The contribution of diet and genotype to iron status in women:a classical twin study

This is the first published report examining the combined effect of diet and genotype on body iron content using a classical twin study design. The aim of this study was to determine the relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors in determining iron status. The population was comprised of 200 BMI- and age-matched pairs of MZ and DZ healthy twins, characterised for habitual diet and 15 iron-related candidate genetic markers. Variance components analysis demonstrated that the heritability of serum ferritin (SF) and soluble transferrin receptor was 44% and 54% respectively. Measured single nucleotide polymorphisms explained 5% and selected dietary factors 6% of the variance in iron status; there was a negative association between calcium intake and body iron (p = 0.02) and SF (p = 0.04)

The Relationship between Zinc Intake and Serum/Plasma Zinc Concentration in Children: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis

Recommendations for zinc intake during childhood vary widely across Europe. The EURRECA project attempts to consolidate the basis for the definition of micronutrient requirements, taking into account relationships among intake, status and health outcomes, in order to harmonise these recommendations. Data on zinc intake and biomarkers of zinc status reported in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) can provide estimates of dose-response relationships which may be used for underpinning zinc reference values. This systematic review included all RCTs of apparently healthy children aged 1–17 years published by February 2010 which provided data on zinc intake and biomarkers of zinc status. An intake-status regression coefficient was calculated for each individual study and calculated the overall pooled and SE using random effects meta-analysis on a double log scale. The pooled dose-response relationship between zinc intake and zinc status indicated that a doubling of the zinc intake increased the serum/plasma zinc status by 9%. This evidence can be utilised, together with currently used balance studies and repletion/depletion studies, when setting zinc recommendations as a basis for nutrition policies

Alginate inhibits iron absorption from ferrous gluconate in a randomized controlled trial and reduces iron uptake into Caco-2 cells

Previous in vitro results indicated that alginate beads might be a useful vehicle for food iron fortification. A human study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that alginate enhances iron absorption. A randomised, single blinded, cross-over trial was carried out in which iron absorption was measured from serum iron appearance after a test meal. Overnight-fasted volunteers (n=15) were given a test meal of 200g cola-flavoured jelly plus 21 mg iron as ferrous gluconate, either in alginate beads mixed into the jelly or in a capsule. Iron absorption was lower from the alginate beads than from ferrous gluconate (8.5% and 12.6% respectively, p=0.003). Sub-group B (n=9) consumed the test meals together with 600 mg calcium to determine whether alginate modified the inhibitory effect of calcium. Calcium reduced iron absorption from ferrous gluconate by 51%, from 11.5% to 5.6% (p=0.014), and from alginate beads by 37%, from 8.3% to 5.2% (p=0.009). In vitro studies using Caco-2 cells were designed to explore the reasons for the difference between the previous in vitro findings and the human study; confirmed the inhibitory effect of alginate. Beads similar to those used in the human study were subjected to simulated gastrointestinal digestion, with and without cola jelly, and the digestate applied to Caco-2 cells. Both alginate and cola jelly significantly reduced iron uptake into the cells, by 34% (p=0.009) and 35% (p=0.003) respectively. The combination of cola jelly and calcium produced a very low ferritin response, 16.5% (p<0.001) of that observed with ferrous gluconate alone. The results of these studies demonstrate that alginate beads are not a useful delivery system for soluble salts of iron for the purpose of food fortification

Total antioxidant activity and trace elements in human milk: the first 4 months of breast-feeding

The content of many nutrients in breast milk are dependent on the nutritional status of the lactating woman. This is particularly true for fat and water-soluble vitamins, some of which have antioxidant properties. The aim of the study entertained herein was to evaluate the changes in total antioxidant status of human milk during the first 4 months of lactation, and to correlate such changes with the contents in specific antioxidant oligoelements (Cu, Zn, Mn and Se). Milk samples were collected from (31) lactating women recruited at the Service of Obstetrics of the Hospital de São João in Porto, after 1, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks after birth. The total antioxidant status (TAS) of human milk was measured by the Randox® commercial kit and trace metals by ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry). The results found for TAS and oligoelements under study show a decrease in the concentration of these parameters from 7 days to 4 months of breast-feeding and significant correlations (p < 0.05) were found between TAS and Cu, Zn and Se (not Mn). The decreases of Cu, Zn and Se were also correlated, but not proportional between them, suggesting diverse excretion mechanisms for all. Between primipara and multipara women, a significant difference was found only for Cu and Zn concentrations at 7 days of lactation, but not for the other metals or TAS. With respect to the mother’s age, no correlation was found, either for trace metal concentrations or TAS

Aluminium content of spanish infant formula

Aluminium toxicity has been relatively well documented in infants with impaired renal function and premature neonates. The aims of this study were to analyse the concentration of aluminium in the majority of infant formulae sold commercially in Spain, to determine the influence of aluminium content in the tap water in reconstituted powder formulae and to estimate the theoretical toxic aluminium intake in comparison with the PTWI, and lastly, to discuss the possible interactions of certain essential trace elements added to formulation with aluminium according to type or main protein based infant formula. A total of 82 different infant formulae from 9 different manufacturers were studied. Sample digestion was simulated in a closed acid-decomposition microwave system. Aluminium concentration was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with graphite furnace. In general, the infant formulae studied provide an aluminium level higher than that found in human milk, especially in the case of soya, preterm or hydrolysed casein-based formulae. Standard formulae provide lower aluminium intakes amounting to about 4 % PTWI. Specialised and preterm formulae result in moderate intake (11 – 12 % and 8 – 10 % PTWI, respectively). Soya formulae contribute the highest intake (15 % PTWI). Aluminium exposure from drinking water used for powder formula reconstitution is not considered a clear potential risk. In accordance with the present state of knowledge about aluminium toxicity, it seems prudent to call for continued efforts to standardise routine quality control and reduce aluminium levels in infant formula as well as to keep the aluminium concentration under 300 g l-1 for all infant formulae, most specifically those formulae for premature and low birth neonates

Breastfeeding Success among Infants with Phenylketonuria

Breast milk is the nutrition of choice for human infants (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2005; American Association of Family Physicians, 2008; Association of Women’s Health Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, 2005; Canadian Paediatric Society, 2005; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 2008; World Health Organization, 2009). The literature on the benefits of breast milk and breastfeeding for infants and mothers has established multiple positive outcomes for infants (Hoddinott, Tappin, & Wright, 2008; Horta, Bahl, Martines, & Victora, 2007; Ip et al., 2007). Breast milk has advantages for infants that distinguish it from standard commercial infant formulas. These advantages include growth factors, hormones, immunological factors, and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. For infants with phenylketonuria (PKU), breast milk has additional advantages over any standard commercial infant formula, such as a lower concentration of protein and a lower content of the amino acid, phenylalanine. Despite these benefits, some clinics encourage mothers of infants with PKU to breastfeed whereas others present breastfeeding as an unacceptable option. Although the possible risks and benefits of breastfeeding infants with PKU have been discussed, there is limited research and practice describing breastfeeding infants with PKU. As a result, breastfeeding infants with PKU is based more upon limited clinical experiences rather than upon evidence based practice that aims to apply the best scientific evidence gained from research to clinical decision making

Salivary MUC5B-mediated adherence (Ex Vivo) of Helicobacter pylori during acute stress

OBJECTIVE: Biochemical host defenses at mucosal sites, such as the oral cavity, play a key role in the regulation of microbial ecology and the prevention of infectious disease. These biochemical factors have distinct features, some of which benefit the host and some that benefit bacteria. We investigated the effects of acute stress on the salivary levels of the carbohydrate structure sulfo-Lewis (sulfo-Le), which is linked to the mucosal glycoprotein MUC5B. Sulfo-Le was recently identified as an adhesion molecule for Helicobacter pylori; therefore, we also measured saliva-mediated adherence (ex vivo) of H. pylori. The oral cavity is suspected to be involved in the transmission of H. pylori. METHODS: Saliva was collected from 17 undergraduates before (baseline), during (stress), and after (recovery) exposure to a video showing surgical procedures. In addition, blood pressure, an impedance cardiogram, and an electrocardiogram were recorded. RESULTS: During stressor exposure, participants reported increased state anxiety. In addition, stroke volume increased and heart rate decreased. The stressor induced a strong increase in salivary sulfo-Le concentration (U/ml), sulfo-Le output (U/min), sulfo-Le/total protein ratio (U/mg protein), and saliva-mediated adherence (ex vivo) of H. pylori. As expected, sulfo-Le concentration correlated with the adherence of H. pylori (r = 0.72, p < .05). It was demonstrated that the observed adherence was induced by MUC5B and that the carbohydrate structure sulfo-Le contributed to this process

Conclusions and recommendations of a who expert consultation meeting on iron supplementation for infants and young children in malaria endemic areas [Conclusions et recommandations à l\u27issue de la consultation de l\u27oms sur la lutte contre la carence martiale chez le nourrisson et le jeune enfant dans les pays d\u27endémie palustre]

This article presents the results of an expert consultation meeting aimed at evaluating the safety and public health implications of administering supplemental iron to infants and young children in malaria-endemic areas. Participants at this meeting that took place in Lyon, France on June 12-14, 2006 reached consensus on several important issues related to iron supplementation for infants and young children in malaria-endemic areas. The conclusions in this report apply specifically to regions where malaria is endemic

Detecting Candida albicans in Human Milk

Procedures for diagnosis of mammary candidosis, including laboratory confirmation, are not well defined. Lactoferrin present in human milk can inhibit growth of Candida albicans, thereby limiting the ability to detect yeast infections. The inhibitory effect of various lactoferrin concentrations on the growth of C. albicans in whole human milk was studied. The addition of iron to the milk led to a two- to threefold increase in cell counts when milk contained 3.0 mg of lactoferrin/ml and markedly reduced the likelihood of false-negative culture results. This method may provide the necessary objective support needed for diagnosis of mammary candidosis