Zinc as a Biomarker of Cardiovascular Health

The importance of zinc (Zn) for cardiovascular health continuously gains recognition. As shown earlier, compromised Zn homeostasis and prolonged inflammation are common features in various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Similarly, Zn biochemistry alters several vascular processes, and Zn status is an important feature of cardiovascular health. Zn deficiency contributes to the development of CVDs; thus, Zn manipulations, including Zn supplementation, are beneficial for preventing and treating numerous cardiovascular (CV) disorders. Finally, additional long-term, well-designed studies, performed in various population groups, should be pursued to further clarify significant relationships between Zn and CVDs

Biological activity of Aronia melanocarpa antioxidants pre-screening in an intervention study design

The beneficial effects of black chokeberry fruits and juices in health promotion and prevention of chronic diseases shown in both epidemiological and dietary intervention studies are often connected with their antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the total phenolics and anthocyanins content, chemical antioxidant activity (DPPH-assay), antioxidant protection in erythrocytes and anti-platelet activity in vitro of three different chokeberry products: commercial and fresh pure chokeberry juice and a crude lyophilized water-ethanol extract of chokeberry fruits, as part of their pre-clinical evaluation. The obtained results indicated differences in chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the investigated products. Cellular effects, including both in vitro anti-platelet and antioxidant effects, were not directly correlated with the chemical antioxidant activity and the results obtained in vitro for antiplatelet effects were only partially consistent with the results obtained in vivo, in a pilot intervention trial. In conclusion, chemical analyses and in vitro experiments on foods and their bioactive substances are a valuable pre-screening tool for the evaluation of their biological activity. However, extrapolation of the obtained results to the in vivo settings is often limited and influenced by the bioavailability and metabolism of native dietary compounds or interactions with differrent molecules within the human body

Polinezasićene masne kiseline u zdravlju i bolesti

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are necessary for overall health. Two PUFAs families, n-6 and n-3 fatty acids, are physiologically and metabolically distinct. The proportion of PUFAs in serum and erythrocyte phospholipids, which depends on endogenous metabolism controlled by genetic polymorphisms and dietary intake, is an important determinant of both health and disease. Both n-3 and n-6 PUFAs are processed to powerful promoters of eicosanoids synthesis at the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase level. Evidence from observational and intervention studies suggest that n-3 PUFAs are cardio-protective, perhaps through their anti-inflammatory, anti-arrhythmic, lipid-low­ering and antihypertensive effects. In contrast, dietary n-6 PUFAs have pro-inflammatory effects. Low n-3 and elevated n-6 PUFAs levels were found in patients with cancer on different sites. The present review focuses on current knowledge related to PUFAs intake and status in health and disease, with reference to the Serbian population.Polinezasićene masne kiseline (PMK) su neophodne za normalno funkcionisanje organizma. Dve PMK familije, n-6 i n-3 masne kiseline se fiziološki i metabolički razlikuju. Udeo PMK u fosfolipidima seruma i eritrocita je važan pokazatelj zdravlja i bolesti, i zavisi od endogenog metabolizma, koji je kontrolisan genetskim polimorfizmom, i unosa hrane. I n-6 i n-3 PMK su prekursori za sintezu eikozanoida na ciklooksigenaznom i lipooksigenaznom nivou. Opservacione i interventne studije ukazuju da n-3 PMK imaju kardioprotektivni efekat, delujući anti-inflamatorno, anti-aritmogeno, hipolipidemično i antihipertenzivno. Nasuprot tome, smatra se da n-6 PMK imaju pro-inflamatorno dejstvo. Nizak nivo n-3 i povišen udeo n-6 PMK je pokazan kod pacijenata sa različitim tipovima maligniteta. U okviru ovog rada dat je pregled najnovijih saznanja o dijetarnom unosu i biomarkerima statusa PMK u promociji zdravlja i prevenciji bolesti, sa posebnim osvrtom na rezultate u našoj populaciji

Is There a Link between Zinc Intake and Status with Plasma Fatty Acid Profile and Desaturase Activities in Dyslipidemic Subjects?

The prevalence of obesity and dyslipidemia has increased worldwide. The role of trace elements in the pathogenesis of these conditions is not well understood. This study examines the relationship between dietary zinc (Zn) intake and plasma concentrations of Zn, copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) with lipid profile indicators, fatty acid composition in plasma phospholipids and desaturase enzyme activities in a dyslipidemic population. The role of the newly proposed biomarker of Zn status, the linoleic:dihomo-gama-linolenic acid (LA:DGLA) ratio, in predicting Zn status of dyslipidemic subjects has been explored. The study included 27 dyslipidemic adults, 39-72 years old. Trace elements were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry and fatty acid composition by a liquid gas chromatography. Desaturase activities were calculated from product-precursor fatty acid ratios. Dietary data were obtained using 24 h recall questionnaires. Insufficient dietary intake of Zn, low plasma Zn concentrations and an altered Cu:Zn ratio is related to modified fatty acid profile in subjects with dyslipidemia. Plasma Zn status was associated with obesity. There was no correlation between dietary Zn intake and plasma Zn status. The LA:DGLA ratio was inversely linked to dietary Zn intake. Cu, in addition to Zn, may directly or indirectly, affect the activity of desaturase enzymes

Evaluation of Dietary Intake and Anthropometric Status in 1–9-Year-Old Children Living in Serbia: National Food Consumption Survey according to the EU Menu Methodology

The Serbian Food Consumption Survey among 1–9-year-old-children was conceptualized and conducted in compliance with the principles, established protocols, and guidelines of the EU Menu project between 2017 and 2021. Valid data were collected for 576 individuals (290 1–3-year-old toddlers and 276 3–9-year-old children). Regardless of age and gender category, the majority (68.80%) of children had normal weights according to the Body Mass Index-for-age classification system. The median daily energy intake was 1406.71 kcal with no differences between the settlement types. The overall median contributions of carbohydrates, protein, and fat to the total energy intake were 47.54%, 14.06%, and 37.88%, respectively. The proportions of the macronutrient intake deviated from the dietary reference values with compliance to the recommendations being particularly poor for fat and fiber. The consumption of energy-dense food groups such as meat and meat products, fat and oil, sugar, and confections was more pronounced among older children. The survey results provide a valuable insight into the nutritional status and dietary habits of toddlers and children 1–9 years old living in Serbia. They may serve as an evidence platform for public health programs, a valuable asset for decision-makers, and a reliable reference to guide nutritional policies, diet monitoring, and interventions targeting this population group in the future

The influence of food consumption and socio-economic factors on the relationship between zinc and iron intake and status in a healthy population

Objective: To examine Zn and Fe nutritional status of a healthy population by means of anthropometric, dietary and biochemical measurements and to investigate the relationship of usual Zn and Fe dietary intakes to Zn and Fe status. In addition, to examine the impact of food choices and socio-economic factors on Fe and Zn dietary intakes and status with the aim to identify groups at risk of dietary deficiency and suggest factors that may influence the status of these nutrients. Design: Food consumption was assessed by 24 h recall questionnaires. Twenty biochemical parameters were measured, of which Hb, haematocrit, erythrocyte count and plasma concentrations of Fe and Zn were directly related to Fe and Zn nutrition. The prevalence of study participants with inadequate micronutrient intakes was calculated using the Estimated Average Requirement cut-point method. Setting: Serbia, Europe. Subjects: Apparently healthy adults (25-65 years of age). Results: Mean daily Zn and Fe intakes were 9.1mg and 11.6 mg for males and 7.3 mg and 9.4 mg for females, respectively. Five per cent of the study population had inadequate dietary Fe intake and 15-25% had inadequate Zn intake. Lower Hb concentrations were measured in women with lower Zn intakes. No differences in Fe and Zn intakes and status among various socio-economic groups were observed, except for Fe intake between the low-income and affluent groups. Conclusions: Regular follow-ups are needed to ensure that potential deficiencies of Zn and Fe do get recognized and addressed in a timely manner

Profili masnih kiselina i antioksidativna svojstva sirovih i sušenih oraha

Background: Walnuts consumption produces beneficial effects on human health. Health-promoting benefits are dedicated to its desirable fatty acid profile and high content of antioxidants. Heat treatment of walnuts may alter their fatty acid composition and antioxidant capacity. Aim: In general the aim of this work was to compare fatty acids profiles and antioxidative properties of raw and dried walnuts at 60 °C for 12 hours. Methodology and results: FA profiles were analyzed using gas chromatography. Antioxidative capacities of walnut samples were determined by DPPH and ABTS tests. There were no significant differences in fatty acid profiles comparing dried and raw walnuts. The most abundant fatty acid was linoleic with mean content of 61.38 ± 1.11% in raw and 62.40 ± 0.99% in dried walnuts. Walnuts oil contained 10.64 ± 0.46% and 10.49 ± 0.81% of a-linolenic acid (ALA) in raw and dried walnuts, respectively. Antioxidative capacity of methanolic extracts showed no difference comparing raw and dried walnut by DPPH and ABTS test. Heat treatment at 60 °C for 12h induced no change in fatty acid profiles of walnuts and led to minor decrease in antioxidative capacity measured only by ABTS test. Conclusion: We suggest that drying process in our experiment did not decreased nutritional capacity which is mostly mediated by conservation of fatty acids content in walnuts.Dijetarni unos oraha povezuje se sa brojnim pozitivnim efektima na zdravlje. Svoj efekat na zdravlje orasi ostvaruju zahvaljujući povoljnom masnokiselinskom sastavu i visokom sadržaju antioksidanasa. Zagrevanje oraha moglo bi dovesti do promena u masnokiselinskom sastavu i uticati na antioksidativni kapacitet. Cilj ovog rada bio je da se uporede masnokiselinski profili i antioksidativni status svežih i oraha sušenih na 60 °C u trajanju od 12 sati. Masnokiselinski sastav analiziran je gasnom hromatografijom. Antioksidativni kapaciteti uzoraka oraha odreðivani su DPPH i ABTS testovima. Utvrðeno je da nije bilo promena u masnokiselinskim profilima posle sušenja oraha na 60 °C u trajanju od 12 sati. Najzastupljenija masna kiselina bila je linolna sa sadržajem od 61.38 ± 1.11% u sirovim i 62.40 ± 0.99% kod sušenih oraha. Ulje oraha sadržalo je 10.64 ± 0.46% i 10.49 ± 0.81% a-linolenske kiseline (ALA) u svežim i sušenim orasima, respektivno. DPPH testom nije utvrđeno da postoje razlike u antioksidativnom potencijalu metanolnih ekstrakata oraha sušenih u odnosu na sveže kao ni sa ABTS testom. Naš eksperimet je pokazao da proces sušenja oraha nije smanjio njihov nutritivni kapacitet što je verovatno posredovano očuvanjem sadržaja masnih kiselina

Association of meal timing with dietary quality in a Serbian population sample

Background: The world-wide adoption of Western lifestyles and eating patterns is associated with adverse effects on nutrient intakes. Here we evaluated the relationships between timing of meals and diet quality in Serbia, a Balkan country with a traditional eating pattern that includes the largest meal of the day as a late lunch. Methods: A dietary survey was done in the Republic of Serbia using a nationally-representative sample of 74 children and 260 non-pregnant adults. Nutrient intakes were calculated from two 24-h recalls. A Dietary Quality Score (DQS) enumerated how many European Union (EU) Science Hub recommendations were met for fruit and vegetables, fiber, saturated fat, sodium, and sugar. We evaluated whether the timing of dietary intakes is associated with DQS and body mass index. Results: The dietary intakes of children ages 10–17 and adults were similar and were high in total fat intake, with an average of 40% of energy from fat. Mean fruit and vegetable intakes of 473 g/day in adults exceeded the minimal EU recommendation. The most worrisome aspects of the Serbian diet were high intakes of saturated fat, sugar and sodium. Lunch was the meal with the highest mean content of energy, followed by breakfast and dinner, and the average time for lunch was 15:15. Consumption of a higher percentage of calories before 16:00 in adults was associated with higher fruit and vegetable intakes and with higher DQS. The subgroup of adults consuming their largest meal after 20:00 had a lower mean age, more men, and a larger percentage was employed outside of the home. There were no associations of meal timing with BMI, but the prevalence of obesity in this population sample was only 13%. Conclusions: These results indicate that an earlier meal pattern, and especially consuming the largest meal of the day earlier in the day, was associated with better quality diets. Public health efforts are needed to preserve nutrient intakes as the population shifts away from the traditional Serbian eating pattern. Long-term, deterioration of nutrient intakes could contribute to the increasing rates of obesity that have been observed in Serbia and world-wide

Implementation of Harmonized Food Consumption Data Collection in the Balkan Region According to the EFSA EU Menu Methodology Standards

Initiatives in the Capacity Development in Nutrition Research in the Balkan region in the last decade have been toward the creation of contemporary, harmonized Research Infrastructure (RI) compliant with European standards. This study describes the process of creation and implementation of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) EU Menu methodology in the Balkan region during the EFSA support projects for food consumption data collection in four countries (Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia). This process entailed the application and improvement of an innovative tool, the DIET ASSESS and PLAN (DAP), a platform for standardized food consumption data collection and dietary intake assessment. DAP comprises computerized food consumption, anthropometric measurements, and physical activity questionnaires, validated food picture book, and FoodEx2 exposure hierarchy with sets of facet descriptors of the interest. It hosts the Balkan food platform with a Serbian food composition database (FCDB) and Regional FCDB, compliant with European Food Information Resource (EuroFIR™) standards. The implementation of the DAP platform in national dietary surveys conducted with the support of the EFSA EU Menu project in Balkan countries enabled harmonized food consumption data compilation and reporting. Application of the methodology entailed the development of study protocol and extensive education and training of study personnel. The entire data collection process was managed by internal and external survey coordinators. A pilot study was conducted to test the entire data collection and control process and was afterward used to make necessary improvements and adjustments to meet EU Menu requirements. Data collected are internationally comparable with food consumption data in other European countries within the framework of the EU Menu program. The existence of such data in the Balkan region will catalyze research activities in emerging topics, such as identification of dietary patterns, the establishment of national nutrient reference values and food-based dietary guidelines (not only in Serbia, but in the whole Balkan region), dietary exposure assessments, the endorsement and evaluation of new food legislations, the environmental and other effects of diet on the food system. The developed and implemented methodology underpins evidence-based policy-making processes lacking in the field of public health nutrition in the region

Walnut Consumption Induces Tissue-Specific Omega-6/Omega-3 Decrease in High-Fructose-Fed Wistar Rats

Increased dietary, blood, and tissue n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratios are associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Due to Westernized dietary patterns, the increasing n-6/n-3 ratio is of growing concern worldwide, and dietary strategies aimed at its lowering are of public health importance. Walnuts are rich in dietary fats, and their consumption promotes cardiometabolic health. This study aimed to examine the effect of 6-week walnut consumption on tissue-specific n-6/n-3 ratio and fatty acid metabolic conversion in fructose-fed rats with a cluster of metabolic disorders. Male Wistar rats were fed a standard diet with or without 10% fructose in drinking water for 9 weeks. Diets of half of the animals were then supplemented with walnuts (2.4 g/day) for 6 weeks, upon which fatty acid profiles were determined in plasma, liver, adipose tissue, and kidney total lipids. Results showed that walnuts induced significant decreases in the n-6/n-3 content of total lipid pool in plasma and examined tissues, irrespective of metabolic burden. Walnut intervention decreased plasma and liver palmitoleic/palmitic, arachidonic/linoleic, and docosahexaenoic/alpha-linolenic acid ratios. It also modulated individual fatty acid levels by reducing arachidonic and palmitic acid and increasing alpha-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosapentaenoic acid in plasma and most tissues. Our study demonstrated that 6-week consumption of walnuts favorably modulated n-6/n-3 plasma and tissue ratio in male Wistar rats regardless of high-fructose feeding, underscoring the promising potential of walnuts in both prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome