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Anthropogenic phosphorus (P) input from fertilised and unfertilised topsoils into surface water and re-dissolution from sediments can be key drivers of eutrophication. This study aimed to (1) analyse the P input processes into streams/rivers particularly via erosion from fertilised and unfertilised fields and (2) study the effectiveness of the riparian strip in reducing P emissions from diffuse sources. For the investigation, Cambisol-Tschernosem and Luvisol samples from Loess were taken from Thuringian test fields (Germany). Three laboratory simulations were designed to analyse P re-dissolution and leaching behaviour from topsoils and sediments and further extrapolated to a realistic scenario based on the P input path into receiving waters via erosion. Organic bonded phosphorus and orthophosphate were leached out at the beginning. Upscaling to a realistic scenario showed that the main source of P in receiving waters was leaching from sediment interstitial sites (57.5%) via percolation while the P re-dissolution via diffusion (13%), due to two heavy rain events (17%), and leaching from soil interstitial sites (12.5%) only played a minor role. The risk of eutrophication exceeded the threshold total P of 0.10 mg L-1 given as an orientation value by the Federal/State water consortium (LAWA). This was observed in percolates from all sandy soils (0.17–0.85 mg L-1), only slightly in the clayey soils (≤ 0.11 mg L-1) but not in either streambed sediment (≤ 0.08 mg L-1). However, local differences such as steeper slope, different soil compositions such as higher sand and lower clay percentages, and poorer buffering due to lower lime and aluminium content were identified as reasons for a higher risk of eutrophication.

Frost resistance (FR) is a highly adaptive trait and important for plant performance, survival and distribution. While overall seasonal changes in the frost resistance of herbaceous species are well documented, knowledge of the variability during the growth period is scarce. Responses could be expected due to differences in temperature yet investment in frost resistance might be at the expense of plant performance. To analyse temporal and spatial (i.e. same date but differing temperatures) variability, FR of leaves of six herbaceous species on five sampling dates were assessed along an elevational gradient in the northern limestone Alps. We used chlorophyll fluorescence techniques to calculate the lethal temperature of 90% of the population (LT90) thereof. To test the association with plant performance, we measured eco-morphological leaf traits (specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content, leaf phosphorous and magnesium content as well as stomatal pore area index (SPI)) in parallel. We found that FR as well as leaf traits exhibit a strong temporal variation whereas spatial variability was low. When analysing the relationship of FR to leaf traits we found that SLA as a proxy of growth rate was negatively associated with FR indicating a trade-off between growth and resistance, whereas SPI showed a positive relationship to FR. This finding gives further insight into the variability of traits and will help to improve predictions concerning plant performance and distribution under changing climate regimes.

QUESTIONS: Are the vegetation structure and soil properties of fallows similar to adjacent species‐rich Mediterranean steppe communities 35 years after abandonment? Is there a spontaneous redevelopment towards the original steppe vegetation after reintroduction of the traditional grazing system? Can differences in functional trait composition be identified according to different land‐use types? Do traits of selected species affect the ability to recolonize fallow land? LOCATION: Mediterranean steppe of La Crau (Southeastern France). METHODS: We conducted 80 vegetation surveys and soil analyses in the steppe and adjacent fallow land in six locations in La Crau in 2015; for three locations, data from 2001 were included. To compare the functional composition of steppe vs fallow land, community‐weighted means (CMW) of specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and canopy height were calculated. To test whether trait variability is associated with the recolonization success of 12 selected target species, we measured SLA, LDMC, canopy height, plant width and aboveground biomass on eight replicate individuals per site and species. RESULTS: Fallow land was characterized by lower species richness and elevated phosphorus and potassium content in the soil. Comparing vegetation releves between 2001 and 2015 revealed that the fallows were developing towards steppe vegetation. CWMs of SLA were significantly lower and CWM of LDMC higher in steppe than in fallow land. There was no similarity in trait composition between steppe species that successfully recolonized the fallow‐land community, and no evidence that intraspecific trait variability is associated with recolonization success of these species. CONCLUSIONS: Even after decades of abandonment and reintroduction of the grazing system, the vegetation structure, soil properties and plant functional trait composition of fallows differ from those of adjacent steppe communities. These results illustrate the need for active restoration to accelerate the recovery of former arable land to the target steppe communities.

Duckweeds have been consumed as human food since long. Species of the duckweed genera, Spirodela , Landoltia , Lemna , Wolffiella and Wolffia were analysed for protein, fat, and starch contents as well as their amino acid and fatty acid distribution. Protein content spanned from 20% to 35%, fat from 4% to 7%, and starch from 4% to 10% per dry weight. Interestingly, the amino acid distributions are close to the WHO recommendations, having e.g. 4.8% Lys, 2.7% Met + Cys, and 7.7% Phe + Tyr. The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids was between 48 and 71% and the high content of n3 fatty acids resulted in a favourable n6/n3 ratio of 0.5 or less. The phytosterol content in the fastest growing angiosperm, W. microscopica, was 50 mg g −1 lipid. However, the content of trace elements can be adjusted by cultivation conditions. Accordingly, W. hyalina and W. microscopica are recommended for human nutrition.

Background: The iodine status of populations is usually assessed by median urinary iodine concentrations (UIC) in population-based studies, but it is unclear to which extent UIC are comparable across different laboratories. The aim of our study was to investigate the variability of UIC measurements across three well-established German laboratories with long-term clinical-chemical expertise in iodine measurements and to compare these results to the gold standard inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Methods: UIC levels were measured from 303 urine samples derived from the “Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed Study” and from volunteers of the University Medicine Greifswald at four different German laboratories. Three of these laboratories used Sandell-Kolthoff reaction with different digestion methods for UIC measurement (Lab1–Lab3), whereas one laboratory used ICP-MS as gold standard. Results: Median UIC levels were significantly different across the four laboratories (ICP-MS: 77 μg/L; Lab1: 69 μg/L; Lab2: 73 μg/L; Lab3: 111 μg/L). Linear regressions associating UIC levels of Lab1–Lab3 with UIC levels of ICP-MS showed intercepts significantly different from 0 and slopes significantly different from 1. Intraclass correlations (ICC) in comparison to ICP-MS were 0.91 for Lab1, 0.98 for Lab2, and 0.69 for Lab3. Using the digestion method of Lab2 in Lab3 improved the comparison of UIC levels of Lab3 with those from the ICP-MS (ICC=0.89). Conclusions: We have demonstrated larger interlaboratory variations across high-quality laboratories with long-lasting experience in iodine measurements indicating a relevant non-comparability of UIC measurements in iodine monitoring studies. Therefore, standardization of UIC measurements has to be expedited.

Essential trace elements such as selenium (Se) play a crucial role in health and diseases. Investigations of the transport and absorption of different Se species in vivo and in vitro consider only one Se species in a systematic manner. Thus, transport of four Se compounds (at concentrations of 100 and 400 μg L− 1) namely selenite (SeO32 −), selenate (SeO42 −), selenomethionine (SeMet), and Se-methylselenocysteine (MeSEC) was compared using the Caco-2 cell line and the Ussing chamber system. For analytical measurements, an HPLC-ICP-DRC-MS method was developed and characterized. For the investigated Se species, limits of quantification were 0.5 μg L− 1 while trueness was tested using the certified reference material SELM-1. Se species were added to the apical compartment of the Ussing chamber system either separately or simultaneously. Notably, no transport for SeO32 − from apical to basolateral side was observed. Transport efficacy after 120 min was the highest (9.1%) for SeMet in single species experiments, whereas SeO42 − transport was the highest (7.9%) associated with simultaneous adding of Se species. Furthermore, changes in rank order of the apparent permeability coefficients Papp were obtained in mixture experiments as compared to the single species approaches. Finally, experimental data demonstrate alterations in transport of SeMet, MeSEC, and SeO42 − suggesting interactions between Se species and changes in the transport behavior.

Selenium (Se) is essential and the recommendation for dairy cows amounts to 0.2 mg Se/kg feed dry matter (DM). Se at high intake is toxic and in the EU a maximum content of 0.5 mg Se/kg complete feed (grain DM equivalent basis of 880 g DM per kg) should not be exceeded. The present study focused on the Se content in important feedstuffs (1), supplementation mainly via mineral vitamin premixes (2) and the analysis of total mixed rations (TMR) (3) for validation of a total Se intake. 201 concentrate feedstuffs and 32 silage samples from grass and green maize, a total of 22 mineral premixes and compound feeds and 413 TMR were analysed for Se by hydride atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Twenty-one mineral premixes (>40 % ash) were evaluated for Se content and for the expected daily intake according to the labelled recommendation, manufacturers and brands were anonymised. A very low native Se content with a mean of 20–46 μg Se/kg DM was analysed particularly in grain, grain legumes and silage confirming the necessity for Se supplements. There is an immense range in the Se content of premixes and also in the recommended amounts for daily provision. Increasing the recommended daily intake the premix content of Se has to be decreased significantly. However, the increase of the allowance was stronger than the decrease in Se concentration resulting in an overproportionally higher Se intake at high allowance. The mean Se intake of 8 mg per cow and day via mineral premixes results in 0.4 mg Se per kg DM assuming a total daily feed intake of 20 kg DM per cow. Considering a background Se content in native feedstuffs of about 0.04 mg Se/kg DM, a mean content of 0.44 mg Se per kg total diet DM already covers 75 % of the maximum content of 0.57 mg Se/kg complete feedstuffs DM. Investigations of TMR in Saxon and Thuringian cow herds point to a high intake of Se. According to the present study in dairy cows the Se intake via mineral vitamin premixes may reach or exceed the maximum content of complete feedstuffs according to EU legislation. Too high Se feed contents, particularly via selenised yeasts, will be risky for the consumer (adults; toddlers) who ingests high amounts of Se via Se-enriched milk, meat and eggs which may exceed the upper limit. The ration calculations should be improved according to the recommendations of GfE (Empfehlungen zur Energie- und Nahrstoffversorgung der Milchkuhe und Aufzuchtrinder, DLG-Verlags GmbH, Frankfurt/Main, 2001).

Milk may be an iodine source for humans, but its magnitude depends on the iodine content of cow feed. The present investigation focused on the iodine level of feed and milk in German feeding practice in comparison with the results of previous milk monitoring and dose-response experiments with dairy cows. In 73 samples of straight feedstuffs (41 concentrates, 32 silages prepared from grass or green maize) and a total of 83 vitamin mineral premixes and compound feeds, respectively, the iodine content was determined and along with the expected daily iodine intake of cows. In six Thuringian cow herds, the total cow diets (51 total mixed rations, TMR) as well as the bulk milk (n=77) were analysed for iodine. Cereal and legume grains and extracted meals from oilseeds had very low native iodine contents at

Objective: Milk can provide more than 1/3 of the iodine content in hu- man diet. Moreover, iodine supply in cow's milk in Germany has improved throughout the last decade. Since 1982, analyses of io- dine content of cow's and human milk have been undertaken regularly in the State of Thuringia (East Germany). Data show in- creasing iodine concentration in milk over the past few years. Nonetheless, dietary sup- ply of iodine via milk needs to be continu- ously monitored. Material and methods: To investigate the latest trend of iodine content in milk over time, 135 samples of cow's milk and 65 samples of human milk were ana- lyzed by ICP-MS after digestion with tetra- methyl-ammonium hydroxide. Samples of cow's milk (conventionally and organically produced) were purchased from the same supermarkets in Thuringia in March and No- vember every year between 2007 and 2011. Human milk samples were obtained on a vol- untary basis from breast-feeding women in Thuringia during the same time period. Re- sults: Samples of cow's milk from 2007 to 2011 showed a mean iodine concentration of 122.0 ± 36.8 µg/l. There was no significant change during these 5 years (p > 0.05). In the same period, iodine content of conven- tionally produced milk was on average 51 µg/l higher compared to organically pro- duced milk (p < 0.001). For all human milk samples, the mean iodine content was 170 ± 96 µg/l, with a range of 45.6 - 478.4 µg/l. In breast milk, not only were high variations present between samples of milk from the individual women, but iodine content also varied over lactation time. Conclusions: The current results demonstrate that in East Ger- many the average iodine content in cow's milk has remained stable at an appropriate level during the last 5 years. Although io- dine concentrations in human milk likewise reveal relatively constant values on average, individual variations can be substantial.

An analytical method is described for the routine quantification of five elements (As, Cr, Fe, Ni, and Se) in plants and animal feedstuffs using dynamic reaction cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-DRC-MS) after microwave digestion. Methane (for Cr, Fe, Ni, and Se) and oxygen (for As) were used as reaction gases to reduce polyatomic interferences. Optimization of the gas flow rate and the quadrupole dynamic bandpass tuning parameter (RPq) was carried out for the method. Detection limits (LOD) were in the range of 0.03–0.65 µg L− 1 and were significantly lower compared to the standard mode without DRC. The trueness of the method was tested using three reference materials from Round robin tests. Results were well in accordance with the certified values. Furthermore, DRC data were examined by analyzing the same samples using sector field ICP-MS (SF-ICP-MS) and an ICP-MS equipped with collision cell technology (ICP-CCT-MS). The data obtained were in the confidence range of the reference material, too. The investigated method was applied for the analysis of grass and corn silage samples.

Most feed is poor in iodine and iodine supplementation of cow's diets must guarantee milk iodine concentrations for humans that contribute to prevention of the deficiency and minimize the risk of exceeding an upper limit of iodine intake. Five Holstein cows were fed four iodine doses (via Ca(Iota O(3))(2).6H(2)O). In four sequential 14-d periods, doses of 0.2 (basal diet), 1.3, 5.1, and 10.1 mg iodine kg(-1) diet dry matter (DM) were administered. Samples of milk were collected during each period; blood was also sampled from each cow for each iodine dosage. In an 18-d depletion period, a non-supplemented diet was provided. Iodine was determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The iodine content of milk and serum reflected the iodine dosages in feed significantly. The levels for the four doses tested in milk were 101+/-32, 343+/-109, 1215+/-222, and 2762+/-852 microg iodine kg(-1). The total amount of iodine in milk per day was 30-40% of ingested supplemental iodine. Omitting additional iodine resulted in a short-term reduction of serum and milk iodine following an exponential decay function. The iodine supplementation of 0.5-1.5 mg kg(-1) diet DM represents the requirement of the cow, resulting in 100-300 microg iodine L(-1) milk, which optimally contributes to human supply. The maximum dietary levels of former and present EU legislations (10 and 5 mg iodine kg(-1) cow feed) increase the risk of iodine excess in humans.

The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of different levels of iodine supplementation on animal growth and the iodine content of food from beef cattle. In a dose-response experiment with 34 growing fattening bulls of the "German Holstein" breed, in the range from 223 to 550 kg body weight, three iodine dosages were tested. The animals were fed a corn silage/concentrate ration. Iodine concentration in the diet amounted to 0.79 (Group 1), 3.52 (Group 2) and 8.31(Group 3) mg I per kg dry matter (DM). After slaughtering, I was determined in blood, serum, plasma, thyroid, liver, kidneys and meat (M. longissimus dorsi, M glutaeus medius) by ICP-MS. I-supplementation did not significantly influence DM intake, daily weight gain (1453 (1), 1419 (2) and 1343 (3) g; p>0.05) or slaughtering performance, but the weight of the thyroid gland increased significantly with the highest I dosage (32 (1), 26 (2) and 42 (3) g animal(-1), p

The content of 5 macro elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, and P), 6 trace elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Se, and I), and 4 ultra-trace elements (As, Pb, Cd, and Hg) in 34 edible dried seaweed products of brown algae (Laminaria sp., Undaria pinnatifida, and Hizikia fusiforme) and red algae (Porphyra sp.) originated from China, Japan, and Korea and bought by retail in Germany was determined. The content of these elements was analyzed by spectrometric methods (ICP-AES, ICP-MS, HGAAS, and CVAAS). Assuming a daily intake with 5 g FM of algae, the contribution of the essential elements to the diet is low, with the exception of I. Brown algae contained as much as 1316 +/- 1669 mg of I/kg FM. More than 4000 mg of I/kg FM were found in several Laminaria sp. Moreover, some brown algae, such as Hizikia fusiforme, had high contents of total As (87.7 +/- 8.2 mg/kg FM).

Background The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of calcium phosphate and/or vitamin D3 on bone and mineral metabolism. Methods Sixty omnivorous healthy subjects participated in the double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel designed study. Supplements were tricalcium phosphate (CaP) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). At the beginning of the study (baseline), all subjects documented their normal nutritional habits in a dietary record for three successive days. After baseline, subjects were allocated to three intervention groups: CaP (additional 1 g calcium/d), vitamin D3 (additional 10 μg/d) and CaP + vitamin D3. In the first two weeks, all groups consumed placebo bread, and afterwards, for eight weeks, the test bread according to the intervention group. In the last week of each study period (baseline, placebo, after four and eight weeks of intervention), a faecal (three days) and a urine (24 h) collection and a fasting blood sampling took place. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron were determined in faeces, urine and blood. Bone formation and resorption markers were analysed in blood and urine. Results After four and eight weeks, CaP and CaP + vitamin D3 supplementations increased faecal excretion of calcium and phosphorus significantly compared to placebo. Due to the vitamin D3 supplementations (vitamin D3, CaP + vitamin D3), the plasma 25-(OH)D concentration significantly increased after eight weeks compared to placebo. The additional application of CaP led to a significant increase of the 25-(OH)D concentration already after four weeks. Bone resorption and bone formation markers were not influenced by any intervention. Conclusions Supplementation with daily 10 μg vitamin D3 significantly increases plasma 25-(OH)D concentration. The combination with daily 1 g calcium (as CaP) has a further increasing effect on the 25-(OH)D concentration. Both CaP alone and in combination with vitamin D3 have no beneficial effect on bone remodelling markers and on the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron. Trial registration NCT01297023

Rapeseed press cake (per kg DM 181 g EE, 341 g CP and 23.3 mmol glucosinolates) was tested in a long-term experiment with a total of sixty pigs (live weight range 24 to 104 kg). The 3 x 2 factorial design consisted of three rapeseed press cake levels (no rapeseed press cake--control, 75 g or 150 g rapeseed press cake per kg diet) each with two iodine dosages (125 or 250 micrograms supplementary iodine per kg diet). Reduced feed intake and depressed weight gain were found in groups receiving 150 g rapeseed press cake per kg diet, which correspond to 3.2 mmol glucosinolates per kg diet. At an inclusion level of 75 g rapeseed-press cake per kg diet no differences in feed intake and growth intensity were recorded in comparison to the rape feed free control. The rapeseed-press cake diet increased the weight of thyroid gland and liver and decreased the serum thyroxine (T4) concentration. Higher iodine dosage increased the serum T4 concentration of pigs receiving 75 g rapeseed press cake per kg diet (= 1.6 mmol glucosinolates per kg diet) to the level of the control group and retarded the enlargement of the thyroid gland. Intake of rapeseed products lowered the iodine content of the thyroid gland, however, there was no significant difference between groups given 1.6 and 3.2 mmol glucosinolates per kg diet. The vitamin A content of the whole liver and the vitamin A serum concentration were not influenced by the diets tested. However, rapeseed press cake and the glucosinolates, respectively, decreased the vitamin A concentration per gram liver due to the organ enlargement and the resulting dilution effect.

I in the chain sow diet → blood serum of sow → sow milk → piglet serum was investigated in two experiments with a total of eighty-one sows and their piglets. In experiments conducted during the last trimester of gravidity and the 28 d of lactation, diets with glucosinolates (1.9 mmol/kg diet via 100 g ground rapeseed/kg diet (Expt 1) and 2.1 and 4.2 mmol/kg diet via 75 and 150 g rapeseed press cake/kg diet (Expt 2)) were compared with control groups without rapeseed products. From 0 to 600 μg I/kg was added to sow diets during lactation. Diets without supplementary I decreased the I concentration particularly in milk and piglet serum. The presence of rapeseed and rapeseed press cake were indicated by a thiocyanate concentration increase, mainly in sow serum. The diets with glucosinolates decreased the milk and piglet serum I concentration. Spot urine and faeces samples from sows eating the rapeseed-press cake diets had increased I concentration. The sows’ serum I and thyroxine did not respond to glucosinolates (Expt 1) or these diets caused an increase in concentration (Expt 2). Both these criteria seem unsuitable for the diagnosis of I status of adult animals. Glucosinolates and their degradation compounds may affect the thyroid and the mammary glands resulting in lower I milk transfer and higher renal and intestinal I excretion.

In einer grosen Olmuhle wurden bei der Verarbeitung von Raps (R) oder Lein (L) auf den Prozesstufen von der Roholgewinnung bis zum Halbraffinat jeweils drei Proben Presol, Extraktionsol, Mischol und entschleimtes und entsauertes Rohol untersucht. Das Rapsol lag ebenfalls gebleicht sowie als Vollraffinat gebleicht und desodoriert (230°C; 3,0 mbar uber 2 h) vor. Beim Nachweis der fur Raps- und Leinol typischen Hauptfettsauren betrug der Anteil trans-isomerer Fettsauren (trans fatty acids = TFA) weniger als 1%. Leinol besas mit 0,24% eine ahnliche TFA-Konzentration wie Rapsol (0,22%), wobei sich bei den einzelnen Prozesstufen bis zum Halbraffinat und auch noch in dem gebleichten Rapsol die Konzentrationen nicht veranderten. Die Desodorierung des Rapsols hatte jedoch annahernd eine Verdreifachung der TFA-Konzentration auf 0,58% Anteil an den Fettsauren zur Folge. Die nachgewiesenen Tocopherolmuster sind fur Raps und Lein typisch. Es bestanden keine Unterschiede in der Gesamttocopherolkonzentration zwischen Mischol und entschleimtem und entsauertem Rohol, ebenfalls wirkte sich die Bleichung nicht aus. Die Desodorierung des Rapsols verminderte die Gesamttocopherolkonzentration von 740 mg/kg auf 650 mg/kg um 12%. Durch die Entschleimung und Entsauerung sank die Phosphorkonzentration der Ole auf unter ein Zehntel im Vergleich zum Mischol. Die weiteren untersuchten Elemente waren im entschleimten und entsauerten Rapsol nicht (Mangan < 0,02 mg/kg, Eisen < 0,4 mg/kg, Kupfer < 0,02 mg/kg, Blei < 10 μg/kg) oder nur in Spuren nachweisbar (Zink 0,1 mg/kg, Cadmium 2 μg/kg). Fur das Leinol bei anfangs hoherer Spurenstoffkonzentration zeigte sich durch Entschleimung und Entsauerung ebenfalls eine deutliche Abnahme. Eisen wurde nicht gefunden. Zink, Mangan, Kupfer, Blei und Cadmium waren in dem so verarbeiteten Leinol in Spuren vorhanden. Die Saurezahl unterschied sich zwischen Raps- und Leinrohol nicht. Die Saurezahl verringerte sich in der Raffination bereits wahrend der Entschleimung und Entsauerung drastisch. Die Leinrohole hatten eine hohere Peroxid-, Anisidin- und Dienzahl als die entsprechenden Rapsrohole. Bei Peroxidzahlen von ≤ 0,1 mEq O2/kg in fast allen untersuchten Rapsolen konnte ein Einflus der Raffination nicht nachgewiesen werden. Die Anisidinzahl zeigte sich nach Bleichung erhoht. Die Desodorierung verdreifachte die Dienzahl. Changes of rapeseed and linseed oil during processing During processing of crude oil in a large oil mill, three samples each of rapeseed and linseed were investigated at each processing stage, i.e. press oil, solvent-extracted oil, mixed oil, and degummed/caustic refined oil. In the case of rapeseed also bleached and desodorized oils (230°C; 3.0 mbar for 2 h) were investigated. Rapeseed and linseed oil showing the typical major fatty acids contained less than 1% trans-isomeric fatty acids (trans fatty acids = TFA). Linseed oil had a similar TFA-concentration as rapeseed oil, and the concentrations did not change during the processing stages up to degummed/caustic refined oil, and were also unchanged in the bleached rapeseed oil. Desodorization of rapeseed oil, however, trebled the TFA concentration to 0.58%. The detected tocopherol patterns were typical of rapeseed and linseed oils. There was no difference between mixed oil and degummed/caustic refined oil in the total concentration of tocopherols. Neither had bleaching any effect. Rapeseed oil desodorization diminished total tocopherol concentration by 12% from 740 mg/kg to 650 mg/kg. Due to degumming/caustic refining the phosphorus concentration of both oils decreased to less than a tenth compared to mixed oil. Other elements determined in degummed/caustic refined rapeseed oil were not detectable (manganese < 0.02 mg/kg, iron < 0.4 mg/kg, copper < 0.02 mg/kg, lead < 10 μg/kg) or only as traces zink 0.1 mg/kg, cadmium 2 μg/kg). In linseed oil, which initially showed a higher trace compounds concentration, a significant decrease was found by degumming/caustic refining. Iron could not be detected. There were traces of zinc, manganese, copper, lead, and cadmium. There was no difference between the acid values of rapeseed and linseed crude oil. Acid value decreased drastically already during the degumming/caustic refining stage. The crude linseed oils had a higher peroxide value, anisidine value and diene value than the corresponding crude rapeseed oils. With peroxide values of ≤ 0.1 mEq O2/kg found in almost all investigated rapeseed oils, no effect of refining could be detected. The anisidine value showed an increase after bleaching. Desodorization trebled the diene value.

In two experiments with a total of 60 sows during late pregnancy and at 28 days of lactation, diets containing rapeseed were compared with rapeseed free diets (control). In Experiment 1 dietary content of solvent extracted rapeseed meal was 250 g/kg (10 mmol glucosinolates/kg diet), in Experiment 2 diets containing 100 g/kg rapeseed were tested (2 mmol glucosinolates/kg diet). During late pregnancy all sows received 150 micrograms supplementary iodine/kg diet. In lactation, different subgroups received different rates of iodine administration (Exp. 1:0, 100 or 1000 micrograms/kg diet; Exp. 2: 0, 150 or 300 micrograms/kg diet). Rapeseed feeds had no significant effect on feed intake, body weight of sows and rearing parameters in both experiments. There was a tendency (8%) toward lower litter weight at weaning in Exp. 1. Sow diets without supplementary iodine but containing glucosinolates (via rapeseed meal, rapeseed) caused significant reduction in thyroxine serum concentration of piglets, whereas this hormone did not change in sow serum. Thiocyanate was significantly increased in the serum of mothers. The minor increase of thiocyanate concentration of milk and piglets' serum points to negligible transfer of rapeseed glucosinolate degradation products to offspring. However, the milk iodine concentration was significantly decreased due to glucosinolates, and this seems to be the reason for impaired iodine and thyroid hormone status of piglets from sows given rapeseed feeds.

Background The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of calcium phosphate and/or vitamin D3 on bone and mineral metabolism. Methods Sixty omnivorous healthy subjects participated in the double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel designed study. Supplements were tricalcium phosphate (CaP) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). At the beginning of the study (baseline), all subjects documented their normal nutritional habits in a dietary record for three successive days. After baseline, subjects were allocated to three intervention groups: CaP (additional 1 g calcium/d), vitamin D3 (additional 10 μg/d) and CaP + vitamin D3. In the first two weeks, all groups consumed placebo bread, and afterwards, for eight weeks, the test bread according to the intervention group. In the last week of each study period (baseline, placebo, after four and eight weeks of intervention), a faecal (three days) and a urine (24 h) collection and a fasting blood sampling took place. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron were determined in faeces, urine and blood. Bone formation and resorption markers were analysed in blood and urine. Results After four and eight weeks, CaP and CaP + vitamin D3 supplementations increased faecal excretion of calcium and phosphorus significantly compared to placebo. Due to the vitamin D3 supplementations (vitamin D3, CaP + vitamin D3), the plasma 25-(OH)D concentration significantly increased after eight weeks compared to placebo. The additional application of CaP led to a significant increase of the 25-(OH)D concentration already after four weeks. Bone resorption and bone formation markers were not influenced by any intervention. Conclusions Supplementation with daily 10 μg vitamin D3 significantly increases plasma 25-(OH)D concentration. The combination with daily 1 g calcium (as CaP) has a further increasing effect on the 25-(OH)D concentration. Both CaP alone and in combination with vitamin D3 have no beneficial effect on bone remodelling markers and on the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron. Trial registration NCT01297023

Iodine is an essential trace element for humans and animals, and it is incorporated into the thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which have multiple functions in energy metabolism and growth, but also as transmitter of nervous stimuli and as an important factor for brain development. Because of the small range between iodine requirements and the upper level for humans (between 1:2.5 and 3), the requirements should be met, but excesses should be avoided. One of the most important iodine sources for humans is milk of ruminants. Therefore, various influencing factors on the iodine content of milk of ruminants should be analyzed in the paper. The iodine content of milk depends on many factors, such as iodine content and level of iodine supplementation of feed, iodine source, iodine antagonists such as glucosinolates in the feed, farm management, teat dipping with iodine-containing substances, and milk processing in the dairy. The effects of some factors on the iodine content of milk are demonstrated and discussed. Feed iodine supplementation has the main effect on milk iodine. However, the iodine content of milk may vary considerably depending on many other influencing factors. As a consequence of preventive consumer protection, the European Food Safety Authority proposed a reduction in the iodine upper level for lactating ruminants from 5 to 2 mg/kg complete feed.

Until now the effect of thallium (Tl) on renal function has not been investigated systematically. Therefore, the dose (5, 10, 15, 20 mg Tl2SO4/kg body wt., intraperitoneally) and time-dependence of renal damage was investigated in diuresis experiments on conscious rats. Morphology was evaluated after perfusion fixation in situ. Morphologic changes were localized in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, mostly expressed at the 2nd day after Tl administration, which were completely normalized again at the 10th day. Other parameters such as Tl concentration, changes in water content and the activity of Na+/K(+)-ATPase as well as the diuretic effect of furosemide confirmed the Tl effect to be localized in the renal medulla. One single Tl administration is followed by a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urine volume and an increase of proteinuria. Electrolyte excretion was only slightly changed. All changes were reversible within the 10-day investigation period.

An analytical programme which permits the direct, simultaneous determination of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in groundwater samples was developed for ICP-MS. Spectral mass interferences, attributable to great differences in groundwater matrices, precision and accuracy have been discussed. The evaluation of analytical results was demonstrated for selected sampling points of the groundwater observation network of Thuringia.

Millions of people worldwide still suffer from iodine deficiency disorders. Besides salt iodination, iodine is added to animal feed to concentrate it in food of animal origin (milk, eggs, meat). Otherwise possible adverse effects of high supplementation should be avoided.The objective of the study was to evaluate the iodine content of pork at various feed iodine concentrations to estimate its contribution to human iodine supply. Furthermore the handling of low and high iodine dosages by the organism should be investigated using the pig as a model for the human.Seventy pigs (live weight period 27-115 kg), divided into five groups, were fed diets supplemented with 0 (group 1), 0.5 (group 2), 1 (group 3), 2 (group 4) and 5 (group 5) mg iodine per kg diet. Iodine was determined in the thyroid and in the fractions innards/blood, bones and muscle/fat of four pigs of each group by ICP-MS.Rising iodine supplementation of feed significantly increased (P0.05) the iodine content of the muscle/fat fraction [3.9 (group 1), 6.0 (group 2), 8.5 (group 3), 10.8 (group 4) and 17.1 (group 5) microg I/kg]. Carry over (of supplemented iodine) into muscle/fat varied between 0.10 and 0.24%. The highest tested iodine dosage (5 mg I/kg diet) caused a 3.6-fold iodine concentration of the total body (calculated from the contents of the fractions), and a significantly increased thyroid weight compared to the group without supplementary iodine. Iodine supplementation increased iodine content in thyroid and bones significantly (P0.05) but not in innards/blood. On an average of the groups, the thyroid contained 80% of the body's iodine, innards/blood 14%, muscle/fat 5% and bones 1%.The iodine content of pork, and consequently its contribution to human iodine supply ( approximately 1%), is very low, even at high supplementation of feed. The total body iodine content (empty body) is determined by the iodine intake. Irrespective of the iodine dosage, the thyroid contains about 4/5 of the body iodine. Bones represent a very low iodine concentration, even at a strongly increased iodine intake. The increase of the thyroid weight as an adverse effect of iodine supplementation requires further research with high dietary iodine.

The aim of this investigation was to elucidate the mobility, the availability and the soil to plant transfer of heavy metals in dump soils of the former uranium mining area in Thuringia (Germany). The investigation refers to the elements U, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn. For this purpose, soil and plant samples were collected from 34 plots on two different dumps. Pseudo-total contents and mobile portions were investigated in all soil samples. In six selected soil profiles every horizon was analysed by means of a sequential extraction procedure.