Consumption of both low and high (-)-epicatechin apple puree attenuates platelet reactivity and increases plasma concentrations of nitric oxide metabolites: a randomized controlled trial.

We hypothesised that consumption of flavanol-containing apple puree would modulate platelet activity and increase nitric oxide metabolite status, and that high flavanol apple puree would exert a greater effect than low flavanol apple puree. 25 subjects consumed 230 g of apple puree containing 25 and 100mg epicatechin (low and high flavanol apple puree, respectively) and aspirin (75 mg) in random order. Measurements were made at baseline, acutely after treatment (2, 6 and 24 h), and after 14 d of treatment.

EURRECA-Estimating iron requirements for deriving dietary reference values.

Currently, a factorial approach is used to derive reference values for iron. Calculations include the use of a bioavailability factor to convert the physiological requirement, derived from obligatory losses and requirements for growth and development, into a dietary intake value. A series of systematic reviews undertaken by the EURRECA Network of Excellence aimed to identify data that may increase the accuracy of factorial calculations across all population groups.

Effect of iron intake on iron status: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: The response of status biomarkers to an increase in iron supply depends on several physiologic and environmental factors, which make it difficult to predict the outcome of an intervention.

Objective: We assessed effects of baseline iron status, sex, menopausal status, duration of intervention, iron form, and daily dose on the change in iron status in response to iron supplementation.

Design: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of iron-supplementation and -fortification trials that assessed effects on hemoglobin, serum ferritin (SF), soluble transferrin receptor, or body iron was conducted.

EURRECA's approach for estimating micronutrient requirements.

In Europe, micronutrient dietary reference values have been established by (inter)national committees of experts and are used by public health policy decision-makers to monitor and assess the adequacy of diets within population groups. The approaches used to derive dietary reference values (including average requirements) vary considerably across countries, and so far no evidence-based reason has been identified for this variation. Nutrient requirements are traditionally based on the minimum amount of a nutrient needed by an individual to avoid deficiency, and is defined by the body's physiological needs.

Micronutrient bioavailability research priorities.

A micronutrient bioavailability workshop, which involved international experts and members of the scientific community and the food industry, with interactive breakout sessions based on synectics principles, was organized by the International Life Sciences Institute Europe Addition of Nutrients to Food Task Force and the European Commission Network of Excellence European Micronutrient Recommendations Aligned. After presentations by experts, a series of "challenge statements" was discussed. The aim was to address topical issues, in particular those that linked bioavailability with the derivation of micronutrient requirements and dietary recommendations, to identify gaps in knowledge and to consider research priorities.

Methods of assessment of iodine status in humans: a systematic review.

Background: Biomarkers of iodine status are required to study iodine deficiency disorders in different parts of the world and to evaluate the effects of fortification strategies.

Objective: The objective was to assess the usefulness of biomarkers of iodine status in humans by systematically reviewing intervention studies that altered iodine status.

Design: We performed a structured search for iodine intervention studies on Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE (Ovid), and the Cochrane Library.

Methods of assessment of selenium status in humans: a systematic review.

Background: To understand the effect of selenium intake on health, it is important to identify sensitive and population-specific biomarkers of selenium status.

Objective: The objective of this systematic review was to assess the usefulness of biomarkers of selenium status in humans.

Design: The methods included a structured search strategy on Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE (Ovid), and Cochrane databases; formal inclusion and exclusion criteria; data extraction into an Access database; validity assessment; and meta-analysis.

Methods of assessment of copper status in humans: a systematic review.

Background: The assessment of dietary adequacy of copper is constrained by the absence of recognized copper status biomarkers.

Objectives: The objectives were to systematically review the usefulness of copper status biomarkers and identify those that reflected changes in status over > or =4 wk.

Design: The methods included a structured search on Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE (Ovid), and Cochrane databases to October 2007, followed by the use of formal inclusion/exclusion criteria, data extraction, validity assessment, and meta-analysis.