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Salmonella is a major bacterial concern for public health globally. Although there are limited documentation on the prevalence of Salmonella species in Cambodia's food chain, some reports indicate that salmonellosis is a severe gastrointestinal infection in its population and especially in children. To investigate the presence of Salmonella spp., 285 food samples (75 meat, 50 seafood, and 160 leafy green vegetable samples) were randomly collected from various local markets in Phnom Penh capital and nearby farms in Cambodia. Concurrently, field observations were conducted to collect data on food hygiene and practices among the relevant actors. All food samples were analyzed using bacterial culture and plate counts, and the findings were confirmed serially with biochemical, serological, and PCR tests. The observational data on food hygiene and practices from farm to market revealed that the spread of Salmonella in the food-value chain from farm to market could pose health risks to consumers. The overall prevalence of Salmonella spp. was 48.4% (138/285), while the prevalence in meat, seafood, and vegetables was 71% (53/75), 64% (32/50), and 33% (53/160), respectively. Mean Salmonella plate count ranged from 1.2 to 7.40 log10 CFU/g, and there was no significant difference in bacterial counts between meat, seafood, and vegetable samples (p > 0.05). The most common serogroups among the isolated Salmonella spp. were B and C. These results suggest that a large proportion of meat, seafood, and vegetable products sold at local markets in Phnom Penh are contaminated with Salmonella spp. This is likely linked to inadequate hygiene and sanitation practices, including handling, storage, and preservation conditions. Observations on farms suggested that the prevalence of Salmonella in vegetables sold at the market could be linked to contamination relating to agricultural practices. Thus, controlling the spread of foodborne salmonellosis through the food-value chain from farms and retailers to consumers is warranted to enhance food safety in Cambodia.
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Granjas , Contaminación de Alimentos , Carne , Salmonella , Alimentos Marinos , Verduras , Cambodia/epidemiología , Verduras/microbiología , Salmonella/aislamiento & purificación , Salmonella/clasificación , Contaminación de Alimentos/análisis , Contaminación de Alimentos/estadística & datos numéricos , Prevalencia , Alimentos Marinos/microbiología , Carne/microbiología , Animales , Microbiología de Alimentos , Humanos , HigieneRESUMEN
Existing research has underscored the vital interplay between host organisms and their associated microbiomes, which affects health and function. In both plants and animals, host factors critically shape microbial communities and influence growth, health, and immunity. Post-harvest plants, such as those used in kimchi, a traditional Korean dish, offer a unique avenue for exploring host-microbe dynamics during fermentation. Despite the emphasis on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in fermentation studies, the roles of host factors remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the influence of these factors on plant transcriptomes during kimchi fermentation. We individually inoculated nine LAB strains into germ-free kimchi to generate LAB-mono-associated gnotobiotic kimchi and performed RNA-sequencing analysis for the host vegetables during fermentation. The transcriptomes of post-harvest vegetables in kimchi change over time, and microbes affect the transcriptome profiles of vegetables. Differentially expressed gene analyses revealed that microbes affected the temporal expression profiles of several genes in the plant transcriptomes in unique directions depending on the introduced LAB strains. Cluster analysis with other publicly available transcriptomes of post-harvest vegetables and fruits further revealed that the plant transcriptome is more profoundly influenced by the environment harboring the host than by host phylogeny. Our results bridge the gap in understanding the bidirectional relationship between host vegetables and microbes during food fermentation, illuminating the complex interplay between vegetable transcriptomes, fermentative microbes, and the fermentation process in food production. The different transcriptomic responses elicited by specific LAB strains suggest the possibility of microbial manipulation to achieve the desired fermentation outcomes.
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Fermentación , Vida Libre de Gérmenes , Verduras , Verduras/genética , Verduras/microbiología , Transcriptoma/genética , Alimentos Fermentados/microbiología , Regulación de la Expresión Génica de las Plantas , Lactobacillales/genética , Lactobacillales/fisiología , Lactobacillales/metabolismoRESUMEN
Antheraxanthin (C40H56O3) is one of fat-soluble carotenoids belonging to natural pigments. Its chemical structure is based on the unsaturated polyene chain skeleton, with a hydroxy-ß-ionone ring and an epoxy-ß-ionone ring on each side of the skeleton. It is found in a wide range of plants and photosynthetic bacteria, and external stimuli (high temperature, drought, ozone treatment, etc.) can significantly affect its synthesis. It also, like other carotenoids, exhibits a diverse potential pharmacological profile as well as nutraceutical values. However, it is worth noting that various food processing methods (extrusion, puffing, baking, etc.) and storage conditions for fruits and vegetables have distinct impacts on the bioaccessibility and retention of antheraxanthin. This compilation of antheraxanthin includes sources, biosynthesis, chemical analysis, and processing effects.
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Manipulación de Alimentos , Xantófilas , Xantófilas/química , Manipulación de Alimentos/métodos , Frutas/química , Verduras/químicaRESUMEN
Over the past ten years, significant advancements have been made in exploring plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PELNs) for disease therapeutics and drug delivery. PELNs, as inherent nanoscale particles comprised of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and secondary metabolites, exhibit the capacity for cellular uptake by human cells. This intercellular interaction transcends biological boundaries, effectively influencing biological functions in animals. PELNs have outstanding biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, enhanced safety, and environmentally friendly sustainability. This article summarized the preparation methods and characteristics of PELNs. It provided a systematic review of the varied roles of PELNs derived from fruits, vegetables, and herbs in disease therapeutics and drug delivery. The challenges in their production and application were discussed, and future prospects in this rapidly evolving field were explored.
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Sistemas de Liberación de Medicamentos , Exosomas , Frutas , Nanopartículas , Verduras , Exosomas/metabolismo , Exosomas/química , Humanos , Nanopartículas/química , Frutas/química , Verduras/química , Sistemas de Liberación de Medicamentos/métodos , AnimalesRESUMEN
The extraction of copper and cobalt from mines has led to the contamination of agricultural soils by trace metal elements (TMEs) (e.g. Cu: 204 to 1355 mg/kg). The mining industry is one of the sources of metal discharges into the environment, contributing to water, soil, and air contamination and causing metabolic disorders in the inhabitants of the city of Lubumbashi (R.D. Congo). This study assessed the effectiveness of organocalcareous soil improvers applied to TME-contaminated soils to reduce their transfer to plants. Following a factorial design, increasing doses of organic soil improvers (chicken droppings and sawdust) and agricultural lime were applied to the soils of three market gardens (high, medium, and low Cu contamination). The experiment was monitored for 60 days. Soil physicochemical properties (pH, TOC, and total and available copper, cobalt, lead, cadmium, and zinc (mg/kg)) were determined for the three gardens and in the vegetable biomass. The daily consumption index of the vegetables was determined based on total TME content. The results show that organocalcareous soil improvers did not promote plant growth and survival on soils with high and medium levels of copper contamination. However, on soils with low copper content, organocalcareous soil improvers improved germination and plant survival and reduced the transfer of metals from the soil to the plants. The best germination and plant survival rates were obtained with the lightly contaminated market garden. In addition, the organo-limestone amendments applied to the soils slightly increased the soil pH from acidic to slightly acidic, with pH values ranging from (5.43 ± 0.07 to 7.26 ± 0.33). The daily vegetable consumption index obtained for cobalt in the low-contaminated garden ranged from (0.029 to 0.465 mg/60 kg/day), i.e. from 0.5 to 8.45 times higher than the FAO/WHO limit, unlike the other trace metals (Cd, Cu and Pb) for which the daily consumption index found was lower than the FAO/WHO limit. Organocalcareous soil improvers can only be applied to soils with low levels of TME contamination, but for soils with medium to high levels of metal contamination, new soilless production techniques such as hydroponics or bioponics are needed.
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Contaminantes del Suelo , Suelo , Oligoelementos , Verduras , Contaminantes del Suelo/análisis , República Democrática del Congo , Verduras/química , Suelo/química , Oligoelementos/análisis , Restauración y Remediación Ambiental/métodos , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Cobre/análisis , Metales Pesados/análisisRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Higher cruciferous vegetable intake is associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk in observational studies. The pathways involved remain uncertain. We aimed to determine whether cruciferous vegetable intake (active) lowers 24-h brachial systolic blood pressure (SBP; primary outcome) compared to root and squash vegetables (control) in Australian adults with mildly elevated BP (SBP 120-160 mmHg inclusive). METHODS: In this randomized, controlled, crossover trial, participants completed two 2-week dietary interventions separated by a 2-week washout. Cruciferous vegetables were compared to root and squash vegetables (~ 300 g/day) consumed with lunch and dinner meals. Participants were blinded to which interventions were the active and control. Adherence was assessed using food diaries and biomarkers (S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide (SMCSO, active) and carotenoids (control)). Twenty-four-hour brachial ambulatory SBP and secondary outcomes were assessed pre- and post each intervention. Differences were tested using linear mixed effects regression. RESULTS: Eighteen participants were recruited (median (IQR) age: 68 (66-70); female: n = 16/18; mean ± SD clinic SBP: 135.9 ± 10.0 mmHg). For both interventions, 72% participants had 100% adherence (IQR: 96.4-100%). SMCSO and carotenoids were significantly different between interventions (mean difference active vs. control SMCSO: 22.93 mg/mL, 95%CI 15.62, 30.23, P < 0.0001; carotenoids: - 0.974 mg/mL, 95%CI - 1.525, - 0.423, P = 0.001). Twenty-four-hour brachial SBP was significantly reduced following the active vs. control (mean difference - 2.5 mmHg, 95%CI - 4.2, - 0.9, P = 0.002; active pre: 126.8 ± 12.6 mmHg, post: 124.4 ± 11.8 mmHg; control pre: 125.5 ± 12.1 mmHg, post: 124.8 ± 13.1 mmHg, n = 17), driven by daytime SBP (mean difference - 3.6 mmHg, 95%CI - 5.4, - 1.7, P < 0.001). Serum triglycerides were significantly lower following the active vs. control (mean difference - 0.2 mmol/L, 95%CI - 0.4, - 0.0, P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Increased intake of cruciferous vegetables resulted in reduced SBP compared to root and squash vegetables. Future research is needed to determine whether targeted recommendations for increasing cruciferous vegetable intake benefits population health. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registry ACTRN12619001294145. https://www.anzctr.org.au.
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Presión Sanguínea , Estudios Cruzados , Verduras , Humanos , Femenino , Masculino , Presión Sanguínea/fisiología , Presión Sanguínea/efectos de los fármacos , Anciano , Australia , Persona de Mediana Edad , Hipertensión/dietoterapia , Hipertensión/fisiopatologíaRESUMEN
Effective logistics management is crucial for the distribution of perishable agricultural products to ensure they reach customers in high-quality condition. This research examines an integrated, multi-echelon supply chain for perishable agricultural goods. The supply chain consists of four stages: supply, processing, storage, and customers. This study investigates the quality-related costs associated with product perishability to maximize supply chain profitability. Key factors considered include the network design, location of processing and distribution centers, the ability to process raw products to minimize post-harvest quality degradation, the option to sell the excess produce to a secondary market due to unpredictable yields, and the decision not to fulfill demand from distant customers where significant quality loss and price drops would be involved, instead diverting those products to the aforementioned secondary market. Quantitative methods and linear mathematical programming are employed to model and validate the proposed supply chain using actual data from a real-world case study on vegetable supply chains. The main contribution of this research is the incorporation of quality costs into the objective function, which allows the supply chain to prioritize meeting nearby customers' demands with minimal quality loss over serving distant customers where high quality loss is unavoidable. Additionally, deploying a faster transportation fleet can significantly improve the overall profitability of the perishable product supply chain.
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Abastecimiento de Alimentos , Verduras , Verduras/economía , Verduras/provisión & distribución , Abastecimiento de Alimentos/economía , Comercio/economía , Humanos , Agricultura/economíaRESUMEN
The evidence on the impact of fruits and vegetable types on cardiovascular risk factors remains limited. Specifically, the utilisation of biomarkers to objectively measure dietary compliance and metabolic responses is emerging. This protocol and baseline characteristics of a pilot randomised controlled, crossover, dietary intervention study aimed to examine the effects of citrus fruits, cruciferous vegetables, or common fruits and vegetables on cardiovascular risk factors. A total of 39 volunteers with untreated prehypertension was recruited and consumed a standardised, provided diet with eight daily portions of citrus fruits and cruciferous vegetables, common fruits and vegetables, or a low fruit and vegetable diet (two portions/d, control diet) in a random order for 2 weeks each, separated by a wash-out week. A targeted cohort-based recruitment strategy was utilised and resulted in 74% of participants recruited by re-contacting preselected individuals from two cohort studies with a 15% average enrolment rate. Participants had an average age of 54.4 years (±6.1 years), BMI of 27.9 kg/m2, and BP of 135/81 mmHg and were mainly male (67%). The primary outcome was office blood pressure; secondary outcomes included arterial stiffness, lipid profiles, inflammation, cognitive function, and subjective mood. Biofluids, i.e., 24 h urine, stool, and blood samples, were collected for biomarker measurements with multiple metabolomic platforms and the gut microbial composition, together with traditional dietary biomarkers.
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Presión Sanguínea , Estudios Cruzados , Frutas , Prehipertensión , Verduras , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Femenino , Prehipertensión/dietoterapia , Dieta/métodos , Biomarcadores/sangre , Biomarcadores/orina , Rigidez Vascular , Adulto , Proyectos Piloto , Factores de Riesgo de Enfermedad CardiacaRESUMEN
This study explores how the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and spatial visualization can inform food governance in Chile, focusing on socio-demographic and geographical determinants affecting food consumption patterns. A national household database (n = 4047), including households from 2019 (n = 3967; 98.02%) and 2020 (n = 80; 1.98%), provided by the "Family Support Program of Food Self-Sufficiency" (FSPFS) of the Ministry of Social Development and Family, was analyzed. The findings revealed that Chilean vulnerable households were led mostly by women (86.6%), with an age average of 55.9 ± 15.6 years old, versus 68.9 ± 12.9 years in the case of men. The intake frequency analysis showed that dairy, fruits, and vegetables were below the recommended values in at least half of the households, and that fats and sugars were above recommended levels. Regarding the HDDS (0-189), the national average was 91.4 ± 20.6 and was significantly influenced by the number of minors in the households, water access, food access issues, and residing in the Zona Sur. Finally, the spatial visualization showed that the Zona Central had higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, while the extreme zones Norte Grande and Zona Austral showed higher intakes of fats and sugars. These findings emphasize the importance of leveraging data insights like the HDDS and spatial visualization to enhance food security and inform food governance strategies.
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Dieta , Composición Familiar , Abastecimiento de Alimentos , Análisis Espacial , Humanos , Chile , Masculino , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Abastecimiento de Alimentos/estadística & datos numéricos , Dieta/estadística & datos numéricos , Anciano , Frutas , Adulto , Factores Socioeconómicos , Verduras , Conducta AlimentariaRESUMEN
A reluctance to eat and/or avoidance of novel foods is characterized as food neophobia (FN). FN restricts the diet to familiar foods when, in fact, it should be much more varied. FN can be a barrier to healthy foods, affecting the quality of diet, and impairing children's growth and development. Therefore, according to their caregivers' perceptions, this study aimed to evaluate FN in children from Federal District/Brazil. The Brazilian Children's Food Neophobia Questionnaire (BCFNeo), a specific instrument developed and validated in Brazil, was answered by caregivers of children aged 4 to 11 y/o. Sampling occurred through snowball recruitment, being convenient and non-probabilistic. The Health Sciences Ethics Committee approved the study. The analysis evaluated FN in total (BCFNeoTot) and in the following domains: general (FNgen), for fruits (FNfru), and for vegetables (FNveg). FN scores were compared between sex and child's age and categorized according to three ordinal levels. FN levels were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. The Friedman test, followed by the Wilcoxon test with Bonferroni correction, was performed to analyze differences in FN according to the environment. Of the caregivers' answers for their children, 595 answers were included, because 19 were out of age. The prevalence of high FN was 42.9%. The domain with the highest prevalence of high FN was vegetables (48.6%). Children aged 8 to 11 y/o had a higher mean FN in two domains (FNgen p = 0.047 and FNveg p = 0.038) when compared to children aged 4 to 7 y/o. Boys were more neophobic in all domains (FNgen p = 0.017; FNfru p = 0.010; FNveg p = 0.013; BCFNeoTot p = 0.008), and FN tends not to decrease with age. The results showed that the children of the FD are more neophobic than Brazilian children in general, highlighting the importance of additional studies in FN determinants in this population and nutritional education interventions to reduce FN among FD children.
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Trastorno de la Ingesta Alimentaria Evitativa/Restrictiva , Humanos , Brasil/epidemiología , Masculino , Niño , Femenino , Preescolar , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Preferencias Alimentarias/psicología , Cuidadores/psicología , Verduras , Conducta Alimentaria/psicología , FrutasRESUMEN
Nutrient profiling (NP) models that assess nutrient density of foods can help remedy micronutrient deficiencies. We used NP methods to identify the most nutrient-rich foods in the 2019 FAO/INFOODS Western Africa Food Composition Table (WAFCT). The WAFCT had complete data for 909 foods. Three versions of the well-established Nutrient-Rich Food (NRF) model were used: (1) the original NRF9.3 based on 9 micronutrients (protein, fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin D); (2) a new NRF6.3 based on 6 priority micronutrients (iron, zinc, calcium, folate, vitamin A, vitamin B12); and (3) NRF 15.3, based on 15 nutrients to encourage (NRF6.3 nutrients + vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, copper, and magnesium). Data analyses used one-way ANOVAs and independent t-tests, with significance at α = 0.05. Animal-source foods were rated higher by NRF6.3 priority micronutrient and NRF15.3 NP models than by the NRF9.3 model. African indigenous vegetables had higher protein content and higher nutrient density compared to non-indigenous vegetables, and African indigenous grains had higher nutrient density compared to non-indigenous grains. Though animal-source foods received some of the highest scores, NP models adapted to the West African context showed that African indigenous vegetables and grains were also nutrient rich. Indigenous foods could be important sources of priority micronutrients for the region.
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Grano Comestible , Micronutrientes , Valor Nutritivo , Verduras , África Occidental , Humanos , Micronutrientes/análisis , Nutrientes/análisis , Análisis de los AlimentosRESUMEN
Dietary inorganic nitrate lowers blood pressure (BP) in healthy individuals through improved nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. However, there is limited evidence examining the long-term effects of dietary nitrate for managing hypertension. We aimed to determine whether the sustained intake of dietary nitrate improved BP and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in individuals with early-stage hypertension. The Dietary Nitrate (NO3) on BP and CVD Risk Factors (DINO3) Trial was a multi-center, double-blinded, parallel, randomized, controlled trial in participants with elevated BP. Participants were supplemented with high-nitrate (HN) (~400 mg nitrate) or low-nitrate (LN) vegetable powder (~50 mg nitrate) on top of their usual diets for 16 weeks. The primary outcome was office systolic BP at 16 weeks. The secondary outcomes were 24 h ambulatory BP, central BP, heart-rate-corrected augmentation index (AIx75), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), lipids, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Sixty-six participants were randomized at baseline (39M:27F, age: 51.5 ± 10.8 years, BMI:27.9 ± 3.2 kg/m2). In an intention-to-treat analysis, no differences were observed between HN and LN groups in terms of office systolic BP at 16 weeks (3.91 ± 3.52 mmHg, p = 0.27) or secondary outcomes. In this exploratory study, sustained HN vegetable supplementation did not exhibit more favorable vascular effects than LN vegetable supplementation in individuals with elevated BP.
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Presión Sanguínea , Suplementos Dietéticos , Hipertensión , Nitratos , Verduras , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Femenino , Nitratos/administración & dosificación , Masculino , Método Doble Ciego , Presión Sanguínea/efectos de los fármacos , Hipertensión/dietoterapia , Adulto , Resultado del Tratamiento , Análisis de la Onda del PulsoRESUMEN
This study assessed the impact of current home practices including reheating, standing, and stirring on mitigation of furan and its derivatives in vegetable-based infant meals. Three vegetable-based infant meals (vegetables alone, with fish, with meat) underwent different home practices including reheating, post-reheating standing (60, 120 and 240 s) and post-reheating stirring (30, 60, 120 and 240 s). Targeted quantification of furan, 2-methylfuran (2-MF) and 3-methylfuran (3-MF) and exploration of additional furan derivatives were undertaken in treated and untreated vegetable-based infant meals using SHS-GC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap-MS. For the three compounds, the quality of the measurements was first validated with suitable linearity, limits of quantification, precision and recoveries. A second step highlighted high concentrations of furan (78.5-103.9 µg/kg), 2-MF (4.8-10.1 µg/kg) and 3-MF (3.4-5.8 µg/kg) in the three vegetable-based infant meals before preparation and the assessment of the cumulative risk related to these three furan compounds confirmed the relevance of studying home mitigation strategies. The third step showed that post-reheating stirring was the most effective home practice for mitigation, with maximum observed reductions of 66.3, 59.9 and 57.7 % for furan, 2-MF and 3-MF, respectively. In a fourth step, a suspect screening approach carried out on SHS-GC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap MS data revealed the presence of 2-ethyl-, 2-ethyl-5-methyl-, 2-butyl- and 2-vinyl-furan in vegetable-based meals and showed a similar mitigation trend of home practices on the relative concentrations of these four additional furan derivatives. Finally, despite a significant mitigation reaching 69 % of the furan concentration, the combined effect of home practices on furan compounds was not sufficient to rule out the risk associated with the consumption of vegetable-based infant foods and additional options are discussed.
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Culinaria , Furanos , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas , Alimentos Infantiles , Verduras , Furanos/análisis , Verduras/química , Culinaria/métodos , Alimentos Infantiles/análisis , Humanos , Lactante , Contaminación de Alimentos/análisisRESUMEN
Fresh-cut fruits and vegetables (F&V) play a pivotal role in modern diets due to their convenience and nutritional value. However, their perishable nature renders them susceptible to rapid spoilage, causing quality deterioration, safety risks, and economic losses along the supply chain. Traditional preservation methods, while effective to some extent, often fall short in maintaining the quality and safety of fresh-cut F&V. This comprehensive review examines the utilization of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) as a novel preservation technique for fresh-cut F&V. The review encompasses the production mechanisms, sterilization principles, classifications and application of SAEW. It explores the effects of SAEW on microbial inactivation, quality parameters, and metabolic pathways in fresh-cut F&V. Additionally, it assesses the synergistic effects of SAEW when combined with other preservation methods. SAEW demonstrates remarkable potential in extending the shelf life of fresh-cut F&V by effectively inhibiting microbial growth, suppressing browning, preserving chemical content, and influencing various metabolic processes. Moreover, its synergy with different treatments enhances its overall efficacy in maintaining fresh-cut F&V quality. The review highlights the promising role of SAEW as an innovative preservation approach for fresh-cut F&V. However, challenges regarding its widespread implementation and potential limitations require further exploration. Overall, SAEW stands as a significant contender in ensuring the safety and quality of fresh-cut F&V paving the way for future research and application in the food industry.
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Electrólisis , Conservación de Alimentos , Frutas , Verduras , Agua , Frutas/química , Conservación de Alimentos/métodos , Verduras/química , Agua/química , Concentración de Iones de Hidrógeno , Microbiología de AlimentosRESUMEN
Betalains are hydrophilic pigments naturally present in a limited number of plants and fungi. In addition to providing pigmentation, ranging from yellow to red, they show potential for replacing artificial food colorings. Betalains can be obtained from agri-food waste like vegetable peels through conventional and emerging extraction methods; however, they are susceptible to chemical changes due to various degradation factors, such as the presence of oxygen, light, and increased temperature. In this context, encapsulation can be used as a strategy to stabilize and reduce the pigment degradation rate for later industrial application in processed foods. This study reviews data from the last five years on the production and relevance of valuing agri-food waste, in addition to research carried out on betalains obtained from vegetable peels, such as extraction methods, encapsulation as a method of controlling stability and applications as colorant in food matrices, highlighting news insights for the field of pigments from plant sources. This review shows that encapsulation techniques using mixtures of wall materials offer superior protection than isolated materials. Despite advances in applicability, gaps still persist regarding stability in food matrices, especially on an industrial scale. However, future investigations should focus on filling the gaps regarding the maintenance of the properties of betalains for application in food industries as natural food coloring based on the precepts of circular economy and sustainable technology.
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Betalaínas , Colorantes de Alimentos , Verduras , Betalaínas/química , Betalaínas/aislamiento & purificación , Colorantes de Alimentos/química , Colorantes de Alimentos/aislamiento & purificación , Verduras/químicaRESUMEN
This study investigates heavy metal contamination in soils, irrigation water, and agricultural produce (fruits: Vitis vinifera (grape), Cucumis melo var. saccharimus (melon), and Citrullus vulgaris. Schrade (watermelon); vegetables: Lycopersicum esculentum L. (tomato), Cucurbita pepo (zucchini), Daucus carota (carrot), Lactuca sativa (lettuce), Convolvulus Batatas (potato), and Capsicum annuum L. (green pepper)) in the Boumerdes region of Algeria. The concentrations of seven heavy metals (cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)) in soil and food samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry. Health risks associated with these metals were evaluated through the estimated daily intake (EDI), non-carcinogenic risks (using target hazard quotient (THQ), total target hazard quotient (TTHQ), and hazard index (HI)), and carcinogenic risks (cancer risk factor (CR)). Statistical analyses, including cluster analysis (CA) and Pearson correlation, were conducted to interpret the data. The results revealed the highest metal transfer as follows: Cd was most significantly transferred to tomatoes and watermelons; Cr to carrots; Cu to tomatoes; and Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn to lettuce. Among fruits, the highest EDI values were for Zn (2.54·10-3 mg/day) and Cu (1.17·10-3 mg/day), with melons showing the highest Zn levels. For vegetables, the highest EDI values were for Fe (1.68·10-2 mg/day) and Zn (8.37·10-3 mg/day), with potatoes showing the highest Fe levels. Although all heavy metal concentrations were within the World Health Organization's permissible limits, the HI and TTHQ values indicated potential health risks, particularly from vegetable consumption. These findings suggest the need for ongoing monitoring to ensure food safety and mitigate health risks associated with heavy metal contamination.
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Riego Agrícola , Frutas , Metales Pesados , Suelo , Verduras , Metales Pesados/análisis , Argelia , Verduras/química , Frutas/química , Medición de Riesgo , Suelo/química , Contaminación de Alimentos/análisis , Humanos , Contaminantes del Suelo/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisisRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In Ethiopia, 79 million people live in soil transmitted helminths endemic areas. The Ethiopia established a National goal to eradicate STH transmission by 2025. To meet that goal, it is imperative that data is acquired on community helminth infection risk. This study examined the prevalence of STH and risk factors for infection in vegetable farmers working on Akaki River Bank, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 7, 2022, and June 2023. A stratified random sampling was used to select farming households. Two hundred and sixteen farmers were enrolled in the study. Data on socio-demographic, WASH, wastewater irrigation related factors were collected by trained data collectors using a structured questionnaire. Kato-Katz concentration was utilized to detect STH. The data were entered using EpiData 3.1 and analyzed with Stata 14.0, using p-values less than 0.05 to identify significant factors. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for infection. RESULTS: The prevalence of STH was 22.2% (95% CI = 13.6-27.9%), with Ascaris lumbricoides being the most common (11.1%), followed by hookworm (7.4%), and Trichuris trichiura (3.7%). Low income levels (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.25-5.99), lack of handwashing before eating (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.58 - 11.3), absence of fingernails cleanliness (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.74-39.5), not wearing shoes at work (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI = 2.98-82.2), touching the face with dirty hands (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI = 0.68-28.2), washing vegetables with irrigation wastewater (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.95-45.2), and not wearing protective clothing during farming activities (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.58 - 22.4) were the significant risk factors for infection with STH. CONCLUSION: Of the farming communities examined in this study, one of the five was found to be infected with soil transmitted helminth. This research has shown clear risk factors for STH infection including: lack of personal hygiene practices, insufficient sanitation access, and limited use of protective equipment. To achieve the national goal, there is a need for farming communities to understand preventative risks of infection, improve WASH (Water access, sanitation and hygine) practices, WASH access, protective equipment, and health education.
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Agricultores , Helmintiasis , Suelo , Humanos , Etiopía/epidemiología , Masculino , Estudios Transversales , Factores de Riesgo , Femenino , Adulto , Prevalencia , Agricultores/estadística & datos numéricos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Animales , Suelo/parasitología , Helmintiasis/epidemiología , Helmintiasis/transmisión , Helmintiasis/prevención & control , Adulto Joven , Helmintos/aislamiento & purificación , Verduras/parasitología , Ascaris lumbricoides/aislamiento & purificación , Adolescente , Ríos/parasitologíaRESUMEN
The study conducted a review of the parasitological profile of vegetables from 2001 to 2021, considering the type, consumption, and cultivation, globally. The databases searched included MEDLINE, SciELO, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scopus using the terms "Detection OR Prevalence OR Incidence OR occurrence OR contamination AND vegetable OR fruit AND Helminth OR egg OR Parasite OR cysts OR protozoa". A total of 16,600 articles were found, 117 of which were reviewed. Of the 391,291 samples, 3.85% (15,095) were contaminated by parasites. Among those positive, 30.10% (4,543/15,095) contained enteroparasites commonly of human origin and 58.78% (8,873/15,095) came from markets. Few articles mentioned the cultivation type, but among those, conventional cultivation showed more contamination (42.34%; 224/529). Herbaceous vegetables were the most contaminated (56.84%; 8,580/15,095. Ascaris lumbricoides was found in 10.16% (1,535/15,095) of the samples. Lettuce was the most contaminated (20.43%; 3,084/15,095).
Asunto(s)
Verduras , Verduras/parasitología , Humanos , Animales , Parásitos/aislamiento & purificación , Parásitos/clasificación , Contaminación de Alimentos/análisis , Parasitología de AlimentosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine whether education level and income trajectories influence vegetable consumption changes over 13 years among civil servants at different campuses of a university in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS: Vegetable intake frequency (daily and non-daily consumption), income (per capita), and education level (maintenance of low schooling/ upward mobility/maintenance of high schooling) were assessed at baseline (1999) and in the fourth wave (2011-12) of the Pró-Saúde (Pro-Health) cohort study. A total of 2,381 participants were analyzed. The association between educational and income trajectories and variation in vegetable consumption was assessed via crude and age-adjusted generalized linear models, stratified by sex. RESULTS: Men in upward educational mobility showed a 0.5% increase in vegetable consumption (p=0.01), while women in this group demonstrated a 2.5% increase (p=0.05). Adjusted models showed that women who reduced their income had a lower likelihood of consuming vegetables (odds ratio [OR] 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89-0.97). CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the influence of social inequalities on vegetable consumption in adults.
Asunto(s)
Escolaridad , Renta , Verduras , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Brasil , Adulto , Renta/estadística & datos numéricos , Estudios de Seguimiento , Persona de Mediana Edad , Factores de Tiempo , Dieta/estadística & datos numéricos , Factores Socioeconómicos , Conducta Alimentaria , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Amino acid (AA)-related inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs) and urea cycle disorders (UCDs) require strict dietary management including foods low in protein such as fruits, vegetables and starchy roots. Despite this recommendation, there are limited data on the AA content of many of these foods. The aim of this study is to describe an analysis of the protein and AA content of a range of fruits, vegetables and starchy roots, specifically focusing on amino acids (AAs) relevant to AA-related IMDs such as phenylalanine (Phe), methionine (Met), leucine (Leu), lysine (Lys) and tyrosine (Tyr). AA analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on 165 food samples. Protein analysis was also carried out using the Dumas method. Foods were classified as either 'Fruits', 'Dried fruits', 'Cruciferous vegetables', 'Legumes', 'Other vegetables' or 'Starchy roots'. 'Dried fruits' and 'Legumes' had the highest median values of protein, while 'Fruits' and 'Cruciferous vegetables' contained the lowest median results. 'Legumes' contained the highest and 'Fruits' had the lowest median values for all five AAs. Variations were seen in AA content for individual foods. The results presented in this study provide useful data on the protein and AA content of fruits, vegetables and starchy roots which can be used in clinical practice. This further expansion of the current literature will help to improve diet quality and metabolic control among individuals with AA-related IMDs and UCDs.