A 28-day oral toxicity evaluation of small interfering RNAs and a long double-stranded RNA targeting vacuolar ATPase in mice.

New biotechnology-derived crop traits have been developed utilizing the natural process of RNA interference (RNAi). However, plant-produced double stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) are not known to present a hazard to mammals because numerous biological barriers limit uptake and potential for activity. To evaluate this experimentally, dsRNA sequences matching the mouse vATPase gene (an established target for control of corn rootworms) were evaluated in a 28-day toxicity study with mice.

Consumption of stearidonic acid-rich oil in foods increases red blood cell eicosapentaenoic acid.

Background: Consumption of soybean oil enriched with stearidonic acid was previously shown to increase eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in red blood cells (RBC).

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of stearidonic acid oil used as a food ingredient in baked products and beverages on the RBC fatty acid profile.

Design: This was a randomized, double-blind, controlled, parallel-arm study.

Dietary intake of stearidonic acid-enriched soybean oil increases the omega-3 index: randomized, double-blind clinical study of efficacy and safety.

Background: The benefits of omega-3 (n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids to heart health are well established. Stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4n-3) may contribute to these benefits.

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the ability of SDA-containing soybean oil to increase the omega-3 index [erythrocyte eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid, as a percentage of total fatty acids] and to affect other cardiovascular disease risk markers compared with EPA and regular soy oil (control).

Stearidonic acid-enriched soybean oil increased the omega-3 index, an emerging cardiovascular risk marker.

A plant source of omega-3 fatty acid (FA) that can raise tissue eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and/or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is needed. A soybean oil (SBO) containing approximately 20% stearidonic acid [SDA; the delta-6 desaturase product of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)] derived from genetically modified soybeans is under development. This study compared the effects of EPA to SDA-SBO on erythrocyte EPA+DHA levels (the omega-3 index).

Effect of substitution of high stearic low linolenic acid soybean oil for hydrogenated soybean oil on fatty acid intake.

High stearic, low alpha-linolenic acid soybean oil (HSLL) has been developed via traditional breeding to serve as a substitute for partially hydrogenated soybean oils used in food manufacturing. The purpose of this study was to estimate the impact on fatty acid intake in the United States if HSLL were substituted for partially hydrogenated soybean oils used in several food categories, including baked goods, shortenings, fried foods, and margarines. Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (1999-2002), baseline intakes of five fatty acids and trans fatty acids (TFA) were determined at the mean and 90th percentile of fat consumption.

Absorption and retinol equivalence of beta-carotene in humans is influenced by dietary vitamin A intake.

The effect of vitamin A supplements on metabolic behavior of an oral tracer dose of [14C]beta-carotene was investigated in a longitudinal test-retest design in two adults. For the test, each subject ingested 1 nmol of [14C]beta-carotene (100 nCi) in an emulsified olive oil-banana drink. Total urine and stool were collected for up to 30 days; concentration-time patterns of [14C]beta-carotene, [14C]retinyl esters, and [14C]retinol were determined for 46 days.

Characterization of clay-based enterosorbents for the prevention of aflatoxicosis.

Appropriate chemical interventions that can block, retard, or significantly diminish foodborne exposure to aflatoxins are high priorities. A practical and effective approach to the aflatoxin problem has been the dietary inclusion of a processed calcium montmorillonite clay (HSCAS). HSCAS acts as an enterosorbent that rapidly and preferentially binds aflatoxins in the gastrointestinal tract resulting in decreased aflatoxin uptake and bioavailability.