The composition of human milk has served as a basis for the development of infant formulas, which are used when breastfeeding is not possible. Among the human milk nutrients, 50% of the total energetic value corresponds to fat, with a high level of fatty acids and 0.2-2.0% present in the form of phospholipids (PLs). The PL contents and fatty acid distribution in PL species have been investigated as bioactive elements for the production of infant formulas, since they offer potential benefits for the optimum growth and health of the newborn infant. The differences in the amount of PLs and in fatty acid distribution in PL species between human milk and infant formulas can imply biologically significant differences for newborn infants fed with infant formulas versus human milk-mainly due to the greater proportion of sphingomyelin with respect to phosphatidylcholine in infant formulas. The limited information referred to the characterization of fatty acid distribution in PL species in infant formulas or in ingredients used to enrich them merits further research in order to obtain products with benefits similar to those of human milk in terms of infant growth, visual acuity, and neurological development. The present review establishes the scientific basis for helping to adjust formulations to the requirements of infant nutrition.
Collagen hydrolysates (CHs) are mixtures of peptides obtained by partial hydrolysis of gelatins that are receiving scientific attention as potential oral supplements for the recovery of osteoarticular tissues. The effect of supplementing the diets with a CH was assessed in 48 ovariectomized rats by analyzing the compositional and biomechanical characteristics of the bone. Six groups of rats (three ovariectomized, one sham-operated, and two intact) were fed a standard diet, supplemented with either CH or gelatin (Control), at two levels: a dose equivalent to five times the amount suggested for humans (10 g/day) or another 10 times greater. After 8 weeks, the femora and vertebrae were excised, the blood was collected, and serum alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were determined. Bone weight, total protein, and biomechanical strength were also determined. The vertebrae of the ovariectomized group that received the higher dosage of CH withstood a load four times greater and exhibited higher levels of protein and osteocalcin content than those receiving either gelatin or no supplement. CH supplementation at the higher level in the ovariectomized rat had an unequivocal contribution in the conservation or preservation of vertebral mass, protein content, and mechanical strength not seen when gelatin was used as a supplement. Similar treatment of the intact rat with the CH, however, appeared to have the opposite effect.
Background: Alcoholic beverages are widely available in the university environment, particularly at the parties. There are few studies addressing the relationship between alcohol consumption and academic performance among college students. Objective: This study evaluated the behavior of college students regarding the profile of alcohol consumption and its academic consequences. Methods: The volunteers (343 students) answered a questionnaire about their pattern of alcohol consumption and possible related behaviors, especially academic performance. Participants were classified as "non-drinkers" (ND), "non-binge drinkers" (nBD), "binge drinkers" (BD) and "heavy drinkers" (HD). Results: 88.1% of the students reported ingesting alcoholic beverages, 44% as BD. Most of the drinker students (75.5% -nBD, BD or HD) stated getting intoxicated at least once a month. Binge drinking was the predominant pattern (66.2% of those who drank). HD students presented a risk 9.2 times higher of not being in the ideal period of the course. Discussion: The college students evaluated presented high rates of alcohol abuse. Binge drinking might have interfered in their academic performance. Organic, social and behavioral consequences were also reported.
Steatite or soapstone, is a soft metamorphic rock composed mainly of talc, dolomite and actinolite, which is abundantly found and used for the manufacture of cookware in south-east Brazil. The study estimates its usage for cookware among dwellers of Ouro Preto, and assesses the possible toxicological or nutritional impact on food preparation. Pans made of steatite were purchased both in the crude (n = 6) and 'cured'forms (n = 6). Migration of Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, Co, Al, Cr, Ni, Pb and Cd was determined for 20 sequential cooking trials, using 3 and 5% acetic acid as a food simulant. Analytical determinations were carried out by inductively coupled plasma atomic-emission spectrometry and the data treated by an individual model of random effects, simple linear regression and Pearson's correlation. About 81% of Ouro Preto's native population own soapstone cookware and, of these, 79% use the pans regularly. Mineral migration followed the general solubility of the crystalline components of the rock. Therefore, Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn were, in that order, the elements that exhibited highest migration, whereas the remaining were seen in negligible levels, except for Ni in the crude pans. The 5% solution favoured migration, whereas curing tended to restrict migration and extend durability of the pan. It is concluded that while cured soapstone pans do not offer mineral toxicity, they may contribute to the mineral nutrition of human beings.
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