Green tea is known worldwide for its beneficial effects on human health. However, objective data evaluating this influence in humans is scarce. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of green tea extract (GTE) on starch digestion and absorption. The study comprised of 28 healthy volunteers, aged 19 to 28 years. In all subjects, a starch 13C breath test was performed twice. Subjects randomly ingested naturally 13C-abundant cornflakes during the GTE test (GTE 4 g) or placebo test. The cumulative percentage dose recovery (CPDR) was significantly lower for the GTE test than for the placebo test (median [interquartile range]: 11.4% [5.5–15.5] vs. 16.1% [12.7–19.5]; p = 0.003). Likewise, CPDR expressed per hour was considerably lower in each point of the measurement. In conclusion, a single dose of green tea extract taken with a test meal decreases starch digestion and absorption.

Background The aim of this study was to analyze the response of selected components of the immune system in rowers to maximal physical exercise, and to verify if this response could be modulated by supplementation with L-theanine . Method The double-blind study included 20 members of the Polish Rowing Team. The subjects were randomly assigned to the supplemented group ( n = 10), receiving 150 mg of L-theanine extract for 6 weeks, or to the placebo group ( n = 10). The participants performed a 2000-m test on a rowing ergometer at the beginning (1st examination) and at the end of the supplementation period (2nd examination). Blood samples were obtained from the antecubital vein before each exercise test, 1 min after completing the test, and after a 24-h recovery. Subpopulations of T regulatory lymphocytes (Tregs) (CD4+/CD25+/CD127-), cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs) (CD8+/TCRαβ+), natural killer (NK) cells (CD3-/CD16+/CD56+) and TCRδγ-positive (Tδγ) cells were determined by means of flow cytometry. The levels of interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 10 (IL-10), interferon gamma (INF-ɤ) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined with commercially available diagnostic kits. Results Supplementation with L-theanine contributed to a significant post-exercise decrease in IL-10 concentration, which was reflected by higher values of IL-2 to IL-10 and IFN-γ to IL-10 ratios. Moreover, a significant post-recovery decrease in CTL count, Treg to NK and Treg to CTL ratios was observed in the supplemented group. Conclusion Despite the decrease in the number of some cytotoxic cells (CTLs) and an increase in the proportion of Tregs to CTLs, supplementation with LTE seems to exert a beneficial effect on a disrupted Th1/Th2 balance in elite athletes, as shown by the decrease in IL-10 concentration.

No abstract

Pancreatic Elastase-1 Quick Test™ proves to be a rapid and reliable option to qualitatively evaluate pancreatic function for diagnostic purposes in a clinical setting of CF care.

This study provides up-to-date findings on lactose malabsorption, lactose intolerance and genetic predisposition to adult-type hypolactasia in 72 patients after restorative proctocolectomy (RPC). The lactose malabsorption was assessed by hydrogen-methane breath test. Genetic predisposition to adult-type hypolactasia was assessed by detecting –13910T/C polymorphism in the lactase gene. Lactose intolerance was more frequent in UC (ulcerative colitis) patients than FAP (familial adenomatous polyposis) patients (77.5% vs. 55.2%; p=0.01). The C/C genotype of the lactase gene was observed in 39.1% subjects with no significant difference between UC and FAP patients. Lactose malabsorption occurred in 10.1% of subjects and almost only in patients with genetic predisposition, with the same frequency in UC and FAP patients.

Supplementation with CLA for 3 months did not affect fat and starch digestion assessed by C mixed triglyceride breath test andC starch breath test.

This is the protocol of a study aiming to assess the impact of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on body mass and composition, carbohydrate and fat digestion and absorption, total energy expenditure, lipid profile, polyunsaturated fatty acids levels, markers of endothelial dysfunction and mineral status in humans. Seventy-four adult volunteers (BMI ? 25 kg/m2) will be randomized to receive 3.0 g of 80% CLA (50:50 cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 isomers) or 3.0 g of linoleic acid daily for 3 months. A range of parameters will be measured at baseline and after the intervention.

No abstract