Search

Adolescence is a period of intense growth and endocrine changes, and obesity and insulinresistance processes during this period have lately been rising. Selenium (Se) homeostasis is related to lipid metabolism depending on the form and dose of Se. This study tests the actions of low-dose selenite and Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) on white (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) deposition, insulin secretion, and GPx1, IRS-1 and FOXO3a expression in the WAT of adolescent rats as regards oxidative stress, adipocyte length and adipokine secretion. Four groups of male adolescent rats were treated: control (C), low selenite supplementation (S), low SeNP supplementation (NS) and moderate SeNP supplementation (NSS). Supplementation was received orally through water intake; NS and NSS rats received two- and tenfold more Se than C animals, respectively. SeNPs were obtained by reducing Se tetrachloride in the presence of ascorbic acid. For the first time in vivo, it was demonstrated that low selenite supplementation contributed to increased adipogenesis via the insulin signaling pathway and LCN2 modulation, while low SeNP administration prevented fat depots inWAT via the decrease in insulin signaling and FOXO3a autophagy inWAT, lowering inflammation. These effects were independent of GPx1 expression or activity in WAT. These findings provide data for dietary approaches to prevent obesity and/or anorexia during adolescence. These findings may be relevant to future studies looking at a nutritional approach aimed at pre-venting obesity and/or anorexia in adolescence., Junta de Andalucia, FEDER projects funds US-1380878, Spanish Government PID2019-109371GB-I00, VII Plan Propio de Investigacion y Transferencia-University of Seville 2022 2022/00000332 2022/00000277

This work was supported by the Regional Government of Andalusia, Excellence Research Project No. P11-AGR-7648. M Garcia Burgos was supported by a fellowship from the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport (MECD). J Moreno-Fernandez was supported by a postdoctoral contract (Contrato Puente) from the University of Granada. Funding for open access charge: University of Granada / CBUA., BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency and iron overload can affect the normal functioning of the innate and adaptive immune responses. Fermented milk products may enhance immune functions, but little is known about the effect of fermented milks on modulation of the immune response during iron deficiency anemia and recovery with normal or high dietary iron intake. Eighty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to a control group fed a standard diet or to an anemic group fed a diet deficit in iron. Control and anemic groups were fed for 30 days with diets based on a fermented goat's or cow's milk product, with normal iron content or iron overload. RESULTS: In general, during anemia recovery lectin and alternative complement pathway activity and lactoferrin decreased, because it improves iron homeostasis, which is critically important in immune system functions. Fermented goat's milk diet enhanced immune function during iron deficiency recovery, suppressed oxidant-induced eotaxin and fractalkine expression due to the concurrent reduction of free radical production and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and decreased monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and monocyte migration and adhesion. The increase in interferon-γ can confer immunological colonization of gut microbiota and downregulate inflammation. CONCLUSION: Fermented goat's milk consumption enhances immune function, modifying complement pathway activity and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as lactoferrin concentration, due to the improvement of iron homeostasis, which is critically important in the normal function of the immune system., Regional Government of Andalusia, Excellence Research Project P11-AGR-7648, Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport (MECD), University of Granada, University of Granada / CBUA

Experimental and epidemiological evidence has shown that modifications of the intrauterine environment can have deleterious consequences for individuals, expressed as an increased risk of su ering non-communicable pathologies in adult life, which is known as the hypothesis of the early origin of diseases or fetal programming. On the other hand, changes in gene expression patterns through epigenetic modifications can be the basis for long-term maintenance of the e ects of fetal programming. In this sense, epigenetics comprises the study of intrauterine disturbances, which develop diseases in the adult, including celiac disease (CD). In addition, early feeding practices could influence the risk of CD development, such as breastfeeding timing and duration and age of gluten introduction in the diet. Gluten acts as a trigger for CD in genetically predisposed subjects, although approximately 30% of the world population has HLA DQ2 or DQ8, the prevalence of the disease is only 1–3%. It is not known what factors act to modify the risk of disease in genetically at-risk subjects. Taking into account all these considerations, the aim of the current review is to elucidate the role of early programming and the e ect of early nutrition on the development and progression of CD. It is logical that attention has been paid to gluten as a key element in preventing the disease. However, there is no strong evidence in favor of the protective factor of breastfeeding, timing of introduction of gluten during lactation, and the development of CD. Diet, genetic risk, microbiota, and environmental interaction are possible triggers of the change in tolerance to an immune response to gluten, but large-scale cohort studies are needed. Emerging scientific concepts, such as epigenetics, may help us establish the role of these factors., University of Granada

Pablo Mira-Rufino and Jorge Moreno-Fernandez are grateful to the Excellence Ph.D. Program "Nutricion y Ciencias de los Alimentos" from the University of Granada. Jorge Moreno-Fernandez was supported by the fellowship from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport (Spain). The authors thank the Fire Department of Granada for their participation in the current study., Bone and energy metabolism are profoundly influenced by exercise. The objective of this study was to determine for the first time whether a short-term supplementation with ubiquinol could have a modulating effect on bone turnover and energy metabolism associated with strenuous exercise. The participants (n= 100 healthy and well-trained firemen) were randomly divided into two groups: ubiquinol group (ubiquinol (200 mg day(-1))) and control group (placebo) for two weeks. The protocol consisted of conducting two identical strenuous exercise tests with a rest period between tests of 24 h. Blood samples were collected before supplementation (basal value) (T1), after supplementation (T2), after the first physical exercise test (T3), after 24 h of rest (T4), and after the second physical exercise test (T5). Parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin (OC), osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteopontin (OPN), sclerotin (SOST), alkaline phosphatase (AP), adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), insulin, leptin, adrenaline, noradrenaline and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1 alpha) were determined. Our protocol increased ACTH, SOST, PTH and OC levels, while it decreased OPN. This protocol also increased adrenaline, noradrenaline and PCG-1 alpha, and decreased insulin. After ubiquinol supplementation, PTH, OC, OPG, alkaline phosphatase, leptin, insulin, noradrenaline and PGC-1 alpha levels increased in the supplemented group compared to the control group after the exercise protocol. Strenuous exercise has a clear effect on energy metabolism and bone turnover. These effects are modulated by ubiquinol supplementation, which especially increases the biomarkers of bone formation during strenuous exercise. In addition, ubiquinol has a beneficial effect on the mobilization of energy sources, fact that it could represent an ergogenic and physiological advantage for skeletal muscles., Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport (Spain)

J.M.-F. was supported by two fellowships from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport (Spain), FPU and Traslados Temporales FPU (University of King´s College of London). J.M.-F. is grateful to the Excellence Program “Nutrición y Ciencias de los Alimentos” from the University of Granada. The authors are grateful to Susan Stevenson for her efficient support in the revision with the English language., Despite the crucial role of the liver as the central regulator of iron homeostasis, no studies have directly tested the modulation of liver gene and protein expression patterns during iron deficiency instauration and recovery with fermented milks. Fermented goat milk consumption improves the key proteins of intestinal iron metabolism during iron deficiency recovery, enhancing the digestive and metabolic utilization of iron. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of fermented goat or cow milk consumption on liver iron homeostasis during iron-deficiency anemia recovery with normal or iron-overload diets. Analysis included iron status biomarkers, gene and protein expression in hepatocytes. In general, fermented goat milk consumption either with normal or high iron content up-regulated liver DMT1, FPN1 and FTL1 gene expression and DMT1 and FPN1 protein expression. However, HAMP mRNA expression was lower in all groups of animals fed fermented goat milk. Additionally, hepcidin protein expression decreased in control and anemic animals fed fermented goat milk with normal iron content. In conclusion, fermented goat milk potentiates the up-regulation of key genes coding for proteins involved in iron metabolism, such as DMT1, and FPN1, FTL1 and down-regulation of HAMP, playing a key role in enhanced iron repletion during anemia recovery, inducing a physiological adaptation of the liver key genes and proteins coordinated with the fluctuation of the cellular iron levels, favoring whole-body iron homeostasis., Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport (Spain), Spanish Government, Traslados Temporales FPU (University of Kings College of London)

Strenuous exercise (any activity that expends six metabolic equivalents per minute or more causing sensations of fatigue and exhaustion to occur, inducing deleterious effects, affecting negatively different cells), induces muscle damage and hematological changes associated with high production of pro-inflammatory mediators related to muscle damage and sports anemia. The objective of this study was to determine whether short-term oral ubiquinol supplementation can prevent accumulation of inflammatory mediators and hematological impairment associated to strenuous exercise. For this purpose, 100 healthy and well-trained firemen were classified in two groups: Ubiquinol (experimental group), and placebo group (control). The protocol was two identical strenuous exercise tests with rest period between tests of 24 h. Blood samples were collected before supplementation (basal value) (T1), after supplementation (T2), after first physical exercise test (T3), after 24 h of rest (T4), and after second physical exercise test (T5). Hematological parameters, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors were measured. Red blood cells (RBC), hematocrit, hemoglobin, VEGF, NO, EGF, IL-1ra, and IL-10 increased in the ubiquinol group while IL-1, IL-8, and MCP-1 decreased. Ubiquinol supplementation during high intensity exercise could modulate inflammatory signaling, expression of pro-inflammatory, and increasing some anti-inflammatory cytokines. During exercise, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, VEGF, and EGF increased in ubiquinol group, revealing a possible pro-angiogenic effect, improving oxygen supply and exerting a possible protective effect on other physiological alterations.

During the first days of life, premature infants have physiological difficulties swallowing, thereby missing out on the benefits of breastfeeding. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of oropharyngeal mother&rsquo, s milk administration in the inflammatory signaling of extremely premature infants. Neonates (n = 100) (&lt, 32 week&rsquo, s gestation and/or &lt, 1500 g) were divided into two groups: mother&rsquo, s milk group (n = 48), receiving 0.2 mL of oropharyngeal mother&rsquo, s milk every 4 h for the first 15 days of life, and a control group (n = 52), not receiving oropharyngeal mother&rsquo, s milk. Serum concentrations of interleukin (IL) IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1ra, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-&alpha, ), and interfer&oacute, n gamma (IFN-&gamma, ) were assessed at 1, 3, 15, and 30 days of postnatal life. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were collected. The rate of common neonatal morbidities in both groups was similar. The mother&rsquo, s milk group achieved full enteral feeding earlier, and showed a decrease in Il-6 on days 15 and 30, in IL-8 on day 30, and in TNF-&alpha, and INF-&gamma, on day 15, as well as an increase in IL-1ra on days 3 and 15 and in IL-10 on day 30. Oropharyngeal mother&rsquo, s milk administration for 15 days decreases the pro-inflammatory state of preterm neonates and provides full enteral nutrition earlier, which could have a positive influence on the development of the immune system and inflammatory response, thereby positively influencing other developmental outcomes.

Fermented dairy products are obtained from fermentation of milk, through the action of suitable and harmless microorganisms. In addition to lactic acid bacteria, fermented dairy products have bioactive compounds as well as bacteria derived metabolites produced during fermentation. Fermented dairy products, due to their special characteristics, are an excellent matrix for the incorporation of ingredients and/or nutrients that give the final product properties beyond purely nutritional, making them true functional foods, interesting in a healthy diet. This review is focused on existing scientific evidence regarding the consumption of fermented dairy products and their health benefits, principally hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, bone, hypotensive effects and immunological benefits, such as effects on the hosts intestine and microbiome, anti-carcinogenic, immunomodulation and anti- ́ allergenic effects. This review has extensively assessed the fermented dairy products which could be used as possible nutraceutical agents in food and health industries., Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport (Spain), University of Granada

Early programming is the adaptation process by which nutrition and environmental factors alter development pathways during prenatal growth, inducing changes in postnatal metabolism and diseases. The aim of this narrative review, is evaluating the current knowledge in the scientific literature on the e ects of nutrition, environmental factors, physical activity and sleep on development pathways. If in utero adaptations were incorrect, this would cause a mismatch between prenatal programming and adulthood. Adequate caloric intake, protein, mineral, vitamin, and long-chain fatty acids, have been noted for their relevance in the o spring brain functions and behavior. Fetus undernutrition/malnutrition causes a delay in growth and have detrimental e ects on the development and subsequent functioning of the organs. Pregnancy is a particularly vulnerable period for the development of food preferences and for modifications in the emotional response. Maternal obesity increases the risk of developing perinatal complications and delivery by cesarean section and has long-term implications in the development of metabolic diseases. Physical exercise during pregnancy contributes to overall improved health post-partum. It is also interesting to highlight the relevance of sleep problems during pregnancy, which influence adequate growth and fetal development. Taking into account these considerations, we conclude that nutrition and metabolic factors during early life play a key role of health promotion and public health nutrition programs worldwide to improve the health of the o spring and the health costs of hospitalization., University of Granada

Background Iron (Fe) plays a crucial role in several fundamental processes, including erythropoiesis, cellular metabolism, and in cardiovascular disease. The aim of this work was to contribute to a better understanding of the physiology of and recovery from Fe deficiency by studying how fermented milk consumption affects vascular biomarkers during Fe repletion. Results The deleterious cardiovascular biomarkers cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant 1, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), interleukin-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), inhibitor of tissue plasminogen activator 1 total, metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), sE-selectin, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1) decreased after fermented goat milk consumption in groups of fed animals either with normal Fe or Fe overload with respect to rats fed with fermented cow milk. The beneficial cardiovascular biomarkers caveolin-1 and adiponectin were higher in both control and anemic rats fed fermented goat milk either with normal Fe or Fe overload with respect to fermented cow milk. Anemia decreased TIMP-1 in rats fed fermented goat milk with Fe overload, whereas there was increased CTGF and MCP-1 in animals fed fermented cow milk with either normal or Fe overload. In addition, Fe overload increased VEGF. Conclusion Fermented goat milk consumption improves hematological status and promotes beneficial metabolic responses, which may attenuate cardiovascular risk factors during anemia recovery and iron overload to lessen the inflammatory response, macrophages activation and atherosclerosis development. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

The aim of this study was to evaluate for the first time the effect of omega-3 LC PUFA supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on bone metabolism in mothers and neonates. 110 pregnant women were divided in two groups: control group (400 mL/day of the control dairy drink); supplemented group (400 mL/day of the fish oil-enriched dairy drink). Plasma bone biomarkers and mineral content in erythrocyte cytosol were assessed. In mothers, DHA supplementation increased OC and OPN levels and decreased IL-6 and TNF-α levels at delivery, increasing PTH levels during lactation. In neonates, DHA supplementation increased ACTH, insulin and leptin, decreasing RANKL and IL-6 in umbilical vein; increased OPG and leptin and diminished TNF-α in umbilical artery; increased OC levels, lowered PTH and TNF-α at birth. DHA supplementation during pregnancy and lactation has beneficial effects on bone turnover in both mother and neonates, representing a non-pharmacological pathway to decrease bone loss.

In spite of the crucial role of the inflammatory state under anemic conditions, to date, no studies have directly tested the modulation of cytokines during iron overload. The aim of this work was to contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology and recovery from iron deficiency, by studying how fermented goat milk consumption affects inflammatory signalling during iron repletion. Eighty male Wistar rats were used for a pre-experimental period of 40 days, by dividing them into two groups (the control group receiving a normal-Fe diet and the Fe-deficient group receiving a low-Fe diet). Later, the rats were fed with a fermented goat or cow milk-based diet, with a normal-Fe content or Fe-overload (450 mg kg-1) for 30 days. After feeding the fermented milk, the anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines were assessed. The anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-13, IL-10 and IL-4) were higher in both groups of animals (control and anemic) fed fermented goat milk either with normal Fe or Fe-overload with respect to the fermented cow milk. With regard to pro-inflammatory signalling, fermented goat milk consumption decreased the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-12p70 and IP-10). The Fe overload increased the anti-inflammatory cytokines together with IL-1β and IP-10. Fermented goat milk consumption improves the hematological status and promotes the beneficial metabolic responses related to the inflammatory signaling in nutritional ferropenic anemia recovery, which may be a dietary strategy to lessen the evoked inflammation during iron repletion. Additionally, the parameters of inflammation should therefore be incorporated as routine biomarkers of iron deficiency or overload severity.

Since 2020, the world has been immersed in a change in lifestyle (social, lifestyle, nutri-tion and physical activity patterns), due to the appearance of COVID-19 and the strict mobility measures which were implemented to prevent its spread. All these changes had a nutritional impact on people, modifying their dietary guidelines. This cross-sectional study was carried out to assess whether dietary habits, lifestyle, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet among the Spanish adult population (25–65 years old) during confinement was modified during the post-confinement period, using an e-survey through social networks, involving 510 subjects. A decrease in the intake of ultra-processed products, with a correlation between weekly food delivery orders at home and the consumption of salty snacks, sugary drinks, and processed pastries was also recorded. Most of the subjects performed physical exercise on a regular basis, maintaining the body weight in half of the participants. During the post-confinement period a substantial proportion of the population had healthy lifestyle and dietary habits, including the adequate consumption of fruits, vegetables and legumes, adequate time was spent preparing meals and the population did not regularly order food at home, which in the long term, reduced the risk of several diseases.

Iron is an essential micronutrient that is involved in many functions in humans, as it plays a critical role in the growth and development of the central nervous system, among others. Premature and low birth weight infants have higher iron requirements due to increased postnatal growth compared to that of term infants and are, therefore, susceptible to a higher risk of developing iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia. Notwithstanding, excess iron could affect organ development during the postnatal period, particularly in premature infants that have an immature and undeveloped antioxidant system. It is important, therefore, to perform a review and analyze the effects of iron status on the growth of premature infants. This is a transversal descriptive study of retrieved reports in the scientific literature by a systematic technique. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were adapted for the review strategy. The inclusion criteria for the studies were made using the PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) model. Consequently, the systematic reviews that included studies published between 2008–2018 were evaluated based on the impact of iron status on parameters of growth and development in preterm infants.

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most common nutritional problems in the world, and it is accepted that reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is altered during IDA. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of fermented goat and cow milks on enzymatic antioxidant activities and gene expression, and their role in protecting from oxidative damage during anemia recovery.; Results: After feeding the fermented milks-based diets (cow or goat), a significant elevation of some antioxidant endogenous enzymes was found, together with an increase in total antioxidant status (TAS), and a decrease in 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was recorded in animals consuming fermented goat milk-based diet. In contrast, DNA strand breaks, hydroperoxides, 15-F2t-isoprostanes and protein carbonyl groups were lower in some tissues in animals fed fermented goat milk-based diet, revealing an improvement in both systemic and cellular antioxidant activity of plasma and tissues due to fermented goat milk consumption.; Conclusion: Fermented goat milk consumption induces a protective increase in TAS together with lower oxidative damage biomarkers, revealing that the milk protects main cell bioconstituents (lipids, protein, DNA, prostaglandins) from evoked oxidative damage during anemia recovery. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.; © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Objectives: Since Selenium (Se) forms part of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), which appears to have a dual role in Metabolic Syndrome (MS), this study evaluates the implication of Se in the transmission of this pathology to the progeny. Methods: Se body distribution, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, insulin and metabolic hormones [glucagon, leptin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), and triiodothyronine (T3)], growth factors, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANK-L) and osteopontin, as well as oxidative hepatic balance in the offspring of dams exposed to a fructose-rich diet (65%) with normal Se content (0.01 ppm) during gestation and lactation, were measured according to sex. Results: Fructose pups had lower body weight; however, male pups had a lower body mass index and growth indicators in serum. Fructose pups, especially females, had lower levels of serum insulin and HOMA-IR. With regard to Se homeostasis, fructose pups presented a depletion of Se in heart and muscle, and repletion in kidneys, pancreas and thyroid, although only female pups showed a repletion of Se in the liver. Fructose pups presented lower superoxide dismutase activity and only female fructose pups had higher GPx activity, which provoked hepatic oxidation. Conclusions: Se balance and Se tissue deposits in MS pups during lactation are altered by gender. This difference is focused on hepatic Se deposits that affect GPx activity, which could be related to a disruption in the insulin-signaling cascade in females. Furthermore, although female fructose pups had greater metabolic disorders, only the males’ growth and development were affected. Particularly relevant is the depletion of Se found in the heart of fructose pups, as this element is essential for correct heart function.

The effect of maternal DHA supplementation on expression of key genes and proteins involved in Fe metabolism and mineral placenta content was evaluated for the first time. One hundred and ten pregnant women were randomly assigned to one of the groups: control (n = 54, 400 ml/day of the control dairy drink; DHA-supplemented (n = 56, 400 ml/day of the DHA-enriched dairy drink). Placenta DMT1, FPN1, TfR1 and Hamp1 mRNA and protein expressions were analysed. Hepcidin concentration in the mother and umbilical cord and placenta mineral content were assessed. DMT1, FPN1, TfR1 and Hamp1 gene expressions together with serum hepcidin increased in umbilical cord and artery of the DHA-supplemented group. In this group, Fe concentration increased in plasma, umbilical cord vein and artery. Ca concentrations raised in umbilical cord vein and artery, Cu, V and Mn levels. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation improved transplacental Fe homeostasis, enhancing Fe transfer and boosting neonates Fe stores at delivery.

Celiac disease (CD) is a multisystemic disorder with di erent clinical expressions, from malabsorption with diarrhea, anemia, and nutritional compromise to extraintestinal manifestations. Anemia might be the only clinical expression of the disease, and iron deficiency anemia is considered one of the most frequent extraintestinal clinical manifestations of CD. Therefore, CD should be suspected in the presence of anemia without a known etiology. Assessment of tissue anti-transglutaminase and anti-endomysial antibodies are indicated in these cases and, if positive, digestive endoscopy and intestinal biopsy should be performed. Anemia in CD has a multifactorial pathogenesis and, although it is frequently a consequence of iron deficiency, it can be caused by deficiencies of folate or vitamin B12, or by blood loss or by its association with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other associated diseases. The association between CD and IBD should be considered during anemia treatment in patients with IBD, because the similarity of symptoms could delay the diagnosis. Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in CD and may be responsible for anemia and peripheral myeloneuropathy. Folate deficiency is a well-known cause of anemia in adults, but there is little information in children with CD; it is still unknown if anemia is a symptom of the most typical CD in adult patients either by predisposition due to the fact of age or because biochemical and clinical manifestations take longer to appear.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most prevalent nutritional deficiencies worldwide. Iron plays critical roles in nervous system development and cognition. Despite the known detrimental consequences of IDA on cognition, available studies do not provide molecular mechanisms elucidating the role of iron in brain functions during iron deficiency and recovery with dairy components. In this study, 100 male Wistar rats were placed on a pre-experimental period of 40 days and randomly divided in two groups: a control group receiving a normal-Fe diet, (45 mg/kg), and an Fe-deficient group receiving a low-Fe diet (5 mg/kg). At day 40, 10 rats per group were sacrificed to anemia control, and 80 rats were divided into eight experimental groups fed with fermented goat or cow milk-based diets, with normal Fe content or Fe overload (450 mg/kg) for 30 days. IDA decreased most of the parameters related to brain molecular functions, namely dopamine, irisin, MAO-A, oxytocin, &beta, endorphin, and &alpha, MSH, while it increased synaptophysin. These alterations result in an impairment of brain molecular functions. In general, during anemia recovery, fermented goat milk diet consumption increased dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, synaptophysin, and &alpha, MSH, and decreased MAO-A and MAO-B, suggesting a potential neuroprotective effect in brain functions, which could enhance brain molecular functions.

Iron deficiency is the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency worldwide. In spite of the crucial role of hepatocyte divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) and hepcidin in Fe metabolism, to date, no studies have directly tested the role of these proteins in liver Fe metabolism during Fe repletion after induced Fe-deficiency anemia. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to assess the effect of goat or cow milk-based diets on Fe metabolism in one of the main body storage organs, the liver, during the course of Fe repletion with goat or cow milk-based diets in anemic rats. Animals were placed on a preexperimental period of 40 d, a control group receiving a normal-Fe diet and the Fe-deficient group receiving a low-Fe diet (5 mg of Fe/kg of diet). Rats were fed for 30 d with goat or cow milk-based diets with normal Fe content (45 mg of Fe/kg of diet). The hematological parameters, serum hepcidin, hepatosomatic index, liver Fe content, and liver DMT1 expression were determined. During the recovery of the anemia with milk-based diets, the restoration of liver Fe content and hematological parameters, especially with goat milk, increased the red blood cell count, favoring the oxygen supply and weight gain. Moreover, goat milk consumption potentiates liver DMT1 expression, enhancing Fe metabolism and storage. In addition, the increase in serum hepcidin in anemic rats observed in the current study also explains and supports the higher liver Fe content after supplying goat milk, because it blocks the liberation of Fe from hepatocytes, increasing its storage in liver.

Although dietary iron is a determinant of iron status in animals, body fat mass has been reported to have an inverse association with iron status in human studies. The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between Fe homeostasis, body composition, energy expenditure and neuroendocrine regulators for severe Fe-deficiency anaemia. Forty male Wistar albino rats recently weaned were divided at random into two groups: the control group was fed the basal diet, AIN-93G diet (normal-Fe) and the anaemic group received a low-Fe diet for 40 days. Neuroendocrine parameters that regulate basal metabolism and appetite (thyroid hormones, ghrelin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon, insulin, adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone), body composition, respiratory volumes, energy expenditure, haematological and biochemical were assessed. Total body fat was lower, whereas lean mass, free and total water were higher in the anemic group. O2 consumption, CO2 production, energy expenditure (EE) and respiratory quotient (RQ) were lower in the Fe-deficient animals. Triiodothyronine and thyroxine hormones decreased, while thyroid-stimulating hormone increased in the anemic group. Circulating levels of ghrelin were lower in the anemic group, while GIP, glucagon, insulin, corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were higher. Fe-deficiency impairs weight gain in the rats, with marked reductions in lean mass and body fat, indicating lower energy stores.

Calcium-fortified foods, especially milk and dairy products are recommended to be consumed daily for groups in risk of nutritional deficiency, including children, young adults, menopausal women, pregnant women and the elderly, however Ca-supplementation promotes gallstone formation because Ca is a nucleating factor. The objective of the current study was to assess the influence of cow or goat milk-based diets, either normal or Ca-supplemented, on bile composition, biochemical parameters and hepatic antioxidant status. Weanling male rats were randomly divided into six groups, fed standard, goat or cow milk-based diets, either with normal Ca content (5·0 g/kg), or Ca-supplemented (10·0 g/kg), for 2 weeks. Bile cholesterol concentration and output was higher in rats fed goat milk in comparison with those fed with standard and cow-milk-based diet. Ca-supplementation increased lithogenic index with the standard and cow-milk based diets, this change was not observed with the goat milk diet. Activities of plasma transaminases were also lower in the animals fed Ca-supplemented goat milk, in comparison with the other diets assayed. In general, Ca-supplement in the diet led to an increase in the hepatic oxidative damage, with an increase in the activities of all the antioxidant enzymes studied in the standard and cow milk diet, but not with goat milk. The habitual consumption of goat milk has positive effects on the plasma lipid profile, biliary composition and hepatic antioxidant defence. In addition, under our experimental conditions, Ca-supplementation of this type of milk does not increase the lithogenic index, or hepatic oxidative damage.

Anaemia is associated with fatigue and diminished muscular oxygenation, which may affect skeletal muscle (SM). No studies are available about the SM modifications during anaemia recovery; therefore, the aim of this study is to study SM homeostasis during anaemia recovery with fermented milks. Forty male Wistar rats were placed on a pre-experimental period of 40 days, divided in two groups (control group receiving normal-Fe diet and Fe-deficient group receiving low-Fe diet). Lately, rats were fed with fermented goat or cow milk-based diets, with normal-Fe content during 30 days. After feeding the fermented milks, leptin, adiponectin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and protein expression (UCP1, PepT1 and irisin) within the SM were assessed. Adiponectin decreased in both groups of animals fed fermented goat milk, while leptin and NEFA increased. UCP1 protein expression increased in control and anaemic animals fed fermented goat milk. UCP1 also increased in both group of anaemic animals fed either fermented cow or goat milk in comparison with their controls. Irisin increased in both group of animals fed fermented goat milk. Finally, PepT1 also showed an increased expression in control and anaemic rats fed fermented goat milk and the anaemia also induced an over-expression of this transporter in animals fed either fermented cow or goat milk. Fermented goat milk consumption during anaemia recovery diminishes adiposity depots and enhances lipolysis, increasing UCP1, PepT1 and irisin protein expression, featuring an ergogenic effect in the SM which is an important endocrine regulator of body metabolism.

The aim of this study was to identify the differences between the main macro and micronutrients including proteins, fat, minerals and vitamins in cow and goat dehydrated fermented milks. Fermented goat milk had higher protein and lower ash content. All amino acids (except for Ala), were higher in fermented goat milk than in fermented cow milk. Except for the values of C11:0, C13:0, C16:0, C18:0, C20:5, C22:5 and the total quantity of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, all the other fatty acid studied were significantly different in both fermented milks. Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu and Se were higher in fermented goat milk. Fermented goat milk had lower amounts of folic acid, vitamin E and C, and higher values of vitamin A, D3, B6and B12. The current study demonstrates the better nutritional characteristics of fermented goat milk, suggesting a potential role of this dairy product as a high nutritional value food.

The aim of the current study was to assess the influence of fermented goat or cow milk on melatonin levels and antioxidant status and during anemia recovery. Eighty male Wistar rats were placed on a pre-experimental period of 40 days and randomly divided into two groups, a control group receiving normal-Fe diet (45 mg kg(-1)) and the Fe-deficient group receiving low-Fe diet (5 mg kg(-1)). Then, the rats were fed with fermented goat or cow milk-based diets with a normal-Fe content or Fe-overload (450 mg kg(-1)) for 30 days. After 30 days of feeding the fermented milks, the total antioxidant status (TAS) was higher in both groups of animals fed fermented goat milk with the normal-Fe content. Plasma and urine 8-OHdG were lower in control and anemic rats fed fermented goat milk. Melatonin and corticosterone increased in the anemic groups during Fe replenishment with both fermented milks. Urine isoprostanes were lower in both groups fed fermented goat milk. Lipid and protein oxidative damage were higher in all tissues with fermented cow milk. During anemia instauration, an increase in melatonin was observed, a fact that would improve the energy metabolism and impaired inflammatory signaling, however, during anemia recovery, fermented goat milk had positive effects on melatonin and TAS, even in the case of Fe-overload, limiting the evoked oxidative damage.

As Cu is a mineral involved in the hematopoietic system whose deficiency is associated with anemia due to its requirement for efficient Fe utilization, the objective of the present study was to assess the effect of fortifying Ca in goat’s milk, in comparison to similarly fortified cow’s milk. This was performed to check whether Ca-fortified goat’s milk minimizes Ca–Cu interactions which would favor Cu bioavailability in experimentally induced iron-deficient (ID) rats. Currently, Ca-enriched dairy products are consumed despite the possibility of mineral interactions such as Ca–Cu. Previous studies have shown that consuming goat’s milk improves Cu bioavailability by minimizing Cu–Fe interactions. In the present study, Ca-fortified goat’s milk (2× Ca requirement), compared to fortified cow’s milk, increased the digestive and metabolic utilization of Cu (P < 0.001) and Cu content in target organs involved in erythropoiesis (sternum) in ID rats (P < 0.001). We conclude that goat’s milk, even fortified with Ca, could be beneficial for the recovery from iron-deficient anemia by increasing the Cu bioavailability, an essential mineral for erythropoiesis.

The objective of this paper is to review the beneficial effects of the dietary inclusion of goat milk on the utilization of protein, fat and minerals (Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and Se), which affect malabsorption syndrome caused by resection of the intestine. The consumption of a goat milk-based diet, compared to bovine milk, has shown a higher protein efficiency ratio, protein digestibility, nitrogen balance and food conversion ratio in rats with resection of the distal small intestine. Goat milk diet also improves digestive utilization of fat, reduces fecal losses and decreases plasma triglycerides. Goat milk diet increases the biliary secretion of cholesterol and causes a decrease in plasma cholesterol levels, whereas the levels of bile phospholipids, biliary acid and lithogenic index remain normal. In relation to mineral bioavailability, apparent digestibility coefficients and the balance of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc are higher after the consumption of a goat milk diet compared to bovine milk diet in resected rats, despite the intestinal absorptive surface being reduced by 50% due to intestinal resection. Based on the particular biological, nutritional and metabolic characteristics, these reports suggest that goat milk can be an excellent natural food in cases of malabsorption syndrome, as an alternative to bovine milk.

The effect of cow or goat milk-based diets, either normal or Fe-overloaded, on DNA stability was studied in control and anaemic rats for 30 or 50 days of chronic Fe repletion. DNA damage was assessed using the alkaline comet assay. Background DNA damage in lymphocytes of peripheral blood was much lower in control and anaemic rats, given the normal or Fe-overloaded goat milk-based diet after 30 and 50 days versus cow milk-based diet. Chronic Fe-overload had no adverse effect on DNA stability in control and anaemic fed the goat milk-based diet versus the same diet with normal-Fe content at the end of the study. The quality of goat milk fat, together with the high levels of bioavailable Mg and Zn may be responsible for its protective effect on DNA of peripheral blood lymphocytes under the different experimental conditions, even during chronic Fe-overload.

The aim of this study was to identify, under the best possible conditions, the interspecific differences between the proteins, fat and minerals in goat and cow milk. The protein fractions presented evident differences, especially concerning the amount of αS1-casein, which was lower in the goat milk (62.8%; P < 0.05). The amino acid profile of the two proteins revealed certain differences, although the total quantity of essential amino acids did not vary (P > 0.05). The composition of fats was well-differentiated, mainly as concerns the content of medium-chain fatty acids (C6–14), which were higher in the goat milk (28.8%; P < 0.05). The same was true for n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (10.0%; P < 0.05) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (51.0%; P < 0.05), and also the total level of conjugated linoleic acid (33.8%; P < 0.05). The quantities of Ca, P, Mg and Cu were greater in the ash derived from goat milk (17.4, 15.6, 16.3 and 66.6%, respectively; P < 0.05). Due to the greater quantity of total solids present in goat milk (16.3%; P < 0.05), all of the above-mentioned differences would be considerably increased by the fact that they refer to the amounts present in a given volume. The differences detected between cow and goat milk mean that the latter constitutes a food of particular interest, in terms of both health and nutrition.

The effects of goat- or cow-milk-based diets, whether normal or supplemented with calcium (5 or 10 g kg −1 Ca, respectively), on the nutritive utilization of Zn and its deposition in organs, were evaluated in rats with and without nutritional ferropenic anaemia (NFA). The digestive and metabolic utilization of Zn in anaemic and control groups was higher for rats on the goat milk diet than those on the cow milk diet. The most noteworthy result is that Ca supplementation in the diet improved Zn metabolism in all experimental groups, but especially in anaemic rats fed the goat milk diet. This fact is reflected in the higher levels of Zn deposition found with the goat milk diet. It appears that goat milk, especially when supplemented with Ca, had beneficial effects on nutritive utilization of Zn and Zn deposition in target organs in both control rats and, especially, rats with NFA.

Ca-Fe interactions are known, but no studies are available about the effects of Ca-enriched goat or cow milk on Fe status in nutritional ferropenic anaemia (NFA). To examine this matter, control and Fe-deficient rats were fed for 14 d with goat or cow milk diets containing either normal or high Ca content (5000 or 10 000 mg/kg diet), and different indices and parameters related to iron status were measured. The apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) and the Fe retention/intake (R/I) ratio were higher in control and anaemic rats fed goat milk diet (G diet), despite high-Ca content. Ca enrichment decreased Fe stores in liver and sternum in anaemic rats fed cow milk diet (C diet), however G diet did not modify Fe content in the organs studied in control and anaemic rats. In anaemic rats, Ca-supplementation decreased haematocrit, but platelets and serum Fe were not affected, however, in control rats platelets increased except for Ca-enriched G diet, this fact reveals that Ca-Fe interaction is minimized with G diet. Serum ferritin was always higher in rats fed Gvs. C diet, both in control and anaemic rats fed either normal or Ca-enriched diets. Ca-supplementation decreased ferritin levels in control and anaemic rats fed C diet and also, though to a lesser extent, in those given the G diet. This indicates that with this G diet there is a better recovery of body Fe stores in anaemic rats, despite Ca-supplementation. In this study it is noteworthy that despite high Ca content, a goat milk diet resulted in minimal Ca-Fe interactions and did not adversely affect Fe status in rats with NFA.

This study investigates the effects of consumption of dietary caprine and bovine milk on Ca and P bioavailability, their distribution in different target organs, and parathormone (PTH) and corticosterone levels in rats with induced nutritional ferropenic anaemia (NFA). NFA increased the absorption of Ca and P, while their deposition in the femur was significantly lower, resulting in a significant degree of bone demineralization. Furthermore, anaemia led to an increased concentration in PTH and corticosterone in serum. Dietary caprine milk had a beneficial effect on Ca and P bioavailability in NFA, increasing the digestive and metabolic utilization of these elements and their deposits in the corresponding target organs, especially in the femur, together with lower levels of serum PTH. The opposite effect was observed for bovine milk diet. The consumption of caprine milk appears able to restore, at least in part, the impaired Ca and P metabolism and bone demineralization observed in rats with NFA.

BACKGROUND: The effects of dietary consumption of goat or cow milk, normal or enriched with calcium (Ca), on magnesium (Mg) bioavailability was evaluated in rats with nutritional ferropenic anaemia. Control and iron-deficient rats were fed for 14 days with iron-normal diets containing either normal (5000 mg kg−1 diet) or high (10 000 mg kg−1 diet) Ca content. RESULTS: The results shown that the goat milk diet gave the best results for digestive and metabolic utilization of Mg, both among the anaemic and the control group, with respect to the cow milk and standard diets. The most noteworthy result of Ca enrichment on the nutritive utilization of Mg is that it is less prejudicial in this respect when supplemented via goat milk than with cow milk or the standard diet. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate the beneficial effects of the goat milk, normal or with double Ca, on the nutritional utilization of Mg; therefore the consumption of this type of milk for people with nutritional ferropenic anaemia can be recommended. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry

Using rats with induced iron (Fe)-deficiency anaemia, this study investigated the effects of diets based on goat milk (GM) or cow milk (CM) lyophilates on the nutritive utilization of Fe, its deposit in target organs and haematic parameters involved in Fe metabolism. GM improved Fe metabolism, especially in Fe-deficient rats, leading to a higher Fe content in the spleen, liver, sternum and femur in comparison with CM. After feeding the rats for 2 weeks with the different diets, the anaemia had decreased, especially with GM, as assessed by higher haemoglobin regeneration efficiency (HRE), serum Fe, red blood cells (RBC) and packed cellular volume (PCV) levels and lower platelet count. We conclude that dietary GM improves Fe bioavailability in both control and anaemic rats, increasing Fe deposits in target organs and favouring the recovery of haematological parameters after ferropenic nutritional anaemia.

The aim of the current study was to asses the effect of goat or cow milk-based diets, either normal or Fe-overloaded and folic acid supplement on some aspects of hepatic physiology, enzymatic antioxidant defence and lipid peroxidation in liver, brain and erythrocyte of control and anaemic rats after chronic Fe repletion. 160 male Wistar rats were placed on 40 d in two groups, a control group receiving normal-Fe diet and the Fe-deficient group receiving low Fe diet. Lately, the rats were fed with goat and cow milk-based diets during 30 d, with normal-Fe content or Fe-overload and either with normal folic or folic acid supplemented. Fe-overload increased plasma alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels when cow milk was supplied. Dietary folate supplementation reduced plasma transaminases levels in animals fed goat milk with chronic Fe overload. A remarkable increase in the superoxide dismutase activity was observed in the animals fed cow milk. Dietary folate supplement lead to a decrease on the activity of this enzyme in all the tissues studied with both milk-based diets. A concomitant increment in catalase was also observed. The increase in lipid peroxidation products levels in rats fed cow milk with Fe-overload, suggest an imbalance in the functioning of the enzymatic antioxidant defence. In conclusion, dietary folate-supplemented goat milk reduces both plasma transaminases levels, suggesting a hepatoprotective effect and has beneficial effects in situation of Fe-overload, improving the antioxidant enzymes activities and reducing lipid peroxidation.

The short-term effects of Ca-supplemented goat or cow milk on the nutritive utilization of Fe were evaluated in a metabolic balance study of rats with nutritional ferropenic anaemia (NFA). Control and Fe-deficient rats were fed for 14 d with goat or cow milk diets containing high-Ca content (10,000 mg/kg diet). The consumption of diets containing high levels of Ca for 14 d had no adverse effects on Fe absorption when the goat milk-based diet was provided, whereas for the cow milk-based diet, there was a significant fall in the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of Fe. Moreover, the ADC and Fe retention/intake ratio ( R / I ) were higher in the anaemic rats fed the goat milk diet than among those fed the cow milk diet. These results suggest that despite a high dietary Ca content, goat milk minimizes Ca–Fe interactions and has no adverse effects on Fe absorption in rats with NFA.

Given the importance of oxidative stress associated to aging, it would be interesting to assess the effect of oral supplementation with antioxidant substances capable of diminishing oxidative aggression and free radicals generation associated to this condition. This study investigated the effects of AIN-93 M diet supplemented either with 2 % of propolis, or with 4 % of a natural product obtained from lyophilizate vegetables, selected by its antioxidant properties, in senescent healthy Wistar rats fed ad libitum over 3 months. Propolis supplementation leads to a lower level of glucose and cholesterol concentrations together with a reduction in protein oxidation. Plasma thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance levels were lower in the rats consuming the natural vegetable product and propolis possibly due to its antioxidant components, neutralizing the free radical produced, and thus preventing cellular damage. The results of the present study suggest a synergic effect of overall propolis compounds reducing the oxidative stress and glucose and cholesterol plasma levels associated with aging.

The effect of goat or cow milk-based diets, with either normal Fe content or an Fe overload, on bone turnover and the mineralization process was studied in control and anemic rats during chronic Fe repletion. One hundred eighty male Wistar rats were studied during a pre-experimental period of 40 d in which they were randomly divided into 2 groups, a control group receiving the AIN-93G diet with normal Fe content (45 mg/kg of diet) and the Fe-deficient group receiving the AIN-93G diet with low Fe content (5 mg/kg of diet) for 40 d. After the pre-experimental period, the rats were fed for 10, 30, or 50 d with goat or cow milk-based diets with a normal Fe content (45 mg/kg of diet) or an Fe overload (450 mg/kg of diet). In anemic rats, goat milk with normal Fe content increased levels of the biomarker of bone formation N-terminal propeptides of type I procollagen and diminished parathyroid hormone levels after only 10 d of supplying this diet, indicating the beginning of restoration of the bone demineralization induced by the anemia, which was not observed with cow milk. After 30 d of supplying the milk-based diets with normal Fe content or an Fe overload, biomarkers of bone formation and bone resorption were not different between control and anemic rats, indicating that the bone demineralization induced by the Fe-deficiency anemia had recovered, although the process of stabilization of bone turnover began earlier in the animals fed goat milk. In addition, a higher Ca deposit was observed in femur, which positively affects bone mineralization, as well as an increase of Fe in sternum, which indicates that the hematopoietic process essentially recovered earlier on the goat milk diet compared with the cow milk diet.