FADS1 and FADS2 as biomarkers of Zn status – a systematic review and meta-analysis

Despite enormous research efforts, a sufficiently sensitive and reliable biomarker for the assessment of zinc (Zn) status has not been identified to date. Zn affects fatty acid metabolism and alters the activity of certain desaturases; thus, desaturase activity has been proposed as a potential new biomarker of Zn status. This systematic review complied and assessed studies that examined changes in fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1) and fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) activities in relation to modifications in dietary Zn intake. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and Central with strictly defined search, inclusion, and exclusion criteria. Twenty-one studies were included, 8 animal and 13 human trials (5 randomized controlled trials, two non-randomized controlled trials, and 6 cross-sectional studies). This systematic review was performed using PRISMA guidelines and where feasible a random-effects meta-analysis was conducted. No significant correlation was seen between the delta 6 desaturase and Zn status (-0.0958, 95% CIs (-0.2912; 0.1074), p = 0.2928). Delta 6 desaturase seems to respond in a greater magnitude than Zn status to Zn-containing interventions (the standardized mean difference for delta 6 desaturase was −0.6052, 95% CIs (-2.7162; 1.5058), p = 0.4289, while for plasma/serum Zn it was 0.0319, 95% CIs (-0.9133; 0.9770), p = 0.9213). Finally, two separate meta-analyses on same studies that assessed the correlations between LA:DGLA and Zn intake and Zn status and Zn intake revealed that the magnitude of correlations was only slightly different (the pooled correlation coefficient between the LA:DGLA ratio and Zn intake had a value of −0.1050, 95% CIs (-0.5356; 0.3690), p = 0.454, while between plasma Zn and Zn intake had a value of −0.0647, 95% CIs (-0.4224; 0.3106), p = 0.5453). According to the descriptive analysis, the magnitude of variation in desaturase activities in response to Zn intake was not consistent among studies, FADS1 and FADS2 activity corresponded to dietary Zn manipulations, both in animals and humans. A plausible explanation for this observation might be the difference between the studies in study populations, types of dietary interventions, study durations, etc. In addition, several potential confounders and covariates are identified from the qualitative synthesis, such as gender, age, the type of fat provided within the dietary intervention, the size of Zn particles, among others. Further high-quality studies are needed to additionally clarify the suggested associations and applicability of utilizing fatty acid desaturase activities as Zn status biomarkers

THE MANTECA YELLOW BEAN: A GENETIC RESOURCE OF FAST COOKING AND HIGH IRON BIOAVAILABILITY PHENOTYPES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF DRY BEANS (\u3ci\u3ePhaseolus vulgaris\u3c/i\u3e L.)

Dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are a nutrient dense food produced globally as a major pulse crop for direct human consumption. Despite being rich in protein and micronutrients, long cooking times limit the use of dry beans worldwide, especially in regions relying on wood and charcoal as the primary sources of fuel for cooking, such as Sub-Sahara Africa and the Caribbean. Coincidently, these same regions also have high densities of women and children at risk for micronutrient deficiencies [1]. There is need for a fast cooking bean, which can positively impact consumers by reducing fuel cost and preparation time, while simultaneously complementing the nutritional quality of house-hold based meals [2]. To help accelerate a reliable increase in dry bean production for Sub-Saharan Africa, the Andean Bean Diversity Panel (ADP; http://arsftfbean.uprm.edu/bean/) was assembled as a genetic resource in the development of fast cooking, nutritional improved, biotic/abiotic resistant varieties. A germplasm screening for atmospheric cooking time (100oC) of over 200 bean accessions from the ADP identified only five fast cooking entries [3]. Two entries were white beans from Burundi (Blanco Fanesquero) and Ecuador (PI527521). Native to Chile, two of the six fast cooking entries were collected from Angola, and had a pale lemon ‘Manteca’ yellow seed color (Cebo, Mantega Blanca). Traditional knowledge from Chile suggests Manteca yellow beans are low flatulence and easy to digest [4]. Yellow beans of various shades are important in Eastern and Southern Africa. Their popularity has increased in recent years and they often fetch the highest prices at the marketplace. There is evidence to suggest that Manteca yellow beans have a unique nutritional profile when compared to other yellow seed types; with more soluble dietary fiber, less indigestible protein and starch, and are also free of condensed tannins. The hypothesis was tested that this unique composition would also have a positive influence on the bioavailability of iron in an in vitro digestion/Caco-2 cell culture bioassay

Biofortified red mottled beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in a maize and bean diet provide more bioavailable iron than standard red mottled beans: Studies in poultry (Gallus gallus) and an in vitro digestion/Caco-2 model

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Our objective was to compare the capacities of biofortified and standard colored beans to deliver iron (Fe) for hemoglobin synthesis. Two isolines of large-seeded, red mottled Andean beans (<it>Phaseolus vulgaris </it>L.), one standard ("Low Fe") and the other biofortified ("High Fe") in Fe (49 and 71 μg Fe/g, respectively) were used. This commercial class of red mottled beans is the preferred varietal type for most of the Caribbean and Eastern and Southern Africa where almost three quarters of a million hectares are grown. Therefore it is important to know the affect of biofortification of these beans on diets that simulate human feeding studies.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Maize-based diets containing the beans were formulated to meet the nutrient requirements for broiler except for Fe (Fe concentrations in the 2 diets were 42.9 ± 1.2 and 54.6 ± 0.9 mg/kg). One day old chicks (<it>Gallus gallus</it>) were allocated to the experimental diets (n = 12). For 4 wk, hemoglobin, feed-consumption and body-weights were measured.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Hemoglobin maintenance efficiencies (HME) (means ± SEM) were different between groups on days 14 and 21 of the experiment (P < 0.05). Final total body hemoglobin Fe contents were different between the standard (12.58 ± 1.0 mg {0.228 ± 0.01 μmol}) and high Fe (15.04 ± 0.65 mg {0.273 ± 0.01 μmol}) bean groups (P < 0.05). At the end of the experiment, tissue samples were collected from the intestinal duodenum and liver for further analyses. Divalent-metal-transporter-1, duodenal-cytochrome-B, and ferroportin expressions were higher and liver ferritin was lower (P < 0.05) in the standard group vs. the biofortified group. <it>In-vitro </it>analysis showed lower iron bioavailability in cells exposed to standard ("Low Fe") bean based diet.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We conclude that the <it>in-vivo </it>results support the <it>in-vitro </it>observations; biofortified colored beans contain more bioavailable-iron than standard colored beans. In addition, biofortified beans seems to be a promising vehicle for increasing intakes of bioavailable Fe in human populations that consume these beans as a dietary staple. This justifies further work on the large-seeded Andean beans which are the staple of a large-region of Africa where iron-deficiency anemia is a primary cause of infant death and poor health status.</p

Dietary Trace Minerals

Dietary trace minerals are pivotal and hold a key role in numerous metabolic processes. Trace mineral deficiencies (except for iodine, iron, and zinc) do not often develop spontaneously in adults on ordinary diets; infants are more vulnerable because their growth is rapid and their intake varies. Trace mineral imbalances can result from hereditary disorders (e.g., hemochromatosis, Wilson disease), kidney dialysis, parenteral nutrition, restrictive diets prescribed for people with inborn errors of metabolism, or various popular diet plans. The Special Issue “Dietary Trace Minerals” comprised 13 peer-reviewed papers on the most recent evidence regarding the dietary intake of trace minerals, as well as their effect on the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases. Original contributions and literature reviews further demonstrated the crucial and central part that dietary trace minerals play in human health and development. This editorial provides a brief and concise overview of the content of the Dietary Trace Minerals Special Issue

Emerging Dietary Bioactives in Health and Disease

This monograph, based on a Special Issue of Nutrients, contains 16 manuscripts—2 review manuscripts and 14 original research manuscripts—that reflect the wide spectrum of currently conducted research in the field of Emerging Dietary Bioactives in Health and Disease [...

Dietary Trace Minerals

Dietary trace minerals are pivotal and hold a key role in numerous metabolic processes. Trace mineral deficiencies (except for iodine, iron, and zinc) do not often develop spontaneously in adults on ordinary diets; infants are more vulnerable because their growth is rapid and intake varies. Trace mineral imbalances can result from hereditary disorders (e.g., hemochromatosis, Wilson disease), kidney dialysis, parenteral nutrition, restrictive diets prescribed for people with inborn errors of metabolism, or various popular diet plans. The Special Issue &ldquo;Dietary Trace Minerals&rdquo; comprised 13 peer-reviewed papers on the most recent evidence regarding the dietary intake of trace minerals, as well as their effect toward the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases. Original contributions and literature reviews further demonstrated the crucial and central part that dietary trace minerals play in human health and development. This editorial provides a brief and concise overview that addresses and summarizes the content of the Dietary Trace Minerals Special Issue

Dietary Zn and Human Health

• Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient that contributes to the proper functioning of over 300 enzymes and multiple biochemical and structural processes in the body. Zinc functions in the regulation of an extensive variety of genes, such as those involved in nucleic acid metabolism, cell signalling, apoptosis, and plays an integral role in immune system functioning. Even a mild Zn deficiency can profoundly affect growth and development, as well as impede immune differentiation and maturation. Zinc is widely distributed in foods, however, it was demonstrated that dietary constituents, such as phytate, polyphenols, and the intestinal microbiome, affect its dietary bioavailability and intestinal absorption. Regulation of zinc metabolism is achieved through a balance of absorption and excretion and involves adaptive mechanisms. The aim of this Special Issue is to explore dietary approaches that aim to improve Zn bioavailability and absorption, biomarkers of status, and the effect of Zn status on the intestinal microbiome

Fe Deficiency, Dietary Bioavailability and Absorption

ca. 200 words; this text will present the book in all promotional forms (e.g. flyers). Please describe the book in straightforward and consumer-friendly terms. [The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately one-third of worldwide infant deaths, and one half in developing countries, can be attributed to malnutrition. More specifically, iron (Fe) deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and a major cause of infant mortality. Fe deficiency is particularly widespread in low-income countries because of a general lack of consumption of animal products (which can promote non-heme Fe absorption and contain highly bioavailable heme Fe) coupled with a high consumption of a monotonous diet of cereal grains and legumes. Such diets are low in bioavailable Fe due to the presence of phytic acid and certain polyphenols that are inhibitors of Fe bioavailability. Diets with chronically poor Fe bioavailability which result in high prevalence of Fe deficiency and anemia, increase the risk of all-cause child mortalities and also may lead to many pathophysiological consequences including stunted growth, low birth weight, delayed mental development and motor functioning, among others. Thus, a crucial step in alleviating Fe deficiency anemia is through understanding how specific dietary practices and components contribute to the Fe status in a particular region where Fe deficiency is prevalent. The aim of this Special Issue is to report on the recent advances and research developments related to the improvements of dietary Fe bioavailability and absorption in an effort to alleviate dietary Fe deficiency.