L'hyperhomoscystéinémie (HHcy) est considérée comme un facteur indépendant de risque cardio-métabolique. Notre travail avait pour objectifs : 1) de déterminer la prévalence de l’HHcy au Bénin; 2) d’étudier sa relation avec les apports de vitamines B12, B9, B6 et B2, la consommation d’alcool, l’âge, le sexe et le niveau socioéconomique (NSE); 3) de vérifier son association avec les facteurs classiques de risque cardio-métabolique. Un total de 541 sujets apparemment en santé et vivant dans trois zones du Bénin ont été étudiés. L’Hcy sérique a été analysée par ELISA. Des rappels de 24h ont servi à évaluer les apports nutritifs. L’obésité et l’hypertension ont été définies selon l’OMS, la dyslipidémie et la dysglycémie selon la NCEP-ATPIII. Les autres données ont été récoltées par questionnaire. La prévalence de l’HHcy était élevée : 52,2% chez les hommes et de 24,7% chez les femmes. Dans les modèles multivariés, l’Hcy était positivement associée à la consommation de bière locale chez les hommes; chez les femmes, elle était associée négativement à l'apport de vitamine B12. L’Hcy était positivement associée à la tension artérielle, au taux de LDL-cholestérol et au cholestérol total chez les hommes, mais seulement avec le rapport cholestérol total/HDL-cholestérol (CT/HDL-c) chez les femmes. Les femmes présentant une HHcy étaient au moins deux fois plus susceptibles de présenter une hypertension ou un rapport CT/HDL-c élevé que celles dont l’Hcy était normale. Un apport suffisant en B12 ainsi qu’une consommation prudente de boissons alcoolisées pourraient réduire l'HHcy et donc contribuer à réduire le risque cardio-métabolique de cette population du sud du Bénin. / Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) appears to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This study aims to determine the prevalence of HHcy in Benin, to explore its relationship with intakes of folate, B12, B6 and B2, with alcohol consumption and with socioeconomic status (SES) and to verify whether it is associated with classical risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. 541 apparently healthy subjects were randomly selected in tree areas of Benin. Hcy was measured in serum using ELISA commercial kits. Nutrient intakes were assessed on the basis of three non-consecutive 24-hour recalls. Alcohol consumption, socio-demographics and SES were documented in personal interviews. Obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and hyperglycaemia were defined according to WHO and NCEP-ATPIII. HHcy (> 12 μmol/L) was detected in 52.2% of men and 24.7% of women. In multivariate models, Hcy in men was positively associated with alcohol intake, but only alcohol in beer. In women, Hcy was negatively related to vitamin B12 intake. HHcy was associated in women with more than twice the odds of hypertension and with the CT/HDL-c ratio. In men, Hcy was positively and independently associated with diastolic blood pressure and with LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol. In this Beninese population, the prevalence of HHcy is particularly high among men, and it appears to be related to alcohol consumption. Inadequate intake of vitamin B12 may be a risk factor for HHcy which could be related to some of cardiovascular factors.

Mirtingumas nuo lėtinių neinfekcinių ligų (koronarinės širdies ligos, cukrinio diabeto, lėtinių kepenų ligų) yra gerokai didesnis Lietuvoje palyginus su Europos Sąjungos vidurkiu. 2007 metais pagal 20 – 64 metų vyrų mirtingumo nuo širdies ir kraujagyslių ligų rodiklį tarp Europos Sąjungos šalių Lietuva užėmė trečiąją vietą. Dažniausiai pasitaikanti širdies ir kraujagyslių ligų pasireiškimo forma – koronarinė širdies liga (KŠL). Epidemiologiniai tyrimai atskleidė svarbiausius lėtinių neinfekcinių ligų rizikos veiksnius. Be to, nustatyti nauji aterosklerozės patogenezės elementai - oksiduoti mažo tankio lipoproteinai, vitaminai antioksidatoriai, riebalų rūgštys. Riebalų rūgštys (RR) yra oksidacijos žymenys, nes dalyvauja lipidų peroksidacijoje, kaip substratai. Jautriausios peroksidacijai – polinesočiosios riebalų rūgštys (PNRR). Žmogaus organizmui yra svarbios nepakeičiamos PNRR, kurias būtina gauti su maistu. Jos yra panaudojamos eikozanoidų sintezei.Gaunant su maistu per daug arba per mažai RR, atsiranda tam tikrų sveikatos sutrikimų. Dažnai RR disbalanso priežastimi tampa per gausus gyvūninių ir nepakankamas augalinių riebalų vartojimas. Dėl to gali išsivystyti lėtinės neinfekcinės ligos. Žmogaus organizmo RR turi įtakos kitų medžiagų apykaitai, todėl tokių sąsajų tyrimas tampa aktualus nagrinėjant cukraligės, kepenų ir inkstų ligų patogenezės kelius. Šio darbo tikslas yra ištirti ir įvertinti riebalų rūgštis, kaip biožymenis ir jų reikšmę lėtinių neinfekcinių ligų... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Mortality rate from chronic non-infectious diseases (coronary heart diseases, diabetes mellitus, and chronic liver disease) in Lithuania is far higher as compared to the European Union average. In 2007, Lithuania ranked third among EU member states according to mortality rate indicator for cardiovascular diseases of males aged 20–64. The most frequent manifestation of cardiovascular diseases is the coronary heart disease (CHD). Epidemiological studies revealed the most important risk factors of chronic non-infectious diseases. Moreover, new elements in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis have been identified, i.e. oxidized low-density lipoproteins, antioxidant vitamins and fatty acids. Fatty acids (FA) are oxidation markers, since they participate in lipid peroxidation as substrates. The most sensitive to peroxidation are the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). On the contrary, essential PUFA are important for synthesis of eicosanoids. When too little or too much of fatty acids are consumed with food, certain health disorders arise. A common cause of FA imbalance is too abundant consumption of animal fats and insufficient consumption of vegetable fats. This may cause chronic non-infectious diseases. The FA of human body influences the metabolism of other substances, therefore, the study of such metabolic correlations comes of relevance in exploring the pathogenesis pathways of diabetes mellitus, liver and kidney diseases. The purpose of the present review is to evaluate... [to full text]

Introduction: Micronutrient malnutrition has been identified as a serious health problem globally and is on the rise in South Africa. This is evident from the escalating burden of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in South Africa. Rural infants are the most affected, as their diets often lack micronutrients. Food fortification, vitamin A supplementation and dietary diversity are the strategies that have been employed in South Africa to alleviate VAD. However, these strategies have not been effective, for various reasons. Biofortification is the production of micronutrient dense staple crops to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies. This strategy could complement existing strategies in the alleviation of VAD in South Africa and in other countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where VAD is prevalent. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional composition and acceptance of a complementary food (soft porridge) made with provitamin A-biofortified maize by female infant caregivers from the rural areas of Umgungundlovu District of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Objectives: (i) To evaluate the nutritional composition of soft porridge made with provitamin A-biofortified maize compared to non-biofortified white maize porridge; (ii) To assess the sensory acceptability of soft porridge made with the biofortified maize by black African female infant caregivers of varying age; and (iii) To determine the perceptions of the black African infant caregivers about the biofortified maize relative to the non-biofortified white maize. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Grains of two provitamin A-biofortified maize varieties and one white variety (control) were used. Grain and soft porridge of each variety of maize were analysed for their nutritional composition. The sensory acceptability of the porridges were evaluated by black African female infant caregivers, using a five-point facial hedonic scale. Focus group discussions were conducted, using some of the study subjects, to determine their perceptions about the provitamin A-biofortified maize. Results: The results showed that the grains of the provitamin A-biofortified maize varieties and their soft porridges were more nutritious than the control white variety in terms of energy, fibre, fat, protein, iron, zinc and phosphorus content. The results of the sensory evaluation indicated that there was no significant difference in the sensory acceptability of the biofortified soft porridges and the white maize soft porridge, irrespective of the age of the sensory evaluation panellists. The female caregivers perceived the biofortified maize as nutritious and health-beneficial and thought that infants would like its unique yellow colour and taste. However, the black African female caregivers perceived the provitamin A-biofortified maize as an animal feed or food for the poor. Nevertheless, the female caregivers expressed a willingness to give their infants porridge made with provitamin A-biofortified maize if it was cheap, readily available and health-beneficial. Conclusion: This study suggests that provitamin A-biofortified maize has the potential to be used as a complementary food item. Biofortification of maize with provitamin A could be used as a possible complementary strategy to assist in the alleviation of VAD in SSA. Furthermore, the relatively higher energy, fibre, fat, protein, iron, zinc and phosphorus content of the biofortified maize could contribute to the alleviation of protein-energy malnutrition and mineral deficiencies, respectively, which are prevalent in children of SSA. Although the findings of this study, like other previous studies, indicate that there are some negative perceptions about the provitamin A-biofortified maize, this study shows that provitamin A-biofortified maize soft porridge is as acceptable as white maize soft porridge to female infant caregivers from the rural areas of Umgungundlovu District of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The female caregivers are thus likely to accept the biofortified maize for use as an infant complementary food in the form of soft porridge. Further research is recommended to expand the study area and consumer sample size in order to increase the confidence of inferring these results for large rural populations. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2014.

The 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) revealed many indicators of poor diet quality in Canada which, together with the high rates of obesity and diet-related chronic disease, suggest that shifts in dietary patterns are urgently needed. Given the widespread promotion of foods on the basis of nutrition and health, the aim of this work was to explore the population health implications of voluntary food fortification and nutrition-related marketing in Canada. Using the CCHS, the potential impact of a proposed discretionary food fortification policy on nutrient inadequacies and excesses was examined, in addition to the relationship between consumption of foods eligible to be fortified under this policy and indicators of dietary quality. To better understand the potential risk associated with liberal fortification practices, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-08) was used to examine potential for risk of excess associated with voluntarily fortified food consumption in the US, where these practices have long been permitted. The results suggest that proposed changes to voluntary fortification may reduce inadequacy and increase excess, and may reinforce poor diet patterns. Excessive nutrient intakes were also found to be associated with consumption of voluntarily fortified foods in the US, particularly among children. Therefore, there appears to be real potential for risk associated with voluntary fortification practices in Canada. The extent, nature, and population health implications of nutrition marketing in Canada was examined, using a survey of front-of-package nutrition-related marketing on foods within three large grocery stores in Toronto. Nutrition-related marketing was found on 41% of all foods surveyed, and was widely found on highly processed, often fortified foods. References to nutrients of public health concern (e.g. sodium, vitamin D) were infrequently found. Overall, this practice provides limited nutritional guidance. Current directions in nutrition policy in Canada should be re-evaluated, to ensure that they support healthy diet patterns.

The thesis aimed at finding out whether parents of toddlers with delayed psychomotor development undergoing curative spa stays administer food supplements, their reasons for administering them and what kinds and how often food supplements are administered. Eating habits of these children were looked into as well. Children with polio and central infantile hypotonic syndrome took part in the research. Quantitative research method using an anonymous questionnaire was employed for data collection. Altogether, there were 50 respondents. The results showed that 72 % (n=36) of parents already administered their children food supplements at such an early age. The most frequent motive for this was to strengthen the immune system. Vitamin supplements counted among the most frequently administered supplements in the sample. Furthermore, the research showed that not even the food composition of children in the sample was ideal. The results proved that it is highly desirable to pursue nutrition education of parents of children with neurological handicaps and chiefly also assure higher awareness of food supplements. Key words: dietary supplements, nutrition, toddler period, delayed psychomotor development, vitamins, cerebral palsy

Orientador: Prof. Dr. Hugo Barbosa Suffredini / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do ABC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência & Tecnologia - Química, 2015. / Este trabalho buscou aplicar a tecnica de voltametria de onda quadrada em uma interface envolvendo dois liquidos imisciveis, sendo uma fase oleosa, contendo vitaminas lipossoluveis e outra aquosa, formada por solucoes-tampao em dois valores de pH (5,5 e 7,0). Foram realizados testes de interacao entre o tocoferol (lipossoluvel) e o acido ascorbico (hidrossoluvel adicionada a fase aquosa), de aplicacao direta da tecnica em um balsamo pos-barba e de microscopia eletroquimica de varredura. Com o uso de eletrodos de carbono impresso, foram obtidos valores numa escala relativa de potenciais de oxidacao para a vitamina A proximos de 0 V, no caso da vitamina K de -0,1 V e para a vitamina E os potencias foram de 0,1 V aproximadamente (todos em relacao ao potencial de Ag). Em relacao ao teste do balsamo, foi identificado um pico com o perfil e o potencial de oxidacao caracteristico do ¿¿-tocoferol, enquanto que na avaliacao da interacao entre as vitaminas E e C na interface, dados comprovaram o descrito na literatura. / This work applied the square wave voltammetry technique on an interface between two immiscible liquids, one being the oily one, containing the fat soluble vitamins and another one, aqueous, corresponding to a buffer solution on two pH values 5,5 and 7,0. Besides it, tests of tocopherol (vitamin E, fat soluble) and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C, water soluble interaction, a direct application on an after shaving balm and scanning microscopy electrochemistry tests were carried out. By applying screen printed carbon electrodes, the relative oxidation potential to Vitamin A was determined as being next to 0 V. In the case of vitamin K the oxidation potential was measured as -0,1 V and to vitamin E, the values were close to 0,1 V (all potential data was measured versus Ag potential). Concerning the balm, a peak was detected exactly with the same profile and potential of the á-tocopherol. Also, the interaction between vitamins C and E was measured directly on the interface with results near from what was expected by the literature.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Oxidative stress is a process characterized by the antioxidant defense system decrease and/or an excessive reactive species (RS) production. RS are substances capable of attacking proteins, lipids and DNA. The oxidative damage caused to lipids is known as lipid peroxidation, which leads to the increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, including diabetes, cancer, Parkinson s disease and damaged tissue in exposed to chemical agents, such as neurotoxicity, hematotoxicity and nefrotoxicity. It is known that there is a close relation between organic solvents, present in paints, and oxidative stress. Thus, the body has an elaborate antioxidant defense system, the exogenous antioxidants, such as lipid soluble vitamins, and the endogenous system, such as antioxidant enzymes. In this study a method has been validated and optimized for simultaneous quantification of retinol, α-tocopherol, lycopene and β- carotene using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV/fluorescence). The analytical parameters of validation analyzed were linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery and limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ). For all the vitamins analyzed, the linear regression coefficients were > 0.99, CV% < 5%;% bias < ± 6% recovery > 92% and the LOD and LOQ values obtained were satisfactory for routine clinical application for all analytes. The validated method was applied to a group of occupationally exposed to paints (n = 45) and a non-exposed group (control group, n = 30). The results indicated that all vitamins, except vitamin E, were significantly lower in the exposed group. Moreover, the possible correlation between endogenous and exogenous antioxidants and lipid damage was evaluated. Quantifications were done to assess endogenous antioxidants, reduced glutathione (GSH) in erythrocytes, the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in whole blood through spectroscopic methods, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in plasma through HPLC-VIS in both study groups, exposed (n=42) and controls (n=28). The biological monitoring was performed by measurement of blood toluene, since in previous studies, it was suggested that this solvent would be the major inducer of lipid peroxidation. Despite the low levels of toluene found, exposed workers presented higher levels of MDA and the antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) activities were significantly elevated when compared with the control group; and this increase was accompanied by depletion of GSH levels. Also, several correlations were observed between MDA and the enzymatic (SOD and CAT) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (GSH), and with lipid-soluble vitamins as well, except vitamin E. Through statistical tests the antioxidants which have a greater influence on the levels of MDA were evaluated. Among the antioxidants tested, GSH and carotenoids (mainly β- carotene) were suggested as main responsible for the reduction of lipid peroxidation. Thus, it can be suggested that high intakes of exogenous antioxidants, such as carotenoids,, tend to decrease lipid damage in occupationally exposed individuals to solvents constituent of paints. / O estresse oxidativo é um processo caracterizado pela diminuição do sistema de defesa antioxidante e/ou por uma produção excessiva de espécies reativas (ERs). As ERs são substâncias capazes de lesar proteínas, lipídios e DNA. Quando os lipídios são atingidos ocorre um processo chamado de peroxidação lipídica que leva ao aumento nos níveis de malondialdeído (MDA). O estresse oxidativo está envolvido com a patogênese de muitas doenças crônicas, como diabetes, câncer, doença de Parkinson e em danos teciduais em expostos a agentes químicos, como neurotoxicidade, hematotoxicidade e nefrotoxicidade. Sabe-se que existe uma estreita relação entre os solventes orgânicos, presentes em tintas, e o estresse oxidativo. Diante disso, o organismo dispõe de um elaborado sistema de defesa antioxidante, os antioxidantes exógenos, como as vitaminas lipossolúveis e o sistema endógeno como enzimas antioxidantes. Dessa forma, nesse estudo foi primeiramente otimizada e validada metodologia para simultânea quantificação de antioxidantes exógenos: retinol, α-tocoferol, licopeno e β-caroteno, utilizando cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE-VIS/fluorescência). Os parâmetros analíticos de validação analisados foram linearidade, precisão, exatidão, recuperação e limites de detecção (LD) e quantificação (LQ). Para todas as vitaminas analisadas, os coeficientes de regressão linear foram > 0,99; CV% < 5%; bias% < ± 6%; recuperação > 92% e os valores de LD e LQ obtidos foram satisfatórios para aplicação na rotina clínica. O método validado foi aplicado em um grupo de expostos ocupacionalmente a tintas (n=45) e um grupo de não expostos (controle, n=30). Os resultados indicaram que todas as vitaminas, exceto a vitamina E, foram significativamente menores no grupo exposto. Além disso, avaliou-se o possível efeito protetivo de antioxidantes exógenos e endógenos sobre o dano lipídico. Foram realizadas as dosagens dos antioxidantes endógenos, glutationa reduzida (GSH) em eritrócitos, das enzimas superóxido dismutase (SOD) e catalase (CAT) em sangue total por métodos espectrofotométricos e os níveis de malondialdeído (MDA) em plasma por CLAE-VIS nos dois grupos de estudo, expostos (n=42) e controles (n=28). A monitorização biológica foi realizada através da dosagem de tolueno sanguíneo, uma vez que, em trabalhos prévios, foi sugerido que este solvente seria o principal indutor de peroxidação lipídica. Apesar dos baixos níveis de tolueno sanguíneo encontrados, os trabalhadores expostos apresentaram níveis de MDA e atividade das enzimas antioxidantes (SOD e CAT) significativamente elevados, quando comparados com o grupo controle e esse aumento foi acompanhado de depleção nos níveis de GSH. Ainda, foram observadas várias correlações entre os níveis de MDA e os antioxidantes endógenos enzimáticos (SOD e CAT) e não enzimático (GSH) e ainda com as vitaminas lipossolúveis, exceto vitamina E. Através de testes estatísticos foram avaliados quais antioxidantes teriam uma maior influência nos níveis de MDA. Dentre os antioxidantes analisados, a GSH e os carotenóides (principalmente o β- caroteno) foram sugeridos como principais responsáveis pela redução da peroxidação lipídica. Com isso, pode-se sugerir que aumento nos níveis de carotenóides, via dieta, tendem a diminuir o dano lipídico em indivíduos ocupacionalmente expostos a solventes constituintes de tintas.

Le blé est la seconde céréale la plus cultivée dans le monde et constitue un apport majeur de l’alimentation quotidienne. L’effort consenti à continuellement améliorer les qualités meunière et boulangère du blé tendre, s’est fait au détriment du caractère nutritionnel du grain. Ainsi la plupart des produits industriels dérivés des grains de blé sont produits à partir de farines blanches raffinées qui ne contiennent ni le germe ni les sons. Cependant, dans ces différents tissus qui sont éliminés et qui servent essentiellement à nourrir les animaux, se concentrent les principaux micronutriments tels que les vitamines, les minéraux, les fibres et des substances phytochimiques. Les différentes enquêtes épidémiologiques ont bien mis en évidence les conséquences négatives de la déplétion en micronutriments des produits céréaliers raffinés. Dans l’objectif d’une alimentation plus saine voir même préventive, la consommation d’aliments enrichis en micronutriments naturellement présents dans le grain de blé tendre semble être une démarche efficace. Dans cette optique, ce travail de thèse a permis de consolider et d’accroitre les connaissances concernant les voies d’amélioration des teneurs en vitamines des grains de blés tendres ainsi que des produits industriels qui en sont dérivés. En premier, nous nous sommes intéressés au développement d’une méthode simple et rapide basée sur la spectrométrie de masse couplée à la chromatographie liquide pour la détermination simultanée de sept vitamines hydrosolubles dans divers matériels végétaux. Les vitamines présentes dans les différents matériels végétaux furent séparées en moins de 15 min grâce à l’utilisation d’une colonne C18 en phase inverse, et analysées en mode ElectroSpray positif et MRM. La réponse pour toutes les vitamines a été linéaire sur l’ensemble des concentrations étudiées (0.05 to 9 μg/mL) avec des coefficients de corrélation compris entre 0.991 et 1. Les limites de quantification de la méthode analytique ont été évaluées entre 0.09 et 3.5 μg/g. Les précisions intra-journalière et inter-journalière étaient satisfaisantes. La deuxième partie de nos travaux a concerné l’impact des procédés de transformation du grain (production d’une nouvelle fraction de mouture et grillage) sur la teneur en vitamines. Afin de réaliser cette objectif, la méthode développée a été appliquée pour l’analyse simultanée des concentrations en vitamines hydrosolubles contenues dans différentes farines semi-complètes ainsi que dans les pâtons, pains et pains grillés qui en sont dérivés. En parallèle, les concentrations endogènes des vitamines E, de la Lutéine et du β-sitostérol ont également été évaluées dans le même matériel. Nous avons mis en évidence que les concentrations en acide nicotinique, pyridoxale, pyridoxine et acide pantothénique étaient significativement plus élevées dans les gros sons que dans les autres fractions de moutures, alors que les concentrations en β-sitostérol, lutéine, α-tocotriénol, α-tocophérol et thiamine (20.87 μg/g DM)étaient plus importantes dans la fraction de mouture enrichie. L’étape de grillage induit une augmentation significative en α-tocophérol (+216%), β-γ-tocophérol (+52%), α-tocotriénol (+83%), β-γ-tocotriénol (+32%), acide nicotinique (+55%), nicotinamide (+97%) et en pyridoxine (+77%). L’ensemble de ces résultats nous a permis de montrer qu’un enrichissement de farine blanche par la fraction de mouture dite enrichie pourrait potentiellement permettre d’accroître les produits qui en dérive en vitamine E. De plus le grillage pourrait libérer des composés bioactifs, augmentant ainsi leur biodisponibilité et la valeur nutritionnelle des pains. (...) / Wheat is the second largest crop cultivated around the world and constitutes a major part of the daily diet in Europe. During the course of improving the baking quality of wheat cultivar, most of the nutritional attributes have been underestimated. It is therefore unfortunate that most of wheat-based food products are mostly produced from refined white flour from which peripheral tissues (germ and envelopes) are removed. However, these tissues, which are eliminated and serve mainly for animal feeding, contain most of the vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals of the grain. It is becoming evident that many of the health benefits associated with the consumption of whole grain cereal products, relate to the enhanced intake of micronutrients, phytochemicals and dietary fiber. In the context of consuming wheat derived foods with enhanced nutritional value, as part of a healthy diet, this thesis provide results which strengthen the knowledge of vitamins accumulation in common wheat and in wheat-based food products. Firstly, we have developed a simple and rapid method based on liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the simultaneous screening of seven water soluble vitamins in various wheat-based food materials. The vitamins present in the test materials were separated in less than 15 min by using a reverse-phase C18 column, and analyzed by positive ion electrospray selected reaction monitoring MS/MS. The MS response for all the vitamins was linear over the working range (0.05 to 9 μg/mL) with correlation coefficients ranging between 0.991 and 1. Limits of quantification in the different food materials ranged from 0.09 to 3.5 μg/g. Intra-day and inter-day precision was found satisfactory. The second part of our research, have focused on monitoring the levels of vitamins upon the wheat-based foods processing operations, such as production of new wheat milling fraction (consisting in enriched fraction) and breadmaking toasted bread. In order to achieve this goal, the developed method was applied for the simultaneous analysis of the water-soluble vitamin natural content of different semi-coarse wheat flours and in their corresponding baking products. In addition the vitamin E, Lutein and β-sitosterol natural content was also measured in the same materials. It was shown that the concentration of nicotinic acid, pyridoxal, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid were significantly higher in the coarse bran than in the other milling fractions, while the concentration of β-sitosterol, lutein, α-tocotrienol, α-tocopherol and thiamin (20.87 μg/g DM) were the highest in the enriched fraction. The toasting step induced a significant increased of α-tocopherol (+216%), β-γ-tocopherol (+52%), α-tocotrienol (+83%), β-γ-tocotrienol (+32%), nicotinic acid (+55%), nicotinamide (+97%) and of pyridoxine (+77%). Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the enriched fraction could be a functional ingredient in order to enrich wheat-based products in fat soluble vitamins and that the toasting process could release bound bioactive compounds and led to enhance the nutritional quality of bread. (...)

Nível elevado de homocisteína (Hcy) no plasma é considerado fator de risco de doença cardiovascular. Consumo reduzido de vitaminas B6, B12 e ácido fólico tem sido relacionado com hiperhomocisteinemia. O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar o consumo de vitaminas B6, B12 e ácido fólico nas populações urbana e rural, bem como a correlação dos níveis plasmáticos dessas vitaminas com os níveis plasmáticos de Hcy. Também determinamos os níveis séricos de lipídeos e avaliamos o risco cardiovascular das populações frente a hiperlipemia. O consumo de B6 e ácido fólico é maior na população urbana, com p=0,00 e p=0,04 respectivamente, sendo o consumo de B12 maior na população rural, com p=0,47. As correlações são significativamente negativa entre Hcy e as vitaminas B12 e ácido fólico . A população rural apresenta Hcy com valor médio de 16,5±9,2&#181;mol/L, classificada como hiperhomocisteinemia moderada, e a população urbana 12,8±5,5 &#181;mol/L, o qual está dentro da faixa de referência. O valor médio de LDL sérica é maior na população urbana (3,4±0,8mmoI/L) do que na população rural (2,8±0,9mmoI/L), com valor de p=0,00. Como fator de risco cardiovascular, consideramos Hcy plasmática >14&#181;mol/L e LDL sérica >3,38mmol/L. Neste caso, 41,4% da população rural e 7,4% população urbana apresentam Hcy maior que 14&#181;mol/L. O inverso ocorre em relação a LDL, onde 43,2% da população urbana e 11% na população rural apresentam níveis acima de 3,38mmol/L. Concluímos que o risco cardiovascular decorrente de hiperhomocisteinemia é maior na população rural que na urbana e este risco poderia reduzir mediante o consumo de vitaminas. / Elevated levels of plasma homocysteine (Hey) are considered a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Low intake of vitamins 86, 812 and folic acid have been related to hyperhomocysteinemia. The purpose of the present study is to determine the consumption of the vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid in two Brazilian urban and rural populations, along with the plasmatic levels of these vitamins and plasmatic homocysteine. In addition, the serum levels of lipids have been determined to evaluate the cardiovascular risk in the two populations regarding their hyperlipidemie comdition. The consumption of B6 and folic acid is higher in the urban population (p=0.00 and p=0.04 respective/y), while the consumption of B12 is not significantly different (p=0.47). There is a negative correlation between B12 and folic acid with Hcy. The rural population shows mean Hcy value of 16.5±9.2&#181;mol/L and is classified as having moderate hyperhomocysteinemia, while for the urban population, the mean value is 12.8±5.5&#181;mol/L and is well within the normal range. The mean value of the serum LDL is higher in the urban population (3.4±0.8mmol/L) compared to the rural population (2.8±0.9mmol/lL) with a significance of p=0.00. Plasma Hcy values >14&#181;mol/L and serum LDL >3.38mmol/L were considered as the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. With in the reference values, 41.4% of the rural population and 7.4% of the urban population showa Hcy as a risk factor. For LDL, the inverse is true, i.e 43.2% of urban and 11% of the rural population are at risk. We conclude that the cardiovascular risk arising from hyperhomocysteinemia is higher in the rural population and that this can be reduced by increased consumption of vitamins.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ratio between choline and digestible methionine + cystine in laying quail diets on performance characteristics, egg quality and nitrogen excretion (N). The experiment was carried on in a 4x2 factorial scheme, considering four levels of choline (0.0, 0.042, 0.084 and 0.126%) and two levels of digestible methionine (0.857% and 0.685%), totaling eight treatments, five replications and seven birds in each plot, distributed in a completely randomized design. The parameters evaluated were: feed intake, percentage of laying, feed conversion (FC) per dozen and mass of eggs, egg weight, Haugh unit, bark thickness, specific gravity, percentage of bark, yolk and albumen percentage and excreted nitrogen. There was no interaction between the factors on any of the evaluated variables, except for the weight of quails (P=0,01). The 0.857% digestible methionine + cystine level and the higher inclusion of choline improved egg weight (P=0,03), FC/ egg mass (P=0,02) and egg percentage (P˂0,01). In contrast, there was a reduction in albumen weight (P˂0,01) with increased choline inclusion in the diet. There was a quadratic response on percentage of eggshell, whose optimum level was 0.047% of choline in the diet. The specific gravity of the eggs reduced linearly (P˂0,01), with the inclusion of choline in the diet. Nitrogen excretion showed quadratic inverse response (P=0,04), in which the level of 0.126% of choline, provided reduction of N for the environment in 1.55%, when compared to the treatment without addition of choline. Further research is needed to better define the interaction between methionine + cystine and choline for quails. Thus, it is concluded that for the best egg weight, FC / egg mass, yolk percentage and fecal N reduction in japanese laying quails, the indicated digestible methionine + cystine level is 0.857% and choline is 0.126%. / Entre os nutrientes essenciais que influenciam diretamente no desempenho das aves, destaca-se a metionina, primeiro aminoácido limitante para aves quando são utilizadas dietas à base de milho e farelo de soja. Assim, o adequado conhecimento da sua exigência e possíveis interações com outros nutrientes no organismo é necessário. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar a relação entre colina e metionina+cistina digestível em rações para codornas em fase de postura, sobre as características de desempenho, qualidade de ovos e excreção de nitrogênio (N). O experimento foi desenvolvido em esquema fatorial 4x2, considerando quatro níveis de colina (0,0; 0,042; 0,084 e 0,126%) e dois níveis de metionina (0,857% e 0,685%,), totalizando oito tratamentos com cinco repetições e sete aves em cada parcela, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: consumo de ração, percentual de postura, conversão alimentar (CA) por dúzia e massa de ovos, peso do ovo, unidade Haugh, espessura de casca, gravidade especifica, percentual de casca, gema e albúmen e N excretado. Não houve interação entre os fatores sobre nenhuma das variáveis avaliadas, exceto em relação ao peso das codornas (P˂0,01). O nível de 0,857% de metionina + cistina digestível e a maior inclusão de colina melhoraram o peso dos ovos (P=0,03), a CA/massa de ovos (P=0,02) e o percentual de gema (P˂0,01). Em contrapartida, houve redução linear no percentual do albúmen (P˂0,01) com o aumento da inclusão de colina na dieta. Houve resposta quadrática dos níveis de colina sobre o percentual de casca dos ovos, estimando 0,047% de colina na ração. A gravidade especifica dos ovos reduziu linearmente (P˂0,01), com a inclusão de colina na dieta. A excreção de nitrogênio apresentou comportamento quadrático inverso (P=0,04), no qual o nível ótimo de 0,126 % de colina proporcionou redução de N para o ambiente em 1,55%, se comparado com o tratamento sem colina. Conclui-se que para melhor peso dos ovos, CA/massa de ovos, percentual de gema e redução de N fecal de codornas japonesas em fase de postura, o nível indicado de metionina + cistina digestível é de 0,857% e colina de 0,126%.