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Chlorella shows a wide spectrum of biological activity, in particular, it exhibits a pronounced antioxidant activity and demonstrates anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antiviral properties. A number of research works have been devoted to studying feed advantages of this unicellular green algae when used in the diets of livestock animals, but the possibility of including different Chlorella species in the diet of primates has not been practically studied. The aim of this work was to assess the possibility of replacing high-protein animal and vegetable feeds with Chlorella , to calculate the digestibility coefficients for the diet nutrients and the effect of algal dry and suspension forms on hematological and serum biochemical parameters in male rhesus monkeys. The data obtained during the experiment indicate that the inclusion of Chlorella in the diet both in the dry form and cell suspension improves nutrient digestibility. Thus, the digestibility of crude protein in the animals receiving algae suspension increased by 4.18% ( p < 0.05), that of crude fat – by 4.70% ( p < 0.01), crude fiber – by 4.14% ( p < 0.05) and crude ash – by 12.32% ( p < 0.001). The digestibility coefficients of crude protein in the primates receiving compound feed supplemented with Chlorella powder were higher by 6.83% ( p < 0.001), those of crude fiber – by 4.78% ( p < 0.05) and crude ash – by 18.93% ( p < 0.001) The hematological study results indicate the absence of side effects from long-term Chlorella consumption by primates. The introduction of dry Chlorella into the diet increased blood glucose levels to the upper limit of the control values, while Chlorella suspension did not produce this effect. Thus, Chlorella can be successfully used as a component of a balanced laboratory diet for primates or as a feed additive.

Iron is a micronutrient critical to fundamental biological processes including respiration and photosynthesis, and it can therefore impact primary and heterotrophic productivity. Yet in oxic environments, iron is highly insoluble, rendering it, in principle, unavailable as a nutrient for biological growth. Life has "solved" this problem via the invention of iron chelates, known as siderophores, that keep iron available for microbial productivity. In this work, we examined the impact of siderophore synthesis on the speciation, mobility, and bioavailability of iron from rock-forming silicate minerals-shedding new light on the mechanisms by which microbes use mineral substrates to support primary productivity, as well as the consequent effects on silicate dissolution. Growth experiments were performed with Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 in an oxic, iron-depleted minimal medium, amended with olivine minerals as the sole source of iron. Experiments included the wild-type strain MR-1, and a siderophore synthesis gene deletion mutant strain (ΔMR-1). Relative to MR-1, ΔMR-1 exhibited a very pronounced growth penalty and an extended lag phase. However, substantial growth of ΔMR-1, comparable to MR-1 growth, was observed when the mutant strain was provided with siderophores in the form of either filtrate from a well-grown MR-1 culture, or commercially available deferoxamine. These observations suggest that siderophores are critical for S. oneidensis to acquire iron from olivine. Growth-limiting concentrations of deferoxamine amendments were observed to be ≤5-10 µM, concentrations significantly lower than previously recorded as necessary to impact mineral dissolution rates. X-ray photoelectric spectroscopy analyses of the incubated olivine surfaces suggest that siderophores deplete mineral surface layers of ferric iron. Combined, these results demonstrate that low micromolar concentrations of siderophores can effectively mobilize iron bound within silicate minerals, supporting very significant biological growth in limiting environments. The specific mechanism would involve siderophores removing a protective layer of nanometer-thick iron oxides, enhancing silicate dissolution and nutrient bioavailability.

Health-promoting activities of wheat bran are limited by the high-degree crosslinking of its dietary fiber and the low bioavailability of its phenolics. In this study, functionalized wheat bran (FWB) was prepared through a combination of milling, alkaline hydrolysis, high-shear mixing, and high-pressure homogenization treatments. Feasibility and metabolic effects of feeding FWB were investigated by a short-term mouse feeding trial and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomic analysis. The combinatorial processing dramatically enhanced the function-associated physicochemical properties of wheat bran, including viscosity, fiber compositions, free ferulic acid, and antioxidant capacity. FWB feeding led to diverse positive metabolic effects, including fecal sequestration of bile acids and cholesterol, reduced serum triacylglycerols and cholesterol, elevated fermentation for short-chain fatty acids, increased bioavailability of ferulic acid and its microbial metabolites, and improved redox balance. However, FWB feeding also negatively affected the nutritional status by decreasing the bioavailability of essential amino acids through the excessive loss of amino acids in feces and disrupting lipid homeostasis by reducing choline supply in the liver. These double-edged metabolic effects warrant further investigations on how to achieve the balance between the functionalization of wheat bran bioactives and the disruption of nutrient bioavailability.

Millets are a traditional staple food of the dryland regions of the world and are rich in essential nutrients like protein, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber. Also, millets commonly synthesize a range of secondary metabolites to protect themselves against adverse conditions. These factors are collectively termed anti-nutritional factors and the existence of these factors in millets might reduce the accessibility of the nutrients in humans. Some of these factors include protease inhibitors, tannins, non-starch polysaccharides-glucans, phytates, and oxalates each of which might directly or indirectly affect the digestibility of nutrients. Methods like soaking, germination, autoclaving, debranning, and the addition of exogenous enzymes have been used to reduce the anti-nutritional factors and elevate the bioavailability of the nutrients. This review summarizes various methods that have been used to improve nutrient bioavailability, specifically emphasizing the use of enzymes to improve nutrient bioavailability from millets. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Climate change could impact nutrient bioavailability in aquatic environment. To understand the interaction of nutrient bioavailability and elevated CO2, Chlorella vulgaris cells were grown in ambient air or 5% CO2 in different concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in a photobioreactor. The chlorophyll content, photosynthesis and respiration rates increased in 5% CO2 to support higher biomass production. The nutrient limitation in the growth media resulted in reduced photosynthetic rates of the algal cells and their PSI, PSII, and whole chain electron transport rates and biomass production. Conversely, their lipid content increased partly due to upregulation of expression of several lipid biosynthesis genes. The order of downregulation of photosynthesis and upregulation in lipid production due to nutrient limitation was in the order of N > P. The N-50 and 5% CO2 culture had only 10% reduction in biomass and 32% increase in lipids having 85% saturated fat required for efficient biofuel production. This growth condition is ideal for generation of biodiesel required to reduce the consumption of fossil fuel and combat global warming.

The impact of traditional African preservation methods on the contribution of vegetables to household micronutrient needs (Recommended Dietary Allowance: RDA) has largely remained unquantified. Using Acholi subregion of Uganda as a case area, this study examined using the predominant vegetables consumed in fresh and preserved forms (cowpeas—Vigna unguicullata, okra/lady fingers—Abelmoschus esculentus, Malakwang—Hibscus cannabinus, and eggplants—Solanum melongena), the effect of major traditional vegetable preservation methods (sun drying, boiling and sun drying, and salting and sun drying) on the contents of micronutrients (vitamin A, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus), the levels of antinutritional factors (total polyphenols, oxalate, tannins, and phytate), bioavailability of iron and zinc, and the contribution of vegetables to the cumulative annual household RDA for micronutrients. Laboratory analysis showed that all the preservation methods, except the sun drying method reduced the contents of micronutrients by 20%–82% (p ≤ .05). The contents of antinutritional factors reduced by 1%–80% while in vitro bioavailability of iron and zinc increased by 21%–296% (p ≤ .05). Nutritional computation revealed that except for calcium, the preservation methods combined, reduced the contribution of the vegetables to cumulative annual RDA for other micronutrients by 28%–60%. These results demonstrate that improvements in bioavailability of essential nutrients (iron and zinc) by traditional preservation methods investigated are associated with significant loss of micronutrients which culminates in significant reduction in the contribution of cultivated vegetables to household RDA for micronutrients. Traditional African preservation methods should be optimized for nutrient retention., This study examined the effect of traditional African vegetable preservation methods on the contribution of vegetables to household needs for micronutrients. The results showed that the traditional methods improve mineral bioavailability but negatively affects the contribution of vegetables to household mironutrient needs due to excessive loss of nutrients.

In mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer disease (AD), also known as prodromal AD, there is evidence for a pathologic shortage of uridine, choline, and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]), which are key nutrients needed by the brain. Preclinical and clinical evidence shows the importance of nutrient bioavailability to support the development and maintenance of brain structure and function in MCI and AD. Availability of key nutrients is limited in MCI, creating a distinct nutritional need for uridine, choline, and DHA. Evidence suggests that metabolic derangements associated with ageing and disease-related pathology can affect the body’s ability to generate and utilize nutrients. This is reflected in lower levels of nutrients measured in the plasma and brains of individuals with MCI and AD dementia, and progressive loss of cognitive performance. The uridine shortage cannot be corrected by normal diet, making uridine a conditionally essential nutrient in affected individuals. It is also challenging to correct the choline shortfall through diet alone, because brain uptake from the plasma significantly decreases with ageing. There is no strong evidence to support the use of single-agent supplements in the management of MCI due to AD. As uridine and choline work synergistically with DHA to increase phosphatidylcholine formation, there is a compelling rationale to combine these nutrients. A multinutrient enriched with uridine, choline, and DHA developed to support brain function has been evaluated in randomized controlled trials covering a spectrum of dementia from MCI to moderate AD. A randomized controlled trial in subjects with prodromal AD showed that multinutrient intervention slowed brain atrophy and improved some measures of cognition. Based on the available clinical evidence, nutritional intervention should be considered as a part of the approach to the management of individuals with MCI due to AD, including adherence to a healthy, balanced diet, and consideration of evidence-based multinutrient supplements.

This work studies the structural breakdown and nutrient release during in vitro digestion of soybean milk reconstituted from soybean flour with different particle sizes (> 100 mesh, 50–100 mesh, 28–50 mesh, 14–28 mesh and

Medicinal plants exhibit colossal impact on poultry industries by improving its performance and productivity. However, some of these plants show adverse influence too by decreasing egg production percentage, egg mass, and microbiota counts. Green tea, nettle, pennyroyal, yarrow, and alfalfa in the form of seed, powder, and extract had vast potentiality to improve immunity, reduce the growth of pathogenic microbes, and improve the viable counts of lactic acid bacteria. Lavender, Alfalfa, and Nettle powder were able to improve egg yolk color. Furthermore, ginger reduced fat content in meat and increased color intensity. Flax seed increased alpha linolenic acid content in tissue, and increased n-3 fatty acid content in breast as well as thigh tissue. Physiological assessment showed that green tea, lavender, nettle, pennyroyal, and yarrow improved poultry immunity. Lavender and nettle improved internal organ traits. Interestingly, the use of flaxseed improved quail egg hatchability. Plants metabolites, particularly carvacrol and thymol showed its pivotal role as natural growth promoters by affecting growth performances, nutrient bioavailability, and immunity of broiler chickens. Additionally, in recent years, micro-encapsulation or nano-encapsulation of plant extracts and its metabolites improved growth performances of broiler chickens, thereby suggested wide utilization of this technique as a potential alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in future. This review sheds a light on beneficial as well as no adverse effects of some of the direct-fed important medicinal plants and its metabolites in poultry nutrition in order to suggest its key role in future poultry enterprise.

The geochemistry and saturation indices (SI) of carbonate and non-carbonate mineral phases under standard thermodynamic conditions in an aqueous environment are largely influenced by the dynamic physico-chemical parameters. Based on the known feedback mechanisms of environmental parameters on the rates of mineralisation, the changes in environmental parameters such as pH, dissolved ionic concentrations and salinity were modelled as a function of their spatial and temporal distributions (dry and wet seasons) in a transitional aquatic ecosystem in South India, Pulicat lagoon. The investigation revealed the strong seasonal influence of these parameters on the magnitude and values of the SIs signalling dissolution or mineralisation. Hydroxyapatite and Talc were found to have higher positive SIs. Co-precipitation of calcite and aragonite were evident and found to be constrained by high salinities. Among the carbonates, dolomites and magnesium-calcites showed high SIs compared to calcite and aragonite, indicating that magnesium ions were incorporated into the mineral phases possibly due to the availability of nucleation sites through heterotrophic reactions. The formation of apatite was strongly influenced by pH changes, corresponding to low calcite precipitation in the wet season. High SI of hydroxyapatite, talc and silicate minerals indicate the low bioavailability of dissolved phosphate and silicates in the water during both the seasons. Strong evidences of seasonal control of pH, salinity and Total Dissolved Solids on the dissolution and mineralisation characteristics further influence nutrient bioavailability over varied spatio-temporal scales. The present study supports the potential application of the saturation indices as proxies to understand the complex biogeochemical dynamics of transitional water ecosystems.

The major determinants of malnutrition in Africa are low availability of nutritious foods and inadequate consumption of protein-rich diets. Consumption of nutritious snacks could help to reduce protein-energy malnutrition in children and adults. Biscuits are a ready-to-eat, convenient and cheap snack that is consumed by all age group in many countries. It can be produced from cereal and legume flour blends. A proximate composition such as protein, ash, crude fiber, and fat content of some cereal-legume based biscuit increased with increase in the percentage substitution of legumes flour. Carbohydrate content of biscuits decreased as legume substitution increased. The Ash (total mineral) content of some cereal and legume-based composite biscuits increased as the level of legume flour incorporation increased. The increased in some nutrient composition of the biscuit in cereal and legume blends could be due to the significant quantity of nutrients in legumes. Anti-nutritional factors (ANF) such as tannin and phytic acid affect digestibility and nutrient bioavailability for absorption. Substitution of malted cereal flour with legume flour resulted decreased in the level of both tannin and phytate in the composite biscuits and vice versa. Lower tannin and phytate content observed could be due to degradation of tannin and phytate during malting. Sensory attributes such as color, texture, aroma, taste, and overall acceptability of some cereal and legume-based biscuits were highly rated (in acceptable ranges).

Straw return is an effective management practice. It not only utilizes agricultural waste but also introduces dissolved organic matter (DOM) into the soil. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element in the human diet and contributes to the popularity of Se-enriched agricultural products in the Chinese market. Moreover, there are still some Se-enriched agricultural products that have yet to be utilized. This study investigated whether Se addition in soil caused component changes in the DOM extracted from rape straw. DOM extracted from rape straw grown in soil with four Se levels (0, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg Se kg−1 soil) was characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. The UV-visible spectra revealed that 0.1 mg Se kg−1 soil reduced the molecular weight of DOM and caused the presence of more irreplaceable aromatic structures in the substituent groups of the DOM, while 0.5 and 1.0 mg Se kg−1 soil only reduced the DOM molecular weight. Fluorescence spectroscopy indicated that Se improved the humification degree but reduced the aromaticity of DOM. FTIR spectra proved that Se altered the contents of carboxylic acids, amino acids, alcohols and aromatic heterocycles in DOM, which were maximized in the 0.5 and 1.0 mg Se kg−1 treatment groups. We concluded that Se application could change the composition of DOM extracted from rape straw, potentially impacting the nutrient bioavailability in soil. This study provides basic data on Se-enriched rape straw utilization for eco-agriculture.

The present study evaluated the effects of butyric acid supplementation and Saccharomyces boulardii (alone or in combination) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, bone mineralization, and blood hormones of male broiler chickens fed a diet including reduced levels of nonphytate phosphorus (NPP). The chickens were allocated to 6 dietary treatments: 1) positive control diet with adequate amounts of NPP (PC; 0.48, 0.43, and 0.39% in the starter, grower, and finisher period, respectively); 2) negative control diet with low amounts of NPP (NC; 0.38, 0.33, and 0.29% in the starter, grower, and finisher period, respectively); 3) NC plus 500 FTU/kg microbial phytase (PHY); 4) NC plus 0.2% butyric acid (BA); 5) NC plus 1 × 108 cfu/kg S. boulardii (SB); 6) NC plus butyric acid and S. boulardii (BA+SB). Each treatment had 5 pen replicates of 25 birds. After 6 wk, the body weight and ADG in birds fed with any of the diets were higher (P

There is an increasing demand for novel feed products derivable from agroindustrial by-products and underutilized crop plants as an approach to reduce overdependence on the most conventionally used plant protein sources. The fluctuation in demand and supply, high cost of purchasing soybean meal (SBM) and persistent competition between humans and livestock for this commodity has necessitated the search for alternative protein sources. Canola meal (CM), camelina meal (CAM) and lupin (LP) are cost-effective feed resources that have been identified as alternative protein sources for broiler chickens due to their moderate protein content. However, the dietary inclusion of these alternative protein sources is limited to low inclusion levels due to the presence of antinutritional factors (ANFs) which have been found to induce poor performance and decreased nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. A potential solution is the use of solid-state fermentation (SSF) as a bioprocessing technique to enhance nutrient composition, reduce ANFs, improve nutrient bioavailability and enhance nutrient digestibility of agroindustrial by-products when fed to broiler chickens. There is limited information on the physicochemical, microbiological, and functional properties of solid-state fermented CM, solid-state fermented CAM and solid-state fermented LP prepared from Aspergillus sojae, Aspergillus ficuum and their co-cultures as well as the feeding value of these solid-state fermented products in broiler chickens. Thus, this thesis was focused on the utilization of solid-state fermented CM, CAM, and LP as potential protein sources in the diets of broiler chickens. The effect of SSF on proximate composition, ANF, microbiological properties, functional properties, fibre fractions, in vitro enzyme protein digestion (IVPD), total phenolic contents, protein molecular distribution and colour attributes of lupin flour (LPF) were evaluated in Chapter III. Samples differed in their proximate composition except crude ash and fibre contents. Phytic acid content and IVPD decreased in the fermented LPFs. Also, the fermented LPFs showed decreased water absorption capacity (WAC) but increased swelling capacity (SC). In addition, fermented LPFs demonstrated reduction in colour attributes. In Chapter IV, the nutritional improvement in CM after SSF with Aspergillus sojae, Aspergillus ficuum and their co-cultures as regards physicochemical, microbiological, and functional properties was determined. Samples did not differ in their proximate composition except in soluble carbohydrate (glucose) and starch. Phytic acid content and total glucosinolates were reduced in the fermented CMs. SSF reduced the protein molecular weight and colour attributes of CM but increased WAC, swelling index (SI) and SC. This thesis is the first to document novel findings on CAM as a potential substrate for SSF. The physicochemical, microbiological, and functional properties of CAM (Camelina sativa) fermented in solid-state using food grade Aspergillus fungi were determined in Chapter V. SSF increased the starch contents but reduced the contents of soluble carbohydrate in CAM. Phytic acid content was reduced in the fermented CAMs. SSF reduced the protein molecular weight and colour attributes of CAM. The fermented CAMs had increased bulk density and SC but reduced WAC. In the first feeding trial (Chapter VI), performance and ileal amino acid digestibility in growing male broilers fed diets containing solid-state fermented and enzyme-supplemented CMs were determined. Phytase enzyme (PHY) at 500 FTU/kg and xylanase enzyme (XYL) at 1000 U/kg were added to the respective diets. During the performance trial (1 to 21 days), birds fed SBM and SSFCM diets recorded improved (p

Legumes are edible crops belonging to the Leguminosae family that are generally consumed as a rich protein source along with cereals. Besides providing ample amounts of protein, legumes also supply ample amounts of fiber and potassium to the diet. Legumes produce self-defense secondary metabolites, generally called antinutritional factors which on the basis of their heat stability can be classified into heat labile (protease inhibitors, amylase inhibitors, lectins, goitrogens, and antivitamins) and heat stable (nonprotein amino acids, alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides, tannins, saponins, flavones, isoflavones, pyrimidine glycosides, and flatus-producing oligosaccharides) factors. All of these compounds tend to decrease nutrient bioavailability, particularly by binding with nutritive compounds or by interfering with the absorption of nutrients thereby limiting intake, digestion, and utilization of nutrients. When large amounts of such compounds are consumed, it can lead to toxicity. Lathyrism and favism are the two serious health implications associated with the overconsumption of these substances. In order to reduce their adverse effect on human health, a number of processing techniques have been employed to restrict their intake. Soaking, germination, milling, fermentation, heat processing, and enzymatic modification are some of the commonly employed processing techniques that reduce the amount of these antinutritional factors, increase protein digestibility, and improve the biological value of legumes.

A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) coupled to response surface methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the effect of autoclaving conditions on the antinutritional factors, functional properties, digestibility and hardness of hard-do-cook common beans. Results indicated that autoclaving conditions did not change the functional properties (water solubility, water absorption index and oil absorption capacity) of the autoclaved hard-to-cook beans. Nevertheless, the autoclaving process was able to reduce the content of trypsin (59.8%) and α-amylase (42.2%) inhibitors as well as the amount of resistant starch (45.9%), which improves the nutrient bioavailability. In addition, compared to unprocessed hard-to-cook beans, the autoclaved seed presented higher protein and starch digestibility and lower hardness, enhancing the nutritional and textural quality of the seeds. These results evidenced that autoclaving may be an interesting alternative to enable the use of hard-to-cook beans as whole grain or component in food preparations.

Enhancement of manganese (Mn) availability in saline and Mn-deficient soils is very important for plant growth. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of Pseudomonas sp. rhizo...

Recycling organic wastes to arable land as fertilizers has been recognized as a sustainable utilization to reduce environmental pollution. Techniques used for the treatment of organic wastes determine their nutrient contents and thus fertilizer efficiency for agricultural applications. The current study investigated the influences of composting and carbon based materials (biochar and woody peat), on carbon and nitrogen loss in the process of agricultural wastes utilization in the soil batch experiments. The results indicated composting process significantly strengthened the organic matter mineralization, increased the carbon loss rates from 33.46-38.96% to 60.54-86.15% and the nitrogen loss rates from 5.01-22.22% to 48.64-58.16%, dominant lost as carbon dioxide (CO2) and ammonia (NH3) emissions. Addition of carbon based materials could effectively reduce the carbon and nitrogen loss during both composting and soil incubation process. When the composted organic wastes were used in the soil batch experiments, woody peat was more effective to reduce nitrogen loss, while biochar was more effective to control carbon loss. When organic wastes were directly fertilized to soil, biochar could effectively reduce nitrogen loss. These results suggested that fertilizing raw agricultural wastes to with carbon based materials could reduce carbon and nitrogen losses, and increased the nutrient bioavailability in soil in comparison with their farmland application after composting.

Seed coat darkening after a delayed harvest or prolonged storage reduces the commercial value of dry beans and is caused by the oxidation of procyanidin compounds (condensed tannins). Slow-darkening (SD) pinto beans have a recessive gene (Psd), which alters procyanidin production – postponing their darkening over time. Procyanidins are important for the processing and nutrient bioavailability of beans, therefore, this study compared the postharvest cooking times and iron bioavailability of SD pinto varieties to regular-darkening (RD) pinto varieties. The results show SD pinto beans cook 30% faster and provide 2–7 times more bioavailable iron than RD pinto beans. No relationship between iron bioavailability, iron and phytate concentrations were detected among the pinto beans. However, lower procyanidin concentrations were strongly associated with faster cooking times and improved iron bioavailability of SD pinto beans. These findings indicate that the SD trait benefits the cooking quality and iron bioavailability of stored beans.

Most terrestrial nutrient sources are hypothesized to shift in dominance from mineral- to organic matter (OM)-derived over millennia. We investigated how overlaying this hypothesis with plant rooting dynamics that can feedback to soil development offers insight into ecosystem functioning. To test the hypothesis that the nutritional importance of OM as mineral weathering proceeds is mediated by rooting system nutrient economies that vary with vegetation development, we paired litterfall decay experiments with soil mineralogical data from diverse forests across the Critical Zone (CZ) Observatory Network. We demonstrate that sources of phosphorus shift from OM-bound stocks to minerals as the rooting zone expands during the transition from mid to late stages of forest growth. Root-driven, plant-soil feedbacks thus can prompt inconsistencies with soil development models that posit a unidirectional transition from mineral to organic nutrient dominance, and illuminate how forest growth and land use influence nutrient bioavailability in Earth’s CZ.

The article is devoted to the current world problem of vegetable protein deficiency, the solution of which can be white lupine. Particular attention is paid to assessing the bioavailability of nutrients from white lupine (Lupinus albus) in the body of non-human primates M. Mulatta. Because primates are phylogenetically closer to humans than other laboratory animals, which is very convenient for modeling and studying the digestibility of nutrients in diets. The purpose of the article is to study the digestibility of nutrients in lupine in the structure of complete feed and its effect on the biochemical parameters of the blood. As a result of the research, it was found that the inclusion of white lupine in the structure of the diet allows to improve the bioavailability of nutrients of complete feed, when included in the structure of the diet of white lupine in an amount of 10%, it made it possible to improve the digestibility of crude protein in relation to the control group by 5.5%, crude fat by 0.99%, crude fiber by 1.84%, BEV by 7.99%, crude ash by 4.67%, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) by 6.99%, and 1.02 %. With the inclusion of 20% white lupine in the structure of the diet, it made it possible to improve the digestibility of crude protein in relation to the control group by 9.28%, crude fat by 6.5%, crude fiber by 5.98%, BEV by 2, 78%, crude ash by 11.28%, and absorption of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) by 9.93% and 8.68%. At the same time, the results of hematological analyzes generally indicate the safety of consuming white lupine for 35 days.

Water deficit limits cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) productivity in drought-prone areas and alters the nutritive quality of the crop. Potassium (K) may mitigate the effects of water deficit and improve the nutritional content of cassava, which would alleviate malnutrition among the human population in the tropics who depend on cassava as a staple food. Pot experiments were conducted under controlled glasshouse conditions to investigate the influence of deficit irrigation and K fertigation on the nutritive and anti-nutritive quality of biofortified cassava during the early growth phase. Treatments initiated at 30 days after planting were three irrigation doses (30, 60, 100% pot capacity) that were split to five K (0.01, 1, 4, 16, and 32 mM) concentrations. Plants were harvested at 90 days after planting, and the starch, energy, carotenoid, crude protein, fiber, minerals, and cyanide concentration of the leaves and roots were determined. Irrigation and K treatments showed significant (P

Hydropower development is the key strategy in many developing countries for energy supply, climate-change mitigation and economic development. However, it is commonly assumed that river dams retain nutrients and therefore reduce downstream primary productivity and fishery catches, compromising food security and causing trans-boundary disputes. Contrary to expectation, here we found that a cascade of reservoirs along the upper Mekong River increased downstream bioavailability of nitrogen and phosphorus. The dams caused phytoplankton density to increase with hydraulic residence time and stratification of the stagnant reservoirs caused hypoxia at depth. This allowed the release of bioavailable phosphorus from the sediment and an increase in dissolved inorganic nitrogen as well as a shift in nitrogen species from nitrate to ammonium, which were transported downstream by the discharge of water from the base of the dam. Our findings provide a new perspective on the environmental impacts of river dams on nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning, with potential implications for sustainable development of hydropower worldwide.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of pyrolysis temperature on chemical properties of poultry manure (PM) biochar over the range of 200–500°C. Chemical properties of biochar produce...

Potato is cultivated worldwide and constitutes a substantial component of the global population’s diet. Potato tubers are rich in carbohydrates and certain vitamins, minerals, phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and other bioactive compounds. The cooking process makes potatoes palatable by inducing changes in chemical composition. Nutritional value is enhanced through increased digestion and bioavailability of nutrients. Food safety and sensory qualities including taste, texture, and flavor are improved during cooking. Other chemical constituents in tubers, such as glycoalkaloids, phenolic, and umami compounds, contribute to potato flavor. Cooking methods such as boiling, baking, microwaving, and frying can alter nutritional value and lead to the formation of anti-nutrient compounds, including acrylamide. Recently published articles have shown that there are many ways to decrease undesirable reactions during cooking while enhancing nutrient bioavailability, specifically through the use of relatively low cooking temperatures and shorter cooking times, and cooking under vacuum. This review focuses on the changes during cooking in compounds that contribute to the nutritional content of potatoes.

Legumes and cereals contain high amounts of macronutrients and micronutrients but also anti-nutritional factors. Major anti-nutritional factors, which are found in edible crops include saponins, tannins, phytic acid, gossypol, lectins, protease inhibitors, amylase inhibitor, and goitrogens. Anti-nutritional factors combine with nutrients and act as the major concern because of reduced nutrient bioavailability. Various other factors like trypsin inhibitors and phytates, which are present mainly in legumes and cereals, reduce the digestibility of proteins and mineral absorption. Anti-nutrients are one of the key factors, which reduce the bioavailability of various components of the cereals and legumes. These factors can cause micronutrient malnutrition and mineral deficiencies. There are various traditional methods and technologies, which can be used to reduce the levels of these anti-nutrient factors. Several processing techniques and methods such as fermentation, germination, debranning, autoclaving, soaking etc. are used to reduce the anti-nutrient contents in foods. By using various methods alone or in combinations, it is possible to reduce the level of anti-nutrients in foods. This review is focused on different types of anti-nutrients, and possible processing methods that can be used to reduce the level of these factors in food products.Graphical abstractA brief overview of beneficial effects of anti-nutrients and reduction strategy.

The true bioavailability of a nutrient being intrinsically coupled to the specific food matrix in which it occurs remains poorly considered in nutrition science. During digestion, the food matrix and, in particular, the structure of food modulate the extent and kinetics to which nutrients and bioactive compounds make themselves available for absorption. In this perspective, we describe an integrated look at the effect of structure on nutrient bioavailability in plant foods. Based on this integrated look, cell wall integrity and the particle size of the plant material during its transit in the small intestine determine the bioavailability of plant nutrients; in turn, cell wall integrity and particle size are determined by the level of oral processing and, accordingly, what subsequently escapes digestion in the upper intestine and is utilized by colon microbiota. Ultimately, the effect on nutrient digestion is linked to food structure through each step of digestion. A consideration of the structure rather than just the composition of foods opens up possibilities for the design of healthier foods. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sediments delivered to freshwater and marine environments can make important contributions to the aquatic bioavailable nutrient pool. In the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) catchments, particulate nutrients comprise an important fraction of the end of catchment loads; however, their contribution to the bioavailable nutrient pool is not well understood. This research determined which particulate nutrient parameters are the best indicators of the potential effect of fine sediment (

It has long been recognized that plant invasions may alter carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles, but the direction and magnitude of such alterations have been rarely quantified. In this study, we quantified the effects caused by the invasion of a noxious exotic plant, Kalanchoe daigremontiana (Crassulaceae), on C and N mineralization and enzymatic and microbial activities in the soil of a semiarid locality in Venezuela. We compared soil parameters associated with these processes (C and N mineralization time and the cumulative values, fluorescein diacetate hydrolytic activity, and activities of dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, glucosaminidase, and urease) between invaded and adjacent non-invaded sites. In addition, correlations among these parameters and the soil physical-chemical properties were also examined to determine if a positive feedback exists between nutrient availability and K. daigremontiana invasion. Overall, our results showed that C mineralization and transformation of organic compounds to NH4+ were favored at sites colonized by K. daigremontiana. With this species, we found the highest cumulative amounts of NH4+-N and C and the lowest mineralization time. These results could be explained by higher activities of urease and glucosaminidase in soils under the influence of K. daigremontiana. In addition, higher amounts of organic matter and moisture content in invaded soils might favor C and N mineralization. In conclusion, invasion of Neotropical semiarid zones by K. daigremontiana may influence the chemical and biological properties of the soils covered by this species, increasing nutrient bioavailability, which, in time, can facilitate the invasion process.

Some nematophagous fungi control nematodes and are also able to compensate the damage they cause in plant roots. However, the effects of these fungi on plant growth promotion are still underexplored. Here, we evaluated if some nematophagus fungi (Pochonia chlamydosporia and Duddingtonia flagrans) may increase nutrient bioavailability and promote plant growth. A growth chamber assay and a greenhouse study (both without nematodes) were carried out to assess the effects of the fungi on growth and phosphorus uptake by tomato plants. The use of P. chlamydosporia and D. flagrans substantially increased growth and the uptake of nutrients by tomato plants (mainly phosphorus – up to 70% in the best treatments). We conclude that P. chlamydosporia and D. flagrans are potentially useful not just for nematode control but also for promoting plant growth and for increasing nutrient use efficiency.

Author(s): Lee, Lianna Y; Mitchell, Alyson E | Abstract: BACKGROUND:Activated almonds are raw almonds that have been soaked in water for 12-24 h at room temperature, sometimes followed by a 24 h drying period at low temperature (50 ± 5 °C). This treatment is thought to enhance the nutrient bioavailability of almonds by degrading nutrient inhibitors, such as phytic acid or d-myo-inositol hexaphosphate (InsP6 ), through the release of phytase or passive diffusion of InsP6 into the soaking water. Over a wide pH range, InsP6 is a negatively charged compound that limits the absorption of essential nutrients by forming insoluble complexes with minerals such as iron and zinc. It is hypothesized that hydrating the seed during soaking triggers InsP6 degradation into lower myo-inositol phosphates with less binding capacity. RESULTS:Anion-exchange chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify myo-inositol mono-, di-, tris-, tetra-, penta-, and hexaphosphates (InsP1-6 ) in raw pasteurized activated almonds. At least 24 h of soaking at ambient temperature was required to reduce InsP6 content from 14.71 to 14.01 µmol g-1 . CONCLUSIONS:The reduction in InsP6 is statistically significant (P l 0.05) after 24 h of activation, but only represents a 4.75% decrease from the unsoaked almonds. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

The aim of the present study was to determine changes in the physicochemical properties and toxicity of soil amended with sewage sludge (10 tdw/ha) or sewage sludge (10 tdw/ha) with biochar addition (2.5, 5 or 10% of sewage sludge). The study was carried out as a field experiment over a period of 18 months. Samples for analysis were taken at the beginning of the experiment as well as after 6, 12 and 18 months. The study investigated toxicity of the unamended soil, sewage sludge-amended soil and sewage sludge-amended soil with biochar addition towards Folsomia candida (collembolan test) and Lepidium sativum (Phytotoxkit F). Moreover, toxicity of aqueous extracts obtained from the tested soils towards Vibrio fischeri (Microtox®) and Lepidium sativum (elongation test) was determined. The study showed that addition of biochar to the sewage sludge and soil reduced leaching of nutrients (mainly phosphorus and potassium) from the amended soil. Biochar significantly reduced sewage sludge toxicity, exhibiting a stimulating effect on the tested organisms. The stimulating effect of biochar addition to the sewage sludge persisted throughout the entire experiment. Apart from the remediatory character of biochar, this is also evidence of its fertilizing character. In the tests with L. sativum (leachates and solid phase) and V. fischeri (leachates), increasing the rate of biochar in the sewage sludge increased root growth stimulation (L. sativum) and bacteria luminescence (V. fischeri). However, increasing biochar rate decreased F. candida reproduction stimulation, which could have been an effect of reduced nutrient bioavailability due to the biochar.

I.Yu. Potoroko1, irina_potoroko@mail.ru, ORCID: 0000-0002-3059-8061, I.V. Kalinina1, ORCID: 0000-0002-6246-9870, N.V. Naumenko1, ORCID: 0000-0002-9520-3251, R.I. Fatkullin1, ORCID: 0000-0002-1498-0703, A.V. Nenasheva1, nenashevaav@susu.ru, ORCID: 0000-0001-7579-0463, D.G. Uskova1, twins.23@mail.ru, ORCID: 0000-0002-9339-6264, S.H. Sonawane2, shirish@nitw.ac.in, ORCID: 0000-0002-3201-6731, D.G. Ivanova3, dg_ivanova@yahoo.com, ORCID: 0000-0002-8336-2925, M.T. Velyamov4, vmasim58@mail.ru, ORCID: 0000-0002-9248-5951 1South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation, 2National Institute of Technology, Warangal, India, 3Medical University, Varna, Bulgaria, 4Kazakh Research Institute of Processing and Food Industry, Almaty, Kazakhstan Потороко Ирина Юрьевна, доктор технических наук, профессор, заведующий кафедрой пищевых и биотехнологий, Южно-Уральский государственный университет. 454080, г. Челябинск, проспект Ленина, 76. E-mail: irina_potoroko@mail.ru, ORCID: 0000-0002-3059-8061. Калинина Ирина Валерьевна, кандидат технических наук, доцент кафедры пищевых и биотехнологий, Южно-Уральский государственный университет. 454080, г. Челябинск, проспект Ленина, 76. ORCID: 0000-0002-6246-9870. Науменко Наталья Владимировна, кандидат технических наук, доцент кафедры пищевых и биотехнологий, Южно-Уральский государственный университет. 454080, г. Челябинск, проспект Ленина, 76. ORCID: 0000-0002-9520-3251. Фаткуллин Ринат Ильгидарович, кандидат технических наук, доцент кафедры пищевых и биотехнологий, Южно-Уральский государственный университет. 454080, г. Челябинск, проспект Ленина, 76. ORCID: 0000-0002-1498-0703. Ненашева Анна Валерьевна, доктор биологических наук, доцент, заведующий кафедрой теории и методики физической культуры и спорта, Южно-Уральский государственный университет. 454080, г. Челябинск, проспект Ленина, 76. E-mail: nenashevaav@susu.ru, ORCID: 0000-0001-7579-0463. Ускова Дарья Геннадьевна, аспирант кафедры пищевых и биотехнологий, Южно- Уральский государственный университет. 454080, г. Челябинск, проспект Ленина, 76. E-mail: twins.23@mail.ru, ORCID: 0000-0002-9339-6264. Сонавайн Шириш, доктор философских наук, профессор Департамента химической инженерии, Национальный технологический институт. Индия, Штат Телангана, 506004, г. Варангал. E-mail: shirish@nitw.ac.in, ORCID: 0000-0002-3201-6731. Иванова Диана, доктор биологических наук, профессор отдела биохимии, молекулярной медицины и нутригеномики лаборатории нутригеномики, функциональных продуктов питания и нутрицевтиков, Медицинский университет. Болгария, 9002, г. Варна, ул. Марин Дринов, 55. E-mail: dg_ivanova@yahoo.com, ORCID: 0000-0002-8336-2925. Велямов Масимжан Турсунович, заслуженный деятель науки и образования, доктор биологических наук «Биотехнология», профессор, академик Академии сельскохозяйственных наук Казахстана; академик Национальной академии продовольственной безопасности Российской Федерации; заведующий лабораторией «Биотехнология, качества и пищевой безопасности», Казахский научно-исследовательский институт перерабатывающей и пищевой промышленности. Республика Казахстан, 050060, г. Алматы, Бостандыкский район, пр. Гагарина, 238 Г. E-mail: vmasim58@mail.ru, ORCID: 0000-0002-9248-5951. Aim. The aim of this study is to overcome the problem of nutrient bioavailability in drinks for athletes, which is the result of their low permeability in metabolic processes of the body. For this purpose, we used sonochemical micronization of taxifolin – the most effective antioxidant. Materials and methods. To improve taxifolin solubility and bioavailability we used ultrasound treatment, which allowed us to provide taxifolin micronization on the following conditions: 5-, 15- and 25-minute treatment of 20 ± 2 kHz with radiation intensity of at least 10 W/cm2, power of 170, 400 and 630 W and temperature within 50 °С. The study was conducted using the following methods: microstructural analysis of native taxifolin and its solutions, including those obtained with sonochemical micronization; analysis of the disperse composition of taxifolin solutions; assessment of the total antioxidant activity of these solutions; assessment of taxifolin solubility and colloidal stability of its solutions. Results. We established that sonochemical micronization allows us to obtain solutions with the predominance of particles of no more than 100 nm. The morphological structure of taxifolin particles has significantly changed, particles are characterized by more homogenous and amorphous structure. We noticed some decrease in antioxidant activity under increased ultrasound exposure. Optimization of ultrasound exposure with the controlling parameter “average particle size” allowed us to establish the most effective mode (600 W, 18 minutes), which helped us to improve the colloidal stability of taxifolin solution and taxifolin solubility 6 times in comparison with the control sample. Conclusion. Sonochemical micronization should be regarded as convenient for the development of a new form of taxifolin with increased solubility and bioavailability, which can be used for the production of drinks for athletes. Целью данного исследование являлось преодоление проблемы биодоступности нутриентов в составе напитков для спортсменов, связанной с их низкой проницаемостью в метаболические процессы организма человека. Для достижения этой цели нами использовался подход сонохимической микронизации дигидрокверцетина (ДГК), наиболее эффективного пищевого антиоксиданта. Материалы и методы исследования. Для повышения растворимости и биодоступности ДГК использовалось ультразвуковое воздействие (УЗВ), позволяющее обеспечить условия микронизации ДГК в режиме 20 ± 2 кГц с интенсивностью излучения не менее 10 Вт/см2, мощностью воздействия 170, 400 и 630 Вт при контроле температуры в пределах 50 °С, в течение 5, 15 и 25 мин. Исследование выполнено по комплексу показателей, включающих: микроструктурный анализ, нативного ДГК и его растворов, в том числе, полученных методом сонохимической микронизации; определение дисперсного состава растворов ДГК; их общей антиоксидантной активности; установление степени растворимости ДГК и коллоидной стабильности его растворов. Результаты. Установлено, что сонохимическая микронизация ДГК позволяет получить растворы с преобладанием частиц размерного ряда менее 100 нм. Морфологическая структура частиц раствора ДГК, значительно менялась, частицы характеризовались более однородной и аморфной структурой. Было отмечено некоторое снижение АОА при увеличении мощности УЗВ, в пределах 8–15 %. Процедура оптимизации УЗВ при контролирующем параметре «средний размер частиц» позволила установить наиболее эффективный режим УЗВ (600 Вт, 18 мин), применение которого позволило увеличить коллоидную стабильность раствора ДГК и увеличить растворимость ДГК в 6 раз по сравнению с контролем. Заключение. Метод сонохимической микронизации ДГК следует рассматривать как целесообразный подход в разработке новой формы ДГК с повышенной растворимостью и биодоступностью, который может использоваться при создании напитков для спортсменов. Статья выполнена при поддержке Правительства РФ (Постановление № 211 от 16.03.2013 г.), соглашение № 02.A03.21.0011 и при финансовой поддержке государственного задания № 40.8095.2017/БЧ (2017123-ГЗ).

Altering diets is increasingly acknowledged as an important solution to feed the world’s growing population within the planetary boundaries. In our search for a planet-friendly diet, the main focus has been on eating more plant-source foods, and eating no or less animal-source foods, while the potential of future foods, such as insects, seaweed or cultured meat has been underexplored. Here we show that compared to current animal-source foods, future foods have major environmental benefits while safeguarding the intake of essential micronutrients. The complete array of essential nutrients in the mixture of future foods makes them good-quality alternatives for current animal-source foods compared to plant-source foods. Moreover, future foods are land-efficient alternatives for animal-source foods, and if produced with renewable energy, they also offer greenhouse gas benefits. Further research on nutrient bioavailability and digestibility, food safety, production costs and consumer acceptance will determine their role as main food sources in future diets.

The poultry industry produces approximately 6 million tons of feathers as a by-product annually. The major constituent of feather is protein (80–90% of which is keratin). In order to use feather protein in animal feedstuffs, it must be hydrolyzed by chemical, physical or enzymatic processes. The aim of this study was to improve the production of chicken feather hydrolysates using keratinolytic Bacillus subtilis AMR and evaluate the effectiveness of a blend of this hydrolysate with cornmeal produced by extrusion. The addition of sucrose (0.5 g/L) to the feather medium increased the keratinolytic activity of B. subtilis AMR by 1.3 fold. The highest enzymatic activity and production of soluble protein were achieved at pH 8.0. The fermented feather medium presented large amounts of protein with low molecular weight that provided greater nutrient bioavailability. The physicochemical properties of the extrudates showed that the addition of hydrolyzed feather improved the ash and total N content. All essential amino acids were detected in the corn–feather hydrolysate extrudate. This work represents the first study that describes the use of microbial feather hydrolysate in a blend with cornmeal to make an extruded product. These results demonstrated the potential use of this hydrolysate as a supplement in animal feed.

We investigated whether antioxidants may enhance bioavailability of lipids and carbohydrates and therefore increase the risk of obesity development.We tested how supplementation with antioxidants (0.01% butylated hydroxytoluene [BHT], α-tocopherol, and green tea catechins) of a diet containing butter and wheat bread affects bioavailability of fats and carbohydrates. The absorption of the in vitro digested diet was estimated in the intestinal epithelia model of the Caco-2 cells cultured in Transwell chambers.In the case of the antioxidant-supplemented diets, we observed increased bioavailability of glucose, cholesterol, and lipids, as well as elevated secretion of the main chylomicron protein apoB-48 to the basal compartment. Importantly, we did not detect any rise in the concentrations of lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde, MDA) in the control samples prepared without antioxidants.Addition of antioxidants (in particular BHT) to the diet increases bioavailability of lipids and carbohydrates, which consequently may increase the risk of obesity development. The dose of antioxidants is a factor of fundamental importance, particularly for catechins: low doses increase absorption of lipids, whereas high doses exert the opposite effect.

Background: The interest in stable natural colorants for food applications continues to grow. A red pigment extracted from the leaf sheaths of a sorghum variety (Sorghum bicolor) with a high content of apigeninidin is widely used as a biocolorant in processed foods in West Africa. This study compared the colour and anthocyanin composition from traditional extraction methods to determine options for improvement and use of the red biocolorant from dye sorghum in the food sector.; Results: Sorghum biocolorant was commonly applied in fermented and heated foods. Traditional extraction methods predominantly differed in two aspects, namely the use of an alkaline rock salt (locally known as kanwu) and the temperature of the extraction water. Cool extraction using the alkaline ingredient was more efficient than hot alkaline and hot aqueous extractions in extracting anthocyanins. The apigeninidin content was three times higher in the cool and hot alkaline extracts than in the aqueous extract.; Conclusion: Cool and hot alkaline extractions at pH 8-9 were the most efficient methods for extracting apigeninidin from dye sorghum leaf sheaths. Broader use of the sorghum biocolorant in foods requires further research on its effects on nutrient bioavailability and antioxidant activity. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.; © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

A 9-year manipulative experiment with nitrogen (N) and water addition, simulating increasing N deposition and changing precipitation regime, was conducted to investigate the bioavailability of trace elements, iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in soil, and their uptake by plants under the two environmental change factors in a semi-arid grassland of Inner Mongolia. We measured concentrations of trace elements in soil and in foliage of five common herbaceous species including 3 forbs and 2 grasses. In addition, bioaccumulation factors (BAF, the ratio of the chemical concentration in the organism and the chemical concentration in the growth substrate) and foliar Fe:Mn ratio in each plant was calculated. Our results showed that soil available Fe, Mn and Cu concentrations increased under N addition and were negatively correlated with both soil pH and cation exchange capacity. Water addition partly counteracted the positive effects of N addition on available trace element concentrations in the soil. Foliar Mn, Cu and Zn concentrations increased but Fe concentration decreased with N addition, resulting in foliar elemental imbalances among Fe and other selected trace elements. Water addition alleviated the effect of N addition. Forbs are more likely to suffer from Mn toxicity and Fe deficiency than grass species, indicating more sensitivity to changing elemental bioavailability in soil. Our results suggested that soil acidification due to N deposition may accelerate trace element cycling and lead to elemental imbalance in soil-plant systems of semi-arid grasslands and these impacts of N deposition on semi-arid grasslands were affected by water addition. These findings indicate an important role for soil trace elements in maintaining ecosystem functions associated with atmospheric N deposition and changing precipitation regimes in the future.

An adequate concentration of zinc in seeds can help in the initial development of plants. ZnO-coating can provide this nutrient to plants from the early stages of growth. However, there is a pressing need for additional studies to enable its safe use. This study aimed to evaluate the elemental distribution over ZnO-treated maize seeds stored for up to 12 months, as well as to map Zn species in the internal seed tissues. Synchrotron radiation micro-X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (SR μ-XRF) and micro-X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (μ-XANES) were used as analytical tools for this purpose. The highest Zn accumulation site in micro-sized ZnO treated maize seeds is the embryo, mainly close to the black layer. The distribution pattern of Zn, S and P does not change in maize seeds treated with ZnO. Zn mass fractions in the embryo, pericarp and endosperm suggest that after 12 months of storage, Zn absorption is observed in ZnO-treated seeds. In the Zn hotspot, this element is in the form of phytate and in more readily bioavailable forms, such as Zn3(PO4)2 and cysteine. These findings can yield valuable insights into the advantages of using advanced microanalytical tools to provide important information regarding potential nutrient bioavailability to those interested in biofortification studies.

Claims in the lay literature suggest soaking nuts enhances mineral bioavailability. Research on legumes and grains indicate soaking reduces phytate levels, however, there is no evidence to support or refute these claims for nuts. We assessed the effects of different soaking regimes on phytate and mineral concentrations of whole and chopped almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, and walnuts. The treatments were: 1. Raw; 2. soaked for 12 h in salt solution; 3. soaked for 4 h in salt solution; 4. soaked for 12 h in water. Phytate concentrations were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and minerals by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Differences in phytate concentrations between treated and untreated nuts were small, ranging from −12% to +10%. Overall, soaking resulted in lower mineral concentrations, especially for chopped nuts, and did not improve phytate:mineral molar ratios. This research does not support claims that ‘activating’ nuts results in greater nutrient bioavailability.

We aimed to evaluate the effect of multi-ingredient nutritional supplementation, with and without exercise training, on cognitive function in healthy older men. Forty-nine sedentary men [age: 73 ± 6 years (mean ± SD); body mass index: 28.5 ± 3.6 kg/m2] were randomized to consume a supplement (SUPP n = 25; 1500 mg n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, 30 g whey protein, 2.5 g creatine, 500 IU vitamin D, and 400 mg calcium) or control beverage (CON n = 24; 22 g maltodextrin) twice daily for 20 weeks consisting of Phase 1: SUPP/CON followed by Phase 2: 12-week resistance exercise training plus high-intensity interval training, while continuing to consume the study beverages (SUPP/CON + EX). At baseline, 6 weeks, and 19 weeks we assessed cognitive function [Montréal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA)], memory [word recall during the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT)], executive functions (working memory inhibition control), and nutrient bioavailability. We did not observe changes to any aspect of cognitive function after Phase 1; however, significant improvements in the following cognitive function outcomes were detected following Phase 2: MOCA scores increased (6 weeks: 23.5 ± 3.3 vs. 19 weeks: 24.4 ± 2.5, p = 0.013); number of words recalled during the RAVLT increased (6 weeks: 6.6 ± 3.6 vs. 19 weeks: 7.6 ± 3.8, p = 0.047); and reaction time improved (6 weeks: 567 ± 49 ms vs. 19 weeks: 551 ± 51 ms, p = 0.002). Although between-group differences in these outcomes were not significant, we observed within-group improvements in composite cognitive function scores over the course of the entire study only in the SUPP group (Δ = 0.58 ± 0.62, p = 0.004) but not in the CON group (Δ = 0.31 ± 0.61, p = 0.06). We observed a progressive increase in n-3 index, and a concomitant decrease in the ratio of arachidonic acid (ARA) to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) within erythrocyte plasma membranes, in the SUPP group only. At week 19, n-3 index (r = 0.49, p = 0.02) and the ARA:EPA ratio (r = -0.44, p = 0.03) were significantly correlated with composite cognitive function scores. Our results show that 12 weeks of RET + HIIT resulted in improved MOCA scores, word recall, and reaction time during an executive functions task; and suggest that a multi-ingredient supplement combined with this exercise training program may improve composite cognitive function scores in older men possibly via supplementation-mediated alterations to n-3 PUFA bioavailability. Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02281331.

Nutrient bioavailability is crucial for vegetation establishment and organic matter cycling after major ecosystem disturbance such as open pit mining. In this study, the stockpiling and organic matter admixing effects on nutrient bioavailability were examined in soils used for reclaiming oil sands disturbed sites in northern Alberta, Canada. Stockpiled and directly salvaged peat mineral soil mix (PMM) and forest floor mineral soil mix (FFMM), the two main oil sands reclamation soils, and a nutrient poor mineral sub-soil (SS) were used in this experiment. Reclamation soils were inter-mixed at different ratios (PMM to FFMM or SS at 60:40, 80:20 and 90:10) to examine the organic matter admixing effects. Significant stockpiling effects on nutrient bioavailability and microbial functions were mostly observed in FFMM. Microbial biomass C was greater, and mineralization of lignin substrate was lower in both stockpiled PMM and FFMM soils compared to the directly salvaged soils. Significant fertility benefit was found in the FFMM-admixed SS and PMM soils through an increase in N and K availability. FFMM admixing also increased microbial functional diversity and assimilation rate compared to the non-admixed soils. Mineralization of polymeric substrates was the main driver of nutrient availability in stockpiled PMM, whereas carboxylic acids and carbohydrates were the major drivers in directly salvaged PMM, as indicated by the Random Forest models. The findings suggest that stockpiling effects are much stronger in FFMM than in PMM, and FFMM admixing to reclamation soils may provide nutritional and microbial functional benefits, especially in nutrient-poor soils.

The aim of this research was to improve nutritive value of fishmeal-based feed by lactobacilli in order to achieve satisfactory nutrient availability needed to support fish development. Feed was solid-state treated at a laboratory scale with the combination of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei BGHN14 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus BGT10 in different experimental settings, which included the variation of strain ratio, total lactobacilli concentration, percentage of moisture and duration of incubation. Short peptides, soluble proteins, phospho-, neutral and unsaturated lipids were quantified. Differences among treated and control feeds were evaluated by Student t-test, while Gaussian process regression (GPR) modeling was employed to simulate the incubation process and define the optimal treatment combination in the context of overall feed nutritional profile. Treatment duration was shown to be the critical determinant of final outcome, either as single factor or via interaction with strain ratio. Optimal nutrient balance was achieved with 12 h incubation period, 260% moisture, 75:25 and 50:50 BGHN14:BGT10 ratios and 200 mg of lactobacilli per g of dry feed. This study should serve as the basis for large-scale tests which would simulate on-farm production of both fishmeal-based and unconventional, lower cost aquafeed with added value.

Redox-driven internal phosphorus (P) loading from lake sediments is a key process for propagating and sustaining cyanobacterial blooms in freshwater lakes. Missisquoi Bay in Lake Champlain, VT regularly experiences cyanobacterial blooms driven by internal P loading as well as from seasonal transitions, but the response of dissolved organic matter (DOM) to these changing conditions has previously not been investigated in this system and seldom in other redox-dynamic freshwaters. In this study, Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) has been employed to explore the seasonal transformation and distribution of DOM, including organic P (DOP), from spring 2017 to winter 2018 along with high-frequency geochemical monitoring. DOM was largely composed of allochthonous compounds with unique molecules from seasonal autochthonous sources and greater proportions of N,S-containing formulae after the early summer bloom season and during the winter. DOM compositions from spring to late summer was more aliphatic during the early bloom season, while DOM between late summer to winter was more aromatic with greater similarities between the two seasons. In contrast, DOP compositions from all seasons were highly dissimilar and suggested a compartmentalized water column, where riverine DOP compounds that were degraded during transport and in surface waters were largely absent in the benthic DOP. Additional sediment core incubation experiments were implemented to study the effects of short-term oxygen limitation on DOM and DOP composition to better constrain potential redox-based drivers of their mobility between sediment and the water column. Short-term incubations suggested an increase in aliphatic DOM and new DOP compounds, with little change in aromatic DOM, suggesting selective mobilization driven by microbial iron(III) and manganese(IV) reduction. Together, these detailed FT-ICRMS data show, for the first time, how DOM and DOP from various sources respond to changing physical and geochemical conditions in redox-dynamic freshwaters, demonstrating how these compounds cycle in freshwater settings and likely impact nutrient bioavailability.

Organic fish farming is postulated as a more environmentally friendly activity than conventional activities. However, environmental sustainability as regards waste output has not been addressed. In this respect, the most important environmental problems associated with fish farming are those related with the discharge of particulate wastes. In this study, total nitrogen, carbon and phosphorus digestibility was estimated in a wide size range of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fed a commercially available conventional diet and an organic feed, as a previous step to assessing particulate waste output. Neither fish size nor feed nutrient content was seen to influence nutrient digestibility in either species. The organic diet provided higher carbon but lower nitrogen and phosphorus digestibility than conventional feed in both species. Simulations under real ongrowing conditions resulted in lower values for nitrogen and higher values for carbon particulate wastes when conventional feed was supplied to both species. Particulate phosphorus wastes were 2.6- to 3.4-fold higher for fish fed the organic diet. Restrictions concerning NO the raw materials used for organic diet formulation and differences in nutrient bioavailability between the diets seemed to be the underlying reason for the differences found. This research was funded by the Spanish Institute of Agro-Forestry Research (INIA; Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness; Project RTA2011-00088-00-00). The study was also partially sponsored by the Sub-Programme of Researcher Formation of the Spanish Institute of Agro-Forestry Research (FPI-INIA).

Maize is a staple human food eaten by more than a billion people around the world in a variety of whole and processed products. Different processing methods result in changes to the nutritional profile of maize products, which can greatly affect the micronutrient intake of populations dependent on this crop for a large proportion of their caloric needs. This review summarizes the effects of different processing methods on the resulting micronutrient and phytochemical contents of maize. The majority of B vitamins are lost during storage and milling; further loss occurs with soaking and cooking, but fermentation and nixtamalization (soaking in alkaline solution) can increase bioavailability of riboflavin and niacin. Carotenoids, found mainly in the kernel endosperm, increase in concentration after degermination, while other vitamins and minerals, found mainly in the germ, are reduced. Mineral bioavailability can be improved by processing methods that reduce phytic acid, such as soaking, fermenting, cooking, and nixtamalization. Losses of micronutrients during processing can be mitigated by changes in methods of processing, in addition to encouraging consumption of whole-grain maize products over degermed, refined products. In some cases, such as niacin, processing is actually necessary for nutrient bioavailability. Due to the high variability in the baseline nutrient contents among maize varieties, combined with additional variability in processing effects, the most accurate data on nutrient content will be obtained through analysis of specific maize products and consideration of in vivo bioavailability.

Thin porridge from cereals and starchy tubers is a common complementary food in Sub Saharan Africa. It may be high in antinutrients, low in energy, and nutrient density hence inadequate in providing infants' high energy and nutrients requirements per unit body weight. Consequently, undernourishment levels among children under 5 years are high. Therefore, there is need to avail nutrient‐dense complementary foods especially for children in low‐resource settings. The study was aimed at developing a nutrient‐dense complementary food from amaranth and sorghum grains. Amaranth grain, a pseudocereal, though rarely used as a complementary food in Kenya has a higher nutritional quality than other staples. Plant‐based foods are known to have high levels of antinutrients. Steeping and germination were used to reduce the levels of antinutrients and enhance the bioavailability of minerals in the grains. Various steeped and germinated amaranth and sorghum grains formulations were made to find the ratio with the highest nutrient content and lowest antinutrient levels. The 90% amaranth‐sorghum grains formulation had significantly (F = 32.133, P

The sensory properties of food influence food choice, digestion and metabolism. The properties arising from a food’s form, in particular, can alter nutritional outcomes through multiple mechanisms operating at cognitive, orosensory, gastric and intestinal levels of food processing. Expectations regarding a food’s form can influence satiety, sensory ratings of products, digestive processes and post-absorptive metabolism. In the oral cavity, the structure of food influences mastication efforts affecting appetite and energy and nutrient bioavailability in the GI tract. In the GI tract, the physical form of food influences gastric emptying, intestinal transit time and nutrient absorption. Hence, the physical form of food holds important implications for ingestive behavior and health outcomes.

The thymol is an herbal food additive used to improve performance indices, feed utilization, immune system, and preventing from infectious diseases. Feeding animal, fish and poultry with diets supplemented with medicinal plants containing effective compounds and natural antioxidants in thymol demonstrated valuable potential of thymol to enhance the productive and reproductive performances, nutrient bioavailability, immunity and general health of livestock as well as lowering the problems of different animal diseases, side effects of chemical drugs, syntactic materials and cancer. These properties may be attributed to thymol’s capability to work as antispasmodic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, anticancer and anti-inflammatory agent by suppressing harmful compounds/free radicals from interacting with cellular biological compounds, ability to alter the gut microbiota, and increasing digestion, absorption and metabolism of nutrients. This review illustrates the multiple beneficial appli...