Changes in secoiridoids content and chemical characteristics of cultivated and wild Algerian olive oil, in term of fruit maturation

Wild varieties in nature are known to be better adapted to climate change and more resistant to arid conditions common in some regions of the world. Oil samples of two cultivated varieties, Chemlal and Lemli, and one sylvestris variety were collected at four different harvesting periods in the semi-arid region of Bouira, Algeria. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the genetic and maturity factors on the quality indices (acidity, peroxides value, and the parameters K232, K270), fatty acids profile, phenolic composition, and antioxidant activity of monovarietal olive oils. The study showed that early harvest dates of the fruits produced oils richer in pigments and phenolic compounds, with high antioxidant activity registered in both wild and cultivated varieties. Moreover, all oil samples showed high values of secoiridoids exceeding 60–90% of total biophenols, with higher values found in oleaster oils, which are correlated with high resistance to oxidation attacks. UHPLC-DAD and UHPLC-HRMS analyses showed that the secoiridoids composition is dominated by a profile rich in several isomers of oleuropein and ligstroside aglycons, which in turn represent more than 60% of the total secoiridoids in olive and Oleaster oils. Furthermore, chemometric analysis on the data allowed a better appreciation of the sensitivity of the virgin olive oil composition to the changes in genetic and ripening factors. According to the principal component analysis, phenolic and fatty acid profiles were the most important components contributing to the discrimination between olive oil samples.

Influence of Maternal Education on Food Consumption and Energy and Nutrient Intake in a Group of Pre-School Children from Madrid

A study was conducted on the influence of maternal education level on food consumption, energy and nutrient intake, and dietary adequacy in 110 pre-school children from Madrid, Spain. With increasing maternal education, children consumed more sugar (p < 0.05), fruit (p < 0.05), and fish (p < 0.05). Snacking was more frequent with decreasing maternal education (p < 0.05). Though statistical significance was not reached, the consumption of pre-cooked foods was greater among children of mothers educated to a higher level, a phenomenon probably related to the work situation of these women. With respect to dietary composition, no significant differences were found between groups for macronutrient, fiber and energy intakes, except for energy supplied by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which was greater in the children of less educated women (p < 0.01). This is probably due to their greater consumption of sunflower seed oil. The diets of children belonging to well-educated mothers came closer to meeting the recommended intakes for folate, vitamin C, and iodine. It would seem that maternal educational level influences the food habits of children. Mothers with less education may require special advice in this area.

Influence of nutrition on cognitive function in a group of elderly, independently living people

OBJECTIVE

To study the differences in cognitive status with respect to food habits and energy and nutrient intake in a group of non institutionalised, elderly people.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

The study subjects were independently living, elderly people who spent some of their time at day centres in the Comunidad de Madrid (the Madrid region). The study centres were selected by the Madrid City Hall.

SUBJECTS

The study included 168 elderly people aged 65-90 y. All accepted the invitation to participate, met all inclusion criteria, and were free of significant cognitive impairment.

INTERVENTIONS

Dietary intake was monitored using a 'food record' for 7 consecutive days including a Sunday. In addition, the 'precise individual weighing' method was used for 5 days in order to monitor the meals taken by the subjects at the centres' canteens. Cognitive capacity was measured using Folstein's mini-mental state examination (MMSE), validated for the Spanish population.

RESULTS

Subjects with an adequate cognitive capacity (MMSE>/=28) showed a greater intake of total foods, fish, and alcoholic drinks, but took less foods from the 'various' group (chocolates, cakes, etc). These subjects had a more adequate intake of fatty acids and cholesterol, and a greater intake of vitamins implicated in correct brain function (thiamine, folic acid, vitamin C).

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects with satisfactory intellectual function generally had a better diet. This shows the importance of correct nutrition in its maintenance.

Homocysteine levels in elderly Spanish people: influence of pyridoxine, vitamin B12 and folic acid intakes

BACKGROUND

Serum homocysteine levels are a risk factor in cardiovascular disease. Knowledge on how dietary factors might affect these levels is therefore of interest.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate serum homocysteine levels in a group of elderly people and analyse the effect of pyridoxine, vitamin B12 and folic acid intakes on these levels.

DESIGN

The study subjects were 130 independently-living elderly people over the age of 65. A dietetic study was performed using a 7-day food record. Serum homocysteine levels were determined by HPLC.

RESULTS

Mean pyridoxine, vitamin B12 and folate intakes were 67.2+/-16.8%, 392.8+/-549.2% and 84.5+/-28.3% of recommended values respectively. With regard to sex, differences were seen only for vitamin B12 intake (9.1+/-12.7 microg/day in men, and 6.5+/-8.8 microg/day in women). Some 93.6% of subjects showed pyridoxine intakes below those recommended, as did 17.6% with respect to vitamin B12 and 72.8% with respect to folic acid. Homocysteine levels were 12.4 micromol/l (12.6+/-3.7 micromol/l in men and 12.2+/-7.9 micromol/l in women) (P<0.05). No significant differences were seen in homocysteine levels between subjects with lower than recommended intakes of pyridoxine or vitamin B12 and those with better intakes. However, subjects with folic acid intakes below 200 microg/day showed higher homocysteine levels (13.0+/-6.7 micromol/l) than did subjects with more adequate intakes (10.9+/-4.1 micromol/l) (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The diet of the study subjects might be improved, especially with respect to pyridoxine and folic acid. Raising the intake of the latter might be especially useful in controlling homocysteine levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin status in different groups of the Spanish population: a meta-analysis of national studies performed between 1990 and 1999

OBJECTIVE

Studies performed on the nutritional status of the Spanish population have been very heterogeneous with respect to methodology, sample size, geographical location, socio-economic level and health status of the subjects involved. In order to gain an overall view of the state of knowledge in this area, a meta-analysis was performed on the results of all such studies undertaken in Spain between 1990 and 1999.

RESULTS

The dietetic data reviewed showed mean intakes similar to those recommended. The results obtained for the biochemical parameters analysed were within normal limits. However, results for some vitamins were very close to the lower established limits for the reference intervals (recommended intakes or blood levels), meaning that a variable percentage of subjects show values lower than those recommended. The percentage of subjects with intakes below those recommended for niacin, vitamin B12 and C was small. The percentage of inadequate intakes of thiamine and riboflavin was small as well. However, for all other vitamins, especially D and E, the number of people with intakes below recommended was rather high, particularly so in some studies. At blood level, deficiencies of vitamins B12, A and E were infrequent. However, for all other vitamins, prevalence of deficiency varied within a wide range. With respect to vitamins D, B1, B2 and B6, over 50% of the population showed inadequate levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The methodologies used in the studies included in this review were very varied and the knowledge gained is still incomplete. Despite the average Spanish diet often being regarded as satisfactory, this review and other studies show the situation can be improved.

Effect of saturated fatty acid consumption on energy and nutrient intake and blood lipid levels in preschool children

In this article the effects of saturated fatty acid (SFA) consumption on energy and nutrient intake, and on a range of serum lipid parameters (indicators of cardiovascular risk) are reported in a group of 110 preschool children. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: high consumption (HC), in which > or =13% (20th percentile) of total energy came from SFAs, and low consumption (LC), in which SFAs provided <13% of energy intake. Food intake was monitored for 7 consecutive days. At participating day care centers, a 'precise individual weighing' method was used, while a 'food intake record' was kept for foods taken at home. At the blood level it was found that HC subjects showed higher HDL-cholesterol levels and better HDL-cholesterol/LDL-cholesterol ratios than did LC subjects. The greater intakes of riboflavin, iodine, zinc, magnesium and calcium seen in HC subjects suggest that these may have a better nutritive status (with respect to certain nutrients) than LC subjects. The development of criteria for providing the greatest protection against cardiovascular disease, while maintaining good nutritive condition, should be the subject of future studies. This is especially important in children of preschool age since nutritional deficiencies at this stage in life can have important effects on growth and health.