the consumer. The energy value for SP50-40 was within the normal range for bread spread products. Therefore, SP could be a source of fat and protein for the production of an alternative food product to increase the added value of edible insects.

BACKGROUND The market of innovative foods is developing very dynamically and consumers are paying increasingly more attention to the health properties of the food offered. In addition, many studies on food consumption indicate a deficiency of minerals in the diet and experts suggest that the consumption of fortified functional foods in a selected group of consumers may contribute to the improvement of their health and quality of life. RESULTS The aim of the work was to present the possibility of using bio-waste eggshell as a source of calcium in designing confectionery products. A snack with high calcium (0.567 g Ca kg-1 of product) and fiber (11.44 g kg-1 of product) content and potentially high calcium bioavailability was prepared. The results of the sensory expert-based assessment indicate a high (6-7 conventional units) overall sensory quality (OSQ) of the four flavor versions of the product during up to 3 months storage. In order to accurately illustrate the effect of storage time on the quality of the samples, texture analysis was carried out and the presented results indicate low correlations (r = -0.5554; r = -0.1494) between instrumentally measured hardness and sensory attribute of crispness, as well as hardness and OSQ, respectively. CONCLUSION It is possible to reuse bio-waste eggshells as a calcium-fortifying substance for food design. The addition of powdered eggshells to food is an interesting direction, both for nutritional reasons (high concentration of calcium and optimal bioavailability) and also for environmental protection (reduction of post-production waste). © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

This study evaluated the effect of green banana flour (GBF) consumption on obesity-related conditions in mice fed high-fat diets. GBF was prepared using stage 1 green banana pulp, which was dehydrated and milled. Mice were fed a control diet (n = 20; 10% of energy from lipids) or a high-fat diet (n = 20; 50% of energy from lipids). After 10 weeks, mice were divided into 4 groups based on feed: standard chow (SC; n = 10), standard with 15% GBF (SB; n = 10), high-fat diet (HF; n = 10) and high-fat diet with 15% GBF (HFB; n = 10) for 4 weeks. HFB exhibited lower gains in body weight (–21%; p < 0.01) and in all fat pads (p < 0.01) compared with the HF group. SC, SB, and HFB showed smaller retroperitoneal white adipose tissue diameters (p < 0.001). SB and HFB-treated mice showed lower levels of leptin, IL-6, and TNF-α compared with the SC and HF groups (p < 0.01). In the GBF-fed groups, there was a reduction in the abundance of Firmicutes (SB: –22%; HFB: –23%) and an increase in Bacteroidetes (SB: +25%; HFB: +29%) compared with their counterparts. We demonstrated that GBF consumption attenuated inflammation and improved metabolic status, adipose tissue remodeling, and the gut microbiota profile of obese mice. Novelty: Green banana flour (GBF) consumption, rich in resistant starch, regulates body weight in mice fed high-fat diets. GBF consumption improves fat pad distribution in mice fed high-fat diets. GBF improves obesity-associated systemic inflammation and regulates gut microbiota profile in mice fed high-fat diets.

Food fortification is an effective strategy to address vitamin A (VitA) deficiency, which is the leading cause of childhood blindness and drastically increases mortality from severe infections. However, VitA food fortification remains challenging due to significant degradation during storage and cooking. We utilized an FDA-approved, thermostable, and pH-responsive basic methacrylate copolymer (BMC) to encapsulate and stabilize VitA in microparticles (MPs). Encapsulation of VitA in VitA-BMC MPs greatly improved stability during simulated cooking conditions and long-term storage. VitA absorption was nine times greater from cooked MPs than from cooked free VitA in rats. In a randomized controlled cross-over study in healthy premenopausal women, VitA was readily released from MPs after consumption and had a similar absorption profile to free VitA. This VitA encapsulation technology will enable global food fortification strategies toward eliminating VitA deficiency.

Many plant-derived anti-aging preparations influence antioxidant defense system. Consumption of food supplemented with chili pepper powder was found to extend lifespan in the fruit fly,Flies were reared for 15 days in the mortality cages on food with 0% (control), 0.04%, 0.12%, 0.4%, or 3% chili powder. Antioxidant and related enzymes, as well as oxidative stress indices were measured.Female flies that consumed chili-supplemented food had a 40-60% lower glutathione-Consumption of chili-supplemented food extends lifespan in fruit fly cohorts in a concentration- and gender-dependent manner. However, this extension is not mediated by a strengthening of antioxidant defenses. Consumption of chili-supplemented food does not change the specific relationship between antioxidant and related enzymes in

To evaluate the efficacy of daily supplementation of 200 mL milk fortified with 240 IU of vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). Double-blind randomized controlled trial. School-based study in Delhi between October and December, 2019. 235 healthy children aged 10–14 years. Daily supplementation of 200 mL milk fortified with 240 IU of ergocalciferol in intervention group (n=119) and 200 mL of plain milk in control group (n =116) for 3 months. Change in serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), bone formation and resorption markers, and urinary calcium creatinine ratio (U-Ca/CrR). The mean (SD) baseline serum 25(OH) D level in control and fortification groups was 11.9 (3.8) and 11.4 (3.6) ng/mL (P=0.23), respectively. The serum 25(OH)D levels did not increase post-intervention with the dose used for fortification, but were significantly higher in intervention group as compared to control group [10.8 (3.4) vs 6.7 (3.5) ng/mL; P

This study was carried out to assess the efficacy of sodium iron EDTA (NaFeEDTA) salt-enriched fish powder in addressing iron deficiency in adolescent anaemic girls. This was a 60-day randomised double-blinded, controlled intervention trial involving 123 girls age ranging from 10 to 19 years in three villages of West Jaintia Hills District of State of Meghalaya in India using soup made out of sodium iron EDTA (NaFeEDTA)-enriched fish powder (250 mg/100 g). The influence of the iron-enriched powder on blood haemoglobin levels and serum iron was determined. The research also analysed the food consumed by the study subjects during the study period and it was found that there were no significant differences between the iron-enriched and control groups. The results indicated that the girls predominantly consumed cereals with little fruits, vegetables and meat. On an average, 100 ml of soup prepared out of 10 g of fish powder per day was consumed that theoretically provided about 25 mg of iron each day. Following intervention, all the participants in the group that consumed soup made out of NaFeEDTA-enriched fish powder had significantly higher haemoglobin levels and serum iron and a lower prevalence of anaemia than the control group. The effects of NaFeEDTA salt-enriched fish powder were statistically significant and it can be inferred that NaFeEDTA-enriched fish powder was highly effective in controlling iron deficiency and reducing the prevalence of iron-deficiency anaemia among the adolescent girls.

Folic acid belongs to the group of water-soluble B vitamins and naturally exists in multiple forms in a wide variety of foods such as legumes, vegetables, liver, and milk (Iyer and Tomar, 2009; Lyon et al., 2020). It is involved in many biochemical reactions critical for cell division, such as purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis, DNA/RNA biosynthesis, and amino acid metabolism (Iyer and Tomar, 2009). Mammals cannot synthesize folic acid and thus they must acquire it from food. Although folic acid is ubiquitous in foods, folic acid deficiency still often occurs due to various causes such as unhealthy diet (Hildebrand et al., 2021; Iimura et al., 2022), disease-related malabsorption (Arcot and Shrestha, 2005), medication-related depletion (Arcot and Shrestha, 2005), or vitamin B12 deficiency (Fishman et al., 2000). Folic acid deficiency has been associated with several health problems, such as anemia (Carmel, 2005; Bailey and Caudill, 2012), cancer (Duthie, 1999), cardiovascular diseases (Wald et al., 2002), neural tube defects in newborns (van der Put et al., 2001), neuropsychiatric dysfunction (Shea et al., 2002), depression (Falade et al., 2021), inflammatory diseases (Suzuki and Kunisawa, 2015; Jones et al., 2019), and eye diseases (Sijilmassi, 2019). To prevent folic acid deficiency, its daily intake (400 μg/d) has been recommended for adults in the European Union, and its increased intake (600 μg/d) is advised for women before and during pregnancy (FAO/WHO, 2002; IOM, 2004). The New Zealand government mandated the fortification of non-organic wheat flour with folic acid in July 2021, and the UK government mandated the fortification of non-wholemeal wheat flour with folic acid in September 2021 (Haggarty, 2021).

Meat, except marine sources, is a highly nutritious food but generally lacks some healthy ingredients, such as omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FA) and dietary fiber. However, ω-3 FA and dietary fiber could be incorporated during the manufacture of surimi-like products. In our previous study, chicken surimi was successfully developed from spent-hen breast. Although there was no (P > 0.05) difference in water-holding capacity between wheat fiber and carrageenan, an increased (P < 0.05) flaxseed oil-holding capacity was observed in wheat fiber samples. Furthermore, an addition of 5% wheat fiber resulted in optimal emulsification capacity and less cooking loss at 4°C for 14 d and at -20°C for 60 d (P < 0.05). Because of the lower (P < 0.05) purge and centrifugation losses, thiol group content, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance value than those formulated with more flaxseed oil, 12% flaxseed oil was an optimal level in chicken surimi with 5% wheat fiber. Scanning electron microscopy results also showed better emulsification of surimi batters with wheat fiber compared with those without wheat fiber, and meanwhile, the formulation with 5% wheat fiber could hold up to 12% flaxseed oil as well. To enhance flaxseed-oil addition, semi-manufactured chicken surimi batter was successfully fortified with a combination of 12% flaxseed oil and 5% wheat fiber. This surimi-like product with dietary fiber and ω-3 FA would fit the need in the current market regarding consumers' demands for high nutritional value and improved processing characteristics.

Background Chocolate milk has gained recent scientific support as a recovery drink. However, it is known that high exercise-demand triggers gastrointestinal discomfort which continues post-exercise, thereby hindering this nutritional strategy. In addition, those who are lactose intolerant cannot benefit from a milk-based beverage. Thus, the aim of this preliminary study was to develop a low-fat, lactose-free, and leucine-enriched chocolate cow milk prototype (CML) representing nutrition-related recommendations for football players, as well as assess athletes’ individual subjective outcomes for gastrointestinal complaints and sensorial acceptability in a field-based setting following strenuous team-sport physical demands. Methods This study followed a single group and repeated-measured design with 10 football players (23 ± 2 yrs., 74 ± 14 kg, 174 ± 5 cm) who consumed CML following a 90-min football match simulation protocol (FMP). The total CML intake to achieve 0.150 g leucine·kg [BW]·h− 1 occurred in aliquots of 50, 30 and 20% at 0-, 45- and 75-min post-FMP, respectively. Athletes were evaluated by the prevalence, the type and severity (bloating, nausea, flatulence, and gastric reflux) of gastrointestinal complaints and sensorial acceptability (overall perception, appearance, consistency, and flavour) after drinking each aliquot in a 4-h recovery period. Results The CML showed higher scores for “Product Acceptability Index” (88%) and sensorial acceptability (~ 8 in 9-point hedonic scale). Kendall’s W with bootstrapped resample (95%CI) revealed agreement among respondents as “moderate” (overall perception, flavour) to “strong” (appearance, consistency) and with no significant agreement differences between rater response in the timeline analysis (0.57 up to 0.87; p > 0.05). Agresti-Caffo add-4 analysis (95% confidence interval, [95%CI]) revealed no differences in each time-point analysis versus baseline for athletes classified as having severe gastrointestinal symptoms, but confirmed concern with bloating (three athletes showed a transient response at 2-h and only one continued until 3-h; p = 0.051). Conclusions These preliminary findings suggest that CML presents good taste and high acceptability by the sampled athletes. Thus, CML may be an alternative sport drink for immediate post-workout supplementation to overcome the energy deficit, offer co-ingested leucine, maintain palatability and adherence including lactose intolerance following a team sport-specific fatigue. Trial registration RBR-2vmpz9 , 10/12/2019, retrospectively registered.

Goat milk has a long history of use for human nutrition. There are a number of studies investigating the technofunctional properties and nutritional value of goat milk for production of consumer products such as cheese, yoghurts, and Ultra-high temperature (UHT) milks. Although fresh goat milk was traditionally used for feeding young children, use of goat milk for commercial production of formula for infants or young children has only been considered in the scientific literature since 2000s. In this review, the nutritional science relating to goat milk is discussed from the perspective of infant nutrition. A critical analysis of the scientific data concerning the composition and functional characteristics of goat milk that pertain to infant nutrition is included. From this overview, three key conclusions are possible: (1) there is a range of compositional data to support the application of goat milk for infants, provided it is fortified; (2) goat milk has the potential to influence the gastrointestinal environment differently to cow milk; and (3) the nutritional adequacy of fortified goat milk formula for newborn infants has been confirmed in clinical trials.

Plant-based complementary foods (CFs) supply insufficient amount of nutrients to meet recommended nutrient intakes for 6-23-month-old children. The present study determined the nutritional quality of CFs formulated from blends of Nigerian yellow maize (Zea mays), soybean (Glycine max) and crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). Three CFs were formulated; namely, maize flour (MF, 100:0% w/w), blends of maize and soybean flour (MSF, 72:28% w/w), and maize, soybean and crayfish flour (MSCF, 80:10:10% w/w). Nutritional quality was evaluated using analyses of chemical composition of CFs and of protein quality of complementary food diets. Data were compared by multivariate analysis of variance and significantly differentiated. Nine selected nutritional criteria were used to decide the CF that had best nutritional characteristics compared to MF and fortified wheat flour (FWMF).Total scores obtained from the selected nutritional criteria ranked MSCF, with total score of 15, as the lowest and thus it was considered to have the most desirable nutritional characteristics compared to MF, MSF and FWMF, which had respective total scores of 31, 22 and 20.Conclusively, MSCF may serve as a better alternative CF for MF, MSC and FWMF. The present study has produced a potential alternative cost-effective and adequate CF, formulated from crayfish (P. clarkii) supplementation of locally available blend of yellow maize (Z. mays) and soybean (G. max), for the poor human population, aiming to encourage the consumption of animal-sourced CF for alleviating the prevalence of childhood undernutrition. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

The development of national dietary guidelines promoting healthy food choices is a public health priority in Thailand. In developing the recent national complementary feeding guidelines (CFGs) for 6- to 12-month-old children, mathematical modeling was used to inform decisions. Model parameters were derived from nationally representative dietary data and analyzed for 11 micronutrients by age group, using linear programming analysis in Optifood. Models were run to identify micronutrients whose nutrient reference values could not be met using local foods as consumed (problem nutrients), evaluate the original 2012 Thai CFGs, and predict the nutritional benefits of a specific fortified complementary food. The results identified three problem nutrients (iron, calcium, and zinc), which, for 9- to 11-month-olds, were reduced to one when the fortified food was modeled. The number of servings/week of vegetables and meat, fish or eggs were higher, and of oil and fruit were lower, in the modeled nutritionally best rather than observed diets (medians). When modeled, the original Thai CFGs were not feasible because the energy constraint was exceeded; hence, in revising them, the recommended number of servings/week of oil and fruit were reduced. This study demonstrates the advantages of using mathematical modeling, when revising national CFGs, to evaluate and improve them.

Ferrous ammonium phosphate (FAP) is an iron salt that has been developed for the fortification of food matrices sensitive to color and flavor changes. The objective of the study was to measure iron absorption from FAP in young children and compare it to a previous evaluation of FAP in young women. A double-blind randomized crossover study with two parallel arms was used to evaluate the iron absorption from FAP added to reconstituted milk powder in comparison to that from ferrous sulfate (FeSO4 ) and ferric pyrophosphate (FePP). Iron absorption was measured in 39 children aged 3-to 6-years-old using erythrocyte incorporation of stable Fe isotopes (57Fe,58Fe). The geometric mean iron absorption in iron replete children from FAP, FeSO4 and FePP from milk was 8.3%, 7.6% and 2.1%, respectively. Iron absorption from FAP and FeSO4 fortified milk was not significantly different (p = 0.199); however, it was significantly higher than from FePP fortified milk (p < 0.001). Iron bioavailability from FAP and FePP relative to FeSO4 (relative bioavailability (RBV)) was 110% and 33%, respectively. The RBV of FAP (110%) in iron replete children was higher than previously reported RBV (71%) in mainly iron deficient women. The difference in iron status between the children and women in the respective studies may explain the different RBV values and is discussed., Nutrients, 14 (8)

Background: Childhood malnutrition is an important public health problem. Animal protein provides essential amino acids in a more adequate pattern than plant-based protein. However, the production of sufficient animal-sourced protein to feed the growing world population is a serious challenge. This review aims to explore the evidence on the use of edible insects as an alternative source of protein and micronutrients in complementary foods for children and their potential to address childhood malnutrition. Methods: Searches were conducted in two electronic databases PubMed and Cochrane. The reference lists of included studies were also searched. Results: Twelve studies were included in this review. All insect-enriched formulations (e.g., biscuits, cereals, porridge, paste, etc.) exceeded the daily recommended amount of protein and fat for children’s complementary foods and showed good acceptability. Only two studies assessed the efficacy of insect-enriched foods on nutritional indicators and found no effect on the reduction of stunting and wasting. However, one study found improvements in the haemoglobin levels and fewer cases of anaemia in the intervention group. Conclusions: Insect-enriched complementary foods for children are safe, acceptable and have the potential to tackle micronutrient deficiencies. More studies are needed to examine their effect on nutritional status in children.

ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of fortification of human milk with human milk-based fortifier versus cow’s milk-based fortifier for use in preterm and/or very low birthweight infants.DesignRandomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing the effect of human milk fortification with human milk-based milk fortifier versus cow’s milk-based fortifier in infants born Main outcome measuresNecrotising enterocolitis (Bell’s stage II or higher) and late-onset sepsis.ResultsOf 863 unique records identified, 16 full-text trials were screened and 2 trials involving 334 infants were included. Primary outcome data were available for 332 infants. Use of human milk-based fortifier compared with cow’s milk-based fortifier reduced the risk of necrotising enterocolitis (risk ratio 0.47, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.98). There was no clear evidence of an effect on late-onset sepsis or any other outcomes. The quality of evidence was low to very low due to imprecision and lack of blinding in one study.ConclusionsFindings suggest that there is a reduction in the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis with human milk-based fortifiers compared with cow’s milk-based fortifiers. The overall quality of evidence is low. Further appropriately powered trials are required before this intervention can be routinely recommended for preterm infants.

The hypothesis of the study was that feeding a relatively low amount of Se biofortified alfalfa hay during the dry period and early lactation would improve selenium status and glutathione peroxidase activity in dairy cows and their calves. Ten Jersey and 8 Holstein primiparous dairy cows were supplemented with Se biofortified (TRT; n = 9) or non-biofortified (CTR; n = 9) alfalfa hay at a rate of 1 kg/100 kg of BW mixed with the TMR from 40 d prior parturition to 2 weeks post-partum. Se concentration in whole blood, liver, milk, and colostrum, the transfer of Se to calves, and the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were assessed. TRT had 2-fold larger (P < 0.05) Se in blood v. CTR that resulted in larger Se in liver and colostrum but not milk and larger GPx activity in plasma and erythrocytes but not in milk. Compared to CTR, calves from TRT had larger Se in blood but only a numerical (P = 0.09) larger GPx activity in plasma. A positive correlation was detected between Se in the blood and GPx activity in erythrocytes and plasma in cows. Our results demonstrated that feeding pregnant primiparous dairy cows with a relatively low amount of Se-biofortified alfalfa hay is an effective way to increase Se in the blood and liver, leading to greater antioxidant activity via GPx. The same treatment was effective in improving Se concentration in calves but had a modest effect on their GPx activity. Feeding Se biofortified hay increased Se concentration in colostrum but not in milk.

This study investigated the effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus–fortified diets on growth performance, antioxidant profiles, and immunity-related gene expressions of common carp, Cyprinus carpio juveniles. Four isonitrogenous diets containing 0, 102, 104, or 106 cfu/mL/kg L. acidophilus were fed to 240 Cyprinus carpio juveniles (mean = 21.34 ± 1.85 g), allotted to 12 rectangular tanks in a completely randomized designed at 3% body weight for 56 days. Growth performance and nutrient utilization were evaluated using standard procedures. Intestinal villi were measured, antioxidant profiles were evaluated from blood sera, and immunity-related gene expressions were evaluated. The results revealed that fish fed dietary 106 had significantly higher weight gain, SGR, feed intake, and lower FCR. Also, villi length, width, and areas of absorption were significantly improved in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, innate immune profiles, superoxide dismutase, catalase, respiratory bust activity as well as transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), interleukin 8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) were significantly stimulated. This study evoked that Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation enhanced better growth performance, improved antioxidant profiles, and modulated expression of immune-related genes of common carp, Cyprinus carpio, than the fish fed control diet. Results show that fish fed fortified diets had better growth performance, improved antioxidant profiles, and modulated expression of immune-related genes.

BACKGROUND Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is an important health burden in most developing countries mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, where it contributes to high rates of child morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated the efficacy of compositing with snail meat powder (SMP) on protein nutritional quality of sorghum-wheat buns using a rat bioassay. Nine diets -seven isonitrogenous diets, based on six variations of buns and a reference diet made using skimmed milk powder, in addition to the basal diet meant to estimate the endogenous nitrogen excretion and a 16% protein rehabilitation diet - were fed to male weanling albino rats. Protein efficiency ratio (PER), and food efficiency ratio (FER), net protein retention ratio (NPRR), apparent protein digestibility (APD), and true protein digestibility (TPD), protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS), and digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS) indices of protein quality were determined. RESULTS Fortification with SMP significantly (P

The objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction of pro-vitamin A-rich sweet potato on iron bioavailability of biofortified cowpeas, using in vitro Caco-2 cells and in vivo depletion-repletion rat model. Mixtures of conventional rice with cultivars of iron-biofortified (Aracê, Xiquexique, and Tumucumaque) or conventional (Guariba) cowpeas with or without sweet potato biofortified with pro-vitamin A carotenoids were evaluated. The ratio of ferritin/total protein in Caco-2 cells was used as the index of cellular Fe uptake in the in vitro assay. The animal study evaluated the hemoglobin gain, the relative biological value, and the gene expression of transferrin and ferritin proteins by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In the in vitro study, Xiquexique cowpea presented higher bioavailability of iron in the absence of sweet potato, and no difference was observed between the other cultivars of cowpea with and without sweet potato. The in vivo bioavailability (relative biological value of hemoglobin regeneration efficiency) differed statistically only between Guariba groups added to sweet potato and Tumucumaque. Ferritin mRNA expression did not differ between the test and control (ferrous sulfate) groups. Regarding the transferrin mRNA expression, there was a difference between the test and control groups except for the Xiquexique group. The association of rice and beans with sweet potato rich in carotenoids favored the gene expression of proteins involved in the iron metabolism, as well as its bioavailability, corroborating beneficial effects of this mixture. Xiquexique cowpea was shown to be the most promising compared to the other cultivars, exhibiting higher iron content in the digestible fraction, better in vitro bioavailability of iron, and transferrin gene expression. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Data from the study indicated greater in vitro bioavailability of iron for Xiquexique cowpea and sweet potato mixtures, in addition to the greater regeneration efficiency of hemoglobin in vivo as the bioavailability of iron among biofortified beans, highlighting the promising benefits of biofortification.

Part of the studies involved in safety assessment of genetically engineered crops includes characterizing the organization, integrity, and stability of the inserted DNA and evaluating the potential allergenicity and toxicity of newly-expressed proteins. Molecular characterization of the introduced DNA in provitamin A biofortified rice event GR2E confirmed insertion of a single copy of the transfer-DNA in the genome and its inheritance as a single locus. Nucleotide sequencing of the inserted DNA confirmed it was introduced without modifications. The phytoene synthase, and carotene desaturase proteins did not display sequence similarity with allergens or toxins. Both proteins were rapidly digested in simulated gastric fluid and their enzymatic activity was inhibited upon heat treatment. Acute oral toxicity testing of the protein in mice demonstrated lack of adverse effects. These evidences substantiated the lack of any identifiable hazards for both proteins and in combination with other existing comparative analyses provided assurance that food derived from this rice is safe. This conclusion is in line with those of the regulatory agencies of US Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada and Food Standard Australia and New Zealand.

Folate deficiency is accompanied by gut dysbacteriosis. To understand dietary intervention in folate deficiency, a folate-deficient rat model was used to evaluate the modulatory effects of folate-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and biofortified yogurt on gut dysbacteriosis. The high folate-producing strain was screened from 12 LABs, and its variant, namely Lactobacillus plantarum GSLP-7 V, with folate productivity in yogurt at 3.72 μg mL-1, was obtained by stressing with 5.0 mg L-1 methotrexate and 100.00 mg L-1 Ca2+. To our knowledge, this is the highest folate productivity in yogurt by LAB strains ever reported. To further examine the folate supplement effect in vivo, a folate-deficient rat model was established and fed a folate-free diet for 8 weeks. Also, the effects of L. plantrum GSLP-7 V, yogurt fermented with L. plantrum GSLP-7 V, plain yogurt, and chemical folic acid on folate deficiency and gut dysbacteriosis were examined. Analysis of the change in gut microbiota showed that the gut dysbacteriosis was significantly correlated with folate deficiency. Administration of L. plantrum GSLP-7 V and its fermented yogurt for 10 days restored the disrupted gut microbiota and recovered the serum folate and homocysteine to normal levels, while chemical folic acid worsened the gut dysbacteriosis. Chemical folic acid only enriched Akkermansia, while L. plantrum GSLP-7 V and its fermented yogurt modulated the gut microbiota comprehensively through 7 and 10 key genera, respectively. This study confirmed the effectiveness of dietary intervention with folate-biofortified yogurt through modulating gut microbiota, suggesting the potential of the folate-producing LAB as an agent for the treatment of folate-deficiency related diseases.

This study for the first time used

Globally, many developing countries are facing silent epidemics of nutritional deficiencies in human beings and animals. The lack of diversity in diet, i.e., cereal-based crops deficient in mineral nutrients is an additional threat to nutritional quality. The present review accounts for the significance of biofortification as a process to enhance the productivity of crops and also an agricultural solution to address the issues of nutritional security. In this endeavor, different innovative and specific biofortification approaches have been discussed for nutrient enrichment of field crops including cereals, pulses, oilseeds and fodder crops. The agronomic approach increases the micronutrient density in crops with soil and foliar application of fertilizers including amendments. The biofortification through conventional breeding approach includes the selection of efficient genotypes, practicing crossing of plants with desirable nutritional traits without sacrificing agricultural and economic productivity. However, the transgenic/biotechnological approach involves the synthesis of transgenes for micronutrient re-translocation between tissues to enhance their bioavailability. Soil microorganisms enhance nutrient content in the rhizosphere through diverse mechanisms such as synthesis, mobilization, transformations and siderophore production which accumulate more minerals in plants. Different sources of micronutrients viz. mineral solutions, chelates and nanoparticles play a pivotal role in the process of biofortification as it regulates the absorption rates and mechanisms in plants. Apart from the quality parameters, biofortification also improved the crop yield to alleviate hidden hunger thus proving to be a sustainable and cost-effective approach. Thus, this review article conveys a message for researchers about the adequate potential of biofortification to increase crop productivity and nourish the crop with additional nutrient content to provide food security and nutritional quality to humans and livestock.

Naturally occurring milk compounds have recently been investigated for their health-promoting properties; in fact, their anti-microbial, immuno-modulatory, antioxidant and anti-thrombotic activities, have increasingly gained interest within the scientific community. We have reported a translational, randomized, controlled clinical trial (RCT) on human subjects with a moderate to high cardiovascular risk, and a body mass index (BMI) >25.1 kg/m2, to evaluate the clinical impact of biomolecules-enriched Mediterranean Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) milk and its derived dairy foods, produced with innovative breeding techniques. The experimental arm involved patients that followed a diet including the above-described products (treated group; n= 11); the control arm was based on a diet including cow milk and its dairy products (control group; n= 9). The results of this study have been statistically evaluated, pointing out a specific significance related to the comparative analysis of the blood pressure among the 2 arms; in fact, this value showed a significant improvement in an extremely short experimental time. Nevertheless, this study also reported not-significant results that were indicative of an interesting and promising tendency in modulating specific diet-depending haematological and biomedical values. In conclusion, this RCT has assessed that the foods derived from buffalo milk naturally enriched with biomolecules, was able to improve the overall blood glucose levels, the BMI and the body weight. These preliminary results are suitable for the design of future strategies in the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases, thus improving the overall quality of life and the policies of healthcare management.

Vitamin D is a key nutrient for health. Recent research has shown that it is not only necessary for the maintenance of bone health, but also for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance, respiratory diseases, infections, and cancer, among others. Solar synthesis of vitamin D is usually insufficient, so it is necessary to provide enough vitamin D through the diet in order to maintain an adequate nutritional status. Studies carried out in Spain and other countries have shown that serum levels of the vitamin were usually insufficient and that average dietary intakes were well below those marked as recommended, while the main food sources of vitamin D were fatty fish, breakfast cereals, eggs, and dairy. Food sources of vitamin D are scarce, and it is naturally located in the fatty part of foods of animal origin, and in the liver and viscera. Fortifying foods that are not natural food sources of vitamin D but are regularly consumed by a significant percentage of the population, is a strategy that could help to increase vitamin D intake. In this regard, dairy products and breakfast cereals are two of the most widely used food matrices for vitamin D fortification, and their incorporation into the usual diet has proven to be an effective strategy to improve the nutritional situation of the population in vitamin D.La vitamina D es clave en la salud y sus funciones se relacionan con el mantenimiento de la salud ósea, cardiovascular, la resistencia a la insulina, enfermedades respiratorias, infecciones y cáncer, entre otras. La síntesis solar de la vitamina D es con frecuencia insuficiente, por lo que para mantener un estatus adecuado de la vitamina es necesario que se aporten cantidades suficientes con la dieta. Los estudios realizados en España y en otros países muestran que los niveles séricos de la vitamina son con frecuencia insuficientes y que las ingestas dietéticas medias se encuentran muy por debajo de las marcadas como recomendadas. Las principales fuentes alimentarias de la vitamina D son los pescados grasos, los cereales de desayuno, los huevos y los lácteos. Las fuentes alimentarias de vitamina D son escasas y se encuentra especialmente en la parte grasa de alimentos de origen animal, en hígados y en vísceras. El enriquecimiento de alimentos que de forma natural no tienen un elevado contenido en vitamina D, pero que son consumidos habitualmente por un porcentaje significativo de la población, es una estrategia que ayuda a aumentar su ingesta. En este sentido, los lácteos y los cereales de desayuno son dos de las matrices alimentarias más utilizadas y su incorporación en la dieta habitual ha demostrado ser una estrategia eficaz para mejorar la situación nutricional de la población respecto a la vitamina D.

Background: Human milk does not meet the nutritional needs to support optimal growth of very preterm infants during the first weeks of life. Nutrient fortifiers are therefore added to human milk, though these products are suspected to increase gut dysmotility. The objective was to evaluate whether fortification with bovine colostrum (BC) improves bowel habits compared to a conventional fortifier (CF) in very preterm infants. Methods: In an unblinded, randomized study, 242 preterm infants (26–31 weeks of gestation) were randomized to receive BC (BC, Biofiber Damino, Gesten, Denmark) or CF (FM85 PreNAN, Nestlé, Vevey, Switzerland) as a fortifier. Stools (Amsterdam Stool Scale), bowel gas restlessness, stomach appearance score, volume, and frequency of gastric residuals were recorded before each meal until 35 weeks post-menstrual age. Results: As intake of fortifiers increased, stools became harder in both groups (p < 0.01) though less in BC infants (p < 0.05). The incidence of bowel gas restlessness increased with laxative treatments and days of fortification in both groups (p < 0.01), but laxatives were prescribed later in BC infants (p < 0.01). With advancing age, stomach appearance scores improved, but more so in BC infants (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Although there are limitations, a minimally processed, bioactive milk product such as BC induced similar or slightly improved bowel habits in preterm infants.

Background A highly soluble iron–casein complex has been developed for food fortification purposes with the aim to provide high iron bioavailability. Objective We aimed to determine the iron bioavailability of the iron–casein complex relative to that of ferrous sulfate (control) when given with whole milk in healthy young women. Methods A randomized comparator-controlled trial with a crossover design was conducted using the erythrocyte incorporation dual stable isotope (57Fe, 58Fe) technique. Iron absorption from the iron–casein complex was compared with that from ferrous sulfate in 21 healthy women aged 20–38 y with normal iron status. Results Fractional iron absorption (geometric mean; −SD, +SD) from the iron–casein complex (3.4%; 1.4%, 5.4%) and from ferrous sulfate (3.9%; 1.7%, 6.1%) were not statistically different (P > 0.05). The relative bioavailability value of the iron–casein complex to ferrous sulfate was determined to be 0.87 (−1 SD, +1 SD: −0.90, +2.64). Conclusions The iron–casein complex has iron bioavailability comparable to that of ferrous sulfate in healthy young women. This trial was registered at www.anzctr.org.au as ACTRN12615000690550.

The study aimed to explore the effects of fortified fermented rice-acid on the antioxidant capacity of mouse serum and the gut microbiota. Hair characteristics, body mass index, intestinal villus height, intestinal crypt depth, serum antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota of mice were first measured and the correlation between the antioxidant capacity of mouse serum and the gut microbiota was then explored. The mice in the lactic acid bacteria group (L-group), the mixed bacteria group (LY-group), and the rice soup group (R-group) kept their weight well and had better digestion. The mice in the L-group had the better hair quality (dense), but the hair quality in the R-group and the yeast group (Y-group) was relatively poor (sparse). In addition, the inoculation of Lactobacillus paracasei H4-11 (L. paracasei H4-11) and Kluyveromyces marxianus L1-1 (K. marxianus L1-1) increased the villus height/crypt depth of the mice (3.043 ± 0.406) compared to the non-inoculation group (R-group) (2.258 ± 0.248). The inoculation of L. paracasei H4-11 and K. marxianus L1-1 in fermented rice-acid enhanced the blood antioxidant capacity of mouse serum (glutathione 29.503 ± 6.604 umol/L, malonaldehyde 0.687 ± 0.125 mmol/L, catalase 15.644 ± 4.618 U/mL, superoxide dismutase 2.292 ± 0.201 U/mL). In the gut microbiota of L-group and LY-group, beneficial microorganisms (Lactobacillus and Blautia) increased, but harmful microorganisms (Candidatus Arthromitus and Erysipelotrichales) decreased. L. paracasei H4-11 and K. marxianus L1-1 might have a certain synergistic effect on the improvement in antibacterial function since they reduced harmful microorganisms in the gut microbiota of mice. The study provides the basis for the development of fortified fermented rice-acid products for regulating the gut microbiota and improving the antioxidant capacity.

The exposure and harm of arsenic have attracted wide attention. Rice is an arsenic-rich crop. The purpose of this study was to learn the distribution of arsenic species and the pathological changes in tissues of mice exposed to arsenic-supplemented food simulating rice. Test groups of mice were orally exposed with prepared arsenic feeds supplemented with four arsenic species (arsenite iAsIII, arsenate iAsV, monomethylarsonate MMA, and dimethylarsinate DMA) at three doses (total As concentration: 0.91, 9.1 and 30 μg/g), which simulated the arsenic species ratio in rice. After 112 days, the concentrations of the arsenic species in the spleen, thymus, heart, skin and hair were detected, and histopathology of the spleen, heart and skin was observed. Each arsenic species was detected and their total concentration increased in a dose-dependent manner with a few exceptions. One interesting phenomenon is that ratio of the organic arsenic to inorganic arsenic also increased in a dose-dependent manner. For the other, the order of tissues from high to low arsenic concentration was the same in the medium- and high-dose groups. The histopathological sections of the spleen, heart and skin showed dose-dependent debilitating alterations in tissue architecture. Hyperplasia, hyaline degeneration and sclerosis of fibrous connective tissue occurred in the spleen. Myocardial cell atrophy and interstitial edema occurred in the heart. Hyperpigmentation, hyperkeratosis and atypia of basal cells occurred in the skin. In summary, the long-term intake of high arsenic rice has a health risk. Further studies are needed to assess it.

Hen breed, diet enrichment, cooking methods, and gastrointestinal (GI) digestion modulates the bioaccessibility of the bioactive compounds in eggs, but their synergistic role in modulating bioactivity is still unclear. The present study evaluates the effect of hen breed, diet enrichment, and GI digestion on the cooked whole egg-derived peptides in-vitro antioxidant and antihypertensive activities. Standard and enriched whole eggs from White Leghorn (WLH) and Rhode Island Red (RIR) hens were boiled or fried and subjected to GI digestion. Antioxidant activity was measured through oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and gastrointestinal epithelial cell-based assays, and the antihypertensive capacity by in-vitro Angiotensin-I Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibition assay. WLH fried standard egg hydrolysate showed a high ORAC antioxidant activity but failed to show any significant antioxidant effect in the cell-based assay. No significant differences were observed in the antihypertensive activity, although enriched samples tended to have a higher ACE-inhibitory capacity. The peptide profile explained the antioxidant capacities based on antioxidant structural requirements from different peptide fractions, while previously reported antihypertensive peptides were found in all samples. The study validates the importance of physiologically relevant models and requires future studies to confirm mechanisms that yield bioactive compounds in whole egg hydrolysates.

This was a retrospective, descriptive study where human milk-derived fortifier (HMDF) was used to rescue infants intolerant to cow's milk-derived fortifier (CMDF). Rescue therapy was used for newborns with feed intolerance, systemic symptoms, or thrombocytosis. In a total of 412 very preterm infants (gestational age ≤ 32 wk) admitted to NICU during the study period, 14 infants met the rescue protocol inclusion criteria. The mean gestational age of these 14 infants was 29.2 ± 1.2 wk and birth weight was 1161 ± 201 g. All the infants who received rescue protocol by changing over to HMDF tolerated feeds well and showed a positive growth trend. Four infants had thrombocytosis, out of which 2 infants had elevated platelet count even with HMDF. Premature infants with intolerance to CMDF were effectively managed using HMDF as a rescue protocol. Infants tolerated HMDF well and showed positive growth trends till the discharge.

Background Anaemia is a prevalent health problem worldwide. Some types are preventable or controllable with iron supplementation (pills or drops), fortification (sprinkles or powders containing iron added to food) or improvements to dietary diversity and quality (e.g. education or counselling). Objectives To summarise the evidence from systematic reviews regarding the benefits or harms of nutrition-specific interventions for preventing and controlling anaemia in anaemic or non-anaemic, apparently healthy populations throughout the life cycle. Methods In August 2020, we searched MEDLINE, Embase and 10 other databases for systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in anaemic or non-anaemic, apparently healthy populations. We followed standard Cochrane methodology, extracting GRADE ratings where provided. The primary outcomes were haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, anaemia, and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA); secondary outcomes were iron deficiency (ID), severe anaemia and adverse effects (e.g. diarrhoea, vomiting). Main results We included 75 systematic reviews, 33 of which provided GRADE assessments; these varied between high and very low. Infants (6 to 23 months; 13 reviews) Iron supplementation increased Hb levels and reduced the risk of anaemia and IDA in two reviews. Iron fortification of milk or cereals, multiple-micronutrient powder (MMNP), home fortification of complementary foods, and supplementary feeding increased Hb levels and reduced the risk of anaemia in six reviews. In one review, lipid-based nutrient supplementation (LNS) reduced the risk of anaemia. In another, caterpillar cereal increased Hb levels and IDA prevalence. Food-based strategies (red meat and fortified cow's milk, beef) showed no evidence of a difference (1 review). Preschool and school-aged children (2 to 10 years; 8 reviews) Daily or intermittent iron supplementation increased Hb levels and reduced the risk of anaemia and ID in two reviews. One review found no evidence of difference in Hb levels, but an increased risk of anaemia and ID for the intermittent regime. All suggested that zinc plus iron supplementation versus zinc alone, multiple-micronutrient (MMN)-fortified beverage versus control, and point-of-use fortification of food with iron-containing micronutrient powder (MNP) versus placebo or no intervention may increase Hb levels and reduce the risk of anaemia and ID. Fortified dairy products and cereal food showed no evidence of a difference on the incidence of anaemia (1 review). Adolescent children (11 to 18 years; 4 reviews) Compared with no supplementation or placebo, five types of iron supplementation may increase Hb levels and reduce the risk of anaemia (3 reviews). One review on prevention found no evidence of a difference in anaemia incidence on iron supplementation with or without folic acid, but Hb levels increased. Another suggested that nutritional supplementation and counselling reduced IDA. One review comparing MMN fortification with no fortification observed no evidence of a difference in Hb levels. Non-pregnant women of reproductive age (19 to 49 years; 5 reviews) Two reviews suggested that iron therapy (oral, intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM)) increased Hb levels; one showed that iron folic acid supplementation reduced anaemia incidence; and another that daily iron supplementation with or without folic acid or vitamin C increased Hb levels and reduced the risk of anaemia and ID. No review reported interventions related to fortification or dietary diversity and quality. Pregnant women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years; 23 reviews) One review apiece suggested that: daily iron supplementation with or without folic acid increased Hb levels in the third trimester or at delivery and in the postpartum period, and reduced the risk of anaemia, IDA and ID in the third trimester or at delivery; intermittent iron supplementation had no effect on Hb levels and IDA, but increased the risk of anaemia at or near term and ID, and reduced the risk of side effects; vitamin A supplementation alone versus placebo, no intervention or other micronutrient might increase maternal Hb levels and reduce the risk of maternal anaemia; MMN with iron and folic acid versus placebo reduced the risk of anaemia; supplementation with oral bovine lactoferrin versus oral ferrous iron preparations increased Hb levels and reduced gastrointestinal side effects; MNP for point-of-use fortification of food versus iron and folic acid supplementation might decrease Hb levels at 32 weeks' gestation and increase the risk of anaemia; and LNS versus iron or folic acid and MMN increased the risk of anaemia. Mixed population (all ages; 22 reviews) Iron supplementation versus placebo or control increased Hb levels in healthy children, adults, and elderly people (4 reviews). Hb levels appeared to increase and risk of anaemia and ID decrease in two reviews investigating MMN fortification versus placebo or no treatment, iron fortified flour versus control, double fortified salt versus iodine only fortified salt, and rice fortification with iron alone or in combination with other micronutrients versus unfortified rice or no intervention. Each review suggested that fortified versus non-fortified condiments or noodles, fortified (sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate; NaFeEDTA) versus non-fortified soy sauce, and double-fortified salt versus control salt may increase Hb concentration and reduce the risk of anaemia. One review indicated that Hb levels increased for children who were anaemic or had IDA and received iron supplementation, and decreased for those who received dietary interventions. Another assessed the effects of foods prepared in iron pots, and found higher Hb levels in children with low-risk malaria status in two trials, but no difference when comparing food prepared in non-cast iron pots in a high-risk malaria endemicity mixed population. There was no evidence of a difference for adverse effects. Anaemia and malaria prevalence were rarely reported. No review focused on women aged 50 to 65 years plus or men (19 to 65 years plus). Authors' conclusions Compared to no treatment, daily iron supplementation may increase Hb levels and reduce the risk of anaemia and IDA in infants, preschool and school-aged children and pregnant and non-pregnant women. Iron fortification of foods in infants and use of iron pots with children may have prophylactic benefits for malaria endemicity low-risk populations. In any age group, only a limited number of reviews assessed interventions to improve dietary diversity and quality. Future trials should assess the effects of these types of interventions, and consider the requirements of different populations.

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is estimated to affect over one billion (17%) of the world’s population. Zn plays a key role in various cellular processes such as differentiation, apoptosis, and proliferation, and is used for vital biochemical and structural processes in the body. Widely used biomarkers of Zn status include plasma, whole blood, and urine Zn, which decrease in severe Zn deficiency; however, accurate assessment of Zn status, especially in mild to moderate deficiency, is difficult, as studies with these biomarkers are often contradictory and inconsistent. Thus, sensitive and specific biological markers of Zn physiological status are still needed. In this communication, we provide the Zn status index (ZSI) concept, which consists of a three-pillar formula: (1) the LA:DGLA ratio, (2) mRNA gene expression of Zn-related proteins, and (3) gut microbiome profiling to provide a clear assessment of Zn physiological status and degree of Zn deficiency with respect to assessing dietary Zn manipulation. Analysis of five selected studies found that with lower dietary Zn intake, erythrocyte LA:DGLA ratio increased, mRNA gene expression of Zn-related proteins in duodenal and liver tissues was altered, and gut microbiota populations differed, where the ZSI, a statistical model trained on data from these studies, was built to give an accurate estimation of Zn physiological status. However, the ZSI needs to be tested and refined further to determine its full potential.

Previous reviews of the effect of young child formulas on health outcomes in infants and toddlers have been inconclusive. In this study, we undertook a contemporary synthesis of studies investigating the effects of consuming fortified milk beverages (compared to cow’s milk or unfortified comparator formula) on growth and/or nutritional status in children 1–3 years of age. Five electronic databases were searched (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, and Cochrane Library) for randomised controlled trials comparing fortified milk against control milk in young children (9–48 months), published between January 1990 and June 2022. Outcomes were growth, body composition, biochemical markers, and/or nutritional status. Mean differences (MD) were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis where there were ≥3 studies. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Nineteen articles (12 studies; n = 4795) met the inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity was substantial, likely attributable to considerable variation in study characteristics. Fortified milk was associated with increased weight gain (MD = 0.14 kg [95% CI 0.06, 021], p = 0.0003) compared with control milk. Subgroup analyses demonstrated increases in weight in lower-income countries, and in studies with intervention periods > 6 months. There were no effects of fortified milks on other anthropometric measures. Haemoglobin (MD = 3.76 g/L [95% CI 0.17, 7.34], p = 0.04) and ferritin (MD = 0.01 nmol/L [95% CI 0.00, 0.02], p = 0.02) concentrations were increased in infants consuming fortified milks. Fortified milk beverages appear to offer a safe and acceptable source of complementary nutrition as a short-term strategy for addressing nutritional deficits and may modestly promote weight gain in vulnerable populations when provided for periods > 6 months. This study was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022339920) and funded by the Infant Nutrition Council.

Fortification of human milk (HM) is often necessary to meet the nutritional requirements of preterm infants. This study sought to establish whether HM supplemented with an experimental donkey milk-derived fortifier (DMF) or a commercial bovine milk-derived fortifier (BMF) affected digestion, using an in vitro dynamic system at the preterm stage. Particle size in gastric phase was higher in DMF than in BMF, due to protein aggregates surrounding lipid globules. Before digestion, BMF, with its extensively hydrolysed proteins, had a higher degree of proteolysis (30%) than DMF (11%), which contained intact proteins. After digestion, this difference was reduced concomitantly to a similar net degree of proteolysis (33%). DMF, with a higher proportion of ω3, resulted in a lower ω6/ω3 free PUFA ratio than BMF throughout digestion, although the final degree of lipolysis was similar (54%). In summary, DMF could represent a better source of proteins and lipids for the preterm infant.

Nutrient fortifiers are added to human milk to support the development of very-low-birth-weight infants. Currently, bovine-milk-based fortifiers (BMBFs) are predominantly administered, with increasing interest in adopting human-milk-based fortifiers (HMBFs). Although beneficial for growth, their effects on the gastrointestinal microbiota are unclear. This triple-blind, randomized clinical trial (NCT02137473) tested how nutrient-enriching human milk with HMBF versus BMBF affects the gastrointestinal microbiota of infants born 1,250 g during hospitalization. HMBF-fed infants (n = 63, n = 269 stools) showed lower microbial diversity, altered microbial community structure, and changes in predicted microbial functions compared with BMBF-fed infants (n = 56, n = 239 stools). HMBF-fed infants had higher relative and normalized abundances of unclassified Enterobacteriaceae and lower abundances of Clostridium sensu stricto. Post hoc analyses identified dose-dependent relationships between individual feed components (volumes of mother's milk, donor milk, and fortifiers) and the microbiota. These results highlight how nutrient fortifiers impact the microbiota of very-low-birth-weight infants during a critical developmental window.

Ferrous sulfate nanoparticles (FSNPs) were synthesized and characterized to mitigate the undesirable effects of ferrous sulfate bulk particles (FSBPs) as a supplement or fortificant in health/food industries.The toxicity of FSNPs and FSBPs was evaluated against AGS, PLC/PRF/5, and HGF1-PI 1 cell lines. Then, Wistar rats were fed three levels of FSNPs and FSBPs fortified-bread. Growth performance, hematological parameters, and histopathological changes in treated rats were assessed after 21 days.High concentrations of FSNPs (3.125 and 6.25 mM) increased the necrosis of AGS cells. A low level of FSNPs (1.57 mM) did not affect the viability of cells after 72 h. Fibroblasts did not show apoptosis and necrosis after exposing 1.57 mM of FSNPs. In rats, 9 mg elemental iron of FSNPs/day enhanced hemoglobin, PCV, and ferritin values and increased the body weight gain (p 0.05). FSNPs fortified-bread induced no clinical symptom or histopathological lesion in rats.FSNPs affect cells in a dose-dependent manner. The results indicate that FSNPs at the low level do not have adverse effects on normal fibroblasts and rats. Significant weight gain in rats having a low level of FSNPs compared to the FSBPs indicates the negligible toxicity of FSNPs at low concentrations.

Vitamin D is essential in assuring bone health at all stages of life, but its non-skeletal effects are also essential: This vitamin impacts the physiology of the immune system, skeletal muscles and adipose tissue, glucose metabolism, skin, cardiovascular and reproductive systems, neuro-cognitive functions and cell division. The incidence of vitamin D deficiency is widespread worldwide, at any age, in young and healthy subjects, as well as in pregnant women and the elderly population, due to several factors, including inadequate sunlight exposure, skin pigmentation and coverage, adiposity, lifestyle and low dietary intakes. To overcome this problem, the fortification of foods that are consumed on a daily basis, such as milk, is strongly advisable. This opinion paper aims to discuss, in a multidisciplinary way, the current evidence supporting the importance of vitamin D in health and disease and the role of milk as an optimal carrier of this vitamin, to promote adequate intakes, highlighting its unique physico-chemical characteristics linked to both fat globule membrane and casein micelle structure. Moreover, it addresses the impact of industrial processing and storage of consumption milk on the stability of these structures, thus in determining vitamin D bioavailability and the achievement of adequate intakes.

A multi-disciplinary expert group met to discuss vitamin D deficiency in the UK and strategies for improving population intakes and status. Changes to UK Government advice since the 1st Rank Forum on Vitamin D (2009) were discussed, including rationale for setting a reference nutrient intake (10 µg/d; 400 IU/d) for adults and children (4+ years). Current UK data show inadequate intakes among all age groups and high prevalence of low vitamin D status among specific groups (e.g. pregnant women and adolescent males/females). Evidence of widespread deficiency within some minority ethnic groups, resulting in nutritional rickets (particularly among Black and South Asian infants), raised particular concern. Latest data indicate that UK population vitamin D intakes and status reamain relatively unchanged since Government recommendations changed in 2016. Vitamin D food fortification was discussed as a potential strategy to increase population intakes. Data from dose–response and dietary modelling studies indicate dairy products, bread, hens’ eggs and some meats as potential fortification vehicles. Vitamin D3 appears more effective than vitamin D2 for raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration, which has implications for choice of fortificant. Other considerations for successful fortification strategies include: (i) need for ‘real-world’ cost information for use in modelling work; (ii) supportive food legislation; (iii) improved consumer and health professional understanding of vitamin D’s importance; (iv) clinical consequences of inadequate vitamin D status and (v) consistent communication of Government advice across health/social care professions, and via the food industry. These areas urgently require further research to enable universal improvement in vitamin D intakes and status in the UK population.

The conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) diene is a biologically active compound with proven health-promoting effects. In terms of anticancer properties, it has been shown that CLA reduces the proliferation of cancer cells. In this study, it has been demonstrated that a mixture of fatty acids, isolated from chicken egg yolk enriched in CLA isomers by biofortification, reduces (by 30.5%) the proliferation of human melanoma cancer cells line WM793 to a greater extent than a mixture of fatty acids not containing these isomers. At the same time, the tested fatty acid mixtures show no effect on human normal BJ fibroblast cells. For the first time, the genes with increased expression have been identified and the proteins have been activated by the fatty acid mixture of CLA-enriched egg yolk, mainly responsible for mitochondrial pathway-dependent apoptosis.

Aim: This study determines how giving fish anchovy biscuits (Stolephorus sp) improves nutritional status in Adolescent Girls at Vocational High School 01 Rangas, Mamuju Regency. Research methods: It was a quantitative research Quasi Experiment by Nonequaivalent Control Group design where there are 2 test groups, namely the control group and the intervention group. The intervention group was given fish anchovy biscuits, while the control group was given Placebo biscuits. The dose given is four pieces of biscuits in a day for 12 weeks. The study population was all female teenagers in class XII Vocational High School 01 Rangas, Mamuju Regency. This research was conducted from January to April 2020. The sampling technique uses purposive sampling by considering inclusion and exclusion criteria to obtain a sample of 60 people. Nutritional status measurements were carried out twice before and after the intervention using a digital weighing instrument and height measurement. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test and the Mann–Whitney test. Results: This study shows that the statistical test results obtained values (p = 0.001, p

Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) with adequate quality protein is used to treat children with oedematous and non-oedematous severe acute malnutrition (SAM). The plasma amino acid (AA) profile reflects the protein nutritional status; hence, its assessment during SAM treatment is useful in evaluating AA delivery from RUTFs. The objective was to evaluate the plasma AAs during the treatment of oedematous and non-oedematous SAM in community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) using amino acid-enriched plant-based RUTFs with 10% milk (MSMS-RUTF) or without milk (FSMS-RUTF) compared to peanut milk RUTF (PM-RUTF). Plasma AA was measured in a non-blinded, 3-arm, parallel-group, simple randomized controlled trial conducted in Malawi. The RUTFs used for SAM were FSMS-RUTF, MSMS-RUTF or PM-RUTF. A non-inferiority hypothesis was tested to compare plasma AA levels from patients treated with FSMS-RUTF or MSMS-RUTF with those from patients treated with PM-RUTF at discharge. For both types of SAM, FSMS-RUTF and MSMS-RUTF treatments were non-inferior to the PM-RUTF treatment in restoration of the EAA and cystine except that for FSMS-RUTF, methionine and tryptophan partially satisfied the non-inferiority criteria in the oedematous group. Amino-acid-enriched milk-free plant-source-protein RUTF has the potential to restore all the EAA, but it is possible that enrichment with amino acids may require more methionine and tryptophan for oedematous children., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

The study aimed to evaluate the supplementation of gilts with cow’s milk naturally enriched with n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on reproductive outcomes, and the serum biochemical and FA profile of swine females and their offspring. During 316 days, 30 gilts were distributed into three groups: (1) Control, fed a basal diet + milk from cows without oil, (2) n-3, fed a basal diet + milk from cows fed a diet enriched with linseed oil, (3) n-6, fed a basal diet + milk from cows fed a diet enriched with soybean oil. The gilts receiving the diets containing PUFA had higher serum urea and very-low-density lipoprotein levels and lower serum total protein and low-density lipoprotein levels compared to the Control group. Females supplemented with n-3 presented higher serum palmitic acid and γ-linolenic acid levels than those fed n-6. Piglets from the Control group were heavier at birth than those from females supplemented with enriched milk. The piglets from females receiving enriched milk had 140 g higher body weight from 1 to 21 days old compared to the Control group, and greater average daily weight gain from 7 to 14 days old. The serum eicosapentaenoic acid level of piglets fed n-3 was 69% higher than those fed n-6, which reduced the AA/EPA ratio. Gilts supplemented with PUFA-enriched cow’s milk showed changes in their serum palmitic and γ-linolenic acid levels, in addition to improved performance, EPA concentration and consequently reduced AA/EPA ratio in their piglets, demonstrating beneficial results for their progeny.

Calcium is a dynamic mineral. Recent discoveries designate that low intake of calcium generates deficiencies and path to other diseases. Food fortification could play a key role to overcome this problem. To cope with this deficiency problem, jellies were formulated with food-grade calcium salts and chicken eggshell powder. In the present study, three different concentrations of calcium salts, as well as eggshell powder were used to formulate jellies. The results of the sensory evaluation indicated that the two jelly products (A&D) in the current study were suitable for consumers. Results of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer revealed Jelly A and jelly D had 151±0.05 ppm and 133±0.06 ppm calcium concentration, respectively. Proximate analysis of Jelly A showed that it has 6.0±0.01% ash, 9.2±0.1% moisture, 0.4±0.01 g crude protein, 82.79±0.001 g crude fiber, and 0.61±0.001 g crude fat, while the jelly D that was made with chicken eggshell powder exhibited 6.0±0.01% ash, 10.1±0.1% moisture, 0.5±0.01 g protein, 84.54±0.01 g crude fiber and 1.61±0.01 g crude fat. Therefore, these two jelly A & D were greatly appreciated among other attributes. In spite of naturally available calcium-rich sources, calcium-fortified jellies can be consumed by individuals who are incapable to take sufficient calcium from their diet.