A Tabela Brasileira de Composição de Alimentos (TBCA-USP) tem como meta a disseminação de dados de qualidade sobre a composição química dos alimentos, sendo que sua base de dados é continuamente atualizada com a inserção de novos alimentos e nutrientes. Vários estudos tem sido realizados com o objetivo de quantificar vitaminas em alimentos brasileiros, entretanto estas informações encontram-se dispersas em diversas publicações. O objetivo do trabalho foi a elaboração de uma base de dados referente a composição das vitaminas A, C e E em alimentos brasileiros, visando sua futura disponibilização pela TBCA-USP. Na elaboração da base de dados de vitaminas foram compilados apenas os dados originados através de metodologias validadas para cada composto, sendo que para a base de dados de vitamina A foram incluidos dados de retinol e de sete tipos de carotenoides (α-caroteno, β-caroteno, β-criptoxantina, licopeno, luteína, violaxantina e zeaxantina), enquanto que para a base de dados de vitamina C foram compilados dados de ácido ascórbico e dehidroascórbico, e para a base de dados de vitamina E foram compilados dados de todos os tocoferóis e tocotrienóis disponíveis. O conteúdo de vitamina A total foi calculado tanto na forma de Equivalentes de Retinol (Retinol Equivalent - RE) quanto de Equivalentes de Atividade de Retinol (Retinol Activity Equivalent - RAE); a vitamina C total foi calculada pela somatória dos ácidos ascórbico e dehidroascórbico; e, para a vitamina E os valores totais foram expressos tanto em Equivalentes de α-tocoferol quanto em α-tocoferol. O levantamento de dados foi realizado em periódicos nacionais e internacionais, dissertações e teses, totalizando 383 referências publicadas entre 1975 e 2011. Do total de referências, 148 foram compiladas e 235 descartadas, sendo que o maior motivo para a não utilização das referências foi a ausência de informações obrigatórias, como por exemplo sobre a validação das metodologias analíticas. A base de dados de vitaminas contem informações sobre 1.408 alimentos, sendo 825 com dados de vitamina A, 517 de vitamina C e 66 de vitamina E. A maior parte dos alimentos compilados pertencem aos grupos das hortaliças/derivados (32%) e frutas/derivados (29%), os quais representam os mais adquiridos pela população brasileira. Os dados dos 1.408 alimentos compilados geraram o banco de dados de vitaminas, os quais serão disponibilizados na TBCA-USP (www.fcf.usp/tabela). / Brazilian Food Composition Database (TBCA-USP) has aimed to disseminate quality information about food composition being constantly updated with new foods and nutrients. Several studies have been realized in order to quantify vitamins in Brazilian foods; however, the results of these efforts are found in many different published reference sources. The aim of this study was to evolve a Brazilian food composition database for vitamins A, C and E; and its provision in TBCA-USP. For vitamin database performing, it was compiled data from validated methodologies for each compound. For carotenoids and vitamin A database, it was compiled data from retinol and 7 different carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, violaxanthin and zeaxanthin); for vitamin C it was compiled data from ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids; and for vitamin E it was compiled data from all tocopherol and tocotrienol forms. The total vitamin A content was calculated considering both Retinol Equivalent (RE) and Retinol Activity Equivalent (RAE), while the total vitamin C content was calculated considering the sum of ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids, and finally, the total vitamin E content was expressed in both α-tocopherol and α-tocopherol equivalents. Data collection was realized in thesis, national and international publications, resulting in 383 references, published from 1975 to 2011. From the total, 148 were compiled and 235 were discarded, due to lack of mandatory information, such as, validation of the analytical methodologies. The vitamin database comprises information about 1408 foods, from which 825 are related to vitamin A, 517 to vitamin C and 66 to vitamin E. The majority of the food composition data is related to vegetables/derivatives (32%) and fruits/derivatives (29%), which represent the most acquired by Brazilian population. Compiled data from 1408 foods resulted in vitamin database, and will be available in TBCA-USP (www.fcf.usp/tabela).

Introdução: Diante das mudanças nos hábitos de consumo alimentar da população brasileira, suplementos vitamínicos e alimentos enriquecidos são veículos comumente empregados para atender as necessidades de ingestão de micronutrientes. A diversidade de suplementos vitamínicos comercializados atualmente leva à necessidade de desenvolvimento de métodos analíticos de fácil execução e alta produtividade. Informações confiáveis sobre os teores de vitaminas poderão ser obtidas somente com métodos analíticos validados. Objetivos: Validar metodologias analíticas e avaliar o teor de vitaminas antioxidantes em suplementos adquiridos no comércio do município de São Paulo - Brasil, o efeito do armazenamento nestes compostos e confrontar os valores analisados com os valores declarados na rotulagem. Métodos: As metodologias analíticas para determinação de vitaminas antioxidantes por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência com detector de arranjo de diodos (CLAE-DAD) e de vitamina C por titulação potenciométrica foram validadas para as matrizes sólidas, oleosas e líquidas de suplementos vitamínicos. A estabilidade das vitaminas foi avaliada a cada 6 meses durante 12 meses de armazenamento e a avaliação da rotulagem foi realizada de acordo com as legislações vigentes no Brasil. Resultados: Para os métodos cromatográficos, os limites de detecção (LDs) e de quantificação (LQs) variaram entre 0,3 e 4,3 µg/mL, e entre 0,5 e 14,0 µg/mL respectivamente. As recuperações dos padrões adicionados nas matrizes variaram entre 92 por cento e 109 por cento e entre 86 por cento e 108 por cento no material de referência. A repetitividade foi calculada pelo desvio padrão relativo (RSD), apresentando valores entre 0,2 por cento e 9,6 por cento . Para a determinação de vitamina C pelo método potenciométrico, o LD e o LQ foram respectivamente 1 mg e 3 mg; a recuperação no material de referência foi de 99,8 por cento e a precisão variou entre 0,4 e 3,9 por cento . Das 57 amostras avaliadas, 59 por cento e 35 por cento apresentaram teores de vitaminas A e E respectivamente, abaixo dos valores declarados no rótulo; por outro lado, 20 por cento das amostras apresentaram teores de vitamina E acima dos valores declarados. Em relação aos teores de vitamina C, 60 por cento das amostras estavam de acordo com os valores declarados. O estudo da estabilidade demonstrou degradação significativa das vitaminas A, E e C em aproximadamente 90 por cento das amostras com 12 meses de armazenamento. Na avaliação da rotulagem dos suplementos vitamínicos, 47 das amostras apresentaram uma ou mais irregularidades. Conclusão: Os métodos propostos se mostraram adequados para análise de diferentes matrizes de suplementos vitamínicos. Os resultados das análises de vitaminas nestes produtos mostraram a necessidade urgente de monitoramento em conjunto com ações de fiscalização, pois verificou-se que a maioria das amostras não atenderam a legislação, principalmente quanto aos teores declarados na informação nutricional da rotulagem. A sobredosagem de vitaminas pode ser necessária para manter os teores declarados durante o armazenamento, porém, a quantidade adicional de vitamina a ser incluída no suplemento deve estar dentro de limites seguros e depende de cada amostra, pois além da matriz, diversos fatores relacionados aos compostos e à embalagem também podem influenciar na estabilidade das vitaminas. / Introduction: In the face of changes in food consumption patterns of the population, vitamin supplements and fortified foods are vehicles commonly used to meet the micronutrient consumption needs. The diversity of vitamin supplements currently commercialized leads to the need to develop simple analytical methods with high productivity. Reliable information about vitamin levels may be obtained only with validated analytical methods. Objective: The validation of analytical methodologies to determine the content of antioxidant vitamins in supplements acquired in trade of São Paulo Brazil, the effect of storage in these compounds, and to confront the analyzed values with the declared values on the label. Methods: The analytical methodologies for determination of antioxidant vitamins by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and vitamin C by potentiometric titration were validated for solid, oily and liquid matrices of vitamin supplements. The stability of vitamins was evaluated every 6 months in a period of 12 months of storage and evaluation of the labeling was performed according to the current Brazilian legislation. Results: For the chromatographic methods, the limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) ranged between 0.3-4.3 g/mL and between 0.5 and 14.0 mg/mL respectively. The recoveries of spiked samples ranged between 92-109 per cent and between 86108 per cent from the reference material. The repeatability was calculated by the relative standard deviation (RSD), with values between 0.2-9.6 per cent . For the determination of vitamin C by a potentiometric method, the LOD and LOQ were respectively 1 and 3 mg; recovering the reference material was 99.8 per cent and the accuracy ranged between 0.4-3.9 per cent . From the 57 samples tested, 59 per cent and 35 per cent had vitamin levels A and E respectively, below the values declared on the label; On the other hand, 20 per cent of the samples had levels of vitamin E above declared values. Regarding the content of vitamin C, 60 per cent of the samples were in agreement with the reported values. The stability study demonstrated significant degradation of vitamins A, E and C in approximately 90 per cent of the samples with 12 months of storage. The evaluation of vitamin supplement labels showed 47 per cent of samples with one or more irregularities. Conclusion: The proposed methods were suitable for analysis of different matrices of vitamin supplements. The analysis of vitamins in supplements showed the urgent need for monitoring in conjunction with enforcement actions, as it was found that most of the samples did not meet the requirements stablished by the Brazilian legislation, especially for the levels declared in the nutrition label information. Overage of vitamin added in supplements may be necessary to maintain the declared contents during storage, however, the additional amount must be included in security level and depends on each sample, as well as the matrices, several factors related to the compounds and packaging may also influence the stability of vitamins.

Poucos trabalhos foram publicados envolvendo a biossíntese do AA em plantas desde sua descoberta em 1928. O mecanismo de biossíntese era um mistério até 1998 quando Wheeler, Jones e Smirnoff demonstraram que a L-galactose é um precursor chave desta importante vitamina. Utilizando-se açúcares marcados e frios pudemos confirmar o mecanismo Smirnoff-Wheeler de biossíntese do AA. Neste trabalho nós apresentamos os resultados alcançados usando alguns supostos precursores e alguns frutos como o morango, a goiaba e o mamão papaya, e alguns legumes como o brócolis, alguns deles ricos em AA. As técnicas de HPLC e espectrofometria UVNIS foram utilizadas na determinação do AA. Os vegetais foram mantidos em soluções dos precursores frios por 24 horas e então analisados quanto ao teor de AA. Os resultados do uso de compostos marcados foi analisado utilizando-se a cintilografia líquida (LSC). Os açúcares extraídos do brócolis, do mamão papaya e da goiaba que foram infiltrados com D-[U-14C] manose, L-[1-14C] galactose e D-[U-14C] glucose-1-P mostraram diferentes padrões de distribuição entre os açúcares envolvidos no mecanismo Smirnoff-Wheeler de biossíntese do AA. Em folhas de goiabeira encontramos altos teores de ácido desidroascórbico e pequena quantidade de AA, diferentemente do conteúdo de AA nos frutos. Nossos resultados confirmaram que a L-galactono-1 ,4-lactona é um precursor bastante eficiente do AA em frutos e proveram algumas evidências do envolvimento da 0- manose no mecanismo de biossíntese do AA em plantas. / Since the first isolation of the Ascorbic Acid (AA) in 1928, a few papers have been published leading with the determination the AA biosynthetic pathway in plants. This pathway was a mystery until recently when in 1998 Wheeler, Jones and Smirnoff demonstrated that L-galactose is a key precursor of this important vitamin. Using radiolabeled and non-radiolabeled sugars we were capable of giving support to the Smirnoff-Wheeler pathway of AA biosynthesis. In this work we present the results reached using some putative precursors and some fruits and vegetables as strawberry, guava, papaya and broccoli some of them very rich in AA. The techniques used for the AA analysis included UVNIS spectrophotometry and HPLC methods. The fruits and vegetables were maintained in the solution of the non-radiolabeled precursors for 24 hours and then analyzed for the AA content. The results of the use of radiolabeled precursors were analyzed using liquid scintillation (LSC). The sugars extracted from broccoli , papaya and guava, that were supplied with D-[U-14C] mannose, L-[1-14C] galactose and D-[U-14C] glucose-1-P dipotassium salt were analyzed using HPLC amperometric method and LSC showed different pattern of distribution between the sugars involved in the Smirnoff-Wheeler AA biosynthesis pathway. In guava leaves we found a high content of dehydroascorbic acid and low amount of AA, unlikely of the content of AA in the fruit. Our results confirmed that L -galactono-1 ,4-lactone is a very effective precursor of AA in fruits and provided some evidence of the involvement of D-mannose in AA biosynthesis in plants.

O objetivo geral deste trabalho foi quantificar as vitaminas antioxidantes (tocoferóis, ácido ascórbico, α- e β-caroteno) bem como a composição química de amostras de pólen apícola obtidas em apiários georreferenciados da região sul do Brasil e desidratadas de forma controlada conforme recomendação da legislação brasileira. Inicialmente foi realizada a composição química de 21 amostras de pólen apícola desidratados sendo os valores médios de 3,37% para umidade, 19,80% para proteínas, 3,44% para lipídios, 2,02% para cinzas. Pode-se verificar que a maioria das amostras encontraram-se dentro dos parâmetros de qualidade preconizados pela legislação brasileira. Além disso, utilizando a cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE), foi confirmando a presença de açúcares redutores glicose (6,77%) e frutose (5,39%) nas amostras. A determinação da vitamina C foi realizada por titulometria e os valores encontrados variaram entre 60 e 797 µg/g, sendo duas amostras consideradas fonte desta vitamina para homens e três para mulheres conforme a Ingestão Dietética de Referência (IDR). Já os tocoferóis e o α- e β-caroteno foram analisados por CLAE. Com relação aos tocoferóis (α-, β-, γ-, δ-tocoferol), os valores foram apresentados como equivalentes de alfa-tocoferol e variaram entre 0,57 e 11,7 mg/100g, podendo duas amostras serem consideradas fontes de vitamina E. Da mesma forma, duas amostras foram consideradas fontes de vitamina A, levando-se em consideração os valores encontrados para α- e β-caroteno, que variaram entre 3,9 e 4945 µg de equivalentes de retinol por 100g de amostra. A caracterização das amostras com relação a origem botânica mostrou uma grande variedade entre os tipos polínicos encontrados nas diferentes amostras. Chama-se atenção para o gênero Eucalyptus que esteve presente em 16 amostras, sendo em duas delas como pólen dominante (>45% do total de grãos), bem como duas amostras que puderam ser considerados monoflorais (>90% do total de grãos). Os resultados estatísticos (correlação) mostraram que alguns tipos polínicos se correlacionam de maneira positiva e forte com a composição nutricional do pólen apícola, como os gêneros Brassicacom os teores de lipídios e proteínas, Euterpe com o α-tocoferol, α- e β-caroteno, Piptocarpha com os tocoferóis (β-, γ- e δ-), Senecio com α- e β-caroteno. O presente trabalho contribui de forma importante para a caracterização química e botânica do pólen apícola produzido em apiários georreferenciados da região sul do Brasil, valorizando assim o produto e trazendo informações e benefícios para apicultores e consumidores além de fornecer dados relevantes para o estudo e padronizações metodológicas nacional e internacionais para este produto. / The aim of this study was to quantify the antioxidant vitamins (tocopherols, ascorbic acid, α- and β-carotene ) as well as the chemical composition of samples of bee pollen obtained from georeferenced apiaries of southern Brazil and dehydrated in a controlled manner as recommended by brazilian regulation. Initially the chemical composition of 21 samples of dehydrated bee pollen was performed and the average values is 3.37 % for moisture, 19.80 % for proteins, 3.44 % for lipids, 2.02 % for ash. It can be seen that most of the samples were within the quality parameters recommended by brazilian regulation. Furthermore, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was confirmed the presence of reducing sugars glucose (6.77%) and fructose (5.39%) in the samples. The determination of vitamin C was performed by titration and the values varied from 60 to 797 µg/g, and two samples can be considered source of this vitamin for men and three for women according to the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI). The tocopherols and α- and β-carotene were analyzed by HPLC. With respect to tocopherols (α-, β-, γ-, δ-tocopherol ), the values were expressed as equivalents of alpha-tocopherol and ranged between 0.57 and 11.7 mg/100g, so two samples can be considered sources of vitamin E. Similarly, two samples were considered sources of vitamin A, taking into consideration the values for α and β-carotene, ranging from 3.9 to 4945 µg of retinol equivalents per 100g of sample. The characterization of the samples with respect to botanical origin showed a variety of pollen types found in different samples. Attention is drawn to the genus Eucalyptuswhich was present in 16 samples, and in two of them as the predominant pollen (> 45 % of total grains counted) and two samples that could be considered monofloral (> 90 % of total grains counted). The statistical results (correlation) showed that some pollen types correlate positively and strongly with the nutritional composition of pollen as Brassica genera with the levels of lipids and proteins, Euterpe with α-tocopherol, α- and β-carotene, Piptocarpha with tocopherols (β- , γ- and δ-), Senecio with α- and β-carotene. This study contributes significantly to the chemical and botanical characterization and the georeferenced bee pollen produced in apiaries of southern Brazil, thus enhancing the product and bringing information and benefits to beekeepers and consumers and provide relevant data for the study and methodological standardization national and international for this product.

Introdução: Beribéri é uma doença causada pela deficiência de tiamina (vitamina B1) que, apesar de facilmente tratável, pode levar a óbito. Há pelo menos setenta anos não se tinha referência de surtos de beribéri no Brasil. Objetivo: Descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos casos de beribéri e óbitos notificados no Estado do Maranhão. Método: Estudo descritivo-retrospectivo que analisou 1.207 casos notificados de beribéri e 40 óbitos ocorridos no Maranhão no período de 2006 a 2008. As informações foram obtidas do banco de dados da Vigilância Epidemiológica e fichas de notificação. Resultados: Os casos distribuíram-se em 434 (36,0%) em 2006, 551 (45,6%) em 2007 e 222 (18,4%) em 2008. Afetou dois terços das Unidades Regionais de Saúde e 26,3% dos municípios localizados nas regiões centro-oeste, noroeste e sudoeste do Estado. As notificações foram maiores nos meses de março a agosto, com pico em junho. O coeficiente de incidência no período foi de 4,32/10.000 hab. Homens foram mais acometidos (81,9%), com concentração de casos na faixa etária de 20-40 anos (57,0%). Predominou a ocorrência do beribéri seco (84,6%) e o tempo decorrido entre os primeiros sintomas e a notificação foi inferior a três meses para dois terços dos casos. A hospitalização ocorreu para 50% dos casos em 2006, 30% em 2007 e 15% em 2008. O consumo de álcool foi referido por 53,2% dos acometidos em 2006, com proporção discretamente menor nos anos subseqüentes, e o hábito de fumar por cerca de um terço dos acometidos. Sintomas mais comuns foram: diminuição da força, dormência e edema das pernas, dificuldade para caminhar e dor na panturrilha. Em relação à escolaridade, constatou-se que mais da metade (57,2%) tinha quatro anos ou menos de estudo, dois terços (66,2%) desempenhava atividade laboral pesada e 72,9% tinham renda familiar inferior a um salário mínimo. Foram registrados 40 óbitos (3,3% do total de casos notificados) apenas em 2006, concentrados no mês de junho (61,9%) e distribuídos em 21 municípios (9,7%). A taxa de mortalidade para o Estado foi de 0,45/10.000 hab. Praticamente a totalidade dos óbitos ocorreu no sexo masculino (97,5%), sendo 72,5% na faixa etária de 20-30 anos. Para dois terços, o tempo decorrido entre os primeiros sintomas e a notificação foi inferior a três meses e a hospitalização ocorreu para 42,5%. Hábito de consumir álcool e fumar foi elevado entre aqueles que foram a óbito, 75,0% e 66,7%, respectivamente. Conclusão: O estudo se destaca por abranger análise de todas as notificações de beribéri do estado do Maranhão. Constatou-se que os casos e óbitos apresentaram distribuição espacial e temporal relacionado à realidade do estado. A ausência de óbitos em 2007 e 2008 e redução dos casos em 2008 sugerem efeitos positivos das ações de enfretamento governamentais implementadas. Esta avaliação descritiva é importante para nortear as atividades e áreas a serem priorizadas no planejamento das ações de combate, tanto no nível central (federal, estadual e municipal), como para os profissionais da atenção básica e especializada, no direcionamento de suas práticas. Os resultados contribuem também para o delineamento de outras pesquisas que possam auxiliar no estudo da determinação do beribéri no Brasil. / Introduction: Beriberi is a disease caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1) which, although easily treatable, may lead to death. There had been no register of beriberi outbreaks in Brazil for at least seventy years. Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of reported beriberi cases in the State of Maranhão. Method: A descriptive retrospective study of 1,207 reported beriberi cases and 40 deaths in the State of Maranhão from 2006 to 2008. The information was obtained from the database of Epidemiological Surveillance and the reporting forms. Results: The cases were distributed in 434 (36.0%) in 2006, 551 (45.6%) in 2007 and 222 (18.4%) in 2008. It affected two thirds of the Regional Health Units and 26.3% of the municipalities located in the Central-Western, Northwestern and Southwestern of the State. The notifications were higher in the months from March to August, peaking in June. The incidence rate in the period was 4.32 / 10,000 inhabitants. Men were more affected (81.9%), with more concentration of cases in the age group 20-40 years (57.0%). Dry beriberi was predominant (84.6%) and the elapsed time between first symptoms and reporting was less than three months in two thirds of cases. Hospitalization occurred for 50.0% of cases in 2006, 30.0% in 2007 and 15.0% in 2008. Alcohol consumption was reported by 53.2% of patients in 2006 and slightly lower proportion in subsequent years, and smoking was reported for about one-third of patients. Main symptoms were loss of strength, numbness and swelling of the legs, difficulty in walking and calf pain. Regarding education it was found that more than half (57.2%) had four or fewer years of study, two thirds (66.2%) performed heavy labor activity and 72.9% had a family income lower than minimum wage. Forty deaths were recorded (3.3% of all reported cases) only in 2006, concentrated in the month of June (61.9%) and distributed in 21 municipalities (9.7%). The mortality rate for the State was 0.45 per 10,000 inhabitants. Almost all the deaths occurred in males (97.5%), and 72.5% aged 20-30 years. For two-thirds of the patients who died, the elapsed time between first symptoms and reporting was less than three months and hospitalization occurred in 42.5%. Alcohol consumption and smoking were higher among those who died, 75.0% and 66.7% respectively. Conclusion: This study stands out for including analysis of all reported beriberi cases in the State of Maranhão. It was found that cases and deaths showed spatial and temporal distribution related to the social reality of the State. The absence of deaths in 2007 and 2008 and reduction of cases in 2008 suggest positive effects of the implemented governmental actions. This descriptive evaluation is important to guide the activities and areas to be prioritized in the planning of actions at the central level (federal, state and municipal), as well as for guiding the practice of primary and specialized healthcare professionals. The results also contribute to the design of other research that may support the study of beriberi in Brazil.

Background Recent studies have demonstrated a significant relationship between vitamin D and cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is important in the synthesis and metabolism of vitamin D. Additionally, foods rich in vitamin D also contain high cholesterol supplements. Given that sources of vitamin D and cholesterol are different, we hypothesized that there is a potential mean bias in true relationship between an individual’s vitamin D and cholesterol levels. The study therefore aimed to examine the relationship of serum cholesterol and vitamin D levels. Methods We utilized NHANES 2001-2006 data (n=30,954). The outcome was vitamin D deficiency defined as individuals with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level12 ng/ml were classified as normal. Significant differences in cholesterol levels between the two groups were determined using Chi-Square contingency test. Generalized linear models were conducted to assess the association of vitamin D deficiency with cholesterol levels adjusting for age, sex, physical activity (proxy measure for sunlight exposure) and other serum lipid levels. Results Vitamin D deficiency was significantly lower in males(5.2%) than females(7.8%)(P Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency was associated with high LDL and triglyceride levels. Study findings help establish the importance of distinguishing vitamin D and cholesterol levels as separate entities while making inferences about their relationship with chronic diseases.

This study involves data from the Cache County Study, which began in 1994 with joined efforts by Duke University, Utah State University, and Johns Hopkins University. It consisted of 5,092 participants from Cache County, Utah, located in the northern part of the state. Characteristics of the population include high participation rates (~ 90%), a majority of participants are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, longer life expectancy than the general US population, a greater than 80% rate of at least a high school education, and low rates of migration. Subjects cognitive status was screened using the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination or rated by knowledgeable informants using an Informant Questionnaire for Cognitive Decline. Low scoring subjects were examined using the Dementia Questionnaire, an inventory of cognitive symptoms, functional impairments, and medical conditions relevant to dementia. The clinical data were reviewed by a geropsychiatrist and neuropsychologist. Those suspected of dementia underwent further testing and final dementia diagnoses were decided by a consensus conference of experts. Clinical assessment at the baseline interview identified 368 individuals out of the original 5,092 subjects as having dementia. These individuals were removed from the present analysis. Prevalent cases of dementia were excluded in our analyses of risk associated with incident AD. Dietary data were collected using a food frequency questionnaire at baseline in 1995. A list of 142 foods was provided and participants noted frequency they consume the food or food group. To calculate intake of a specific nutrient, the nutrient content of each food is multiplied by the frequency of consumption for each food. This number is summed over all food items. Cox Proportional hazards modeling was used to assess risk of incident AD in relationship to folate and B-vitamin intake over eleven subsequent years of data collection. Cox modeling assists in analysis of censored cases (drop-outs and deaths). No relationship was found between folate from food, supplement, or combined sources with dementia or with AD. Similar results were observed for B-12 and B-6.

Pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) in broiler chickens adequately represents idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) in humans, a condition that affects 300 new patients each year in the US. The factors that trigger IPAH are poorly understood but an increase in reactive oxygen species in the circulation coincides with the onset of these conditions. Broiler chickens (n=583) were fed a control diet (CTL), containing 3,200 kcal of ME / kg of feed, 23% CP, 1.55% (wt / wt) Arginine (Arg) and 40 IU of VE (alpha-tochopherol) / kg of feed; a high-Arg diet (HA), CTL diet plus 0.8% (wt / wt) supplemental L-Arg HCl; or a high Arg and vitamin diet (AEC), the HA diet plus 200 IU ?-tochopherol / kg of feed and 500 mg of ascorbic acid / L of drinking water 500 mg ascorbic acid / L of water (exp. 1 and 2) or Kg feed (exp. 3). Supplemented broilers were either exposed to hypobaric hypoxia or had a primary bronchus occluded (PBO) to induce PHS. Also, medial thickness was assessed in male broiler and Leghorn (n =80) chickens fed a CTL diet and subjected to pulmonary artery occlusion (PAO). The results show that supplementation with Arg and VE plus VC have an additive effect on the velocity at which the pulmonary arterial pressure returned to basal levels in hypoxic chickens challenged with epinephrine. Also, supplementation increased xanthine oxidase (XO) activity in the vicinity of the pulmonary endothelium with no effect on NAD(P)H-oxidase activity or oxidative stress in hypoxic chickens subjected to PBO. These enzymes are upregulated in humans with IPAH. Furthermore, supplementation reduced pulmonary artery reactivity to phenylephrine in hypoxemic broilers. Unsupplemented broiler chickens had a lower specific lung weight compared to unsupplemented Leghorns. Hypoxemic broilers showed thicker resistant pulmonary arteries and were more hypertensive than hypoxemic Leghorns. Leghorns were more hypoxemic and resistant to PHS than broilers. In conclusion, Arg and VE plus VC show an additive effect in the improvement of cardiovascular performance of hypoxemic broilers as well as in restoring reactivity to phenylephrine in hypoxemic pulmonary rings. Also, supplementation shows an additive effect in restoring XO activity in hypoxic broilers. Leghorns had a better ventilation capacity and better pulmonary vasodilation capacity than broiler chickens.

Aus der Einleitung: "Vitamine sind Produkte ernährungsphysiologischer Experimente, die seit den 1890er Jahren durchgeführt wurden und Aufklärung über gravierende Erkrankungen in niederländischen und britischen Kolonien liefern sollten. Ihren Namen erhielten sie 1912 durch den polnischen Biochemiker Casimir Funk.1 Die Identität der Vitamine war durch ihre Leistung bei der Heilung von Mangelkrankheiten bestimmt. Im angloamerikanischen Raum und später in der übrigen Welt etablierte sich rasch eine alphabetische Nomenklatur: Vitamin A verhütet die Augenkrankheit Xerophthalmia, Vitamin B verhütet Beriberi, Vitamin C verhütet Skorbut. Zu diesen Vitaminen kamen in den 1920er Jahren das antirachitische Vitamin D, das Antisterilitäts-Vitamin E und das blutungsstillende Vitamin K hinzu. Die schon in geringsten Mengen gegebene Leistungsfähigkeit dieser Wirkstoffe weckte große Erwartungen, die weit über die experimentell herausgearbeitete Kompetenz hinausgingen. Schon über die von der IG Farben als Betaxin oder Betabion vertriebenen Vitamin B1-Präparate ließ sich jedoch zunächst nicht mehr sagen, als dass sie Beriberi heilten, was für den Inlandsmarkt keine besonders lukrativ erscheinende Aussage war.2 Der Schweizer Historiker Beat Bächi zeigt eindringlich, dass auch der weltweit führende Schweizer Vitamin-C-Produzent Hoffmann-La Roche noch Ende der 1920er Jahre die therapeutischen und kommerziellen Aussichten der Askorbinsäure nicht bestimmen konnte. Die Verwendung als Skorbutheilmittel spielte natürlich keine große Rolle. Es schien aber möglich, dass sich der spezifische Einfluss, den das Vitamin auf die oxydoreduktiven Vorgänge des Organismus ausübe, auch in anderen therapeutischen Richtungen auswirken könne. Bächi verweist darauf, dass die Propagandabteilungen der pharmazeutischen Firmen eine markante Rolle bei der Etablierung von Anwendungsgebieten spielten. Aber mehr noch setzte sich für alle Vitamine die Indikationsstellung Hypovitaminosis durch, der relative Vitaminmangel, mit der Vitamingaben für einen letztlich unbegrenzten Bereich an Erscheinungen empfohlen werden konnte.3 Vitamintherapien richteten sich nicht an die an Avitaminosen leidenden Kranken, sondern an Gesunde, die aufgrund von Hypovitaminosen noch nicht gesund genug waren bzw. Mangelkrankheiten vorbeugen wollten. Vor allem das Vitamin C wurde in den 1930er Jahren als universal einsetzbares Mittel zur Stärkung und Optimierung des Organismus konzipiert." [...]

Syfte: Syftet med studien är att undersöka vilka förpackningsrelaterade attribut som utgör en tilltalande vitaminförpackning. Metod: Studien lutar sig på en kvalitativ metod och för att få fram material som svarar på syftet har intervjuer med åtta stycken respondenter genomförts. Slutsats: De slutsatser som dragits är att mellanstora rundade förpackningar medskruv/”plopp”-lock föredras samt att blått och grönt är attraktiva färger för vitaminförpackningar. Tydlig, både innehålls- och utformningsmässig, information är även av stor vikt. / Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate which packaging attributesthat make an appealing vitamin package Method: The study uses a qualitative method and eight in-depth interviews withconsumers have been made in order to gain knowledge about the subject. Conclusion: The conclusions that have been made are that rounded medium sizedpackages with screw cap or “plop-lids” are preferred and that the colours blue andgreen are attractive when it comes to vitamin packages. Distinct informationpresented in a clear manner is also important.