Turmeric products: Evaluation of curcumin and trace elements.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is valued for its coloring properties, flavor enhancement, functionality, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which help prevent various diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of curcumin and trace elements (Cr, Co, Ni, As, Mo, Cd, Sb, Ba, Hg, and Pb) in 30 samples of turmeric capsules.

Comprehensive analysis of Amazonian oil and fats with different fatty composition: Murumuru fat (Astrocaryum murumuru), cupuassu fat (Theobroma grandiflorum), and pracaxi oil (Pentaclethera macroloba).

Amazon is the largest Brazilian biome and has a vast diversity of oilseed species. This work highlighted three of its natural riches, the murumuru (Astrocaryum murumuru) fat, cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum) fat, and pracaxi (Pentaclethera macroloba) oil obtained from the seeds of the fruits of these species. It was aimed at a comprehensive evaluation of the chemical and physicochemical properties of these Amazonian products, deepening the knowledge on their quality parameters for products and processes design.

Selenium micro-encapsulation: Innovative strategies for supplementing plant-based beverages.

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for humans, and one of the new strategies to increase its intake is to fortify foodstuff with Se-bioaccessible species. This study aimed to produce Se-microparticles (selenate, selenite and Se-organic) using combined methods of microencapsulation; fortify commercial plant-based beverages (PBBs); evaluate the stability of microparticles; and estimate the bioaccessibility of Se and its contribution to the Recommended Daily Intake (RDA). Samples and bioaccessible fractions were submitted to acid digestion and Se levels (total and bioaccessible) were quantified by ICP-MS.

Occurrence of ochratoxin A in cocoa beans and bean-to-bar chocolates.

The growing health consciousness of consumers has led to an increase in the consumption of artisanal chocolates, mainly due to their recognized health benefits. However, processing steps such as fermentation and drying of cocoa beans can favor the growth of ochratoxigenic fungi. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in cocoa beans (purchased from e-commerce and post-harvest processing) and bean-to-bar chocolates sold in Brazil.

Trace elements in bean-to-bar chocolates from Brazil and Ecuador.

Background: The high quality and unique flavor and aroma of bean-to-bar chocolates have resulted in an increase in the consumption of these products. Nevertheless, cocoa beans may present inorganic contaminants from environmental and anthropogenic sources which can contribute to contamination of the chocolates, despite the fewer processing steps and few ingredients used in bean-to-bar manufacturing process compared to the industrial one. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the content of trace elements (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Pb, Se) in bean-to-bar chocolates and traceable cocoa beans from Brazil and Ecuador.

Selenium in plant-based beverages: Total content, estimated bioaccessibility and contribution to daily intake.

Background: The search for alternative protein sources has increased the consumption and commercialization of plant-based beverages (PBBs). This study aimed to determine the total Se content, estimate the bioaccessibility of selenium (Se) in commercial PBBs derived from different raw materials, and evaluate their contribution to the reference daily intake (RDI).

Methods: An ultrasound assisted acid digestion method and ICP-MS was used to determine Se, and the INFOGEST method to estimate the bioaccessible percentages.

Trace Elements in Soy-Based Beverages: A Comprehensive Study of Total Content and In Vitro Bioaccessibility.

Soy-based beverages are one of the most consumed plant-based beverages, which have been used as a substitute for dairy products. Soy is a source of several nutrients (vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds, etc.) and its consumption is usually associated with several benefits, such as the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and osteoporosis.

Inorganic Contaminants in Plant-Based Yogurts Commercialized in Brazil.

This study aimed to evaluate the content of 11 inorganic elements (Al, Cr, Co, Ni, As, Mo, Cd, Sb, Ba, Hg, and Pb) in commercial plant-based and animal-based yogurts for comparison purposes. The samples were mineralized using a simple and fast ultrasound-assisted acid digestion method at 80 °C for 35 min, and the determination of inorganic elements was performed by ICP-MS. The method was validated according to the INMETRO guide, obtaining recoveries from 80 to 110%, precision from 6 to 15%, and a limit of quantification (LOQ) ranging from 200 µg/kg (Al) to 4 µg/kg (other elements).

Selenium in selected samples of infant formulas and milk commercialized in Belgium and Brazil: Total content, speciation and estimated intake.

Total selenium (Se) and Se species concentrations were determined in 50 infant formulas and milk samples commercialized in Brazil and Belgium. Infant formula categories were starter, follow-up, specialized and plant-based (soy and rice), while milk samples included whole, skimmed, semi-skimmed and plant-based products. Total Se content was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), after microwave digestion.

Rational Design of an Ion-Imprinted Polymer for Aqueous Methylmercury Sorption.

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a mercury species that is very toxic for humans, and its monitoring and sorption from environmental samples of water are a public health concern. In this work, a combination of theory and experiment was used to rationally synthesize an ion-imprinted polymer (IIP) with the aim of the extraction of MeHg from samples of water. Interactions among MeHg and possible reaction components in the pre-polymerization stage were studied by computational simulation using density functional theory.

Trace elements in ready-to-drink ice tea: Total content, in vitro bioaccessibility and risk assessment.

Tea is one of the most consumed non-alcoholic beverages in world and it has been frequently associated to health benefits. Besides its nutrient composition, non-essential trace elements associated with toxic effects may also be present. Ever since food components undergo biotransformation process along gastrointestinal tract after ingestion, it is important to evaluate both total and bioavailable content of trace elements.

Aluminum content and effect of in vitro digestion on bioaccessible fraction in cereal-based baby foods.

The aim of this work was to determine the total concentration and the effect of in vitro digestion on the bioaccessible fraction of aluminum (Al) in 35 different cereal-based baby food samples and estimate the exposure to this element considering the consumption of this product. Total Al content was determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry after oxidative microwave digestion. An in vitro digestion method was applied and optimized to evaluate the bioaccessible fraction.

Application of arginine and histidine to improve the technological and sensory properties of low-fat and low-sodium bologna-type sausages produced with high levels of KCl.

Low-fat bologna sausages were made with the replacement of 60% NaCl by KCl and with the addition of arginine and histidine alone or in combination. The technological and sensory properties were evaluated. The replacement of NaCl by KCl did not significantly affect the color parameters L*, a*, and b*.

Functional textiles impregnated with biogenic silver nanoparticles from Bionectria ochroleuca and its antimicrobial activity.

Biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were obtained throughout the fungal biosynthesis using extracellular filtrate of the epiphytic fungus B. ochroleuca and were incorporated in cotton and polyester fabrics by common impregnation procedure that was repeated once, twice or four times. Both fabrics were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the effectiveness of impregnation was determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES).

Reducing 50% sodium chloride in healthier jerked beef: An efficient design to ensure suitable stability, technological and sensory properties.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the partial replacement of NaCl by blends of KCl and CaCl on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of jerked beef. For that, in the dry and wet salting stages, 50% NaCl of the control treatment (FC1) was replaced by 50% KCl (F1), 50% CaCl (F2), and a blend containing 25% KCl and 25% CaCl (F3) at equivalent concentrations based on the ionic strength. All reformulated treatments presented a significant sodium reduction when compared to the control (27.

Selenium, total mercury and methylmercury in sardine: Study of molar ratio and protective effect on the diet.

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the risk-benefit associated with canned sardine consumption, considering the selenium, the mercury and the methylmercury contents and the Se:Hg molar ratio and the Se-health benefit value (HBV) index. In this study, 63 canned sardine samples were purchased worldwide and for the determination of selenium and mercury species, the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and thermal decomposition and amalgamation atomic absorption spectrometry were employed. The mean results obtained for the Brazilian samples varied between 12.

Investigation of twelve trace elements in herbal tea commercialized in Brazil.

In this study twelve trace elements were investigated in herbal tea commercialized in Brazil. Boldo, Chamomile, Mate and Peppermint tea samples were acquired in Brazil local markets and both herbs and their infusions were evaluated. Trace elements were classified in two groups: poorly (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Fe, Pb and Se) and moderately (Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn) extractable.

Quantification of mineral composition of Brazilian bee pollen by near infrared spectroscopy and PLS regression.

Bee pollen consumption has increased in the last years, mainly due to its nutritional value and therapeutic applications. The quantification of mineral constituents is of great importance in order to evaluate both, the toxicity and the beneficial effect of essential elements. The purpose of this work was to quantify the essential elements, Ca, Mg, Zn, P and K, by diffuse reflectance spectra in the near infrared region (NIR) combined with partial least squares regression (PLS), which is a clean and fast method.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in teas using QuEChERS and HPLC-FLD.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are food-processing contaminants considered to be carcinogenic and genotoxic. Due to its drying process stage, teas may be contaminated with PAHs. The aim of the study was to validate an analytical method involving QuEChERS and HPLC-FLD for the determination of PAH4 in teas and evaluate the contamination levels in 10 different types of teas from Brazil.

Antibacterial, Antiproliferative, and Immunomodulatory Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized with Fucans from the Alga Dictyota mertensii.

In this study, we aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles containing fucans from (Martius) Kützing using an environmentally friendly method and to characterize their structure as well as antiproliferative, immunomodulatory, and antibacterial effects. Fucan-coated silver nanoparticles (FN) were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared analysis, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, atomic force microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry. They were evaluated for their effect on cell viability, minimum inhibitory bactericidal concentration, and release of nitric oxide and cytokines.

Cadmium, lead, tin, total mercury, and methylmercury in canned tuna commercialised in São Paulo, Brazil.

The objective of this work was to determine levels of inorganic contaminants in 30 samples of five commercial brands of canned tuna, acquired on the local market in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, in the year of 2015. Total mercury and methylmercury (MeHg+) were determined by atomic absorption with thermal decomposition and amalgamation; and cadmium, lead, and tin were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Results indicated that 20% of the tuna samples surpassed limits determined by the Brazilian and European Commission legislation for cadmium; for lead, the maximum value found was 59 µg kg and tin was not detected in any samples.

Risk estimation to human health caused by the mercury content of Sushi and Sashimi sold in Japanese restaurants in Brazil.

Although fish is a healthy alternative for meat, it can be a vehicle for mercury (Hg), including in its most toxic organic form, methylmercury (MeHg). The objective of the present study was to estimate the risk to human health caused by the consumption of sushi and sashimi as commercialized by Japanese food restaurants in the city of Campinas (SP, Brazil). The total Hg content was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry with thermal decomposition and amalgamation, and the MeHg content calculated considering that 90% of the total Hg is in the organic form.

Impact of the two different iron fortified cookies on treatment of anemia in preschool children in Brazil.

Introduction: Nutritional intervention in pre-school children using cookies prepared with wheat flour enriched with iron and folic acid (CWFFeFA) and cookies prepared with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) flour fortified with iron and zinc and wheat flour enriched with iron and folic acid (CCFFeZn + WFFeFA).

Objective: To assess the impact of the ingestion of CWFFeFA and CCFFeZn + WFFeFA by pre-school children, using the cowpea variety BRS-Xiquexique, to control iron-deficiency anaemia.

Technological, sensory and microbiological impacts of sodium reduction in frankfurters.

Initially, meat emulsions were studied in a model system to optimize phosphate and potassium chloride concentrations. In the second step, frankfurters containing 1.00%, 1.

Evaluation of raw soapstone (steatite) as adsorbent of trace elements present in Brazilian spirits.

The impact of soapstone (steatite) upon inorganic element contaminant concentrations in alcoholic beverages was investigated. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb levels in 8 Brazilian spirits plus an alcoholic simulant were initially measured, and then measured following each 24h cycle of exposure to raw soapstone cups, for a total of 4 cycles/sample. The results were compared to the levels established by Brazilian and German regulations.