Le β-carotène (Bc) est un caroténoïde connu pour son activité pro vitaminique A. La consommation de fruits et légumes riches en Bc est donc particulièrement encouragée, principalement dans les pays en développement. Cependant, au cours d'un repas, la biodisponibilité du Bc est influencée par la présence des macro et microconstituants des aliments. L'objectif général de ce travail a été d'étudier les interactions alimentaires pouvant survenir au cours des différentes étapes du processus d'absorption du Bc. La bioaccessibilité du Bc, évaluée à l'aide d'un modèle de digestion in vitro, a révélé que la quantité de Bc micellarisé des aliments de base (patate douce orange (PDO) et banane plantain) des pays du Sud se retrouve augmentée dans certaines préparations tratitionnelles. De plus, dans une simple association de deux aliments, nos résultats ont montré que la naringine de jus d'agrumes diminuait la bioaccessibilité du Bc de la PDO car ce flavanone se micellarise et entre en compétition avec le Bc. L'effet de flavanones sur l'absorption intestinale du Bc a ensuite été étudié à l'aide d'un modèle cellulaire de type Caco-2. L'ensemble des glycosides de flavanones testés, mais principalement l'hespéridine (Hes), ont augmenté l'absorption du Bc. L'expérimentation in vivo chez la gerbille n'a quant à elle pas montré d'effet de l'Hes sur la bioefficacité du Bc de la PDO. Par contre, nos données suggèrent que l'Hes, dans le cas d'un régime carencé en caroténoïdes et vitamine A, pourrait stimuler l'activité de la β,β-carotène mono-oxygénase par un mécanisme impliquant le facteur de transcription PPARγ. / Β-carotene (Bc) is a carotenoid mainly known for its provitaminic A activity. Therefore, the consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in Bc are promoted, especially in developing countries. However, during a meal, the Bc bioavailability was modulated by other macro or micronutrients from food. The main objective of this study was to evaluate food interaction occurring during the different steps of Bc absorption. The Bc bioaccessibility, evaluated through an in vitro digestion, showed that the micellarization of Bc staple foods from South countries (orange fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) and plantain) increases in some traditional food preparations. Moreover, we observed that the Bc bioaccessibility from OFSP decreases in the presence of Citrus juice because of the naringin which competes for incorporation into mixed micelles. Effects of flavanones were then assessed on intestinal Bc uptake using Caco-2 cells. Among flavanone glycosides tested, mainly hesperidin (Hes), increased Bc uptake. In vivo experimentation with gerbil did not shown any effect of Hes on the bioefficacity of Bc from OFSP. By contrast, our data suggest that under a low Bc or vitamin A free diet, Hes might enhance BCMO1 activity through its action as agonist of PPARγ.

O objetivo deste estudo é descrever o dano de DNA através das variáveis Tail Moment e Tail Intensity e investigar a associação entre o dano do DNA, padrão alimentar e concentrações plasmáticas de vitaminas em crianças e adolescentes em Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo, Brasil). Estudantes de 9 a 13 anos foram selecionados de três escolas de Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo, Brasil), totalizando uma amostra de 120 indivíduos. A coleta de dados incluiu antropometria, composição corporal, avaliação da ingestão utilizando um questionário de frequência alimentar (QFA) e o Índice de Qualidade da Dieta Revisado (IQD-R) e coleta de sangue para a dosagem de vitaminas e determinação do dano do DNA pelo método de eletroforese em gel de célula única - comet assay. Os indivíduos foram divididos em dois grupos opostos de dano do DNA usando duas técnicas distintas: análise de k-cluster e classificação por escala de dano. Padrões de ingestão de nutrientes também foram gerados, utilizando robust sparse k-means cluster, e associados com o dano de DNA. Para análise utilizaram-se os testes T de Student, Mann-Whitney e ANCOVA. Na primeira análise, o cluster 1 (n = 73), com menor dano de DNA, apresentou maior consumo de vegetais verdes escuros e alaranjados (p = 0,047), vegetais totais (p = 0,041) e carnes, ovos e leguminosas (p = 0,022), através do IQD-R, e um escore de IQD total maior (p = 0,030), indicando melhor qualidade de dieta em comparação ao cluster 2 (n = 47), de maior dano de DNA. O cluster 2 apresentou maior consumo de laticínios, em comparação ao cluster 1 (p = 0,008). Em relação a vitaminas plasmáticas, o cluster 1 apresentou maior concentração de riboflavina (p = 0,004). No segundo método de divisão, o grupo 1 (n = 108), com menor dano de DNA, apresentou maior concentração de retinol (p = 0,010), beta-caroteno (p = 0,017) e riboflavina (p = 0,046), após teste de ANCOVA ajustado para o índice de massa corporal (IMC) em comparação ao grupo 2 (n = 12). Na divisão por padrão alimentar, o cluster 2 (n = 58), com menor consumo de aminoácidos e micronutrientes, apresentou maior consumo de energia (p = 0,001) e uma tendência de maior dano do DNA (p = 0,063) em relação ao cluster 1 (n = 27), com maior ingestão de nutrientes. Estes achados corroboram a literatura, afirmando o papel protetor de vitaminas e antioxidantes contra o dano do DNA. / The aim of this study is to describe the DNA damage using values of Tail Moment and Tail Intensity and investigate the association between DNA damage, dietary pattern and vitamin status in children and adolescents in Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo, Brazil). 9 to 13 year old students were selected from three schools in the city of Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo, Brazil), totalizing a sample of 120 subjects. Data collection included anthropometry, body composition, assessment of food intake using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), quality of diet through Revised Health Eating Index (HEI-R), and blood sampling for vitamins dosage and determination of DNA damage with single cell gel electrophoresis - comet assay. The subjects were divided into two opposing groups according to DNA damage using two different methods: k-cluster analysis and classification by scale of damage. Nutrients intake patterns were also generated through robust sparse k-means cluster and associated with DNA damage. The statistical analysis were performed using Student\'s T test, Mann-Whitney test and ANCOVA. In the first analysis, cluster 1 (n = 73), with less DNA damage presented higher intake of dark green and orange vegetables (p = 0,047), total vegetables (p = 0,041), meat, eggs and legumes (p = 0,022), assessed through HEI, as well as a higher total HEI-R level (p = 0,030), indicating higher quality of diet compared to cluster 2 (n = 47), with increased DNA damage. Cluster 2 presented a higher intake of milk and dairy products, compared to cluster 1 (p = 0,008). In relation to vitamins plasma levels, cluster 1 presented higher levels of riboflavin (p = 0,004). In the second method of division, group 1 (n = 108), with less DNA damage, presented higher levels of retinol (p = 0,010), beta-carotene (p = 0,017) and riboflavin (p = 0,046), after ANCOVA teste adjusted for body mass index (BMI) compared to group 2 (n = 12). In the division by dietary pattern, cluster 2 (n = 58) with a lower consumption of amino acids and micronutrients had higher energy intake (p = 0,001) and a tendency of higher DNA damage (p = 0,063) compared to cluster 1(n = 27), with higher intake of nutrients. These findings corroborate the literature, asserting protective role of vitamins and antioxidants against DNA damage.

Em virtude da necessidade de proteger a pele contra as espécies reativas de oxigênio, geradas excessivamente após exposição ao raios UV, substâncias antioxidantes têm sido adicionadas aos fotoprotetores. Entretanto associações fotoinstáveis podem levar à formação de intermediários reativos, que são prejudiciais ao organismo, e à redução da atividade fotoprotetorados filtros solares e antioxidantes. Além disso, as características de penetração dos filtros solares e antioxidantes influenciam diretamente a segurança e a eficácia dos fotoprotetores. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver e avaliar a fotoestabilidade e a penetração cutânea de formulações fotoprotetoras contendo diferentes associações de filtros solares acrescidas ou não de trans-resveratrol e beta-caroteno, por meio do uso de CLAE e espectrofotometria e de células de Franz, respectivamente. Para tal, foram desenvolvidas formulações contendo diferentes associações de filtros solares (associações 1, 2 e 3), que apresentavam em comum avobenzona, metoxicinamato de etil-hexila e octocrileno, acrescidas de trans-resveratrol e beta-caroteno, isoladamente ou em combinação. Para avaliar a fotoestabilidade, amostras das formulações foram aplicadas em lâminas de vidro e expostas à radiação UVA e, a seguir, submetidas a análises por CLAE, para determinar o teor dos filtros solares e antioxidantes em estudo, e por espectrofotometria, para determinação da razão UVA/UVB. Para avaliar a penetração cutânea, as formulações contendo a associação de filtros solares mais fotoestável foram aplicadas sobre a pele de orelha de porco, e foi realizada a quantificação das substâncias em estudo, presentes no estrato córneo (EC), na epiderme/derme (E+D) e na solução receptora, por CLAE. O estudo de fotoestabilidade por CLAE dos filtros solares e antioxidantes presentes nas formulações avaliadas mostrou que, apesar de terem apresentado boa fotoestabilidade, todas as substâncias foram fotoinstáveis, com exceção do bemotrizinol, octiltriazona e octocrileno. Além disso, foi observado que o uso dos antioxidantes em associação foi melhor do que utilizá-los separadamente em fotoprotetores. As análises espectrofotométricas mostraram que, após irradiação, houve redução significativa da razão UVA/UVB de todas as formulações e que as formulações contendo bemotrizinol (associação 2) e octiltriazona (associação 3) apresentaram, respectivamente, aumento e redução significativos da razão UVA/UVB, com relação às formulações que não apresentavam esses filtros. No estudo de penetração cutânea, foi observado que, após aplicação das formulações contendo bemotrizinol (associação 2), os filtros solares e antioxidantes avaliados penetraram a pele, mas não permearam até a solução receptora, ou seja, ficaram retidos no EC, majoritariamente, e na E+D. Além disso, foi observada redução significativa da retenção no EC dos filtros solares e antioxidantes avaliados na presença do beta-caroteno. Os resultados desse estudo contribuíram para mostrar os benefícios da utilização de uma combinação de antioxidantes em fotoprotetores, uma vez que a combinação do trans-resveratrol e do beta-caroteno, resultou em melhor fotoestabilidade das formulações e também apresentou vantagens no estudo de penetração cutânea, pois reduziu a penetração dos filtros solares. / Due to the need to protect the skin against reactive oxygen species, which are excessively generated after exposure to UV rays, antioxidants compounds have been added to sunscreens. However, photounstable combinations can lead to generation of reactive intermediates, that are harmful to the body, and decrease the photoprotective activity of UV-filters and antioxidants. Furthermore, the penetration characteristics of UV-filters and antioxidants influence directly sunscreens safety and efficacy. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop and to evaluate the photostability and cutaneous penetration of sunscreen formulations containing different combinations of UV-filters supplemented or not with trans-resveratrol and beta-carotene, by using HPLC and spectrophotometry and Franz cells, respectively. For this, formulations containing different UV-filters combinations (combinations 1, 2 and 3), which had in common avobenzone, ethyl-hexyl methoxycinnamate and octocrylene, supplemented with trans-resveratrol and beta-carotene, alone or in combination, were prepared. For photostability evaluation, samples of the formulations were spread onto glass plates, exposed to UVA radiation and then analyzed by HPLC to determine the concentration of UV-filters and antioxidants under study, and by spectrophotometry to determine the UVA/UVB ratio. To assess cutaneous penetration, formulations containing the most photostable combination of UV-filters were applied on pig ear skin, and the quantification of substances under study present into stratum corneum (SC), viable epidermis plus dermis (E+D) and receptor fluid was performed by HPLC. HPLC photostability study, which analyzed the UV-filters and antioxidants present in formulations, showed that all substances, despite having good photostability, were photounstable, except bemotrizinole, octyltriazone and octocrylene. Furthermore, it was observed that the use of antioxidants in combination was better than using them separately in sunscreens. The spectrophotometric analysis showed that after irradiation, all formulations had a significant decrease of UVA/UVB ratio, and that formulations containing bemotrizinole (combination 2) and octyltriazone (combination 3) presented, respectively, significant increase and decrease of the UVA/UVB ratio, in comparison with formulations that did not contained these UV-filters. In the cutaneous penetration study it was observed that after application of formulations containing bemotrizinole (combination 2), the UV-filters and antioxidants under study penetrated the skin, but did not reach the receptor fluid, which means that they were retained in SC, predominantly, and in E+D. Furthermore, a significant decrease on SC retention of UV-filters and antioxidants under study in the presence of beta-carotene was observed. The results of this study contributed to demonstrate the benefits of using a combination of antioxidants in sunscreens, since the combination of trans-resveratrol with beta-carotene, resulted in improved photostability of the formulations and also showed advantages in the skin penetration study, because it reduced UV-filters penetration.

O objetivo deste estudo é descrever o dano de DNA através das variáveis Tail Moment e Tail Intensity e investigar a associação entre o dano do DNA, padrão alimentar e concentrações plasmáticas de vitaminas em crianças e adolescentes em Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo, Brasil). Estudantes de 9 a 13 anos foram selecionados de três escolas de Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo, Brasil), totalizando uma amostra de 120 indivíduos. A coleta de dados incluiu antropometria, composição corporal, avaliação da ingestão utilizando um questionário de frequência alimentar (QFA) e o Índice de Qualidade da Dieta Revisado (IQD-R) e coleta de sangue para a dosagem de vitaminas e determinação do dano do DNA pelo método de eletroforese em gel de célula única - comet assay. Os indivíduos foram divididos em dois grupos opostos de dano do DNA usando duas técnicas distintas: análise de k-cluster e classificação por escala de dano. Padrões de ingestão de nutrientes também foram gerados, utilizando robust sparse k-means cluster, e associados com o dano de DNA. Para análise utilizaram-se os testes T de Student, Mann-Whitney e ANCOVA. Na primeira análise, o cluster 1 (n = 73), com menor dano de DNA, apresentou maior consumo de vegetais verdes escuros e alaranjados (p = 0,047), vegetais totais (p = 0,041) e carnes, ovos e leguminosas (p = 0,022), através do IQD-R, e um escore de IQD total maior (p = 0,030), indicando melhor qualidade de dieta em comparação ao cluster 2 (n = 47), de maior dano de DNA. O cluster 2 apresentou maior consumo de laticínios, em comparação ao cluster 1 (p = 0,008). Em relação a vitaminas plasmáticas, o cluster 1 apresentou maior concentração de riboflavina (p = 0,004). No segundo método de divisão, o grupo 1 (n = 108), com menor dano de DNA, apresentou maior concentração de retinol (p = 0,010), beta-caroteno (p = 0,017) e riboflavina (p = 0,046), após teste de ANCOVA ajustado para o índice de massa corporal (IMC) em comparação ao grupo 2 (n = 12). Na divisão por padrão alimentar, o cluster 2 (n = 58), com menor consumo de aminoácidos e micronutrientes, apresentou maior consumo de energia (p = 0,001) e uma tendência de maior dano do DNA (p = 0,063) em relação ao cluster 1 (n = 27), com maior ingestão de nutrientes. Estes achados corroboram a literatura, afirmando o papel protetor de vitaminas e antioxidantes contra o dano do DNA. / The aim of this study is to describe the DNA damage using values of Tail Moment and Tail Intensity and investigate the association between DNA damage, dietary pattern and vitamin status in children and adolescents in Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo, Brazil). 9 to 13 year old students were selected from three schools in the city of Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo, Brazil), totalizing a sample of 120 subjects. Data collection included anthropometry, body composition, assessment of food intake using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), quality of diet through Revised Health Eating Index (HEI-R), and blood sampling for vitamins dosage and determination of DNA damage with single cell gel electrophoresis - comet assay. The subjects were divided into two opposing groups according to DNA damage using two different methods: k-cluster analysis and classification by scale of damage. Nutrients intake patterns were also generated through robust sparse k-means cluster and associated with DNA damage. The statistical analysis were performed using Student\'s T test, Mann-Whitney test and ANCOVA. In the first analysis, cluster 1 (n = 73), with less DNA damage presented higher intake of dark green and orange vegetables (p = 0,047), total vegetables (p = 0,041), meat, eggs and legumes (p = 0,022), assessed through HEI, as well as a higher total HEI-R level (p = 0,030), indicating higher quality of diet compared to cluster 2 (n = 47), with increased DNA damage. Cluster 2 presented a higher intake of milk and dairy products, compared to cluster 1 (p = 0,008). In relation to vitamins plasma levels, cluster 1 presented higher levels of riboflavin (p = 0,004). In the second method of division, group 1 (n = 108), with less DNA damage, presented higher levels of retinol (p = 0,010), beta-carotene (p = 0,017) and riboflavin (p = 0,046), after ANCOVA teste adjusted for body mass index (BMI) compared to group 2 (n = 12). In the division by dietary pattern, cluster 2 (n = 58) with a lower consumption of amino acids and micronutrients had higher energy intake (p = 0,001) and a tendency of higher DNA damage (p = 0,063) compared to cluster 1(n = 27), with higher intake of nutrients. These findings corroborate the literature, asserting protective role of vitamins and antioxidants against DNA damage.

Depuis les cinquante dernières années, l'incidence de la maladie de Crohn,maladie chronique inflammatoire de l'intestin (MICI) a plus que doublée. C'est une pathologie multifactorielle et idiopathique utilisant des traitements comme des anti-inflammatoires, des corticoïdes, des immunosuppresseurs et plus récemment les anti-TNF.Ils présentent des limites avec une intolérance aux principes actifs et une résistance au traitement conduisant à un échec thérapeutique. L’objectif de ce travail sera de développer une forme orale tout en minimisant le risque d’effets secondaires en améliorant la biodisponibilité. Des techniques d'encapsulation protégeant les principes actifs extraits de plantes comme le Resvératrol, le Bêta-carotène, et la Curcumine seront réalisées. Quatre types de synthèse seront respectivement utilisés : la micro-encapsulation , la nanoémulsion, et la synthèse de nanoparticules solides lipidiques (SLN), ainsi que la squalénisation.Une comparaison des effets anti-inflammatoires des traitements conventionnels versus les vecteurs synthétisés au cours de cette étude pourra permettre de conclure sur la contribution originale de ce projet. / For the last fifty years, the incidence of Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has more than doubled. It is a multifactorial and idiopathic pathology using treatments such as anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and more recently anti-TNFα.They have limits with intolerance to active principles and resistance to treatment leading to therapeutic failure . The goal of this work will be to develop an oral form while minimizing the risk of side effects by improving bioavailability. Encapsulation techniques protecting the active ingredients extracted from plants such as Resveratrol, Beta-carotene, and Curcumin will be performed. Four types of synthesis will be used respectively: micro-encapsulation, nanoemulsion, and the synthesis of lipid solid nanoparticles (SLN), as well as squalenization. A comparison of the anti-inflammatory effects of conventional treatments versus the vectors synthesized during this study. The study may conclude on the original contribution of this project.

Em virtude da necessidade de proteger a pele contra as espécies reativas de oxigênio, geradas excessivamente após exposição ao raios UV, substâncias antioxidantes têm sido adicionadas aos fotoprotetores. Entretanto associações fotoinstáveis podem levar à formação de intermediários reativos, que são prejudiciais ao organismo, e à redução da atividade fotoprotetorados filtros solares e antioxidantes. Além disso, as características de penetração dos filtros solares e antioxidantes influenciam diretamente a segurança e a eficácia dos fotoprotetores. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver e avaliar a fotoestabilidade e a penetração cutânea de formulações fotoprotetoras contendo diferentes associações de filtros solares acrescidas ou não de trans-resveratrol e beta-caroteno, por meio do uso de CLAE e espectrofotometria e de células de Franz, respectivamente. Para tal, foram desenvolvidas formulações contendo diferentes associações de filtros solares (associações 1, 2 e 3), que apresentavam em comum avobenzona, metoxicinamato de etil-hexila e octocrileno, acrescidas de trans-resveratrol e beta-caroteno, isoladamente ou em combinação. Para avaliar a fotoestabilidade, amostras das formulações foram aplicadas em lâminas de vidro e expostas à radiação UVA e, a seguir, submetidas a análises por CLAE, para determinar o teor dos filtros solares e antioxidantes em estudo, e por espectrofotometria, para determinação da razão UVA/UVB. Para avaliar a penetração cutânea, as formulações contendo a associação de filtros solares mais fotoestável foram aplicadas sobre a pele de orelha de porco, e foi realizada a quantificação das substâncias em estudo, presentes no estrato córneo (EC), na epiderme/derme (E+D) e na solução receptora, por CLAE. O estudo de fotoestabilidade por CLAE dos filtros solares e antioxidantes presentes nas formulações avaliadas mostrou que, apesar de terem apresentado boa fotoestabilidade, todas as substâncias foram fotoinstáveis, com exceção do bemotrizinol, octiltriazona e octocrileno. Além disso, foi observado que o uso dos antioxidantes em associação foi melhor do que utilizá-los separadamente em fotoprotetores. As análises espectrofotométricas mostraram que, após irradiação, houve redução significativa da razão UVA/UVB de todas as formulações e que as formulações contendo bemotrizinol (associação 2) e octiltriazona (associação 3) apresentaram, respectivamente, aumento e redução significativos da razão UVA/UVB, com relação às formulações que não apresentavam esses filtros. No estudo de penetração cutânea, foi observado que, após aplicação das formulações contendo bemotrizinol (associação 2), os filtros solares e antioxidantes avaliados penetraram a pele, mas não permearam até a solução receptora, ou seja, ficaram retidos no EC, majoritariamente, e na E+D. Além disso, foi observada redução significativa da retenção no EC dos filtros solares e antioxidantes avaliados na presença do beta-caroteno. Os resultados desse estudo contribuíram para mostrar os benefícios da utilização de uma combinação de antioxidantes em fotoprotetores, uma vez que a combinação do trans-resveratrol e do beta-caroteno, resultou em melhor fotoestabilidade das formulações e também apresentou vantagens no estudo de penetração cutânea, pois reduziu a penetração dos filtros solares. / Due to the need to protect the skin against reactive oxygen species, which are excessively generated after exposure to UV rays, antioxidants compounds have been added to sunscreens. However, photounstable combinations can lead to generation of reactive intermediates, that are harmful to the body, and decrease the photoprotective activity of UV-filters and antioxidants. Furthermore, the penetration characteristics of UV-filters and antioxidants influence directly sunscreens safety and efficacy. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop and to evaluate the photostability and cutaneous penetration of sunscreen formulations containing different combinations of UV-filters supplemented or not with trans-resveratrol and beta-carotene, by using HPLC and spectrophotometry and Franz cells, respectively. For this, formulations containing different UV-filters combinations (combinations 1, 2 and 3), which had in common avobenzone, ethyl-hexyl methoxycinnamate and octocrylene, supplemented with trans-resveratrol and beta-carotene, alone or in combination, were prepared. For photostability evaluation, samples of the formulations were spread onto glass plates, exposed to UVA radiation and then analyzed by HPLC to determine the concentration of UV-filters and antioxidants under study, and by spectrophotometry to determine the UVA/UVB ratio. To assess cutaneous penetration, formulations containing the most photostable combination of UV-filters were applied on pig ear skin, and the quantification of substances under study present into stratum corneum (SC), viable epidermis plus dermis (E+D) and receptor fluid was performed by HPLC. HPLC photostability study, which analyzed the UV-filters and antioxidants present in formulations, showed that all substances, despite having good photostability, were photounstable, except bemotrizinole, octyltriazone and octocrylene. Furthermore, it was observed that the use of antioxidants in combination was better than using them separately in sunscreens. The spectrophotometric analysis showed that after irradiation, all formulations had a significant decrease of UVA/UVB ratio, and that formulations containing bemotrizinole (combination 2) and octyltriazone (combination 3) presented, respectively, significant increase and decrease of the UVA/UVB ratio, in comparison with formulations that did not contained these UV-filters. In the cutaneous penetration study it was observed that after application of formulations containing bemotrizinole (combination 2), the UV-filters and antioxidants under study penetrated the skin, but did not reach the receptor fluid, which means that they were retained in SC, predominantly, and in E+D. Furthermore, a significant decrease on SC retention of UV-filters and antioxidants under study in the presence of beta-carotene was observed. The results of this study contributed to demonstrate the benefits of using a combination of antioxidants in sunscreens, since the combination of trans-resveratrol with beta-carotene, resulted in improved photostability of the formulations and also showed advantages in the skin penetration study, because it reduced UV-filters penetration.

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) continues to be a major health problem in developing countries. In South Africa, in 1999, one out of three children under the age of six years in the country had poor/ marginal vitamin A status. Limpopo Province was one of the provinces that most seriously affected by VAD. The study aim was to explore and describe the consumption patterns of vitamin A-rich foods of 10-13 year old children living in a rural area in Venda, and consequently making recommendations on nutrition education in this regard. A survey was conducted in Vyeboom Village in Limpopo Province, at Makhado local municipality in the Vhembe District. About 155 school children aged 10-13 years (boys and girls) participated in this study, using convenience, random and stratified sampling to draw the sample from three primary schools (Avhatondwi, Tshirunzanani and Thomas Ntshavheni). Data was collected during winter of 2006 using a socio-demographic questionnaire, the 24-hour recall and non-quantitative food-frequency questionnaires. The data was divided into four subsections regarding the 10-13 year old children that participated in this study, namely: the demographic information, food habits, food consumption patterns, and foods consumed rich in vitamin A. The SAS statistical analysis (version 8.2) software was used to analyze the data from the questionnaire by means of descriptive statistics (percentages, frequencies, means and summary of the tables). Inferential statistics (two way tables and chi-square tests) were used to test the associations between two categorical variables. Mothers were the caretakers in the families, because she mostly played a major role in the decision-making, preparation and serving of the food that were consumed by these children. Social cultural factors influenced the children’s food intake, because some of these foods were especially low in vitamin A and high in sugar content (e.g. sweets), compared to those foods that children were forbidden to eat (e.g. liver) which were high in vitamin A and other nutrients. The foods that children were mostly forced to eat (dark green leafy vegetables) were very nutritious and given in order to prevent hunger and wastage (left-over in the morning). The general meal pattern of these children was three meals a day with two, one or no snacks in between meals. The mostly consumed foods during these meals were bread, tea, stiff and soft maize meal porridge, dark green leafy vegetables and meat (chicken). Dark green leafy vegetables played an important role in supplying beta-carotene to these children, while the intake of retinol-rich foods was poor because they are expensive and labeled as highly allergenic, whilst other foods were forbidden. Intake of fortified foods was very high because porridge was the staple food and commonly consumed during lunch and supper. The results provided insight regarding the food habits, consumption patterns and the intake of vitamin A rich foods and were used to substantiate recommendations aimed at the improvement of the intake vitamin A rich foods among the children. / Dissertation (MConsSci (General))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Consumer Science / unrestricted

Many of the world’s children, particularly those living in developing countries, subsist on diets that seldom vary and often do not allow for an adequate intake of the complete range of nutrients required for healthy living. Of concern is the absence of regular consumption of fresh vegetables and fruit that provide vitamin A which, if deficient, impairs children’s growth and development. In South Africa about 21% of children under the age of six years attend crèche facilities on a daily basis. The nutritional state of meals provided to children at many crèches tends to lack micronutrients, particularly vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency is the main nutritional problem facing crèche children in South Africa today. Underlying causes are unsatisfactory diets restricted in variety and minimal knowledge of optimal dietary practices, a situation exacerbated by a high incidence of food insecurity. Limpopo is a province seriously affected by vitamin A deficiency. A South African study, based on a quantitative research paradigm, was undertaken (April-September 2007) in Thulamela municipality with the aim of developing and implementing nutrition strategies to improve crèche children’s consumption of vitamin A-rich vegetables and fruit, as advocated by an officially recognised food-based dietary guideline. Through convenience sampling, 100 caregivers from 20 crèches in the study area responded to questionnaires and participated in a game. Ongoing observation continued. Information about the participants, their nutrition knowledge and the meals provided was collected following the triple-A cycle approach (assessment, analysis and action). The research process was structured in three phases. Phase one involved a situational assessment and analysis that provided baseline information. Limitations contributing to the problem under investigation were identified and data showed that the children’s intake of vitamin A from vegetables and fruit at crèches was low. This was found to be due to a lack of knowledge and information about vitamin A, coupled with the unavailability and inaccessibility of food primarily due to non-production and affordability. Food preparation, storage and preservation also posed challenges to caregivers. Using evidence from documented studies and the findings from phase one, nutrition strategies were developed and implemented in phase two. Caregivers were shown how to increase the availability and use of foods rich in vitamin A and were encouraged to grow, and use, both cultivated and non-cultivated vitamin A-rich vegetables and fruit. Furthermore, the concept of the food-based dietary guideline “eat plenty of vegetables and fruits everyday” was introduced to the caregivers and became part of the developed nutrition strategies. Follow-up data collected in phase three showed substantial advancement in caregivers’ knowledge and skills. Access, availability and utilisation of vitamin A-rich vegetables and fruit had improved markedly. Flourishing vegetable gardens, planned menus and well prepared meals were concrete evidence, and vegetables and fruit were more frequently served to children. Implementation of the developed nutrition strategies epitomised the envisaged outcome of this study. Based on the research results, important recommendations are made to enhance the appropriate consumption of vegetables and fruit rich in vitamin A, leading to a reduction in disease and death caused by vitamin A deficiency among children. / Dissertation (MConsumer Science)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Consumer Science / unrestricted

The main source of the human body odour is an axillary region. Human body odour is individually specific and results from genetic and environmental factors. Human body odour is an important sexual attractant for potential partners. It is influenced by environmental factors, such as an emotional state and health. Important environmental factors influencing human body odour are also eating habits. However, we know very little about how particular dietary components shape our body odour. Only the effect of red meat and garlic consumption have been tested. Here we tested the effect of caffeine (from usual source and guarana) and beta- carotene. In our three experiments we used a balanced within-subject experimental design. Volunteers donated twice their body odour: once after ingestion of the tested substance, second time in the control situation. Samples were then assessed for their attractiveness and intensity by group of women. Results showed that caffeine consumption may influence negatively attractiveness and intensity of human body odour. Guarana and beta-carotene did not show any significant results. These results partially confirmed that dietary factors influence the quality of the human body odour. This field should be further studied as a part of the environmental factors influencing human...

Forage of beta-carotene-fortified orange-fleshed sweet potato is essential for alleviation cattle malnutrition. The study aims were to determine effects of supplementing sweet potato (SP) roots and sun dried forage on degradation of dietary legumes, intake and milk yield in dairy cattle. Mature SP roots were oven dried and forage vines and leaves (V&L) sun dried. Lactating dairy were supplied meals with total mixed ration (TMR) constituting varying levels of sweet potato forage and concentrate. The SP flour was rapidly and completely degraded In Sacco while degradability of V&L was comparable to that of Lucerne hay. Rumen degradation of Lucerne was reduced when the legume was incubated proximal to SP. Substitution of TMR with fresh SP forage and flour meal increased degradability of diets. Glucose post-feeding was increased (P<0.05) by SP roots but no change in milk yield. Orange-fleshed SP forage is recommended for improving energy supply in lactating cow diets / Agriculture and  Animal Health / M. Sc. (Agriculture)