The influence of maternal factors on the concentration of vitamin A in mature breast milk

Background & aims: This study evaluated the relationship between vitamin A concentration in maternal milk and the characteristics of the donors of a Brazilian human milk bank. Material and methods: A total of 136 donors were selected in 2003-2004 for micronutrient determinations in breast milk and blood, anthropometric measurements and investigation of obstetric, socioeconomic-demographic factors, and life style. Maternal serum/milk samples were obtained for vitamin A, iron, copper, and zinc determinations. Vitamin A concentrations in breast milk and blood were assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Copper, zinc and iron concentrations in breast milk, and copper and zinc concentrations in blood were detected by atomic emission spectrophotometry. Serum ceruloplasmin and serum iron were determined, respectively, by nephelometry and colorimetry. A linear regression model assessed the associations between milk concentrations of vitamin A and maternal factors. Results: Vitamin A in milk presented positive associations with iron in milk (p < 0.001), serum retinol (p = 0.03), maternal work (p = 0.02), maternal age (p = 0.02). and oral contraceptive use (p = 0.01), and a negative association with % body fat (p = 0.01) (R(2) = 0.47). Conclusion: These results suggest that some nutritional, obstetric, and socioeconomic-demographic factors may have an effect on mature breast milk concentrations of vitamin A in apparently healthy Brazilian mothers. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the pH and electrical conductivity in milk from jersey cows during the first month of lactation

In order to assess the influence of the colostrum period on pH and, electrical conductivity, we collected 418 milk samples from 127 Jersey cows. The samples were collected from healthy udders that did not present any bacterial growth in the microbiological examination. They were divided into eight groups as follows < 1/2 day; 1/2 and 1 degrees day; 2 degrees day; 3 degrees day; 4 degrees and 5 degrees day; 6 degrees and 7 degrees day; 8 degrees to 15 degrees day; 16 degrees to 30 degrees days of lactation. The samples were collected before milking and the following analyses were conducted: pH, electrical conductivity. In the first 24 hours of lactation, there was an reduction in electrical conductivity value, associated with an increase in pH value. We observed that transition of secretion from colostrum to milk, occurs during the first week of lactation; from 6(rd) day of lactation for pH value and 3(th) day for electrical conductivity value. We recommend the use the following figures as normal ranges for the first 24 hours of lactation (colostrum period): pH <= 6,51 and electrical conductivity <= 6,33 mS/cm; while for the interval between 2(nd) and 7(th) days of lactation (transition from colostrum to milk) we suggest the use of the values as normal ranges: pH <= 6,66 and electrical conductivity <= 5,93 mS/cm.

Fabrication of disposable voltammetric electronic tongues by using Prussian Blue films electrodeposited onto CD-R gold surfaces and recognition of milk adulteration

A new approach to fabricate a disposable electronic tongue is reported. The fabrication of the disposable sensor aimed the integration of all electrodes necessary for measurement in the same device. The disposable device was constructed with gold CD-R and copper sheets substrates and the sensing elements were gold, copper and a gold surface modified with a layer of Prussian Blue. The relative standard deviation for signals obtained from 20 different disposable gold and 10 different disposable copper electrodes was below 3.5%. The performance, electrode materials and the capability of the device to differentiate samples were evaluated for taste substances model, milk with different pasteurization processes (homogenized/pasteurized, ultra high temperature (UHT) pasteurized and UHT pasteurized with low fat content) and adulterated with hydrogen peroxide. In all analysed cases, a good separation between different samples was noticed in the score plots obtained from the principal component analysis (PCA). Crown Copyright (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mate Tea Inhibits In Vitro Pancreatic Lipase Activity and Has Hypolipidemic Effect on High-fat Diet-induced Obese Mice

The inhibitory effects of mate tea (MT), a beverage produced with leaves from Ilex paraguariensis, in vitro lipase activity and on obesity in obese mice models were examined. For the in vitro experiment, porcine and human pancreatic lipase (PL) activities were determined by measuring the rate of release of oleic acid from hydrolysis of olive oil emulsified with taurocholate, phospholipids, gum arabic, or polyvinyl alcohol. For the in vivo experiments, animals were fed with a standard diet (SD, n = 10) or high-fat diet (HFD, n = 30) for 16 weeks. After the first 8 weeks on the HFD, the animals were treated with 1 and 2 g/kg of body weight of MT. The time course of the body weight and obesity-related biochemical parameters were evaluated. The results showed that MT inhibited both porcine and human PL (half-maximal inhibitory concentration = 1.5 mg MT/ml) and induced a strong inhibition of the porcine lipase activity in the hydrolysis of substrate emulsified with taurocholate + phosphatidylcholine (PC) (83 +/- 3.8%) or PC alone (62 +/- 4.3%). MT suppressed the increases in body weight (P < 0.05) and decreased the serum triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentrations at both doses (from 190.3 +/- 5.7 to 135.0 +/- 8.9 mg/dl, from 189.1 +/- 7.3 to 129.3 +/- 17.6 mg/dl; P < 0.05, respectively) after they had been increased by the HFD. The liver lipid content was also decreased by the diet containing MT (from 132.6 +/- 3.9 to 95.6 +/- 6.1 mg/g of tissue; P < 0.05). These results suggest that MT could be a potentially therapeutic alternative in the treatment of obesity caused by a HFD.

Antiobesity Effects of yerba mate Extract (Ilex paraguariensis) in High-fat Diet-induced Obese Mice

Because the potential of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) has been suggested in the management of obesity, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of yerba mate extract on weight loss, obesity-related biochemical parameters, and the regulation of adipose tissue gene expression in high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice. Thirty animals were randomly assigned to three groups. The mice were introduced to standard or high-fat diets. After 12 weeks on a high-fat diet, mice were randomly assigned according to the treatment (water or yerba mate extract 1.0 g/-kg). After treatment intervention, plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and glucose were evaluated. Adipose tissue was examined to determine the mRNA levels of several genes such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), leptin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-C motif chemokine ligand-2 (CCL2), CCL receptor-2 (CCR2), angiotensinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), adiponectin, resistin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma(2) (PPAR-gamma(2)), uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1), and PPAR-gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1 alpha). The F4/80 levels were determined by immunoblotting. We found that obese mice treated with yerba mate exhibited marked attenuation of weight gain, adiposity, a decrease in epididymal fat-pad weight, and restoration of the serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and glucose. The gene and protein expression levels were directly regulated by the high-fat diet. After treatment with yerba mate extract, we observed a recovery of the expression levels. In conclusion, our data show that yerba mate extract has potent antiobesity activity in vivo. Additionally, we observed that the treatment had a modulatory effect on the expression of several genes related to obesity.

Physical and sensory properties of regular and reduced-fat pound cakes with added amaranth flour

The sum of wheat flour and corn starch was replaced by 10, 20, or 30% whole amaranth flour in both conventional (C) and reduced fat (RF) pound cakes. and the effects on physical and sensory properties of the cakes were investigated. RF presented 33% fat reduction. The increasing amaranth levels darkened crust and crumb of cakes, which decreased color acceptability. Fresh amaranth-containing cakes had similar texture characteristics to (he controls, evaluated both instrumentally and sensorially. Sensory evaluation revealed that replacement by 30% amaranth flour decreased C cakes overall acceptability scores, clue to its lower specific volume and darker color. Amaranth flour levels had no significant effect on overall acceptability of RF cakes. Hence, the sum of wheat flour and corn starch could be successfully replaced by up to 20% amaranth flour in C and up to 30% in RF pound cakes without negatively affecting sensory quality in fresh cakes. Moisture losses for all the cakes were similar, approximate to 1% per day during storage. After six days of storage, both C and RF amaranth-containing cakes had higher hardness and chewiness values than control cakes. Further experiments involving sensory evaluation during storage are necessary to determine the exact limit of amaranth flour replacement.

Iron Concentrations in Breast Milk and Selected Maternal Factors of Human Milk Bank Donors

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between iron concentration in mature breast milk and characteristics of 136 donors of a Brazilian milk bank. Iron, vitamin A, zinc, and copper concentrations were assessed in human milk and maternal blood. Data were collected on maternal anthropometrics, obstetric, socioeconomic, demographic, and lifestyle factors. Iron, zinc, and copper in milk and zinc and copper in blood were detected by spectrophotometry. Vitamin A in milk and blood was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Hemoglobin was measured by electronic counting and serum iron and ferritin by colorimetry and chemoluminescence, respectively. Transferrin and ceruloplasmin were determined by nephelometry. According to multivariate linear regression analysis, iron in milk was positively associated with vitamin A in milk and with smoking but negatively associated with timing of breast milk donation (P < .001). These results indicate that iron concentration in milk of Brazilian donors may be influenced by nutritional factors and smoking. J Hum Lact. 26(2):175-179

Relationship between the somatic cell count in raw milk and the casein fractions of UHT milk

The relationship between somatic cell count (SCC) in raw milk and casein fractions of 15 batches of the corresponding ultra-high-temperature (UHT) milk was examined. Raw milk was collected, pasteurised and submitted to UHT treatment. Samples of the UHT milk were taken on days 8, 30, 60, 90 and 120 of storage at room temperature and their casein fractions analysed by high performance liquid chromatography. SCC ranged from 197,000 to 800,000 cells/mL. No correlation (p>0.05) was found between SCC and K-casein concentrations in raw or UHT milks. The alpha(s2) and P-casein concentrations in raw milk were negatively correlated with SCC (p<0.05). In UHT milk, negative correlations were observed for a,1-casein (p<0.05) and beta-casein (p<0.05) on the 8th day, and for alpha S-2-casein (p<0.01) on the 60th day of storage. Results indicate that higher SSC in raw milk is associated with substantial degradation of beta-casein and alpha(s)-casein, which may lead to quality defects in UHT milk during storage. Aust. J. Dairy Technol. 63, 45-49

Fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat from Nellore steers fed dry or high moisture corn and calcium salts of fatty acids

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the fatty acid composition of the Longissimus muscle from carcasses of Nellore steers fed diets with calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) and high moisture corn. Forty eight steers were fed during 70 days four diets containing dry corn (DC), high moisture corn (HM). dry corn plus CSFA (DC-CSFA) or high moisture corn plus CSFA (HM-CSFA). Fatty acid composition of the Longissimus muscle was determined by gas chromatography. Corn type had no effect on the ether extract percentage and in the content of the majority of the fatty acids, although steers fed HMC showed higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated/saturated ratio. Feeding CSFA increased ether extract percentage but had no effect on total of saturated, unsaturated and saturated: unsaturated ratio. Both high moisture corn and calcium salts of fatty acids increased CIA (cis9, trans11) and total CIA concentrations in intramuscular fat (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Assessment of DGAT1 and LEP gene polymorphisms in three Nelore (Bos indicus) lines selected for growth and their relationship with growth and carcass traits

The aim of this study was to analyze LEP and DGAT1 gene polymorphisms in 3 Nelore lines selected for growth and to evaluate their effects on growth and carcass traits. Traits analyzed were birth, weaning, and yearling weight, rump height, LM area, backfat thickness, and rump fat thickness obtained by ultrasound. Two SNP in the LEP gene [LEP 1620(A/G) and LEP 305(T/C)] and the K232A mutation in the DGAT1 gene were analyzed. The sample consisted of 357 Nelore heifers from 2 lines selected for yearling weight and a control line, established in 1980, at the Estacao Experimental de Zootecnia de Sertaozinho (Sertaozinho, Brazil). Three genotypes were obtained for each marker. Differences in allele frequencies among the 3 lines were only observed for the DGAT1 K232A polymorphism, with the frequency of the A allele being greater in the control line than in the selected lines. The DGAT1 K232A mutation was associated only with rump height, whereas LEP 1620(A/G) was associated with weaning weight and LEP 305(T/C) with birth weight and backfat thickness. However, more studies, with larger data sets, are necessary before these makers can be used for marker-assisted selection.

Microbiological Shelf Life of Pasteurized Milk in Bottle and Pouch

Shelf life of pasteurized milk in Brazil ranges from 3 to 8 d, mainly due to poor cold chain conditions that prevail throughout the country and subject the product to repeated and/or severe temperature abuse. This study evaluated the influence of storage temperature on the microbiological stability of homogenized whole pasteurized milk (75 degrees C/15 s) packaged in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottle and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) pouch, both monolayer materials pigmented with titanium dioxide (TiO(2)). The storage temperatures investigated were 2, 4, 9, 14, and 16 degrees C. Microbiological evaluation was based on mesophilic and psychrotrophic counts with 7 log CFU/mL and 6 log CFU/mL, respectively, set as upper limits of acceptability for maintaining the quality of milk. The microbiological stability for pasteurized milk packaged in HDPE bottle and stored at 2, 4, 9, 14, and 16 degrees C was estimated at 43, 36, 8, 5, and 3 d, respectively. For milk samples packaged in LDPE pouch, shelf life was estimated at 37, 35, 7, 3, and 2 d, respectively. The determination of Q(10) and z values demonstrated that storage temperature has a greater influence on microbiological shelf life of pasteurized milk packaged in LDPE pouch compared to HDPE bottle. Based on the results of this study, HDPE bottle was better for storing pasteurized milk as compared to LDPE pouch.

Reduction of oil uptake in deep fat fried chicken nuggets using edible coatings based on cassava starch and methylcellulose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of edible coatings based on methylcellulose (MC) and cassava starch (CS) to reduce oil uptake and improve water retention of chicken nuggets during deep fat frying. Edible coatings were prepared with I g of MC/100 g solution and 4 g of CS/100 g solution, with 25 or 55 g glycerol/100 g biopolymer. These solutions were applied to nugget samples before battering. Pre-fried and fried nuggets were analyzed to determine lipid and water contents. Color and texture were also measured in the fried nuggets. In general, there was no effect of the two concentrations of plasticizer of either of the biopolymers on the water retention of whole nuggets. But, higher oil uptake reduction, and consequently, lower lipid content was observed on nuggets coated with CS and 25% plasticizer. The coated samples were darker and had a brighter yellow color when compared with the control. There was also a significant decrease in the shearing force of the fried coated samples, indicating reduced hardness of these samples.

Aflatoxins and cyclopiazonic acid in feed and milk from dairy farms in Sao Paulo, Brazil

The occurrence of aflatoxins (AF) B(1), B(2), G(1), G(2) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) in feeds, and AFM(1) and CPA in milk was determined in dairy farms located in the northeastern region of Sao Paulo state, Brazil, between October 2005 and February 2006. AF and CPA determinations were performed by HPLC. AFB(1) was found in 42% of feed at levels or 1.0-26.4 mu g kg(-1) (mean: 7.1 +/- 7.2 mu g kg(-1)). The concentrations of AFM(1) in raw milk varied between 0.010 and 0.645 mu g l(-1) (mean: 0.104 +/- 0.138 mu g l(-1)). Only one sample was above the tolerance limit adopted in Brazil (0.50 mu g l(-1)) for AFM(1) in milk. Regarding CPA in feed, six (12%) samples showed concentrations of 12.5-1533 mu g kg(-1) (mean: 57.6 +/- 48.7 mu g kg(-1)). CPA was detected in only three milk samples (6%) at levels of 6.4, 8.8 and 9.1 mu g l(-1). Concentrations of aflatoxins and CPA in feed and milk were relatively low, although the high frequency of both mycotoxins indicates the necessity to continuously monitor dairy farms to prevent contamination of feed ingredients.

Physical properties of goat milk powder with soy lecithin added before spray drying

P>In this study, physical characteristics of goat milk powder produced with the addition of soy lecithin at levels of 0 (control), 0.4, 0.8 and 1.0 g lecithin/100 g of total solids in concentrated milk before the spray drying process were investigated. Goat milk was pasteurised, concentrated at 40% of total solids, spray dried and packed in plastic bags under vaccum conditions. Lecithin addition decreased the wetting time of milk powders, although no influence was observed on dispersibility, water sorption, water activity and particle size distribution of the powders. Powders with higher levels of lecithin showed significantly lower brightness, with a greater intensity of yellow colour. It was concluded that lecithin addition before spray drying process at the minimal proportion in concentrated milk of 0.4 g lecithin/100 g of total solids in concentrated milk is useful for achieving more rapid wetting time of goat milk powder.

Effect of somatic cell counts on lipolysis, proteolysis and apparent viscosity of UHT milk during storage

In this work, lipolysis, proteolysis and viscosity of ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk containing different somatic cell counts (SCC) were investigated. UHT milks were analysed on days 8, 30, 60, 90 and 120 of storage. Lipolysis as measured by free fatty acids increase, casein degradation and viscosity of UHT milk were not affected by SCC but increased during storage. A negative relationship was observed between SCC and casein as a percentage of true protein on the 120th day of storage, hence indicating that high SCC increases the proteolysis of UHT milk by the end of its shelf life.