Determinação de aditivos alimentares nos novos refrigerantes à base de água mineral

Os aditivos alimentares desempenham um papel vital na indústria alimentar moderna e são geralmente utilizados na manutenção da qualidade e das características dos alimentos, promovendo desta forma a segurança alimentar. Para garantir o consumo seguro de alimentos com aditivos, os Estados Membros da União Europeia devem estabelecer um sistema regular de vigilância para monitorização desse consumo. No sentido de obter essa informação, é necessário aplicar métodos de análise robustos de modo a quantificar os níveis dessas substâncias numa larga variedade de matrizes alimentares. O presente trabalho teve como objectivos: a determinação analítica do tipo e do teor de aditivos alimentares nos novos refrigerantes à base de água mineral através de um método de HPLC baseado na norma EN 12856, a validação do método analítico para a quantificação dos edulcorantes (acessulfame K, aspartame e sacarina) e dos conservantes (ácido sórbico e ácido benzóico) e a comparação dos resultados obtidos com os valores máximos permitidos pela legislação portuguesa. Dos refrigerantes à base de água existentes no mercado português, foram analisadas 34 amostras de diferentes marcas, para determinação do tipo e teor de aditivos. Na validação da metodologia foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: gama de trabalho, linearidade, sensibilidade, limite de detecção (LD), limite de quantificação (LQ), precisão (repetibilidade e precisão intermédia) e exactidão. Relativamente à análise dos edulcorantes, verificou-se a presença do acessulfame K em 12 refrigerantes numa concentração que oscilou entre 34 e 94 mg/L. O aspartame foi encontrado apenas em 5 amostras num intervalo de concentração de 36 a 159 mg/L e a sacarina não foi detectada. No caso dos conservantes, o ácido sórbico foi encontrado em 19 dos refrigerantes numa gama de concentração entre 109 e 283 mg/L enquanto que o ácido benzóico, presente em 18 amostras, apresentou um teor que variou entre 91 e 143 mg/L. Observou-se ainda que o teor de cada um dos aditivos nos diferentes refrigerantes não excedeu o limite máximo legislado.

Anthropometric evaluation and micronutrients intake in patients submitted to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with a postoperative period of ≥1 year

Backgroung - Bariatric surgery is indicated as the most effective treatment for morbid obesity; the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered the procedure of choice. However, nutritional deficiency may occur in the postoperative period as a result of reduced gastric capacity and change in nutrients absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. The prescription of vitamin and mineral supplementation is a common practice after RYGB; however, it may not be sufficient to prevent micronutrient deficiencies. The aim of this study was to quantify the micronutrient intake in patients undergoing RYGB and verify if the intake of supplementation would be enough to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Methods - The study was conducted on 60 patients submitted to RYGB. Anthropometric, analytical, and nutritional intake data were assessed preoperatively and 1 and 2 years postoperatively. The dietary intake was assessed using 24-h food recall; the values of micronutrients evaluated (vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, and calcium) were compared to the dietary reference intakes (DRI). Results - There were significant differences (p < 0.05) between excess weight loss at the first and second year (69.9 ± 15.3 vs 9.6 ± 62.9 %). In the first and second year after surgery, 93.3 and 94.1 % of the patients, respectively, took the supplements as prescribed. Micronutrient deficiencies were detected in the three evaluation periods. At the first year, there was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) of B12, folic acid, and iron intake. Conclusions - Despite taking vitamin and mineral supplementation, micronutrient deficiencies are common after RYGB. In the second year after surgery, micronutrient intake remains below the DRI.

Osmolality of preterm formulas suplemented with monprotein energy supplements

Background: Addition of energy supplements to preterm formulas is an optional strategy to increase the energy intake in infants requiring fluid restriction, in conditions like bronchopulmonary dysplasia. This strategy may lead to an undesirable increase in osmolality of feeds, the maximum recommended safe limit being 400 mOsm/kg. The aim of the study was to measure the changes in osmolality of several commercialized preterm formulas after addition of glucose polymers and medium-chain triglycerides. Methods: Osmolality was measured by the freezing point depression method. Six powdered formulas with concentrations of 14 g/100 ml and 16 g/100 ml, and five ready-to-feed liquid formulas were analyzed. All formulas, were supplemented with 10% (low supplementation) or 20% (high supplementation) of additional calories, respectively, in the form of glucose polymers and medium chain triglycerides, maintaining a 1:1 glucose:lipid calorie ratio. Inter-analysis and intra-analysis coefficients of variation of the measurements were always < 3.9%. Results: The mean osmolality (mOsm/kg) of the non-supplemented formulas varied between 268.5 and 315.3 mOsm/kg, increasing by 3–5% in low supplemented formulas, and by 6–10% in high supplemented formulas. None of the formulas analyzed exceeded 352.8 mOsm/kg. Conclusion: The supplementation of preterm formulas with nonprotein energy supplements with up to 20% additional calories did not exceed the maximum recommended osmolality for neonatal feedings.