scholarly journals European Database of Carotenoid Levels in Foods. Factors Affecting Carotenoid Content

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 912
Author(s):  
M. Graça Dias ◽  
Grethe Iren A. Borge ◽  
Kristina Kljak ◽  
Anamarija I. Mandić ◽  
Paula Mapelli-Brahm ◽  
...  

Many studies indicate that diets including carotenoid-rich foods have positive effects on human health. Some of these compounds are precursors of the essential nutrient vitamin A. The present work is aimed at implementing a database of carotenoid contents of foods available in the European market. Factors affecting carotenoid content were also discussed. Analytical data available in peer-reviewed scientific literature from 1990 to 2018 and obtained by HPLC/UHPLC were considered. The database includes foods classified according to the FoodEx2 system and will benefit compilers, nutritionists and other professionals in areas related to food and human health. The results show the importance of food characterization to ensure its intercomparability, as large variations in carotenoid levels are observed between species and among varieties/cultivars/landraces. This highlights the significance of integrating nutritional criteria into agricultural choices and of promoting biodiversity. The uncertainty quantification associated with the measurements of the carotenoid content was very rarely evaluated in the literature consulted. According to the EuroFIR data quality evaluation system for food composition tables, the total data quality index mean was 24 in 35, reflecting efforts by researchers in the analytical methods, and less resources in the sampling plan documentation.

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1974 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 326-329
Author(s):  
John R. K. Robson ◽  
J. E. Konlande ◽  
F. A. Larkin ◽  
P. A. O'Connor ◽  
Hsi-Yen Liu

Two infants fed Kokoh, a Zen macrobiotic food mixture comprising cereal grains, legumes, and oil seeds, for a period of several months weighed 4.96 kg and 5.81 kg at 7 and 13 months of age, respectively. Kokoh formulas were evaluated by computation using food composition tables and chemical analysis. The computed energy value of Kokoh was within 3% of that measured by calorimetry. The daily intake of energy by the infants from Kokoh and other supplementary foods was about 400 Calories. This represents only 40% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (R.D.A.) for the United States. The estimated protein intake was 11 gm for one child, and 13 gm for the other. The quality of the Kokoh protein as determined by computation was adequate for growth, but the analytical data suggested that the amino acid pattern was poor. The unsatisfactory nature of the formulas given to the infants was due to excessive dilution. There is a need for more definitive data on the feasibility of feeding infants Kokoh and similar foods, at a concentration that will meet energy needs. Further information is required on the amino acid content of plant foods used for infant feeding. Until more is known about feeding infants on plant food proteins, infants and children fed Kokoh should be kept under strict surveillance.


2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 1960-1968 ◽  
Author(s):  
María de Lourdes Samaniego-Vaesken ◽  
Elena Alonso-Aperte ◽  
Gregorio Varela-Moreiras

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the potential contribution of foods fortified with folic acid (FA) to target population intakes when included as part of a healthy breakfast.DesignBreakfast models aligned with the Spanish Dietary Guidelines were studied using the recommended, average and 95th percentile of serving sizes consumed by women of childbearing age. Food composition data were obtained from a database including FA analytical data from sixty-eight products and the Spanish food composition tables. Different scenarios were assessed with the inclusion of one, two or three FA-fortified products and with two different fortification levels: ≤33 µg/serving (L1) and ≥70 µg/serving (L4). FA contents provided by the different models for each scenario were compared with the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) for folate and the Upper Level (UL) of intake for FA.SettingMadrid Region, Spain.SubjectsWomen aged 16–49 years were considered.ResultsOverall, simulation of ten breakfast models and three scenarios of product inclusion accounted for 20–25 % of total daily energy recommendations for women. Unfortified breakfast models provided on average 4–23 % of the folate RNI. Inclusion of one L4 FA-fortified food contributed 20–60 % of the RNI. Fortified yoghurt and milk had the highest FA contents per serving. Scenarios with two or three fortified products delivered 40–80 % of the RNI. None of the evaluated models exceeded the FA UL.ConclusionsAt existing levels of FA fortification, inclusion of fortified products as part of a regular breakfast meal could positively impact the nutritional quality of women’s diet without involving a risk of excessive FA exposure.


Author(s):  
Petar Kazakov ◽  
Atanas Iliev ◽  
Emil Marinov

Over the decades, more attention has been paid to emissions from the means of transport and the use of different fuels and combustion fuels for the operation of internal combustion engines than on fuel consumption. This, in turn, enables research into products that are said to reduce fuel consumption. The report summarizes four studies of fuel-related innovation products. The studies covered by this report are conducted with diesel fuel and usually contain diesel fuel and three additives for it. Manufacturers of additives are based on already existing studies showing a 10-30% reduction in fuel consumption. Comparative experimental studies related to the use of commercially available diesel fuel with and without the use of additives have been performed in laboratory conditions. The studies were carried out on a stationary diesel engine СМД-17КН equipped with brake КИ1368В. Repeated results were recorded, but they did not confirm the significant positive effect of additives on specific fuel consumption. In some cases, the factors affecting errors in this type of research on the effectiveness of fuel additives for commercial purposes are considered. The reasons for the positive effects of such use of additives in certain engine operating modes are also clarified.


Author(s):  
Lenore Arab ◽  
Marion Wittler ◽  
Gotthard Schettler

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 8554
Author(s):  
Zhen Li ◽  
Wanmin Zhao ◽  
Miaoyao Nie

This paper applies fractal theory to research of green space in megacity parks due to the lack of a sufficient qualitative description of the scale structure of park green space, a quantifiable evaluation system, and operable planning methods in traditional studies. Taking Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen as examples, GIS spatial analysis technology and the Zipf model are used to calculate the fractal dimension (q), the goodness of fit (R2), and the degree of difference (C) to deeply interpret the connotation of indicators and conduct a comparative analysis between cities to reveal fractal characteristics and laws. The research results show that (1) the fractal dimension is related to the complexity of the park green space system; (2) the fractal dimension characterizes the hierarchical iteration of the park green space to a certain extent and reflects the internal order of the scale distribution; (3) the scale distribution of green space in megacity parks deviates from the ideal pyramid configuration; and (4) there are various factors affecting the scale structure of park green space, such as natural base conditions, urban spatial structure, and the continuation of historical genes working together. On this basis, a series of targeted optimization strategies are proposed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 3524
Author(s):  
Melor Md Yunus ◽  
Wee Shin Ang ◽  
Harwati Hashim

Online learning has become essential in education as the spread of coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought significant changes to the field. However, education should remain welcoming and supportive to all the learners as it is important to keep the students’ behavioural intention in any form of learning environment. Thus, this study is significant as online learning is leading the trend of education now. Past studies revealed that the factors of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions under the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model affect learners’ behavioural intention to use online learning. This study intended to identify the most significant factors that influence TESL postgraduate students’ behavioural intention towards the use of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also examined the relationship amongst the four factors and postgraduate students’ behavioural intention to use online learning. The participants consisted of 169 postgraduate students at a public university in Malaysia. To achieve the aim, the study utilized a survey design using a questionnaire. The results from regression analysis revealed that all of the factors have positive effects on postgraduate students’ behavioural intention to use online learning. Meanwhile, performance expectancy has the greatest influence on postgraduate students’ behavioural intention. Hence, this study concludes that the practicality and the usefulness of online learning should be highlighted by the authorities.


Author(s):  
Sabuktagin Rahman ◽  
Avonti Basak Tukun ◽  
Santhia Ireen ◽  
Nazma Shaheen

Horticulturae ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Bety W. Hapsari ◽  
Manikharda ◽  
Widiastuti Setyaningsih

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), as an edible flower, has long provided an array of positive effects on human health. This benefit is a result of phenolic compounds that are naturally present mainly in the calyx. Plentiful medicinal remedies and functional foods based on this flower are available worldwide, as supported by the studies of phenolic compounds in recent decades. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the composition, biological activity, and beneficial effects on human health of phenolic compounds in roselle. This review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A structured search in the published literature for phenolics compositions in roselle was required prior to the evaluation on the validity of the reported analytical methods. Reliable identification and quantification of phenolic compounds in roselle can be achieved by employing the proper extraction and separation methods. With ample alternative analytical methods discussed here, this review provided an aid for comprehending and selecting the most appropriate method for a particular study. The applications of the analytical methods highlighted indicated that phenolic acids, flavonoids, and their derivatives have been identified and quantified in roselle with a range of biological activities and beneficial effects on human health. It was also disclosed that the composition and concentration of phenolic compounds in roselle vary due to the growth factors, cultivars, and environmental influence. Finally, apart from the research progress carried out with roselle during the last ten years, this review also proposed relevant future works.


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