Food exchange list based on macronutrients: adapted for the Ecuadorian population

BackgroundFood exchange lists allow health professionals to generate healthy eating plans adapted to individual or population needs. The objective of this study was to develop the first food exchange list based on the macronutrients and energy provided by the various food groups of the Ecuadorian diet.MethodsThe list of Ecuadorian food exchanges was constructed by going through the following phases: (1) Selection of household measurements; (2) Selection of tables and databases of the nutritional composition of food items; (3) Definition of food groups and quantities; (4) Determination of the average energy and macronutrient values of each group; and (5) Photographic record. For the definition of food quantities, statistical criteria were applied according to a standard deviation of ±2SD; thus, for carbohydrates: ±5 g, total fat: ±2 g, and protein: ±3 g. To ensure the inclusion of the food items in the groups, a coefficient of variation of less than 30% and a Z value of ±2 were also considered.ResultsThe list of food exchanges is presented with eight general groups according to the predominant nutrient (carbohydrates, proteins, or fats), and, where necessary, subgroups are included according to the second predominant nutrient. The list includes 404 food items with their photographic record, represented by their net weights and corresponding household measurement. All food items met the statistical criteria that help to reduce the variability of the nutritional composition of the food items in each group.ConclusionThis is the first list of Ecuadorian food exchanges based on statistical criteria. It represents a novel tool for public health professionals as well as researchers. Resulting healthier eating plans may improve daily dietetic practice, facilitate better clinical trial designs and help establish guidelines according to Ecuador’s cultural and dietary patterns. The described methodology can further be used to develop other food exchanges lists for patients with specific nutritional requirements

The Effect of an Infant Formula Supplemented with AA and DHA on Fatty Acid Levels of Infants with Different FADS Genotypes: The COGNIS Study

Polymorphisms in the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genes influence the arachidonic (AA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid concentrations (crucial in early life). Infants with specific genotypes may require different amounts of these fatty acids (FAs) to maintain an adequate status. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an infant formula supplemented with AA and DHA on FAs of infants with different FADS genotypes. In total, 176 infants from the COGNIS study were randomly allocated to the Standard Formula (SF; n = 61) or the Experimental Formula (EF; n = 70) group, the latter supplemented with AA and DHA. Breastfed infants were added as a reference group (BF; n = 45). FAs and FADS polymorphisms were analyzed from cheek cells collected at 3 months of age. FADS minor allele carriership in formula fed infants, especially those supplemented, was associated with a declined desaturase activity and lower AA and DHA levels. Breastfed infants were not affected, possibly to the high content of AA and DHA in breast milk. The supplementation increased AA and DHA levels, but mostly in major allele carriers. In conclusion, infant FADS genotype could contribute to narrow the gap of AA and DHA concentrations between breastfed and formula fed infants.This research was funded by ORDESA Laboratories, S.L., Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness, NEOBEFOOD Project (2010–2013) and SMARTFOODS Project (2014–2018)—CIEN Strategy (Ministry of Innovation and Science-CDTI) through 2 different contracts established between Ordesa Laboratories and the University of Granada General Foundation (ref. nº3349 and nº4003, respectively) and between Ordesa Laboratories and the Bosch Gimpera Foundation/University of Barcelona (ref. n 306811 and 308516). The project was partially funded by EU Project DynaHEALTH (HORIZON 2020-GA No.633595)

Association of maternal weight with FADS and ELOVL genetic variants and fatty acid levels- The PREOBE follow-up.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes encoding the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) and elongase (ELOVL) enzymes affect long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) production. We aimed to determine if these SNPs are associated with body mass index (BMI) or affect fatty acids (FAs) in pregnant women. Participants (n = 180) from the PREOBE cohort were grouped according to pre-pregnancy BMI: normal-weight (BMI = 18.5-24.9, n = 88) and overweight/obese (BMI≥25, n = 92). Plasma samples were analyzed at 24 weeks of gestation to measure FA levels in the phospholipid fraction. Selected SNPs were genotyped (7 in FADS1, 5 in FADS2, 3 in ELOVL2 and 2 in ELOVL5). Minor allele carriers of rs174545, rs174546, rs174548 and rs174553 (FADS1), and rs1535 and rs174583 (FADS2) were nominally associated with an increased risk of having a BMI≥25. Only for the normal-weight group, minor allele carriers of rs174537, rs174545, rs174546, and rs174553 (FADS1) were negatively associated with AA:DGLA index. Normal-weight women who were minor allele carriers of FADS SNPs had lower levels of AA, AA:DGLA and AA:LA indexes, and higher levels of DGLA, compared to major homozygotes. Among minor allele carriers of FADS2 and ELOVL2 SNPs, overweight/obese women showed higher DHA:EPA index than the normal-weight group; however, they did not present higher DHA concentrations than the normal-weight women. In conclusion, minor allele carriers of FADS SNPs have an increased risk of obesity. Maternal weight changes the effect of genotype on FA levels. Only in the normal-weight group, minor allele carriers of FADS SNPs displayed reduced enzymatic activity and FA levels. This suggests that women with a BMI≥25 are less affected by FADS genetic variants in this regard. In the presence of FADS2 and ELOVL2 SNPs, overweight/obese women showed higher n-3 LC-PUFA production indexes than women with normal weight, but this was not enough to obtain a higher n-3 LC-PUFA concentration

Effects of 1-Year Intervention with a Mediterranean Diet on Plasma Fatty Acid Composition and Metabolic Syndrome in a Population at High Cardiovascular Risk

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has become an important public concern due to its increasing prevalence. An altered fatty acid composition has been associated with MetS, but the Mediterranean diet has been shown to have a protective effect. The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of a Mediterranean dietary pattern, as assessed by the biomarkers of food supplied, on the plasma fatty acid composition and its relation with MetS after 1 year of intervention. METHODS: A total of 424 subjects were randomly selected from the PREDIMED randomized dietary trial after completing a 1-year intervention program. Participants aged 55 to 80 years and at high risk of cardiovascular disease were randomly assigned to three dietary interventions: Mediterranean diet supplemented with virgin olive oil or nuts, or a low-fat diet. RESULTS: After 1 year of intervention participants in the virgin olive oil group showed significantly increased plasma concentrations of palmitic and oleic acids, but reduced proportions of margaric, stearic, and linoleic acids. In turn, subjects in the nut group showed significantly increased levels of palmitic, linoleic, and α-linolenic acids, but reduced proportions of myristic, margaric, palmitoleic, and dihommo-γ-linoleic acids. Increases in the biomarkers of foods supplied to the Mediterranean diet groups, i.e., oleic and α-linolenic acids, were beneficially associated with the incidence, reversion and prevalence of MetS. No weight changes were observed among participants. CONCLUSIONS: The nut and olive oil diets induced a fatty acid composition that has been shown to be beneficial in the face of MetS. Therefore, a Mediterranean diet rich in fats of vegetable origin may be a useful tool for the management of MetS without the need for concerns over weight gain due to its high fat content

Papel de los ácidos grasos trans (AGT) y ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de cadena larga (AGPI-CL) en el desarrollo de enfermedades atópicas en la primera etapa de la vida

[spa] La composición de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de cadena larga (AGPI-CL) en los tejidos humanos es esencial para mantener las funciones metabólicas y la salud. Diferentes patologías, incluidas las enfermedades atópicas, han sido relacionadas con los niveles de AGPI-CL. Además de la dieta, un factor que influye en la composición de los AGPI-CL en los tejidos humanos es la síntesis de novo de los mismos. En este proceso, los AGPI-CL son sintetizados a partir de AG esenciales a través de diferentes etapas de desaturación y elongación. Las enzimas que participan son las desaturasas: Δ5-desaturasa (D5D, codificada por el gen FADS1) y Δ6-desaturasa (D6D, codificada por el gen FADS2), y las elongasas: Elongasa-2 (codificada por el gen ELOVL2) y Elongasa-5 (codificada por el gen ELOVL5). Por otro lado, existe un escaso conocimiento sobre la relación de los ácidos grasos trans (AGT) con el desarrollo de las enfermedades atópicas. Se ha sugerido que los AGT pueden modificar el metabolismo de los AGPI-CL, teniendo efectos beneficiosos los AGT procedentes de fuentes naturales [ácido t-vaccénico (VA) y ácido ruménico (RA)] respecto a los AGT de fuentes industriales [ácido elaídico (ELA)]. El objetivo principal de esta tesis fue investigar sí la composición plasmática de AG, durante la vida fetal y postnatal, afecta al desarrollo de las enfermedades atópicas en los niños. En base al Proyecto INMA de la Cohorte de Sabadell (Cataluña, España) los resultados más importantes son: Desarrollo del método que nos permitió identificar, separar y cuantificar los AG de los fosfolípidos plasmáticos y de la leche materna, especialmente los AGT (ELA, VA y RA). Se usaron placas de extracción en fase sólida (SPE) de 96 pocillos para las muestras de plasma, y se optimizó la cantidad de muestra para la leche materna. Una adecuada precisión y recuperación garantizan la validez del método. Pudimos observar que durante el primer trimestre del embarazo, niveles de ELA se correlacionan negativamente con los AGPI-CL n-3, mientras que niveles altos de ácido ruménico ayudan a una mejor metabolización de los AGPI-CL en el plasma materno. Una exposición temprana del feto a altos niveles de VA puede tener un efecto protector frente al desarrollo del eczema atópico en el primer año de vida. Además, se observó que bajos niveles de AGLP-CL n-3, especialmente EPA y DHA en el plasma del cordón umbilical están asociados con el aumento del riesgo de eczema atópico en el primer año de vida. También, bajos niveles de la suma total de AGPI-CL fueron encontrados en el plasma de madres alérgicas, lo que nos indica que la dieta durante el embarazo junto con la transferencia de los AG al feto juega un papel crítico en el desarrollo de la enfermedad. Por otro lado, se encontró que las variantes genéticas de los genes que codifican a las desaturasas y elongasas, FADS y ELOVL, en las madres y los niños determinan la composición de AG en el nacimiento y están asociadas con el desarrollo de eczema atópico y sibilancias. Finalmente, se observó que los niños de 4 años de edad con eczema atópico tienen una baja expresión de los genes FADS2 y ELOVL5. Además, se pudo comprobar que los niveles de DGLA y la actividad enzimática de la D6D están directamente influidos por los cambios de expresión del gen FADS2. En resumen, los resultados presentados en esta tesis sostienen la hipótesis de que existe una relación causal entre los ácidos grasos plasmáticos de la madre y el niño y el desarrollo de enfermedades atópicas como el eczema atópico, y que además las variantes genéticas de madre e hijo, juegan un papel crucial en la evolución de la enfermedad.[eng] This thesis has been focused on the study of the TFA [elaidic (ELA), t-vaccenic (VA) and rumenic acid (RA)] and LC-PUFAS plasmatic composition, during fetal and postnatal life and its relation with the development of atopic diseases during childhood. An efficient fast gas chromatographic method for simultaneous determination of EA, VA and RA contents in human plasma phospholipids and human milk was optimized and validated. The study of the plasmatic levels of specific TFA in maternal plasma shows that EA correlated negatively with n-3 LC-PUFAs (EPA and DHA) and RA positively with both n-3 and n-6 LC-PUFAs in maternal plasma. Regarding to atopic diseases, high VA concentrations in maternal plasma may protect offspring against atopic eczema in infancy. Thus the FA status of the fetus during pregnancy has an important role in the development of atopic eczema in early childhood. The prevalence of this atopic disorder is related to lower cord blood plasma levels of FA belonging to n-3 series, especially DHA. The conversion of essential fatty acids to longer chain, biological active metabolites is regulated by the enzymes desaturases [5-desaturase (D5D) and 6-desaturase (D6D) encoded by genes FADS1 and FADS2, respectively] and elongases (Elongase 2 and Elongase5 encoded by genes ELOVL2 and ELOVL5, respectively). In this study we have verified that mother and child genetic variation in FADS and ELOVL genes determines FA composition at birth and is associated with the risk of developing atopic eczema and wheeze in early childhood. Moreover, we observed that changes in the mRNA-expression levels of FADS1 and 2 directly affect blood DGLA levels and D6D activity. Finally, this study suggests that low mRNA-expressions of FADS2 and ELOVL5 are associated with high risk of atopic eczema in childhood. In summary, the results presented in this thesis support the hypothesis that there is a causal relationship between plasma fatty acids composition of the mother and child and the development of atopic diseases such as atopic eczema, and additionally, that genetic variants of both mother and child play a crucial role in the evolution of the disease

Gene Expression of Desaturase (FADS1 and FADS2) and Elongase (ELOVL5) Enzymes in Peripheral Blood: Association with Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Levels and Atopic Eczema in 4-Year-Old Children

Background It is unknown if changes in the gene expression of the desaturase and elongase enzymes are associated with abnormal n-6 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) levels in children with atopic eczema (AE). We analyzed whether mRNA-expression of genes encoding key enzymes of LC-PUFA synthesis (FADS1, FADS2 and ELOVL5) is associated with circulating LC-PUFA levels and risk of AE in 4-year-old children. Methods AE (n=20) and non-AE (n=104) children participating in the Sabadell cohort within the INfancia y Medio Ambiente (INMA) Project were included in the present study. RT-PCR with TaqMan Low-Density Array cards was used to measure the mRNA-expression of FADS1, FADS2 and ELOVL5. LC-PUFA levels were measured by fast gas chromatography in plasma phospholipids. The relationship of gene expression with LC-PUFA levels and enzyme activities was evaluated by Pearson's rank correlation coefficient, and logistic regression models were used to study its association with risk of developing AE. Results Children with AE had lower levels of several n-6 PUFA members, dihomo-γ-linolenic (DGLA) and arachidonic (AA) acids. mRNA-expression levels of FADS1 and 2 strongly correlated with DGLA levels and with D6D activity. FADS2 and ELOVL5 mRNA-expression levels were significantly lower in AE than in non-AE children (-40.30% and -20.36%; respectively), but no differences were found for FADS1. Conclusions and Significance Changes in the mRNA-expression levels of FADS1 and 2 directly affect blood DGLA levels and D6D activity. This study suggests that lower mRNA-expressions of FADS2 and ELOVL5 are associated with higher risk of atopic eczema in young children

Gene Expression of Desaturase (FADS1 and FADS2) and Elongase (ELOVL5) Enzymes in Peripheral Blood: Association with Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Levels and Atopic Eczema in 4-Year-Old Children

Background It is unknown if changes in the gene expression of the desaturase and elongase enzymes are associated with abnormal n-6 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) levels in children with atopic eczema (AE). We analyzed whether mRNA-expression of genes encoding key enzymes of LC-PUFA synthesis (FADS1, FADS2 and ELOVL5) is associated with circulating LC-PUFA levels and risk of AE in 4-year-old children. Methods AE (n=20) and non-AE (n=104) children participating in the Sabadell cohort within the INfancia y Medio Ambiente (INMA) Project were included in the present study. RT-PCR with TaqMan Low-Density Array cards was used to measure the mRNA-expression of FADS1, FADS2 and ELOVL5. LC-PUFA levels were measured by fast gas chromatography in plasma phospholipids. The relationship of gene expression with LC-PUFA levels and enzyme activities was evaluated by Pearson's rank correlation coefficient, and logistic regression models were used to study its association with risk of developing AE. Results Children with AE had lower levels of several n-6 PUFA members, dihomo-γ-linolenic (DGLA) and arachidonic (AA) acids. mRNA-expression levels of FADS1 and 2 strongly correlated with DGLA levels and with D6D activity. FADS2 and ELOVL5 mRNA-expression levels were significantly lower in AE than in non-AE children (-40.30% and -20.36%; respectively), but no differences were found for FADS1. Conclusions and Significance Changes in the mRNA-expression levels of FADS1 and 2 directly affect blood DGLA levels and D6D activity. This study suggests that lower mRNA-expressions of FADS2 and ELOVL5 are associated with higher risk of atopic eczema in young children

Effects of 1-Year Intervention with a Mediterranean Diet on Plasma Fatty Acid Composition and Metabolic Syndrome in a Population at High Cardiovascular Risk

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has become an important public concern due to its increasing prevalence. An altered fatty acid composition has been associated with MetS, but the Mediterranean diet has been shown to have a protective effect. The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of a Mediterranean dietary pattern, as assessed by the biomarkers of food supplied, on the plasma fatty acid composition and its relation with MetS after 1 year of intervention. METHODS: A total of 424 subjects were randomly selected from the PREDIMED randomized dietary trial after completing a 1-year intervention program. Participants aged 55 to 80 years and at high risk of cardiovascular disease were randomly assigned to three dietary interventions: Mediterranean diet supplemented with virgin olive oil or nuts, or a low-fat diet. RESULTS: After 1 year of intervention participants in the virgin olive oil group showed significantly increased plasma concentrations of palmitic and oleic acids, but reduced proportions of margaric, stearic, and linoleic acids. In turn, subjects in the nut group showed significantly increased levels of palmitic, linoleic, and α-linolenic acids, but reduced proportions of myristic, margaric, palmitoleic, and dihommo-γ-linoleic acids. Increases in the biomarkers of foods supplied to the Mediterranean diet groups, i.e., oleic and α-linolenic acids, were beneficially associated with the incidence, reversion and prevalence of MetS. No weight changes were observed among participants. CONCLUSIONS: The nut and olive oil diets induced a fatty acid composition that has been shown to be beneficial in the face of MetS. Therefore, a Mediterranean diet rich in fats of vegetable origin may be a useful tool for the management of MetS without the need for concerns over weight gain due to its high fat content