Report of the interlaboratory comparison organised by the European Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material - ILC01 2011- Formaldehyde in food contact migration solution

The Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (IHCP) of the European Commission’s Directorate-General Joint Research Centre hosts the EU Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Materials (EURL-FCM). One of its core tasks is to organise interlaboratory comparisons (ILCs) among appointed National Reference Laboratories (NRLs). This report presents the results of the ILC of the EURL-FCM, which focused on the quantification of formaldehyde in migration solutions of 3% acetic acid from food contact materials. The test material used for preparation of the migration solutions were melamine kitchenware (spoons) containing formaldehyde. The EURL prepared and distributed three concentration levels of migration solution. The general aim of the exercise was to assess the proficiency of the official control laboratories and consequently the participants were free to use any analytical method of their choice. However, in view of the support to Regulation 284/2011, EURL suggested to limit the methods to the two procedures included in EN 13130-23 (i.e. standard for food contact). There were 62 participants to whom samples were dispatched (27 NRLs + 35 national control laboratories from Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Poland, Spain, France, Portugal and Switzerland) and 61 of which submitted results. The homogeneity and stability studies were performed by the EURL-FCM laboratory. The assigned values were obtained after applying the robust statistics to the results of the participants. Participants were invited to report 4 results for each concentration level. Laboratory results were processed using several algorithms: ISO 13528 [1], Harmonized protocol [8], DIN 38402 A45 (Q-Hampel) [5] and ISO GUIDE 35:2006 [11]. Standard deviations for proficiency assessment (also called target standard deviations) were set based on Horwitz equation [2]. As a conclusion of the ILC exercise on the quantification of formaldehyde in the migration solution of kitchenware in 3% acetic acid, this ILC showed that: The participation in the ILC was satisfactory regarding the number of the participating laboratories. Sixty one participants laboratories submitted their results. Six of the participants submitted results obtained using two different sample preparation methods. From the EURL-NRL network all 27 laboratories reported results. For the network of NRL-FCM the outcome from the participation is regarded as satisfactory as there are all satisfactory results. For the network of national control laboratories only one laboratory does not send any results. More than 85% of all reported results were properly estimated. Comparing between the two sample preparation methods (EN 13130-23) used by the participants resulted in not significantly different mean values. Both methods were found interchangeable.JRC.I.1-Chemical Assessment and Testin

Emerging Trends in Research on Food Compounds and Women’s Fertility: A Systematic Review

Pro-healthy behaviours, including the diet, are significant factors in maintaining women’s fertility health. However, to improve the patient’s nutrition management, it is important to seek food-derived bioactive compounds to support fertility treatment. This review analysed recent studies of food compounds related to fertility, using databases including PubMed, Web of Science and Science Direct as well as PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews) to ensure complete and transparent reporting of systematic reviews. This review lists foods associated with a higher birth rate, using original papers from the last five years (2015). The analysis included the impact of food compounds such as caffeine, fatty acids, folates and vitamin D, as well as the intake of fish, whole grains, dairy and soya. In addition, dietary patterns and total diet composition supporting women’s fertility were also analysed. The results will encourage further research on the relationship between food components and fertility

The Significance of Plant-Based Foods and Intense Physical Activity on the Metabolic Health of Women with PCOS: A Priori Dietary-Lifestyle Patterns Approach

The study aimed to analyse dietary-lifestyle patterns (DLPs) and their relation with visceral obesity and other metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. A total of 140 women were diagnosed with PCOS. The KomPAN® and The ShortIPAQ questionnaires analysed the food frequency intake, health habits, economic situation, and physical activity. The dual-energy-x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured the visceral and total adipose tissue. The analysis distinguished three DLPs: western (WDLP), prudent (PDLP) and active (ADLP). The WDLP was characterised by high visceral fat, increased intake of animal foods, sweets and sweetened beverages, white grains, junk and fried foods, and low plant foods. High intakes of plant foods and dairy, high daily meal frequency, and intense exercise characterised PDLP. ADLP was characterised by high visceral fat, intake of plant products, intense exercise, and low intake of junk and fried food. Women with LDL > 135 mg/dL had high adherence to WDLP, and with triglycerides >150 mg/dL had high adherence to WDLP [OR 7.73 (CI95% 1.79; 33.2), p < 0.05] and [3.70 (1.03; 13.27); p < 0,05]. In conclusion, plant-based foods related to PDLP and intense physical activity offer a significantly higher chance of improving metabolic health in women with PCOS

The Significance of Plant-Based Foods and Intense Physical Activity on the Metabolic Health of Women with PCOS: A Priori Dietary-Lifestyle Patterns Approach

The study aimed to analyse dietary-lifestyle patterns (DLPs) and their relation with visceral obesity and other metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. A total of 140 women were diagnosed with PCOS. The KomPAN® and The ShortIPAQ questionnaires analysed the food frequency intake, health habits, economic situation, and physical activity. The dual-energy-x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured the visceral and total adipose tissue. The analysis distinguished three DLPs: western (WDLP), prudent (PDLP) and active (ADLP). The WDLP was characterised by high visceral fat, increased intake of animal foods, sweets and sweetened beverages, white grains, junk and fried foods, and low plant foods. High intakes of plant foods and dairy, high daily meal frequency, and intense exercise characterised PDLP. ADLP was characterised by high visceral fat, intake of plant products, intense exercise, and low intake of junk and fried food. Women with LDL > 135 mg/dL had high adherence to WDLP, and with triglycerides >150 mg/dL had high adherence to WDLP [OR 7.73 (CI95% 1.79; 33.2), p p < 0,05]. In conclusion, plant-based foods related to PDLP and intense physical activity offer a significantly higher chance of improving metabolic health in women with PCOS

Self-Reported Eating Speed Is Associated with Indicators of Obesity in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Eating speed (ES) as a dietary behaviour has become a widely discussed factor for weight management and obesity. This study analysed the relationship between ES and anthropometric indicators of obesity, including BMI and waist circumference (WC) in adults. A search conducted of PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct and Scopus found six longitudinal studies and fifteen cross-sectional studies published for further analysis. A quality assessment was performed with the MINORS checklist. Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis and almost all reviewed studies showed that ES was associated with BMI, and non-fast eaters had significantly lower BMI than fast eaters. Therefore, it was assumed that slowing down the ES may be an effective strategy for weight management and lowering obesity risk. There was also an association between WC and ES. Assessment of eating speed can be included in nutrition surveys to analyse obesity risk. More broadly, research is also needed to establish a validated and standardised methodology to determine eating speed. Further research needs to examine the links between eating speed, obesity, ethnicity, sex, food culture and chronic diseases