A nutritional supplement during preconception and pregnancy increases human milk vitamin D but not B-vitamin concentrations.

Background & Aims: Optimal maternal vitamin status during pregnancy and lactation is essential to support maternal and infant health. For instance, vitamin D is involved in infant bone development, and B-vitamins are involved in various metabolic processes, including energy production. Through a double-blind randomised controlled trial, we investigated the effects of maternal supplementation from preconception throughout pregnancy until birth on human milk (HM) concentrations of vitamin D and B-vitamins.

Circulating Structurally Related (-)-Epicatechin Metabolite Species and Levels after Sustained Intake of a Cocoa Powder High in Polyphenols Are Comparable to Those Achieved after a Single Dose.

Background: While the bioavailability of cocoa polyphenols, particularly of the monomer (-)-epicatechin, has been investigated after a single-dose intake, the effect of sustained cocoa consumption on the metabolic profile of the structurally related (-)-epicatechin metabolites (SREMs) has not been investigated.

Methods: A randomized, controlled crossover clinical trial in healthy young adults (18-40 year) was conducted to evaluate SREMs after consumption of a single-dose and after daily consumption of 1.3 g of polyphenol-rich cocoa powder for 28 days.

Recommendations for Oil Extraction and Refining Process to Prevent the Formation of Monochloropropane-diol Esters in Sunflower Oil.

The aim of this study was to identify the chlorine source during sunflower oil production and propose mitigation strategies in order to prevent monochloropropane-diol ester (MCPDE) formation. Whole sunflower seeds, the separated kernel, hulls, and pressed cake were studied to pinpoint the location of chlorine donors originating from the crop. Acid-water-based degumming, bleaching, cooling, and heat treatment were performed to mimic the current refining process practices.

Biomarker-based validity of a food frequency questionnaire estimating intake in Brazilian children and adolescents.

This study evaluated the validity of nutrient and food group intakes estimated by an FFQ against biomarkers. A 71-item semiquantitative FFQ was administered to 210 Brazilian children and adolescents aged 9-13 years. Intakes were correlated with biomarkers in plasma and red blood cells.

Vitamins and carotenoids in human milk delivering preterm and term infants: Implications for preterm nutrient requirements and human milk fortification strategies.

Differences in vitamin and carotenoids content of human milk (HM) produced for infants born at term and preterm is poorly understood. In this study, HM was collected weekly for four and two months post-partum for preterm and term groups, respectively. Nutrients of interest, from single full breast expressions were measured by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.