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14 pages, 835 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Questionable Quality Profile of Food Supplements: The Case of Red Yeast Rice Marketed Products

by Antonella Vitiello, Luana Izzo, Luigi Castaldo, Ivana d’Angelo, Francesca Ungaro, Agnese Miro, Alberto Ritieni and Fabiana Quaglia

Foods 2023, 12(11), 2142; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12112142 - 25 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2624

Abstract

Food supplements (FS) containing red yeast rice (RYR) are largely employed to reduce lipid levels in the blood. The main ingredient responsible for biological activity is monacolin K (MoK), a natural compound with the same chemical structure as lovastatin. Concentrated sources of substances [...] Read more.

Food supplements (FS) containing red yeast rice (RYR) are largely employed to reduce lipid levels in the blood. The main ingredient responsible for biological activity is monacolin K (MoK), a natural compound with the same chemical structure as lovastatin. Concentrated sources of substances with a nutritional or physiological effect are marketed in “dose” form as food supplements (FS). The quality profile of the “dosage form” of FS is not defined in Europe, whereas some quality criteria are provided in the United States. Here, we evaluate the quality profile of FS containing RYR marketed in Italy as tablets or capsules running two tests reported in The European Pharmacopoeia 11 Ed. and very close to those reported in the USP. The results highlighted variations in dosage form uniformity (mass and MoK content) compliant with The European Pharmacopoeia 11 Ed. specifications, whereas the time needed for disintegrating tablets was longer for 44% of the tested samples. The bioaccessibility of MoK was also investigated to obtain valuable data on the biological behaviour of the tested FS. In addition, a method for citrinin (CIT) determination was optimized and applied to real samples. None of the analyzed samples demonstrated CIT contamination (LOQ set at 6.25 ng/mL). Considering the widespread use of FS, our data suggest that greater attention should be paid by fabricants and regulatory authorities to ensure the quality profile and the safe consumption of marketed products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements’ Quality and Their Role in Health and Disease)

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14 pages, 1150 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Nano- and Microzinc Supplementation on the Mineral Composition of Bones of Rats with Induced Mammary Gland Cancer

by Dorota Skrajnowska, Jakub Idkowiak, Arkadiusz Szterk, Karol Ofiara, Kinga Augustyniak and Barbara Bobrowska-Korczak

Foods 2023, 12(6), 1348; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12061348 - 22 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1914

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to determine changes in the mineral composition of the bones of rats with chemically induced mammary gland cancer and to attempt to establish whether a specific diet modification involving the inclusion of zinc ions in two [...] Read more.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine changes in the mineral composition of the bones of rats with chemically induced mammary gland cancer and to attempt to establish whether a specific diet modification involving the inclusion of zinc ions in two forms—nano and micro—will affect the mineral composition of the bones. Methods: Female Sprague–Dawley rats were used for the research. The animals were randomly assigned to three experimental groups. All animals were fed a standard diet (Labofeed H), and selected groups additionally received zinc nanoparticles or microparticles in the amount of 4.6 mg/mL. To induce mammary cancer, the animals were given 7,12-dimethyl-1,2-benz[a]anthracene. The content of Ag, As, B, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb, Se, Sr, Tl, U, and V was determined using ICP-MS, while that of Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, and Zn was determined using FAAS. Results: The use of a diet enriched with zinc nano- or microparticles significantly influenced the content of the elements tested. In the bones of rats fed a diet with zinc nanoparticles, changes were found in the content of Ca, Mg, Zn, Cd, U, V, and Tl, while in the case of the diet supplemented with zinc microparticles, there were differences in six elements—Ca, Mg, B, Cd, Ag, and Pb—compared to animals receiving an unsupplemented diet. Conclusions: The content of elements in the bone tissue of rats in the experimental model indicates disturbances of mineral metabolism in the tissue at an early stage of mammary cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements’ Quality and Their Role in Health and Disease)

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15 pages, 4315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Polyphenols and Zinc Co-Supplementation on the Development of Neoplasms in Rats with Breast Cancer

by Martyna Jastrzębska, Joanna Giebułtowicz, Andrzej K. Ciechanowicz, Robert Wrzesień, Wojciech Bielecki and Barbara Bobrowska-Korczak

Foods 2023, 12(2), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12020356 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2034

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of selected polyphenolic compounds: epicatechin, apigenin, and naringenin, administered separately or in combination with zinc (Zn), on the growth and development of the neoplastic process induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) in rats. The impact [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of selected polyphenolic compounds: epicatechin, apigenin, and naringenin, administered separately or in combination with zinc (Zn), on the growth and development of the neoplastic process induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) in rats. The impact of supplementation with the above-mentioned compounds on the content of modified derivatives: 1-methyladenosine, N6-methyl-2’-deoxyadenosine, O-methylguanosine, 7-methylguanine, 3-methyladenine, 1-methylguanine, 2-amino-6,8-dihydroxypurine, and 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine in the urine of rats with mammary cancer was also assessed. Female Sprague-Dawley rats divided into 7 groups were used in the study: animals without supplementation and animals supplemented with apigenin, epicatechin, and naringenin separately or in combination with zinc. To induce mammary cancer, rats were treated with DMBA. Modified derivatives were determined by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry method. Based on the obtained results, it can be said that supplementation of the animals with naringenin inhibits the development and progression of the neoplastic process in rats treated with 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene. Neoplastic tumors were found in only 2 of 8 rats (incidence: 25%) and were considered to be at most grade 1 malignancy. The first palpable tumors in the group of animals receiving naringenin appeared two–three weeks later when compared to other groups. The combination of zinc with flavonoids (apigenin, epicatechin, and naringenin) seems to stimulate the process of carcinogenesis. The level of N6-methyl-2’-deoxyadenosine and 3-methyladenine in the urine of rats was statistically significantly higher in the groups supplemented with apigenin, epicatechin, and naringenin administered in combination with Zn than in the groups receiving only polyphenolic compounds. In conclusion, supplementation of rats with selected flavonoids administered separately or in combination with Zn has an impact on the development of neoplasms and the level of modified nucleosides in the urine of rats with breast cancer. Our results raise the question of whether simultaneous diet supplementation with more than one anti-cancer agent may reduce/stimulate the risk of carcinogenesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements’ Quality and Their Role in Health and Disease)

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13 pages, 306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Supplements among Children Ages 0–3 Years in Poland—Are They Necessary?

by Dagmara Woźniak, Juliusz Przysławski, Michalina Banaszak and Sławomira Drzymała-Czyż

Foods 2023, 12(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12010016 - 21 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3335

Abstract

(1) Background: One of the ways to prevent nutritional deficiencies may be supplementation. Experts have observed the increased use of dietary supplements, not only in adults but also in children. Considering controversies among dietary supplements and possible errors in children’s feeding, the goal [...] Read more.

(1) Background: One of the ways to prevent nutritional deficiencies may be supplementation. Experts have observed the increased use of dietary supplements, not only in adults but also in children. Considering controversies among dietary supplements and possible errors in children’s feeding, the goal of our research was to evaluate use and reasons behind supplementation in terms of children’s diet analysis. (2) Methods: Our research involved 507 legal guardians of the youngest children (up to 3 years of age) and was conducted via a questionnaire. (3) Results: 79% of all children received dietary supplements. The analysis of children’s diets showed a need to implement omega-3 acids and vitamin D supplementation, which was very low in children. On the other hand, vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin A, and copper levels were extremely high. (4) Conclusions: Popularity of dietary supplements in Polish children aged 0–3 years old is an omnipresent issue. Although the reasoning behind administering nutritional supplements to children seems justified, considering the supply of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, it seems justified to increase parents’ knowledge in this regard in terms of the use and means to choose the best supplement possible, as dietary supplementation should always be tailored to individual needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements’ Quality and Their Role in Health and Disease)

19 pages, 468 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intake of Food Supplements, Caffeine, Green Tea and Protein Products among Young Danish Men Training in Commercial Gyms for Increasing Muscle Mass

by Kirsten Pilegaard, Anne Sophie Majgaard Uldall and Gitte Ravn-Haren

Foods 2022, 11(24), 4003; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11244003 - 11 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5027

Abstract

Sixty-three men (15–35 years of age) regularly training in Danish gyms and supplement users were interviewed about the use of supplemental protein and food supplements, intake of caffeine- and (-)-epigallocathechin-3-gallate (EGCG)-containing supplements and beverages and any experienced adverse effects. Protein powder (60%), fish [...] Read more.

Sixty-three men (15–35 years of age) regularly training in Danish gyms and supplement users were interviewed about the use of supplemental protein and food supplements, intake of caffeine- and (-)-epigallocathechin-3-gallate (EGCG)-containing supplements and beverages and any experienced adverse effects. Protein powder (60%), fish oil (54%) and multivitamin/mineral supplements (41%) were the most popular products. The daily supplementary protein intake (mean 0.42 g/kg body weight, users only) in adult men contributed substantially to their protein intake and exceeded the recommended allowance (0.83 g/kg body weight) for six adult participants (14%). Thirty-eight percent of the adult men exceeded the daily caffeine intake presumed to be safe (400 mg) with coffee as the main contributor. Thirty percent drank green tea and among this percentage, two participants had an extreme daily intake (1.5 and 2 -L). EGCG intake could not be estimated from the food supplements due to the lack of label information. Eighteen participants (29%) reported having experienced adverse effects but seventeen did not consult a physician or report the adverse effect to the Danish food authority. The most common adverse effects were insomnia, shaking, headache and palpitations, itching of the skin and stinging. Pre-workout products accounted for 53% of the adverse effects. Three adverse effects came after intake of two brands of supplements known to have contained substances such as 1,3-dimethylamine or derivatives of phenylethylamines previously having caused serious adverse effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements’ Quality and Their Role in Health and Disease)

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24 pages, 1841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Mineral Composition and the Selected Physicochemical Parameters of Dietary Supplements Containing Green Tea Extracts

by Justyna Ośko, Adrian Szewczyk, Paulina Berk, Magdalena Prokopowicz and Małgorzata Grembecka

Foods 2022, 11(22), 3580; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11223580 - 10 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2126

Abstract

Our aim was to assess the mineral composition as well as the physicochemical quality of green tea-based dietary supplements (capsules and tablets) with respect to average weight, size and shape, friability, breaking force and disintegration time. Products were analysed by flame atomic absorption [...] Read more.

Our aim was to assess the mineral composition as well as the physicochemical quality of green tea-based dietary supplements (capsules and tablets) with respect to average weight, size and shape, friability, breaking force and disintegration time. Products were analysed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry for Ca, K, Mg, Na, Cr, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Pb and Cd. Approximately 60% of the analysed supplements met the requirements of European and Polish regulations. The dietary supplements passed weight variation tests, but not all products had compliant capsule sizes. One product in tablet form failed the friability test, and eleven dietary supplements in tablet form failed the disintegration test. The supplements were characterised by a varied elemental composition, with the highest values found for Ca, Fe, Zn and Mn. The recommended daily allowance realisation for Fe and Zn in two dietary supplements (capsule form) exceeded 100%. As a result of the estimation of the monthly intake of toxic metals, it was concluded that the tested products do not pose a risk to consumer health. Significant relationships (p < 0.001) were found for K, Mg, Na, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. The application of factor and cluster analyses allowed the verification of the similarity of green tea extracts contained in dietary supplements to the natural raw material, green tea leaves, used as a reference material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements’ Quality and Their Role in Health and Disease)

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18 pages, 2027 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nuts as a Dietary Enrichment with Selected Minerals—Content Assessment Supported by Chemometric Analysis

by Renata Markiewicz-Żukowska, Anna Puścion-Jakubik, Monika Grabia, Jakub Perkowski, Patryk Nowakowski, Joanna Bielecka, Jolanta Soroczyńska, Grzegorz Kańgowski, Jakub M. Bołtryk and Katarzyna Socha

Foods 2022, 11(20), 3152; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11203152 - 11 Oct 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5736

Abstract

Nuts used as a snack and meal accompaniment supply plant protein and fatty acids that are beneficial for human health; however, they can also provide minerals. The aim of this study was to determine the content of selected elements that are often deficient [...] Read more.

Nuts used as a snack and meal accompaniment supply plant protein and fatty acids that are beneficial for human health; however, they can also provide minerals. The aim of this study was to determine the content of selected elements that are often deficient in the diet (calcium, potassium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc) in nuts and determine whether they can be used to supplement deficiencies in the diet. In this study, we analyzed 10 types of nuts (n = 120 samples) that are consumed and available for sale in Poland. The content of calcium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc was determined by the atomic absorption spectrometry method, and flame atomic emission spectrometry was used for determination of potassium contents. The highest median calcium content was found in almonds (2825.8 mg/kg), the highest potassium content in pistachio nuts (15,730.5 mg/kg), the highest magnesium and selenium contents in Brazil nuts (10,509.2 mg/kg and 4348.7 μg/kg, respectively), and the highest zinc content in pine nuts (72.4 mg/kg). All the tested nuts are a source of magnesium, eight types of tested nuts are a source of potassium, six nut types are a source of zinc, and four nut types are a source of selenium; however, among the tested nuts, only almonds can be considered a source of calcium. Moreover, we found that selected chemometric methods can be useful in the classification of nuts. The studied nuts are valuable products that can be used to supplement the diet with selected minerals and can therefore be labelled as functional products crucial for disease prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements’ Quality and Their Role in Health and Disease)

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23 pages, 1915 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence of Essential Nutrient Supplement Use and Assessment of the Knowledge and Attitudes of Lebanese Mothers towards Dietary Supplement Practices in Maternal, Infancy and Preschool Ages: Findings of a National Representative Cross-Sectional Study

by Hala Mohsen, Carla Ibrahim, Khlood Bookari, Danielle Saadeh, Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh, Yonna Sacre, Lara Hanna-Wakim, Marwa Al-Jaafari, Marwa Atwi, Sabine AlAsmar, Jessica Najem and Maha Hoteit

Foods 2022, 11(19), 3005; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11193005 - 27 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2331

Abstract

Mothers are understandably concerned about protecting the well-being of their offspring in every way possible, including providing oral dietary supplements (DSs). Up to now, there has been limited data on maternal knowledge and attitudes toward concomitant maternal–child DSs practices in Lebanon. This study [...] Read more.

Mothers are understandably concerned about protecting the well-being of their offspring in every way possible, including providing oral dietary supplements (DSs). Up to now, there has been limited data on maternal knowledge and attitudes toward concomitant maternal–child DSs practices in Lebanon. This study evaluated the maternal knowledge and attitudes toward DSs and documented the DS-related practices in mothers and their under-5 children with their correlates. This cross-sectional study involved a representative stratified cluster random sample of 511 mother–child dyads (mothers: mean age ± SD = 30.25 ± 4.98 years; children: mean age ± SD = 18.7 ± 15.5 months, girls: 55.0%). A self-administered questionnaire was used to meet study aims. Most mothers lack awareness and hold unfavorable attitudes regarding DS use. Among all mothers, 47% were DS users, with the majority using vitamin D (82%). Almost 64% of mothers provide DSs for their children, with a predominant use of multivitamin drops (61.0%). “To keep the child healthy” was the reported reason by 60.0% of mothers to provide DSs for their children. Physicians were the primary information source about DSs for most mothers (64.0%). The usage of DSs among mothers was influenced by their pregnancy status, child’s age, number of children per household, and their awareness and attitudes towards DSs. DS usage among children was correlated with maternal DS use and their mothers’ attitudes towards DSs. DS usage among Lebanese mother–child dyads is common. Mothers should be the focus of education sessions regarding DS use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements’ Quality and Their Role in Health and Disease)

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24 pages, 5295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antihypertensive Activity of Milk Fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SR37-3 and SR61-2 in L-NAME-Induced Hypertensive Rats

by Lin Yuan, Ying Li, Moutong Chen, Liang Xue, Juan Wang, Yu Ding, Jumei Zhang, Shi Wu, Qinghua Ye, Shuhong Zhang, Runshi Yang, Hui Zhao, Lei Wu, Tingting Liang, Xinqiang Xie and Qingping Wu

Foods 2022, 11(15), 2332; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11152332 - 4 Aug 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2815

Abstract

Probiotic fermented milk can lower the incidence rate of hypertension and is beneficial to the regulation of the intestinal microecology. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here, we evaluated the role of the gut microbiota and its metabolites in the antihypertensive effect [...] Read more.

Probiotic fermented milk can lower the incidence rate of hypertension and is beneficial to the regulation of the intestinal microecology. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here, we evaluated the role of the gut microbiota and its metabolites in the antihypertensive effect of milk fermented by the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains SR37-3 (PFM-SR37-3) and SR61-2 (PFM-SR61-2) in Ng-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester induced hypertensive rats. The results showed that PFM-SR37-3 and PFM-SR61-2 intervention significantly lowered the blood pressure (BP) of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester induced hypertensive rats and attenuated renal injury. In particular, long-term administration of PFM inhibited a progressive elevation in SBP (170.22 ± 8.40 and 133.28 ± 6.09 by model group and PFM-SR37-3 treated model group, respectively, at the end of the 4 weeks; p < 0.01 PFM-SR37-3 treated model group versus model group) and DBP (133.83 ± 5.91 and 103.00 ± 6.41 by model group and PFM-SR37-3 treated model group, respectively, at the end of the 4 weeks; p < 0.01 PFM-SR37-3 treated model group versus model group). PFM-SR37-3 and PFM-SR61-2 reshaped the gut microbiome and metabolome, and especially regulated the metabolic levels of L-phenylalanine, L-methionine and L-valine in the intestine and blood circulation. The analysis of the target organ’s aortic transcriptome indicated that the protective effects of PFM-SR37-3 and PFM-SR61-2 were accompanied by the modulation of the BP circadian rhythm pathway, which was conducive to cardiovascular function. Vascular transcriptomic analysis showed that circadian rhythm and AMPK might be potential targets of hypertension. In addition, the ACE inhibition rates of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SR37-3 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SR61-2 in vitro were 70.5% and 68.9%, respectively. Our research provides new insights into novel and safe options for hypertension treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements’ Quality and Their Role in Health and Disease)

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24 pages, 1096 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Supplements Use among Athletes in Lebanon: Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Correlates

by Zahra Sadek, Hala Mohsen, Saja Yazbek, Zein Al Abidin Nabulsi, Ahmad Rifai Sarraj and Maha Hoteit

Foods 2022, 11(10), 1521; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11101521 - 23 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4740

Abstract

Athletes are under the utmost pressure to reach excellence in their performance and achieve the desired outcomes in competitions, prompting them to use dietary supplements. Given the threats to both health and eligibility, it is crucial to observe the prevalence, sources of information, [...] Read more.

Athletes are under the utmost pressure to reach excellence in their performance and achieve the desired outcomes in competitions, prompting them to use dietary supplements. Given the threats to both health and eligibility, it is crucial to observe the prevalence, sources of information, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) among Lebanese athletes practicing their sports for at least two years. In the present paper, a cross-sectional study is performed using the snowball sampling method, in which a self-administered KAP questionnaire is used to collect data from 455 athletes (mean age: 27.4 ± 7.9 years; men: 73.1%) participating in four sports categories (ball games, combat sports, endurance sports, and weightlifting). Among the Lebanese athletes, the prevalence of dietary supplement (DS) use was 74%, where half of them had predominately used sports supplements. Athletes in Lebanon heavily rely on coaches (74%) and online sources, including webpages and social media (64%), as key information sources for DSs. The findings suggest that significant proportions of athletes show knowledge deficits and unsatisfactory attitudes towards multiple aspects related to supplementation. Moreover, education and sports type modulate the use of DSs among athletes. Furthermore, 34% reported using supplements without a recommendation from specialists, and 69% admitted to not reading the supplement’s nutrition facts. This study urges the need for the regulation of concerned authorities and education programs to help overcome the existing challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements’ Quality and Their Role in Health and Disease)

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16 pages, 2059 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Genistein Supplementation on Cholesterol Oxidation Products and Fatty Acid Profiles in Serums of Rats with Breast Cancer

by Karolina Banyś, Agnieszka Stawarska, Rafał Wyrębiak, Wojciech Bielecki and Barbara Bobrowska-Korczak

Foods 2022, 11(4), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11040605 - 20 Feb 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2742

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of genistein on the level of cholesterol, oxysterols, and composition of fatty acids, as well as enzymatic activity of desaturases, in rats with breast cancer. The animals were supplemented with nano-, micro-, and [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of genistein on the level of cholesterol, oxysterols, and composition of fatty acids, as well as enzymatic activity of desaturases, in rats with breast cancer. The animals were supplemented with nano-, micro-, and macrogenistein. Rats were treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene to induce mammary adenocarcinoma. In the case of animals supplemented with genistein, an increase in the intensity of the carcinogenesis process was observed. Genistein supplementation also affected the cholesterol and oxysterols levels, as well as the composition of fatty acids, in the serum of rats with neoplastic disease. Dietary supplementation with nanogenistein significantly increased the level of cholesterol (p = 0.02) and cholesterol oxidation products (p = 0.02), which may have significant impacts on cancer development and progression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements’ Quality and Their Role in Health and Disease)

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Review

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23 pages, 754 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impact of Thermal Processing on the Composition of Secondary Metabolites of Ginger Rhizome—A Review

by Justyna Zagórska, Lidia Czernicka-Boś, Wirginia Kukula-Koch, Radosław Szalak and Wojciech Koch

Foods 2022, 11(21), 3484; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11213484 - 2 Nov 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3120

Abstract

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is both a commonly used spice, and an ingredient of various dietary supplements and medications. Its diverse applications result from the range of health benefits that this plant brings thanks to the presence of active compounds (secondary metabolites) [...] Read more.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is both a commonly used spice, and an ingredient of various dietary supplements and medications. Its diverse applications result from the range of health benefits that this plant brings thanks to the presence of active compounds (secondary metabolites) in the matrix. Even if several studies underline a stronger pharmacological activity of fresh ginger rhizomes, the unprocessed plant is relatively rarely used. Ginger rhizomes are subjected to thermal processing, such as boiling, blanching, steam drying and others, at different temperature and time settings. Additionally, freeze-drying of the rhizomes is used as the first step in the preparation of raw material. It was proved that the composition of secondary metabolites of the Zingiber officinale rhizome changes upon the influence of temperature. Therefore, the aim of the review was to put together scientific results on the impact of traditional and unconventional methods of heat treatment on ginger rhizomes and to show the compositional differences that they induce in the plant matrix. Variations in the content and the transformation of some compounds into other metabolites will be also discussed, with particular attention paid to two major groups of secondary metabolites present in the plant, namely, phenolics and terpenes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements’ Quality and Their Role in Health and Disease)

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15 pages, 328 KiB

Open AccessReview

Reasonableness of Enriching Cow’s Milk with Vitamins and Minerals

by Dagmara Woźniak, Wojciech Cichy, Małgorzata Dobrzyńska, Juliusz Przysławski and Sławomira Drzymała-Czyż

Foods 2022, 11(8), 1079; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11081079 - 8 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4753

Abstract

Milk is an exceptional nutritional product that has been used for many millennia in human nutrition. Milk is a source of many valuable nutrients, including calcium, vitamin B, an especially significant amount of vitamin B2 and fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D and [...] Read more.

Milk is an exceptional nutritional product that has been used for many millennia in human nutrition. Milk is a source of many valuable nutrients, including calcium, vitamin B, an especially significant amount of vitamin B2 and fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D and E. Milk is an attractive product for fortification as it has a high nutritional density in a small volume and a relatively low price. Research shows positive health effects of drinking milk and consuming dairy products. Even more health benefits can be obtained from consuming fortified dairy products. A literature review, current nutritional recommendations, medical recommendations and an analysis of the market situation all recommend introducing milk enriched with minerals in combination with vitamins to the market. This concept corresponds to the current market demand and may supplement the missing and expected range of fortified milk and the correct number of recipients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements’ Quality and Their Role in Health and Disease)

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