Palatabilizantes em dietas de leitões recém-desmamados

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Xilitol: um edulcorante diversificado e benéfico para a saúde humana

This work aims to present through a literature review, the main features and employability of the natural sweetener xylitol. This sweetener has low calorie, can be used by people with diabetes and is an excellent substitute for sucrose and other sweeteners. Xylitol can be separated from many fruits and vegetables through the reduction of xylose, which can occur by chemical or biotechnological synthesis. In addition to their use in the food industry, xylitol also has great value beneficial to human health by acting as anticariogenic, preventing and treating diseases such as acute otitis media and hemolytic anemia, as well as being growth inhibitor of various bacteria

Desenvolvimento e aceitabilidade de compota de figo convencional e diet

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

RP92-438 Food Additives: What are They?

Fewer and fewer Americans produce their own food, yet consumers demand and enjoy a food supply that is flavorful, nutritious, convenient, readily available, safe, abundant, varied, and reasonably priced. Food additives and technology make that possible. This research publication covers what food additive are, why are they used, how they are regulated, and what can individuals do when they are concerned about food additives. It also contains a guide to food additives table.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, e-selectin and C-reactive protein levels in response to 4-week very-high-fructose or -glucose diets.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES High intake of added sweeteners is considered to have a causal role in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disorders. Especially, high-fructose intake is regarded as potentially harmful to cardiometabolic health. It may cause not only weight gain but also low-grade inflammation, which represents an independent risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In particular, fructose has been suggested to induce plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) expression in the liver and to increase circulating inflammatory cytokines. We therefore aimed to investigate, whether high-fructose diet has an impact on PAI-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), e-selectin and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in healthy humans. SUBJECTS/METHODS We studied 20 participants (12 males and 8 females) of the TUebingen FRuctose Or Glucose study. This is an exploratory, parallel, prospective, randomized, single-blinded, outpatient, hypercaloric, intervention study. The participants had a mean age of 30.9 ± 2.1 years and a mean body mass index of 26.0 ± 0.5 kg/m(2) and they received 150 g of either fructose or glucose per day for 4 weeks.Results:There were neither significant changes of PAI-1, MCP-1, e-selectin and CRP after fructose (n=10) and glucose (n=10) intervention nor treatment effects (all P>0.2). Moreover, we did not observe longitudinal associations of the inflammatory parameters with triglycerides, liver fat, visceral fat and body weight in the fructose group. CONCLUSIONS Temporary high-fructose intake does not seem to cause inflammation in apparently healthy people in this secondary analysis of a small feeding trial.

Using quantitative descriptive analysis and temporal dominance of sensations analysis as complementary methods for profiling commercial blackcurrant squashes

Quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) is used to describe the nature and the intensity of sensory properties from a single evaluation of a product, whereas temporal dominance of sensation (TDS) is primarily used to identify dominant sensory properties over time. Previous studies with TDS have focused on model systems, but this is the first study to use a sequential approach, i.e. QDA then TDS in measuring sensory properties of a commercial product category, using the same set of trained assessors (n = 11). The main objectives of this study were to: (1) investigate the benefits of using a sequential approach of QDA and TDS and (2) to explore the impact of the sample composition on taste and flavour perceptions in blackcurrant squashes. The present study has proposed an alternative way of determining the choice of attributes for TDS measurement based on data obtained from previous QDA studies, where available. Both methods indicated that the flavour profile was primarily influenced by the level of dilution and complexity of sample composition combined with blackcurrant juice content. In addition, artificial sweeteners were found to modify the quality of sweetness and could also contribute to bitter notes. Using QDA and TDS in tandem was shown to be more beneficial than each just on its own enabling a more complete sensory profile of the products.

O mel, os açúcares e os adoçantes sob diferentes perspetivas

A alimentação sempre constituiu e constitui um fator de grande importância para a espécie humana. A qualidade alimentar, o valor nutricional e a saúde estão extremamente interligados e são cada vez mais importantes para a tomada de decisão no acto de compra por parte dos consumidores. Os escândalos alimentares têm causado um maior estado de atenção por parte das autoridades e dos consumidores. A importância da informação da origem e modo de produção dos produtos alimentares assim como a rotulagem dos alimentos processados e dos suplementos alimentares também tem vindo a ter cada vez importância e demanda por parte dos consumidores e da indústria alimentar. Este trabalho pretende destacar o mel como alimento e como adoçante de grande valor nutricional com potenciais efeitos benéficos para a saúde humana. Por outro lado pretende identificar e descrever os açúcares e os adoçantes alternativos, sejam eles naturais ou artificiais. Este trabalho, aborda, também, o papel controverso do açúcar refinado na dieta alimentar assim como de alguns dos adoçantes artificiais mais utilizados pela indústria alimentar atualmente. Nos últimos anos tem-se verificado um interesse crescente por produtos naturais com efeitos benéficos para a saúde e tem havido um aumento do consumo de mel, sobretudo nos países industrializados. O objetivo é que este trabalho seja uma ferramenta de auxílio e orientação no mundo dos adoçantes, para opções alimentares mais saudáveis.

Impact of diet composition on blood glucose regulation

Abstract Nutritional management of blood glucose levels is a strategic target in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). To implement such an approach it is essential to understand the effect of food on glycaemic regulation and on the underlying metabolic derangements. This comprehensive review summarises the results from human dietary interventions exploring the impact of dietary components on blood glucose levels. Included are the major macronutrients; carbohydrate, protein and fat, micronutrient vitamins and minerals, non-nutrient phytochemicals and additional foods including low-calorie sweeteners, vinegar and alcohol. Based on the evidence presented in this review, it is clear that dietary components have significant and clinically relevant effects on blood glucose modulation. An integrated approach that includes reducing excess body weight, increased physical activity along with a dietary regime to regulate blood glucose levels will not only be advantages in T2DM management, but will benefit the health of the population and limit the increasing worldwide incidence of T2DM.

Nutritional management of blood glucose levels

Background and Objectives: Nutritional management of blood glucose levels is a strategic target in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), applicable across the population. To implement a successful strategy it is essential to understand the impact of dietary modulation on the postprandial rise in blood glucose concentrations. Methods: Using the highest quality data, a systematic and comprehensive literature review was undertaken. Included in this review were the major macronutrients (carbohydrate, pro-tein, fat), micronutrient vitamins and minerals, non-nutrient phytochemicals and additional foods such as low-calorie sweeteners, vinegar and alcohol. Results: The strongest corroboration of efficacy for improving glucose homeostasis was for insoluble and moderately fermentable cereal-based fiber and mono-unsaturated fatty acids as replacement of saturated fat. Postprandial glycaemia was decreased by intake of viscous soluble fiber and the predominant mechanism of action was considered to be by delaying absorption of co-ingested carbohydrates. There was weaker but substantial evidence that certain phytochemical-rich foods were likely to be effective. This may be associated with the su-ggestion that the gut microbiota plays an important role in me-tabolic regulation, which includes provision of phytochemical and other metabolites. Conclusions: Based on the evidence, it is clear that dietary components have significant and clinically relevant effects on blood glucose modulation. This suggests that employing a dietary regimen to attenuate the postprandial rise in blood glucose levels along with previously identified targets (reducing excess body weight and an increase in physical activity) will benefit the health of the population and limit the increasing worldwide incidence of T2D.

Alergias a alimentos ou a derivados usados como excipientes em medicamentos

Aditivos químicos têm como principal objetivo melhorar os produtos industrializados, como fármacos, conferindo-lhes cor, aroma, textura, conservação, entre outros. Os aditivos utilizados na indústria farmacêutica são denominados excipientes, completando a massa ou o volume especificado no medicamento. São considerados substâncias inativas, uma vez que não apresentam propriedades curativas ou preventivas de doenças ou dos seus sintomas. No âmbito deste trabalho, foi realizado uma revisão bibliográfica sobre os excipientes naturais e sintéticos mais usados na indústria farmacêutica, agrupando-os mediante a sua função específica. Assim, foi feita uma breve descrição sobre alguns dos excipientes mais utilizados nas formulações farmacêuticas, nomeadamente os antioxidantes, os corantes, os edulcorantes e os conservantes, que visam garantir a conservação do produto em condições viáveis. Uma vez que os excipientes são considerados substâncias inativas, são vistos como inofensivos para a saúde. No entanto, é cada vez mais evidente que os excipientes não são sempre inertes e podem apresentar riscos para o desenvolvimento de reações alérgicas, podendo promover alterações mais prejudiciais. As reações alérgicas associadas aos excipientes são consideradas raras, visto que são incorporadas baixas concentrações destes em formulações farmacêuticas, tendo surgido, no entanto, diversos casos associados aos diferentes excipientes anteriormente referidos. Dependendo do excipiente e da sensibilidade do indivíduo, as alergias podem originar dermatites de contacto, prurido, urticária, edema, reações anafiláticas, entre outros. É importante salientar que o excesso de aditivos pode originar problemas de saúde, normalmente em indivíduos suscetíveis e na população pediátrica, sendo necessário aplicar cuidados adicionais que promovam uma maior vigilância e orientação no uso de medicamentos.

Potencial cariogénico de medicamentos pediátricos

A cárie dentária é uma doença infeciosa, transmissível e multifatorial e é também a doença mais prevalente na cavidade oral das crianças. A grande maioria dos medicamentos desenvolvidos para a Pediatria tem na sua composição algum tipo de açúcar, de forma a tornar a sua ingestão mais agradável, o que lhes confere um potencial cariogénico agravado nesta faixa etária. A sacarose continua a ser o açúcar mais utilizado por ser de baixo custo, ser antioxidante e conferir viscosidade ao medicamento. O potencial cariogénico dos medicamentos está relacionado com vários fatores como a presença de sacarose, o seu pH endógeno, a viscosidade, a frequência de ingestão, o momento de ingestão, a capacidade de causar xerostomia e os hábitos de higiene oral individuais. Por parte dos Médicos Dentistas e Pediatras é necessário aconselhar os responsáveis das crianças dos riscos e cuidados a ter durante a toma dos medicamentos incluindo exames dentários regulares. Por parte da Indústria Farmacêutica é necessário o desenvolvimento de formulações livres de açúcar ou com edulcorantes não cariogénicos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi esclarecer a relação entre a cárie dentária e os medicamentos pediátricos, enfatizando a necessidade do planeamento de ações no sentido de prevenir o desenvolvimento da doença. Para tal foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura, através de pesquisa bibliográfica nos bancos de dados Medline, Pubmed, B-On e Scielo e Science Direct.

Antioxidant profile of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni cultivated in Portugal and submitted to different conservation conditions

The demand for natural sweeteners has been gaining more and more importance due to the great controversy associated with the use of some synthetic sweeteners as cyclamates, aspartame and acesulfame-K. The steviol glycosides (E 960) are a group of natural sweeteners of generalized use; these compounds are obtained from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, a sweet plant native from South America (Carocho et al., 2015). However, Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni may have other uses to be exploited, in particular due to its antioxidant capacity. This plant is already produced in Portugal but it is important to evaluate if the plant chemical composition is maintained regardless of culture conditions. Therefore, in this study, stevia samples were cultivated in Braganca (northeastern of Portugal) in a field trial with defined culture conditions. After harvesting, the plants were submitted to two different treatments: kept fresh by freezing (-20°C) and oven-dried (30°C). The antioxidant profile of the samples was studied through evaluation of free radicals scavenging activity, reducing power, phenolic compounds (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS), tocopherols (HPLC-fluorescence) and free sugars (HPLC-RI). Significant differences were observed: while oven-dried samples showed the highest antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds concentration (mainly 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid and 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid), the frozen fresh samples had the highest values of total tocopherols and total sugars. These results confirm that the plants grown in Bragança have excellent bioactive secondary metabolites responsible for the observed antioxidant capacity.

La retroalimentación facial y su efecto en la evaluación de publicidad de humor

La hipótesis de retroalimentación facial planteada por Tomkins en 1962 sustenta que la activación de algunos músculos faciales envía información sensorial al cerebro y se induce entonces una experiencia emocional en el sujeto. Partiendo de dicha teoría y de investigaciones que la sustentan, el presente estudio se propuso confirmar el efecto de la emoción inducida a través de la retroalimentación facial sobre la evaluación de cinco tipos de humor en publicidad. Para ello se realizó un experimento con 60 hombres y 60 mujeres, que fueron asignados aleatoriamente a una de dos condiciones: estimulación de sonrisa –músculos hacia arriba- o inhibición de sonrisa –músculos hacía abajo-, mientras evaluaban 16 imágenes de publicidad de humor. A partir del análisis de los resultados se encontraron diferencias significativas entre las condiciones; en línea con la hipótesis formulada, los participantes expuestos a la condición estimulación de sonrisa –músculos hacía arriba- evaluaron más positivamente los comerciales. También se encontraron diferencias significativas en función del sexo y los tipos de humor evaluados. El estudio ofrece evidencia empírica de la teoría propuesta hace más de medio siglo y su efecto en el ámbito de la publicidad actual.

Plan de negocios endúlzate: emprendimiento

En principio, la realización de este proyecto conllevo al desarrollo de mis habilidades y conocimientos adquiridos durante la carrera de administración de Negocios Internacionales. Así mismo, me permitió tener una visión más cercana sobre el proceso de comercio exterior, con el trabajo a diario en Procolombia, empresa en la que realizo mi pasantía, el hacer investigaciones de mercado, el contacto con empresarios exportadores de panela, trabajar con expertos de la empresa en el sector panelero, las diversas capacitaciones en temas de comercio exterior, identificación de mercados potenciales y asuntos legales de la exportación, enriqueció la información y construcción de mi proyecto. El mercado de los endulzantes naturales a nivel mundial, según estudios de Euromonitor Internacional ha venido tenido un protagonismo cada vez más importante en diversos mercados, especialmente en Estados Unidos y Europa. Así, cada vez existe un mayor número de personas que se abstienen del consumo del azúcar refinado, pues temen del padecimiento de enfermedades como la obesidad o el cáncer a causa de productos fabricados con químicos. De esta manera, las tendencias de consumo se encaminan hacia la búsqueda por parte de las personas por alimentos naturales, dentro de los cuales se encuentran los endulzantes sin químicos que aportan un alto valor nutricional. En este sentido, la unión Europea se convierte en un mercado atractivo para la exportación de endulzantes naturales, esto debido a las tendencias de los europeos hacia el consumo de alimentos saludables según lo afirma un estudio de mercado del Ministry of foreign affairs (CBI). De esta manera, el país con mayores índices de consumo de alimentos orgánicos es Alemania, sumado a ello en los hábitos de consumo son importantes los endulzantes pues la ingesta de té y café es alta, haciéndose mayor en época de invierno.

Bioconcentration of selected personal care products in Ruditapes philippinarum (Manila clam)

The Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) is the principal source of information used to assess and regulate the potential hazard and risk for a chemical that has the potential to bioaccumulate in the marine environment, according to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The main objective of this thesis was to estimate the BCFs of two different emerging contaminants in Ruditapes philippinarum (Manila clam) under controlled laboratory conditions: the UV filter 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) commonly used in skincare products, and the artificial sweetener Acesulfame potassium (ACE-K) used as a food additive. Ruditapes philippinarum organisms were exposed directly to 4-MBC and ACE-K nominal concentration of 1, 10 and 100 μg L-1 during 10 days. Bioconcentration factors (BCFs) were estimated according to 3 different models for both compounds. The 4-MBC estimated BCFs fall in range of 61553 - 539143 L Kg-1, showing that this compound is very bioaccumulative and could also undergo biomagnification in the marine food chain. On the contrary, estimated ACE-K BCF is consistently lower, in order of 7 L Kg-1 for the nominal exposure concentration of 100 μg L-1. The low ACE-K BCF could be explained by its high solubility in water and thus a rapid metabolization by clams during the experiments. In summary, future research focusing on the marine environment is needed on these two emerging compounds.