Allergiezusammenhänge im Überblick: Milchfettqualität als schützende Maßnahme gegen Allergien

Allergy in human populations is increasing due to modern lifestyle. Farm children and children with an anthroposophic lifestyle showed less allergic symptoms. This article describes the modern insights about nowadays nutrition and lifestyle factors impacting on the development of allergies and the research done in the 1920s about the health status of indigenous people and their eating behaviour. Many epidemiological studies mention the quality of farm milk, raw milk and milk fat as important factors to reduce the risk of allergies. It is explained why and how a high-quality milk fat in terms of conjugated linolenic acid and omega-3 long-chain fatty acids are influencing the cell physiology. These new insights will affect future strategies of organic dairy production and marketing in organic agriculture

Auswirkung von Kuhrasse und Melksaison auf die Fettsäurekomposition in Juchowo farm

At the biodynamic farm Juchowo, 7 pairs of dairy cows from 2 breeds (Holstein (HF) and Brown Swiss (BS)) were milk sampled in summer and in winter. Cows are grazed in summer and fed hay in winter. Differences in the milk fatty acid profile were evaluated for effects of month (fodder), breed and individual cows. The most important way to improve the FA quality is through grazing of fresh grass. Therefor milk from grass based systems should be preferred. Overall breed effects were small, but there are still possibilities present to select individual cows to get an improved FA quality profile in terms of CLA, n-3 FA and delta-9-desaturase activity

Work and diet-related risk factors of cardiovascular diseases: comparison of two occupational groups

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Although work related risk factors associated with Cardiovascular Diseases (CD) have been well researched, there is no detailed knowledge regarding disparate occupational groups each with a different risk exposition. Therefore, two occupational groups (chefs and office workers) were compared with a focus on nutritional and psychosocial factors.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Two groups of subjects were tested for work and diet-related risks of CD (45 chefs and 48 office workers). The groups matched both for gender (male) and age (30 to 45 years). The study included a medical check-up, bioelectrical impedance analysis as well as an evaluation of questionnaires on health, nutritional behaviour and coping capacity. In addition, volunteers were required to compile a 7-day-dietary-record and collect their urine 24 h prior to their check-up. Blood samples drawn were analysed for glucose and lipid metabolism, homocysteine, vitamin B₁₂, folic acid; C-reactive protein, uric acid, red blood cell fatty acids, plant sterols, antioxidative capacity and oxidative stress.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>On average, the chefs showed one risk factor more compared to the office workers. The most frequent risk factors in both groups included overweight/obesity (chef group [CG]: 62.2%; office group [OG]: 58.3%) and elevated TC (CG: 62.2%; OG: 43.8%]. Moreover, although the chefs often had higher CRP-concentrations (40.0%), more office workers suffered from hypertension (37.5%).</p> <p>Chefs showed significant higher concentrations of saturated fatty acids and oleic acid, whereas docosahexaenoic acid, Omega-6- and <it>trans </it>fatty acids were found more frequently in the red blood cell membranes of office workers. While there were no significant differences in analysed plant sterols between the two occupational groups, 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine was significantly increased in office workers.</p> <p>Concerning the work-related psychosocial factors, the chefs were characterised by a stronger subjective importance of work, a greater degree of professional aspiration and enhanced efforts at perfectionism at their workplace.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The chefs in the study bear a higher risk of CD compared to the office-workers. Although, CD is not exclusively a result of workplace-conditions, study results show that work-related influences can not be ignored. Thus, prevention of CD may be an important task attributable to occupational physicians.</p

Effect of calcium phosphate and vitamin D3supplementation on bone remodelling and metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of calcium phosphate and/or vitamin D(3) on bone and mineral metabolism. METHODS: Sixty omnivorous healthy subjects participated in the double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel designed study. Supplements were tricalcium phosphate (CaP) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D(3)). At the beginning of the study (baseline), all subjects documented their normal nutritional habits in a dietary record for three successive days. After baseline, subjects were allocated to three intervention groups: CaP (additional 1 g calcium/d), vitamin D(3) (additional 10 μg/d) and CaP + vitamin D(3). In the first two weeks, all groups consumed placebo bread, and afterwards, for eight weeks, the test bread according to the intervention group. In the last week of each study period (baseline, placebo, after four and eight weeks of intervention), a faecal (three days) and a urine (24 h) collection and a fasting blood sampling took place. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron were determined in faeces, urine and blood. Bone formation and resorption markers were analysed in blood and urine. RESULTS: After four and eight weeks, CaP and CaP + vitamin D(3) supplementations increased faecal excretion of calcium and phosphorus significantly compared to placebo. Due to the vitamin D(3) supplementations (vitamin D(3), CaP + vitamin D(3)), the plasma 25-(OH)D concentration significantly increased after eight weeks compared to placebo. The additional application of CaP led to a significant increase of the 25-(OH)D concentration already after four weeks. Bone resorption and bone formation markers were not influenced by any intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with daily 10 μg vitamin D(3) significantly increases plasma 25-(OH)D concentration. The combination with daily 1 g calcium (as CaP) has a further increasing effect on the 25-(OH)D concentration. Both CaP alone and in combination with vitamin D(3) have no beneficial effect on bone remodelling markers and on the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT0129702

Incorporation of n-3 PUFA and γ-linolenic acid in blood lipids and red blood cell lipids together with their influence on disease activity in patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis - a randomized controlled human intervention trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background and aim</p> <p>Marine n-3 fatty acids and γ-linolenic acid both have anti-inflammatory effects and may be useful to help treat inflammatory diseases. The effects of these alone or combined were examined in patients with arthritis in a randomized controlled trial.</p> <p>Design</p> <p>Patients with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis were randomized into four groups in a double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel designed study. Patients received the respective capsules (1: 3.0 g n-3 LC-PUFA/d; 2: 3.2 g γ-linolenic acid/d; 3: 1.6 g n-3 LC-PUFA + 1.8 g γ-linolenic acid/d; 4: 3.0 g olive oil) for a twelve week period. Clinical status was evaluated and blood samples were taken at the beginning and at the end of the period. Differences before and after intervention were tested with paired t-test or with Wilcoxon test for non-normal data distribution.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>60 patients (54 rheumatoid arthritis, 6 psoriatic arthritis) were randomised, 47 finished per protocol. In group 1, the ratio of arachidonic acid (AA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) decreased from 6.5 ± 3.7 to 2.7 ± 2.1 in plasma lipids and from 25.1 ± 10.1 to 7.2 ± 4.7 in erythrocyte membranes (p ≤ 0.001). There was no significant influence on AA/EPA ratio due to interventions in group 2-4. In group 2, the intake of γ-linolenic acid resulted in a strong rise of γ-linolenic acid and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid concentrations in plasma lipids, cholesteryl esters, and erythrocyte membranes. The combination of n-3 LC-PUFA and γ-linolenic acid (group 3) led to an increase of γ-linolenic acid and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid concentrations in plasma lipids, cholesteryl esters, and erythrocyte mem-branes. This increase was only half of that in group 2.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Incorporation of eicosanoid precursor FAs was influenced by an intake of n-3 LC-PUFA and γ-linolenic acid suggesting a possible benefit for therapy of chronic inflammatory diseases.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01179971">NCT01179971</a></p

Fatty acid distribution of cord and maternal blood in human pregnancy: special focus on individual trans fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Maternal nutrition in pregnancy has a crucial impact on the development of the fetus. Dietary <it>trans </it>fatty acids (<it>t</it>FA) are known to have adverse health effects, especially during pregnancy. However, the distribution of <it>t</it>FA produced via partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils (mainly elaidic acid; <it>t</it>9) differs compared to ruminant-derived <it>t</it>FA (mainly vaccenic acid; <it>t</it>11). Recent findings indicate that they may have different impact on human health.</p> <p>Therefore, in this study, plasma and erythrocytes of mother-child pairs (n = 55) were sampled to investigate the distribution of <it>t</it>FA, including individual <it>trans </it>C18:1 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) in fetal related to maternal lipids; with additional consideration of maternal dairy fat intake.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Portion of <it>t</it>9 and <it>t</it>11, but also of <it>c</it>9,<it>t</it>11 CLA was higher in maternal than in fetal blood lipids. The portion of <it>t</it>9 in maternal and fetal lipids differed only slightly. In contrast, the portion of fetal <it>t</it>11 was only half of that in maternal blood. This led to a fetal <it>t</it>9/<it>t</it>11-index in plasma and erythrocytes being twice as high compared to the maternal values. A high dairy fat intake resulted in elevated portions of <it>t</it>11 and its Δ9-desaturation product <it>c</it>9,<it>t</it>11 CLA in maternal blood. In contrast, in the respective fetal blood lipids only <it>c</it>9,<it>t</it>11 CLA, but not <it>t</it>11 was increased. Nevertheless, a positive association between maternal and fetal plasma exists for both <it>t</it>11 and <it>c</it>9,<it>t</it>11 CLA. Furthermore, in contrast to <it>t</it>9, <it>t</it>11 was not negatively associated with n-3 LC-PUFA in fetal blood lipids.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Fetal blood fatty acid composition essentially depends on and is altered by the maternal fatty acid supply. However, in addition to dietary factors, other aspects also contribute to the individual fatty acid distribution (oxidation, conversion, incorporation). The lower portion of fetal <it>t</it>11 compared to maternal <it>t</it>11, possibly results from Δ9-desaturation to <it>c</it>9,<it>t</it>11 CLA and/or oxidation. Based on the fatty acid distribution, it can be concluded that <it>t</it>11 differs from <it>t</it>9 regarding its metabolism and their impact on fetal LC-PUFA.</p

High content of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in red blood cells of Kenyan Maasai despite low dietary intake

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Increasing land restrictions and a reduced livestock-to-human ratio during the 20th century led the Maasai to lead a more sedentary, market-orientated lifestyle. Although plant-derived food nowadays contributes substantially to their diet, dairy products being high in saturated fatty acids (SFA) and low in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) still are an important energy source. Since reliable data regarding the Maasai diet date back to the 1980s, the study objective was to document current diet practices in a Kenyan Maasai community and to investigate the fatty acid distribution in diet and red blood cells.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 26 Maasai (20 women, 6 men) from Loodokilani, Kajiado District, Kenya. Food intake was described by the subjects via 24-h recall, and both food and blood samples were analysed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Two main foods - milk and <it>ugali </it>- constituted the Maasai diet in this region. A total of 0.9 L of milk and 0.6 kg of <it>ugali </it>were consumed per person and day to yield an energy intake of 7.6 MJ/d per person. A major proportion of ingested food contributing 58.3% to the total dietary energy (en%) was plant-derived, followed by dairy products representing 41.1 en%. Fat consumed (30.5 en%) was high in SFA (63.8%) and low in PUFA (9.2%). Long-chain n-3 PUFA (EPA, DPA and DHA) made up only 0.15% of the ingested fatty acids, but 5.9% of red blood cell fatty acids.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The study indicates the Maasai diet is rich in SFA and low in PUFA. Nevertheless, red blood cells are composed of comparable proportions of long-chain n-3 PUFA to populations consuming higher amounts of this fatty acid group.</p

Nutritional Value of the Duckweed Species of the Genus Wolffia (Lemnaceae) as Human Food

Species of the genus Wolffia are traditionally used as human food in some of the Asian countries. Therefore, all 11 species of this genus, identified by molecular barcoding, were investigated for ingredients relevant to human nutrition. The total protein content varied between 20 and 30% of the freeze-dry weight, the starch content between 10 and 20%, the fat content between 1 and 5%, and the fiber content was ~25%. The essential amino acid content was higher or close to the requirements of preschool-aged children according to standards of the World Health Organization. The fat content was low, but the fraction of polyunsaturated fatty acids was above 60% of total fat and the content of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids was higher than that of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in most species. The content of macro- and microelements (minerals) not only depended on the cultivation conditions but also on the genetic background of the species. This holds true also for the content of tocopherols, several carotenoids and phytosterols in different species and even intraspecific, clonal differences were detected in Wolffia globosa and Wolffia arrhiza. Thus, the selection of suitable clones for further applications is important. Due to the very fast growth and the highest yield in most of the nutrients, Wolffia microscopica has a high potential for practical applications in human nutrition

A commonly used rumen-protected conjugated linoleic acid supplement marginally affects fatty acid distribution of body tissues and gene expression of mammary gland in heifers during early lactation

Background: Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) in general, and in particular the trans-10, cis-12 (t10, c12-CLA) isomer are potent modulators of milk fat synthesis in dairy cows. Studies in rodents, such as mice, have revealed that t10, c12-CLA is responsible for hepatic lipodystrophy and decreased adipose tissue with subsequent changes in the fatty acid distribution. The present study aimed to investigate the fatty acid distribution of lipids in several body tissues compared to their distribution in milk fat in early lactating cows in response to CLA treatment. Effects in mammary gland are further analyzed at gene expression level. Methods: Twenty-five Holstein heifers were fed a diet supplemented with (CLA groups) or without (CON groups) a rumen-protected CLA supplement that provided 6 g/d of c9, t11-and t10, c12-CLA. Five groups of randomly assigned cows were analyzed according to experimental design based on feeding and time of slaughter. Cows in the first group received no CLA supplement and were slaughtered one day postpartum (CON0). Milk samples were taken from the remaining cows in CON and CLA groups until slaughter at 42 (period 1) and 105 (period 2) days in milk (DIM). Immediately after slaughter, tissue samples from liver, retroperitoneal fat, mammary gland and M. longissimus (13th rib) were obtained and analyzed for fatty acid distribution. Relevant genes involved in lipid metabolism of the mammary gland were analyzed using a custom-made microarray platform. Results: Both supplemented CLA isomers increased significantly in milk fat. Furthermore, preformed fatty acids increased at the expense of de novo-synthesized fatty acids. Total and single trans-octadecenoic acids (e. g., t10-18:1 and t11-18:1) also significantly increased. Fatty acid distribution of the mammary gland showed similar changes to those in milk fat, due mainly to residual milk but without affecting gene expression. Liver fatty acids were not altered except for trans-octadecenoic acids, which were increased. Adipose tissue and M. longissimus were only marginally affected by CLA supplementation. Conclusions: Daily supplementation with CLA led to typical alterations usually observed in milk fat depression (reduction of de novo-synthesized fatty acids) but only marginally affected tissue lipids. Gene expression of the mammary gland was not influenced by CLA supplementation