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Storage conditions can affect the stability of extra virgin olive oil, with adverse results on quality. The aim of this study is to examine changes in the chemical composition and sensory characteristics of the oil resulting from prolonged storage at different temperatures and depending on the type of container. The influence on the quality of the oil was also considered, based on the analysis of quality parameters, the total phenol contents, changes in minority compounds, the variation of the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity values (TEAC) and sensory features. At both room temperature (RT) and refrigerated temperature, all container types had the same surface area of exposure to light and air. All the oils stored showed losses in both qualitative properties and minor components, as well as antioxidant capacity and sensory features. This was especially true for oils stored in polyethylene terephthalate and glass, but less so for those stored in Tetra‐Brik®.

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In the present study, the first objective was to follow up serum selenium (Se) concentrations in 117 hemodialysis patients (HPs) during a 2-year longitudinal study, relating concentrations to biochemical indexes (n = 6; namely lipoprotein profile, uric acid, and total protein levels). It was also evaluated whether the disease is associated with an enhanced cardiovascular risk. A healthy control group (n = 50) was also studied. Mean serum Se levels were significantly lower in HPs than in the controls (p = 0.002); mean levels significantly increased from the first to third blood sampling (p < 0.001). HPs showed a marked dyslipidemia, with a significant reduction in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and a significant increase in triglyceride levels (p < 0.001). HPs showed a marked hyperuricemia (p < 0.001). Serum selenium levels in HPs were correlated negatively with uric acid levels (inflammation biomarker; p < 0.01). In HPs, serum Se levels are reduced due to their disease (chronic renal failure). Serum Se levels rose until the third blood sampling. The marked dyslipidemia and hyperuricemia found in HPs and the negative correlation between the serum Se and uric acid levels in these patients could imply an enhanced cardiovascular risk.

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Intake of chromium was estimated using a duplicate diet sampling method of 108 meals (36 breakfasts, 36 lunches and 36 dinners) from the restaurant of the Hospital of Motril (S.E. Spain), corresponding to 36 consecutive days. Total and dialyzable Cr levels were measured by a validated electro-thermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) method. A mean Cr fraction of 26 +/- 12 microg meal (-1) was found. The Cr uptake from meals was directly and significantly (p < 0.001) correlated with their macronutrient (carbohydrates, fibre and protein) content. Cereals and cereal by-products, legumes, dry fruits, meat, potatoes, dairy products and seafood are the primary sources of Cr. The mean Cr fraction dialyzed through dialysis tubing was 1.2 +/- 1.1 microg meal(-1) (4.6 +/- 3.8% as mean Cr dialysability). Cr intake for breakfasts was significantly lower (p < 0.001). A correlation between the logarithmic data of total and dialyzable fraction of Cr in meals (p = 0.020) was found and dialysis ratio enhancement and, therefore, bioavailability increased with total Cr. The dialysed element content present in meals was significantly correlated with fibre, protein, Fe, Na, I, F, sodium, ascorbic acid and vitamin A levels (p < 0.05). At Fe contents in meals higher than congruent with7.5 mg meal(-1) the net absorption of Cr decreased significantly. The mean Cr daily dietary intake (DDI) was 77 +/- 17 microg day (-1) which indicates that no adverse effects in relation to Cr nutrition (deficiency or toxicity) should occur in individuals from the area.

The objective of this study was to analyze serum Zn and Cu concentrations and Cu/Zn ratios in 116 hemodialysis patients (HPs) over a 2-year longitudinal study at four time points (6-month intervals). The relation exerted on these values by 26 biochemical and nutritional indexes, the age and drug consumption of the patients, and the etiology of their disease were also evaluated. A healthy control group (n = 50) was also studied. Mean serum Zn concentrations were lower (p = 0.009) and the Cu/Zn ratios higher (p = 0.009) in HPs than in controls. Serum Cu levels in HP did not differ to those of controls. At all four sampling times, the mean serum Zn levels and Cu/Zn ratios were lower and higher, respectively, in HPs than in the controls. There was a significant reduction in serum Zn levels and an increase in Cu concentrations and Cu/Zn ratios in HPs from the second to the fourth sampling. Serum Zn levels of the HPs diminish with age older than 50 years. Serum Cu levels were significantly higher in patients consuming antihypercalcemic or anti-infarction drugs, whereas serum Cu levels and Cu/Zn ratios were significantly lower in those treated with diuretics. Diminished Zn levels were negatively correlated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in HPs; however, enhanced Cu/Zn ratios were positively correlated with total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Both findings indicate an increased cardiovascular risk. We conclude that this study contributes the first evidence of a correlation between marked dyslipidemia and worsened Cu/Zn ratios in HPs, implying an increased risk of diseases associated with elevated oxidative stress, inflammation, and depressed immune function, such as cardiovascular diseases.