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Fresh white asparagus spears can contribute significantly to mineral level intake for a healthful diet. Although studies revealed slight differences according to variety and portions of the asparagus spear, all contained more than 100% of recommended levels of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and zinc., Variations in the copper, iron, zinc, manganes, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and phosphorous content of fresh white asparagus (Asparagus officiallis, L.) as a function of the spear portion and the [...]

A study of 10 samples of cow, ewe and goat milk using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry method to determine the calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium levels reveals a similarity in their sodium and potassium nutrient densities. Calcium and magnesium contents are higher in ewe's and goat's milk than in cow's milk.

An atomic absorption spectophotometer, using air acetylene flame, was used to measure periodical changes in concentrations of copper, iron, zinc, and manganese present in the milk of the chief milk-yielding species, cow, ewe and goat, for one year. Results showed that ewe's and goat's milk are better sources of copper and zinc than cow's milk, and goat's milk is richer in manganese than either cow's or ewe's milk.

Summary: Amaranthus dubius is an alternative source of fibre and protein for the feed formulation for growing rabbits, although its effects on their health status are yet unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of three dietary levels (0, 160 and 320 g/kg) of A. dubius on haematological, serum biochemical and histopathological parameters of fattening rabbits. One hundred and thirteen New Zealand White rabbits were fed ad libitum from weaning (35 days) to slaughter (87 days). The health status of the animals was monitored, and mortality was recorded. Before slaughtering, 30 rabbits were randomly selected for haematological and serum biochemical analysis. During slaughter, 18 rabbits were randomly selected for histopathological study in heart, liver, lung and small intestine. The health status of rabbits was good, with no differences among treatments in mortality. Diet and sex did not affect the values of most haematological and serum biochemical parameters. Fibrinogen, glucose and high‐density lipoprotein values increased significantly from 0 to 320 g/kg A. dubius diets. The white blood cell count and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase values decreased significantly from 0 to 320 g/kg A. dubius diets. The organs showed histologically well‐structured tissues. However, in all experimental groups several samples with lesions were observed, always highly focalized in small tissue areas. The main lesions observed, probably related to conditions of thermal stress affecting the rabbits, were cholesterolosis (heart), steatosis (liver), inflammatory lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate (lung) and chronic inflammatory tissue damage (small intestine). In conclusion, the inclusion of up to 320 g/kg A. dubius in diet did not jeopardize the health status of growing rabbits. Therefore, A. dubius can become an alternative raw material for the formulation of feeds in tropical and subtropical countries where this plant is widespread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential and accuracy of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) for predicting the mineral content in lyophilized samples of turnip greens and turnip tops (Brassica rapaL. var.rapa). Mathematical treatments of the spectra and modified partial least squares regression (MPLS) were used for developing calibrations equations (n = 298). An independent set of samples (n = 69) was used to evaluate and validate the performance of the calibrations equations. The coefficients of determination obtained in the external validation (r2ev) and error of prediction (SEP) for the different minerals were K = 0.86 (SEP = 4,90), Ca = 0.91 (SEP = 1,66), P = 0.73 (SEP = 0,86), Mg = 0.85 (SEP = 0,32), Na = 0.87 (SEP = 0,21), Fe = 0.90 (SEP = 60,48), Zn = 0.80 (SEP = 5,83), Mn = 0.81 (SEP = 5,72) and Cu = 0.62 (SEP = 1,13).The calibration equations obtained for Ca and Fe showed the highest predictive ability These results support the idea that NIRS technology is suitable for the fast, non-destructive, and accurate prediction of mineral content in turnip greens and turnip tops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study a probabilistic model was developed to estimate the intake level of Fe, Zn, Ca, P, Mg, Mn, Cu, Na, and K derived from consumption of infant formulas and processed cereal-based food in Spain. Infant formulas were classified in two categories (first term and follow-on) while cereal-based foods were split up in six groups according to their composition (without gluten, only with gluten, fruits, honey, cocoa, and integral cereal). Contributions to Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) were studied for two population groups: 0–6-month-old and 6-month–1-year-old infants. The results reported that mineral and trace elements contents in these types of food cover the established DRIs for Ca, Mg, P, Fe, and K being relatively low for Zn and Cu. Conversely, Na and Mn contents were moderately high and should be decreased to reduce the prevalence of certain diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]