Journal of Food, Nutrition and Diet Science

Effects of phosphorus and potassium fertilization and fruit canopy position on sugar accumulation in mangifera indica cv. 'Kent' pulp

Kennedy Olale — 2024-04-09

Sugar content is the key to mango quality and growers are constantly seeking methods to optimize it. In this study, fructose, glucose, sucrose, and maltose sugars were evaluated to determine how phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in varying amounts could affect these sugar levels and how sunlight exposure effects fruit. The experiments were conducted in the KALRO Orchard of Kiambu County, Kenya. Thirty-five healthy 7- to 8-year-old ‘Kent’ trees were selected and divided into five treatment groups with five replicates each. Treatment with 1 kg, 2 kg P, K and combined PK per tree resulted in a significantly higher fructose content than the control.

In contrast, neither 1 kg nor 2 kg P resulted in significantly higher glucose contents than the control. Combined PK fertilizers at 0.5+0.5 kg per tree reduced fructose and increased glucose, sucrose, and maltose. A combination of PK fertilizers at 1.0+1.0 kg significantly increased only fructose, but not other sugars. Even after applying P and K fertilizers, the position of the fruit canopy did not affect fructose, glucose, or maltose contents. However, there was a trend towards a higher sucrose content in fruits exposed to sunlight (5.17 g/100 g) than in canopy fruits (2.29g/100g), although this difference was not statistically significant. The same trend was observed for the other sugars. The t-test revealed no significant differences between the two canopy positions (t = 1.01, p = 0.344). A significant difference in sugar content (p < 0.05) between fruits harvested at different canopy positions suggests that fruits harvested at different canopy positions did not ripen simultaneously.

In contrast, neither 1 kg nor 2 kg of P produced a significant difference in the glucose content. Combining PK fertilizers at 0.5+0.5 kg per tree decreased fructose while increasing glucose, sucrose, and maltose. A combination of PK fertilizers at a rate of 1.0+1.0 kg significantly increased only fructose but not other sugars. Even after the application of P and K fertilizers, the position of the fruit canopy did not affect fructose, glucose, and maltose contents. However, there was a trend towards a higher sucrose content in fruits exposed to sunlight (5.17 g/100 g) than in crown fruits (2.29 g/100 g), although this difference was not statistically significant. The same trend was observed for the other sugars. The t-test revealed no significant differences between the two canopy positions (t = 1.01, p = 0.344). A significant difference in sugar content (p< 0.05) between fruits harvested at different canopy positions suggests that fruits harvested at different canopy positions did not ripen simultaneously.

Isolation, identification and chemical characterization of compounds from phenolic extracts of peels of Kufri Chipsona-3 and Kufri Jyoti potatoes having synergistic antioxidant interactions in combination

Abhishek Bhattacharya — 2024-04-01

The study focused on the isolation, identification and characterization of the bioactive compounds that are responsible for synergistic antioxidant interactions in combination from the peel extract of Kufri Chipsona-3 and Kufri Jyoti potato varieties by Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) bioautography mediated isolation technique which was followed by isobologram analysis as well as characterization using different spectrometric methods. The results revealed that among the isolated seven antioxidant components of potato peel extracts (three components with R_f : 0.33, 0.52 and 0.57 from the peel extract of Kufri Chipsona-3 and four components with R_f : 0.14, 0.22, 0.36, 0.61 from the peel extract of Kufri Jyoti, only one component from Kufri Chipsona-3 (R_f: 0.57) and one component from Kufri Jyoti (R_f: 0.61) potato varieties in combination exhibited synergistic antioxidant interactions in combination. Spectrometric analysis (UV/Vis, FT-IR and HR-LCMS/MS) revealed that the active component with R_f: 0.57 from Kufri Chipsona-3 is prodelphinidin trimer and the other component with R_f: 0.61 from Kufri Jyoti is 5-hydroxy-3’,4’,7-trimethoxyflavone. In a root growth inhibition test (LC₅₀ > 200 µg/ml), on Allium cepa, these two compounds showed no cytotoxicity. The results provide evidence that these two phenolic compounds, prodelphinidin trimer and 5-hydroxy-3’,4’,7-trimethoxyflavone in combination may serve as a stronger and efficacious novel natural antioxidant blend in pharmaceutical and food industries.

Rheology and physical properties of sonicated chickpea concentrate with fructans in aqueous media and stable emulsions

Laura Patricia Martinez-Padilla — 2024-05-28

Based on the rheological and other physical properties of chickpea concentrate (CPC)/fructan aqueous mixtures containing 0.2% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and their respective emulsions, the macrostructure of the system was elucidated, and its effect on the stability of the proposed emulsions was evaluated. The zeta potential and particle size of the CPC dispersions subjected to ultrasonic treatment were analyzed. Neither agave (AGF) nor chicory fructans (CHF) affected the rheological behavior (Newtonian) of aqueous systems containing only CPC. A Carreau behavior was observed when CMC was added. A synergistic effect occurred when 6% CHF was mixed with CMC. Furthermore, CHF led to a higher overall viscosity than AGF in the systems studied. Fructans changed the total charge of the protein dispersion and increased the particle size. The viscoelastic properties confirmed the liquid-like behavior of the aqueous mixtures. Emulsions containing CPC/CMC mixtures and fructans exhibited thixotropic behavior; emulsions containing 30% oil followed the Carreau model, while emulsions containing 60% oil were fitted to the Hershel-Bulkley model for upward and downward shear rate curves. The latter behavior corresponded to the formation of a weak gel structure and a flocculated oil droplet network, as confirmed by the mechanical spectra. The droplet size in the emulsions decreased in the presence of fructans, particularly for 3% CHF and 6% AGF. However, 6% CHF led to the formation of the most kinetically stable emulsions. These results confirm the possibility of incorporating CPC and fructans as oil-in-water emulsions stabilized with CMC into healthy plant-based products.

Comparative study NFC and RFC on nutritional and sensory profile of guava juices

Brunda Gurauraja Rao — 2024-04-22

Guava juice, with its distinctive flavour and being rich in vitamin C, lycopene, β- carotene and flavonoids, is known for its health-promoting properties, such as its antioxidant capacity and cancer-preventive effects. As retention of nutrient composition is an important criterion in juice processing, especially loss of nutrients post vacuum concentration and reconstitution, a comparative study was conducted on Not From Concentrate (NFC) and Reconstituted From Concentrate (RFC) juice of Bangalore pink guava. Significant loss of antioxidant activity (p ≤ 0.05), vitamin C (18.8 %) and β-carotene (13. 0%) (p ≤ 0.01) was observed in guava RFC as compared to guava NFC, which might be caused by heating of juice under vacuum concentration. The iron bioavailability of guava NFC was significantly (p ≤ 0.01) higher by 38 % in Caco-2 cell studies. The sensory profile of NFC showed a fresher taste, more freshness, a naturally sweet taste and astringency compared to RFC. Minor deviations were observed in physicochemical parameters. Thus, guava NFC ensures better retention of vitamin C, antioxidant activity, β-carotene, iron bioavailability as well as better in sensorial properties compared to RFC.

Factors influencing consumer choices and food safety awareness in street-vended foods: A case study of Meru town, Kenya

Johnson Kyalo Mwove — 2024-06-03

The consumption of street-vended foods is common in many developed and developing countries, including Kenya. This study investigated the food safety knowledge of street food consumers (SFCs) and the factors influencing their choices of street-vended foods in Meru town, Kenya. A total of 456 respondents were randomly selected from different streets in Meru town to participate in this study. Data collection was carried out through in-person interviews using pretested structured questionnaires. The results of the survey revealed that a significant proportion, 79.2% of the participants were consumers of street vended foods. In addition, the study found a gender disparity that 58.8% of respondents were male and most of them had a primary or secondary education levels, while the majority of the female respondents reported that they had obtained college education. Furthermore, the majority of the respondents were self-employed (48.7%) and earned between KES 10,000 (USD 74) and KES 20,000 (USD 148) per month. The study also found that the average weekly expenditure on street-vended foods was estimated at KES 694.25 (USD 5.14). There was a highly significant association between the income range of the SFCs and their education level (p < 0.001), age category (p < 0.001) and employment category (p < 0.001). Education level (p=0.0274) and age (p=0.0205) of the SFCs were significant factors in predicting the personal hygiene knowledge scores of the SFCs. About 31.6% of consumers reported being sick once or twice a month after eating street foods. The study revealed that convenience, cost, quantity, hygiene and service were important factors considered by SFCs when purchasing street vended foods. The findings of this study offer valuable insights that can inform the development of appropriate strategies and policies aimed at promoting food safety awareness and ensuring the availability of safe and hygienic street-vended foods in Meru town, Kenya.

Renutrition and management of severe anorexia nervosa in intensive care: Review and multidisciplinary approach

Maeva Duquesnoy — 2024-06-21

Anorexia nervosa is one of the most severe eating disorders among young adults and adolescents and thus represents a major public health problem. Its incidence has increased notably since the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this work is to expose somatic consequences of severe anorexia nervosa, especially in the case of refeeding syndrome. The authors also describe the medical care provided in their institution, with a particular focus on the needed multidisciplinary approach between intensive care unit and psychiatric teams.

Effects of omega-3 and vitamin D supplementation in patients with breast cancer: a systematic review

Lailton Oliveira da Silva — 2024-05-11

Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of death among women with cancer worldwide. Nevertheless, key challenges must be addressed, as new therapies can be employed to support the main treatment and enable a better quality of life, survival and prognosis. In this paper, we described the role of omega-3 and vitamin D supplementation in patients during the main treatment. This is a systematic review of the literature from randomized clinical trials, following the PRISMA and PICOS guidelines for elaborating the guiding question and constructing the results. Our findings in this review reveal and support that omega-3 and vitamin D supplementation can help women with metastatic disease who are not receiving hormone therapy during BC treatment for HR+ (hormone receptor positive). They improve immunity and antioxidant capacity and decrease cardiometabolic effects. This intervention is safe and can be employed as an adjuvant to the other main treatments.

Exploring micronutrient supplements in disease conditions: are they effective?

Moses B. Ekong — 2024-01-26

Nutrition is essential for the health and well-being of all living beings and is sourced from foods of different origins and types. Most importantly, the food must contain carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vitamins and minerals in a balanced form to achieve optimum benefits. Vitamins and minerals, also known as micronutrients, are characterised by their nature, quantity and role in normal metabolic activities. In humans, micronutrients are exclusively obtained from food or supplements. In addition, vitamin D3 is synthesized de novo with the aid of sunlight, while vitamins B and K are synthesized in the gut by the resident bacteria. Micronutrients play an important role in health and disease states and have become the most widely used dietary supplements in the world. However, how effective they are against diseases is controversial as conflicting reports continue to emerge, especially where insufficient data is available. This review highlights the important role of micronutrient supplements in the alleviation of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Data were retrieved from the literature in databases including African Journal Online, Google Scholar, PubMed and Web of Science, among others, with hits on nutrients, vitamins and mineral supplements: Only literature with relevant information from 1993-2023 (30 years) was considered. As important as these micronutrients are for health and their supplementations are generally beneficial, it is worthy of note that their role in the disease treatment is still limited by insufficient data.

A review on the nutraceuticals of Parkinson's disease

Cassidy Vella — 2024-04-30

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that progresses over time and causes both motor and non-motor symptoms. Both patients and healthcare professionals must deal with the numerous challenges of this disease. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the potential therapeutic effects of nutraceuticals—natural chemicals with alleged health benefits—in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). Parkinson’s disease is influenced by a variety of factors, including aging, genetics and exposure to certain environmental toxins. Additionally, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and protein aggregation play pivotal roles in the development of PD. The review integrated results from a variety of studies investigating the effects of different nutraceuticals, from preclinical models to clinical trials. This review focused on several key nutritional elements and dietary modifications that have a beneficial effect on a number of the pathogenic pathways, such as mitochondrial dysfunction and the antioxidant pathway, which are associated with the onset and progression of Parkinson's Disease. Hereby, we aim to explore the current body of research on nutraceutical interventions for Parkinson's disease, with a focus on their neuroprotective and symptomatic alleviation properties. Although numerous studies have been conducted on various nutraceuticals in relation to Parkinson's disease, currently there is no definitive evidence of their specific benefits in this condition. It is therefore strongly recommended that further studies and additional research be conducted in this area to gain a clearer understanding of the potential therapeutic effects.

Nutritional supplementation of an apple callus extract to target epidermal aging

Julia Baumann — 2024-02-28

The global increase in life expectancy has led to a growing elderly population, which places a significant burden on healthcare systems. As a result, there is a growing interest to improve healthspan and promote healthy aging with accessible means, such as nutrition and lifestyle interventions. The skin, the body's largest organ and first line of defense against environmental stressors, is particularly vulnerable to aging due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Various molecular and biochemical changes can drive skin aging, including the depletion of stem cells, which can lead to impaired skin properties. Nutrition plays a crucial role in skin aging, and dietary supplements could be a viable intervention to support a healthy skin. In this study, a plant callus extract from a specific apple variety (Malus Domestica Borkh), the Uttwiler Spätlauber, was evaluated as a dietary supplement to combat epidermal aging. The extract was found to maintain the function of keratinocyte progenitor cells during aging in vitro. Furthermore, an open-label pilot clinical study involving 31 female volunteers showed that the intake of apple callus extract led to improvements in skin elasticity, density, and firmness after 56 days of supplementation. This study highlights the potential of plant callus extracts as natural dietary supplements to support healthy skin aging. The use of plant callus cultures provides a sustainable and reproducible source of bioactive molecules, which is gaining acceptance in the nutraceutical market. These findings suggest that dietary interventions can play a role in promoting healthy skin aging and contribute to a holistic approach to improving healthspan during the aging process.